Uechi Tournament News

[gmattson]

Greetings Brothers and Sisters of Uechi-Ryu,
I am happy to announce the anticipated Uechi-Ryu Karate Championship Series which our students have come to enjoy will resume this year 2015. The anticipated dates are all Saturdays, April 11, June 13 and October 3. I use the word anticipated because although the venue has approved these dates, the manager still have to follow protocol and announce these date to their committee. Sensei Len Testa and I have also decided to start all 3 tournaments at 1pm. This would allow our competitors to sleep late on a week end and have lunch prior to the start of the events. I remembered many of the competitors being hungry while waiting for kumite. No one wants to see their little ninjas hungry and uncomfortable.

The venue for all 3 tournaments will be held at The Natick Senior Center. The address is 117 E. Central Street, Natick, MA 01760. We chose this venue because of its central location to many of the dojos who have supported this tournament series in the past. And a single, familiar location makes it easier for all our competitors, parents and judges. It is certainly an easier ride for our central, western and northern dojos. Tournament fees will be announced when our posters and applications are sent out. Understanding the condition of our economy, we are trying to keep all fees as low as possible. Very possibly lower then entry fees of the past.

The awards night will be held on October 17th, at the China Pearl located at 237 Quincy Avenue, Quincy, MA 02169. The award night tickets will be $30 per person. This includes the presentation of the championship trophies, kata and weapon performances from our champions and a 6 course meal. Each table will seat 10 people. All award tickets must be purchased in advance. A $20 discount will available for “dojo tables”. Instead of individuals from your dojo purchasing seats and sending in their checks to me, the dojo can send in $280 per table “which seats 10” and arrange their own seating and guarantee his/her dojo students and parents will sit together. If there are parents, students or relatives who you cannot fit in your tables ordered, they will have to pay $30 and we will assign them to other tables where we have room.

Thank you again for being so patient with us. Let’s get ready for a great year in Uechi-Ryu.

Darin Yee