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.

---

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

---

Anne Sevin: 1946 – 2-27-2002

“Women and Dan Testing”, by Anne Sevin

“. . .’Karate spirit’ is in some ways the opposite of traits that are usually considered ‘feminine’ by our society. It is especially important for women to show good spirit both in their kata and when working with a partner so that they can overcome this cultural stereotype. . .

“. . .Even if you do not actually teach, you are a role model. And as a woman you are a role model for the female students below you. It is up to you to show the other women in your dojo that women can work out hard and be strong and develop good karate spirit.”

The Black Belt Test Guide,. Peabody Publishing Company. 1988

Memorial to Joe “Buddy” Hurley

Joe “Buddy” Hurley died at home after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of Randolph M

 

ass Joe passed away on December 16th, 2002 of cancer at the age of 56.

Joe was a devoted husband and father of three small boys who was well liked by everyone who knew him. Active in little league, soccer and karate Joe gave of himself right up until the time he died. From the diversified attendance at Joe’s reposing, it can be said that Joe lead a very interesting and colorful life. Joe worked as a professional land surveyor.

 

Joe, a GoDan, was a member and instructor at the Okinawan Karate Club of Stoughton. Everyone liked and looked forward to his class because of the energy and love for Uechi Ryu that Joe projected. Joe participated in many camps and seminars training under the watchful eye of Okinawan visiting instructors every opportunity he got. Unfortunately he never made it to Okinawa, one of his long time dreams.

Joe also taught the karate program at the YMCA in Easton for many years and evening adult education self defense programs at Stoughton High School. As well as being a skilled martial artist he was a talented artist also. Many of Joe’s ‘works’ can be found hanging in the OKC Stoughton and dojos around New England and Florida. One of Joe’s specialties was calligraphy, going so far as to engrave popular Okinawan sayings on slate. Joe will always be remembered for his dedication, honesty and loyalty. He is sadly missed by his immediate and extended Uechi family and all of the students and teachers who knew him.

Shigeo Izumi 1942-2003

*Year of birth ; 1942

*Address ; Okinawa city, Okinawa, Japan

*Rank ; Karate Kyoshi 7Dan
Okinawa Karate-Do association 
Koza Dojo 
Kobu-Do Renshi 6Dan
Ryukyu Kobu-Do Hozon Shinkou Kai

Joseph Christopher CODY, Joseph Christopher – 49, Halifax, N.S., passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 30, 2003. A talented musician and composer, a lover of the Beatles and Neil Young, Chris enjoyed performing in local theatre and was a lifelong student of Uechi-Ryu karate attaining the rank of 3rd degree black belt.

He was a professional graphic designer for Print Atlantic Nova Scotia and leaves behind many friends there and everywhere. He will always be lovingly remembered by his sister, Frances, brothers, John, Michael (Fredericton), Peter, Paul, Laurence and his sisters-in-law, by Angela, Sean, and his many other nieces, nephews and great-nephews. Chris’ journey along his “Long and Winding Road” has lead him to his Eternal Maker and his beloved mother, Mildred (Langille), and father, John in the glorious House of our Lord. Visitation will take place today 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. under the direction of Cruickshanks Funeral Home on Robie Street. Chris’ funeral mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, in St. Theresa’s Church, 6351 North St., Rev. Thomas White presiding. Donations to Kidney Foundation of Canada, Nova Scotia Branch or to Fabry’s Research at Dalhousie Medical Research Centre would be appreciated by the family. At Chris’ request, please sign your donor card.

William J. Finnerty was born in Cambridge, MA on August 20, 1928. He was the son of the late Mary (Murphy) and John Finnerty. His father was born in Ireland and became a citizen of the US when he served in the Army during World War I. Bill lived in Cambridge and graduated from Rindge High School. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps upon graduation in 1946 and was discharged Christmas Eve 1952. Prior to the Korean War he was stationed in the Philippines and was sent to Korea when the conflict began in 1951. Bill was wounded at the Chosen Reservoir and was awarded a Purple Heart.

Bill returned to the United States in January 1952. While serving in the Philippines he became interested in the martial arts and began to work out at the YMCA with George Mattson in the late 50’s. Bill married Nancy (Bernini) in April 1953 and they subsequently had six children, one daughter and five sons. Bill retired from the Post Office in 1989.

When he retired he continued to pursue his interest in Karate. He wrote several articles that were published in the Fighting Arts Newsline. Bill’s interest in the martial arts became a way of life for him. He was a member of the Uechi-ryu Karate Association. Throughout the early years he taught at the YMCU as well as the YWCA. Bill also taught at the Karate Academy that George Mattson founded in Boston; however, Bill was a purist somewhat of a maverick.

Bill took part in tournaments and earned his black belt. He traveled to Okinawa, Japan and China and worked out the other Karate followers. He made a great many friends and enjoyed working out the the Chinese contingent when they traveled to America. Bill was always open to learning new techniques and was proficient with the sword and fans.

Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer early in 2002 and succumbed to the disease on February 6, 2003.

Donald Hudson Brown, 61, of Sudbury, MA died on April 11, 2004 in Corcord, MA. He was born in Boston and grew up in the Boston area. He moved to Sudbury in 1972.

Donald was a passionate martial artist and outdoor enthusiast. He spent many years teaching and working as a graphic designer before opening a Karate School in Stow, MA with Pat Saunders.

Donald was a loving father and is survived by his son Colin and daughter Lindsay.

A rememberance celebration will take place on Sunday, April 18 at the Stow Martial Arts Center, 117 Great Road, Stow, MA. Visiting will be from 1:00 to 2:30 followed by a memorial service from 2:30 to 3:00.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Sierra Club.

Mark Andrew Waye
Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Canada

Passed away quietly at the age of 23 on January 26, 2005.
Mark was a dedicated member of the Bridgewater Uechi -Ryu Academy for 10 years. Mark was also instrumental in launching the nearby Lunenburg Dojo, helping instruct both adults and children.

Despite what many would find overwhelming physical challenges, Mark achieved the rank of Nidan and participated in every aspect of the style he so much enjoyed.