Posted on November 18, 2008 by billgiov
A big congrats go out to all who were promoted at the Fall Promotional Test this past Sunday! This was a great promotional. Four qualified young karateka from affiliate dojo’s rose to the occasion in very good form. In addition, Chip (Salem Dojo Owner) and Wayne (one of the Marshfield’s great Instructors) personified great spirit and technique.
The younger guys (teenagers) in particular showed notable perseverance and character. Congratulations to the one female participant promoted to Nidan. It should be noted she not only held her own with fire and fortitude but was one of the strongest showings of the day.
A special congratulations to both Adult Instructors Chip and Wayne. These instructors passed their 6th Degree test with Renshi (Advanced Teacher Certification) status. These two guys are known to work hard, and their years of studying and teaching in the Shohei / Uechi system deserve this recognition.
This was one of the better recent promotionals. Not only were the candidates well prepared, hard working and deserving but there were also almost 20 instructors from 5 different schools present to vote and contribute on the promotions board. Consensus is this was a very successful promotion. All involved should be inspired.
-Billy G. / IOK
P.S.
We now look forward to the spring promotionals, where we may have as many as 12 possible candidates from IOK’s own Dojo alone. More to come on those dates and dates for special workouts in 2009!
Filed under: Promotions | Tagged: John Thurston, Denise Valentine, Norwell Karate School, Fall Promotional, Chip, Wayne | No Comments »
Posted on October 27, 2008 by Eric
Keith, David and I just came back from an exciting tounament put on by Bashta’s Martial Arts called the Nutmeg State Nationals. It was a very well run tournament with a large and highly competitive group of martial artists, particularly those in the continuous contact divisions.
Keith and I took second in our continuous contact weight divisions. David won second in continuous, second in kata and first in weapons kata. We would like to thank all the nice people we met there and greatly look forward to participating again next year.
Filed under: Tournaments | Tagged: Bashta's Martial Arts, Continuous Contact, Nutmeg State Nationals, tournament | No Comments »
Posted on July 10, 2008 by billgiov
Following is a letter we just received from Sensi Steve Banchik (Stoughton Dojo) relaying the details of what sounds like was a fantastic trip to Okinawa.
A Special Congratulations goes out to all those senior instructors making such an effort to capture the art we all work so hard to perfect! They go in order that they may continue to provide authentic karate knowledge to all of their students. We can’t wait to hear first-hand, the “nuggets” of information these guys surely took back with them from Karate’s “Home Country”.
Sensi Banchik’s Letter:
Hi all,
I am writing to let everyone know about Joe Montanino’s successful examination for 7th dan in Okinawa on July 4, 2008.
After a grueling intensive training schedule, (2 hour classes morning and evening every day for 2 weeks) in the intense Okinawa heat and humidity the test was scheduled for 5 in the afternoon, during the hottest time of the day. All of the candidates did exceptionally well before a test board made up of Nakahodo sensei, Takara sensei, Yonamine sensei, Higa sensei, Tamayose sensei, Okuhama sensei, Yamashiro sensei, Toburu sensei. Ryuko Tomoyose was present but did not sit on the board. This was a test board that all who tested can be proud of testing in front of. Many positive comments were made of their technical understanding and kata performance.
Also testing were Dan Rinchuse, 7 dan from Pennsylvania and Bob Otto, 7 dan and Jeff Salsbach 3 dan from Florida.
After the test a congratulations / sionara party was held and attended by the test board members as well as other Okinawan instructors who came for the party. The candidates were awarded their rank certificates and all members of the trip received intensive training certificates for 15 days of training.
Members of the Okinawa trip included,
Steve Banchick, Joe Montanino, Dan Rinchuse PA, Bob Otto FL, Larry Stinchula PA, Jeff Salsbach FL.
Mel Kukich PA.
Congratulations to all,
Steve Banchick
Filed under: General | Tagged: Banchick, Okinawa | No Comments »
Posted on June 1, 2008 by Eric
David Chan and I went down to compete at the New England Open yesterday and had a great time. There was a very large turnout and it was interesting to meet people from other organizations. The best part of the day was this:
David took first place in kata and I in sparring. On the drive to the tournament David was was very serious about both of us winning first place. The desire to do his best really came through as he nailed a perfect Seisan. I did well against my opponent in continuous contact sparring and feel our training at IOK was great preparation.
Read more »
Filed under: Tournaments | Tagged: Continuous Contact, New England Open, Seisan, Sparring, Win | No Comments »
Posted on May 21, 2008 by billgiov
Congratulations for IOK’s newest Black Belt, Brandon Wencek! Brandon passed his Shodan Test this past Sunday. The concensus is he really stepped it up for the big day with great execution. Brandon has been with IOK for many years, through the kids classes and into the adult classes as a young teenager. At almost 16 years old, he joins the ranks of a limited number of others before him. (including his sister Elyse) as one of the youngest to achieve the Shodan promotion. Now we can shift our focus to their Dad, Steve!
Congratulations go out as well to Annie Cavanaugh in attaining the rank of Rokudan! Annie has endured countless classes with Jackie Dowd over the years to get this far, showing her mettle and perseverance. Her tirelss efforts to teach the children discipline truly demonstrates a karate spirit.
Congratulations to all the Students from our various afiliates who solidly achieved their next rank last Sunday. Your hard work and dedication is recognized and appreciated! Special thanks goes out to those who took the time volunteering as a partners.
Filed under: IOK News | 1 Comment »
Posted on April 28, 2008 by billgiov
For those newer students or interested observers who may not know… we are very lucky to have authentic (and current) information direct from the very origins of our style. Okikukai is our organization of allegiance on the island in Okinawa. These are the Master Instructors your teachers look to about the art you are learning. These are the folks your teachers visit when they travel to Okinawa. We thank them for their perseverance in propegating our karate around the world.
Read more »
Filed under: IOK News | Comments Off
Posted on February 25, 2008 by Eric
Congratulations to David Chan for taking 3rd in kata and 4th in kumite at the West Bay Open on February 24th.
Filed under: Tournaments | 2 Comments »
Posted on February 11, 2008 by billgiov
***Spring Dan Testing at QUINCY
Sunday April 27th. 2008, Spring Pre-Test
Sunday May 18th. 2008, Dan Test
***Fall Dan Testing at TBA
Sunday October 5th. 2008, Fall Pre-Test
Sunday November 16th. 2008, Dan Test
Filed under: IOK News | No Comments »
Posted on January 18, 2008 by billgiov
FUN, FUN, FUN
The growing Friday night group will continue to meet in 2008 every other week between 5:30 and 6:00 for an “open floor” style class.*
*All ADULT students invited, …must have protective gear if you intend to spar.
*Upper rank teenage students by invite only …please direct inquiries directly to Billy G.
Filed under: IOK News | 2 Comments »
Posted on January 18, 2008 by billgiov
Starting in 2008, Russ will lead a Sparring Class the last Saturday AM of every month. Please don’t miss this chance to hone your skills and learn how the traditional Okinawan karate training you do applies in real time.
Students are expected to bring/wear proper protection, including mouthguard, cup, pads, etc… Contact Billy G. for advice and some good options are to where/how to purchase this equipment.
Filed under: IOK News | 3 Comments »
