March 14, 2007
Karate schools promote 37 students
BY KATHY OJEDA
FOR FLORIDA TODAY
Brevard County karate students were rewarded for their discipline and focus after testing at two Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Schools in Cocoa and Cocoa Beach.
The students, 7 through 69 years old, from three local schools, challenged their skills with a combination of prearranged sparring, forms and breaking events that advanced each student to the next level of martial arts training.
“With 37 students promoted, Central Florida is becoming one of the strongholds of Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu in the United States,” said sensei Des Chaskelson, director of the Cocoa Beach Shorin-Ryu Karate School. “We are very proud of our students who have performed up to the level set for national test standards.”
A group of local students will travel to Washington, D.C. in August for the 45th Shorin-Ryu Anniversary Tournament of Testing. The event will honor the founder of Shorin-Ryu, Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro who brought the traditional style of karate to the U.S. from Okinawa in 1962.
Chaskelson, a fourth-degree black belt is committed to preserving the original form of Okinawan karate at his Cocoa Beach school.
“We open a school and we’re committed to it and the art.” Chaskelson said. “We have very strong roots in tradition. The art of karate is kept intact. It’s very pure.”
Chaskelson is motivated by 10th degree black belt, Hanshi Robert Scaglione. The Viera resident was named head of Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA after founder Ansei Ushiro passed away in 2002.
“Hanshi Robert Scaglione inspires students and myself,” said Chaskelson. “He is a tremendous motivator and having him here in Florida is a real bonus. The growth of Shorin-Ryu karate in Central Florida is largely due to Scaglione’s tireless leadership and support.”
Students of all ages benefit from the mind, body, spirit training provided by the local karate schools.
“Shorin-Ryu teaches self-discipline and respect for kids, and for adults it’s a tremendous way of staying in shape,” Chaskelson said. “It’s also great self-defense for men and women. It’s not a sport you have to quit in your 20s.”
For more information about Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate, call Des Chaskelson at 693-7831 or visit www.cocoabeachkarate.com
Feb. 24-25 Shorin-Ryu Karate local testing results.
Cocoa Beach: Promoted to Green Stripes: Anthony Clark; Promoted to 1 Green Tip: Stephanie Glass, Steven Clarke, Mike Poiani; Promoted to 2 Green Tips: Kelly Canada, Kyle Berry,Janet Jochum; Promoted to Yellow Belt: Latham Kellum, Jr., Xander Boggs; Promoted to Green Belt: Trey Anold, Brian Boggs, Jeanne Shaw, Art Arnold, Roy Hill; Promoted to Brown Tips: Michael Adams; Promoted to Orande Belt: Wade Parker,Joshua Adams, Sarah Parker, Kevin Tezel; Promoted to Brown Belt: Danny ParKer; Promoted to Black Tips: Shelia Gagne.
Cocoa: Promoted to Brown Belt: Kathleen Lemire; Promoted to Green Belt: David Koeing, Matt Snodgrass, David Parish, Dwight Barton III, Brandon Springsten; Promoted to 2 Green Tips: Mariya Yamamoto, Raina Yamamoto, Ryu Yamamoto; Promoted to 1 Green Tip: Hannah Carter, Toran Boragell, Dakota Lora.
Suntree: Promoted to Green Belt: Daniel Delgado; Promoted to 2 Green Tips: Laura Potter, Mark Potter.
|
