Freddy Cicerchia - Uechi-Ryu Karate 9th Dan

Welcome to Finding Budo. Today I have the unique experience of sitting down with five young, talented martial artist who all share a common karate background - they all have parents who teach the martial arts and now themselves teach Uechi-Ryu Karate. Each have developed into excellent Uechi-Ryu karate practitioners and sensei in their own right and now either operate their own school or teach with their parents. I was incredibly impressed by the depth of knowledge and martial insight that they shared with each other and I know you will too. Please welcome Ty Rose of T. Rose Karate Holden, Henry and Bella Traynor of Buzz Durkin's Uechi Karate School, Lukas Pippos of Peter Pippos Karate Center, and Elijah Cunningham of Family Martial Arts of Pelham.

Welcome to Finding Budo. Today I am excited to share my recent interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 9th degree black belt, Freddy Cicerchia. Freddy is a senior student of Buzz Durkin, and has been training Uechi-Ryu Karate since his twenties. In our interview we talk about how the martial arts have kept him mentally focused and balanced while dealing with injury, helped him as a leader and manager, and his thoughts on the future of the martial arts. Freddy is not only a fantastic martial artist and Uechi-Ryu Karate student, he is also incredibly fit and physically tough. He is a wonderful example of how living the lifestyle of a martial artist and staying physically active will keep you positive and healthy as you age.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to present a multi-part interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Al Wharton. Sensei Wharton began his martial art training in 1969 at the Mattson Academy of Karate. He is also well versed, Northern Shaolin Bak Sil Lum, which he has been training since 1970. Sensei Wharton is a champion fighter who today teaches in Bermuda and the United Kingdom. In our interview we discuss many topics, including how one can adopt the martial art mindset in daily life. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Al Wharton.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to present a multi-part interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Al Wharton. Sensei Wharton began his martial art training in 1969 at the Mattson Academy of Karate. He is also well versed, Northern Shaolin Bak Sil Lum, which he has been training since 1970. Sensei Wharton is a champion fighter who today teaches in Bermuda and the United Kingdom. In our interview we discuss many topics, including how one can adopt the martial art mindset in daily life. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Al Wharton.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to present a multi-part interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Al Wharton. Sensei Wharton began his martial art training in 1969 at the Mattson Academy of Karate. He is also well versed, Northern Shaolin Bak Sil Lum, which he has been training since 1970. Sensei Wharton is a champion fighter who today teaches in Bermuda and the United Kingdom. In our interview we discuss many topics, including how one can adopt the martial art mindset in daily life. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Al Wharton.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to present a multi-part interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Al Wharton. Sensei Wharton began his martial art training in 1969 at the Mattson Academy of Karate. He is also well versed, Northern Shaolin Bak Sil Lum, which he has been training since 1970. Sensei Wharton is a champion fighter who today teaches in Bermuda and the United Kingdom. In our interview we discuss many topics, including how one can adopt the martial art mindset in daily life. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Al Wharton.

Today I am incredibly excited to share my recent interview with Uechi-Ryu Karate 10th degree black belt, Grandmaster Bob Bethoney. Beginning his training in 1964, Grandmaster Bethoney has a rich martial art history. He is an acclaimed tournament fighter, with over 57 full contact trophies to his name.Sensei Bethoney also has a long history of practical performance through his extensive law enforcement career and has a full understanding of how the martial arts and Uechi-Ryu karate work in self-defense scenarios.In our interview we discuss his many karate experiences as well as his teaching mindset and how he passes on the martial way to his students during their training in his dojo, Bob Bethoney's Uechi-Ryu Academy - located in Hanson, Massachusetts. Please enjoy, Grandmaster Bob Bethoney.

Today on the podcast I sit down and talk with 5th degree Uechi-Ryu Karate black belt and retired federal judge, Jose Sanchez. Jose began his martial arts practice in 1983, starting in Seido Karate in New York City, later moving to Massachusetts and beginning his Uechi-Ryu Karate training. He received his Shodan in 1988 and is testing for his 6th degree master's rank later this year. He also cross trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.During our interview Jose talks about how his martial arts and Uechi-Ryu Karate training has kept his body healthy and active over the years. We also discuss his varied professions as an air traffic controller, criminal defense lawyer, and judge and how the martial arts have aided him in keeping composed during high stress and high stakes situations. I find every conversation I have with Jose to be engaging and intriguing and I know you will too. Please enjoy, Jose Sanchez.

Today I am sitting down with one of my Uechi-Ryu Karate mentors, Sensei Dan Dovidio.Sensei Dan Dovidio began Uechi-Ryu Karate training in 1975 under the tutelage of Buzz Durkin. He is now a ninth degree black belt and the owner of Dan Dovidio's Karate in Londonderry, NH.Dan Dovidio is a tournament champion who was ranked number one in the state of New Hampshire and has competed in Okinawa. Also is also an expert in the practical usage of pressure points and has a deep knowledge of how they apply to Uechi-Ryu Kata and bunkai.We cover many topics during our conversation, including changing training priorities as you age, developing a positive attitude in and outside the dojo, and his time as a competitor.Follow Sensei Dan Dovidio's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4t7DbzjVtfmcmQVPR7unsg

I wanted to talk about a quote I read today that I believe captures the essence of cooperative training in a karate class. The quote is by Paulo Coelho and it reads, “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”I think this quote is really relatable to how a karate class should be run and how all students should feel in class. In the martial arts, cooperative training is essential for the growth and proficiency of all students – because by working together and pushing each other to become better, every student can and will improve their skills and techniques. I’ve also observed that when students strive to become better than they are, they inspire others to do the same. This creates a culture of growth and self-improvement that permeates the entire class and school. As these students improve, they become more confident and motivated, which often encourages others to follow their lead. This positive cycle of growth and improvement benefits everyone in the class.Along with that, I have found that cooperative training helps students develop important life skills such as teamwork, respect, and empathy. By working together towards a common goal, people tend to learn how to appreciate and value the contributions, points of view, and opinions of others. I’ve also found that junior students especially learn to communicate more effectively with others through their interactions at the dojo.Personally, I find great joy when I get to watch my advanced students share what they have learned with new students. It’s always amazing to see the cycle of sharing and growth be passed on from student to student, and to see new students realize that they are being welcomed with open arms to the school.I hope this inspires you to strive to be the best version of yourself on the dojo floor and in life. If you find this topic relatable please let me know by giving the video a like and sharing a positive martial arts moment you have experienced below.