Sean Begley
Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)
Testing for Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt) at the 2026 UechiCon!
Sensei: Buzz Durkin
Uechi Training since 1989
My journey with karate began when I was twelve, driven by god only knows what childhood motivations… probably The Karate Kid, The Last Dragon, and American Ninja! It turned out to be an extraordinary experience.
During high school, I spent every day at the dojo practicing and helping teach the children’s classes, which was incredibly rewarding. This experience at the dojo brought remarkable opportunities, including traveling to Florida for teaching seminars and to Japan for a tournament. I was inspired to study the Japanese language and returned there during my time in college.
Today, while I value the physical health benefits of Karate, I find the mental rewards even more beneficial. Bowing in at the dojo allows me to leave external distractions outside. The focused intensity of kata and kumite provides a unique clarity, effectively silencing the noise and stressors of daily life.
I find deep satisfaction in refining and attempting to perfect a discipline that I have committed to since childhood and appreciate the wonderful relationships built along the way.