Congratulations to Heber Bezerra Miranda on passing his Yondan test! Heber preformed all 8 Katas beautifully! André Tavares did a great job testing Heber online! Thank you to everyone who joined in to watch and support him.
Duane Swanson
WinterFest’s Cruise
One of our favorite things to do between workouts and meeting for dinner at Winter Fest.
A 25 year tradition of chilling, relaxing and having a cigar (for those who want one) and a drink and getting to the restaurant early for the best tables.
Anyone interested in joining us, please let me know. This group is getting bigger every year.
Please also know I’ve planned a 4 day Bahama Cruise for the last 5 years, immediately the day after Winter fest to complete a 7 day vacation.
Information will be provided soon. Sensei Mattson, Lee Adams, Sid Werthan, Jayel Cuaresma and myself have already booked. Hope to see you at Winter fest and the cruise. Cruises are one of the best vacation deals. For less than $100 a day, you are provided with rooming, 3 great meals and nightly entertainment (Broadway type shows) everyday. Everyone is welcome to join. Something to consider.
IUKF President Darin Yee Visits Sitka Alaska Uechi-Ryu Karate Club
The Sitka Alaska Uechi-Ryu Karate Club was honored to host IUKF President, Darin Yee. Darin was in Sitka August 16-21 where he worked with members of the Sitka Alaska Uechi-Ryu Karate Club both in person and online. Duane Swanson is the dojo owner and hosted Darin.
On August 17, Darin tested Duane for Yondan. The test was attended by IUKF members online from around the world. Duane was particularly impressed and surprised when Grand Master George Mattson logged in to watch! Duane was pleased to pass the test and receive his certificate in person from Darin.
Duane’s daughter Heather and son-in-law Brett Allio traveled to Sitka from Juneau, Alaska to train with Darin. While in Sitka, Darin also attended and led a session with the Kenwa Karate Club.
On August 20, Andy Shea (Uechi-Ryu, Shodan) and his girlfriend Kim arrived in Sitka–one of several stops on their Alaskan cruise. Darin and Duane were pleased to show them around Sitka.
Besides karate training, Darin and Duane went boating with Captain Lloyd Swanson. On this outing, Darin fulfilled one of his dreams…catching some crabs and salmon! They also had a great time playing games like pool and cribbage, as well as practicing the tiger/crane form of hung gar kung-fu.
The Sitka Uechi-Ryu club thanks Hanshi Darin Yee for making the trek to their remote Alaskan town to share his immense knowledge and his friendship. They are already looking forward to his return to The Last Frontier.
Darin Yee Sensei visits Plymouth’s students
Stopped by in Plymouth before attending Uechi Con, and was surprised by a few of my Uechi-Ryu Karate students who gathered last minute to meet me for dinner. These are all students I’ve worked with since you’ve had to hold their hands while they crossed the streets.
I was in shock while they ordered alcoholic drinks and took out IDs for the wait service while I’d ordered a Diet Coke.
They’ve all grown to become accomplished, contributing members of society. I have never felt so proud to be a part of anything.
For the many who could not attend because of such short notice, please know I still remember you and remain proud and appreciative of all of you.
Darin Yee
