text:
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Note To Dojo Owners: Please visit secure page for news and information only available to current WMKA dojo owners.
January 1, 2019: News From Okinawa, New Year's Greetings from the President
April 11, 2018: WMKA President Yoshitaka Taira Cultural Commendation Award
January 31,2018: USA Seminar with Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi, 10th Dan July, 2018 San Jose, California
Novmber 30, 2017: Australia Seminar with Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi, 10th Dan
August 14, 2017: 6th Annual Soke Nagamine Memorial Weekend August 11th &12th 2017
August 10, 2017: Seminar and Classes in Canada with Toshimitsu Arakai, Hanshi 10th Dan
June 11, 2017: Matsubayashi Ryu Taikai 2017 was held in Grossefehn/Germany
May 13, 2017: Seminar and Classes in Canada With Arakaki Toshimitsu Sensei 10th Dan
October 24, 2016: Karate No Hi Guiness Book of World Records Challange
October 29, 2015: United States Seminar in New Mexico with Yoshitaka Taira, Hanshi, 10th Dan, President of WMKA October, 2015
July 7, 2015: Dan grading information and requirements for 2015 USA seminar with President Yoshitaka Taira, 10th Dan , Hanshi
May 25, 2015: Thank You Message From Okinawa
April 28, 2015: Matsubayashi Karate-Do Seminar in Overseas Including Mainland of Japan
January 1, 2015: New Year's Greeting from the President:
December 20, 2014: The Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demo 2014 and Quotes from Attendees
August 31, 2014: 2014 Dojo Opening and Seminar in Canada
February 14, 2014: Announcement from Okinawa February 14, 2014
February 12, 2014: News from Okinawa February 11, 2014
February 3, 2014: Dojo Opening and Seminar in Canada With President Yoshitaka Taira
February 2, 2014;President Yoshitaka Taira visited Hawaii from January 15 to 21, 2014
January 1, 2014: A New Year's Greeting from Okinawa, January 1, 2014
December 10, 2013: News from Okinawa, December 10, 2013
December 10, 2013: World WMKA Seminars Outside of Okinawa August-November, 2013
November 15, 2013: First Canadian Seminar With Sensei Frank Baehr
October 12, 2013: Karate-Do Seminars from Overseas in Okinawa
Septermber 21. 2013: The Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2#The Funeral Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2014 014 for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa
September 7, 2013: News from Okinawa
July 21,2013: News from Okinawa
July 20, 2013: 2nd Annual Soke Takayoshi Nagamine Memorial Weekend
June 1, 2013: Yasuharu Makishi, Hanshi 10th Dan
March 1, 2013: Dojo Owner LIsting and License Renewal
November 30, 2012: Message from President Yoshitaka Taira
November 18, 2012: Official Karate Magaize Article About Soke Nagamine
October 4, 2012: Walter Rowden
July 12, 2012: Second Annoucement From Okinawa Headquarters
July 20, 2012: Announcement of New Executive Members of Okinawa Headquarters
2011 Seminars with Soke T. Nagamine
November, 2010: 75th Anniversary Festival of Matsubayashi-Ryu in Naha, Okinawa
News Post: January 1, 2019, News from Okinawa
New Year's Greeting from the President
Dear WMKA members from around the world,
A Happy New Year! Shin-nen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! I congratulate you all in welcoming a bright new year wherever you are living now. We are celebrating a wonderful new year with our families, friends and communities here in Okinawa.
At the beginning of this year, I am happy to announce the erection of the Memorial Monument for our Founder Shoshin Nagamine in 2020. This has been the biggest dream of WMKA. The Okinawa headquarters decided on a plan known as the "Okinawa 2020 Project" and will host a "Karate-do Seminar" from October 31 to November 1, along with "The Memorial Monument Unveiling and Celebration Ceremony" on November 2nd, which is the anniversary date of the late Founder Shoshin Nagamine's passing. Although details of the venues are not yet decided upon, we will post all information on the WMKA & EMKA Website when we have all of the answers. I strongly wish that you all will participate in the "Okinawa 2020 Project" and meet the Founder Shoshin Nagamine next year.
The "Tokyo 2020 Olympics" will be opened from July to August next year.
"The first Okinawa Karate International Tournament "was successfully completed in August last year. Approximately 1,200 karate enthusiasts participated in "Kata Competition" and about 2,300 in the "Okinawa Karate Seminar" from 50 countries and regions around the world. The 2nd Okinawa Karate International Tournament may be scheduled in 2022. All Okinawa karate organizations are working very hard to win "The Okinawa Traditional Karate" listing on "UNESCO's World Intangible Cultural Heritage List" as soon as possible. Fortunately, Tokyo 2020 gives a very effective movement to Okinawan karate devotees and many karate & kobudo practitioners are coming to Okinawa to study and train themselves at "The Birth place of karate". Okinawa HQ will be happy to host your karate practice trip to Okinawa.
For the end of my greeting, in Japanese culture 2019 is "The year of Boar". Though I don't know whether you like it or not, please enjoy your symbolic animals in the attached table. I pray for your family and your karate life the best in 2019!
Sincerely Yours
Yoshitaka Taira, President of WMKA
- Refer" The Oriental twelve twelve Zodiac sighs from Ancient Chinese Astrology"
会長 平良慶孝
新 年 の 挨 拶
新年あけましておめでとうございます! 皆さまが夫々の国で輝かしい新年を迎えていることをお慶び申し上げます。私達も新しい年を沖縄で家族や友人知人と祝っています。
2019年 元旦
News Post from Okinawa April 11, 2018: WMKA President Yoshitaka Taira Cultural Commendation Award
On November 8th, 2017 Yoshitaka Taira Hanshi, President of the WMKA, was awarded the prestigious Cultural Commendation from the Prefecture of Okinawa. This commendation was awarded for his cultural contribution in the field of karate and kobujutsu.
January 31, 2018: USA Seminar in San Jose, California with Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi July 20-July 22, 2018
The next USA Matsubayashi Seminar will be held in San Jose, California from July 20, 2018 through July 22, 2018.
The seminar will include kihon drills, specific kata review and corrections, kata applications, Sotai Renshu drills and instruction in bo Kata. Arakaki Sensei will be sharing his insights on kata and various new aspects of traditional karate.
Dan testing will be conducted Saturday pm, prior to dinner, which will be held also at the Poor House Bistro Studio (https://poorhousebistro.com/.com).
Friday (6pm-9pm),July 20th at PHB-Studios*, San Jose, CA
Saturday (9:00am– 5:00pm), July 21st, at PHB-Studios, San Jose, CA
Sunday (10:00am – 3:00pm), July 22nd,Natural Bridges State Beach**, Santa Cruz., CA
(times subject to change).
Please contact Jordan Duval (KSS) email@example.com, 408-242-5469 for cost of seminar, registration, and hotel information.
News Post November 30, 2017: Seminar in Australia with Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi
In November 2017, the Matsubayashi-ryu Karate Association of Australia hosted Sensei Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi 10th Dan of the World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association for his third training tour to Australia.
The national tour commenced with an Open Styles Seminar in the nation's capital (Canberra), attended by nearly 50 karateka from around the country, including stylists from Matsubayashi-ryu, Goju-ryu, Kyokushin and Shotokan. Sensei Arakaki then visited the Cummings Karate Dojo, for two days of intensive training for both adults and children, where he focused on the practical application of karate for self-defense.
Sensei Arakaki then continued to the Mid-North Coast to host a series of classes at the dojo of Sensei John Carlyle, Australian Chief Instructor, which were attended by more than 30 students each evening, including a contingent from Matsubayashi-ryu dojo in Canberra and New Zealand, including New Zealand Chief Instructor, Sensei Kevin Plaisted.
After three days of training in NSW covering kata, application, kobudo and cultural education, a Dan test was given.
News Post August 14, 2017: 6th Annual Soke Nagamine Memorial Weekend - August 11 &12, 2017
(Soke Takayoshi Nagamine Birthday Commemoration Event) - Cocoa Beach Karate
Practicing Matsubayashi Ryu martial artists from across the continent came together this weekend in Cocoa Beach to honor Soke Takayoshi Nagamine. Soke previously came to visit Cocoa Beach in July of 2011. He was to do so again in 2012, but passed away in April of that year.
In his honor, the six annual Soke Nagamine Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate Memorial Weekend, hosted by Cocoa Beach Karate was held on August 11 and August 12, 2017.
"The primary mission was to remember Soke Nagamine and to celebrate his style of karate," said Sensei Des Chaskelson with Cocoa Beach Karate
News Post August 10, 2917: Matsubayashi Ryu Seminar In Canada with Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi, 10th Dan
On July 31st to August 6th Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi, 10th,visited Canada. Hosted by Steve Trombly, Kyoshi, 7th Dan, training sessions were conducted twice daily. Arakaki Sensei corrected kata and instructed various new aspects of traditional karate. Arakaki Sensei also conducted classes at a number of other Canadian dojos. The Canadian visit by Arakaki Sensei was both very productive and enjoyable to student of matsubayashi Ryul who attended his classes.
News Post June 11, 2017:Matsubayashi Ryu Taikai 2017 in Großefehn
The WMKA/EMKA Matsubayashi Ryu Taikai 2017 was held in Grossefehn/Germany on Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st of May. This yearly event was created by Martin O'Malley Sensei from Ireland in 2015. In this occasion we received Matsubayashi Ryu Karateka from Spain, Norway, England, Ireland, The Netherlands and Germany.
The following Sensei showed and shared their knowledge in Kata, Kumite, Kihon and Kobujutsu:Camani Sensei 7th Dan Kyoshi from Spain, Tuftedal Sensei 6th Dan Renshi from Norway,
Woolsten Sensei 5th Dan from England, Engels Sensei 4th Dan from Germany, Steeg Sensei 4th Dan from Germany, Halen Sensei 3rd Dan from Norway and O'Malley Sensei 3rd Dan from Ireland.
Once the Saturday program came to an end (with 5 Sensei transmitting their knowledge to nearly 50 Matsubayashi Ryu Karateka), an event was celebrated with a BBQ at the Timmeler harbour. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere it was a very nice to social event among Matsubayashi Ryu members; new friends were made and other existing friendships were refreshed. Following the schedule, on Sunday two Sensei also shared their knowledge with the participants. When the 2017 Taikai was over, an impressive long applause of thanks was given to the Sensei for their willingness to share.
It was an amazing event enjoyed very much by all.
Front row: dojo onwer (l-r) Halen Sensei, Prescher Sensei, Engels Sensei, Woolsten Sensei, Camani Sensei, Tuftedal Sensei, Heinz Tessner, Aleman Sensei, O'Malley Sensei.
News Post May 13, 2017: Seminar and Classes in Canada With Arakaki Toshimitsu Sensei 10th Dan, Hanshi-sei July 31st-August 6th, 2017
Sensei Arakaki Toshimitsu will be visiting Canada again from July 31st to August 6th, 2017. The classes and seminar will be hosted by Anshin dojo. Space is limited to 50 people. An attendance fee of $150 includes all classes that week and the seminar on Saturday and Sunday. Please contact: Stephen Trombley by email at email@example.com with your RSVP to reserve your spot as soon as possible.
(Mon) July 31, 2017 10:00 - 11:30 Morning Karate Class
19:30 - 21:00 Evening Karate Class
(Tue) August 1, 2017 10:00 - 11:30 Morning Karate Class
To Be Announced
(Wed) August 2, 2017 10:00 - 11:30 Morning Karate Class
19:30 - 21:00 Evening Karate Class
(Thu) August 3, 2017 10:00 - 11:30 Morning Karate Class
Private Dinner
(Fri) August 4, 2017 10:00 - 11:30 Morning Karate Class
19:30 - 21:00 Evening Karate Class
(Sat) August 5, 2017 10:00 - 16:00 (break 12-1) Seminar at Anshin Karate Dojo
(Sun) August 6, 2017 Tour of Stratford
News Post: From Okinawa. October 24, 2016
Karate No Hi 2016 "Guiness Challenge" for the
Guiness Book of World Records
3973 Participants Perform Fukyugata Ichi
Every year Karate No Hi (Karate Day), hold something exciting and fun. The main road in Naha "Kokusai Dori" is blocked off for demonstations by karate masters of the various Okinawan karate styles as well as students from many dojos in Okinawa performing either on stage or in the street.
This year (2016) on October 23, during the Karate No Hi festival, a world record was set with 3973 karate participants performing Fukyugata Ichi simultaneously by the count. There were 100 judges closely observing the demonstation. For the category of "Simultaneous karate demonstration with the largest number of participants", a new world record was acheived, vastly exceeding the previous record of 809 participants in India set in August 2013.
As Fukyugata Ichi was created by O'Sensei Shoshin Nagamine, this event holds a special meaning for the many Matsubayashi-Ryu practitioners throughout the world.
This event was broadcast live througout the world on YouTube.
|News Article from Ryukyu Shimpo October, 24 2016
|3973 Participants Performing Fukyugata Ichi
|Okinawan karate masters up front with WMKA President Yoshitaka Taira on the left
News Post: October 29, 2015: United States Seminar in New Mexico with Yoshitaka Taira, Hanshi, 10th Dan, October 16-18, 2015
The USA WMKA seminar featuring Yoshitaka Taira, Hanshi 10th Dan, President of the WMKA occurred over a three day span from October 16-18 at the Shinbukan Dojo of Rio Rancho New Mexico). The event was hosted by Fred Schlesinger, 5th Dan and attended by over fifty Matsubayashi Ryu practitioners from the United States and Canada ranging from Kyu levels through 8th Dan.
The event began with an evening seminar on Friday October 16th and began with O'Sensei's Karate Do Sanka witch participants followed and sang along with. It was followed by an all day seminar on Saturday October 17th which included a Dojo Owners lunch meeting and Dan grading in the afternoon. Several presentations were made during the seminar. The seminar included kihon drills, specific kata review and corrections, kata applications, Sotai Renshu drills and instruction in Sai Kata.
A large dinner party was held on Saturday evening which featured New Mexican food at the famous "El Pinto" restaurant. The seminar continued on Sunday October 18th followed by a party held at the Schlesinger home.
Kaicho Taira was accompanied by Mr. Manabu Kinjo who served as translator and assistant to President Taira. While in New Mexico, Kaicho Taira and Mr.Kinjo visited several scenic areas including a visit to Santa Fe, the capital city.
News Post: From Okinawa. July 9, 2015
Dan grading information and requirements for 2015 USA seminar with President Yoshitaka Taira, 10th Dan, Hanshi (October, New Mexico)
2. The applicant must have approval from the dojo owner to which he/she is a member.
2. The requirements for the dan level must be satisfied.
4. The form should be emailed to Mr. Manabu Kinjo (new overseas director) at:
email@example.com along with all neccssary documents such as the copy of the current Dan certificate. The deadline for the application is September 15 th (almost one month prior to the seminar).
5. Do not send the seminar testing fees to Okinawa. Please pay cash at the seminar according to the required amounts for each Dan level.
News from Okinawa, May 25, 2015
Thank you message from Okinawa
Dear WMKA members,
I hope everything is well with you in your countries. We are always grateful for your support and cooperation with Okinawa headquarters. I was able to keep working as an overseas manager because of your help and support. At this time however, I reluctantly have to resign as current overseas manager and leave the WMKA.
I had my backache surgery in February 2013. Although, I tried to resume my karate practice a few times, it never worked out and I have to give up my karate and leave the WMKA.
I have been working as secretary starting in 2008 and then as an overseas manager since 2012. I tried to be a bridge between Okinawa and overseas including the mainland of Japan and always reported only the facts to both side. I also tried to propose a "Win-Win" approach and solutions for both overseas and Okinawa because I was very close to both of them as an overseas manager. Though, I didn't know if it was good enough for both side, I did my best.
I just happened to be present within three big occasions for Okinawa and WMKA members during this period. The biggest and saddest incidence was the sudden passing away of Soke Takayoshi Nagamine on April 25, 2012. It was shocking and unbelievable news not only for WMKA members around the world but also for all of our karate society in Okinawa. Nobody can fill his Vacancy!
The second event was "The Ceremony of the 75th Foundation Anniversary of World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do & the 13th Memorial Karate-Do Demonstration for Grand Master the Late Shoshin Nagamine" in 2010. The third event was "The Memorial Karate-Do Seminar & Exchange Demonstration 2014 for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa". Both events were very successful because of your support and cooperation.
I want to thank you all from bottom of my heart. I also request your full cooperation with Mr. Manabu Kinjowho is the new overseas manager after me. I want you contact and send all documents to him starting today. His email address is email@example.com and postal mail address is 2-17 Mawashi-cho, Shuri, Naha-city, Okinawa, Japan 903-0816. Although I gave up my karate and am leaving the WMKA, I will enjoy the WMKA Website as one of its visitors.
I pray for you and WMKA the best and prosperous future!
Sincerely yours,
Riki Nomura
2015 Seminar Specific Information From Hosting Dojo Owners
Follow links for registration, schedules and information for each seminar.
Seminar #1 Canada Seminar with Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi, 10th dan, June 24-27, 2015: Click here for registration, waiver and schedule
Seminar #3 Englad Seminar with Toshimitsu Arakaki, Hanshi, 10th dan, September 18-19, 2015: Click here for registration, waiver, schedule and information Click here for poster
Seminar #4 United States Seminar in New Mexico with Yoshitaka Taira, Hanshi, 10th dan, October 16-18, 2015 SEMINAR FULL
Click here for hotel and schedule information
To view the entire list of seminars, please refer to the news item and table below: "Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Seminars 2015 in Overseas Including Mainland of Japan".
News From Okinawa: April 29, 2015
April 25, 2015/平成27年4月25日
Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Seminars 2015 in Overseas Including Mainland of Japan
松林流空手道セミナー2015 in 海外&県外
Dear WMKA members
I hope everything is well with your daily and karate life wherever you live. I want to thank you for your dedication and support of the WMKA. "The Memorial Karate-Do seminar & Exchange Demonstration 2014 for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa" was very successful because of your cooperation from around the world. Many members attended the memorial events but many others couldn't come to Okinawa due to their health or job situations. We discussed about the seminars during the dojo owners' meeting. We agreed that it is very important to have seminars overseas to strengthen our bond and the WMKA. We are announcing the seminars for 2015 based on the table below. I expect that many members from around the world will attend the seminars to confirm and improve upon your karate to the highest levels you can achieve. We can also meet many old friends or find many new friends during these seminars..
Sincerely Yours,
President Yoshitaka Taira
Seminar within this period
講 師
国 名
Hosting Dojo Owner
June 23 to 30
Toshimitsu Arakaki Hanshi 10th dan
新垣 敏光 範士10段
Steve Trombley kyoshi 7th dan
August 29 to September 6
Toshimitsu Arakaki Hanshi 10th dan
新垣 敏光 範士10段
Engels Guido 4th dan
September 12 to 20
Toshimitsu Arakaki Hanshi 10th dan
新垣 敏光 範士10段
Steve Woolston 5th dan
October 12 to 23
Yoshitaka Taira Hanshi 10th dan
New Mexico USA
ニューメキシコ州 米国
Fred Schlesinger 5th dan
October 30 to November 2
Toshimitsu Arakaki Hanshi 10th dan
新垣 敏光 範士10段
Shizuoka Japan
Masaaki Kohagura Kyoshi 8th dan
小波藏 政昭 教士8段
February 2016
2016年 2月~
Toshimitsu Arakaki Hanshi 10th dan
新垣 敏光 範士10段
John Carlyle 5th dan
< Remarks> The concrete seminar schedule will be posted on WMKA Website by hosting dojo owners based on their plan.
News from Okinawa: January 1, 2015
New Year's Greeting from the President
Dear WMKA members from around the world,
A Happy New Year! I congratulate you all in welcoming a bright and hopeful New Year 2015!
We are very grateful for your strong support and cooperation for the "The Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2014 for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa". The events were great and successful.
I am sure both Shoshin Osensei and Takayoshi Soke were very glad and convinced about the strong bond & solidarity among all WMKA members throughout the world.
Okinawa prefecture is planning to build "Karate Hall" for "Birth place of karate" and it was officially named as "Okinawa Karate Kaikan" in all languages. This year, all of the Okinawa karate societies will unite and work for the registration of "Okinawa traditional karate" to be listed on "UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List".
Okinawa karate is the valuable product of wisdom, blood & sweat of many karate masters for many generations. We will honestly preserve the original kata of Okinawa karate and spread it throughout the world with an unyielding strong mind.
At the end of my greeting, let's make this year a new kick off for furthering the future progress of theWMKA.
In Japanese culture, 2015 is called "The Year of Sheep" which originally came from "The twelve Zodiac signs in Chinese astrology". Please enjoy finding your own symbolic animal in the attached table. We do have a Japanese proverb "Warau kado niwa fuku kitaru!" which means "Laughter brings happiness to your home".
I pray for you and your family the best health and smiling happiness in "The Year of Sheep"!
Sincerely yours,
Yoshitaka Taira
President of WMKA
Attached below: "The twelve Zodiac signs from ancient Chinese astrology"
会長 平良慶孝
ハイサイ ぐすーよう 心からしがた若くないみそち いい正月でーびる !輝かしい希望に満ちた新年を迎え謹んでお慶び申し上げます。
結びに、世界松林流空手道連盟の更なる飛躍の年でありたい。 今年は、日本流で言うと羊年「笑う門には福来たる」です。羊(ひつじ)年が笑顔あふれる年になるよう、皆々様ご家族のご健康ご多幸を祈念し、年頭の挨拶と致します。
2015年 元旦
News from Okinawa: December 20, 2014
The Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2014
for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa"
宗家 長嶺高兆 追善空手道セミナー&交流演武会2014in 沖縄
Dear WMKA members Merry Christmas 2014and A Happy New Year 2015 !
The event was great and successful because of your support and cooperation. Though, you may be enjoying it on facebook from many dojo owners who attend the events, I will add some news from Okinawa.
We had more than 250 participants including spouses and parents of boys and girls from nine countries around the world. The two-day karate-do seminar was held on both October 31st & November 1 at the Okinawa Prefectural Martial arts hall in Naha City, Okinawa. We had a Dan promotion test, an "Exchange" demonstration and "Exchange" party on November 2, 2014. Please refer to the "Demonstration Program" for detailed information. I will send the program to all dojo owners who couldn't come to Okinawa because of their health conditions or job situations.
Okinawa Headquarters was very glad and happy to host the many WMKA members from overseas including mainland of Japan. I attached some Snapshot Photos during the events.
Left photo; The memorial photos of both Founder Shoshi Nagamine and Soke Takayoshi Nagamine with the WMKA flag and the Memorial events banner. Right photo; The Karate-do seminar was instructed by president Yoshitaka Taira hanshi 10th dan and other high ranking teachers.
Left photo; Four judges and 25 winners of Dan promotion test. Right photo; Kusanku kata bunkai by three top directors from left to right, Toshimitsu Arakaki hanshi 10th dan , Yoshitaka Taira hanshi 10th dan & Iwao Tome hanshi 9th dan.
Left & right photos; The last demonstration kata " Fukyugata Ⅰ",founded by Shoshi Nagamine Osensei, was commanded by president Taira and performed by all participants to close the Memorial events for Soke.
The above photo was taken during the Memorial Exchange Demonstration on November 2, 2014 at the Okinawa prefectural Martial Arts Hall Rensei Dojo 2nd floor. We had more than 250 participants including parents of boys and girls. Unfortunately, even the professional photographer couldn't get the whole Dojo floor including the many parent groups into the photo.
Everybody was happy and enjoyed the Exchange party at Southern Plaza Kaiho Hotel from 18:00 to 20:00 after the Memorial Karate Demonstration on November 2, 2014. Many groups jumped on stage spontaneously or reluctantly and exhibited their own country's old or new folk songs or folk rock. The party was in full swing without an ending and finally was forced out by the Hotel manager at 10pm!
Please refer to the quotes from who attended the events from outside Okinawa including mainland of Japan.
Sincerely Yours
Riki Nomura, Overseas manager of WMKA in Okinawa
Quotes from those who attended the events from outside Okinawa including mainland of Japan.
1.Martin O'Malley 3rd dan Ireland : 'The Memorial Seminar and Exchange Demonstration for Soke Nagamine in Okinawa was a wonderful opportunity to come together to celebrate the life and teaching of Soke Nagamine, to reaffirm old friendships, to make new ones, and to see the strength of the group which Soke Nagamine has left behind. This event, the first world seminar since his passing, marks the beginning of a new era for Matsubayashi-ryu and the WMKA as we work together to not only maintain, but to build upon his work in promoting Matsubayashi-ryu worldwide."
2.Steve Will 5th dan New Jersey USA : "It was an honor for my student and I to be part of the WMKA family that got together to keep the memory of Soke alive and in our hearts. We trained with the senior instructors of Matsubayashi-ryu as well as our peers from around the world. We also got to experience the culture and nature of Okinawa."
3.Steve Woolston 5th dan England : "With being the only dojo in England currently studying Matsubayashi-ryu karate, the recent event in Okinawa allows us a fantastic opportunity to meet, train and become great friends with many other practitioners from throughout the world. I would like to thank all of the teachers throughout the event for their time and patience, and for showing us how Matsubayashi-ryu karate should be performed. "
4.Lara Chamberlain renshi 6th dan California USA : "Kaicho Yoshitaka Taira, President of WMKA, and the entire WMKA Committee stand as the Grand Tree that gives us many branches, strength, and unity. The seminar was well organized, forging a new path into the modern era, yet touched us all with tradition as exemplified by the sharing of Karate-do Sanka. Practitioners gathered from around the globe to give demonstrations of Karate and Kokoro, partaking in the spirit of Okinawa by cultivating friendships."
5.Des Chaskelson 5th dan Florida USA : "I was humbled and privileged and honored to be able to attend the recent WMKA Matsubayashi-Ryu Memorial Seminar in Okinawa 2014 with two of my students, Jason Christian and Stu Warren, who were promoted at the event to shodan and nidan respectively. It was a big honor for us to be there and to perform kata at the Memorial Ceremony for Soke Nagamine and to train with WMKA members from around the world. We look forward to many more years of training and events with the WMKA."
6.Reece Cummings 4th dan Australia:"The recent seminar held in honour of the late Soke Takayoshi Nagamine was a great success and tribute to the strength of an organisation he led. The seminar and training allowed students to experience karate and culture in the birthplace of karate, and has developed their passion for Okinawan karate even further. The experience was especially significant for the children as it has ensured their continued practice into the future."
7.Anthony Gibson 3rd dan Canada : "It was a privilege to participate in the memorial event for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine. I am grateful for the karate and global friendships Soke has given us. It was great to practice karate with fellow WMKA members from around the world. Arigato Gozaimasu."
8.Guido Engels 4th dan Germany : "I like to say thank you and to all the helping hands in the background and to all the great teachers for your warm and heartily welcome to Okinawa, it was an amazing and unforgettable time for us. During our visit to Okinawa we met old friends and get new friends, that is great. I hope to see you in the near future".
9.Kevin Plaisted kyoshi 8th New Zealand: "Thank you to all the Matsubayashi Ryu masters, sensei's Taira, Arakaki and Tome, the seminars and memorial demonstrations were a wonderful event to be part of. Another highlight for us was participating at the karate day event on Kokusai Dori, performing Gojushiho with sensei's Steve Trombley, Fred Schlesinger and their members. It was great catching up with all the dojo owners and students from around the world. Fantastic visit and we looking forward to the next world seminar."
10.Heinz Tessner 3rd dan Germany : "For me it was an amazing time, wonderful organized, perfect conditions. It was great to meet the friends from the last WMKA seminar in 2010 again and it was also fantastic to make new friends. All in the same spirit, all with the same feelings: to support, to learn, to have a great time with Matsubayashi Ryu".
11.Gerard Cappiello renshi 6th dan New York USA : "I would like to Thank all of the board members and all of the participants for making Soke Takayoshi Nagamine memorial event so successful! But most of all I would like to thank the Nagamine family for bringing Matsubayashi to the world and showing me "THE WAY" for the last 32 years".
12.Steve Trombley kyoshi 7th dan Canada: It was an honor and a privilege to participate in Soke's memorial in Okinawa. To see all the different dojo from around the world, work in harmony and honor a great man. He touched many lives I will miss his smile.
13.Ryan Yokota 4-Kyu Chicago, IL USA: "Overall I felt that this seminar was a rare honor, and I appreciated immensely the feedback received from the many sensei that helped me to improve on various aspects of my form. The organization of the seminar was superb and I was very happy to have additional opportunities to train with Shinzato-sensei at the Kodokan Shinzato Karate Dojo and with members of the Kanto District Headquarters Karate Dojo after the seminar ended. Seeing the various participants and instructors in action provided me with inspiration to continue to improve and advance in my training. I definitely hope to visit and train again!"Thanks again for all your help in organizing this seminar event!!
14.Fred Schlesinger 5th dan New Mexico USA: "We were very pleased with so many of the wonderful aspects of this year's "Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2014 for Soke." Our sincere thanks go to the WMKA board and Mr. Riki Nomura in Okinawa for the hard work and successful organization of the event. Seeing, catching up with, meeting and training with so many friends from around the world was fantastic, as was all the great instruction received at the seminar. It was truly wonderful to see so many supportive Matsubayashi-Ryu karateka from around the world come together in such unity and friendship and we believe that both O' Sensei Nagamine and Soke T. Nagamine would have been tremendously pleased."
15. Steve Bate 3rd dan Arizona USA: "Traveling to Okinawa, the birthplace of Karate-do was a dream I've had for many years and it finally came true. Participating in the memorial seminar for Soke is something that I will never forget. The best part was meeting the leadership of WMKA and the many Matsubayashi-Ryu practitioners from around the world."
16.Fred Christian kyoshi 8th dan Illinois USA:"The kindness of the leadership during the recent karate seminar was deeply valued by all who attended. The event was well-organized and allowed for the students to focus on meaningful training and camaraderie. Thank you to all who made the event a success."
17.John Carlyle 5th dan Australia: "The recent Soke Nagamine Memorial Seminar held at the Budokan Building in Naha, Okinawa was a resounding success, as all participants would attest to. The Australian contingent thoroughly enjoyed the training, the unhindered access to important information on Matsubayashi-Ryu karate-do and of course, the comradeship of like-minded karate ka from around the world. Such events organised by the Board of Directors of the WMKA have a profound effect on the standardisation of Matsubayashi-Ryu techniques worldwide and they must be commended on their foresight in achieving this result. I will certainly attend any other organised events in the future as they can be only beneficial to the development of our style of karate-do."
19.Michael O'Neill 2nd Dan Ireland: "The seminar was a great opportunity for all Matsubayashi practitioners to remember and honour the O Sensei Shoshin Nagamine and Soke Nagamine while providing an opportunity to meet other practitioners from all over the world and to train with the senior instructors of the organisation in Okinawa."
19.壬生 進紀 錬士6段:長嶺高兆宗家追善空手道セミナー&交流演武大会では、長嶺宗家の教えの元、世界の多くの門下生の皆様が沖縄に集いとても有意義な時間を過ごすことができましたこと、御礼申し上げます。松林流空手は、空手発祥の地である沖縄で脈々と続く伝統空手であります。沖縄伝統空手がユネスコの無形文化遺産に登録することが検討されている中、伝統空手の地位の向上、継承者発展が目的とされその意義が求められています。本物である沖縄空手を後世に伝える役割も私たちにはあるのではないでしょうか。
今後も宗家の教えを心に精進してまいります。- 力まずに鍛えこなしてあの世まで。-
20.林 訓美 教士7段 関東地区本部長 : 全世界から集まった松林流の幹部と仲間が、那覇の武道館一同に会うせた事は、沖縄の諸先生方及び事務局の皆さまのご苦労の賜物と感謝申し上げます。 関東本部が故長嶺将真先生の伝統空手を学び、又、若い人達に自信を持って教えらるのも、こう言う空手道セミナーのお蔭だと思っております。 そして平良先生の形を拝見し、日頃の練習の大切さも学びました。最後に、大会直前に他界し本大会に参加できなかった、当道場の故新美万佐雄3段の息子貴斗への温かい平良会長のお言葉に、関東本部長として感謝申し上げます。
21.小波藏政昭 教士8段 東海地区本部長:沖縄伝統空手道の伝授は、言葉や文字や写真ビデオ等では、本当の姿の伝授は不可能である。昔から武道の妙諦は教外別伝不立文字の極致に於いて会得せらる可きもの也といわれる。即ち武道の本質は心から心へ伝えるもので、文字言句によっては得られないとし、師と弟子は心と心のふれ合いから、いのちがけの体究練磨をへて以心伝心する以外に武芸の伝授の道はない。沖縄総本部の先生方の技に直接触れまたその心に接する大変貴重な機会を与えていただきありがとうございました。 合掌
News Post: 2014 Dojo Opening and Seminar in Canada
Yoshitaka Taira Sensei, 10th dan Hanshi, and president of the World Matsubayashi Ryu Karate-do Assosciation, was in Canada from July 24 through August 1st to officially open the Ryu Shin karate dojo. While in Canada, Taira Sensei also conducted a three day seminar. Here are the highlights of his visit.
1) Taira Sensei conducted a three day seminar. Students from Canada, the USA, and as far away as Argentina were in attendance. The first two days of the seminar included basics, kata, and advanced bunkai techniques. The third day was dedicated to bojutsu. Students were introduced to bo basics, bo basic kata, as well as Shushi no kin ichi and Choun no kin ichi.
2) After the seminar the official opening ceremony for Mr.Anthony Gibson's new school, Ryu Shin karate, took place. The ceremony was well attended and included speeches and demonstrations from several WMKA Sensei's and Taira Sensei himself. In attendance also was the Deputy Mayor of Clarington, Mr. Willie Woo, who presented Mr.Gibson with a Grand Opening certificate, on behalf of city council.
3) Once the ceremony and dinner were complete, Taira Sensei made a special presentation to Shigehide Akamine Sensei from Argentina (originally Okinawa). Taira Sensei presented a very unexpecting Akamine Sensei with the rank of Kudan, 9th degree black belt. This was a very emotional moment.
4) Now that the events were over, Mr.Gibson took Taira Sensei and Akamine Sensei(as well as some of his students) sightseeing. In Toronto they visited the CN tower followed by dinner at the only Okinawan restaurant in Toronto. The following day meant a trip to Niagara falls, where Taira Sensei took part in the Maid of the Mist boat cruise which travels right to the base of the powerful falls.
5) The final two days were spent relaxing at Mr.Gibson's cottage on Shadow lake. It was a time to reflect and experience some Canadian wilderness. Taira Sensei experienced his first ever campfire and enjoyed the scenic boat ride around the lake.
Quote from Mr.Gibson:"The entire event and visit were a resounding success. Many thanks go out to all the participants, particularly those whose travelled great distances. Thank you to Akamine Sensei who helped translate for Taira Sensei.
It is a very busy year for both Taira Sensei and the WMKA, with the Soke Nagamine memorial event taking place later this year. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Taira Sensei for taking the time to come all this way to open my school. It is very humbling to have someone of his stature take the time for someone like myself who is just beginning his journey.
News Post:Announcement from Okinawa February 14, 2014
Announcement from Okinawa February 14, 2014 沖縄ニュース 平成26年 2月14日
"The Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2014
for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa"
<宗家 長嶺高兆追善空手道セミナー&交流演武会2014in 沖縄>
Dear WMKA members, 当連盟の会員の皆さまへ
We are glad to announce the final fixed date for the" Memorial Events for Soke" today. We are expecting to see you all in Okinawa and hope you can meet many WMKA members from around the world.
宗家 長嶺高兆 追善行事の最終日程をお知らせします。 全会員の皆様と沖縄で会えることを楽しみにしています。
The Final fixed date of the Memorial events for Soke are < 最終日程 >:
1. Date &Contents of the Events:From October 31st to November 2nd ( 3-Days) 10月31日~11月2日
Date (week) 月日(曜日)
Time 時間
Contents 内容
October 31 (Fri) 10月31日(金)
10:00 to 16:00
Karate-Do Seminar 空手道セミナー
17:00 to 19:00
Dojo Owners Meeting 道場主会議
November 1 (Sat) 11月1日土)
10:00 to 16:00
Karate-Do Seminar 空手道セミナー
November 2 (Sun) 11月2日(日)
09:00 to 12:00
Dan Promotion Test 昇段審査
14:00 to 17: 00
Exchange Demonstration 交流演武会
18:00 to 21:00
Exchange Party 交流会
2. Venues : Okinawa Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts / Rensei Dojo 2nd Floor
3. Due date for application , application format, requirements for dan promotion test , seminar fees & payment and other detail information will be announced in Website's SECURE PAGE by the first week in March.
Sincerely Yours, 敬具
President Yoshitaka Taira 会長 平良慶孝
World Matsubayashi-Ryu karare-Do Association 世界松林流空手道連盟
< Attachments> :The leaflet for the Memorial events
<添付資料> :大会リーフレット
News Post: News from Okinawa February 11, 2014
This event will be the first PREMIER LEAGUE in Japan sponsored by World Karate Federation (WFK) and managed by Japan Karatedo Federation(JKF) and will open in Okinawa on August 30 & 31,2014. We are very grateful to both the WKF and the JKF for their consideration to Okinawa as " The Birth Place of Karate". The Venue will be at the Okinawa Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts.
The Okinawa prefectural Karatedo Federation (OKF) dispatched two staff members to France to study and observe the "OPEN DE PARIS-KARATEPREMIER LEAGUE" from January 7 to 12, 2014. One is WMKA Dojo Owner Mr. Atsushi Kakazu renshi 6th dan & vice chairman of OKF directors and the other is Mr. Toshiya Miyagi Goju-ryu 5th dan & a chief secretary of OKF.
The photo shows JKF & OKF staff with the Japanese competitions in Paris Premier League.
Mr. Atsushi Kakazu. ; 2nd from left in 2nd row.
Mr. Toshiya Miyagi ; 3rd from right in 2nd row.
Sincerely Yours,
Riki Nomura
Overseas manager
News Post, February 3, 2014: Dojo Opening and Seminar in Canada With President Yoshitaka Taira
Dojo Opening and Seminar
Seminar 9 am-12 pm & 1-3 pm
Photos & book signing 3-4 pm
4-5pm Dojo opening ceremony
6 pm Closing dinner
News Post, February 2, 2014: News Post from Okinawa
President Yoshitaka Taira visted Hawaii from January 15 to 21,2014
The Okinawa Prefectural Government is planing to build the Karatedo Kaikan, Karate Hall (tentative name), starting this year and open it next year. The location will be in the neighboring castle ruin in Tomigusuku city, which is about 1.7 km from the current Okinawa Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts. As a part of the project, four karate teachers and some of the project's staff were dispatched to Hawaii, (where Okinwan karate was first introduced overseas in the early 20th century) to investigate the karate history in Hawaii including Hawaii University's karate collection and to give a karate-do seminar in Hawaii. The four teachers were Taira sensei (Matsubayashi-ryu), Shimabukuro sensei (Shorin-ryu), Shinjo sensei ( Uechi-ryu) and Yagi sensei (Goju-ryu). The participants from Hawaii had a chance to learn from four teachers directly and experienced the difference between each karate style at the joint workout.They also particpated in intensive karate practice under their own separate teachers.
Refer to the photos which were sent by WMKA Dojo Owner Mr. Uemura renshi 6th dan in Hawaii.
Left photo;President Taira with karate-do seminar participants on January 18th in Hawaii
Right photo (from right to left); Shinjo sensei, Taira sensei, Shimabukuro sensei, Yagi sensei from Okinawa and Teruya sensei who was a host coordinator that arranged the karate-do seminar in Hawaii.
Left photo; Yakusoku kumite: President Taira and WMKA Dojo Owner Mr. Uemura Renshi 6th dan in Hawaii.
Right photo; President Taira with seminar participants.
News Post, January 1, 2014: Greeting from Okinawa
January 1, 2014
A New Year's Greeting from Okinawa
Dear WMKA members around the world,
A Happy New Year to everyone around the world. I pray for you the best in 2014 wherever you live.
As we all know, we had very sad news for the past two consecutive years. They were the most severe hardships for us since the starting of the WMKA in 1960's. To overcome this difficult situation, we have been working together hand to hand and heart to heart. We feel strong support and harmony from our members throughout the world which have made us move forward. I want to state three movements since last year to show that the teaching of both Sokes and the essence of Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do are deeply inscribed in everyone's heart and mind.
First. Dojo Owner License Renewal. All previous Dojo Owners under Soke renewed their Dojo Owner License and we also have added some new members last year as you can notice in the WMKA Website Dojo pages.
I am sure it made both Sokes very happy.
Second. "Honoring Soke Takayoshi Nagamine and his Legacy"was in "Official Karate Magazine" last year. The article gave us energy to unite and move forward step by step together with all our members around the world. Though we have to mourn for Soke Nagamine for many more years, this movement confirmed to us that we can continue and spread his legacy for future generations.
Third. Many karate practice trips to Okinawa from overseas including visits from mainland Japan. We are hosting many karate practice groups in Okinawa since last year as you can see in the WMKA Website news pages. Though Soke hosted them all by himself in the past, we have to host them as a group and visitors have to travel from Dojo to Dojo. The teachers in Okinawa are enjoying teaching them and it helps both the teachers and visitors know each other in a more personal face to face way.
This year. I want to announce and ask your full cooperation to help in the success of the three main events.
First. "Magazine article of Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine on Official karate"
We will have another chance to post an article in "Official Karate magazine" about Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine this year. Mr. Des Chaskelson 5th dan in Florida will be a coordinator between Official Karate Magazine and WMKA including Okinawa Headquarters. We want everybody to work together to compile the article with Mr. Chaskelson as they did with the Soke's article last year.
Second. "The Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2014 for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa". The tentative date of the event is from October 31st to November 2nd at the Okinawa Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts Rensei Dojo, 2nd Floor. We will post the fixed schedule as soon as we have the answer from the Hall of Martial Arts' office within January 2014.
Third. Karate practice trips to Okinawa.Though the first priority is the Memorial event for Soke in November, we still can host your karate trips to Okinawa based on your schedule, but only if you can visit Okinawa twice in 2014. If you have to choose one, please attend the "Event of Soke". If you still want to arrange your karate practice schedule together with the event, we would prefer it after the event. We may be busy before the event and may have hard time hosting you but it also depends on how many groups will come at the same time.
To finish my greeting, I pray for the best and am expecting to see you all in Okinawa in November 2014.
Sincerely Yours,
President Yoshitaka Taira
World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association.
News Post, December 10, 2013: News from Okinawa; December 10, 2013
Dear WMKA Members around the world,
Below is a list of the karate practice trips to Okinawa from overseas including that of mainland Japan from August to November, 2013.
Dan Promotion Tests;We had four dan promotion tests; three of them were for overseas participants and one was for the annual Autumn test in Okinawa.
1. August 29th; Mr. Craig Gould received his 3rd dan certificate in Okinawa. He is a student of Mr. Lawrence Uemura Renshi 6th dan in Hawaii USA. He currently lives in China and has been teaching English in China for some years. Mr. Gould is familiar with Japanese character Kanji which was introduced from China thousands of years ago and he was able to read all of the Japanese Kanji sign boards on both sides of the road. As there are no WMKA Dojos in China, he practices karate by himself. Mr. Gould is also practicing Japanese Kendo in China and has many Kendo friends there. He was in Okinawa from August 16 to 28.
Here is a quote from Mr. Craig Gould in China:"I have visited Okinawa seven times; however, this was my first visit in the super-hot month of August. The training was so hard! I almost dropped dead during each class. I would like to express my deep thanks to Arakaki Sensei, Shinjo Sensei, and Miyagi Sensei for looking after me so well. Also, a deep thank you to Taira Sensei for his kind words during the exam. And finally, thanks to everyone at The Dojo Bar for keeping me fueled! The more I visit, the more I realize how Okinawa is truly a beautiful and special place."
November 16th;We had an annual Autumn promotion test in Okinawa. Mr. Hayato Funakoshi and Mr. Shota Miyaguni promoted to 2nd and 3rd dan together.
Left picture; Tome sensei, Higa sensei, Mr.Gould 3rd Dan, Taira sensei, Arakaki sensei & Shinjo sensei
Right picture; Back row Mr. Funakoshi 2nd Dan, Mr. Miyaguni 3rd Dan and Mr. Yamazato Kyoshi 8th Dan.
Front row; Tome sensei, Taira sensei, Arakaki sensei, Shinjo sensei and Miyagi sensei (five judges)
October 14th; Mr. Anthony Gibson from Canada promoted to 3rd dan. He joined the New Zealand group and stayed in Okinawa about two weeks. Mr. Kevin Plaisted kyoshi 7th dan and Mr. Tim Herlihy 5th dan came with their four students to Okinawa, stayed from October 5th to 17th and practiced karate at the Taira Dojo. They have been students of president Taira for many years and practice at Taira Dojo. We do have a consensus that Soke's students will be hosted by all Dojo Owners in Okinawa. We alsodo have Dojo Owners' meetings on how to host your karate practice before you come to Okinawa depend on your schedule.
Here is a quote from Mr. Gibson:"It was an honor and privilege to test at the Nagamine dojo in front of such respected masters. I always cherish my visits to Okinawa and the people who make it so special. Arigato Gozaimasu"
Mr. Herlihy's quote: "Training once again at Jitchaku dojo to fine tune kihon, kata and kobudo is always a pleasure and attending the"Gateway to Okinawa" seminar held at the Budokan to support Taira Sensei was also a high light for the kiwi's. Day trips that included historical site visits, attending the amazing "Naha great tug of war" and visiting the many Karate master monuments was very exciting and thoroughly enjoyed by us all. Practicing with many WMKA friends was fantastic and we hope to see everyone again in 2014."
Left picture; Mr. Gibson at center with Higa sensei, Tome sensei, Taira sensei, Arakaki sensei & Shinjo sensei
Right picture; New Zealand Mr. Plaisted Kyoshi 7th dan, Mr. Herlihy 5th dan, Mr. Johnston 1st dan, Ms. Halyard 2nd kyu and Mr. Gibson 3rd dan from Canada. Okinawa ; President Taira , Higa sensei Hanshi 9th dan, Mr. Higa Renshi 6th dan and Mr. Taira brown belt.
October 24th; Mr. Steve Woolston came to Okinawa to take a 4th Dan Evaluation test in Okinawa from England. He was once in EMKA for a short term but left and now a member of Matsubayashi Ryu International in Ireland. They practice Matsubayashi-Ryu 18-kata and 7-Yakusoku kumite as same as us. But he didn't have any WMKA Dan Certificate from Soke himself or from any WMKA Dojo Owners. He strongly wanted to learn traditional Matsubayashi-Ryu karate-Do, and to be affiliated into WMKA. He sent his sincere letter to president Taira. The top three directors discussed it very carefully to answer his letter and accept his request. He passed the test and earned a 4th Dan certificate together with WMKA Dojo Owner License. He is a first authorized WMKA Dojo Owner in England. Please drop in his dojo and help him to spread Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do in England when you visit Europe.
Mr. Woolston's quote:"I am honored that my dojo has been accepted as full members of the WMKA, and proud to be their first representative in England. During my recent trip to Okinawa I trained twice per day and thank all the Sensei that I trained under for their time and patience; we are now busy working our way through the various corrections to kata and yakusoku kumite.As I am sure everyone in the WMKA around the world is, we are now very much looking forward to the event planned for October 2014 in memorial to Soke Takayoshi Nagamine, and I am sure that we will be lucky enough to make many new friends in Matsubayashi-ryu from around the world."
Both pictures show Mr. Woolston's 4th Dan Evaluation Test under President Taira, Tome sensei, Higa sensei & Shinjo sensei in the Nagamine Honbu Dojo on October 24th, 2013.
Other karate trip groups to Okinawa
1. Karate trip from the mainland of Japan; Mr. Yuichi Danjo Renshi 6th dan from Osaka district practiced at the Nagamine Dojo on August 29th . Mr. Katsuhiro Tsukamoto Renshi 6th dan and Mr. Keisuke Satonaka 4th dan from Tokai district practiced karate at both the Shinzato and Makishi Dojo on October 14 & 15th. Unfortunately, I don't have their photos.
2. Three Karate trip groups from the USA between October 8 to 22nd. They were Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Cappiello Renshi 6th dan from New York, Mr. and Mrs. Mastin Scott Renshi 6th dan with his two students from Ohio, Mr. Steve Will with his two students from New Jersey. They practiced karate at six Dojos, Taira Dj/Arakaki Dj/Tome Dj/Namanie Dj/Shinzato Dj & Miyagi Dojo. They also observed the 3rd Dan promotion test of Mr. Anthony Gibson in the Nagamine Dojo and enjoyed visiting many sightseeing spots in Okinawa.
Quote from Mr. Cappiello:"In my opinion, if any one person is serious about Okinawan Karate they should make it a point to get to Okinawa. The level of karate is like nowhere else in this world and you can feel the presence of the great Sensei's who have passed and the great Sensei's of the present day throughout the dojos and throughout the island of Okinawa. They teach you (The Way) of karate: and in their way you can find humility, respect, and honor and to be humble. Okinawa is my home away from home (thank you Okinawa and all of the people who live there). I will be there for Soke's Memorial in 2014 with all my honor".
Quote from Mr. Will:"We enjoyed our October trip to Okinawa visiting our roots in karate. We got to meet and train with each of the senior instructors of Matsubayashi-Ryu. It shows how we are one big family within the WMKA. We are looking forward to coming back in November 2014 for the Memorial Event for Soke."
Left picture; First Row: Gerard Cappiello Renshi 6th dan, Tome sensei Hanshi 9th dan, Steve will 5th dan and Mastin Scott Renshi 6th dan. Second row; Laurie Gneiding 2nd dan, Zach Parr 2nd dan, Kise Jyoma brown belt, Masaru Okuma 4th dan, Lora Wert 2nd dan & Carly Aulicky 3rd dan. Right picture ; The karate practice groups from New Zealand, Canada and USA who happened to be in Okinawa and observed the Dan promotion test for Mr. Gibson in the Nagamine Dojo.
3. October 23rd to November 5th; Mr. Ole-Bjorn Tuftedal from Norway visited Okinawa and enjoyed karate practice twice a day at five Dojo; Taira Dj/Tome Dj/Nagamine Dj/Shinzato Dj and Miyagi Dojo. During his stay he practice with Mr. Woolstone from England and also observed his 4th Dan evaluation test in the Nagamine Dojo. They both enjoyed Okinawa together.
Quote from Mr. Tuftedal: "For a European karate teacher it is invaluable to come to Okinawa and practice with and receive instruction from the masters. In the west it is easy to forget about the DO part of karate, but traditional karate-do is about the lifelong Way, working hard learning and through this trying to evolve as a human being.
Many of us are still first generation teachers, i.e. we often come from other styles and have not had the continuous contact with our teachers and with the cultural environment and heritage of Okinawa, and we have not grown up within the tradition. This is equally important for the technical understanding and development. Receiving corrections and learning more is a fundamental necessity. I therefore want to express my immense gratitude to the teachers that host me on my visits.
A pleasant aspect of my last trip was to attend Steve Woolston's test for 4th Dan at the end of October, and I congratulate him with passing. I also welcome him as being the first English dojo owner to join the WMKA/EMKA. Well done!"
4. Mr. Martin O'Malley & Mr. Michael O'Neil from Ireland came to Okinawa for their 2nd trip this year, from November 3 to 9th. They practiced karate twice a day together with the other groups from Norway and USA.
Mr. O'Malley's quote is: "During our visit to Okinawa we had the opportunity to work out at six different Dojo, studying under the expert guidance of the most eminent teachers. All of the teachers worked so hard to welcome us to their Dojo, to help us improve our understanding of Matsubayashi-ryu, and to make our whole visit such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We are looking forward to our next visit to Okinawa and to the Memorial Seminar to honor the memory of Soke Nagamine in November 2014".
Left Picture; Michael O'Neil 2nd dan, Ole-Bjorn Tuftedal Renshi 6th dan, Shinzato sensei Kyoshi 8th dan & Martin O'Maley 3rd dan.
Right picture; Michael O'Neil 2nd dan, Ed Barron Renshi 6th dan, Miyagi sensei Kyoshi 8th dan, Michael Norvell Renshi 6th dan & Martin O'Maley 3rd dan.
5. Mr. Ed Barron Renshi 6th dan and Mr. Michael Norvell Renshi 6th dan from Missouri; They visited Okinawa from November 3 to 10th and practiced at the Taira/Arakaki/Tome/Miyagi and Nagamine Dojos. They also met the members from Ireland and enjoyed many tour spots in Okinawa. They were the last scheduled group to come to Okinawa this year.
Quote from Mr. Barron:"Thank you for all of your help and support that made my Okinawa trip a great success. I was very pleased with the training that I received from all of the dojos that I trained at. I will be forever grateful to all of the senseis that shared with me their knowledge and wisdom of Matsubayashi-ryu. My training at the Hombu dojo was the most personal and emotional because this was the last dojo that I trained with Sensei Soke, a great man that I had known, loved and respected for more than 40 years, for which I will remain eternally grateful."
Quote from Mr. Norvell: "I would like to thank you Mr. Nomura and Kyoshi Tsugio Miyagi, Hanshi Iwao Tome, Kyoshi Shinjo, Bunshiro Nagamine, Hanshi Toshimitsu Arakaki and President Hanshi Yoshitaka Taira for the excellent training we received in Okinawa. WMKA President Yoshitaka Taira, Hanshi, 10th Dan dojo was very intense for me. This outstanding man has a great eye for detail and he and his black belts did not hesitate to school my American behind. Bottom Line. I LOVED IT!!!!! My undivided attention has been caught. "
I sincerely expect to see all of you in Okinawa to make it success of "The Memorial karate-Do seminar and exchange demonstration 2014 for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa" next year.
Sincerely Yours,
Riki Nomura, Overseas manager WMKA
News Post, November 10, 2013: World WMKA Seminars Outside of Okinawa from August-November, 2013
Irish Seminar with Kiyoshi Shinjo sensei, Hanshi, 9th dan
Shinjo Kiyoshi Sensei, Hanshi Kudan, travelled to Ireland from August 10th to August 17th, 2013 to present a seminar at the Dojo of Martin O'Malley in Castlebar Co. Mayo and Anthony Whelan and John Killane in Longford town, Co. Longford. This was the first visit of a teacher from Okinawa since the sad and sudden passing of Soke Nagamine in 2012.
The week began with an open grade training session, which attracted over 40 participants, with a further 25 brown and black belts training every morning for the remainder of the week under Shinjo Sensei's expert guidance. The week saw a thorough review of all basic exercises and fundamental drills, Kata, Kumite, and Bojutsu and was a wonderful opportunity for the students to meet with Shinjo Sensei and to learn from his vast experience in Matsubayashi-ryu.
The last training of the week, a second open grade session, took place in the Longford Dojo where the local students had a chance to work through their basics and Kata as Shinjo Sensei gave his advice and encouragement to all.
As the seminar came to a close, Martin O'Malley thanked Shinjo Sensei for making the long journey from Okinawa to Ireland and presenting such a fantastic seminar, and he thanked the participants for their dedicated support throughout the week. He also said that it was the first visit of an Okinawan teacher since Soke Nagamine passed away, and that he hoped it would 're-establish the tradition started by Soke Nagamine of an annual seminar in Ireland with a teacher from Okinawa'.
L-R: Stephen Trombley, Canada, Michael O'Neill, Ireland,
Group photo from one of the "Open Grade" seminars with Shinjo Sensei in Ireland.
Australia Seminar with Toshimitsu Arakaki sensei, Hanshi, 10th dan
The Matsubayashi-ryu Karate Association of Australia (MKAA) hosted a visit by Toshimitsu Arakaki sensei, 10th dan Hanshi, Vice President of the World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate Association – Okinawa headquarters, to Australia at the end of October 2013. Arakaki sensei conducted seminars over a week at the Harrington, Taree and Wingham dojos of the MKAA. Subjects covered were karate kata, bunkai, kata application and bo jutsu. All subjects were covered extensively and trained in a thorough manner. John Carlyle, Chief Instructor of the MKAA, was pleased with the high number of karate students attending from the 3 dojos as well as the Canberra branch. Most of the senior students took annual leave so they could attend this special training event.
The seminars, which were well attended and filled the dojos each session, gave the karate students the opportunity to study true Okinawan karate under a very senior karate master, something a lot of the participants may have never been able to do except for Arakaki sensei accepting John Carlyle`s invitation to visit Australia.
All participants have gained a greater level of understanding of the true concepts of Matsubayashi-ryu karate as formulated by O`sensei Shoshin Nagamine after this series of seminars conducted by Arakaki sensei.
We are all looking forward to the next big event in October/November 2014 when WMKA dojo`s from all over the world converge on Naha for the memorial seminar for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine.
Canada Seminar with Frank Baehr sensei, Kyoshi, 7th dan
The seminar for Frank Baehr, Kyoshi, 7th dan, from November 22-23, 2013 went well. Schools from Canada and the USA came together to participate in a wonderful and informative seminar. Baehr sensei talked about and had a slideshow about life with O' Sensei Nagamine and what it was like to live with and train in the Honbu dojo when he lived in Okinawa in the early 60s. On Saturday morning he continued and went into both philosophy and history at the dojo. Tony Gibson gave a good slide presentation on history and the relationship that Kobudo has in our style. Saturday afternoon Steve Tromblay, 7th dan Kyoshi continued the seminar with Soke's philosophies and applications for two kata. All in all the seminar went very well.
News Post: November 15, 2013
First Canadian Seminar With Sensei Frank Baehr
Date: November 22 and 23, 2013
Location: Anshin Dojo Mississauga, Canada
Contact: Sensei Trombley (905) 277-4902 or email firstname.lastname@example.com
News from Okinawa: October 12, 2013
Karate-Do Seminars Overseas from Okinawa
1. Karate-Do Seminar with Hanshi Toshimitsu Arakaki 10th dan in Australia
Arakaki sensei will be teaching a karate-do seminar in Harrington Australia from October 26 to 30 (five-days) at both Mr. John Carlyle and Mr. Reece Cummings' Dojos. This will be his first karate-do seminar given overseas, but the second from Okinawa headquarters since the passing away of Soke T. Nagamine (refer to Shinjo sensei's Ireland visit below). Arakaki sensei will leave Okinawa on October 25th and come back on 31st.
If you need more detailed information about the seminar, you can contact both Dojo Owners in Australia.
2. Karate-Do seminar with Hanshi Kiyoshi Shinjo 9th dan in Ireland
Shinjo sensei also taught a karate-do seminar at Mr. Martin O'Malley's Dojo in Ireland from August 11 to 15th (five-days). It was the first karate-do seminar for him and for Okinawa Headquarters since the passing away of Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in April last year. The seminar was sponsored by Mr. O'Malley, was successfully completed by Shinjo sensei and everyone was satisfied the outcome of the seminar.
If you need more detail information about the seminar, you can contact with Mr. Martin O'Malley in Ireland.
3. Official procedure to invite teachers from Okinawa.
If you want to invite a teacher from Okinawa, please submit a letter to President Yoshitaka Taira stating your draft schedule of the seminar. As we are now working on the "Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2014 for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa". We may not be able to grant your request but will discuss it and send you back our decision including future consideration.
4. Official procedure to visit Okinawa for karate practice.
We always welcome you and want to host your karate practice in Okinawa based on your schedule. But we always need a letter from you addressed to President Yoshitaka Taira about your schedule. Even if your students want to visit Okinawa only by themselves, we still need you to send an introduction letter for your students.
Thank you very much. We are always expecting your karate trips to Okinawa.
Sincerely Yours,
President Yoshitaka Taira
World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association
****News Post: September 21, 2013
"The Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2014
for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa"
Dear WMKA members,
It has been a year and a half since the passing away of Soke Takayoshi Nagamine last year. No one or anything can fill his vacancy and we are still in mourning for his loss. But we have to move forward to admire his honor and legacy.
Though the Okinawa headquarters had been halted after passing away of Soke, we were able to restart with your support and cooperation. Unfortunately, we had postponed Soke's original schedule of " World Matsubayashi-Ryu karate-Do Seminar 2013 in Okinawa . However, we have decided to open "The Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2014 for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa".
The venues will be at the "Rensei Dojo" inside the Okinawa Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts where we held the Karate-Do Seminar during
" The Ceremony of the 75th Foundation Anniversary of World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do & the 13th Memorial Karate-Do Demonstration for Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine" in November 2010.
Please refer to the tentative schedule below and contents of the events in this announcement.
We will post the final schedule and the contents of the events later, because we can only reserve the venues after December 1, 2013. However, it is decided to open the events during first week in November 2014 .
The Tentative schedule of the events are :
1. Title of the Event: "The Memorial Karate-Do Seminar and Exchange Demonstration 2014 for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine in Okinawa".
2. Date and Contents of the Events : From October 31st to November 2nd ( 3-Day Seminar)
Date (Week)
October 31 (Fri)
10:00 to 16:00
Karate-Do Seminar
17:00 to 19:00
Dojo Owners Meeting
November 1 (Sat)
10:00 to 16:00
Karate-Do Seminar
November 2 (Sun)
09:00 to 12:00
Dan Promotion Test
14:00 to 17: 00
Exchange Demonstration
18:00 to 21:00
Exchange Party
3. Venues : Okinawa Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts / Rensei Dojo 2nd Floor
We sincerely expect that all WMKA members will be aware of the events and consider your schedule next year for coming to Okinawa in November 2014.
We give our best regards from Okinawa to everyone around the world wherever you live.
Sincerely Yours,
President Yoshitaka Taira
World Matsubayashi-Ryu karare-Do Association
News from Okinawa: September 7, 2013
First, we want to thank for your support and cooperation in remaining and working together for the present and the future of the WMKA. As you all know, the WMKA Dojo Owner License is not a permanent license. You must renew it every year based on the Dojo Owner Agreement. If you don't renew it, you will lose your license.
The current Dojo Owners respect and follow the teaching of Soke and value the Traditional Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do without any modification and are passing it down to future generations.
I am sure you have noticed that the Dojo Owners are listed on the WMKA Website Dojo pages starting with Australia, and followed by New Zealand, Canada, Norway, Germany, Spain, Ireland and the United States of America. The Okinawan dojo owners are shown as well. These are the Dojo Owners who have received a Dojo Owner Licence issued by President Yoshitaka Taira after the passing away of Soko Nagamine on April 25, 2012.
WMKA authorized dojo owners are only those whose photos are shown on this website's dojo pages according to country or state. Please refer to the WMKA Dojo listing pages on this website for detailed information about each authorized Dojo Owner.
Sincerely Yours,
Riki Nomura from Okinawa
News from Okinawa: July 21, 2013
It has been more than one year since the passing away of Soke Takayoshi Nagamine on April 25, 2012. We know you all miss Soke Takayoshi Nagamine together with his vigorous loud voice and his childlike smile. Nobody and nothing can fill his vacancy. Althought we have to mourn for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine for many more years we must continue to work hard and spread his legacy around the world without him. Soke might say "Hi guys- why are you so quiet ? Are you sleeping ? Wake up and move on forwards !"
I think you have all done a great job and it would have made Soke very happy. This is because all previous dojo owners except two (one left and the other we were unable to contact due a mailing address change) remain in WMKA. We also have five new dojo owners of which four are current WMKA members and one is a new member.
I think Soke would say in his supernatural spiritual body: " Thank you everybody. I am glad you didn't forget me. Show me you can do without me !". Since you can't hear from Soke, nor have much news from Okinawa, I want to post miscellaneous news from Okinawa once in a while as the overseas manager. It may not be big news, but I hope you will get some information about Okinawa.
Dan Promotion Test on May 31, 2013.
We had a Dan promotion test at the Nagamine Dojo. Usually we have dan promotion tests twice a year in May and in November. Everyone used to be tested by six teachers and Soke was at the center of them. However, after the passing away of Soke the test was conducted by the five teachers on the picture. Although you all can recognize where it is and the five teachers in the picture, I will explain a little about the pictures. I will also list the names of the teachers on behalf of those WMKA members who may have not have had the chance to come to Okinawa and meet them.
Left side picture: Nagamine Karate Dojo, the birth place of the WMKA. You can see the Grand Master 1st Soke Shoshin Nagamine with "心其正先First purify your mind and手先無手空There is no first attack in karate" on both sides on the front wall.
Right side picture: Mr. Hidenobu Higa hanshi 9th Dan, Mr. Iwao Tome Hanshi 9th Dan & Chairman of the board, President Yoshitaka Taira Hanshi 10th Dan, Vice president Toshimitsu Arakaki Hanshi 10th Dan and Mr. Kyoshi Shinjo Hanshi 9th Dan.
Left picture: Seven students that took the Dan promotion test under five teachers:
For First Dan; Ms.Arakaki, Ms.Tomori, Ms.Ohshiro& Mr.Makish( Okinawa);For 2nd Dan; Mr. O'Neil (Ireland); For 3rd Dan;Mr. O'Malley(Ireland); For 4th Dan; Mr. Okuma (Okinawa).
Right picture:Mr. Martin O'Malley 3rd Dan and Mr.Michael O'Neill 2nd Dan were the first to take a Dan promotion test in Okinawa after Soke's Passing away in April,2012. They practiced karate at the Taira Dojo, the Nagamine Dojo, and the Arakaki dojo before their dan promotion test. Though everybody had some technical and philosophical advice from all teachers, they all passed the promotion test.
Other News:
1. The 9th Karate-Do seminar in Hamamatsu Shizuoka Japan from April 12 to 15.
President Taira was invited to teach the 9th Karate-Do Seminar hosted by WMKA Tokai district. It was the first time president Taira taught them in mainland Japan. Soke had handled the 1st thru 8th seminars previously given and they said he had enjoyed it very much. As there were many women and children, Ms Mayumi Horikawa 5th was together with president Taira. I went there not because of the seminar, but because of the affiliated meeting and my role as overseas manager. The seminar was successfully conducted and every one was satisfied with the result. .
Above picture: There were more than forty participants at seminar on both April 13th and 14th , 2013. They want to host the seminar in every other year in Hamamatsu Shizuoka prefecture, Japan.
Left picture: Mr. Masaaki Kohagura kyoshi 8th Dan, president Yoshitaka Taira hanshi 10th Dan, Mr. Kunbi Rin kyoshi 8th Dan.
Right picture: President Taira teaching Sai at the seminar.
2. President Taira visited Argentina in December 2012 , his 3rd trip to South America.
President Taira was invited by Mr. Shigehide Akamine kyoshi 8th Dan in Argentina together with two masters, one from another Shorin-ryu school and the other from the Uechi-ryu school. Both come from one of the four major Karate school (Ryuha) in Okinawa. They organized "The Argentina Okinawa Karate Kobudo Association" and Mr. Akamine is the president of the organization. The three Okinawan karate masters were invited to the opening ceremony & karate tournament which also included a karate-do seminar. They all presented their Karate demonstration and impressed the audience. The participants were from seven countries: Brazil,Cuba,USA, Chili, Uruguay, France & Argentina.
There are 24-Dojos under Mr. Akamine kyoshi 8th Dan. In addition to the main headquarters there are also 16 dojos in Argentina, 6 dojos in Uruguay, one dojo in Brazil and one dojo in Chili based according to our local Okinawa newspaper.
3. Karate trips to Okinawa from January to June in 2013.
Below is a list of people who visited Okinawa from January thru June 2013 to practice Karate. Some I met, but others I didn't meet.
January & February: Mr. Yasuyuki Mizushima 4th Dan in January and Mr. Katsuhiro Tsukamoto Renshi 6th Dan in February came to Okinawa and practiced karate under Mr. Kiyoshi Shinjo Hanshi 9th Dan at Nagamine Dojo. Both of them are from the WMKA Tokai district of mainland Japan.
February: We hosted Karate practitioners that visited from Argentina. They stayed in Okinawa from February 4th to the 21st and practiced at both the Taira Dojo and the Nagamine Dojo.
They were: Mr. Seiko Arakaki, 7th Dan and his disciples: Morihiro Arakaki, 5th Dan,Gerardo Miyasiro, 4th.Dan, Edgardo García Espina 4th. Dan, Martín López Moreno, 2nd. Dan & Darío Marcelo Ernst, 1st. Kyu.
Left picture:Mr. Seiko Arakaki Kyoshi 7th Dan, President Yoshitaka Taira Hanshi 10th Dan, Mr.Nobuhide Higa Hanshi 9th Dan and students from Argentia together with Mr. Manabu Higa Renshi 6th Dan of the Taira Dojo.
Right picture:They are learning Bo-kata from both president and Higa sensei at Taira Dojo.
From April to May: We hosted four groups from Australia/Canada /USA/ Ireland.
Left: Mr. Reece Cummings 3rd Dan and Mr. Dave McHugh 1st Dan from Australia practiced Karate at Arakaki Dojo under vice president Toshimitsu Arakaki Hanshi 10th dan from April 22 to May 4th
Right: From right to left: Mr. Steve Trombley Kyoshi 7th Dan, Ms.Louise Power 5th Dan, Ms. Marianne Matchuk 4th Dan from Canada practiced under Mr. Masao Shinzato Kyoshi 8th Dan (center) at Shinzato Dojo. They were in Okinawa from May 4th to 20th and practiced karate at six different dojos: Taira dojo, Arakaki dojo, Tome dojo, Shinzato dojo, Miyagi dojo and the Nagamine Dojo. The young boy in back row is originally from Canada. His father is a Canadian & his mother is an Okinawan. They moved to Okinawa when he was a child and so he is bilingual, of course. He doesn't commute to the English operated American school in Okinawa. Instead, he goes to Okinawan Local public school. He is in 11th grade in senior high school and passed 1st Dan test last November. We don't know if his family will live in Okinawa or go back to Canada in future.
In May: Mr. Scott Schnell from Iowa practiced karate at the Arakaki Dojo for a few days.
From May to June: Ms. Lara Chambelain Renshi 6th Dan and Ms. Karen Chamberlain 4th Dan were in Okinawa for about two weeks. They practiced karate twice, one time each at the Nagamine dojo and the Makishi dojo. They spent most of their time with Makishi sensei's family, visiting family and hospital to see Makishi sensei. Very sadly, Makishi sensei passed away on May 31, 2013 as you know from seeing the WMKA Website News page. They were with Makishi sensei's family at the hospital, wake at home, cremation, funeral and burial service. Makishi sensei joined his ancestor tomb peacefully. Not only on behalf of the bereaved Makishi family, but we are also very appreciate for their concern of Master Yasuharu Makishi Hanshi 10th Dan himself.
We join our hands together for Makishi Sensei's soul !
4. Karate trips planned to Okinawa from August to December 2013.
The following is a list of the people who have emailed me that they will visit Okinawa within this year. Some have already fixed their schedule, others are still adjusting their schedule.
1) Mr. Craig Gould 2nd Dan, student of Mr. Lawrence Uemura Renshi 6th Dan in Hawaii
2) Mr. Gerard Cappiello Renshi 6th Dan in New York
3) Mr. Scott Mastin Renshi 6th Dan in Ohio
4) Mr. Steve Will 5th Dan in New Jersey
5) Mr. Ole-Bjorn Tuftedal Renshi 6th Dan in Norway
6) Mr. Martin O'Malley 3rd Dan and his students in Ireland
7) Mr.Kevin Plaisted Kyoshi 7th Dan and his students in New Zealand
8) Others want to visit Okinawa but are not sure as of today and will inform me if they can arrange their schedule. Please let me know if I am missing your names.
5. The visitors from overseas from May to December in 2012.
Below, I have also listed the names of those who visited Okinawa last year. Some came because of the passing away of Soke, others came because they promised Soke they would visit Okinawa in 2012. These were:
1) Mr. Fred Christian Kyoshi 8th Dan & Mr. Robert Seibert Kyoshi 7th Dan from Illinos USA.
2) Mr. Steve Trombley Kyoshi 7th Dan from Canada
3) Mr. Martin O'Malley 3rd Dan from Ireland
4) Mr. Lawrence Uemura Renshi 6th Dan from Hawaii USA
5) Mr. Reece Cummings 3rd Dan frm Australia
6) Mr. Scott Schnell 3rd Dan & his friend from Iowa USA
7) Mr. Yaroslav Komarrovski from Nebraska USA
8) Mr. Kevin Plaisted Kyoshi 7th Dan & his two students from New Zealand
9) Mr. Anthony Gibson 2nd dan from Canada
10) Mr. Kelley Wasyaker? from Missouri USA
11) Mr. Ole-Bjorn Tuftedal Renshi 6th Dan from Norway
12) Mr. Martin O'Malley 2nd Dan, Mr.Anthony Whelan 3rd Dan and Mr.Michael O'Neil 1st Dan from Ireland
13) Mr. John Carlyle 5th Dan from Australia.
6. Message from Okinawa concerning the Karate practice in Okinawa.
(1) We here in Okinawa will support and cooperate with all WMKA dojo owners around the world so that they can improve their karate technically and philosophically. Therefore, we will welcome and host everyone who comes to Okinawa to practice karate based on their schedule. However, we can't stand-by for your sudden and unannounced request. We need your karate trip schedule ahead of time so that we can prepare for you. As you all have a contract with president Taira, you should contact him first, either by direct contact or through me. The sooner the better, so you don't need to re-adjust your schedule.
(2) We want to know your desired karate practice schedule such as how many times a day or per week. There are two types of karate practice requests. One group wants to practice twice a day six days a week. The other group wants to practice once a day six days a week. We need to know how you want to practice beforehand.
This is a first news from Okinawa but I will do my best to continue it.
We send our best regards to all of you around the world!
Riki Nomura, Overseas Manager WMKA
News Post: July 20, 2013
(As approved by WMKA President Yoshitaka Taira)
2nd Annual Soke Takayoshi Nagamine Memorial Weekend - July 18-20
A very successful weekend of Matsubayashi –Ryu Karate in honor of Soke Nagamine— about 75 attended over 3 days.
Please click on the following link to see the newspaper article and video coverage of the event:
Yasuharu Makishi, Hanshi 10th Dan
WMKA Website Dojo Owner Listing and Licence Renewal
Dear all WMKA and EMKA members,
I hope all of you are having success and happiness in your daily lives as well as in your karate life wherever you live.
It is close to one year since the passing away of Soke Takayoshi Nagamine on April 25, 2012. It caused great shock and sorrow for all members around the world. Especially, here at Okinawa Headquarters all was completely halted for more than four months. We resumed our office work at the end of August and it is getting better because of your support and cooperation. We have to mourn for Soke Takayoshi Nagamine for many more years. We also have to resume the continuation and preservation of his legacy and the WMKA & EMKA established by both Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine and spread by Soke Takayoshi Nagamine around the world.
Although it is a hard decision, we have to renew the WMKA website Dojo Owner List based on the procedure of the Dojo Owner Agreement. We want to complete the renewal of the WMKA website Dojo Owner list by April 25th, 2013, the one year anniversary of Soke's passing away last year.
I need your full cooperation based on the status as below;
1. Dojo Owners who have already renewed or still have effective Dojo Owner Licenses: Please mail or email your Dojo information to WMKA website administrator Mr. Fred Schlesinger firstname.lastname@example.com in Rio Rancho, New Mexico with your photograph by March 31, 2013. Even if you don't need to change the existing contents of your Dojo information, I still want you to mail or email him " Please keep the existing contents of my Dojo information as it is" with your photograph attached if you don't have it now. We want your photograph which helps us a lot to know you better.
2. Dojo Owners who haven't renewed your Dojo Owner Licenses: Unfortunately, we still have some Dojo Owners who haven't renewed their Dojo Owner License. We sincerely wish that you remain and work for the future of the WMKA & EMKA together. We will be waiting for your Dojo Owner License renewal request soon.
We send everyone all around the world our best regards from Okinawa.
Sincerely Yours,
President Yoshitaka Taira
World Matsubayashi-Ryu karate-Do Association
News Post: November 30, 2012
Message from President Yoshitaka Taira
November 23, 2012
Dear all WMKA and EMKA members:
Honoring Soke Takayoshi Nagamine and his Legacy
Most of you have already enjoyed and been impressed by the Magazine article of Soke Takayoshi Nagamine on Official Karate Website. The magazine article is a successful co-product of all WMKA & EMKA members around the world. As you can see, the magazine article was coedited by both Mr. Des Chaskelson and Mr. Reece Cummings together with many Dojo Owners and members who contributed their tribute quotes to Soke. I want to express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart to everyone who worked on the magazine article.
The magazine article was first proposed by Mr. Des Chaskelson. He wrote to us that one of the US karate magazines, Official Karate, was interested in an article about traditional karate rather than sports martial arts and wants to publish a tribute article about Soke on their fall edition. He emphasized it is a perfect fit with Soke and what Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do is.
In his letter, he asked us two questions and we answered as below:
1. Permission from Okinawa headquarters and quotes from Okinawa about the article.
2. Permission to invite many Dojo Owners in WMKA and EMKA to work on the article.
Of course, we agreed on both of them and only one quote from Okinawa, my statement to WMKA and EMKA in the article. We discussed and decided we should focus on Soke's activities in overseas where he dedicated so much of his Karate life.
We are very glad and proud to see the Magazine article about Soke in the worldwide Official Karate. We are not the only ones to know Soke's virtue and value as a great Karate Master. The article shows Worldwide Karate society recognized him as one of the most prominent Karate Master in the world.
A man will always reap just the kind of crop he sows. Soke was a great pioneer and his open minded character perfectly fitted to the overseas society. He planted many Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do seeds around the world starting from Cincinnati Ohio USA in 1960's. And as of 2012, there are many trees, some big and some are still growing, throughout the world. Each tree will become a grove to forest and then to mountains in the future.
I pray for you the best in your everyday and Karate life where you live.
Sincerely Yours
President Yoshitaka Taira
World Matsubayashi-Ryu karate-Do Association
Official Karate Magazine Fall Issue
Article about Soke Takayoshi Nagamine
Magazine with photos at: http://issuu.com/officialkaratemag/docs/ok.fall.2012b
Full article with quotes from WMKA members at: http://www.officialkaratemag.com/386-2
Walter E. Rowden, 8th Dan Kyoshi, age 76, of Belleville died Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012. Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Funeral service 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial at Smithton City Cemetery, Smithton. George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville.
Published in Belleville News-Democrat on October 4, 2012
July 11, 2012
To all World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association Dojo Owners: Announcement from Okinawa Headquarters (2)
Please enter the secure page and click on the link to the new "Dojo Owner's News Page" for a very important announcement
Announcement of New Executive Members of Okinawa Headquarters
(As authorized by Sensei Fred Christian, 8th Dan, Kyoshi)
June 20, 2012
To all World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association Members
Announcement of New Executive Members of Okinawa Headquarters
Dear all WMKA members,
I am sure all members are healthy and pursuing karate practice in your own countries.
We all remember as if it was just yesterday that the 2nd Soke Takayoshi Nagamone's Unbelievable Passing Away on April 25,2012. He was about to leave for Norway and Germany on May 7th, Canada and USA in July and Ireland in August. Soke Nagamine enthusiastically talked and was actively working for World Karate-do Seminar in Okinawa starting from November 3, 2013. We are still shocked and hardly believe of Soke's sudden passing away.
We discussed within all board member meeting what the best way to succeed and preserve the Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do for future generation. We unanimously decided to adapt Association President System instead of Soke System on General
Conference on June 9,2012. The new executive Members such as President ,Vice president ,Chairman of board…etc. will be listed on this letter.
I think it is our obligation to 1st Soke Shoshin Nagamine and 2nd Soke Takayoshi Nagamine to Discipline 18 Kata and 7 Yakusoku Kumite Correctly together with Spiritual Essence of Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do and pass down to younger generation. Under the present difficult situation, I ask you all World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do members to stand up together and cooperate to overcome many problems ahead and proceed to bright future of WMKA and EMKA.
The new executive members are as follow.
1. President : Yoshitaka Taira ( Hanshi 10th –Dan)
2. Vice President : Toshimitsu Arakaki (Hanshi 10th _ Dan)
3. Chairman of Board : Iwao Tome (Hanshi 9th _ Dan)
4. Overseas Manager : Riki Nomura ( 3rd –Dan)
5. Secretary : Masato Nagamine (5th –Dan)
6. Accountant : Mayumi Horikawa (5th –Dan)
Sincerely Yours
President Yoshitaka Taira
World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association
Re m a r k s
1. Every members of WMKA can contact President Yoshitaka Taira directly.
But if it is in English, it is preferable to post or E-mail to P.O.C. Mr. Riki Nomura.
He will study them and report to the President.
2. We are still discussing what is the best way to cooperate with overseas members.
You can keep the agreement you have with Soke for now, but please hold any payment until we contact you later.
This will be the end of announcement. Thank you very much.
I wish you the best in your karate practice and in everyday life !
In memory of
Soke Takayoshi Nagamine
10th Dan Hanshisei
August 12, 1945-April 25, 2012
Saturday, October 8, 2011
July 8-9, 2011
Saturday July 16, 2011
Click here for full page seminar recap by Sensei Scott Mastin
Friday July 29 and Saturday July 30, 2011
About 75 students of all ages, from all over Florida as well as Minnesota, New Jersey , Ohio, Texas , Puerto Rico and Panama, showed up for the four day event conducted by Soke Nagamine at the Cocoa Beach Health & Fitness location. The four day event consisted of several 3 hour classes, followed by a half day seminar on Saturday. Ten students were tested for varying levels of black belt on Thursday and Friday night. Soke paid special attention to warmups, basics and foundation drills (Junbi Undo, Kihon Undo & Kiso Tanren), as well as spending some time on kata bunkai.
News Article (Posted November, 2010)
November 3-6, 2010 Naha,Okinawa
75th Anniversary Festival of Matsubayashi-Ryu
and the Original Honbu Dojo
13th Anniversary Tribute to
Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine's Passing
The ceremonial celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do and the 13th Memorial Karate-Do demonstration for the late Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine was a large and exciting event. The event was attended by dojo owners and students from all over the world. Attendees included participants from Spain, Norway, England, Ireland, Germany, Okinawa, Japan (mainland), New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Canada and the USA.
Many participants attended classes at the Honbu Dojo prior to the main events, and, at times, the Honbu was quite packed with students. On Wednesday afternoon, November 3, 2010, a Dan grading was given at the Honbu with a panel of high ranking judges from several countries. Many were promoted to ranks ranging from Shodan to Hachidan levels.
|Honbu Traning
Judges At Honbu Dojo: Dan Grading
It is estimated that over two hundred Matsubayashi-Ryu practitioners attended the seminar hosted by Soke Nagamine at the government Budokan building. On Thursday, November 4th and Friday, November 5th, the seminar at the Budokan included Kata Ura Waza, Kata review, Yakusoku Kumite and various kata techniques requiring throws and mat work. Many of the senior sensei were involved in making corrections to the very large number of participants. Bento box lunches and beverages were provided to attendees.
|Seminar Training At The Budokan
|Soke Demonstrating Kata Ura Waza
|Budokan Training
The finale of the event occurred Saturday afternoon at the Pacific Hotel in Naha. Various guest dignitaries, as well as Soke Nagamine, Hanshi-Sei, and Yoshitaka Taira, Hanshi, spoke in honor of the late Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine and in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do. This was followed by a large demonstration of Matsubayashi-Ryu kata and weapons by dojos spanning the globe. After the demonstration, the seating was cleared and a grand dinner consisting of delicious dishes and beverages, including Awamori (Okinawan Sake), was served to cap the celebration.
|Soke Addressing The Audience
Dedication: Yoshitaka Taira Hanshi Speaking, Dojo Owners
|Dinner Entertainment
The event provided a great opportunity for attendees to renew old friendships and meet other Matsubayashi-Ryu practioners from around the world. Attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy evening social events together, shop locally in Naha and visit various sites around the island.
United together under the great banner of World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association, training with each other and visiting old friends while forging bonds with new ones, the event was a great success and fun for all who attended.
Taira Sensei Demonstrating Kusanku


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Photography provided by - Wollwerth Imagery

subset: commoncrawl


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Indians Top Twins Tuesday Night In Cleveland
The Indians beat the Twins 4-2 in Cleveland Tuesday night. Starting pitcher Sam Deduno allowed four runs over the game's first two innings to dig the Twins a hole in his first start since last season.
Deduno went five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks. Josh Tomlin made his season debut for the Indians, earning the win with 6.2 innings of one run, four-hit ball.
The Twins lone offensive highlight was a solo home run from Chris Colabello in the seventh inning, his fourth of the season.
The Twins (15-16) will take on the Indians (14-19) again Wednesday, with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 (WJON).