RAPID CITY - Already a member of the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2004) and the Canada Sikaran Arnis Hall of Fame (1995), Andy Sanano of Rapid City is to be inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame during the 12th WKUHOF Awards on June 28 in Stroudsburg, Pa.

"It's alright, I guess," the always-humble 57-year-old said. "You know, (the WKU) is pretty big on the East Coast.

"When I checked their Web site, there are a lot of big guys in their hall of fame, so that's kind of neat."

Sanano began training in the Philippines when he was 5 years old under the direction of his grandfather, an experience he called an honor. He said it seemed like he was just playing around, not training, so he really enjoyed the practice.

"Now the Filipino Martial Arts is getting popular and I realized wow, what I had been doing as a kid is right there."

The Air Force brought Sanano to the Rapid City area in 1972. He taught classes at Ellsworth Air Force Base before opening his own business - Sanano Karate Club - in 1980. He's been there ever since.

Upon entering the small, sweat-filled gym on the north side of town, one might question what type of experience they are going to get. But after talking with the master and watching him do his thing, the answer is obvious -