Doug Achterberg

Antioch California Dojo

• Koshukai 1991 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1992 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1993 – Antioch, CA
• Okinawa 1993 – Tested for Shodan
• Okinawa 1997- Participant World Karate & Kobudo Tournament
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1999 – Germany
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch
• Okinawa 2002 – Training visit
• Koshukai 2003 – Germany
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Okinawa 2005 – Training visit
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Any additional info you would like to add:

Sensei Doug has traveled to Germany to teach both Karate and Kobudo on 7 occasions, has hosted Master Gushi many times at his Dojo for Karate and Kobudo training. I am also a Yondan in Kobudo Certified under Master Shinyu Gushi and also train Kobudo under Master Kinjo in Okinawa.

 

Christopher Canary

Wickenburg, AZ Dojo

• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Okinawa November 2002
• Shidoin May 2001 Alan Dollar
• Shidoin Okinawa November 2002, Kiyohide Shinjo
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Joel Craven

Largo, FL Dojo

• Okinawa 1994
• Attended all Koshukai hosted by Kyoshi Ric Martin in Largo, Florida
• Attended two California Koshukai between 1990 and 1994.
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Stanley Crump

Ellicott City, MD Dojo

• Koshukai 1997 – St. Louis
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Okinawa 2002
• Okinawa 2003
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 2005 – Connecticut
• Koshukai 2006 – Gaithersburg, MD co host
• Okinawa 2006 - Tested for Yondan
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Any additional info you would like to add:

At the 1998 Golden Gate Koshukai, I won 1st place in Kumite in the Heavy Weight Division and placed 3rd overall for Katas in the International Tournament.

I train regularly with practitioners of Uechi Ryu throughout the Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, and Philadelphia region. My sensei, Rik Lostritto, and I co-host a monthly workout for advanced level practitioners of Uechi Ryu I have recently opened a 1700 square foot retail dojo and fitness center, The Okinawan Karate Academy, with Sensei Michael Thompson. I am devoted to the traditional, application-oriented, open-minded, life-long study of Uechi Ryu...the Okinawan way!

Kirby Diller

St. Charles Uechi Ryu Karatedo Kenyukai

• Koshukai 1991 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1993 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 1997 – St. Louis: Our dojo hosting
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 2006 – Gaithersburg, MD
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

• Summer Camp 1984 – Thompson Island, Boston, MA
• Summer Camp 1989 – Kalamazoo, MI

Any additional info you would like to add:

Nidan – 26 April, 1991
Sandan – 28 October, 1995
Yondan – 17 June, 2000
Fukushihan certificate awarded with Yondan
Chief Instructor St. Charles Uechi Ryu Karatedo Kenyukai Dojo, opened March 2003

Alan Dollar

List visits to Okinawa, Koshukais hosted, Koshukais attended, etc:

OKINAWA:

I lived in Okinawa and trained in the Kadena dojo under Seiyu Shinjo (and on the floor under the foot of Kiyohide Shinjo) in 1974 and 1975 and again for six months in 1977. Subsequent visits of two to three weeks were in 1984, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1994, twice in 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2005.
Received instruction in Okinawa from Seiryo Shinjo, Seiyu Shinjo, Kiyohide Shinjo, Kanei Uechi, Seiko Toyama, Tsutomu Nakahodo, Minoru Miyagi, Yoshitsune Senaga, Ken Nakamatsu, Shinyu Gushi.

KOSHUKAIS and TORUNAMENTS HOSTED:

Koshukais 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2007.
Hosted for twelve years the longest running Uechi Ryu only tournament in the United States.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING HOSTED:

Dozens of training seminars, Warrior Weekends, and tournaments at the Antioch dojo have been attended by Seiko Toyama, Kiyohide Shinjo,Tstutomu Nakahado, Narahiro Shinjo, Shinyu Gushi, Kanmei Uechi, George Matson, James Thompson, Ric Martin, Fumio Demura, Joe Lewis.

KOSHUKAIS ATTENDED:

Florida 1991, 1992, 1993 St. Louis 1997, Austin 2000, Florida 2004, Austin 2007

ALSO ATTENDED:

• Boston Instructors Seminar at George Mattson’s dojo 1986
• Silver Spring Maryland at Marty Dow’s dojo 1988, with Kiyohide and Jim Thompson.
• Midwest Summer Camp in Michigan by Jim Thompson 1989, with
• Three day private training at Master Gushi’s home 1989
• Training camp in Michigan by Jim Thompson 1991 with Tomoyose, Senaga, Gushi, Nakahodo, Takara,….
• Budo Gala International Karate Demonstration, Germany 1997, with Seiko Toyama, Kiyohide Shinjo, Taira, Takemi, Jean Frenette …….

HAVE TRAVELED TO TEACH AT:

• St. Louis Seminar & Dan Test 1991
• AustinTexas Warrior Weekend 1992
• Dallas Texas 1993
• Edmonton, Canada teaching seminars 1994, 1996, 1998
• Germany Seminars and Dan Tests 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
• Kenyukai Summit in Dallas Texas by Gregg Weber 1997
• Kerala India. Established Uechi-Ryu Karate and Okinawan kobudo in Cannanore and Dombivli India for the first time in 1997

Any additional info you would like to add:

All tests from white belt through Godan were in Okinawa. All five black tests were in the Futenma dojo in front of Kanei Uechi.
Received Jun Shihan from Kanei Uechi in Okinawa in 1977.
Godan certificate #130 and Shihan ( Master Instructor) #96, both signed by Kanei Uechi, 1993.
Promoted to Godan by the Zen Okinawa Karate Renmae Association in 1993.
Promoted in Okinawa to Rokudan by the Okinawa Ken Karate Do Association 1996. The first American to be promoted by this organization.

KOBUDO:

• Started kobudo training in Okinawa under Sensei Minowa in 1975.
• Subsequently received extensive instruction from Masakazu Kinjo, Yoshitsune Senaga, Shinpo Matayoshi and Shinyu Gushi.
• Promoted to Godan by Shinyu Gushi November 1997.

TOURNAMENTS:

• While stationed in Hawaii, fought for the Marine Corps full contact team, becoming the military heavyweight full-contact karate champion of Hawaii in 1976. Also taught Uechi-Ryu to Marines at Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station during two year tour of duty.
• Competed extensively in the United States in 1985 -1990’s.
• 1990 placed sixth in 13th Annual All Okinawa World Sparring Tournament.
• 1997 placed number 11 in kata Okinawa Government sponsored World Tournament.
• Senior official and co-ordinater for the karate portion of the California State Police Olympics for five years.
• Senior kata, kumite, kobudo referee for USANKF.
• Morio Higaona Goju World Organization.
• Fumio Demura Itosu Kai Shito Ryu World Organization.

PROMOTION OF THE KENYUKAI:

• Hosted extended stays in th U.S. for educational foreign exchange: Shota Tskyama, Tsutomu Shikiya, Satoshi Kinjo, Yoichido Kunnioshi.
• Hand built, in 1988, a custom 3500 square foot dojo of Okinawan design. One of only three ever built in the U.S.
• Started the first Jr. Black Belt program in the history of Uechi Ryu in 1989. That system is now used in the Kenyukai headquarters in Okinawa.
• Developed Bunkais for all Uechi -Ryu Kyu Kata.
• Produced a series of training videos and DVDs to assist students in their understanding of Uechi-Ryu Kata and applications.
• Produced a historic video series and DVD of exclusive footage from Okinawa from the 1960’s -70’ -80’s.
• Authored and self published a 500 page book in 1996. The Secrets if Uechi Ryu Karate and the Mysteries of Okinawa has sold in every state in America and forty countries around the world. It has been heralded as the best Uechi ryu and Okinawa karate history book ever published.

James G. Foley

St. Louis, MO Kenyukai Karate Dojo

• Okinawa 1982
• Koshukai 1991 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1992 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1993 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 1993 – Antioch, CA
• Okinawa 1996
• Koshukai 1997 – St. Louis: Host
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 2005 – Connecticut
• Okinawa 2005
• Koshukai 2006 – Gaithersburg, MD
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Any additional info you would like to add:

Trained with Uechi Kanei Sensei April – May 1982
Soke Shubukan (Instructor) Certificate #110 from Uechi Kanei Sensei May 8,1982.

John Griffin

Uechi Karate Academy

• Okinawa 1985 with George Mattson entourage
• Okinawa 1988 with Ernie Harriman
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2003 – CT: Help put together and prime coordinator of event

• Attended Atlanta Okinawa event

Any additional info you would like to add:

Subsequent Senseis are Frank Gorman, John Conroy, John Spencer (all of the aforementioned taught at the Hartford dojo -- John Spencer assumed full ownership around 1970 and is my Sensei).

I co-own the Hartford Connecticut dojo with Ernie Harriman. This is the 20th year I have been an owner of the Hartford dojo. Our dojo has hosted Sensei's James Thompson and Shinyu Gushi multiple times for three day seminars. We host an annual children’s open tournament every spring (15 years) with roughly 75 to 100 participants. I retired from the corporate life of Aetna Insurance in 2003 and am now a teacher of 7th grade US History in a Connecticut public school. Education wise I have a BS in History and a Masters in Education.

Jim Koch

Storrs, CT Dojo

• Okinawa 1986
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 2006 – Gaithersburg, MD
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Any additional info you would like to add:

I ran a school at Uconn for twenty years. I just retired, but I still go in to teach. I have classes in my home dojo two nights a week.

Justin LaVasse

Brentwood, CA Dojo

• Koshukai 1991 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1992 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1993 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 2006 – Gaithersburg, MD
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Any additional info you would like to add:

Opened a public dojo in February 2005. Full time karate Sensei.

Rik Lostritto

Gaithersburg, MD Dojo

• Koshukai 1997 – St. Louis, MO
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Okinawa 2003
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 2006 – Gaithersburg, MD: Hosted event

Any additional info you would like to add:

Started teaching as an assistant instructor with John in Connecticut 1989. Opened my own dojo in 1995 here in Maryland; karate enrollment hovers between 12-18 students, 10 black belts thus far: 2 Nidan; and one Sandan (Stanley). Visited Sensei Shinjo in Springfield MA at John Spencer’s dojo in 1994. I have also hosted several regional karate and Kobudo training events with Senseis Gushi, Jim Thompson, and John Spencer.

I started studying Ryukokaku Kobudo with Gushi Sensei in 1997; my current Kobudo rank is Shidoin. I have 10 active Kobudo students; 4 of them from other regional Uechi dojos. To date there are 8 Kobudo Shodans from my dojo. I hosted Shota Tskyama for a week in my home/dojo in 1997. I only made it to Okinawa once so far in early 2003. I started training in Tomikl style Aikido in 2005 under Senseis Fred and Roma Strathman. My current rank is Sankyu. I have also been teaching and practicing Reiki and other energy healing arts since 1999. As a pharmacist and researcher for over 30 years, I have maintained a strong professional interest in botanicals such as Uechi Gusuri, which I make for historical and cultural interest.

Erica Martin

Seminole, FL Dojo

• Koshukai 1993 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2003 – CT
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Okinawa 2007
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Ric Martin

Authentic Martial Arts

• Okinawa: 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2005, 2007
• Koshukai 1991 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1992 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1993 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1993 – Largo, FL: Host
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL: Host
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Any additional info you would like to add:

I was a shodan in Kyokushinkai, promoted December 1976. Was promoted straight to Nidan in Uechi Ryu in June of 1979.

Sponsored the 1993 and 1994 Uechi Ryu Karate National Black belt Championships. I attended Mattson’s Summer Camp in the late 80’s. Don’t remember when. I competed in The All Okinawa Karate Championship Series in 1981, 1982(3rd), 1985(3rd), 1986, 1987, 1989(2nd), 1990, and 1994(1st). I also won the Uechi Ryu Championship in Antioch in 1986.

Mike Nazar

Austin, TX Dojo

• Okinawa: 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997, 2005
• Koshukai 1991 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1992 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1993 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1993 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX: Host
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX Hosting with Senseikai Summit 2007

Other training events attended:

Attended Summer Camp ’90 in New Hampshire, Competed in The All Okinawan World Championship Tournament 1990, 1991, 1993, Competed in World Ranked Karate Tournament, Atlanta, Georgia 2002, Uechi Ryu warrior weekend 1990. California, Connecticut, 2002

Other training events hosted:

Texas Uechi Weekend 1992. Hosted Kiyohide Shinjo first ever visit to Texas with Peter Kellogg, 1994.

Any additional info you would like to add:

The Austin dojo consistently demonstrated its support of all Koshukai events with strong attendance.

National Championships: 1993 Kata Grand Champion, 1994 Sparring Grand Champion, 1995 Kata Grand Champion. Tournament Competitions: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2002. Competed and placed 2nd in division for the 2001 Okinawan Rengokai World Traditional Karate/Kobudo Championships held in Atlanta, Georgia. Participated in the 45th anniversary celebration of the Kadena Dojo and opening of the Yomitan Dojo in September of 2005. Currently pursuing certification in Cross-Fit training.

Dan Partridge

Pittsfield, MA Dojo

• Okinawa 1983
• Koshukai 2003 – CT
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Any additional info you would like to add:

Currently teaching in Pittsfield, MA. Occupation: Police Officer.

John Ray

The Dojo, Denton TX

• Many

Any additional info you would like to add:

Uechi-ryu, the Shinjo family, and my friends in Kenyukai have sustained me and been a major part of my life for 38 years (This is a partial list in addition to the above: Alan Dollar-sensei, Takemi Takayasu-sensei, Narihiro Shinjo-sensei, Eiko Shinjo, Dave Fisher, Mark Sullivan, Charlie Schultz, John Armstrong, Greg Weber-sensei, Tom Thomas, and Mike Nazar-sensei). Due to forces outside of my control, however, I have grudgingly retired from active practice and teaching of Kenyukai Uechi-ryu karate. However, once a Uechi-ryu man, always a Uechi-ryu man. Choregwa.

John Spencer

Coventry, CT Dojo

• Okinawa trip of 60 days 1974. Several 2 week trips after that.
• Koshukai 1997 – St. Louis, MO
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2003 – CT: Host
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 2006 – Gaithersburg, MD
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Other training events attended:

Hosted a week-long visit for Shinjo Sensei in the summer of 1994.

Any additional info you would like to add:

Started teaching in 1968 and has been operating a dojo continuously since.

Gregg Weber

Coppell, TX Dojo

• Koshukai 1993 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1993 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 1997 – St. Louis, MO
• Koshukai 1998 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2000 – Austin, TX
• Koshukai 2002 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2003 – CT
• Okinawa 2003
• Koshukai 2004 – Largo, FL
• Koshukai 2007 – Austin, TX

Any additional info you would like to add:

Mike Nazar would be one of my first students to get to shodan in 77 or 78.

Married since 1983 with 4 daughters. I’ve been a Veterinarian since 1985.

Chris Whittle

Antioch California Dojo

• Koshukai 1992 – Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 1993 – Antioch, CA
• Training Visit 1996 - St. Louis, MO
• Koshukai 1998 - Antioch, CA
• Koshukai 2002 - Antioch, CA
• Okinawa 2002 - Training Visit
• Koshukai 2007 & Sandan Test - Austin, TX
• Master Shinyu Gushi Training 2007 - Antioch, CA

Other training events attended:

Attended additional training seminars and tournaments at Antioch dojo which were attended by: Kiyohide Shinjo, Narahiro Shinjo, Seiko Toyama, Shinyu Gushi, James Thompson, Ric Martin.

Any additional info you would like to add:

Hosted Okinawan foreign exchange student, Yoichiro Kuniyoshi from August 1996-June 1997. Yoichiro was 16 years old and lived with me and my wife and 3 sons. He attended Antioch High School and also trained with my family at Kiyoshi Alan Dollar’s dojo in Antioch. He was a Shodan when he lived with us and is currently a Yondan under Master Kiyohide Shinjo. We are still in contact with him.

Manuel deSa

Desa School of Karate, St.Albert, Alberta Canada

• Okinawa February 1994
• Okinawa March 2005
• Okinawa February 2008
• All Kenyukai Koshukai since 1993 except 2005

• Hosted Sensei Alan Dollar 1997 and October 2008
• Hosted Shotokan and Shitoryu style training workshops since 1997.
• Hosted Spirit of the North from 1998-2008 inclusive.
• Hosted Gustavo Gondra seminars in karate, kobudo and officiating 2005 and 2008.
• Boston Okikukai workshop 1999
• Atlanta Okinawa Traditional Karate/Kobudo World Tournament & Seminars 2001
• Uechi Ryu World Cup for Peace with open and Uechi Ryu tournament, 2007
• Argentina Uechi Ryu World Cup for Peace 2005
• Visit to Sensei Alan Dollar dojo 1997
• Visit to Argentina 1998
• Visit to Argentina to train with Sensei Gustavo Gondra 1998, 2005 & 2006
• Visit to Sensei Mike Nazar’s dojo 2006
• Visit to Sensei Ric Martin’s dojo 2007

Any additional info you would like to add:

Competed in numerous tournaments around the world from 1992-2006 finishing in top four in a number of them.