Danny “Basai” Asay
Photo of the Week – 05 July 2010
Humble Warrior
Danny “Basai” Asay, pictured here from the 1990 archives of Genny “Cougar” Edge, remains the highest ranking Black Belt in the Kiado-Ryu system.
Basai received his Black Belt in 1989 and continued studying for years to become a 4th Degree Black Belt, the only person to achieve this rank as of 2010.
Basai is known for his quiet power, humility and relentless tenacity and determination. A kind and gentle soul by nature, he was always willing to help others and work with them to refine their art, especially their fighting ability. Yet, Basai was one of the top free form fighters in the history of the Karate Institute of America and he was as tenacious a warrior as he is a kind, loving, gentle spirit—a true reflection of what a warrior is.
Although Danny moved on eventually to pursue other interests, he remains, and will always remain, one of the most outstanding, remarkable, and distinguished martial artists in the history of the KIA. We are grateful for his energy and honor him through his Black Belt which adorns The Wall of the Karate Institute of America as its 8th Black Belt.