SWAN SONG

[Dave McNeill]

2018 will mark 47 years devoted to Goju-Shorei, and the last year I will be involved. In September, at the black belt test of Family First Martial Arts students in Nashville, I will formally turn over the System to Master Larry Kooyman. I do so with full confidence in his abilities to continue the growth of Goju-Shorei.

And this will be the last time I participate in the Ultimate Black Belt Test. My role will be as cheer leader to the participants, although I will be tackling the requirements of fitness and health.

The UBBT is and has been an adventure that is unmatched in the martial arts field. 12 months of some crazy stuff; 52,000 pushups and sit-ups, endless katas, sleeping on floors in Alabama California and Hawaii for days on end, meeting and befriending some of the most amazing people on the planet, and finally, pushing beyond self-imposed limits.

Goju-Shorei and the UBBT have been good for me and good to me. While I will miss these organizations I plan on staying in touch with all the dear friends that have come from them.

I will be using this site to fulfill the UBBT journaling requirements. Please bear with me. 

[Jeff Brinker]

It is difficult to imagine this step you are taking. The amount of knowledge and experience that is stepping back is massive, but I do understand that it is necessary. That acceptance does not necessarily lessen the sense of loss. I am not a member of Goju-Shorei but your influence on me has been profound. Your knowledge and engagement have benefited so many, I am eternally grateful to have you in my life. 

I know Goju-Shorei is in good hands with Larry and I look forward to following the system’s bright future.