Uechi Ryu Academy To Hold Black Belt Ceremony
The Bermuda Uechi Ryu Academy will hold its Junior Black Belt Ceremony on Saturday, October 12, from 4pm to 5:30pm at the BAA gym.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Uechi Ryu Academy is excited to invite all to its Junior Black Belt Grading & Awards Ceremony, to take place at the BAA gym on Saturday, October 12 – 4pm to 5:30pm.
“This special event will highlight the Academy’s senior students with instructors testing the final set of junior black belt protocols to advance within the Academy’s foundational Uechi Ryu system. This will be a unique martial arts and youth empowerment experience; attendees will witness the Academy’s senior students, at the height of their training, being tested under rigorous conditions to achieve the distinction of junior black belt [black belt with white stripe], for youth under 18yrs within the Uechi Ryu system.
“The grading celebration will especially appeal to all parents, youth and martial arts enthusiasts desirous of learning about the Academy’s system of martial arts instruction, self-defense and youth leadership models; a must see for parents interested in having their youth join a credible martial arts, self-defense and youth leadership program.
“The Bermuda Uechi Ryu Academy operates under the leadership of Master David Goins 6th Dan and Sensei William Spriggs 4th Dan, further assisted by Sensei John O’Doherty 3rd Dan, Sensei Mike Wellman 3rd Dan, Sensei Yulanda Francis [3rd Dan] and Sifu Eugene Ford. All the Academy’s Sensei’s were trained by Grandmaster Al Wharton, 10th Dan, Judan, who introduced Uechi Ryu to Bermuda in 1977 and is now currently residing in the UK. Grandmaster Al has flown in especially for the event and will be a central part of the grading and awards celebration.
“To further celebrate this momentous occasion, the Academy is inviting new students to join its ranks. Regular training for new students will be held on Saturdays from 11am to 12:30pm. The Academy will introduce a 2nd class during the week starting Jan. 2025. All instructors are highly motivated, capable, and dedicated to bring out the best in students. Uechi Ryu emphasizes toughness of body, simplicity, and stability, employing upright stances, circular blocks, open hand and low kicking techniques. The Academy’s overarching goal is to teach the true meaning and traditions of martial arts; foundational Uechi Ryu in the traditional manner and with a practical approach for today’s modern age, inclusive of moral integrity, physical fitness, strength of spirit, discipline, and self-control.
“All persons wishing to attend the Academy’s Junior Black Belt Grading & Awards Ceremony are asked to RSVP to Michael carltonmichael@icloud.com or William apdbda@gmail.com to reserve a seat.”
