Kyoshi's February 2002 Visits

February 11th-12th East Meets West Karate Club- Centerville, Virginia

We were honored by the visit of Kyoshi, Sensei Lott, and Sensei Garcia to our club on February 11th and 12th. Kyoshi lead a special Monday workout for all deshi on the 11th. On Tuesday, Sensei Lott & Garcia joined Sensei Sal on the board of judges for the combined tip and belt level promotion . We had 11 deshi testing. Congratulations to all on moving forward to the next level of training!

Kyoshi, Sensei Lott, and Sensei Garcia and the Virginia Deshi

It is always a special time for any Shorin-Ryu Club/Dojo to have Kyoshi visit. It is a time for Kyoshi to observe how his students are passing on the art to others. It is also a time for the dojo to receive the necessary "sugar" required to keep the techniques consistent with the other SRKUSA clubs/dojos/schools worldwide. It is also a time for celebration and reflection on the fact that SRKUSA is growing with vigor under the direction of Grand Master Ueshiro and Kyoshi. Domo Arigato

Our club benefited tremendously from the solidarity of Kyoshi, Sensei Lott, and Sensei Garcia sweating with us on the deck and their wise counsel, conversations, and of course humor off the deck. We thank the NYC dojo for the spirit your visitors provided this week and we look forward to returning this gesture in the near future, with a visit there.

Domo Arigato-

The Deshi of the Virginia Club

February 15th-16th Pine Forest Karate Dojo Northampton, Massachusetts

Welcome Onegai Shimasu Kyoshi -

Simply Stated - Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Kyoshi.

...We are honored that you visited and trained with us
this past weekend. We look forward to the day we get to share the deck
with you again. One of our students asked if she should walk the five
miles to the dojo to attend your Saturday class since it was not within her
religion to travel by mechanical means on Saturdays. "Will it be worth it?" she asked. At the end of the day, I did not have to ask if she felt it was worth it. I could tell by her smile that indeed it was. In fact, it was the same smile and renewed energy I could see in everyone. What a great weekend it was. As Jim Carey might say, "The deck was SMOKIN" .

To all the visiting Shihan, Sensei, & Deshi -thank you for sharing this time with us.

Please do not think you have to stay in a hotel when visiting Pine Forest Karate in Northampton. Even if you are a loud sleeper, we look forward to having you stay at our homes.

Arigato Kyoshi

Pat Moriarty
San Dan
Pine Forest Karate Dojo

Sensei David Baker-Shihan, Midtown Karate Dojo, NYC-

Kyoshi Providing the "Sugar"

Sensei Chris Barnes- Shihan, Bushi Dojo, Santa Monica CA