Here is Hanshi Grand Master Kise and Sensei standing in his dojo in Okinawa City. He is a friendly and humorous man and had remembered me from years ago when I trained with him at Shihan Alick Smith’s dojo in Nazareth, PA. He invited Tim Spiess and me to dinner on Saturday night for a special evening.

Master Ron Nix’s Dojo picture. Here we are with Master Ron Nix; his wife Akemi, Go Dan; Scott Bennett, Sempi and San Dan; Matt Faragasso, Sempi and Ni Dan. Master Nix’s dojo was a very lively and spirited place to train. His students were very welcoming and friendly and made us feel at home.

Hanshi Grand Master Kise, Sensei, Sensei Jerry DeVries and Tim Spiess. Here we are sitting and celebrating Hanshi’s 75th Birthday. It was a great surprise to Tim and me that we were invited to his birthday party. The food was great, the sake delicious and his birthday speech, very humble. He loved making sure our sake glasses were filled, especially when the 30 year old aremore was brought out.

At the beach in Okinawa- Master Ron Nix and Sensei trading shots at the beach.