Hanshi McGrath Presents

Open Mat Day

For more pictures CLICK HERE

        On Saturday, August 14, 2004, Grand Master McGrath hosted what he referred to as an "Isshin-ryu get-together," something that he has tried to promote on his web site, since it used to be done as a normal part of Isshin-ryu fellowship. Utilizing his headquarters dojo, run by Roku-Dan Steve DiLorenzo, at S. Ocean Ave., Patchogue, Long Island, N.Y., he welcomed one of his own Roku-Dans dojos run by Frank Black, and both Ernie Temple, Hachi-Dan and Brian Fitzgerald, Hachi-Dan, both of New Jersey. After Mr. McGrath led the calisthenics, he and Master DiLorenzo demonstrated Master McGrath's ten basic exercises, gleaned from his 47 years of fighting and teaching hand-to-Hand Combat. After that their was a discussion by Master McGrath of the preeminent use of Ippon-kumite for Hand-to-Hand Combat training. The group of about 60 participants then split into two groups, one under Master Fitzgerald and the other under Shihan Temple. Master Fitzgerald showed the kyu group techniques taught to him during his time with the Master and bunkai from the katas, while Master Temple showed the use of batons and rolled newspaper for entrapment and take down of opponents, as well as his defensive moves in fighting. Remember, Mr. McGrath has always put defense first and Mr. Temple appears to agree with that assessment of Isshin-ryu. Both Sensei's then switched groups and displayed an advanced knowledge of bunkai and the use of kata techniques. They were both spectacularly received by the students and other black belts. We then turned the group over to Greg Melita, one of Mr. McGrath's San-Dans, who showed grappling techniques against weapons, in an exciting and realistic demonstration. Naturally, being an Isshin-ryu dojo, we finished with about an hour of kumite, many of which were extraordinary. The Sensei's also gave the fighters some kumite tips during and after the matches. After the bow out, everyone gathered to take pictures with the Masters and black belts. A good time was had by all of the then, very tired, karate-kas, prior to leaving the dojo. We agreed to do this again, soon.

Ed McGrath, Ju-Dan
Grand Master, Isshin-ryu

From Shihan Temple:

"Sensei, I had an outstanding time with you and the gathered dojo's! Thanks for providing us all with a tremendous day. It is always great to get together and share knowledge and thoughts with those who are still hungry to learn. I wrote it up in the web site for my dojo at www.templesschoolofkarate.com on the newsletter section Thanks for allowing me to be the "DEVIL DOG" for September. Too many good friends should go in well before me. I read on your site where the German machine gunner did quite a job at Belleau Wood..........my great uncle Ernie, Sgt. Charles Ernest Montagne was killed on June 4, 1918 at Belleau Wood by a machine gun position. I fly his casket flag each year on June 4th!  Ernie"

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