Daniel Zabarsky

Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)

Testing for Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt) at the 2026 UechiCon!

Sensei: Buzz Durkin

Uechi Training since

Back in 2006 was a challenging time in my life. I was having a conversation with a friend explaining how frustrated I was feeling. She asked me a question. That question was "Dan have you ever considered studying martial arts"? My friend did study martial arts at one time in her life. Up to that point I really hadn't but after a few months had passed and giving it more thought I decided I was going to pursue it.

To this day I remind her that if she never asked me that question how much different my life could have been. Just a little history back in the eighties I knew a few fellow high school students that studied karate at Buzz Durkins Karate School so I was familiar with the school only by name however I did know that the school had existed for decades.

It was October of 2006 when I made an appointment with Mr. Durkin to potentially joining. Before the meeting I had a image of what Mr Durkin would be like. When we met in person and once Mr. Durkin began explaining some of the benefits of karate training to help in daily life I immediately felt comfortable with him and joined that day. Sensei told me a cute story a young boy rushed up to him and asked "Mr. Durkin have you ever used your karate?" Mr. Durkin answered "Why yes I use it everyday". Pointing to his head with a warm smile.

When I started karate training I liked it but wasn't sure why. Was it the physical part? Was it the comradery with fellow students? Or the spiritual component? The answer was all three! Mind, body and spirit and equally as important It was FUN! The support of Mr. Durkin, Mr. Traynor, the instructors, and fellow students was then and now continues to be a driving force for personal development. That was how I felt 20 years ago and that hasn't changed it has only gotten better with time.

In conclusion to watch students start as white belts and progress to become black belts that might be the best satisfaction of. All!!.