Wisconsin Seminar

First Set of Certified Instructors

November 5^th & 6^th, 2005

Milwaukee, WI

The second portion of the Yamashita International Budo Association Certification Seminar was a rousing success.  Twenty-six instructors from around the United States gathered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the conclusion of their certification training. 

The seminar consisted of refining and detailing out the kata that are taught in all of the dojos.  Most importantly Master Yamashita wanted the instructors to focus on directionality in their movements, maintaining low stances, and committing to the techniques.  He emphasized that details are highly important.  As instructors, they need to remember that the students will follow their teachings and therefore they need to be correct in their stances and movements.

After a few hours of exhausting work, Master Yamshita brought spirits back through this lesson: “Spirit never tired—spirit carries you through meditation allowing you to do kata even when tired.”

Master Yamashita concluded the seminar with some words of inspiration to get the newly certified instructors off to a great start.

“You must teach like you learned everything today. Learn all this so you don’t embarrass yourself later….Put your soul into it….teach that way. Spirit will not let you quit. We work together to survive. Now as instructors you’ll know what to do. Sloppiness will not get black belts. People all over the world should be able to know that when you say Sensei Yamashita is your instructor, you will be fine.”

Congratulations to the first set of instructors who received basic certification from Master Yamashita.  View list of certified instructors

Thursday night several students from the Ki Mind & Body dojo in Milwaukee were promoted in both Shorin-Ryu and Kobudo. 

Congratulations to the following students who received promotions in Shorin-Ryu:

Nidan:       Jeff Koch, Nancy Pieper

Sandan:     Aaron Kopish, Ed Petty

Yondan:     Antonio Lopera

Godan:      Mark Johnson, Marc McSweeney

Congratulations to the following students who received promotions in Kobudo:

Shodan:     A.J. Gaudynski

                Nick Gaudynski

                Antonio Lopera

                Jeff Koch

                Aaron Kopish

                Mel Kordus

                Ed Petty

                Nancy Pieper

Nidan:       Kurt Brandt

                George Joseph

                Mark Johnson

                Marc McSweeney

Sunday there was a general seminar for all students went over Suikendo, Kobudo, and basic Shorin-Ryu fundamentals.  Special thanks to all of the Kyu rank students that attended the seminar!