!!! News of the Month !!!

James Wheeler and Kyle MacKay achieve First Degree Black Belt !

October 19, Livonia NY After 5 years of study and at the age of 44, James Wheeler successfully tested for the rank of Shodan. He overcame lower back pain and delivered excellent performance at the test.  Kyle MacKay, 36, has been studying nearly ten years and and decided to concentrate during this past year to complete all the requirements.  The test is a grueling affair where the candidates perform all 17 Kata, all basic and advanced Karate techniques, JuJutsu and Aiki Jutsu technique, extensive self defense, including defense against weapons such as a club, knife, chain and a gun as well as random defense against single and multiple attackers.

Kyle MacKay and James Wheeler with Kyoshi Roztocil

 

Dr. Eric Bryant tested for Nidan

September 7, 2003

Dr. Eric Bryant (43), student of Shihan Swede, Perrry Dojo, successfully passed test for 2st Degree Black Belt in Tatsu Do Karate. The test encompasses one empty hand kata (Jion - Temple of the Saint) and one bo kata, (Daiku Yama No Kan - Mountain Carpenter's Bo Kata). Additionally the candidate must demonstrate defending against a samurai sword (simulated by shinai) using a bo, perform full speed bo-bo combat and defend against one or more attackers while blind-folded. A detailed written test is completed ahead of the physical test. The attackers were Masters Simms and Strain, both of Yodan rank. The test was conducted by Kyoshi Roztocil.

Shihan David Swede and Sensei Dr. Bryant after the test. (Yes, the darker spots on Dr. Bryant's gi is sweat....)

 

 

Scott Fladd and Caryn Carnicelli promoted to Shodan

August 17, 2003

Scott Fladd (49), student of Sensei Robert Fladd and Caryn Carnicelli (17), student of Shihan Tim Hillman, successfully passed the extremely demanding test for 1st Degree Black Belt in Tatsu Do Karate. They both survived the test, Scott Fladd's gi did not....Congratulations!

 

Robert Rosati and Emily Milgate promoted to Nidan

August 3, 2003

Robert Rosati (41), student of Quent Sahrle, 5th Dan and Emily Milgate (15), student of Kyoshi Tomas Roztocil, today successfully tested for Nidan. Great Job - Congratulations!

Emily Milgate - Robert Rosati Promoted to Nidan, August 3, 2003

 

Lynn Duffy and Trisha Forbes promoted to Shodan

May 18, 2003

Lynn Duffy (26), student of Shihan Hartness, 6th Dan and Trisha Forbes (21), student of Ron Strain, 4th Dan, both successfully tested for Shodan. During the test they both demonstrated excellent stamina and good form. The self defense portion of the test was especially impressive - both women were attacked by some very intimidating male students. Neither of these women were phased by this, actually seemed to enjoy throwing a few extra techniques just to put their attackers in their place. Great Job - Congratulations!

Lynn Duffy and Trisha Forbes - after their test, May 18th, 2003

 

Sensei Matt Minisce promoted to Shodan in Aiki Jutsu

May 15, 2003

Matt Minisce was promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt in Aiki Jutsu last Thursday, May 15, 2003. The  actual test was administered over the last several weeks by Renshi Bray, Godan, with the help of Master LaDouce (Yodan) and Sensei Mosiman (Sandan). The test involves all the "named" techniques in Tatsu Do Aiki Jutsu Manual, many "no-name" techniques, defenses against weapons, multiple attackers with and without weapons, included blinfolded, defenses while bound, use of yawara and jo, among other things. There are only 13 Aiki Jutsu Black Belts in Tatsu Do, which in and of itself speaks of the difficulty involved. Sensei Minisce is from the Caledonia Sunrise Dojo, under Kyoshi Roztocil. 

 

 

Master Marco promoted to Godan

May 4, 2003

Master Marco (51) successfully tested for godan today. The test was conducted in front of Hanshi William Cavalier, Jr., and three senior Tatsu Do Board Members. It included detailed review of all TatsuDo Kata, explanation of bunkai (meaning of moves) and various other aspects of the Tatsu Do art. Master Marco already holds sandan in Tatsu Do Iai Jutsu.

Gerrard P. Marco, promoted to 5th Dan, Hanshi William Cavalier, Jr., Shihan Tim Hillman, 7th Dan

 

 

Sensei VanDurme promoted to Nidan

April 6, 2003

Sensei VanDurme (43) passed the test Nidan in Karate. The requirements include a written test, complete review of requirements to Shodan, two new kata, one empty hand, one weapon. Also included are combat skills with a bo (bo-bo kumite), bo defense against sword blindfold defense and combative strategy. The minimum required time before Nidan test is one year from Shodan. Each Tatsu Do advanced dan test candidate goes through rigorous training and pre-test certification by Kyoshi Roztocil. 

Sensei VanDUrme defends against Master Scchubmehl's bo attack.	Click on picture to see the action	Sensei Covell (Sandan), Master Adams (Godan), Master Schubmehl (Yodan)