Grand Master Otis Baker

Co-Founder · Judan, 10th Degree

Grand Master Otis Baker, remembered as “The Gentleman of Karate,” combined martial arts instruction, community service, organizational leadership and ministry in a life closely tied to the development of Baker’s Dojo and U.M.A.A.

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Early Life & Education

Otis Baker was born November 22, 1940 in Marianna, Arkansas. His memorial biography records graduation from Robert R. Moton High School, study at Mary Holmes Junior College in West Point, Mississippi, and attendance at Dillard University in New Orleans. He relocated to Chicago in 1964.

Career & Karate Beginning

In Chicago he worked as a Tool and Die Technician for S & C Electrical Company for 41 years before retiring in 2006. He began karate study in June 1967. Because surviving U.M.A.A. sources differ on the identity of his initial instructor, this profile preserves the verified start date without silently resolving that conflict.

Henry Horner & Competition Era

In September 1968 he began teaching at Henry Horner Boys Club on Chicago’s West Side. The official Baker record associates his 1968–1973 period with tournament competition, nationally rated students and martial arts media exposure. His disciplined manner earned the lasting name “The Gentleman of Karate.”

Baker’s Dojo, Windy City Pros & U.M.A.A.

Otis joined Preston and Eddie in forming Baker’s Dojo in 1974. The Baker organizational record later connects Otis and Preston with the Windy City Pros and the formation of U.M.A.A. in 1976. Otis served the Association for years as State Director.

Ministry & Community Service

A devoted Christian, Otis completed religious studies and was ordained as a minister in 2007. His memorial record identifies Miracle Center Baptist Church on Chicago’s West Side as his church home, where he remained active and taught Sunday school to youth.

Grand Master Recognition & Legacy

Otis is listed as a 2005 Illinois Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee in the Baker lineage record. He was promoted to 10th Degree Grand Master in 2012. He died September 8, 2017 while still teaching and serving as U.M.A.A. State Director, leaving master teachers and students to continue his legacy.