On Tuesday and Thursday, October 21 and 23, the Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo celebrated the 100 Kata for Karate Day by completing 50 Fukyukata ichi and 50 Fukyukata Ni on each day. Congratulations to all of our students who participated!

Congratulations to Justin Keller on his successful promotion test for 8th kyu (green tips). He showed us all what can be accomplished when one comes to every class as well as practicing in between. Keep working hard and coming through the door to the Dojo!

Congratulations to Pearson Snyder and Chris Felicetti on their successful promotion test to Yon Kyu (brown tips) tonight at the Penobscot Bay YMCA. They both keep coming through the door of the dojo, and it shows! As sensei Masters would always say: “Now work harder…”

Join us at the Penobscot Bay YMCA on December 6^th and 7^th for a special seminar by Martin O’Malley sensei, 5th dan in Matsubayashi-ryu. The seminar will take place over two full days, with a focus on:

• Kihon (basics)
• Kata
• Bunkai (Kata applications)
• Yakusoku Kumite (Choreographed sparring drills)
• Okinawan Kobudo (Ancient weapons art)

The seminar is open to Karate practitioners of all styles.

To those who are not yet familiar with Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu, this seminar will offer a good basic understanding of the style.
And for those who practice the style already, this seminar hopes to dive in-depth into key elements in the Matsubayashi-ryu curriculum.

The fee for the two-day seminar is:

WMKA members: $100
Not yet members: $150

Congratulations to Chris Mariner on his promotion to Yonkyu (Brown tips) last night. His hard work and commitment is showing! Keep coming through that Dojo door and good things will continue to happen, Chris!

From April 7 to April 15, dojo owner and karate student David Troup had the incredible opportunity to train in Eastbourne, England, at the esteemed Kodokan Eastbourne Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo. Under the guidance of Steven Woolston sensei (6th Dan, Renshi) and Sally Woolston sensei (5th Dan), Troup immersed himself in a week of intensive and inspiring martial arts practice.

Training sessions took place both at the public dojo located in Christ’s Church and at the Woolstons’ beautiful home dojo—each offering a unique and enriching environment for learning. The curriculum covered Matsubayashi-ryu kata, yakusoku kumite, and foundational basics. Troup was introduced to new drills and fresh perspectives on the core principles of karate, which deepened his understanding of kata, kumite, and their real-world applications.

A highlight of the training included an exploration of Choki Motobu sensei’s original 12 fighting techniques. Motobu sensei, one of Nagamine Shoshin O-sensei’s key instructors, is widely believed to have inspired the creation of the seven Matsubayashi-ryu yakusoku kumite. Studying these techniques provided valuable insight into the roots of Matsubayashi-ryu and its practical foundations.

Beyond the dojo, the experience was filled with fun and camaraderie. There were lively evenings of bowling and karaoke with the Woolstons and their warm, welcoming Yudansha. Troup also made the most of his time in the UK by exploring the coastal charm of Eastbourne, as well as taking in the sights of Brighton and London.

It was a trip filled with learning, laughter, and lasting connections—an unforgettable chapter in a lifelong martial arts journey.

Congratulations to Garret Soucy, Seven Soucy, Judah Soucy, Watchman Soucy, and Perpetua Soucy on their successful promotion to 6th kyu (green belt) at the Penobscot Bay YMCA last night. They continue to work hard and it certainly shows!

Congratulations to Pearson Snyder and Chris Felicetti on their successful promotions to Rokkukyu (6th kyu—green belt). Their hard work and dedication paid off! keep up the good work!

On Sunday, November 4, 2024, members of the Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo joined with members of the Shinbukan Dojo of Rio Rancho to demonstrate the kata Wanka during the Exchange Karate Festival—part of the 2024 Monument of Honor Celebration in Naha, Okinawa. The members of the Rockland dojo were:

• David Troup, 5th dan
• John Thibodeau, 3rd dan
• Adam Roberson, 1st dan

The members of the Shinbukan Dojo of Rio Rancho were

• Fred Schlesinger, Renshi, 6th dan
• Tom Kulp, Ikkyu

Here are some more images from the Rockland dojo in Okinawa!