MEET THE NEW GOJU-SHOREI KARATE DIRECTOR

[Dave McNeill]

The 16th of May held an event that I will not soon forget. Sensei Larry Kooyman was tested for and promoted to 4th Dan in Goju-Shorei Karate.

Larry had sustained a concussion a week and a half earlier, so I cautioned him that he was to go slow. I was wasting my breath. Either that or Larry's slow is most people's fast.

The 11 member board represented 5 different styles with a total of 314 years of martial arts experience. Larry's two ukes were very experienced martial artists also (one of them a national sparring champion).

More importantly the spirit of Ohana (family) was never more present. The level of support and friendship shown gave the proceedings a warm glow. I've not quit smiling yet.

Congratulations and condolences are in order for Sensei Kooyman.

Congratulations for his promotion and condolences for being appointed the Director of Goju-Shorei Karate.

[Leah Jennifer McNeill-Hiller]

Congratulations Larry!! What a great accomplishment! Dave, I'm sure you are proud too.

[Troy Wilson]

Congratulations - Looking forward to catching up to you again in the near future

[Larry Kooyman]

/i cant begin to tell everyone how great of an honor it is to be part of this family. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all the warm wishes from those who could not. I look forward to growing Goju-Shorei as an art and as a family.

[Katherine A. Wieczerza]

Congratulations!

[Jeff Brinker]

Congratulations to Sensei Kooyman and Master McNeill from everyone at Silent River Kung Fu

[Master Mikeal 'Bear' Smith]

Congratulations Mr. Kooyman!