The Baker Brothers  The martial arts in the Midwest have evolved over the last couple of decades. Few martial artists can contest some of the stages of its short but prosperous life. Only a small percentage of those played an integral role in the development of this martial arts community. If we were to name some of the most influential martial artists in the Midwest certain names would definitely come up time and time again. Art of the Warrior had the distinct honor of sitting down with two of these pioneers. They are often known as the “Baker Brothers”, Preston & Otis Baker. Not many people can attest to the time honored traditions and trials of the arts in this community. Having first hand knowledge of this community and its development, Masters Preston & Otis Baker have established themselves among the elite martial artists world wide. This duo considers themselves to be the second generation of Masters to come out of this region (second only to martial artists like Jimmy Jones and Dennis Purdue). Few martial artists in  the Midwest have established and maintained the reputation the Bakers have forged over the last 4 decades. Family Originally, the Baker’s family was rooted in Marianna, Arkansas. Being raised in a family of independent farmers, the Bakers family produced such crops as cotton, corn and beans. During Preston’s & Otis’ early beginnings they were taught strong work ethics and the value of a hard owned dollar. Working 10 hours days on a farm as an adolescent was a requirement for some of the siblings of the family. Work became a necessity in order to keep the family business strong and food in their mouths. At times, work came before education. Most of the seven children were trained in various types of farming equipment. In the 1960's a couple of the Baker children relocated to the Chicagoland area (Preston, Otis and Eddie Baker). It is in this region of the country that they would start a journey that would soon pay great dividends for them and the people whose lives they have touched. Martial Arts History In 1965 Master Preston Baker began his instruction in martial arts from “Mr. Karate” Master James A. Jones. At that time Master Jones was instructing at the South Town YMCA. It took three years before Master Preston received his Shodan (1st degree black belt). His certification was given to him by a review board consisting of higher ranking Black Belts. Shortly after receiving his Shodan, Preston began teaching at the Sears YMCA on the west side of Chicago. Preston soon began instructing his brother Otis and years later brother Eddie Baker. The Bakers continued training at this location for seven years. During this time the Bakers began competing in martial arts tournaments throughout the country. It was not long before the Bakers started to earn the respect of many instructors and fellow competitors. During this period the Bakers began sharing information with other martial artists. They began to enhance their knowledge and interest in the martial arts. In 1972 Preston Bakers opened a school at the Wabash YMCA located at 2831 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois. Around the same time, Otis Baker began instructing at the Henry Horner Boys Club. In 1974, the Bakers set their sights on owning their own commercial school. This school would be forever known as the “Baker’s Dojo of Karate and Body Building”. This school was located on 1305 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago Illinois. During the duration of the 70’s the Bakers concentrated on developing good black belts/students. They also competed heavily in tournaments throughout the country. During the 1980’s, their focused started shifting from competing to sponsoring Martial Arts Exposition and Karate Tournaments. They still competed frequently until the early 1990’s. Master Preston Baker even tried his share of rofessional fighting. Over their 35 plus years in the martial arts, the Bakers have been granted the opportunity to learn from many great martial artists. Through traveling and competing they were able to open many doors and gain knowledge and insight from many different sources. They were often instructed by Master Instructors James A. Jones, Dennis Purdue, Charles Harris, and Alvin Campbell. They were well schooled in Shorei-Go-Ju, Judo, Tai-Chi, Aikido and Tae Kwon Do. This wide array of martial arts gained them skills in all theories of combat and martial arts. They also were trained in several weapons:long staff, bo staff, short staff, samurai sword and nunchaku just to name a few. Spirituality Both Preston and Otis Baker have had a positive and consistent relationship with the creator. Since their early years they have always placed God first in their lives. The Baker Brothers were both baptized in their adolescent years and have maintained that connection with the creator. The connection with the spiritual has always been included in the martial arts. Often overlooked and under developed, spirituality is directly related to ones growth and progress through this journey we call life. A true martial artists is always striving to establish the complete connection between the body,mind and spirit. The Bakers have taken that step toward the creator by becoming ordained Non-denominational Ministers. They receive much martial arts and spiritual instructions from Master Instructor Rev. Dennis Purdue until the time of their ordination. Preston and Otis Baker believe that much of the problems we are faced with in today’s society are a direct result of our disconnection with God. Re-establishing our relationship with the creator will simplify our lives and aid us in organizing our lives. The “Baker Brothers” believe that all things are made possible through the creator. They attribute all of their success to the creator. Through him all things are possible. For this complete article please see the Spring 2004 Edition of Art of the Warrior Martial Arts Magazine.