9th degree Black Belt, Master Dave McNeill, started his study of Goju-Shorei Karate in 1971 under the tutelage of Grand Master Alexander Archie. 

In the mid-80s it was decided that the Goju-Shorei System needed a fresh approach in the teaching of weapons. It was noted that all of the so-called traditional weapons were illegal in most, if not all, of the States. The decision was made to teach only weapons that were legal and practical. With that in mind, Grand Master McNeill was assigned the task of developing a structured, weapons system that could be utilized by the general public, as well as the Goju-Shorei students.

After extensive research McNeill decided that the cane, knife and fan would best meet the test of legality and practicality. The cane being the core weapon since it is such a practical tool, and is legal anywhere in the world. The knife blade would be no longer than 3", which is legal in all states. The fan is the one weapon that is the most subtle. It appears harmless, but, in trained hands, can cause unbelievable pain and damage. Grand Master McNeill rates it as one of his favorite carry-anywhere weapons.

The size and quality of a cane that could be bought from drug stores or specialty shops were found to be extremely inadequate. The wood was too weak and the size of the crook was too small. Grand Master McNeill launched a search for a source of oak and hickory canes that could be modified to meet his standards. After visiting and giving specifications to a company in Arkansas it was agreed that they would be the sole suppliers of the raw stock for the Goju-Shorei Weapons System.

Grand Master McNeill then created the many designs on the horn, crook and shaft of the Cane that would meet the essential self-defense demands of this unique and powerful weapon.

The next step was to create the ranking standards. This had to include katas, techniques, exercises and a method of displaying the rank of a separate, but equal, system. Grand Master McNeill recruited his friend and student, Scott Rasner, to help him in this almost impossible task. When McNeill refers to Mr. Rasner he always says, "If a technique or a move in the kata is totally unique and effective, then you know that was a contribution from Scott. He was steadfast in his support of my project and without him I would never have been able to pull it off." Grand Master McNeill credits Mr. Rasner as the single most important factor aiding in the creation of the Weapons System.

An octagonal patch designates the rank of the Weapons System, with colored chevrons sewn to the outside of the patch. The colors correspond to the Karate ranking colors of Yellow, Orange, Purple, Green, three Browns and Black. Requirements were also developed for eight Black ranks in the System.

In 1994 Goju-Shorei formally adopted the Cane, Knife and Fan as its official weapons, and Grand Master McNeill was designated head of Goju-Shorei Weapons.

In 1996 Grand Master McNeill and Master Shuey co-founded Cane Masters. McNeill was the President of Cane Masters until the partnership was dissolved in 1998. Master Mark Shuey continued on as President and owner of Cane Masters, making the company one of the largest seller of canes in the world.

Grand Master McNeill has been inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, the World Head of Family Sokeship Council and the Hawaiian Martial Arts International Society as Head Founder of the Year. He spends a great deal of time giving seminars and clinics to the many schools that have adopted the Goju-Shorei Weapons System, as well as writing articles and producing videos on the System.