My Teacher

Following an ancient way.

The path that I walk.

I began my training as a student of Tamayose sensei in 2001. Since his kobudo was so different to what I had been practicing, I did something that I had not done since 1978. I put on a white belt. I have never once regretted that decision. 

My Sensei.

On December 19, 2015, Tamayose sensei was promoted to, Hanshi, Judan (10th Dan) by the Okinawa Kobudo Remi. In the photo above he is holding his Certificate of Rank which was brushed by, Nakamoto Masahiro sensei.

On January 7, 2023 Tamayose sensei was promoted, Hanshi, Judan (10th Dan), by the Okinawa Prefecture Karate-do Rengo Kai; the governing body which oversees the four main associations in Okinawa. 

    On November 16, 2022, Tamayose's son is promoted, 6th Dan, Renshi. Seen here with Dan Antonsen, Shihan.

My early days training with Tamayose sensei.

The seminars were always held in Martin Nicholson sensei's beautiful dojo which is located on his property next to his home. After the morning, and afternoon sessions, wet gis were often hung out on the fence posts to dry in the summer sun.

On September 3, 2007 I was honoured to receive my Shodan from Tamayose sensei. Today I still practice what he taught me so many years ago. Finally on October 13, 2023, after a period of 16 years, Tamayose sensei and I once again shared the same dojo floor. The four day seminar was very well attended with students from as far away as the Yukon, and Montana in the USA. There was so much information to absorb. So many little things to remember. And what seemed like endless hours spent creating muscle memory. Being overloaded with knowledge can sometimes be a very wonderful thing. I am already looking forward to next year.