Thomas D. Graziano, August 4, 1958 – March 6, 2001

Tom began his Uechi study in 1970, at the dojo of the late Forrest Sanborn and Carmine DiRamio, in Quincy, MA, where he taught the children’s class from 1977 until Forrest’s passing in 1984. Tom then formally became a student of Walter Mattson in Framingham, MA, where he achieved Yondan in 1987. His considerable size and strength coupled with his humility and gentleness, brought out the best in Tom’s training partners. Tom left us all too soon as a result of kidney disease since age 18. He is sorely missed and fondly remembered by his Uechi family.

Born: October 11,1937 Died: November 9, 2000

Dr. Merton Cochran, discharged honorably from the Marine Corps, serving from 1955-1959. Continuing his education, he graduated in 1973 from the University of Oregon receiving his Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Merton did extensive work with patients suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. He also was a coordinator for the employees assistance program at the Sheridan Wyoming Veterans Administration Hospital. During this time he was the Chief of Psychology Services. 

In retirement, at age 59, he began his study of Uechi Ryu Karate Do under Renshi Rokodan, Peggy Hess in Jensen Beach Florida.

His training and study became an important aspect of his life. Mert’s interest in the martial arts developed later in life, therefore some things didn’t come easily. This lack in natural ability was overcome by his strong will, perseverance, dedication and hard work.

A devoted Uechi Ryu practitioner, he was proud to achieve the rank of Shodan on December 4, 1999 under the watchful eye of Kyoshi Hachidan Jack Summers. 

His passing was sudden and unexpected. He is survived by his wife Diane and three children. 

He will sadly missed by his family, friends and dojo mates, but his spirit will surely live on.

James Stanley.D.O.B. 04/29/1942 TO 08/12/2001

He was a member of the Brockton Uechi-Ruy Karate Academy and will be miss.

In Memory of Ahti Kaend

Our mentor Ahti Kaend left us on August 7, 2001. He will live on in our hearts and in our practice. He was a great kareteka, and he earned respect worldwide from all that took the time to listen to him and understand him. His practice was as meticulous and as sharp as he kept his dojo and everything else in his life, and he demanded that same level of excellence from those that trained with him. There is much to say about Ahti. Please visit:

www.uechi-ryu-west.com

and take the memorial link under Ahti’s picture to:

www.geocities.com/okikukai/Ahti_Memorial.html.

David C. Ryan Born 26 May 1954—– Died 14 Feb 1990

Born in Summerside PEI, raised in Greenwood Nova Scotia, Graduated from Acadia University with a Science Degree. Began his Uechi-Ryu training in 1975 in Halifax NS. Because of his love and dedication for the art, he was instrumental for its popularity and continuation in the area. He achieved his 5th degree in Okinawa and was inducted into the Uechi-Ryu Hall of Fame in April 1989. Is sorely missed by his family, wife Cindy, son Jason, his students and many friends.

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Tribute to David Ryan, by Laird Elliott:

Sensei Mattson, I clicked on the link to the memorial site tonight and was shocked to see that David Ryan had died. I went to high school with David in Greenwood N.S. and we played lacrosse together. After high school we lost touch for 3 or 4 years. When I joined Jim Maloney’s Dojo I discovered he was one of the teachers. He was a nidan then. When I left Halifax we lost touch again.

I have often considered asking on the forums if anyone knew of his where- abouts. He was an exceptional guy!

He was way too young to die. His entire life he was extremely fit, even in junior high. (he was a competitive swimmer back then)

He was a great instructor, and committed to Uechi. I once trained 5 nights a week for seven months straight. He never missed a night, he taught a class and took a class every night. It was a long streak for me but just the norm for David!

I use to love to watch him spar, he was so relaxed, circling looking for an opening. Striking and resuming his circle in the blink of an eye. He had an exceptional feel for distance. In and out make you pay, good hand speed!

Davie Ryan was always a warrior. Though those of us who played lacrosse with him didn’t realize it. We started playing lacrosse at 14/15. The next year most teams folded so our team ended up playing junior league, and the next year senior men’s league.

One game we played against a team that had two guys we all referred to as the “gorilla brothers” These guys were semi pro hockey goons. This was in the late sixties very early seventies when goon hockey was big. These guys were just trying to stay in shape over the summer, improve their fighting skills and hopefully crack the ranks of the NHL. The “gorilla brothers ” ran about 6′ 2″ and 215/220 lbs. They were men. We were kids. “Little Davie” ran about 5′ 7″ and 140 lbs. when he was 16.

Well it happened right in front of our bench, David and one of the Gorilla brothers started throwing punches. We started climbing over the boards to help him out. The coach pulled me back onto the bench screaming sit down he’s winning! We all stopped and took a look, sure enough David was peppering the gorilla with punches. The gorilla was bleeding. David continued his attack. The big ape never landed a punch. Bloodied and frustrated he covered his head with his arms and ran to the penalty box. The ref didn’t even have to break it up.

It was the first time we saw Davie fight. In five years the only time! He was a gentle person.

I had hoped that one day we might again meet at summer camp. I guess I took to long to come back to Uechi.

Thought you might enjoy a story of his youth. He’s been gone a long time while, but for me he just left tonight.

thanks for listening George!

With respect and sorrow

Laird

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