Bom-Wrapper

About An Amazing Life|Help

Professor Jonathan
HC Stewart

January 7, 1930 – November 7, 2018

Professor HC Stewart
Share this tribute
Memorial Candles Lit for Professor | SEE ALL
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
— Schuyler Hill Funeral Home

Obituary for Professor Jonathan HC Stewart

Print
GRANDMASTER Professor
JONATHAN H.C. STEWART; the passing of a Martial Arts Icon.

At a few minutes before midnight on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, Henry Cornelius Stewart passed from this life. Born January 7, 1930, in Harlem to Lillian Fields and Henry Stewart. He touched many souls during his fascinating well-rounded life. He is survived by his daughter Anita Lemonis and her husband Mitchell Kahn; along with his adopted family Deborah Payne (inheritor of his Martial Arts System – SAMAS), Tara Payne-Vallin, Abigail Rose and an international cadre of students. Professor was a career Soldier with over 22 years of service in the U.S. Army (SFC ret.), he was a graduate of Brooklyn College, a Professor of Political Science, a professional photographer, a musician, spoke five languages and was a world renowned Martial Artist (founding his own system Stewarts’ American Martial Arts System in 1985).

Professor Jonathan H.C. Stewart began his studies of Martial Arts when he was four years old, in the arts of Boxing and Judo. In 1960, he completed an Advance Instructors Training Course and became an instructor in a program sponsored by the United States Department of Defense and The Department of State. In 1966, Professor Stewart was sent to The Republic of China where he studied the Arts of Acupressure and Acupuncture under the supervision of Grandmaster Che Laio Hung and Master Laio Chien. He received a Masters Certificate from the Government of The Republic of China for his performances and participation with Chinese and Taiwanese school children, military and civilian personnel in the Martial Arts.
In 1968, he returned to the United States and organized the Oklahoma Chapter of The American Tang Soo Do Association and instructed civilian and military personnel in offense/defense techniques and riot control operations. In 1971, Professor Stewart organized the New Jersey Chapter of The American Tang Soo Do Association. While attending the Graduate program at Brooklyn College, and teaching as an adjunct instructor, he was the faculty advisor to the Brooklyn College Martial Arts Club. In 1975, he opened the Brooklyn Heights Karate and Yoga Institute. He became President of The New York Chapter of The American Tang Soo Do Association. In 1976, he was elected to the position of President of the International Federation of Vee-Jitsu "75", and later was appointed Chairman of the organization by its founder Professor Florendo Visitacion. That same year he became the Martial Arts and Yoga instructor at Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus and the Manhattan College Karate Club/ the Manhattan College Stewart's American Martial Arts Club.

In 1981, he along with Professor Wally Jay, taught and became advisors to the Scandinavian Jiu Jitsu organization. In 1985, Professor Stewart established the "Stewart's American Martial Art System." From 1977 until 2011, he continued to travel extensively throughout Europe, North Africa and Asia teaching the Martial Arts to private citizens, police and military personnel. Professor Stewart holds the rank of Ju Dan (10th Degree) in the Arts of Aiki Jitsu, Karate, Vee Jitsu, Shoke Shike (Founder of a Martial Art System) SAMAS -- as well as an Honorary 6th Degree in Sungsan Shoalin Martial Arts.

Professor Stewart has received Awards and Letters of Appreciation from Police, Military and Civilian organizations in Taiwan, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Poland, Belgium and Malaysia. He has been inducted into over 20 Hall of Fames, belonged to 12 Martial Arts organizations throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Professor Stewart has conducted Martial Arts seminars in all the above countries plus Tunisia and North Africa. He was also invited to speak at high schools in Poland. Professor Stewart had appeared and been interviewed by Hungarian and Polish State radio/television, ESPY TV, Norwegian Television, Yonkers Sport TV Channel, Action Martial Arts Magazine TV Conference, articles in the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Austrian, Swiss, German, Malaysian, British, and American Newspaper/Magazines. He had a regular column in the Martial Arts magazine, Martial Arts' Insider. SAMAS Chapters are in USA, Belgium, Poland, Germany, France and Switzerland.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that you BUY A VET A MEAL. Few things made the Professor prouder than when strangers acknowledged his Serviceman's ball cap. Or, make a donation at the GoFundMe Page

Gf.me/u/nkxb2j

or

https://www.gofundme.com/in-honor-of-prof-jonathan-stewart

To send flowers to the family of Professor Jonathan HC Stewart, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

First Visitation

When Saturday, November 17th, 2018 2:00pm - 7:00pm
Location
Schuyler Hill Funeral Home
Address
3535 East Tremont Avenue
Bronx, NY 10465
Additional Information

Second Visitation

When Sunday, November 18th, 2018 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location
Schuyler Hill Funeral Home
Address
3535 East Tremont Avenue
Bronx, NY 10465
Additional Information
Share by: