Career
Slomanski began his karate training in Japan while a non-commissioned officer in the United States. Army. The type of karate practiced by Slomanski was Chitō-ryū. Slomanski joined the United States. Army on June 26, 1946.
Over six feet two inches tall and possessed of superb physical fitness, Slomanski rose through the ranks to end his military career as a Sergeant-Major, having served in airborne infantry, ranger (commando), and special forces units.
Slomanski served in combat in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, retiring from the Army in 1966. Slomanski was awarded three Purple Hearts, one Silver, and a Bronze for his exceptional leadership as well as injuries sustained while serving in Korean War.
While on military assignment in Japan, Slomanski began his training in karate under the guidance of Doctor Tsuyoshi Chitose, a karate master. In 1956, he was named the International Commissioner of Karate in the United States.
Hank awarded Elvis his first black belt in 1960.
And while Presley"s legitimacy for his rank over the years had come into question in martial arts circles, many that trained with Hank have stated that if anyone (including Elvis) ever earned a black belt from Hank, you can bet it was earned. Hank tested Elvis hard and tried to break him but found out that Elvis had a true "fighter"s spirit". Dan Inosanto was already a well-rounded martial artist and tough man in his own right when he came to Hank Slomanski, but sought him out for supplemental training (this was before Dan met Bruce Lee) because he had heard of Hank"s reputation from others as THE guy to go to
Hank was among the toughest of the tough, who just happened to be a great martial artist.
Dan has stated he learned quite a bit from Hank. Slomanski died in April 2000 at the age of 71.