2025 -- Year of the Snake -- 63 Years in USA -- 38 Years in Israel
The Year of the Tiger is very special for Ueshiro SRKUSA, because 1962 was the Year of the Tiger, when Master Ansei Ueshiro brought our style of Karate to the USA. In 2022, we celebrate our 60 year anniversary. Moreover, Hanshi Robert Scaglione was also born on the Year of the Tiger.
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
We are pressing forward with Karate warrior spirit of Zen-Shin, while several of our deshi are absent with the latest Corona Omicron wave.
On February 1st, we conducted Ueshiro SRKUSA testing at Ueshiro Karate Dojo ba’Kfar [Village Dojo], in Kfar-Saba Israel.
Congratulations to Sempai Meir Amarin, who was promoted to the rank of Yon-Kyu (Green Belt).
During the workout preceding the formal test, all those showing up tested themselves through the performance of our respective kata; practicing stillness for 2 seconds after each completed kata movement, followed by stepping first and accelerating to explosive full speed & power, with best form and maximum focus.
Sempai Eyal Elnir, Shodan, joined me on the board of judges to conduct our traditional Green Belt test starting with Kata, followed by Oyotanren, Yakusoku-Kumite-Sho, questions, and break of three wooden boards. Sempai Reuven Orenstein (San-Kyu) also showed up in support.
Per our mission statement, as shown in the attached photo, we need to add new white belts on the dojo deck now! The influx of new deshi is key to our continued training.
Happy New Year of the Tiger and wishing warrior spirit to all those showing up to this coming weekend of Florida training. We look forward to joining you from Israel for the 60th anniversary event later this year.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Hanshi and Kyoshi for your continued leadership and support.
Tamir Sensei
Shichi-Dan
Denshi-Shihan
Ueshiro Karate Dojo ba’Kfar
Kfar-Saba, Israel
Under the Direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione
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Onegai Shimasu and greetings from Israel, Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei and Deshi,
In line with the exciting 60th Shorin Ryu USA anniversary and the launch of the Year of the Tiger, the Israeli Ueshiro Herzelia Dojo, with the support of Sensei David Tamir and his Ueshiro Dojo Bakfar Deshi, conducted our February 2022 Tip Test this past Sunday.
Presiding over the board of judges was Sensei David Tamir, Shichi-Dan, with Sensei Nir Zamir, Go-Dan, and Sempai Ofer Sinai, N-Dan, assisting. Sempai Ran Sheinman, Sho-Dan, was on deck moving the students and the test protocol along. Sempai Eyal Elnir, Sho-Dan, of Ueshiro Dojo Bakfar, was also on deck to lend further spirit and support to the event, including demonstration of a Green-Tip Test.
The session began, as tradition mandates, with a regular workout for all, practicing Kihon and Kata with Joy and Vigor. Congratulations to the Deshi that tested and were promoted to the next level:
Ms. Shosh Bialer, promoted to Ro-Kyu.
Mr. Miki Gotlieb promoted to San-Kyu.
Mr. Gil Eran promoted to San-Kyu.
Some beginner white-belt students were treated to be part of this event for the first time, and a few family members have come to witness their loved ones experience and art.
Our thanks, as always, to Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro and Hanshi Robert Scaglione, as well as all our Kyoshi and Sensei who came before us and continue to lead the way.
Please see attached photos of our participating Karateka in this event.
Arigato!
Nir Zamir
Denshi-Shihan,
Ueshiro Herzelia Dojo, Israel
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
Under the Direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
In celebration of Master Ueshiro’s Birthday eve, we conducted a special workout last night at the Ueshiro Karate Dojo ba’Kfar, including visitors from the Ueshiro Herzliya Dojo under Zamir Sensei, who is currently away visiting his daughter and granddaughter in the US.
We focused the workout on many repetitions analyzing Master Ueshiro’s Fukyugata Sandan. After each kata repetition, we worked individual fighting technique/combinations, authored by Master Ueshiro into this awesome kata for us. We worked these on a heavy punching bag “makiwara”, to try and bring to life Master Ueshiro’s meaning for each portion of his kata. After many repetitions of each kata portion on the makiwara, we again practiced the entire kata across the deck, and then worked the next portion on the makiwara. We imagined and tried to imitate Master Ueshiro’s fighting-bull-like power, running over our imaginary opponents.
We wrapped up this special workout with demonstrations of Master Ueshiro favorite Pinan Kata – Pinan Yondan, and his favorite overall kata – Chinto!
Please find attached a few photos of our karateka group after this workout.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Hanshi for leading us and preserving Master Ueshiro’s Karate-Do path forward!
Tamir Sensei Denshi-Shihan
Ueshiro Karate Dojo ba’Kfar [Village Dojo]
Kfar-Saba, Israel
Ueshiro SRKUSA Under the Direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
What a boost to our karate joy & vigor when we visit one-another to train in our common bonding warrior art. Sensei Tzvi Bar-Shai, Shihan of Ueshiro New Rochelle Karate Dojo in New York, gave us such a boost last week when he visited our Ueshiro Israel dojo[s] for two workouts; one in Herzliya on Sunday May 8th and the second in Kfar-Saba on Thursday May 12th.
We requested that he lead both workouts to allow our deshi to experience another Ueshiro SRKUSA Sensei and his respective “signature” as Hanshi would say. Sensei Bar-Shai provided us karate “sugar” by sharing some relatively recent training emphasis Hanshi provided at the Florida February training.
After Thursday's workout, we treated Sensei Bar-Shai to a light meal and Cumpai at our local Beer-Garden. One of our dedicated green belts, Sempai Meir Amarin, commented how great it is to meet and train with someone he has never met, but to feel so closely related like family, bonded by our shared Ueshiro Karate warrior art. Sensei Bar-Shai spoke of the high caliber of our karateka across Ueshiro SRKUSA, and encouraged our visit to the USA dojo[s] to train and bond together. We indeed hope to do so later this year for the next anticipated special training event marking our 60th anniversary.
Sensei Bar-Shai has a strong bond with Israel, where he served in the late 60’s into the early 70’s in the famous Sayeret Egoz, an elite Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commando unit specializing in guerrilla warfare, special reconnaissance, and direct military action. He shared some of his military experiences with us, including during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He mentioned that during this 2022 visit to Israel, he has been spending time with his past military unit warrior “brothers”, with whom he has closely bonded for over 50 years since their joint military service; similar to the bonding between our Karateka.
Please see photos attached from our recent joint training with Sensei Bar-Shai.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Sensei Bar-Shai for your visit and sharing the “sugar” from our Hanshi and Kyoshi[s] in the USA. We wish health, joy and vigor to you, Sensei Bar-Shai, and to Hanshi, Kyoshi[s], Sensei[s], Sempai[s], and all deshi of our great Ueshiro SRKUSA worldwide family. We also wish you Sensei Bar-Shai continued growth of your Ueshiro dojo in New Rochelle and continued strengthening of our warrior bonds.
Sincerely, Tamir and Zamir Sensei[s]
Ueshiro SRKUSA in Israel
Under the Direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione
Sensei Tamir, Israel dojo Shihan, led a group of 26 USRKUSA Members in a Special Workout on July 30, 2022 in Viera FL. Emphasis was on warm-ups, basics, kata, strenuous training, mai and surviving a "life or death" interaction by "defending one's self from imminent and illegal violence with the use of the strictly trained body as a weapon." a.k.a. karate!
Thank you all attendees and Sensei Tamir.
"Keep training!
Sincerely,
- Hanshi Robert Scaglione
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
On the 16th of August 2022 in Herzliya Israel, Ueshiro SRKUSA kyu-level deshi, from both Ueshiro Hezeliya Karate Dojo and Ueshiro Karate Dojo ba’Kfar, were tested at a traditional joint promotion event, adhering to the high quality standards of our organization, led by Hanshi Robert Scaglione.
The following deshi were promoted:
The test was conducted by the following Black Belts:
Please find photo below commemorating this important event and capturing into history those who showed-up!
Congratulations to those promoted this August across Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide and to all of us for continuing to train and move forward.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Hanshi and Kyoshi for leading the way.
Tamir and Zamir Sensei[s]
Under the Direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione
and our regional director Kyoshi David Seeger
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Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
On the 22nd of August 2022, Ueshiro SRKUSA Sensei[s] David Tamir and Nir Zamir tested and promoted Sempai Eyal Elnir to the Black Belt rank of Ni-Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt). Congratulations to Sempai Elnir, pictured below, from the Ueshiro Karate Dojo ba’Kfar. Sempai Elnir has been a steadfast example to our deshi, by always showing up about 30 minutes early to each workout and training hard on the deck, to polish and strengthen his kata, yakusoku-kumkite, and kihon.
Domo Arigato to Sensei Nir Zamir for hosting the test at the Ueshiro Herzliya Dojo.
Domo Arigato to the close support and guidance of Hanshi Robert Scaglione and Kyoshi David Seeger.
Tamir and Zamir Sensei[s]
Denshi-Shihan[s]
Ueshiro SRKUSA in Israel
Onegai-shimasu, Hanshi, Kyoshi, Sensei and all USRKUSA Deshi,
The Ueshiro Suntree/Melbourne Dojo was proud to host Sensei David Tamir, Shichi-Dan, Denshi Shihan, Ueshiro Karate Dojo ba’Kfar, at its Sunday workout on Sept. 3, 2022.
Normally class meets from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sundays, but for this Labor Day weekend workout, Sensei Tamir gave us so much of his time — four hours worth of instruction and lots of sugar.
Organized by Sensei Matt Reed, San-Dan and Shihan of the Suntree dojo at the Wickham Park Recreation Center, 2815 Leisure Way, Melbourne, advanced training started outside in the shade with emphasis on Kata Chinto. An hour later, Sensei Tamir led the formal class and helped us polish our basics and kihon: “Prepping us for battle” and helping us visualize our targets. Emulating Master Ueshiro’s strength and trying to step like a tiger like Hanshi. Black belts and kyu ranks learned a lot.
After karate class, a small group gathered over lunch to talk about — what else? — karate and everything we’d learned.
Of note: It’s been more than 10 years since Sensei Tamir relocated from Florida to Israel, so Sunday was like a mini reunion for a core group of the Ueshiro Suntree/Melbourne students who trained when Sensei Tamir was the Shihan there.
Additionally, Sensei Rick Cupoli, San-Dan and Shihan of Ueshiro West Melbourne Dojo, helped run the Suntree dojo for a year, while opening his dojo, before Sensei Reed became Shihan.
We’re looking forward to Sensei Tamir’s next visit.
Also … we would be remiss if we did not extend an invitation to *anyone* in the USRKUSA organization — all ranks and visitors are welcome to train with us at our dojo any time of the year.
Domo arigato gozaimasu ~
Respectfully submitted on behalf of Sensei Matt Reed,
321-213-3124 or rpd197@yahoo.com
Sensei Jennifer Sangalang, San-Dan
Ueshiro Suntree/Melbourne Dojo
www.instagram.com/ueshirofloridakarate
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Onegai-shimasu USRKUSA,
The West Melbourne Dojo was very privileged to have Sensei David Tamir (Shichi-Dan) visit with us and lead our class on Thursday, October 13.
Sensei Tamir conducted a traditional class as is common throughout our organization. He provided great concentration on our warmups, basics and kata. He took ample time to offer explanations of the techniques we performed throughout the class. He paid particular attention to executing the proper technique of stepping first, and the importance of winding up while stepping when executing a technique; especially when executing a block. He also provided instruction for maximizing power when executing techniques.
This was especially significant to me as I trained directly with Sensei Tamir all through my kyu ranks up to Ni-Dan. Upon his move to Israel from Melbourne Florida, we have remained in regular contact and he continues to be a significant part of my training.
Prior to visiting West Melbourne, Sensei Tamir joined us in Hanshi's class on Saturday, October 8th, joining class as a student. At one point in the class I took the opportunity to share some instruction with the class. We focused on the first 225 degree turn in F1. The emphasis was stepping first, reaching with the foot and winding up while stepping. When the feet are in place, the windup should be complete and then immediately deliver the strike part of the block using the hip and head. Due to our positions in the room I just happened to catch Sensei Tamir participating with the class during this brief instruction. It was very humbling to me and the words Onegai Shimasu became even more meaningful to me at that moment. At the beginning of all of our classes everyone says Onegai Shimasu to each other. These are not rote words. We actually mean them when we say them.
There is one final thing that I would like to share. Having gotten to know Sensei Tamir over the last fifteen years I have come to learn that he is a very thoughtful and caring man. Hanshi's birthday was this month and Sensei Tamir gave him a beautiful shirt to commemorate the year of the tiger. I was fortunate to be there with Sensei Jennifer Sangalang when he gave the shirt to Hanshi. I have included a picture of this.
Sensei Tamir's visit to Melbourne, Florida was quite significant to say the least. We are looking forward to many more visits from him; the next being our November karate event.
Domo Arigato,
Sensei Rick Cupoli
San-Dan
Shihan West Melbourne Dojo
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
On October 30th, Ueshiro SRKUSA traditional green-tip testing was conducted in Israel, jointly by our two Ueshiro dojo[s] in Herzliya and Kfar-Saba.
Promoted to the rank of two green-tips (Go-Kyu):
Ariel Nasri
from Ueshiro Herzliya Karate Dojo, under Denshi-Shihan Nir Zamir
Eduardo Tartacovsky
From Ueshiro Karate Dojo ba'Kfar, under Denshi-Shihan David Tamir
The board of judges consisted of:
• Sensei David Tamir, Shichi-Dan
• Sensei Nir Zamir, Go-Dan
• Sempai Ran Sheinman, Sho-Dan
The test spanned 3 hours including a 2 hour traditional workout and a strong demonstration of the green-tip test by Meir Amarin, San-Kyu. All non-testing ranks demonstrated group kata as well. Moreover, we had two new students show-up for a trial-class and participate in the workout portion preceding the test.
Please see attached photos.
Domo Arigato Gozaimasu to Hanshi and Kyoshi[s] for keeping us on the path.
Tamir and Zamir Sensei[s]
Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA in Israel
Onegai-shimasu Ueshiro SRKUSA Worldwide,
On Tuesday December 20, we conducted in Israel a special Cumpai workout and Green Tip Test at the Ueshiro Karate Dojo ba’Kfar. Representatives from the Ueshiro Herzliya Dojo, under Sensei Nir Zamir, also joined us for this event.
Prior to starting the workout, we lit Hanukkah candles in observance of the Maccabee warriors who fought bravely over 2200 years ago — few against the many — shinning the light of freedom to chase the darkness of oppression (under the Greek Empire).
I then turned the dojo’s ceiling lights off and demonstrated Kata Passai next to the lit Hanukkiah (a.k.a., Menorah). This kata seemed appropriate for this occasion, as it is designed to fight in the dark. It is also Hanshi’s favorite kata. Moreover, it is symbolic of the Okinawan’s karate training in the darkness, under Japanese oppression before the 20th century.
While keeping the ceiling lights off with the candles gently lighting the dojo deck, we proceeded with our formal workout. We performed various kata including select kata symbolic of the holiday. We performed Kata Pinan Nidan, because of its hammer fist; as the word Maccabee is also a derivative of the Hebrew word for hammer. We also performed Fukyugata-San, because it is a manifestation of Master Ueshiro’s warrior style, honoring the Maccabees. We also performed Nihanchi-Sho, because it is symbolic of a kata that would fit well on the ancient walls of Jerusalem. The workout was concluded with Deshi Carlos Dyk testing for his first green tip. He was then promoted to the rank of Ro-Kyu.
Following the test, our new Ro-Kyu was overly kind to bring light refreshments, including Hanukkah donuts for our Cumpai, while I contributed some well known Israeli Maccabee Beer for the Cumpai toast.
Please enjoy the following photos to the light of the Hanukkah candles in our Ueshiro Karate Dojo.
Happy Holidays to all and Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Hanshi for continuing to shine your light on our Karate-Do path forward.
Tamir Sensei
Denshi Shihan
Ueshiro Karate Dojo ba'Kfar
Kfar-Saba, Israel