Foreign brcnch Dojo news
<Last up date /Feb.11,2020>

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<Feb.11,2020>

To all Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karteka around the world I'm happy to announce that an Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Association 3 days Seminar is about to take place in Tel Aviv Israel, 8-10.5.2020
The seminar will be led by Hanshi 9th Dan KATSUJI TAMAYOSE, President of Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association (OUKA).
Every day will include 3 training sessions of 2 hours each, and at the end, Tamayose Sensei will hold DAN TESTS for Shodan and above.
OUKA Israel is welcoming each and every one of you to participate in this historic event, taking place for the first time at the holy land.
Best regards

Ori Elishar-Chief instructor

Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association Israel

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<Oct,26,2019>

Senior Dan members of WMDG (Walter Mattson Dojo Group) participated in a 12 week intensive training series
concentrating on the original purpose of various elements of Uechi Ryu Karate Do system. Weekly topics included, Kime. non-anticipation, yielding, non-yielding, meditation and where, within our curriculum, each aspect could be practiced. 20 participants were awarded certificates of completion at the final class on October 14, 2019.

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<May,22,2019>

Dan Certificates Photo of Walter Mattson group on May.21,2019.

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<May,14,2019>

Dan Certificates Photo of Walter Mattson group on May.13,2019.

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<Mar.27,2019>

The 40th Anniversary of the Sacramento Okinawa Kenjin-Kai.
Thanks to the efforts of Henry Carino we were invited to participate in the demonstrations of Okinawa culture. Henry Carino and Som Sivongxay organized our demonstration and all of the participants had a great time both performing and observing. In addition to karate and kobudo, music, singing, and dance filled the stage.

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<Nov.25,2018>

Nov.15-18,Australia branch held the 2018 spring Karate & Kobudo seminor,Dan testing.

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<Oct,13,2018>

India branch held Dan testing on Aug,31,2018

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<Oct,4,2018>

The OUKA (Okinawa Uechi Ryu Karatedo Assoiation) WMDG (Walter Mattson Dojo Group)
Fall Dan Test was held on Sunday September 30, 2018 at Luth's Family Karate Dojo Groton, Mass.

Promoted to the following ranks:
Steven Pagliarulo Kiyoshi 8Dan - student of Joe Graziano
John Burdett Renshi 6Dan - student of Joe Graziano
Michal Luth Renshi 6Dan - student of John Evans

Awarded Hanshi 9Dan Joe Graziano, Bob Rosati and Clarence Wilder students of Walter Mattson

Members of the test board: Clark Jones Hanshi 9Dan Senior Advisors: Walter Mattson
Joe Graziano Hanshi 9Dan Hanshi 10 Dan #8
Bob Rosati Hanshi 9Dan
Clarence Wilder Hanshi 9Dan Charles Merhib
Gary Sylvia Kiyoshi 8Dan Hanshi 9Dan
John Evans Kiyoshi 8Dan

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<Sep,25,2018>

18 senior members of the Walter Mattson Dojo Group participated in an 18 week instructional series presented by Master Walter Mattson. The intention of the annual training is to deepen understanding and improve teaching skills for 4th Dan to 9th Dan instructors.

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Mr. Charles Merhib of Walter Mattson Dojo group celebrated the 92nd birthday with Sanchin traning.It can be said as a model for our way of living.

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<Sep,29,2017>

September 27, 2017
22 members of the Walter Mattson Dojo Group (WMDG) received Certificates of Achievement
following their successful participation in a 15 week seminar series. The participants ranked from
4Dan to 9Dan mostly from WMDG member dojos. Master Mattson's seminars are open to senior members from all Uechi Ryu Karate Do associations.

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<Sep,28,2017>

The Fall Walter Mattson Dojo Group (WMDG)Dan test was conducted on Sunday September 24, 2017.

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<Aug,1,2017>

Kyu promotion tests were held in Chennai Dojo, India led by Bala Sensei on July 23rd and 30th, 2017.
Many students were successfully promoted. We would like to congratulate all of them and expect their further development.

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<May,22,2017>

The WMDG Spring Dan Test was held on Sunday May 21, 2017.
7 candidates from 3 dojos were successful in achieving Dan promotions from 2Dan to 7Dan.
Each candidate will receive a written summary of test board comments indicating both areas of strength and those needing more attention for future training.

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<Dec,16,2016>

Dan promotion test was held in Sacramento Dojo on November 10th, 2016.
Four of our friends were successfully promoted. Congratulations!

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<Nov,29,2016>

The Seminar was held on the 12th and 13th of November. It was a very successful event with Sensei Tamayose and Sensei Takara visiting from Okinawa. Australian Head Instructor Arthur Moulas was very pleased with the whole weekend which finished with a Black Belt Grading with all participants successful.

Dan testing

Dan testing

Group photo

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<Oct,16,2016>

On Sunday October 9, 2016 the WMDG Fall Dan Promotional Test was held at the Plymouth, Mass. USA dojo of Master Peter McRae.
Three successful candidates were promoted to 2th,4th and 7th Dan. The test was supervised by OUKA Senior Advisor, Walter Mattson and members of the test board included 9Dans Clark Jones and Peter McRae, 8Dans Joseph Graziano, Robert Rosati, Clarence Wilder and Gary Sylvia and 7Dan John Evans.

Group photo

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<Sep,30,2016-2>

From June 6,through September 26,2016 4Dan through 9Dan members of Walter Mattson Dojo Group
(WMDG) participated in 34 hours of intensive training. On September 26,2016 - 20 members were awarded certificates of achievement, which stated:
"THE CURRICULUM PRESENTED REPRESENTS THAT OF MASTER SHINTOKU TAKARA AND HIS INTENTION TO TEACH AND PRESERVE THE METHOD AND TEACHING PHILOSOPHY OF HIS OWN TEACHER, LATE MASTER KANEI UECHI"

Group photo

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<Sep,11,2016-2>

Moulas family visited Germany and Arthur Sensei had a seminar at Thomas Sensei's Ki-Shin-Tai Dojo in Erlangen, Germany.

With Arthur sennsei and Anjela sensei

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<Sep,11,2016-1>

Peggy Hess Sensei (Uechi Ryu Florida) visited Thomas Sensei's Ki-Shin-Tai Dojo in Erlangen on July 18 to have an exchange training session with German Branch students.

Sanchin traning

Kata traning

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<Jul,15,2016>

On Wednesday July 6, 2016 senior members of the Walter Mattson Dojo Group WMDG celebrated the 90th birthday and the 51st consecutive year of Uechi Ryu Karate Do training of 9Dan Master Charles Merhib. Messages of congratulation fromOkinawa and from WMDG dojo members were read and presented to Master Merhib. All members joined in singing "HappyBirthday" and shared a birthday cake with Master Merhib.
It was a wonderful karate practice commemorating a lifetime devoted to practicing and teaching Uechi Ryu Karate Do. The highlight of the evening came when Master Merhib demonstrated his Sanchin which is still very strong and
beautiful.

Master Clark Jones and Master Peter McRae with Master Charles Merhib.

Masters Walter Mattson, Clark Jones and Peter McRae demonstrating Sanchin exercise in honor of Master Merhib.

Group photo

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<May 31,2016>
On May 15, 2016, Walter Mattson Dojo Group had Dan testing at Plymouth, Massachusetts Dojo.

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<Jan,24,2016>
On January 8/9, 2016, the Karate and Kobudo group of Ki-Shin-Tai Dojo Erlangen/Germany had New Year ceremony 'Kagami Biraki' with a two day seminar and demonstrations, followed by the New Year welcome party 'Shinnenkai'.

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<Dec,12,2015>
"Uechi Ryu Australia had 2015 Spring Camp (October 30- November 1, 2015) "

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<Oct.7,2015>
October 4, 2015 - A Fall promotional was conducted by Walter Mattson Dojo Group in Plymouth, Mass. Mr. Gary Sylvia, student of Master Peter McRae, was promoted to the rank of Kiyoshi, 8Dan. The test board consisted of Masters Walter Mattson 10Dan, Peter McRae 9Dan and Clark Jones 9Dan.

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<Oct.7,2015>
October 4, 2015 - Walter Mattson Dojo Group Senseis and senior members participated in a 3 hour kata practice at the Plymouth, Mass. dojo of Hanshi, 9 Dan Peter McRae. The format was for participants to offer suggestions to each other for improving the kata performances of each member. The program leader was Walter Mattson, Hanshi 10 Dan.

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<Oct.2,2015>
SOUTHBOROUGH DOJO SENSEI JOE GRAZIANO AND GROTON DOJO SENSEIS MICHAEL AND JENNIFER LUTH, TOGETHER WITH THEIR STUDENTS, PARTICIPATED IN A COMBINED PRACTICE LED BY MASTER WALTER MATTSON ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2015. BOTH DOJOS ARE AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. WALTER MATTSON DOJO GROUP (WMDG).
FOLLOWING THE TRAINING, ALL MEMBERS OF THE WMDG WERE ONCE AGAIN INVITED TO ATTEND AN AFTERNOON RECEPTION AT THE HOME OF SOUTHBOROUGH DOJO STUDENT, PETER HAWTREY, AND HIS WIFE BARBARA. GOOD FELLOWSHIP AND WONDERFUL FOOD WERE ENJOYED BY ALL IN ATTENDANCE.

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<May,29,2015>
Walter Mattson Dojo Group held Dan promotion test on May 17th, 2015 at Peter McRae’s Plymouth Dojo.7 members successfully pass the test.
Also Shihan license was issued to Mr. Peter Hawtrey (Renshi 6 dan).
Congratulations!

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<Sep,9,2014>
"On Saturday, September 6, 2014, members of the Walter Mattson Dojo Group enjoyed a day of camaraderie, first in Sensei’s all-ranks class, and later at a luncheon party at the home of Peter & Barbara Hawtrey."

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<Aug,13,2014>

O.U.K.A. Australia Branch will sponsor the special events for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Uechi Ryu Australia. Present Tamayose and members from Tokyo and foreign countries.
Event schedule :
October 31st (Fri.) Karate & Kobudo Seminar
November 1st (Sat.) Karate &Kobudo Seminar
The 40th Anniversary Dinner &Demonstration
November 2nd (Sun.) Karate &Kobudo Grading

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<Aug,11,2014>

October 2nd-5th,2014, German Branch will have 15 years Anniversary Seminor.
For details please check following site. Anniversary Seminor

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<Jul,6,2014>
"On July 1, 2014, members and friends of the Walter Mattson Dojo Group welcomed Sensei back from his successful knee surgery, and extended Happy Birthday greetings to him, Advisor Paul Fenichel (left) and Senior Advisor Charles Merhib (right)."

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<Jun,3,2014>
Walter Mattson Dojo Group held Dan promotion test at the Plymouth Dojo on May 18th, 2014.
8 members were successfully promoted. Congratulations!

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<Jan,18,2014>
Mr. Jones, Mr. Graziano and myself visited the "Luth Family Karate Dojo" in Groton, Massachsetts on December 21st to present Mr.and Mrs. Luth with their OUKA Dojo Certificate. They and their students are very proud to be established with the karatedo lineage from Grandmaster Shintoku Takara to late Master Kanei Uechi and through them to our founder, Kanbum Uechi.

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<Nov,29,2013>
Nov/17, Walter Mattson Dojo Group held the Dantesting at PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS DOJO.

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<Oct,19,2013>
Oct/16 night was the final session of my summer series for 4 Dan and above students. Sixteen participants from several dojos were awarded Certificates of Achievement.
Attached are two photos, one of the Certificate Awardees and one of the entire group.

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Members of Walter Mattson's Dojo Group in Massachusetts, U.S.A celebrated the 87th birthday of Mr. Charles Merhib's(Hanshi 9Dan, Senior Advisor of Walter Mattson's Dojo Group).

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The Walter Mattson Dojo Group (WMDG) joined with World Gym, Milford, Massachusetts’ “Fitness Expo to Benefit Cancer” on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Walter sensei conducted a seminar at the Milford Dojo (located within World Gym), with all tuition proceeds going to the Oliva Cancer Patient Comfort Fund. Many members of the WMDG participated, and several other members who were unable to attend the seminar, generously supported this worthwhile charity.

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Germany: Karate with mentally disabled children

Thomas Podzelny from Ki-Shin-Tai Dojo Erlangen/Germany is teaching martial arts classes for mentally disabled children two times a week.

On wednesday July 24th, 2013 the karate group (age 14~17) gave a demonstration of their skills at the annual summer party of their school.

Warm up exercises were followed by basic karate movements (punches, blocks and kicks). In partner exercises the children practiced different kicks (front, side, roundhouse, spinning) and blocking of punches (forearm, palm and circular block). The 'show' ended with board breaking and a demonstration of Seisan Kata by Thomas.

The children displayed a lot of confidence, body control, discipline and politeness to the audience, consisting of their parents and teachers. Everybody was very impressed.

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Summer seminor

2013 Summer Seminars commenced on Tuesday June 4th at the Milford, Massachusetts dojo of Kiyoshi 8 Dan Joe Graziano.
The classes will be held every Tuesday through October 15, 2013 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.
Hanshi 10 Dan Walter Mattson will emphasize the importance of Kotikitae conditioning and the application of strong Kotikitae to improve the practice of Kata Bunkai, Yakusoku and Jiu Kumites.
Since 2010, the attendees have been mostly members of the Walter Mattson Dojo Group, but, any student of Uechi Ryu Karate Do, ranked by his association at Yondan or above, is welcome to participate. Please contact Mr. Graziano at josephgraziano@yahoo.com for directions and class fees.

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Dan testing

On Jun,9,2013, USA Walter Mattson sensei's group had Dan promotional testing.

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Dan testing

On Nov,21,2012, USA Bill Repoff Dojo had Dan promotional testing.Mr.Anthony 　Agnitti passed 1st Dan.

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Dan testing in USA

On Nov,18,2012 Clark Jones Dojo had dan promotional testing. Mr.Ramiro Eli　Oritz 　Ropez passed 1st Dan.

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Shihan Certificate

SENSEI CLARK JONES PRESENTS SHIHAN TEACHING CERTIFICATE TO LOUISE JONES ON DEC 1ST, 2012. CLARK'S DOJO IS LOCATED IN NORTHBORO, MASS (USA) AS MEMBER OF THE "WALTER MATTSON DOJO GROUP" WITHIN "OKINAWA UECHI-RYU KARATE-DO ASSOCIATION".

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Special seminor for black belt member

On Saturday September 8, 2012, Mattson Sensei conducted a 2 hour seminar attended by mostly Dan ranked members of Water Mattson Group at Mr. Graziano's Milford Dojo.

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Dan promotional testing 　

Mr. Steve Duroncelet (Sacramento Dojo) was promoted to Shodan on June 10th. It was a happy news from California. Congratulations, Steve!

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Mr. Charles Merhib's 86th birthday

Walter Mattson's Dojo Group members celebrate their Senior Advisor, Mr. Charles Merhib's 86th birthday.
Happy birthday to Mr. Merhib from Uechi-ryu Karate friends in the world!

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Dan testing

Plymouth dojo in Boston held Dan testing on May/20th.

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Uechi-Ryu World Cup in Buenos Aires

Thomas Podzelny sensei & Mr.Markus Wedel participated in the worldcup in
Buenos Aires:

Results for me (4 starts, 3 medals):

'Traditional Karate and Kobudo Worldcup' 1st place gold medal Kobudo Kata

'Uechi Ryu Worldcup' 3rd place bronce medal Karate Kata

'Uechi Ryu Worldcup' 3rd place bronce medal Kobudo Kata

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Dan promotion test Germany

On March 17th, 2012 KI-SHIN-TAI DOJO Erlangen/Germany held Kyu and Dan
promotion tests. All four candidates, Brigitte Kretsch (for 1st Dan), Michaela
Scharfen (for 2nd Kyu), David Koppert (for 2nd Kyu) and Christian Oetting (for
3rd Kyu), passed without problems. Congratulations! We celebrated this event
with a small party in our dojo.

The 1st dan is something special in the life of a martial arts student. It
marks the transition from the coloured belts into the world of blackbelts ?
some kind of 'initiation rite' in the martial arts. You get it just once. And
while it only marks the begin of a long journey and many much more demanding
tests will follow, this moment is a very special and unique. The fruits of
years of sweat and pain, to hit the wall and to overcome it again and again,
never to stop training because the lack of motivation or temptations of other
activities, but to follow the path no matter how long it takes. Now the great
day has come, the final exam is passed. Time to be proud of oneself and a good
reason to celebrate it with the longtime companions on the path.

The full article in German language with many more pictures can be found here:

http://www.ki-shin-tai.de/karate-shodan-pruefung-brigitte/

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20-Years-Karate-Anniversary of Thomas Podzelny

From 20 to 22 January 2012 the KI-SHIN-TAI DOJO Erlangen/Germany organized
Karate and Kobudo New Year's seminar 'Shinnenkai' under the direction of
Thomas Podzelny (4th Dan Karate, 2nd Dan Kobudo) and Michael Pophal (3rd Dan
Karate, 1st Dan Kobudo). 35 children and adults attended the classes. The
seminar was also celebration of 20-years-karate-anniversary of Thomas and
Michael.

Both began Uechi-Ryu karate at the end of 1991 with their first teacher
Joachim Roettinger. In 1999, Thomas opened the Ki-Shin-Tai Dojo. Being friends
for 20 years, Thomas and Michael still continue to meet regularly twice a week
to practice together.

The children learned 'fukyu-kata I' from Shorin-Ryu karate and the first bo
kata 'shushi-no-kon-sho'. The adults practiced hojo undo, katas, bunkai and
jiyu kumite from Uechi Ryu. From Ryukyu Kobudo bo kihon, sai kihon, the first
katas 'shushi-no-kon-sho' and 'chikin-shitahaku-no-sai' as well as partner
exercises (bo-tai-bo, bo-tai-sai) were taught.

On Saturday evening there was a small anniversary party at the dojo. His
students presented wooden name plates (nafuda kake) for all active karate
members of the dojo as a gift to Thomas.

The full article in German language with many more pictures can be found here:

http://www.ki-shin-tai.de/karate-und-kobudo-jahreseroeffnungslehrgang-
shinnenkai-2012-sowie-20-jahre-karatejubilaeum-thomas-podzelny-und-michael-
pophal/

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*Donation for Unicef

Mr. Graziano's dojo members (Walter Mattson's Group, U.S.A) donated US$500 to Japan Unicef Association via Tokyo Branch to support the life, health and education of children and restoration of cities and towns suffered from March 11 tragedy in the North East of Japan. Japan Unicef Association issued the Letter of Appreciation to Mr. Graziano's dojo.

Appreciation letter is here
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Appreciation letter is saying :

Milford Joseph Graziano's Dojo:

We highly appreciate your cooperation on our urgent restoration program.
We promise that the precious contributions from Milford Joseph Graziano's Dojo will be used for saving the life, recovering the health and re-starting the education for children suffered from the calamity.
Since UNICEF will keep active to protect children all over the world, your continuous cooperation will be always appreciated.

October 6, 2011

Ryoko Akamatsu
Chairperson,
Japan Unicef Association
****************************************************************************************************************

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* Special seminor*

Walter Mattson Sensei held 20 weeks series of weekly classes for 4th Dan and above senior students. Certificates of Achievement were issued to participants who attended a majority of 20 classes by Mattson Sensei.

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* Special class*

Walter Mattson Group held a 2 hour class exclusively about how to improve the performance of the Kyu Kumite at Graziano's Dojo with 27 participants. Thank Mr. and Mrs. Hawtrey for luncheon and social gathering at their home following the class!�

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* Special seminor*

"Walter Mattson sensei held training seminar at Mr. Clark Jones OUKA dojo in Northboro, Massachusetts on July 20th, 2011."

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* Activity for Karate & Kobudo seminor*

For one month and six days, Shihan Gustavo Gondar, Member of the Ryukokaku Karate & Kobudo Assoc. and Okikukai Okinawa Uechi Ryu Karate Do Association, was giving Seminars in United States, Canada, France and Germany. Karate, Kobudo and Personal defense in every Dojo, Techniques for Black Belts level was giving from different Organizations Unity is very important and that is the Message that Shihan Gondra give to everybody and respect for every Uechi Ryu line that exist today. Also in his trip promote the World Cup and 10 Countries already confirm their participation in 2012 for the Urchin Ryun World Cup in Argentina.

Lohans (France) Chief / Regis galland

Clear Water (United States) Chief / Grace Husller

Erlanger (Germany) Chief / Thomas Podzelny

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* Activity for World cup & Kobu-Do Testing in Canada*

Shihan Gondra from Uechi Ryu World Cup Organization was in Canada giving Judges & Referee Seminars preparing for the World Cup next 2012 in Argentina. Also Kobudo Test was carried out for Kyu and Dan level at Saint Alber Dojo. Final Team match and Shihan Gondra was the Chief Referee in charge. Next stop will be Los Angeles City to visit Sensei Gushi, France, Germany and Unidted States Florida State.

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* Special seminor by Walter Mattson sensei Group*

" During the months of August and September Walter Mattson Group presented seminars for their members on the subjects of:
Meaning of "Dojo."
Uechi Ryu Karate Do Kihon.
"Kime" - training and application.
Yielding and non-yielding training ( soft and hard ).
Yielding (Kyu Kumite) and non-yielding (Kanshiwa Bunkai)
practice.
Seisan Bunkai.
Dan Kumite.
Relationship between 3 main kata of Uechi Ryu Karate Do
and the 5 "bridging" katas.

The seminars for OUKA members were held at Mr. Graziano's dojo in Milford, Massachusetts on August 7th, September 2nd and September 7th.
Walter Sensei also conducted one basic seminar open to non-OUKA members on August 24th.
Each seminar was attended by 25 - 28 mostly senior Dan ranked students. "

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* Mr.Charles Merhib*

These photos are of Mr.Charles Merhib, Kiyoshi 8Dan, the oldest student in Waler Mattson sensei's dojo group. He recently turned 84 years of age and continues to train and serve as senior advisor for Mr. Joseph Graziano, Kiyoshi 7Dan, at his Milford, Massachusetts dojo.

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* Shihan certificate*

Walter Mattson sensei I presented the Shihan certificate to Mr.Clark Jones 8Dan ( photo-right ) who then presented it to his student Mr. Michael Granoff Renshi 6Dan ( photo-left ) on July 7th at Mr. Jones Northboro, Massachusetts dojo.

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* Dojo certificate*

Walter Mattson sensei presented the dojo "plates" to Mr. Joseph Graziano ( right ) Kiyoshi 7Dan and to Mr. John Evans ( left ) Renshi 6Dan at Mr. Graziano's dojo in Milford, Massachusetts on June 8th.

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* Dojo certificate*

Walter Mattson sensei prezented Dojo certificate to Clark Jones sensei & Peter Mc'Rae sensei.

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