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Ueshiro Midtown Karate (Hombu) Dojo |
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Onegai shimasu, Hanshi, Sensei, and Deshi of the greater Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu family. Looking back over the past six months, I am amazed by the number of highpoints our karate training has led to. Despite the rapid change of events–a new president, a collapsing economy, upheaval on international and environmental fronts–deshi of all rank continue to move forward with positive energy and strength. Domo arigato gozaimasu to Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro for setting this tone of optimistic determination and to Hanshi Robert Scaglione for carrying such spirit into the next generation of martial artists. Autumn Northeast Road Trip Continuing the tradition of multi-dojo workouts, Midtown deshi traveled to Penn State for an extraordinary weekend of “sugar” from Hanshi on November 1 and 2, 2008. Under the sponsorship of Sensei Robert Kaplan, deshi from all over the country were treated to invigorating three hour workouts on both Saturday and Sunday. Domo arigato gozaimasu to the Ueshiro Okinawan Karate Family Club for their gracious hospitality and enthusiasm both on and off the deck. Sensei John Bottega, Sam Suzuki, Gerard Rath and Sandy Endo Suzuki did an outstanding job representing the Midtown Dojo. I would also like to thank all the Midtown deshi (and I believe we had nearly 100% participation) who contributed so generously to Hanshi’s surprise 70th birthday gift. As unanimously agreed at Hanshi’s birthday dinner, all USRKUSA shihan (present and future) will receive a Harley Davison roadster upon reaching their 70th birthday. Annual black belt workout, meeting and dinner Hanshi arrived back in his home town of New York City December 7, 2008 to preside over the system-wide year-end black belt workout and dinner. Domo arigato gozaimasu to Hanshi and all the black belts who traveled both North and South to continue the tradition. Hanshi's core concept was that true warrior spirit (and 110% power) has to happen in every class and is not saved for a hypothetical life and death situation on the street. Domo arigato Hanshi for your uplifting corrections throughout the extended workout and for the great joy and vigor shared during the compai at Japonica afterwards.
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Ueshiro Midtown Karate year-end workout and dinner The Ueshiro Midtown Karate dojo held its own year-end workout and dinner on Thursday, December 11, 2008. The group worked out for about an hour, then “relaxed” in a circle for a round of kompai to reflect on the past year and welcome in the new. Many strong sentiments were expressed–and equally powerful kata performed–as a testament to our tenacious optimism during an incredibly challenging year. A die-hard group adjourned afterwards for much sushi and holiday cheer. December tip test Our last tip test of the year was held Tuesday, December 16, 2008, preceded by a vigorous workout. Promoted in rank were: Kai Pascuali – Ro-Kyu All the candidates showed consistently high spirit and determination, despite their diversity in age and size. Domo arigato to the fellow deshi, black belts, and family members who offered their enthusiastic support during the event. The board of judges included Sensei Gamiel Ramson, Sensei Rob Neff, and Mr. John Adams. New Year’s Eve workout Sensei Kevin Reymond and Mr. Ron Ballin held a formal year-end class that started at 1:00 pm. There were reports that informal training continued well into the night. All Midtown deshi were challenged to greet the new year by performing their favorite kata at the stroke of midnight. I received reports that many happily complied. Grand Opening – Roslyn Karate Club On Tuesday, January 13, 2009, a core group of black belts from the Midtown Dojo assisted Sensei Boris Grossman in the grand opening of his new club at the Roslyn Public High School. Sensei Michael Margulis and Sensei Grossman demonstrated a traditional beginner’s class before a captive audience of about 18 students. Northampton Black Belt Test On Sunday, January 17, 2009, several dan ranks from Midtown participated in a black belt test at the Ueshiro Northampton Karate Dojo. Although we did not present any candidates for review at this time, it was truly inspiring to watch students from both the Northampton and Boston Chinatown dojo rise to the grueling challenges of the test. Domo arigato to Sensei Dan Gobillot and his dedicated followers for their hospitality and loyalty to USRKUSA. Florida Karate Weekend The highpoint of the past six months was undoubtedly the Florida Winter Weekend. Hanshi Robert Scaglione, Kyoshi David Seeger, and the Florida dojo directors hosted an amazing five-day intensive program in Shorin-Ryu training and testing, starting on February 7, 2009 and continuing until February 11, 2009. The climax to the weekend was a black-belt level test, conducted on Saturday. The Ueshiro Midtown Dojo sent the largest contingent of candidates: Promoted to Ni-dan: Christopher Memoli Promoted to Sho-dan: Kim Garon Jonathan Cohen John Draghi One of the greatest rewards of a Shihan is witnessing your students "come of age" within the Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu USA organization by attaining black belt rank. Congratulations to these deshi on such a momentous milestone. The first official privilege/responsibility awarded the new sho-dan was to serve on the board of judges for a late night, ocean-front brown belt test held Saturday under the Cocoa Beach Pier. Sensei Gamiel Ramson and Ik-kyu Sam Suzuki and Henri Waelbroeck provided invaluable assistance with the test. The following san-kyu advanced to brown belt: James Gasca Gerard Rath These candidates showed inspired spirit and humility throughout the evening. It may be a long time before we find such challenging conditions for a workout or test. But we will try. It is impossible to convey all the knowledge gleaned from Hanshi during the extended weekend, but one comment speaks volumes: “Don’t focus on how much you think you know but rather on how much more is available to learn.” Domo arigato gozaimasu, Hanshi! High School for Leadership tip test On Friday, February 13, 2009, Sensei Rob Neff held a tip test for his students at the High School for Leadership and Public Service, located across the street from Trinity Church in lower Manhattan. Black belts John Robbins and Hend Elsayed and ni-kyu James Gasca joined me to partake in the events. Sensei Neff has shown remarkable determination in his efforts to keep Shorin-Ryu in the NYC public school system, and the two student promoted that day testify to his success. Arigato gozaimasu, Sensei, for carrying on a great tradition, and thank you to the Midtown sempai and deshi who gave their time to demonstrate traditional karate-do in a new setting. February full belt promotion On Sunday, February 15, 2009, we held our full belt promotion. After a vigorous review, the following candidates were promoted in rank: Yon-Kyu San-Kyu Sensei John Bottega, Sensei Richard Vachino, and Ms. Kristen Dominger served on the board of judges. Sensei Steve Lott provided supervision and guidance as senor black belt at the event. Many other black belts also showed up to lend support, as well as kyu ranks who participated in multiple repetitions of the beginner kata. February tip test On Tuesday evening, February 17, 2009, a green tip test was held in the karate studio at St. Barts with a board of judges comprised of Sensei Rob Neff, Mr. John Adams, and Mr. John Robbins. Promoted to Ro-kyu Promoted to Go-kyu Weapons workshop Brown belts and above were invited to participate in weapons seminars in the bo, sai and nunchuck on Sunday, March 8, 2009. The workshops were intended to give advanced black belts a chance to fine-tune their understanding of the weapons and provide new brown belts with an introduction to Okinawan kobudo. Domo arigato gozaimasu to Sensei Kevin Reymond for sponsoring the two-hour workshop and to Sensei Steve Lott for leading the sai group. Resumption of classes at Pelham Manor Classes have resumed at the Ueshiro Okinawan Dojo of Pelham Manor thanks to Hanshi, Kyoshi Seeger, and the instructors from the Ueshiro Pine Forest Karate Dojo of Palisades. Class time is 7:30 to 8:30 pm, Tuesday evenings. Black Belt training Black belt only classes continue to be held the first Thursday of each month. Visiting dan level students are always encouraged to attend. Green Belt Emphasis Class Sensei Kevin Reymond continues to hold green-belt (pinan) emphasis classes, generally the third Wednesday of each month. Former and aspiring green belts often attend as well.
Weekly Class Schedule
* Black belt class – first Thursday of each month. ** Green belt emphasis – third Wednesday of each month.
With all this activity, it has been a challenge to keep our web site up-to-date. However, photographs of some of the events described above may be viewed on the Gallery page located at http://midtownkaratedojo.com/Gallery.html. More are on the way. Aside from the entertainment value of such pictures, it is critical we preserve a clear record of our history, which is why the Karate Newsletter is so important as well. (A big “Arigato gozaimasu!” to the Markowitz family!) For without a historical record, how else can we expect to learn from it? Domo arigato gozaimasu, Hanshi, for leading us in the pursuit of traditional Shorin-Ryu. - Kyoshi Michael Mackay |
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Sakugawa bo-kata, Cocoa Beach, FL |