Onegai-shimasu!
As we celebrate our dojo's first anniversary we are filled with much gratitude to Hanshi Robert Scaglione for the initial encouragement, advice, and guidance that led up to establishing our club. The "Just Do It!" spirit has inspired us every step of the way. From just a handful of dedicated students we now have regular classes, three days a week, of about 10 students each. Classes are advertised in the public school's Community Education Services, and we are very grateful to them for providing workout space in a school gymnasium.
In February we conducted our first full belt test. Congratulations to Mera Colling (Yon-Kyu), Steve Hatle (Yon-Kyu), Angel Dobrow (Yon-Kyu), Griffin Reppe (Go-Kyu), and Jonathan Reppe (Go-Kyu). Our upcoming tip test in April promises to be our biggest promotion yet. Our students are men and women, children and adults, and they are all practicing and developing the same traditional Okinawan Shorin-Ryu karate that unites us around the world and with the Shinden of the past.
Please visit our beautiful website at northfieldkarate.wordpress.com, diligently maintained by Yon-Kyu Steve Hatle. Classes meet on Monday and Wednesday, 6:45-8 pm; and Saturday 12-1:30 pm. For more information, call 612-216-1206.
Domo arigato to Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro for bringing Shorin-Ryu karate to the United States and for teaching us the meaning of Bushido spirit. Domo arigato to Hanshi Robert Scaglione for being an inspiring teacher, guide, and example of what it means to live the essence of karate-do. Domo arigato to Kyoshi Michael Mackay for being our sponsor and being a constant source of encouragement. Domo arigato to all the Kyoshi, Sensei, Sempai, and Deshi in SRKUSA!
Respectfully submitted,
- Bob Dobrow, Sho-Dan
