2025 -- Year of the Snake -- 63 Years in USA -- 38 Years in Israel
Onegai-shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Deshi--
Three weeks have passed since the Israel Karate Adventure Shorin-Ryu style hosted by Sensei David Tamir. The memories are still vivid and the joy and vigor alive and well. Special thanks to Sensei Tamir and his family (including the Ueshiro Neve Dojo, Sensei Zamir, and Sempai Shlomy Quartler) for hosting this epic event. Additionally, special thanks to Laurie for her outstanding photography and video support documenting this great event and Shane Scaglione for his yoga lessons to all of the family members during numerous workouts on the beach and at Masada. Both worked extremely hard with Warrior-like precision to ensure this event was memorable for all. Attached are some photos capturing our off-deck experiences.
I want to also thank my Warrior Brother Sensei Chris Barnes for his undying friendship and zillion laughs, Sensei Gamiel Ramson, his wife Amy and Sempai Joelle Ramson, and Sensei Luz DeLucia for their comradeship during this event.
And of course my never-ending gratitude to Hanshi Scaglione for his leadership, dedication to our art, and his fatherhood/friendship for many, many years including this trip. I've been following Hanshi since I was an "egg" as Master Ueshiro would say, and will continue to do so for decades to come. Under Hanshi Scaglione's guidance, Master Ueshiro's dream lives on through us all.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Kyoshi Sal Scaglione
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
It is impossible to relay to you how much joy and vigor we received from the Ueshiro SRKUSA delegation led by Hanshi Scaglione during their visit to Israel last week. However, we will try to share with you some samples so that you may taste a bit of what we did on this 1st Annual Israel Ueshiro SRKUSA Spring Training Event, and perhaps start planning to visit us again next year.
Hanshi has invited feedback and photos from the Black Belt participants, which will be shared with you over the upcoming few days. I will be posting many of the collected photos via our website, once we gather them and Hanshi has reviewed them. A separate e-mail will be posted with a link to this event's photo album.
A special thank you to Laurie Holt, Kyoshi Sal's companion, who took many many high quality photos, which will be shared with you soon.
... and a Big Big DOMO DOMO DOMO ARIGATO to Hanshi, Kyoshi Sal, Sensei Barnes, Sensei Ramson, Sensei DeLucia and their significant others who made the trek across the globe, and all who came together and participated to make this an incredible and unforgettable event.
Here are a few highlights summarizing the event and some takeaways from Hanshi to share with you:
Tuesday April 15th - Kyoshi Sal and Sensei Delucia arrive in Israel (including Laurie Holt - Kyoshi Sal's companion); walking Jaffa on the coast of the Mediterranean and having a traditional Middle Eastern Dinner on the roofs of Jaffa under a beautiful evening sky.
Wednesday April 16th - Kyoshi Sal and Sensei Delucia (including Laurie Holt - Kyoshi Sal's companion) visit Jerusalem and Bethlehem on organized tour; arrival of Hanshi, Sensei Barnes, and Sensei Ramson and his family in Israel; traditional Middle Eastern Dinner with Compai at Jaffa with Hanshi and all visitors.
Thursday April 17th - Travel to Dead Sea including stop at Nebi Musa, where some believe Moses may be buried, with 4x4 ride to the top of a hill overseeing Nebi Musa, the dessert, and the Dead Sea; beach workout at the Dead Sea with the "lowest karate stances on earth"; large dinner with Hanshi
Friday April 18th - climbing mount Masada via the snake trail in time to see sunrise at the top; kata Kusanku with Kyoshi Sal at King Herod's Temple on the northern side of mount Masada; karate workout with Hanshi on top of Masada; Yoga workout on top of mount Masada led by Yogi Shane Scaglione for significant others; Black Belt (Shodan) testing of Sempai Ofer Sinai, deshi of Sensei Nir Zamir; relaxation and dinner at the Dead Sea resort of Lot including special table-side entertainment by Sensei Barnes, followed by Brazilian music and dancers at the pool side
Saturday April 19th - Black Belt test continuation and promotion of Sempai Ofer Sinai to Shodan (CONGRATULATIONS!!!) ; off-road 4x4 tour of dessert river beds and mount Sodom around the Dead Sea; relaxation at the Dead Sea resort of Lot including massage treatments, mineral baths, etc.
Sunday April 20th - (Easter and Master Ueshiro's Birthday); visit waterfalls of the Oasis of Ein Gedi; visit foot hills of Jerusalem where Jesus appeared after his resurrection; cooling off at the Tel-Aviv Beach on the Mediterranean Sea; special evening workout led by Hanshi with demonstrations at the Ueshiro Neve Dojo
Many lessons were provided by Hanshi over this event. Here are just a few samples:
• Showing courtesy to all at the beginning and at the end makes us stronger
• Not looking down at the ground/floor, but rather searching for and honing in on the target(s) with focused eyes (gan)
• Rooting down (especially the knife edge of the rear foot) prior to striking, and not moving it during the strike
• Repeating and working the various corrections to ourselves during training and our deshi so as not to forget, and continually maintain and sharpen our karate skills
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Tamir Sensei
Denshi-Shihan
Ueshiro Neve [Oasis] Karate Dojo
Neve Yamin, Israel
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
Under the Direction of Hanshi Scaglione
Group photo by the Dead Sea after our beach workout
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide:
On Friday August 22, the Ueshiro Neve Dojo in Israel conducted a 4 hour long test, which included a full vigorous workout polishing our bodies, minds, and spirit. This was conducted in the tradition and high quality standards being passed down to us by Hanshi Robert Scaglione from Master Ansei Ueshiro.
Joining me on the Board of Judges was Sensei Nir Zamir, Godan and Shihan of the Ueshiro Hertzliya Dojo. Moreover, Sempai Ofer Sinai, Shodan from the Hertzliya Dojo, assisted with conducting the test.
We tested 4 solid candidates who were promoted as follows:
Eyal Elnir, promoted to Yon-Kyu (Green Belt)
Jacob Rass, promoted to San-Kyu (Brown Tips)
Boaz Goldenberg, promoted to Ni-Kyu (Brown Belt)
Avi David, promoted to Ni-Kyu (Brown Belt)
Our dojo now has indigenous brown belts for the first time, who will help me lead the regular schedule of training classes going forward, as we continue along the rewarding path of our Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do, in the foot steps of Hanshi Robert Scaglione.
Following the test we honored the sponsor of our precious Dojo facility, Mr. Sasson Yaminy, with a gift of the 50th Journal with our inscription of much gratitude. Our gratitude also goes out to Master Ansei Ueshiro, Hanshi Robert Scaglione, and our overall Ueshiro SRKUSA family worldwide for making all of this real. Moreover, we give special thanks to the encouragement we receive from our significant others, starting with my lovely wife, Michal, who brought us good food to nourish ourselves after the intense test and took photos of us to record this history in the making.
Please find attached a few photos taken after the test.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Tamir Sensei
Denshi-Shihan
Ueshiro Neve [Oasis] Karate Dojo
Neve Yamin, Israel
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
Under the Direction of Hanshi Scaglione
Sensei Tzvi Bar-Shai, from Kyoshi Seeger's Ueshiro Pine Forrest Palisades New York Dojo, visited Sensei Nir Zamir's Ueshiro Herzliya Dojo. Sempai from Ueshiro Neve Dojo were also in attendance. Sensei Bar-Shai, previously served in the famous Sayeret Egoz, an elite Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commando unit specializing in guerrilla warfare, special reconnaissance, and direct military action . Later, Sensei Bar-Shai relocated to New York and joined Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA, eventually becoming a Sensei and Shihan, opening his own Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu New Rochelle Karate Dojo in New York.
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
It is my pleasure to share with you the following results from our February testing and promotions in Israel.
Sensei Nir Zamir and his deshi joined me and my deshi at the Ueshiro Neve [Oasis] Dojo to do a combined traditional test and promotion. We tested two deshi and reviewed the other deshi, who are all making solid progress along our Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do path; set for us by Master Ansei Ueshiro through Hanshi Robert Scaglione.
Promoted to Go-Kyu: Ran Sheinman (Ueshiro Herzliya Dojo)
Promoted to San-Kyu: Eyal Elnir (Ueshiro Neve Dojo)
The board of judges was composed of Sempai Ofer Sinai (Shodan), Sensei Nir Zamir (Godan), and Sensei David Tamir (Rokudan). Other deshi participating and who were reviewed were Chen Tzur (Ro-Kyu), Jacob Rass (San-Kyu), Boaz Goldenberg (Ni-Kyu), and Avi David (Ni-Kyu). Please find photos attached.
The traditional testing was followed by an engaging discussion and demonstration led by Sensei[s] Zamir and Tamir on how to improve our training with Yakusoku Kumite, such that the defender reacts to the attacker, shifting only after the attacker has begun his attack, such that the attacker can no longer change his attack vector (i.e., in mid-step), hence missing the shifting defender and becoming vulnerable to the defender’s counter attack.
Thank you Hanshi for arming us with this warrior art and tools to learn it and explore its deep nuances.
Wish we could join you in Florida this coming weekend. We will plan to make the trip next year.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Tamir Sensei
Denshi-Shihan
Ueshiro Neve [Oasis] Karate Dojo
Neve Yamin, Israel
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
Under the Direction of Hanshi Scaglione
Onegai-shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei, Shihan and Fellow Deshi,
I was honored to lead a class at Sensei’s Tamir Neve Yamin Dojo in Israel last month. I was swept along by the strong spirit and powerful technique of Sensei Tamir through his students and of Sensei Zamir in person. It is an amazing experience to travel and to be able to train the same kata in the same way under the watchful eyes of the same shinden, especially when it feels like one is half way around the world.
Domo arigato gozaimasu to Hanshi for leading us down the Path that Grandmaster Ueshiro laid out for us.
Domo arigato gozaimasu to Sensei Tamir for inviting me to lead the class and, despite needing to travel for business when I was in Israel, making the arrangements for his students to welcome me and for Sensei Zamir and his students to join the class as well. It was especially meaningful to lead a class in Sensei Tamir’s beautiful dojo, since he honored the Boston club by teaching its second class (in November 2002!).
Domo arigato gozaimasu to Sensei Zamir for allowing me to lead the class, for leading the deshi in training and making sure that comments were understood despite my not speaking Hebrew. It was particularly great to train with Sensei Zamir in Israel having trained with him once in the Lexington Avenue Dojo about fifteen or so years ago.
Domo arigato to the Israel deshi for their warm welcome, strong spirit and powerful technique.
Domo arigato gozaimasu to all.
Emiliano Mazlen
Yon-Dan
Shihan, Boston Chinatown Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club
Aloha All,
We are always excited to have fellow members of Uesiro Shorin Ryu Karate USA visit us here in Hawaii. This past April 13, we were very fortunate to have trained and experienced much energy and strength with Sensei David Tamir. Sensei Tamir is no stranger to us here in Oahu, having visited us here before in the past a few times. But every time he continues to bring a new insight to training.
Our training took place in Kapiolani Park at the base of Diamond Head Crater. Traditional warmups began the class followed by Sensei Tamir explaining the focus of today's class. That focus was centered on finishing opponents with every vector of the kata. All the moves in one direction of a kata were broken down to emphasize each technique and a purpose they would serve in ending a confrontation. If all the moves in one direction ended in a block....that block was utilized to finish off an opponent as we got ready to turn and face a new direction and a new opponent.
This was a very high level of training. Every technique, we discussed Gan, Soku, Tanden, and Riki. We visualized our attacks finishing off opponents. We utilized blocks as an offensive weapon in finishing opponents. Domo Arigato to Sensei David Tamir for sharing such an enormous wealth of knowledge in such a short period of time, and passing on any corrections that have been made by Hanshi. It truly shows that our karate training takes a lifetime to grasp.
Finally, Sensei Tamir demonstrated the Okinawan Tuifa Kata for us and went over some of its finer points like extension of the arm and path of the tuifa over various strikes.
Aloha from Hawaii,
Sensei Lorenzo Aguon
Ueshiro Hawaii Karate Club
_
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
Thank you Hanshi for inspiring us to imitate you, including visiting each other's dojo[s]'s as you do worldwide, and continuing to inspire one another in a "chain reaction"!
Most sincere thank you to Sensei Mazlen for taking time out of your family visit to Israel, and driving about 2 hours out of your way (each way) to visit our Ueshiro Neve Dojo. Even though I could not be there, as I was in the US at the time on business travel, my Sempai were prep'd and most excited to give you and visiting Sensei Zamir a red carpet treatment.
I received inspirational feedback from my Sempai regarding your visit. One comment was that you float across the deck like Hanshi (as they recall Hanshi's visit one year ago). Other comments included technique polishing you most kindly shared, as I hoped you would.
It is remarkable how corrections ("sugar") given by a visiting Sensei are so refreshing and effectively perceived. A visiting Sensei's corrections validate and amplify what has been previously taught by the hosting Sensei, and also provide varying facets of perspective and knowledge which may not have been previously emphasized by the hosting Sensei. This enriches the teaching tremendously for both the Deshi and the hosting Sensei.
Even though I could not be there in person, follow-up discussion I had with my Deshi over the phone after Sensei Mazlen's visit, brought up several areas of emphasis which I have not focused on and helped me re-examine my own technique. Moreover, I had the opportunity to visit Hanshi in person in Florida about a week after Sensei Mazlen's visit, and I was able to discuss and train with Hanshi, expanding on what my Deshi relayed to me from Sensei Mazlen's visit -- AMAZING.
... and even further amazing, is that after visiting Hanshi, as I continued on my long business trip all the way to Hawaii, I was able to share my learning with Sensei Aguon and his Deshi this past week -- INCREDIBLE -- Ueshiro SRKUSA "chain reaction" around the world.
My sincere thank you to Sensei Aguon and his Sempai for hosting me for an in depth workout in their beautiful dojo setting outdoors, in a park near Waikiki Beach; and also sharing their rich perspectives, learning, and top quality karate passed to them from Hanshi via Kyoshi Kaplan. Please see a few attached photos from our workout among the beautiful spring trees of Hawaii.
Let's continue the "CHAIN REACTION" from Master Ueshiro, to Hanshi Scaglione, to our Kyoshi[s], to all of us across the world by visiting and training with one another every chance we get; starting with our home dojo[s] and beyond...
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Tamir Sensei, Denshi-Shihan
[currently traveling back home to train again with my Deshi]
Ueshiro Neve [Oasis] Dojo
Neve Yamin
Israel
Under the Direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA (worldwide)
Onegai-shimasu Hanshi and Kyoshi[s],
Per your recent guidance to strengthen our efforts to accomplish the mission of Ueshiro SRKUSA by growing our student population, we have taken several strategic actions.
We have relocated our dojo to the nearby Neve Yamin Community Rec Center, that is more visible and inherently draws more individuals looking for physical activity such as Karate.
The Rec Center is on a main street of the community, right across from the community’s "small central park”. The park offers a beautiful grassy area under large pine trees and palm trees where we can also practice outdoors to attract more attention from passers by (potential recruits). Last week, during our normally scheduled class, we exited the new dojo for a few minutes and jogged across the street to plant our roots in this park, by practicing our Ni-Hanchi Shodan Kata on the grass.
Moreover, we have been granted permission by the community to post signs advertising our Karate program both in front of the Rec Center and at the entrance to the community. We designed the signs, got them produced, and mounted them. Sempai Avi David (Ni-Kyu), my right hand man, was very helpful in getting the signs produced and mounted.
Furthermore, we have setup a multifunction dojo locker box on wheels, which serves as our Shinden Wall (including Ueshiro SRKUSA’s mission statement in both English and Hebrew) as well as lockable storage for training weapons, weight training equipment, supplies, etc. We also installed two makiwara[s] on the sides of the cart. We can wheel this “Dojo in a Box” in and out of the way, before and after workouts.
Please see attached photos, including the “pillars” of our dojo (in the third photo), who support me to fulfill our Ueshiro SRKUSA mission (from my left Ni-Kyu Sempai Avi David and San-Kyu[s] Jacob Rass and Eyal Elnir).
We look forward to the new deshi showing up on our deck, to follow in your foot steps set fourth by Master Ueshiro.
Best Regards from Israel and look forward to visiting and training with you soon.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Tamir Sensei
Denshi-Shihan
Ueshiro Neve [Oasis] Karate Dojo
Neve Yamin, Israel
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
Under the Direction of Hanshi Scaglione
Sensei Zamir demonstrating use of Makiwara integrated with our Dojo-in-a-Box at Ueshiro Neve Dojo
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
This past Friday, we conducted our traditional August testing in Israel for Ueshiro SRKUSA.
The testing was conducted at our new Rec Center location in Neve Yamin, with participants from both Ueshiro Hertzelia Dojo and Ueshiro Neve [Oasis] Dojo led by our respective shihan.
The testing deck was opened at 9:00 AM and closed at 3:00 PM.
The board of judges consisted of Sensei David Tamir, Sensei Nir Zamir, and Sempai Ofer Sinai.
Tested and promoted were:
Ran Sheinman to Yon-Kyu (Green Belt); Ueshiro Herzelia Dojo
and
Sempai Avi David to Ik-Kyu (Black Tips); Ueshiro Neve Dojo
CONGRATULATIONS to both!!!
Of special note, Sempai Avi David delivered an “Ichiban” performance through the multi-hour training that preceded the test and the test itself, including persevering through traditional body testing of his Nihanchi-Sho kata. Sempai Avi David has also provided invaluable assistance and support in leading classes at the Ueshiro Neve Dojo. Furthermore, Ran Sheinman, who professionally is a vice president of marketing, has begun assisting us in improving our marketing strategy for growing our student population.
Please find attached photos recording this history in the making, and also a short video clip of Sensei Zamir using our new Makiwara.
We thank Hanshi and Kyoshi[s] for their continued guidance and support along the Karate-Do path plowed for us by Master Ansei Ueshiro.
We keep training!
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Tamir Sensei and Zamir Sensei
Denshi-Shihan[s]
Ueshiro Neve [Oasis] Karate Dojo
and
Ueshiro Hertzelia Karate Dojo
Israel
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide:
Several of our Karateka made the trek this past Friday to the top of Mount Masada, a famous fortress of warriors who stood firm and proud to protect their freedom against the Roman Empire. We trained for 4 hours at several locations around the fortress starting at the North Palace of King Herod at the lower and top levels, atop the bath house curved stone roof, atop the watch tower’s wooden deck, and at the ancient temple structure (where we trained with Hanshi and other Black Belt visitors last year).
The training scenery was inspiring overlooking biblical canyon mountains bordering the blue Dead Sea in the middle, marking the Great Syrian-African Rift between the lands of Israel and Jordan. Our Karateka who participated with Joy & Vigor were Sensei[s] David Tamir and Shlomo Dadon, and Sempai[s] Avi David, Ya’akov Ras, Ran Sheinman, and Sagi. Various corrections were reviewed, which Hanshi and the Kyoshi[s] taught at the recent Black Belt training in Palisades, New York.
Domo Arigato Hanshi for challenging us with lots to work on and improve, as passed onto you by Master Ueshiro… and for giving us the gift of Karate-Do which we can exercise at such unique locations to magnify the senses, experience, and memories of such treks.
For those who wish to join us at this location next year, plan your calendars for the fall season of 2016.
Please enjoy the attached sample photos.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Tamir Sensei
Denshi-Shihan
Ueshiro Neve [Oasis] Karate Dojo
Neve Yamin, Israel
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
Under the Direction of Hanshi Scaglione
—
Holiday greetings from the Holy Land to Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide.
Wishing you great Joy & Vigor for the upcoming New Year!
Attached, please find a few photos from our recent holiday workout followed by a cookout with our families in a pine tree Forest, adjacent to the grave site of the Maccabbee Warriors, the heroes behind the story of Hanukkah.
Shown training in the photos with me are Sempai Avi David (Ik-Kyu) and Sempai Jacob Rass (San-Kyu).
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Tamir Sensei
Denshi-Shihan
Ueshiro Neve [Oasis] Karate Dojo
Neve Yamin, Israel
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
Under the Direction of Hanshi Scaglione