The first week of December, there was a promotion test here at the Honbu where Sensei Yusuke Tokashiki traveled from California to test for his 4^th degree.

 Last grading of 2009 at Honbu

Late November I was in Germany for the European Sabaki Challenge and seminar hosted by Sensei Chandana Muthunayake.  I also had a chance to visit the other two dojos in Germany; Sensei Michael Kelkel in Uberhurrn, and Sensei Ahmad Al-Jaafri in Lahr.  There was a good representation from other European branch chiefs and fighters.  After Germany, I traveled to Rome, Italy where Sensei Chandana Muthunayake took me sightseeing.  It was a memorable experience to be surrounded by the historical and magnificent ruins from the Roman empire.

Sensei Chandana with me at the Coliseum in Rome

Fighters from the 2009 European Sabaki Challenge

 Seminar participants in Germany 2009

Sensei present in Germany 2009

(From left to right: M. Kelkel, S. Fidan, A. Bodjagin, C. Muthunayake, Kancho, J. Arnold, G. Chamberlain, N. Costin, A. Al-Jaafri, A. Moutsikas; not in photo R. Kulikowski and F. Teodoroiu)

Visit to Sensei Al-Jaafri's dojo in Lahr 

Visit to Sensei Kelkel's dojo in Uberherr