Chad Dow

Rokudan candidate at the 2025 UechiCon

BUTOKUKAN - Forty-Four years old - Began training in 1990

My journey through Uechi-Ryu began when I attended a class with a family friend in 1990 and enrolled as a student shortly after. I had no idea at that time it would lead to where I am today.

Studying Uechi-Ryu with Seisei Durkin, Sensei Traynor, and all of the amazing teachers and fellow students I’ve had the pleasure to cross arms and legs with over the past two-plus decades has defined and shaped who I am. I had the honor of being awarded my junior black belt in 1994 with Master Kanmei Uechi in attendance.

Though I had a fairly long break in the middle of my studies, what I learned through my training was always there when I needed it. Whether it’s active practice of kata, kumite, bunkai, and other technique, or drawing on the years of built-up confidence, discipline, and self-control, Uechi Ryu has always been a constant in my life.

I’ve been back, actively and continuously studying since 2010, and still look forward to going to class each and every week. I have forged meaningful friendships with my fellow karateka, continue to refine my own technique, and have the privilege of sharing my knowledge with others. I am forever thankful to Sensei Durkin for sharing Uechi Ryu and leading our amazing Butokukai.

Thanks to Sensei Traynor for your incredible knowledge and teaching skill and for keeping each class fun and challenging. Thanks also to the Sr. Master Council, all of the instructors who share their own knowledge to make us all better, and to my fellow karateka. Finally, thank you to my parents, Mike and Gail, who provided the means and support to make this all possible, and to Rich, for among many things, being OK with eating dinner at 9:00 pm twice a week!