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[5:30pm - Sunday - December 10, 2006]

Greetings Bushi-kan visitors. In case it is another horribly long time before I can update the website allow me to describe the schedule for events.

All Iaido (+ Kenjitsu) and Kendo classes are being held in Fort Myers at the Riverside Community Center on the corner of East River side Dr and Seaboard St. Please check the Images section for a map of the general area. Iai is held on Tuesday night 7 to 9 with the exception of the last Tuesday of the month. Our building is booked that evening. To make up for this we've been adding onto Thursday nights an Iai class that runs from 6:30 to 8:30 after which the Kendo class picks up until 10:30. Kendo has weekend classes for current students as they can be scheduled.

Dues for either one of the classes for the month is $35 and to attend them both is only $55. There are no contracts to deal with only a yearly insurance charge which is $25 last time I checked. Our doors are always open to visitors anytime we are holding class.

We prefer for everyone to eventually purchase their own equipment and uniform (keikogi/iaigi and hakama), but for new students we have plenty of equipment to go around for the first few classes. I sincerely hope those of you that are interestend in Iai or Kendo will give us a try.

The Uechi Ryu class is still being held in Label at its same location please send all inquiries about Uechi to Janice Bass Renshi through the Contacts section.

[10:30pm - Tuesday - April 04, 2006]

Welcome everyone. It never was my intention to go so long in between updates, but it seems as though it has been quite a while. Classes are still going strong; complete credit to the students. It's their continuing investment towards self improvement that keeps us going. For those who may not have heard we have added three new Shodans to the Iai class. Tony Delgado, Dave Monagas, and Tarzan Bryant all passed their tests and were graduated. The judging panel was happy to see all the improvements made by the students and passed on advice to each one. I hope to be doing the next kyu testing for Iai soon. Both Uechi and Kendo are doing well, you may be able to check on various posts to see the goings on. About the Forums, I'm sure it has been noticed by now that the General Forums are locked. We apologize for this inconvenience, but we had to take steps to control the spamming that was going on. Those still interested in posting are more than welcome to contact Tarzan (the Admin) and register a name that will allow you to post on our dojo forums. We will be keeping this list of names limited, please understand. There are a few event coming up that I will do my best to post once I get the final info. Stay safe everyone.

[9:00pm - Monday - October 31, 2005]

Happy Halloween everybody. I hope everyone is having a great time and getting lots of candy. Everything looks good for class tomorrow in Fort Myers. As far as I've heard all curfews have been lifted so I hope to see you all there. Seven to Nine pm at The Riverside Community Center. Stay safe.

[10:30pm - Wednesday - October 26, 2005]

I hope everyone has made it through the hurricane safely. I am anxious for the class schedule to return to normal. However, the City of Ft. Myers may still be under a dusk till dawn curfew. We are going to continue to try and figure this out, but we should assume that all this Thursdays classes will be canceled. I don't want to have anyone arrested for trying to get to class. I'll post any changes as I become aware of them. Thanks so much and see you soon.

[12:20pm - Tuesday - September 06, 2005]

Greetings all.

It's been a while between updates (my apologies) so lets take a few moments to recap. We've been to a lot of great events in the past few months including the festival at Morikami Gardens and the Orlando Toyama Ryu Taikai. We'll do what we can to get some pictures of us at these wonderful events up on the site. We also have the announcement of the Bushi-kans newest Shodan, Mike Sanchez. From reports around the dojo he did a tremendous job during his test. I know everyone is very proud of the quality that is coming out of the Uechi Ryu Dojo.

As for the Iaido Dojo the Shodan examination questions have been released and applicants will have recieved them by weeks end. We have an excellent group applying this year and we wish them all the best of luck. The date for the test is still not determined, but will be revealed soon.

One of the unfortunate results from our move (oh we've moved to the Riverside Community Center permanently now) is that the last Tuesday of each month will be canceled due to us not having a building. Though this is troubling news we are continuing to work towards fixing this problem.

Lastly, let me say how proud I am of all of our students and instructors. It is a rare thing to find so many different schools coexisting so well together. Uechi, Aikido, Iaido, and Kendo each is beautiful in its own special way. And though the disciplines may be different "we" are all the same. We all show up with the love of the Martial Arts and the desire to better ourselves and our fellow students with rigorous and dedicated training. It's what I see, just thought I'd let you know.

[5:30pm - Tuesday - March 29, 2005]

Ok, really sorry for cutting it so close. Anyway it looks like we will still have the Hall of Fifty States building as well as the same time slot 7pm to 9pm for both Uechi and Iaido tonight. We think we may be able to stay in this building through April, we're trying as hard as we can to make that happen since it will keep the schedule more constant and the change over to the new building not so long. I'll continue to post updates on any move or schedule change. See you all at class tonight.

[6:15pm - Wednesday - January 19, 2005]

Greetings, I have some association info for those of you in the Kendo class who are planning on going to the Taikai which is coming up. Briefly here is the dues list thanks to James Parker Sensei.

Adults - 18 and over (regardless of rank)...$60.00 ($40 AUSKF and $20 Regional)
Youth - under 18 (sho-dan and above)......$50.00 ($40 AUSKF and $10 Regional)
Youth - under 18 (1 kyu and below)..........$35.00 ($25 AUSKF and $10 Regional)

If you are making out checks, you may make them out to SEUSKF. The dues are being collected by John Murden and then being sent in one payment to the AUSKF. Let's really try to get our group ready to go by at least the first week of February, the sooner we get this done the better it will be for everyone. Thanks so much. Let me know if anyone has any questions.

[4:55pm - Monday - December 27, 2004]

Good News... All classes for the Bushi-Kan resume this week. I hope everyone had a great holiday and enjoyed the time off, but it's time to shake off the rust and get back in the swing of things. See all of you soon.

[12:15 pm- Sunday - November 7, 2004]

Students of the Bushi-Kan Dojo at the Ft Myers location, and visitors: The week of November 8th-12th, there will be no classes held due to all businesses on Edward being closed for the annual boat show. I'm sure you'll want to continue to train, to keep the soreness minimal on your return to class the following week. I'm sure Jed Sensei will have a new exercise ready for you, just to see who trained during the time off, (smile). The dojo will also be closed on Thanksgiving day, only because I'm sure everyone will be quite full that evening.

Attention: Shohei/Uechi students: We will be holding a sparring seminar on Saturday, November 27th, at the LaBelle dojo location. All students 7th kyu (yellow belt) and above are requested to attend.

Hanshi Steve Malanowski will be our guest sensei conducting the training seminar. For those who have seen his students compete, know that he does an excellant job at not only hosting statewide attended tournaments, but his students do very well in competition. The cost will be $10.00 per student. Don't forget your sparring gear. A flyer will be sent out, and more information on time and directions will be posted, so please check back Bass Sensei

[9:30pm - Sunday - October 24, 2004]

In the fall of 2003, the Bushi-kan Dojo was honored with the opportunity to add Aikido to its cirriculum.

Tim Haffner, Sensei offered to teach the students of the Bushi-kan at the LaBelle dojo. His affliation and certification is through the Aikikai Headquarters in Japan, under the Misasagi Kai. Students of the Bushi-kan Dojo will have their ranks registered through the Japanese affliation also, which is headed under T. Ishikawa-Sensei, 6th Dan. Recently Haffner Sensei received orders from the US government to be deployed to an air force base in southwest Asia, for a tour of hopefully 90 days. Students are continuing to train at other Misasagi kai affliated dojos, until his return, in January. There are already four students on the waiting list, that are interested in starting once he returns. If anyone is interested in Aikido training, contact Jan Bass, dojo owner for further information. Email information is under "contact" on the homepage.

[7:00pm - Wednesday - September 29, 2004]

Important information for the Iai class.

We have a date (which will most likely be made concrete tomorrow) for our next extra long class session. October 9th, it's a saturday and it's really close. I apologize for the abrupt notice, but this literally opened up for us this afternoon. We will once again have the building for 8hrs, most likely from 9am to 5pm. The schedule is going to be testing first, we'll definitely get everyone through in one shot this time. Next and for the rest of the day kenjitsu, the way we should've done it last time hehehe. The lunch will be provided at the training hall at a way less expensive cost than last time, more time efficient too. The test is of course for the iai students only, however the kenjitsu will be open for new people with interest. Alright remember to check the forums for related articles about this session. I hope all the students can make it to the test/class October 9th and for those of you who are testing, Good Luck!!

[9:00pm - Sunday - September 19, 2004]

Good evening everyone. I trust that you are all doing well. Yesterday we had our extra long Iai class and I'm happy to say that everyone had a great time. Though we did not cover everything we had hoped we would I think we all still had a great experience. Many thanks to everyone who showed up for the class, I know a lot of you had busy schedules this weekend and I appreciate the efforts everyone made to be there. I would also like to thank Candi (Sensei's wife), Pete and Bill for working the building and helping to set things up for the class. Special thanks to Renshi Bass who was able to train with us despite her extremely busy schedule, your presence made the dojo/family atmosphere complete. Of course our thanks to "Ginger Sushi" for providing excellent meals and tolerating the rush hungry people (20+) on their establishment.

Saturday was made especially memorable for me since it was my birthday. From the Birthday Maze (filled with Bokuto), to the lovely gifts and sake after the class it was truly a special day for me. I was so happy to be around all of those who I care on my birthday, you are all family to me. Again thank you everyone for such a special day.

[4:00pm - Sunday - September 12, 2004]

Alrighty a quick update. Things are looking good for the extended Iaido class to be held September 18th at the same time 1 to 9pm. The format is still pretty much the same, cost is the same and I'd bring another $15 to $20 (depending on what you plan on eating at the "Ginger Sushi". If the weather cooperates this day should go ahead quite well. I look forward to having everyone show up, I am very excited. Afterwards (those of age) we may end up going for sake toast as well. Fun fun!

[11:30pm - Thursday - August 26, 2004]

The TaiKai is on Saturday. Who's riding with who, check the forums and lets all make sure we have a way of getting up there.

[8:01pm - Monday - August 23, 2004]

Good news everyone, I got word today that things are on for tomorrow. I will see you there.

[8:50pm - Saturday - August 21, 2004]

Well everybody it's been a hectic week here in Florida. I hope that all of us, our families and friends (and really everyone) is safe and on the mend. I'm sure everyone has been dealing with the effects of the hurricane in one way or another this past week and we're all working real hard to get things back on track. My apologies for not updating more, but I've been without the capability until today. Normal classes, I believe, will resume this week. It's not for certain as of yet, but I hope to have a definite answer by Monday 22. Our weekend class will of course be rescheduled, I want to assure everyone that it was not forgoten about, I hope to have details this week. I hope you all can be patient during this unsettled time, things will return to normal... I promise ;p
Anyway I've been working for twelve days straight and 12hr days since the day of the hurricane so I'm a little tired. I'll try to post again tomorrow after a good nights sleep.

By the way.. Thank You to all the emergency crews and volunteers who continue to battle Hurricane Charley. We all really appreciate everything you're doing.

[8:10pm - Friday - August 13, 2004]

IMPORTANT UPDATE
The Saturday Iaido class will be put off until further notice due to very poor weather conditions.

[5:20pm - Wednesday - August 11, 2004]

A little heads up for the students of the Bushi-kan. The August 12th Uechi and Kendo class will be canceled due to the hurricane. The building will not be open so you'll have the night off this week. August 14th is still on for now as the storm should be well past us by Saturday. I'll update if anything new comes up. See you all Saturday.

[7:10pm - Friday - July 23, 2004]

Good news.. Begining Saturday August 14th 2004 the Bushi-kan will be offering special extended weekend classes. These classes are largely in response to a number of people who have interest to come and study with us, but are unable to travel to Ft. Myers 4 to 8 times a month. These classes will be open to anyone who is interested (of course) and will involve deeper study into both Iai and Kendo. August 14th will be the first Iai session and will be held from 1:00pm to 9:00pm. The tentative outline for the day is as follows.
1pm to 2pm....Batto Training (the drawing of the blade)
2pm to 4pm....Kata (learning and training with the forms)
4pm to 6pm....Kenjitsu (kumitachi forms/learning and training)
6pm to 7pm....Break for meal at the "Ginger" Sushi and Tapas resturaunt (located a block away)
7pm to 9pm....Japanese culture and etiquette as it pertains to Iai
9pm+..........Sake? :-)
As I said it's a tentative outline, but these are the areas which I intend to cover. The esteemed "Ginger" Sushi and Tapas resturaunt (2262 First Street Ft. Myers, FL 33901 tel: 239-43SUSHI) has been gracious enough to work with us to arrange a nice and affordable meal for the class participants. Of course those who would prefer to order off the regular menu are more than welcome to do so.
On the financial end here are the prices Non Bushi-kan students (that is those who do not attend the regular monthly class) will be $40 + your meal. Bushi-kan students may inquire with me about the discount offered to them.
I think this is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to train here at the Bushi-kan, don't pass it up. Anyone interested please email me as soon as possible, space may go quickly. Hope to see you all on the 14th.

[8:20pm - Wednesday - June 30, 2004]

I'd like to extend my appreciation towards the students of the Bushi-Kan dojo. Your efforts to uphold the high standards of manners and respect have not gone unnoticed. So I would like to take the time and recognize both classes for their contributions. Sometimes the littlest things carry the most weight. For example; since the class times have been separated we have all done well in showing respect and courtesy by remaining silent for the closing and opening of each class. The sword class goes even a step further by making sure to be seated in seiza or in a chair while the Uechi class is closing. The purpose behind these actions is to honor the Senseis and the students with the respect they are due. Also I appreciate those students, who without being told, tend to the Shomen. This is a duty students should take pride in doing. It pays tribute to those who came before you by remembering to include them in your training. Finally I want to express my gratitude for the students and Senseis and the sacrifices they make regularly in order to train. Sufficing to say we all have lives and responsibilities outside of the dojo and none of us (unfortunately) have gotten rich off our training and yet class after class, week after week we all manage to meet and train together. Whether it's work, school, or maybe you just live far away; the efforts you make to be here to train is greatly admired. The sacrifices you make to follow the path speak to the importance of the journey. I encourage everyone to keep up the good work and let me say how proud I am to be a member of this dojo.

[8:30pm - Sunday - May 2, 2004]

Hello everybody. I've got a few more updates. Hopefully I'll be getting some pictures of all the participants from this past Karate tournament. I heard everyone did really well and I can't wait to post the pics. I'm also told to expect some accounts of the event in the forums section so remember to keep checking.
A little update for Iai; begining May 11th we're going to change class times to 8:30 to 10:30pm like the Kendo class. I'm sure we've all felt the pinch as space becomes crampt. One of the solutions we're looking at is seperating the classes so each will have full use of the floor. Also if you are involved with the Kendo class and are interested in the possibility of the return of those longer weekend classes let me know. Basically a four to six hour class maybe twice a month for a really heavy workout.
I'm going to be posting some more pictures in a few days too, keep checking. See everybody next class.

[9:10pm - Monday - April 12, 2004]

Important update!

Some of you may have seen before, the Samurai statue that Bass Sensei has watching over her Japanese bridge. Well as fate would have it is currently up for bid on Ebay.com
You can search out "Samurai Warrior Concrete Cast NR" and that will bring it right up. Having seen it before I can tell you how awesome it is. It's not a slight statue at all, in fact it's darn near immovable...just like a good Samurai should be. :P Anyway the biding ends in roughly 5 days so I encourage anyone who is interested to check it out and bid on it if you like. I'm sure Renshi would rather him stay within the dojo family and that's why I'm passing this message on to you the students. Good luck to the bidders! See everyone real soon.

[9:30pm - Monday - March 29, 2004]

Hello again everyone. I just got the information so I'm passing it on to you.
As of April 6, 2004 the Ft. Myers chapter of the Bushi-Kan will be having there classes at the Hall of 50 States for Tuesday and Thursday classes. Class times have not changed. We will be in this one location for a while I suspect, since the season is ending and buildings are freeing up. Remember the change occurs
begining on April 6th.

[8:00pm - Sunday - March 28, 2004]

Good evening everyone. Big things coming up on the horizon for the Bushi-Kan. Jan Bass Sensei will be taking a trip to Okinwawa this April. The "Women's Friendship Tour" consisting of Bass Sensei and over thirty esteemed female martial artists begin this historical journey April 12, 2004. Learn more about the tour and the martial artists in it by going to www.womenskaratetour.org Tax deductable donations are still being accepted. Best wishes toward an excellent trip from those of us at the Bushi-Kan.

A little further down the road, but approaching quick is the 2004 Tai-Kai. Remember if you're going or plan to compete be sure to get with me sometime soon. These events have always proven to be a good time in the past and I expect great things for this one as well.

Be sure to check the forums, there's a couple good topics of interest for dojo members.

[8:00pm - Monday - March 8, 2004]

Important information for those attending class on March 11.
The March 11 Uechi Ryu and Kendo class will be held at the Riverside Community Center instead of the Hall of Fifty States. This is not a permanent change for us yet. You will find a rough map I drew up in the Image section of the website under Misc. You have a number of routes you can choose from, but becareful not to miss the E. Riverside Dr. if you are not familiar with downtown Ft. Myers. To get more exact directions you may want to consult mapquest.com using one of the cross streets for reference. If anyone has any questions please be sure to get with your instructor.

[6:00pm - Tuesday - March 2, 2004]

During my last update I seem to have mistakenly deleted the link to the Kyoshi paper written by Matt Williams.

www.bushi-kan.com/files/report.doc
This link should serve to get you back there. Sorry for the trouble.

[7:00pm - Sunday - February 29, 2004]

Welcome back to the Bushi-kan webpage. It's been awhile since the last update, but now that I have it all figured out you can expect the info to be current from now on. :P

Anyway I wanted to post really quick that the dojo went to the Morikami Gardens this weekend and had a great time. We had a lot of students and instructers show up to enjoy the spring festival. Among the many wonderful demonstrations, the Taiko Drums and the cutting exhibition put on thanks to Mike Femal Sensei were the favorites. Some of you will remember him from the last Tai-Kai where he did very well. Those who could not be there on Saturday were missed, but there's always another spring.

As most of you have probably heard plans are in the works that will move us from the Hall of Fifty States to "hopefully" the Riverside Community Center. I don't have any final information on the move at this time, but as soon as I do you will be able to find it here. Also wherever we end up going, directions will be posted letting you all know how to find us. As for now Tuesdays are still held at the Garden Center and Thursdays are held at the Hall of Fifty States.

Congrats to the Naples crew. They're probably living it up in Japan right about now. I'm so jealous.
Come home safe guys.

[4:55pm - Monday - April 14, 2003]

Uechi-Ryu page is up as well as the Dojo Only section of the forum.

Please remember that to obtain access to the Dojo only section of the forum you must register on the forums as well as send the the webmaster an email so I can add you to the access list.

[4:12pm - Thursday - December 5, 2002]

Iaido and Kendo pages both up. Uechi page almost complete. Check back for extended information on Uechi Ryu Karate, Kendo and Iaido which will include history and other interesting information.

Also, the message board is complete. The message board is where most of the dojo specifc updates will go, like, events and tournaments, etc.

[1:21pm - Wednesday - December 4, 2002]

Webpage is up and running but not yet fully operational. Check back within the next twenty-four hours for more updates.