Norm Hines

3rd Dan karateka, Jujitsu black belt, artist, competitor, and dedicated student.

Norm Hines began martial arts in his mid-50s and became known for steady training, hard work, friendship, and service to the School of the Tiger.

Rank

3rd Dan in karate; 2nd Dan in Jujitsu

Started Training

Mid-50s

Instructor

Kyoshi Fred Buck

Competition

AAU Nationals medalist in fighting and kata

Training Path

Norm started martial arts after his doctor told him to take up exercise. He tried aerobics and dance before finding Kyokushin Karate.

He joined the West Sacramento school, where he was the oldest person in class but worked with great commitment. After receiving Shodan in West Sacramento, he trained at the main school under Kyoshi Fred Buck.

Competition and Art

Norm fought in multiple tournaments, including full-contact events with headgear and AAU Nationals. At Nationals, he took second in fighting and third in kata at age 62.

He was also an artist who created much of the School of the Tiger artwork from that period. His art appeared in museums.

Remembered

Norm and Kyoshi Fred Buck became close friends and trained together five days a week in the weight room and dojo.

Norm is remembered as a great man who died in the dojo after a heart attack, in Kyoshi's arms.