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Home/Karate/New Haven Uechi Ryu Koshukai was Incredible!

New Haven Uechi Ryu Koshukai was Incredible!

Uechi Ryu Karate Masters
Uechi Ryu Masters – 400 years of combined training!

Sensei Bruce Tulgan hosted an amazing event with some outstanding karateka!

Karate Sensie Bruce Tulgan and his wife.
Host Sensei Bruce Tulgan and his wife Debby Applegate

The four day event included two daily trainings followed by a test on Sunday. Uechi Ryu sessions were taught by several different karate masters.

Sensei Frank Gorman, 9th Dan
Master Frank Gorman, 9th Dan, sharing some wisdom.

The first session was taught by Master Frank Gorman, 9th degree Black Belt. He shared a wealth of knowledge and wisdom from his over 50 years of dedicated Uechi Ryu training. The 5 principles of Sanchin were highlighted:

  1. To build a strong body
  2. Consolidate the basic stance
  3. Master the proper breathing method
  4. Penetrating eye
  5. Develop great spiritual and mental concentration

Master Joe Gilbert and Master Michael Harrigan, both Uechi Ryu 8th Dans led awesome classes on day two.

Joe Gilbert, 8th Dan Uechi Ryu Karate Master
Master Joe Gilbert, 8th Dan with 47 years training

The importance of  Sanchin was stressed as a necessary requirement to having a strong foundation of Uechi Ryu. They showed how to apply this understanding to hojo-undo and kata. It was great to see them share what took them so many years to learn.


Day three’s 1st session was taught by Master Ryan Dean of Largo FL. Second session was taught by Master Peggy Hess of Miami FL.

Peggy Hess and Ryan Dean. Both 7th Dan in Uechi Ryu Karate
Peggy Hess and Ryan Dean, both 7th Dan.

Master Dean had two main objectives in his sessions. First, he shared some of his understandings on how to generate extra striking power by using the hips and torso like a spring. His views on this are heavily influenced by Master and head of Jiteki Jyuku, Ken Nakamatsu, 9th Dan, as well as Masters Geoff Crouse, 6th Dan and  Frank Gorman, 9th Dan.

Master Dean`s 2nd objective was to teach how to practice sparring safely while getting the most benefit; a win-win approach!

Karate sparring practice at the New Haven Koshukai
Karate sparring practice at the New Haven Koshukai

Master Peggy Hess broke down in great detail the kata Seichin. She spent hours tweaking the intricate blocks of advanced Uechi Kata, demonstrating why she is one of the greats:

Uechi Ryu Karate Master Peggy Hess and Charles Jones
Master Peggy Hess and Charles Jones
  1. Skui age uke – scooping upward
  2. Gedan harai uke – sweeping
  3. Wari uke – split block
  4. Watari uke – tornado block
  5. Furi nukite swinging- finger tip
  6. Neko ashi wauke – cat stance

Dan Test

Karate Black Belt test bunker demonstration
Kai De Graaf and Ian Sweeney demonstrating bunkai

On Sunday morning there was a karate black belt dan test. Ian Sweeney tested for Shodan, Kai De Graaf tested for Nidan and Master Mike Harrigan tested for Hachidan.

All students performed well and were promoted. Master Harrigan has been dilligently studying Uechi Ryu for 37 years.

Martial arts, karate,
Who says you can’t have fun at Karate Training.

Frank Gorman with senior black belts.
Master Frank Gorman with his most senior Dan black belts.

Karate Masters Masters Ryan Dean, Chuck Melges, and Frank Gorman
Masters Ryan Dean, Chuck Melges, and Frank Gorman

Karate koshukai after training laughing ourselves to tears.
Laughing ourselves to tears.

Telling Uechi Ryu karate stories around a campfire.
Campfire Uechi Stories

Hachidans Uechi Ryu Karate Masters Chuck Melges andStuart Killian.
Hachidans Chuck Melges and Stuart Killian

Uechi Ryu Karate Master Ed Oakley with Frank Gorman.
Master Ed Oakly and students with Sensei Frank Gorman

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Categories: Karate

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Martial Arts & Fitness Classes in Largo, Florida

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TWO LOCATIONS:

11917 Seminole Blvd
Largo, FL 33778

1805 Peppertree Dr
Oldsmar, FL 34677

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