Mat San's Grading

On June 25th 2022 the Okinawa Gojuryu Kenkyukai officially added another member to their ranks.  Mat Weisfeld, owner and head instructor at United Martial Artist Academy graded for his Shodan in Okinawa Gojuryu Kenkyukai.  Mat San has trained in different aspects of Martial Arts for over 30 years but made the commitment to train in traditional Karate after his first visit to the Head Shibu Dojo under Sensei Mark Kapel.

(Taken from Mat Weisfeld's facebook page)
"I have been training in the Martial Arts for 30+ years but tonight is one of my proudest nights. Thanks to everyone who has helped support during this especially Jane Weisfeld who has been taking care of the kids while I'm training and hitting stuff like a crazy person
Thanks to Mark Kapel for taking me in and training me in Okinawa Gojuryu Kenkyukai North America"

Mat San has spent the past 2 years training and fulfilling all the requirements for his grading all while making the same changes to his own school.  Originally from an Americanized form of Karate, Mat's school now has transitioned to a full globally recognized Okinawa Gojuryu Kenkyukai curriculum.  Some of those requirements include (but not limited to) demonstrating proficiency in:

• Gojuryu Katas
• Khihon
• Basic Renzoku
• Bunkai
• San Dan Uke
• 300 punches (each arm) on the Makiwara 

As well as other aspects of athleticism and dedication to the education of Karate.  We are proud to have Mat San join our organization on an even deeper level.  It was one thing to start training, but it is a whole different commitment to reinvent yourself as a Martial Artist after many years of training.  Mat San has not only demonstrated successes in his grading but has also shown it is never too late to train in authentic traditional Karate.