Sensei didn’t just treat me like a student, he raised me like a son when my home was violent and unsafe. He saw things in me no one ever had and was the first person in my life to look me in the eyes and say with his most honest heart what he felt, he was the first person I ever trusted who didn’t betray that trust. I loved him as a sensei and father even when I failed him as a student and son time and time again, I would not be alive today if it was not for Sensei Fort. You will never be forgotten as I carry your will in my actions every day. 

Beatles Boy.

This is Sensei Wayne Wilson.  I am Master Forte's last active student.  I trained under him since 1979 at Karamu House Karate Club.  Please contact me at 216-355-3286 if you have any questions or concerns.  

Thank you
Sensei Wayne Wilson 
Rising Sun Martial Arts 
risingsun125th@yahoo.com

My father I miss the morning phone calls. I miss the jokes while talking to you. That laugh I truly wish I could hear it again. My father gone to soon. 

To my friend Marcus, 
It was a pleasure and an honor meeting you and having the chance to be taught by you , a true NINJA! 

Your the best at what you did and that is,  touch many young and old hearts in a positive way.  I will never forget you and what you meant to me. 

May you rest in peace and hope to see you in heaven one day.  Love always my friend. 

Touching the lives of many you are not forgotten you are always missed. The knowledge you  shared the friendships made can not be measured  I still hear you in my ear and shall always carry you in my heart.

Dearest Sensei, I just wanted to thank God for allowing me to meet you and for the honor of being one of your many students.You taught me so many imprtant and valuable things! I will always remember you and may you rest in peace.

Sensei, you were my teacher my friend my mentor my counselor and second dad.. I have learned so much from you about life and this great art in which you had so much passion for. I love you and I'm going to miss you until the next time we meet again.

 you have been my teacher and friend my whole life. Love you and miss you

I met Fort Sensei many years ago at the Karate Institute on Pearl Road. Even then he was a man with a true warrior's spirit. I think I was 13 or 14 years old. He will be truly missed. Rest well great warrior!

Sensei Markus, for over 30 years, you were a teacher and a very good friend. You were always there, now suddenly you're not. You were also a father to all the children who needed one. You were such an important asset to peoples lives leaving many wonderful memories. The importance of your being, was a gift you shared with others. You will be deeply missed and what a loss to all the children who didn't have a chance to know you.

Good Bye, Sensei.

(Mother of Holly Gardner)

I've had the privilege of having Sensei Markus D. Fort in my life at an early age as I was his student at the Karamu House Karate dojo. When I first met Sensei I thought he was a mean man for I was a little kid and didn't understand his ways. As time forwarded I've come to realize Markus wasn't mean at all. He was conditioning me mentally and physically to be stronger for this crazy world I would face as I've grown older. Markus was a serious teacher who cared for his students teaching us far more than to defend ourselves, but respect and discipline as well. He had faith in me when I didn't have it in myself. He "made" me participate in KI tournaments. The results... I've placed 1st & 2nd in sparring and form on numerous occasions. Most of the time I've been disqualified and felt bad... thinking I've let him down. He always have told me, "David, I'm not disappointed at all. You did what you what had to do. That's what count." From those experiences Sensei taught me to have faith in myself. 

I've had the pleasure of knowing Markus D. Fort outside of martial arts as he was also my godfather and good friend. Although Markus told it to you raw he was also humble, caring & loving. With the courage of a lion &  heart of gold Markus D Fort was a great role model and inspiration. I will miss our conversations that has taught me so much as well as brightened my days as Markus D Fort was one of the funniest people I have ever known in my life. For those who didn't know Markus's humorous side it ranged from Bill Cosby to Redd Foxx. Yes, he was able to make everyone laugh... kids and adults. 

All the attributes I've mentioned is what made Markus D Fort a mentor, inspiration and one of the most beautiful souls to ever exist. It's been a pleasure, a privilege, an honor and blessing of knowing and having Sensei Markus Donald Fort in my life. 

I appreciate you and all you have done for me. You will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully my friend. Until next time... I love you.

Sincerely,
David

Whats up big homie :) ! Hold my mother for me ! You taught me how to be a man not only a man a father ! Tell eric and tony I miss them And you guide me like you always have from the heavens !I love you and your teachings are embeded in me enternally !

I remember Sensei Fort from the early KI days. He always cheered me on in competitions when I was a kid and was a hoot. He really worked hard to be the best martial artist he could be. It's people like Markus that inspire me keep growing and learning in both life and martial arts.

Markus you were like a father to me at the age of seven,i met you at the ki on pearl rd, traveled to many places in the u.s.

Markus you will be missed, its not going to be the same going to the shop and not seeing you anymore. I will miss all the little things you did for me. cleaning the snow from the front of the shops, you always had a paint brush touching up the front of the shop to keep it looking good. you were a good man. My prayers to all your family and friends, may God Bless You.                                                                           Isabell White

Rest in peace Sensei Fort. Your teachings have helped me to stand strong in any storm. You taught me to never give up and to push myself beyond what I felt was my mental and physical limit... You are forever with me.

Markus you will be missed in our house hold. The wife and I are lomg time sandbagers. It was great to hear you on the radio.
Dennis (KD8APY)

i cant believe hes gone, i just talk to him a few months back ,ill always remember him ,he trained me as a young kid had my photo hanging in the dojo, i wanted to go back to him, but my memories will have to suffice , ill always have some good stories to tell ,   rest in peace. everyone should remember his advice ,he gave good advice. He will always be my sensei.

Markus is one of them...

If we are so fortunate, we are blessed by knowing someone that puts a spark in life like Markus did.
They are the colorful ones here on earth that give life flavor and make it better.
Markus is one of them.

Some months ago Markus said to me on the HAM radio: “You are a busy man, Dr. Jack.  But some day I must meet you, even if I have to get in a helicopter and drop down right where you are!”
Markus enjoyed conversation with me.
Many (including I) so enjoyed conversation with Markus.
Then I heard he got sick.

How sad that on the first time we met he was intubated.
But I knew he knew it was me holding his hand.
He desperately tried to speak.
I tried to comfort him.
Instead of flowers I gave him an antenna I invented.

Markus, you did one of the best things that any human can do…
You created a lasting wonderful impact on many lives you touched here on earth, in person or via radio waves.
May your soul be smiling on its new journey.
Dr. Jack, inventor
N8NDL

I had the honor and privilige of training with Forte Shihan.  Unfortunately it was only for a short time, however, in that time I learned much about martial spirit and how far we can push ourselves.  What many people may not have known is Forte was friggin hilarious.  You couldn't but smile when he made his faces and tried your best to maintain your composure while training.  Although small by some standards, his dojo was full in it's knowledge and wisdom.  He loved his students and only wanted their spirit to be at their strongest in the Martial and Life's Way.  His legacy isn't just in Bojitsu series of kata many of us practice, but in the lives he touched through training and wisdom he imparted.  Rest well Sensei.  Keep swinging that bo.  Osu.

Rest in peace, Sensei.  Thanks for the training and stretching us past our limits.

Prayers and hugs for all of you in this time of loss and uncertainty.  May the memories of all you've learned from Sensei Fort continue to guide and uplift you.  Blessings, Annette Dimond (Bay Village, OH)

Sensei Marcus introduced his weapon of choice in the Martial Arts, the Bo Staff, to us at the Karate Institue. It was his pride and joy; no one performed Bo like Sensei.  He was a good man, a good friend, and a great Martial Artist.  We and the Martial Arts world will miss him greatly!  Rest in Peace Sensei.   Mercedes & Dennis Janes, Mentor, OH

I met Sensei Fort at KI when it was located on Pearl Rd.  How we will all miss your smile! May God forever Bless!  
R.I.P. my friend!

Sensei Fort, you meant a great deal to my siblings, and you commanded my great respect.  I didn't know you well, but I will miss you, and I will miss your influence on the lives around both of us.

To all of Sensei Forts students:  my thoughts are with you in your time of grief.  Keep him in your hearts, and let him continue to make you strong.

I met Sensei Fort through various karate tournaments and other functions. I always enjoyed talking with him at these events. I know he touched many lives teaching karate and I always admired his kindness and honesty. R.I.P. Sensei!! Arigato gozaimasu for all your efforts and work in and out of the dojo.

Our condolences to his family, friends and students from all of us at the Seijitsu Shin Do Kan dojo

May God bless Markus Donald Fort and his family. Sam Miller from Westside Karate

May God comfort you all in such a difficult time.Markus will be sorely missed.KD8OVQ,a fellow Amature Radio Operator.

We will miss you so much because of your support,sense of humor,teachings of martial arts to Corey, etc....etc....etc... Because of our respect for you we all will make sure that Kaba San's Karate will continue in its foundations of teaching martial arts.
                                                                   Rest in Peace Sensei
                                                                     The  Cahills

Markus, You will be missed much. I (and many others) enjoyed the "Lizzard" stories on the airwaves. Sorry I never got to meet in person. 73's my friend, time to return to your planet.

Markus will be missed on the amateur radio airwaves(mainly: 145.410Mhz and 146.880Mhz) Myself (WD8GEO)and others:(Fred,(KB8JCV), Joseph,(KD8OVQ), and Jack,(N8NDL)had the privilege of meeting him, and getting together with him on numerous occasions. I stopped at Markus's do-jo several times to just sit, talk, and see how he's doing. What an educational and delightful time I had. He was truly an asset to martial arts (and his students), amateur radio, his friends, and to life! So I say to Markus, as we say on the radio: SEVENTY THREE MY FRIEND, AND ALL THE BEST!!!! YOU ARE TRULY MISSED.

OBITUARY

Markus Donald Fort

27 July, 1944 – 7 February, 2012

Craciun Berry Funeral Home

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