Event Announcement: USA (Los Angeles) Matsubayashi-ryu Seminar with Yoshitaka Taira Kaicho Hosted by Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do of Little Tokyo The World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) shares this special announcement from Art Takashi Ishii Sensei and the members of Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do of Little Tokyo. They are honored to welcome Yoshitaka Taira, 10th dan, Hanshi and Kaicho of the World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association, back to Los Angeles, CA, for the first time in over 25 years. Taira Kaicho will host a 3-day seminar open to WMKA members worldwide, along with two other Okinawan instructors (to be determined). This seminar will run in conjunction with Nisei Week, the oldest and largest Japanese cultural festival in the United States. (This information is provided by the host dojo based on their announcement.) Seminar Details: イベント告知:米国(ロサンゼルス) 平良慶孝会長による松林流空手道セミナー 主催: リトル東京松林流道場 世界松林流空手道連盟(WMKA)より、米国ロサンゼルスのリトル東京道場(石井タカシ・アート先生)からの特別セミナーのご案内をお知らせいたします。 石井先生と道場門下生一同は、WMKA会長である平良慶孝範士十段を、25年以上ぶりにロサンゼルスにお迎えすることを光栄に存じます。平良会長は、世界中のWMKA会員を対象とした3日間のセミナーを、沖縄からの講師2名(未定)と共に指導されます。このセミナーは、米国最大かつ最古の日本文化祭である「二世週祭(Nisei Week)」に合わせて開催されます。 (本案内は主催道場より提供された情報に基づいています。) セミナー詳細:
Read moreAuthor Archive: Fred Schlesinger
News From Okinawa February 7, 2026
Dear WMKA Dojo Owners, I hope this message finds you well and training hard. On behalf of the World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association (WMKA), I would like to inform you of three important updates. 1. The 3rd Okinawa Karate World Tournament The entry deadline for the upcoming tournament is approaching. If you are planning to participate, please do not forget to register by the end of this month. 2. Dan Grading Schedule in Okinawa (2026) We have finalized the schedule for the Dan grading examinations to be held at the Headquarters in Okinawa. 3. Advance Notice: Revision of Dan Grading Rules (Effective from April) Starting in April 2025, the WMKA will implement changes to the Dan grading criteria. Key Changes: Reason for Revision: The Board of Directors has carefully deliberated on this matter, taking into account valuable feedback from our members. With the advancement of technology, the possibilities for continuous remote training and guidance have expanded significantly. Furthermore, we have exchanged views with other traditional Karate organizations that share similar training philosophies and grading standards. Based on these factors, we have decided to update our criteria to better reflect the current environment while maintaining our quality and discipline. For full details on the new criteria and required years, please refer to the new Dan requirement chart found on the “Dojo Owners Page” We appreciate your understanding and continued dedication to Matsubayashi-Ryu. Sincerely, Daichi Sakamoto Overseas Manager World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association 道場主の皆様 時下ますますご清祥のこととお慶び申し上げます。 世界松林流空手道連盟(WMKA)より、3つの重要なお知らせがございます。 1. 第3回 沖縄空手世界大会について 大会のエントリー締め切りが迫っております。 参加を予定されている方は、今月末までの登録をお忘れなきようお願いいたします。 2. 沖縄での段位審査日程(2026年)について 総本部(沖縄)で行われる昇段審査の日程が以下の通り決定いたしました。 3. 段位審査規程の改定予告(4月より施行) 2026年4月より、海外向けの段位審査基準を変更いたします。 主な変更点: 改定の理由: 理事会では、会員の皆様から頂戴した貴重なご意見を踏まえ、慎重に検討を進めて参りました。 […]
Read moreEvent announcement for Norway
Event Announcement: Norway Matsubayashi Gashuku – 30th Anniversary Invitation Hosted by Oystre Slidre I.L. Karate (Norway) The World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) shares this announcement from our Norwegian dojo, Oystre Slidre I.L. Karate. They are pleased to invite you to a social training weekend in Valdres, Fagernes. This will be a weekend of great training, friendship and celebration to mark 30 years of Matsubayashi-Ryu in Norway. (This information is provided by the host dojo based on their invitation.) Seminar Details: イベント告知:ノルウェー ノルウェー松林流 30周年記念合宿 主催: Oystre Slidre I.L. Karate (ノルウェー) 世界松林流空手道連盟(WMKA)より、ノルウェー支部道場(Oystre Slidre I.L. Karate)からのご案内をお知らせいたします。 ノルウェーの道場は、ヴァルドレス(ファゲルネス)で開催される交流稽古の週末に皆様をご招待いたします。 これは、ノルウェーにおける松林流30周年を記念する、素晴らしい稽古、友情、そして祝賀の週末となるでしょう。 (本案内は主催道場より提供された招待状の情報に基づいています。) セミナー詳細: Hover your mouse over the bottom of the following 3-page PDF for options (arrows appear) to scroll through pages.
Read moreEvent Announcement: August 8-9, 2025 at Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA.
Annual Soke Takayoshi Nagamine Memorial Weekend August 8-9, 2025 at Cocoa Beach Karate, USA “The Annual Soke Takayoshi Nagamine Memorial Weekend will be held at Cocoa Beach Karate August 8-9, 2025. The event is held in honor of Soke, his teachings and his contributions to practitioners of Matsubayashi Karate Do”. Event times are Friday, August 8, 2025 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, and Saturday August 9, 2025 from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm. In 2011 Soke made his last visit of many to Florida when he conducted a week long seminar at Cocoa Beach Karate. He was scheduled to do another seminar here in 2012 before his untimely passing. Since then, Cocoa Beach Karate has held a special Memorial Weekend in his honor every year around this time. The two day event begins each day with participants standing around posters of Soke and Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine and sharing ther experiences and stories in his honor. Thereafter a standard workout is conducted with traditional warmups and kihon, followed by all of the Matsubayashi kata as well as kobudo. Each visiting dojo gets to perform a group kata with their students. For more information contact the event host: Des Chaskelson Sensei: senseides@yahoo.com(321) 693-7831https://www.cocoabeachkarate.com Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/soke-nagamine-memorial-workout/1289707285841501/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=8u7V6RhNKIrolTUO&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1JQxe26rgw%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
Read moreEvent Announcement: USA (Maine)-December 6&7, 2025
Matsubayashi-ryu Karatedo Seminar with Martin O’Malley Sensei Hosted by Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo The World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) is pleased to announce a special seminar hosted by David Troup Sensei of Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo in Maine, USA. This event features Martin O’Malley Sensei, 5th Dan in Matsubayashi-ryu, from Helsinki. This seminar offers a valuable opportunity for karate practitioners of all styles to learn from Sensei O’Malley. For those new to Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu, it will provide a solid basic understanding of the style. For current practitioners, the seminar aims to delve in-depth into key elements of the Matsubayashi-ryu curriculum. Martin O’Malley Sensei has trained under the guidance of Nagamine Takayoshi Soke. He has received regular instruction from the highest-ranked Matsubayashi Ryu Karateka in Okinawa and abroad. He travels to Japan on a regular basis. Seminar Details: We encourage all interested practitioners to join this enriching seminar. イベント告知: 米国(メイン州) ロックランド松林流道場主催: マーティン・オマリー先生による松林流空手道セミナー 世界松林流空手道連盟(WMKA)は、米国メイン州のロックランド松林流道場のデイビッド・トループ先生が主催する特別セミナーをお知らせいたします。このイベントには、ヘルシンキより松林流五段のマーティン・オマリー先生が講師として招かれます。 このセミナーは、あらゆる流派の空手修行者にとって、オマリー先生から学ぶ貴重な機会を提供します。松林流少林流にまだ慣れていない方には、流派の基本的な理解を深める良い機会となるでしょう。既に松林流を実践している方には、松林流のカリキュラムにおける重要な要素を深く掘り下げる機会となることを願っています。 マーティン・オマリー先生は、長嶺高兆宗家の指導のもとで修行しました。沖縄国内外の最高位の松林流空手家から定期的に指導を受けており、定期的に日本を訪れます。 セミナー詳細: 興味をお持ちのすべての修行者の皆様のご参加をお勧めします
Read moreEvent Announcement: USA (Dallas, Texas) -September 25, 2025
Event Announcement: USA (Dallas, Texas) Celebrating 60 Years of Matsubayashi-ryu: A Special Gathering Hosted by Renshi Phil Kromka The World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) is pleased to share news of a special celebration being hosted by Renshi Phil Kromka, 6th Dan, in Dallas, Texas. September 25th, 2025, marks Renshi Kromka’s remarkable 60th anniversary as a practitioner and instructor of Matsubayashi-ryu karate. To commemorate this significant milestone, Renshi Kromka is personally hosting a celebration that will include a joint practice followed by a traditional Texas barbeque. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to honor Renshi Kromka’s dedication and to share in the spirit of Matsubayashi-ryu. Event Details: イベント告知: 米国(テキサス州ダラス) 松林流60周年を祝う: フィル・クロムカ錬士主催の特別会合 世界松林流空手道連盟(WMKA)は、テキサス州ダラスのフィル・クロムカ錬士六段が主催する特別な祝賀会についてお知らせできることを嬉しく思います。2025年9月25日は、クロムカ錬士が松林流空手道の修行者および指導者として素晴らしい60周年を迎える記念すべき日です。 この重要な節目を祝うため、クロムカ錬士が個人的に合同稽古と伝統的なテキサスバーベキューを含む祝賀会を主催します。このイベントは、クロムカ錬士の献身を称え、松林流の精神を共有する素晴らしい機会となるでしょう。 イベント詳細:
Read moreEvent Announcement: Germany-September 13 &14, 2025
Event Announcement: Germany Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Seminar with Martin O’Malley Sensei Godan from Helsinki The World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) is pleased to announce a special seminar in Germany, featuring Martin O’Malley Sensei Godan from Helsinki. This seminar is hosted by Matsubayashi Ryu Dojo Stikelkamp & Matsubayashi Ryu Dojo Großefehn. Martin O’Malley Sensei trained under the guidance of Nagamine Takayoshi Soke and has received regular instruction from the highest graduated Matsubayashi Ryu Karate Ka in Okinawa and abroad. He regularly travels to Japan. Seminar Details: イベント告知: ドイツ ヘルシンキよりマーティン・オマリー五段による松林流空手道セミナー 世界松林流空手道連盟(WMKA)は、ドイツで開催されるヘルシンキのマーティン・オマリー五段を招いた特別セミナーをお知らせいたします。このセミナーは、松林流道場シュティケルカンプと松林流道場グローセフェーンが主催します 。 マーティン・オマリー先生は、長嶺高兆宗家の指導のもとで修行し、国内外及び沖縄の最高位の松林流空手家から定期的に指導を受けており、定期的に日本を訪れています 。 セミナー詳細:
Read moreEvent Announcement: India-August 3, 2025
Event Announcement: India WMKA India Presents: Grand Master Seminar by Hanshi Yoshitaka Taira The World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association India is thrilled to announce a unique opportunity to delve into the profound legacy of Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do. For the first time in India, a Grand Master Seminar will be conducted by Hanshi Yoshitaka Taira, 10th Dan, and President of the WMKA. This seminar will focus on both Karate and Kobudo, offering a comprehensive learning experience into the essence of traditional Okinawan martial arts. Seminar Details: イベント告知: インド WMKA India Presents: Grand Master Seminar by Hanshi Yoshitaka Taira 世界松林流空手道連盟インド支部は、松林流空手道の偉大な遺産を継承する稀有な機会を皆様にご提供します。WMKA会長である平良慶孝範士十段によるグランドマスターセミナーが、インドで初めて開催されます。 本セミナーは、空手と古武道の両方に焦点を当て、沖縄の伝統的な武道の真髄を深く学ぶ機会となるでしょう。 セミナー詳細: ReplyForwardAdd reaction
Read moreAnnouncement: Sharing Your Dojo’s News on the Official WMKA Website
We are excited to offer all dojo heads the opportunity to share your activities and news directly on the World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) official website. This is a fantastic way to showcase your dojo’s contributions to the global Matsubayashi-ryu community and to keep everyone informed about the exciting things happening in your region. How to Submit Your Articles: A Note on Submissions: Please understand that we may need to contact you for clarification or further information regarding your submissions to ensure accuracy and consistency with the WMKA’s values and mission. Addressing Misinformation: Recently, there has been some misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms concerning the WMKA. If you encounter any information that you suspect is false or if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Overseas Director directly. We are here to address your questions and ensure that accurate information is disseminated within our global community. 世界中の道場主の皆様へ お知らせ:公式ウェブサイトでの道場活動の共有について この度、皆様の道場の活動やニュースを世界松林流空手道連盟(WMKA)の公式ウェブサイトに直接掲載する機会を提供できることを大変嬉しく思います。これは、皆様の道場が世界の松林流コミュニティに貢献していることを紹介し、各地域の素晴らしい活動について全員に情報を提供するための素晴らしい方法です。 記事の提出方法: 提出に関する留意事項: 提出された記事については、内容の正確性とWMKAの価値観および使命との整合性を確保するため、内容について確認したり、お問い合わせさせていただく場合があることをご理解ください。 噂や誤情報への対応: 最近、ソーシャルメディア等でWMKAに関する真偽不明の噂がいくつか流布しております。もし虚偽と思われる情報を見かけたり、懸念される点がございましたら、遠慮なく海外部長まで直接ご連絡ください。皆様からのご質問に対応し、正確な情報が私たちのグローバルコミュニティ内で確実に伝達されるように努めます。
Read moreNew Year’s Greetings from President Taira
New Year’s Greetings, As the New Year unfolds like a blossoming flower, I extend my heartfelt greetings with a spirit of joy and gratitude. May this New Year be filled with happiness and good fortune for each and every one of you. We are deeply grateful for the success of the Nagamine Shoshin Monument of honor Cerebration held last November. It was made possible by the participation and support of many fellow members. I believe that Nagamine Shoshin O’Sensei and the late Soke Nagamine Takayoshi are also expressing their gratitude from beyond. The seminar and exchange demonstration at the Okinawa headquarters were the first in 10 years since the Nagamine Takayoshi memorial seminar. Although the unveiling ceremony of the monument was held without the participation of many due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this memorial ceremony allowed us to see everyone again after a long time, and we strongly felt the continued strength of WMKA. Currently, when we look at the world, tragic wars are occurring in many places. In times like these, I believe it is our duty as karateka to spread the spirit of “Uchinaa nu Chimugukuru” (Okinawan heart and soul) both domestically and internationally, and to become a bridge between people through the “Heiwa-no-bu” (peaceful warrior) spirit of Karate-do. This year, I pray for your good health and happiness, and hope to see you all again. I also pray for lasting peace. Yoshitaka Taira,President World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association
Read more

