Information from Head Quarter

Headquarter of The Association held many events in 2011. We had General Meeting with several attendances from Russia, U.S and Tokyo Branch in June, we accepted many trainees from Germany and Australia throughout the year and we went to Australia for the seminar and promotion test in November. Tokyo Branch was also very active with sponsoring the Metropolitan Championship and special seminar and establishing Okinawa Dento Gigei Shinko Kaikan.
Since Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association is resolving to be even more active under the direction of Grand Master Takara Sensei, could all of members worldwide please make a united effort to develop the Association.
Lastly, we wish every member and his family a happiness, health and prosperity in 2012.
January 1st, 2012

Kensho Kina
President (appointed at the last Board Meeting)
Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association

[Dec,30,2011]

Ishikawa Dojo held last time traning of year 2011 on Dec/30.
After traning,they had a banquet .

Seisan Kata

Banquet

[Nov,21,2011]

The Headquarter held Fall dan promotion test and Directors meeting on November 20th at Ishikawa Kenshu Center. 2 members were promoted to Sho-dan with showing there abilities to full play in the promotion test. In the Directors meeting, the progress of special seminar and promotion test at Australia Branch was reported and some other subjects such as personnel affairs of the Association were discussed. More detail of the Directors meeting will be reported later on.

Dan testing 1

Dan testing 2

Dan testing 3

Dan testing 4

Dan testing 5

Board meeting

[Nov,7th,2011]

Australia Branch invited Tamayose Sensei and Kina Sensei from Headquarter ,Mr.Sumida(Communication manager of the association) from Tokyo branch and held a special Karate seminar and Dan promotion test on November 5th. Nearly 40 members from all over the Australia participated in the seminar. Started with Hojo undo led by Tamayose Sensei, then important points of Sanchin, Kata and Bunkai were taught by both Senseis. After the fruitful seminar from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 7 members challenged the Dan promotion test. Everybody successfully passed the test with the fruits of their everyday’s efforts. After such a big event, Arthur Sensei, a Director of the Board, invited all of members and families to his house for the social gathering.

Congratulations!
Mr. Aidan Hooker 1st Dan
Mr. Chris Van-Stralen 1st Dan
Mr. Terry Milat 1st Dan
Mr. Peter Brett 2nd Dan
Mr. Kevin Burton 6th Dan
Mr. David Calvert 7th Dan
Mr. Raul Fernandez 7th Dan

Sight seeing (Tamayose sensei & Kina sensei)

Junior class seminor

Seminor

Group photo

Welcome dinner

Dan testing

Dan testing 2

Dan testing group photo

Party at Arthur sensei's house

[Aug,19th,2011]

Nicholas Moulas visiting from Australia Branch for Headquarters seminar took his 4th Dan promotion test in front of Sensei including Grand Master Takara Shihan and successfully passed the test on August 12th. Australian members joined the welcome party in Ishikawa Kenshu Center after the promotion test. Because it was the day of so called "Unkee" which was Okinawan Bon Festival, they unexpectedly saw "Eisaa Parade" (Okinawan dancing parade) in front of Ishikawa Kenshu Center. It was a precious experience for them to feel such a traditional culture of Okinawa. Headquarters plan to send some of Sensei from Okinawa to Australia for further exchange between Australia and Japan on November.

Aug/12th : Sanchin testing by sensei Shinzaburo Okuhama

Kumite testing

Comemorative photo with sensei Shintoku Takara

Welcome dinner

With Okinawan Eisaa Parade

[Aug,10th,2011]

Sensei Mr. Brett, Mr. Arthur, Mr. Palmer and Mr. Hay from Australia Branch are visiting Okinawa Headquarters. They arrived in Okinawa in spite of the typhoon on August 7th and will stay in Ishikawa Kenshu Center till August 15th. They are scheduling to have classes in Okinawa dojos of the Association and try Dan promotion test.

Aug/9th: Comemorative poto with Aensei Tamayose (Ginowan Dojo)

Dinner with Sensei Tamayose

Aug/8th : Kara traning at Ishikawa traning center

Comemorative photo with Sensei Okuhama,Sensei Kina & students of Ishikawa Dojo

Break time

[Jun,7th,2011]

The Association Headquarter held the Special Seminar, Springtime Dan promotion test, a social party and 2nd General Meeting on June 4th and 5th in Uruma-City, Okinawa. More than 30 instructors and members from U.S, Russia, Tokyo Branch and Okinawa Dojo participated in the Special Seminar and practiced Shitei Kata and Dan Kumite. Also Grand Master Takara Sensei and high ranked Sensei demonstrated the Kata in front of participants. At the Springtime Dan Promotion Test, 8 members from Shodan up to 8th Dan challenged the promotion and all of them successfully passed the test. After the promotion test, everybody got together in Ishikawa Kenshu Center for the Social Party and celebrated the promoted examinees.
The Headquarter and each Branch reported the activity of 2010 - 2011 and action plan of 2011 - 2012 at the General Meeting. Also Mr. Robert VanDer Volgen Jr. (Kyoshi 8 Dan) from U.S was approved to join the Association. Agenda and results of the General Meeting will be reported to the each Dojo master of the Association later on.

Special seminor(Ishikawa GYM/ Sensei Nobumasa Ohomine)

Special seminor(Ishikawa GYM/ Sensei Shinzaburo Okuhama)

Special seminor(Ishikawa GYM/ Sensei Shintoku Takara)

Dan Testing(Ishikawa GYM/ 1st Dan)

Dan Testing(Ishikawa GYM/ 4th & 3rd Dan)

Dan Testing(Ishikawa GYM/ 8th Dan)

Dan Testing(Ishikawa GYM)

Comemorative photo with Grand master Takara Shintoku sensei

Social party at Ishikawa traning center

Social party at Ishikawa traning center

General meeting at Ishikawa hall

Comemorative photo with Grand master Takara Shintoku sensei

[Apr.30,2011]

＜Trainee from Germany-2>

On April.24th Mr thomas (jyunshihan) and 3 students from Germany visited
the Karate museum to study Karate/Kobu-Do history.

Karate museum

With Sensei Hokama(Gojyu-Ryu) and Sensei Kina

[Apr.11,2011]

＜Trainee from Germany>

From 6th, April, Mr thomas (jyunshihan) and 3 students from Germany
came to Okinawa and began training at Ishikawa training center
delegates stay at Okinawa till 30th,April to study karate and kobudo.

Kumite traning(By Sensei Okuhama )

Kata traning(By Sensei Okuhama )

Comemorative photo

[Mar,25th,2011]

To All of members and friends,

It is over one year since Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association was established on January 1st, 2010.
I feel grateful and secure that the Association has been developed not only in Japan but also in foreign countries such as North America, South America, Europe and Australia with all of your efforts.
However I would you again to understand it to be the principle of the Association that all of us have to go back to the starting point of Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do and go toward the accomplishment of harmony of spirit, technique and physical strength by the friendly rivalry among our members.

In order the Association to be the organization that all of Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do enthusiasts can love and be proud of, I would appreciate it if you would provide me with your continuous support and cooperation for the Association.

The Association will have the special seminar and General meeting on coming June 4th and 5th in Uruma City, Okinawa. I am expecting many of you to join us all the way from foreign countries and looking forward to having a great time with you.

March, 2011

Shintoku Takara
Grand Master Instructor
Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association

[Feb,23rd,2011]

＜Trainee from Argentina>

On Feb 22th,Mr.Marcos Tanaka who is a member of Argentina branch came to training center and took part in special class by sensei Shizaburo Okuhama.

Kata traning(Sensei Okuhama / Mr.Marcos)

[Feb,20th,2011]

＜Board meeting >

On Feb/20th, HQ board meeting approved that Uechi-Ryu Australia (Sensei Arthur Moulas groupe) join to our association.

[Jan,25th,2011]

＜Board meeting & New year party>

On Jan 23rd HQ held board meeting & new year party at Ishikawa traning center.
HQ will have special seminor & Dan testing on Jun 4th, general meeting on Jun 5th 2011.

Board meeting

Greeting by Takara Shintoku Grand Master

Comemorative photo

Entertainment (Kina Sensei's Okinawan dance with Mr. Yamashiro's Sanshin performance)

[Jan,1st,2011]

＜New year's message of the board members>

Adviser Grand Master Instructor Shintoku Takara	New Year’s compliments to all of you including Tokyo branch members and friends in all over the world. May 2011 be a happy and wonderful year. I would like to thank you for your cooperation and consideration. I look forward to your continued good will in the coming year.
Adviser Nobumasa Ohomine	I am glad for members and their family have a happy new year, and we plan to make progress for traditional karate with heart of "WA No KOKORO" (harmonized heart) .
Adviser Walter Mattson	Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year 2011 from teachers and students of Walter Mattson Dojo Group! 2010 was the year we enjoyed the beginning of our new association. We hope 2011 will represent the next step in a long history of strong growth and outstanding achievement.
Vice Chairman Kensho Kina	Happy new year. I appreciate Water sensei from The united states and other members from Tokyo participated seminor held by head quarter in 2010. This year is 2nd anniversary from establish new organization and we have seminor on May at Okinawa and world tournament at Tokyo on Oct. We opened lodging facility at head office dojo and welcomed members from U.S.A and Germany on 2010. We plan to expand this facility, please try to visit Okinawa.We pray for success in the year of 2011 for all members.
Vice Chairman Takeo Tamaki	I am glad all members have a happy new year, I expect all members discipline spirit and body and improve KATA I pray for progress of all members and affiliate dojos.
Chairman of the board of directors of directors Katsuji Tamayose	I am glad all members and their family have a happy new year, our new organization become 1 year old and this year will be from HOPPING to LONG JUMP. Please cooperate and gather ideas to have a successful progress.
Director Shinzaburo Okuhama	Happy new year. I am very proud to be assigned as board member of the organization in 2010. I will do my best to expand Uechiryu karate and contribute to this organization. I hope all of you have a happy new year.
Director Kazuya Takara	New Year’s compliments to all of you including Tokyo branch members and friends in all over the world. May 2011 be a happy and wonderful year. I would like to thank you for your cooperation and consideration. I look forward to your continued good will in the coming year.
The executive secretary Accounting manager Tsutom Shikiya	Happy new year. Season's greeting to all member of Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do association. We thank all of you for your cooperation to establish new organization in 2010. We have very successful year of 2010 because of your cooperation. We thank you again for your helps for new organization. We intend to succeed traditional uechiryu karate to next generation under instruction of Grand master Takara sensei and other masters. We hope all of you have a happy new year.
Director Keisuke Fujimoto	Happy new year. We solicite your continuous support to this organization. Our organization operate with fair and open mind and all dojos are in equal status and aiming to succeed UECHI RYU KARATE -Do to next generation.
Director Hiroko Hirao	Happy new year. In year of 2010, it was very fruitful year to support head quarter as window for overseas branch and main land Japan and public relation activity of new organization. We believe our activity encourage many overseas members through expanding activity of our Tokyo branch. We hope to have this relations and expand more to the world. We expect to see all of your overseas members in Tokyo at world tournament on Oct,2011.
Director Hitoshi Sumida	I have highly appreciated to all of you for your continued support to the new organization through the year 2010. Please accept my wish that new year 2011 will be prosperous to all of Uechi-Ryu lovers.

A happy new year from Japan

[Nov,22nd ,2010]

＜Board meeting & Dan promotional testing>

On Nov/21st HQ held board meeting & Dan promotional testing.
Mr.Shinzaburo Okuhama passed 9th Dan, Mr.William Repoff passed 8th Dan and Mr.Maxwell Repoff passed 2nd Dan.
The board appointed Mr.Shinzaburou Okuhama director.
Details of the board meeting will be informed to all Dojo ownners by e-mail.

Board meeting

Comemorative photo of Dan promotional testing

[Nov,20th ,2010]

＜Sensei William Repoff and his students visited Futenma Dojo >

On Nov/19th Sensei William Repoff & his students visited Futenma Dojo.

Grand Master Sensei Takara Shintoku

Sensei William Repoff

At Shurei-mon(gate) in Shuri Castle park

[Nov,17th ,2010]

＜Sensei William Repoff and his students came to Okinawa>

On Nov/14th Sensei William Repoff & his students came to Okinawa after cultual excahange in Tokyo.
They will stay at Ishikawa Dojo until Nov/24th and try to their Dan promotional testing.

With Sensei Shinzaburo Okuhama

[Nov,6th ,2010]

＜Dan Testing >

On Nov/6 HQ had Dan testing for Mr.Thomas Podzelny and Mr. markus wedel
at Ishikawa Dojo.They Passed 4th Dan & 2nd Dan. Conglaturations !

*Comemorative photo with
Takara sensei, Ohomine sensei, Okuhama sensei,Tamayose sensei,&
Kina sensei

[Nov,4th ,2010]

＜Traning at Ishikawa Dojo>

On Nov/4 Mr. Thomas Podzelny and Mr. Markus wedel had traning at Ishikawa
Dojo. They will stay at Ishikawa Dojo until Nov/14,before returning to Germany.

*Comemorative photo with Matsuda sensei(Kenyukai) & Kina sensei

[Nov,3rd ,2010]

＜Traning at Ginowan Dojo >

Mr. Thomas Podzelny and Mr. markus wedel from Germany came to Okinawa
for their Karate & Kobu-Do traning & Dan testing. On Nov/3 they took part in Ginowan Dojo Karate class.

[Oct,24th,2010]

＜About our traning center>

Now we are preparing for opening training center in Okinawa which can accept
trainee from Japan mainland and overseas which has lodging accomodation.
We will announce details through web site soon.

[Aug,21st ,2010]

＜Mr.Sharadze Vakhtang from Russia>

Mr.Sharadze Vakhtang of Russia branch dojo is now on long term training at
Ginowan dojo.

[Aug,18th,2010]

＜New patch for Gi>

Okinawa Uechiryu Karate-do Association stipulated the design of association embroidery on Karate gi at conference on May.
Please order below photo embroidery when you order karate gi.

[Jun, 12th,,2010]

＜Minutes of General Meeting at Headquarters on May 23rd, 2010>

Association would like to inform you of the bill and decision at the General Meeting as follows.

1. Application for Official Dojo from Overseas
Association newly accepted the applications and approved Walter Mattson Group Dojo in the United States, Thomas Podzelny's Dojo in Germany and Sharadze Vakhtang's Dojo in Russia as Official Certified Dojo of Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do Association.

2. Election of Officials and Directors
Association newly elected the following members as Official and Directors of the Board
(1) Kensho Kina (Ishikawa Dojo) as Deputy President of the Association
(2) Walter Mattson (U.S.A) as Senior Adviser of the Association
(3) Keisuke Fujimoto (Shonan Shubukan) as Deputy Chief Director of the Board
(4) Sadayoshi Higa (Futenma Dojo) as Auditor of the Association

3. Re-introduction of original Uechi-Ryu "Dan Kumite & Kyu Kumite"
Dan Kumite and Kyu Kumite shall be officially re-introduced into regular practice in order to recur to the origin of Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do.

4. New design of organization emblem on Gi
New chest emblem design for Gi is established and notice to each branch and dojo. It shall be applied for Gi ordered from now on.

5. Contribution of money to UNICEF foundation
A part of Dan promotion fee paid to the Association shall be donated to UNICEF annually from year of 2010.

6. Dan promotion test at the overseas branch dojo
Independent execution of 8th Dan promotion test at U.S branch dojo applied by U.S branch was accepted based on the special step allowed in the Association Rules.

7. Invitation to Uechi-Ryu World Cup 2012 in Argentina
Discussion will be carried over until the next meeting because it is relatively too early to finalize in detail.

8. Change in Dojo Representative of Yokohama Tsurumi Dojo
Association approved Masaaki Wakatsuki (3rd Dan, Instructor) as a new Dojo Representative.

[May, 25th,,2010]

Okinawa head office report

On 22nd, 23rd/May, Association head office had spring event with foreign branch leaders attend the event.

*22nd / May

At Okinawa city martial arts studium, Grand Master Takara sensei lead special seminor which foreign members and 12 instructors from Tokyo participated.
On the seminor, Hanshi masters instruct Sanchin and Kata.The instruction is refer to details of Uechi-Ryu Karate technichs.
At the end of the seminor, Takara sensei, Omine sensei, and Water sensei
demonstrated kata which was filmed for future instruction to association members.

Dan Test was followed after seminor members applied for test.
(name of the students who passed the test will show at result page)

After the test, we had party at Okinawa crown hotel with dojo members in Okinawa, delegates from Tokyo and foreign country.
Party began from salution from Tamayose sensei & Ohomine sensei.
Association dedicated gift to Takara sensei for his 60 years of dicipline and Omine sensei and Water sensei for their 50 years of dicipline and announced e-mails from ovweseas members for Takara sensei.

*23rd/May

The 1st general meeting was held at Okinawa crown hotel.All participants wear the polo shirts made for this event and discussed about many topics.
At the meeting, Kina sensei(Ishikawa dojo) assigned representitive chairman
minutes of the meeting will be annnounced on web site.

New members;
U.S.A. Walter Mattson sensei & his group(5 Dojos)
New assigned board members;
Representitive Chairman / Mr.Kensho Kina
Adviser / Mr.Water Mattson
Vice Charman / Mr.Keisuke Fujimoto
Account / Mr.Sadayoshi Higa

Okinwa Uechiryu association started 1st step from this meeting.We obey instruction from Takara sensei and cooperate with Uechi-Ryu Karate students from Japan and overseas and try to expand this karate style.
We solicite your continuous support toward us.

Seminor <Sanchin Tanren by Takara sensei>

Dan Testing

Comemorative photo

Walter Mattson sensei's speech

Gift for Takara sensei

Monument for Takara sensei

Comemorative photo

1st General meeting of new association

Kobu-Do seminor at Ishikawa Dojo

[Apr, 17th,,2010]

Donation to UNICEF
Okinawa Uechiryu Karate-Do Association Tokyo Branch decided to donate part of Kyu test application fee to UNICEF from 2010 based on idea of Children are property of the world.
Our head office also think of donation to such organization.
We solicite your support for this action.

[Mar, 7th,,2010]

We held head office board meeting on 6th / March,2010 under obserbation of top grand master Takara sensei and discussed about our schedule of seminer on May and judgement for application of approved dojo from overseas.
We will announce about official approval of dojo once, it is approved and show result on web site.

[Feb.22,2010]

We OKINAWA URCHI RYU KARATE-DO ASSOCIATION plan to have general meeting for domestic and foregin dojo leaders and members (BLACK BELT CLASS).We welcome your attendance for this meeting.

*Date 22nd / May - 23rd / May, 2010
*Place Now fixing the place in Okinawa city
*Contents
1. Karate seminor (instructor Shintoku Takara Shihan)
2.Annual spring Dan promotion test
3.General Meeting
4.Reception party
5.Kobudo seminor

Please inquire through HP

Establishment of New Organization

We have made a final decision to establish a new organization with keeping Okinawa Karate-Do Association as the parent body, in order to contribute for further development of Uechi-ryu Karate-Do.

We would like to provide you with the following basic policy of the new organization and sincerely to expect your participation.

1. Name of the new organization shall be “Okinawa Uechi-ryu Karate-Do Association” (abbreviated to “Uechi-ryu Okikukai”
2. Goal of the organizational activities is the development of all the affiliated dojo and members by studying together, cooperating and harmonizing each other.
3. The new organization must be operated fairly, openly and democratically.

l The present emblem of Okikukai is planned to be used for the new association in succession.
l The new association will be officially organized on January 1st, 2010.
l The new association will send a detailed material to any Dojo owner and master instructor who hope to join the new association.

Representatives:

Shintoku Takara / Hanshi 10th Dan

Nobumasa Ohomine / Hanshi 9th Dan

Katsuji Tamayose / Kyoshi 8th Dan

A Happy new year, 2010 !

[Dec,20th,2009]

New association's certificate of Dan ranks <PDF file>

HQ & Dojo guidance in Okinawa !
<Renewed on Dec,13th,2009>

Dojo map

Dojo's name	Master Instructor	Dojo's adress	TEL
Ginowan Dojo	Katsuji Tamayose <8th Dan>	1-20-12 Ginowan Ginowan City Okinawa	098-893-3147
Itoman Dojo	Nobumasa Omine <9th Dan>	337 Kiyan Itoman City Okianwa	098-997-3411
Kokuba Dojo	Takeo Tamaki <9th Dan>	Naha City
Futenma Dojo	Kazuya Takara <7th Dan>	Ginowan City
Ishikawa Dojo	Kensho Kina <8th Dan>	Uruma City