Shitama Sensei Visits The New York Seibukan Again in 2007

Shitama Manzo Sensei once again visited the New York Seibukan, this time spending his first Thanksgiving in the United States. He and Fink Sensei discussed the New York Seibukan’s itinerary of our upcoming culture trip to Japan in 2008. Our dojo normally conducts these trips every two years. While here, he taught the jujutsu class.

NEW YORK SEIBUKAN ANNIVERSARY

The New York Seibukan celebrated its 15th anniversary as well as Fink Sensei’s 35th year of continuous teaching in Queens, New York on May 6, 2006. On hand for the demonstration and party were several guests from Japan. They all performed at the demonstration and participated in our classes.

New York Seibukan once again conducts senbondori under the auspices of the Sekirykan in Fukuoka

Shitama Sensei and a group of members from the Sekiryukan once again visited the New York Seibukan to sanction our second senbondori (test of 1000 points), which was held on May 1, 2005. This time two of Fink Sensei's students, Bill Williams and Rondy Angoy, completed this grueling test of stamina, will power and spirit. Mr. Angoy became the first non-Japanese to complete the senbondori twice. In fact, in the history of the senbondori only five people, of the approximately 360 people who completed it, have done it twice. Their names will be placed on the wall of the Sekiryukan along with the others that completed this event since its beginning in 1868.

Headmaster of Shinkage-ryu Kenjutsu visits the New York Seibukan again.

Shitama Sensei conducts senbondori at the New York Seibukan

Shitama Sensei and a group of fifteen members of the Sekiryukan to include Takaki Sensei, Fukugawa Sensei and Kido Sensei visited the New York Seibukan over a three week period in March, 2004 to conduct the senbondori (test of 1000 points). Senbondori began in 1868 when it was first conducted by Shingo Munetsugu Shitama, 12th inheritor of Sosuishi-ryu Jujutsu and has only been performed at the Sekiryukan until this historic event took place here in New York on March 28, 2004. Three of Fink Sensei's students, Bill Kinkel, Rondy Angoy and Christine Yang completed this grueling test of stamina, will power and spirit. Their names will be placed on the wall of the Sekiryukan along with the others that completed this event since its beginning in 1868.

The New York Seibukan attends the 350th Anniversary of Sosuishi-ryu Jujutsu celebration in Fukuoka, Japan

On October18-19 2003, several members of the New York Seibukan attended the 350 th anniversary of Sosuishi-ryu Jujutsu celebration and participated in a demonstration in Fukuoka City, Japan in honor of this event. During this trip we visited and trained in both Tokyo and Fukuoka. For further information please see our 2003 Japan Trip Travelogue.

Shitama Sensei and members of the Sekiryukan visit again

Shitama Sensei along with three members of the Sekiryukan visited again with us from 4 to 11 May 2003. While here he taught the Jujutsu classes, however the main purpose of his visit was to discuss two very importnat upcoming events with Fink Sensei; the 350th Anniversary celbration of Sosuishi-ryu Jujutsu in Fukuoka and the performance of the Senbondori (test of 1000 points) to be held at the New York Seibukan; the first time outside of the Sekiryukan since 1868.

All Kyushu Judo Champion visits the New York Seibukan

Masakatsu (Mas)Yokoyama, All Kyushu Judo Champion and member of the Sekiryukan (Shitama Sensei's dojo) visited us from 31 October to 2 November Mas, a sergeant in the Fukuoka Prefecture Police Department visited with Kenichi Miyagi, a police officer and martial artist from Okinawa. While here they trained in our Jujutsu classes as well as received special training from Fink Sensei in police defensive tactics to include arrest and handcuffing techniques.

Headmaster of Shinkage-ryu Kenjutsu visits the New York Seibukan

In September, 2002, we were honored with a visit by Tadashige Watanabe Sensei, headmaster of Shinkage-ryu Kenjutsu, a renowned sword fighting system and several of his students from Japan. While in New York they performed a demonstration of this classical Japanese art of swordsmanship at the Japan Society. Watanabe Sensei was accompanied by his top student, Masaki Shima Sensei who is an old friend of Fink Sensei's from Japan, where they trained together in Aikido many years ago.

Once again, Shitama Sensei visits us

This time Shitama Sensei brought his son, Shusaku (the future inheritor of Sosuishi-ryu) and several members of the Sekiryukan, including Takaki Masanori Sensei's son, Shozo, who is the International Secretary of the Sosuishi-ryu Jujutsu Kai (SJJK).  They arrived on August 24, 2001 and departed just prior to the attack on the World Trade Center. In fact, they visited the observation deck of the tower just prior to their departure. They all left on August 29 th that is with the exception of Shusaku Shitama, who stayed with Fink Sensei until November 14 th . While here he trained in both the karate classes as well as the Jujutsu classes.

Another Group Trip to Japan

Fink Sensei once again took a group of his students to Japan from December 4 to 17, 2000, this time visiting Okinawa and Fukuoka. While there they trained in karate in Okinawa and Jujutsu at the Sekiryukan in Fukuoka.  For more details please see our travelogue for the 2000 Japan visit

Shitama Sensei visits the New York Seibukan again  

The 16th headmaster of Sosuishi-ryu Jujutsu and kancho of the Sekiryukan, Manzo Shitama Sensei once again honored us with a visit. This time Shitama Sensei brought along Takaki Masanori Sensei, Kuraizume in Sosuishi-ryu and 7 th Dan in Kodokan Judo. Takaki Sensei is also the president of the Fukuoka Prefecture Judo Association.  They arrived on Easter Sunday, April 23 rd departing May 2, 2000. During their stay they instructed the Jujutsu classes as well as gave a seminar along with Fink Sensei at a dojo in L!   ong Island, New York. Shitama Sensei last visited the New York Seibukan, international headquarters of Sosuishi-ryu Jujutsu in 1995.

Uechi Sensei from Okinawa visits again

After arriving in New York on December 12, 1999, Uechi Sensei visited several dojo (over the course of three months) in the United States enhancing the practice and study of Isshin-ryu. Ironically, he arrived as Fink Sensei was in Korea and Japan and he welcomed Fink Sensei back at the airport. The New York Seibukan helped Uechi Sensei put together his itinerary over his three month visit. While at our dojo he taught the children and adult classes. After completing his tour across the country he came back to our dojo highlighted by a farewell party on March 2, 2000.

Master Angi Uezu Visits Our Dojo