Hanshi Patrick McCarthy's message

The following is the email message sent by Hanshi Patrick McCarthy to Sensei Paolo Gasbarri who organised the first Italian Seminar in Genzano di Roma:

From: International Ryukyu Karate Research Society
Sent: Tuesday, May 25 2010 11.29.31
To: Paolo Gasbarri
Subject: Rome Seminar

Dear Paolo san,

Yuriko, and I wanted to say thank you for the wonderful hospitality we enjoyed during our first visit to Italy.
Honestly, it was just spectacular!
What a fantastic host you were.
Thank you so much my friend.

In spite of the fierce political animosity and local pressure to prevent/boycott this "non-sanctioned" event, your tireless effort and year of hard work paid off when ninety participants came out from all over Italy, England, Belgium, Hungary, and the USA to support our Koryu Uchinadi seminar.

This alone speaks volumes about alternative choices and diversity. Paolo san...congratulations to you and your team for such a successful undertaking.

I am also very grateful to sensei Marco Forti, of Cesena, without whose help, the seminar would not have been as successful as it was.
Much appreciation to you both and to all the wonderful people who supported us.

In addition to meeting and working with so many nice people I also made many new friends and learned much about the Italian way of life [*Especially, how to drive a car in Rome's traffic and how to "park"!] - and now better understand the term, "When in Rome..." Judging by how many business cards, Facebook friends, contact details and invitations I received to teach more seminars, I am sure that KU will have a promising future here in your wonderful country.

I was very pleased to learn how much the sporting athletes of competitive karate, who participated in the seminar, enjoyed our application-based drills.

Searching for a balance within this tradition, I have always said that while kumite represents the spirit of our art it is kata that exemplifies its soul.

With the seeds planted this past weekend, in Genzano di Roma, I am confident that Koryu Uchinadi, and the IRKRS, will grow and prosper in Italy under the direction of you and Marco Forti and I want everyone to know that you both have my full support.

With respect,

Patrick McCarthy
Hanshi 8th Dan
International Ryukyu Karate Research Society
http://www.koryu-uchinadi.com/
A link to the past is your bridge to the future