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Testimonials from the 2008 European KU Seminar/Gasshuku in Veldhoven:
- One of the best (well lets cut the cr*p: THE best!) seminars I’ve attended and for sure the best Gasshuku I’ve been to!
- For a moment a carpet was pulled out from under my feet when the informal style of seminar instruction was swapped for strict dojo etiquette and basic KU curriculum training during the Gasshuku.
- Thanks to all who made this event such a great happening especially organizers sensei’s Jan and Bert (greaaaaaaat job guys!!!!!!) and of course Hanshi McCarthy and all the others that were present.
- It was so great to get the opportunity to learn from McCarthy sensei for five days running, to experience the differences between strict gasshuku training and relaxed seminar training, to meet and to train with people from all over and even outside Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, the US, Estonia, Sweden, New Zealand, Ireland, England, Germany...), to gaze at the demonstrations of ne-waza, to get an introduction to the martial art of Glima, to see new and familiar faces and to add some faces to familiar names from the KSL, last not least to enjoy the outstanding hospitality and the perfect organising of this event by the
Dutch Koryukan: Thank you very much, Jan san, Bert san and all the others behind the scenes! You did an absolute fantastic job! Wish you all the best for the near and far future.
- I loved the gasshuku and I wish we could do something like this every month! You guys did a good job there.
- “The Veldhoven Koryukan is truly a first class dojo. It is a martial artist’s dream to train in a dojo like yours with people like you! Thank you for hosting the Koryu Uchinadi European Gasshuku 2008.”
- I just want to thank you again for all your hard work in putting together the Gasshuku. You have an outstanding dojo and some excellent colleagues training with you. The 5 days I spent there have to be one of the highlights of my martial arts training to date!
Sensei Patrick McCarthy seminar was impressive and possibly the best course that I have ever been to. His knowledge, and ability to deliver it, is extraordinary. Also, the atmosphere of the seminar was brilliant and participants of different styles worked enthusiastically with each other for the entire weekend. Congratulations to Fernando Feito Juarez for making this course possible in Spain. -
This last weekend I attended a course on kata bunkai-jutsu in Old Colmenar (Madrid) run by a teacher named Patrick McCarthy. I have to admit that I was originally a bit skeptical about attending this course, as I feared it may be just another seminar without substance, destined only to increase the balance of someone’s bank account. I was very pleased to discover that it was not. McCarthy taught application practices that were far more realistic when compared to all the others courses I’ve attended. Moreover, he was good-natured and respected all participants, too. I was particularly impressed with his ability to remove the mystic surrounding Japanese culture. Participants came from all over to learn from him; Nairobi, Rome, and Brussels, including different parts from Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Castile, Leon, Madrid, Andalucia, Catalonia and the Canary Islands). This really contributed to the overall atmosphere. I want to thank Freddy Laseure [KU Belgium] for his assistance, in spite of the barrier of the language, and to Fernando Feito, who organized the event. We all anxiously await the organization of the next seminar. - Andres Lopez. Shito ryu 2nd dan
McCarthy Sensei, I am slowly working my way through your DVD catalogue and I must say they continue to impress. Its exactly what it says on the package (which is a nice change - not novice stuff but years of study for Dan grade students). I am in the progress of adopting several of your drills in our training programme - I am receiving lots of positive feedback from the Dan grades --- most of whom are serving police officers and have certainly bought into the principles you teach; "That makes sense .... no one explained that before ... that will work." Remarks like this have been made by experienced serving police officers with a wide variety of skills & experience in policing - firearms, public order & officer safety training etc. Believe me, this is a highly critical audience who would let me know if they thought any of your stuff wouldn't work! I also give you credit as the source of the drills, which may be unusual - it certainly was for one of my previous teachers! I have been highly amused by some of the negative Youtube comments your videos attracted. It simply proves the wisdom of the saying, "Why be upset when a dog barks at you?" The majority of the comments are made in my opinion by Paper Tigers who would never have the courage to step into the void of a live fight or ever likely put themselves in that position. No one cares what Dan grade you are when they are trying to punch you in the face! Your teaching does make sense, it makes karate come alive. I could be wrong but, in my opinion, most people want to learn a martial art that actually works. Unfortunately, most people are taught by Paper Tigers, and are not taught a martial art at all! There seem to be too many 'martial art schools' like this, which in reality are just run as part of a corporation or business. I can't wait for you to release more DVDs and books. - Neil Muirhead, Ronin Karate,
After much searching, I finally found what I had been looking for when I attended my first weekend seminar [on Kata application] with Patrick McCarthy, Karatedo Hanshi, in
" Fortunately, there are a small number of scholars who have provided serious creditability to the meanings of past technical and philosophical concepts. Throughout the world there are less than five who have studied and researched enough to be called HANSHI. One of these scholars is Patrick McCarthy who travels the world teaching karate history, Karate-do, and kata bunkai, to name a few of his inspiring seminars. I have never met the man, but I hope to in the near future. His web site provides information regarding his seminars, books, and other interesting points." - Richard Gould - 9th Dan Chief Instructor ASKF
"I have completed watching your [Patrick McCarthy] excellent 14 part DVD series. I was so impressed ... especially by the two-person drills you have designed for different subjects. I have never seen such comprehensive drills ... my mind is still spinning with the comprehensive two-person drills you have designed for tegumi, nage-waza, kansetsu/tuite-waza, shime-waza, and ne-waza. With over 200techniques in the drills, you have done a great service to serious Karate students around the world." - Charles C. Goodin,
Hanshi Pat McCarthy's [2007] seminar in
Tartu Budo Club was fortunate to host Hanshi Patrick McCarthy, in October 2007. Having taught karate for ten years, I had seen a instructors around the world who were superb technicians but McCarthy sensei was by far the best teacher of them all - masterful in technique, engaging, armed with sharp wits, encyclopedic knowledge and a wealth of experience. Keeping it all very practical, he is uncontrovertible proof that karate is not a dead, stiff or and antiquated sport form but a true living martial art, as brutal as it is graceful. - Andreas Kangur Shotokan,
Hanshi Patrick McCarthy is world-renowned for his extensive knowledge of kata bunkai and martial arts history. He's like a walking encyclopedia and is a master in multiple disciplines. I wish I could train with him more often. Unfortunately he's based in
Patrick McCarthy is pre-eminent in our field. Pioneer is a perfect description of his considerable status and accomplishments. I think he is at the pinnacle of karate research, practice and dissemination. Apart from our friendship, I can say quite dispassionately that Karate would still be 'fumbling' in the dark were it not for his exceptional work. Where does he get the energy? " - Nathan J. Johnson
Andy Kwait and I drove down to Sensei Lopresti's Shotokan Karate Jutsu dojo in
If you've never been to one of these seminars, you're in for a real treat. McCarthy has devoted his life to studying and teaching martial arts, and qualifies as a genuine scholar. He's the most knowledgeable karate instructor I've ever met, and speaks with authority about all sorts of martial arts and their histories, the physics and anatomy of the human body, and the logical analysis of unarmed comb at. His presentation is often entertaining and always compelling in its comprehensive detail and organization. It doesn't take long to realize that you're in the presence of an expert.
Since many participants were from other dojo and styles, he also pointed out that what we were going to learn was not specific to any particular style. Rather, it's universal in the sense that all martial arts systems have to follow the same principles of physics and apply them to the same targets in the human body. This was very reassuring for many, since it meant they could apply the principles they learned regardless of what style they had trained in.
Several times, my eyes grew wide and my jaw dropped a little as I suddenly understood pieces of kata I'd always wondered about. Looking around, I saw that I was not alone. That's one of the best parts of these seminars: the little "blinding flash of the obvious" (as McCarthy says) that happens when you suddenly see things in a new light and wonder why it took you so long to get the point. This often caused grins to break out all over, as people suddenly had that 'Aha!' experience. - Paul Silvas MA [Shotokan 4th Dan,
Tino Ceberano, [Goju Ryu Karatedo, Hanshi 8th Dan] "Shihan McCarthy accomplished what I have been searching to do for years. In all the years that I was associated with the Yamaguchi family, and served as their personal representative, no one ever knew or taught the application practices with the depth and insights that McCarthy Sensei does, including Tsuzaki & Uchiagi sensei."
'If the only thing in your tool box is a hammer, sooner or latter everything looks like a nail.' I started training in the martial arts over 30 years ago, with the aim like most people of learning a practical system of self defence, unfortunately I like many others spent years paying and training in systems that really didn't work. In the reality the majority of the systems I had trained in 'traditional karate' were actually training me how to loose a fight! I have spent 20 plus years in the police service and ...after watching your DVDs and reading a number of your books and published articles I would fully endorse your teachings - a karate system that would work against someone intent on causing you serious injury. The other aspect I personally like, as a police officer, is that it incorporates various levels response & force options. - Officer N MUIRHEAD The
Hundreds of participants attended Sensei Patrick McCarthy's seminar [during the IMAF's 25th European Anniversary in
Richard Ouellette [Wado Ryu 4th Dan Canada] "Only now, that I am walking down the path of Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu, am I realizing the depths of the gifts that this Karate has to offer. Had I chosen not to follow this path I would have never known what I had missed, yet having chosen this path I am now receiving the rewards that all karate practitioners deserve."
WOW!! This was one of the best seminars that I have ever attended. I kid you not, I had goose bumps the whole seminar!! And WOW what a great and humble master Hanshi Patrick McCarthy is, he is one the few real masters that I have ever had the honour and privilege of meeting. These days so many people call themselves "masters", however very few are, this I have found this out over my 25 years of training. Hanshi McCarthy is the real deal! - Mike Sywyk,
Ilene J. Smoger [Okinawan Karate Club of
Konishi (Takehiro) Yasuhiro, (Karatedo Hanshi & Ryobukai 2nd generation head master)
"I am deeply impressed by his character and enthusiasm and sincerely hope that his efforts are met with equal intensity."
Chuck Merriman (Jundokan 8th Dan Goju-Ryu)
"History will remember McCarthy’s contributions simply because they’re too important to ignore."
Nagamine Shoshin (Pioneer of Matsubayashi-ryu,
"I can think of no one better suited to introduce the Bubishi to the Western World than Patrick McCarthy:"
Kinjo Hiroshi (Karatedo Hanshi pre-war DNBK)
"Patrick McCarthy as one of the few Martial Artists who has come to understand the true essence, history and culture of karatedo:"
Hokama Tetsuhiro (Kyoshi Karate/Kobudo,
"I am fascinated by both Mr. McCarthy’s physical prowess and scholarly pursuits:"
Ed Parker (Pioneer of Karate in
"An example of what a Martial Artist should be, using him as a role model should aid in increasing levels of proficiency. Progress is assured if you heed the words of this young master."
William Dometrich, (Chito Ryu Karatedo Hanshi DNBK)
"Not only was I astonished by the depth of your knowledge of the historical roots of Karatedo, I was also pleasantly surprised by the incredible depth of your technical knowledge, skills and ability. Your unique ability to draw others and myself so thoroughly into your subject is in no part due to your involvement in, and love of, Karatedo."
Mr. Alexander Kask (Senior Editor Charles E. Tuttle Publishing Co. Inc.)
"Mr. McCarthy is widely acknowledged as the world’s foremost Western authority on Karate history and is well known for his research and writings. I have been deeply impressed by his knowledge of karate ’s origins and his ability to elucidate Eastern philosophy to a Western audience. He is also the first Caucasian to receive the coveted Master Teachers License from
Dr. C.P. Negri (
"I have known Patrick McCarthy for more than twenty-five years. We have never had the opportunity to develop a close friendship, but I have had the chance to observe many things about his character during this time. He was a young man when I first encountered him and he impressed everyone with a maturity that went beyond his years. His honesty and upright character struck me. At that time, he had traveled over a 1000 miles to honor a sizable obligation, which he could have easily avoided. His attitude and behavior has always been completely in line with those values insisted upon in traditional martial arts. His voluminous work researching karate’s history and traditions, with its meticulous referencing, show not only his determination and vision, but his desire to give credit where it is due. It would be easy for him to "hog the spotlight," and make himself seem the source of all this knowledge as so many do today, and his humility is truly refreshing."
Mr. Al Weiss (Condor Books & Official Karate Magazine) RIP
"His intelligence, his integrity and his dedication impress me. He has always held honor above gain; that is why he is one of the most respected martial artists to have ever practiced, competed and taught in
Prof. Wally Jay (
"Vibrant during his competitive career, he is as meticulous now, in his research and teaching, as he ever was as a champion athlete. Although the nature of his attention has shifted from the competitive arena to the field of research, the intensity with which he pursues "his obsession" is second to none. Anyone who has had the pleasure of taking a lesson, attending a seminar, or sitting in on one of his illuminating lectures can immediately describe Patrick’s regard for both the work, which captivates him, and the people with whom it is shared."
Sasha Gendrikson (6th Dan Gojuryu RUKO; Russian
"Sensei teaches application principles for defensive themes as configured in classical kata."
Kong Wing Loh (6th Dan Shito-Ryu
"Just when you think you know a lot about martial arts here comes Patrick McCarthy to show you the application principles."
Commander Chagy Peleg (YAMAM Unit Chief Israeli Anti-Terrorist Unit)
"On behalf of the entire unit, I would like to thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, and look forward to having you back again next year."
Major Avi Nardia (Israeli Special Police & Martial Arts coordinator)
"Mr. McCarthy's understanding of combative principles and ability to implement them in an effective manner has improved our overall performance level."
Dr. Zoltan Diennes (
Mario McKenna (
"The Society's "members only" web-page is a goldmine of information and I feel very happy and privileged to have access to it. More importantly it has the most valuable resource of them all; good people and a good leader with vision."
Mario McKenna,
Hello everyone ... if you are lucky enough to study with McCarthy sensei at a seminar or at his honbu dojo in Brisbane, you will undoubtedly walk away a better karateka not only technically, but also will have gained insight into the historical and cultural phenomena of what we all call karatedo. (Not too mention you'll probably get to share in his generosity outside the dojo as he invites you to share a meal, some great conversation and maybe a few bad jokes too. McCarthy sensei is one of the few individuals that I have met who truly embraces the idea of "bunbu ryodo" [The pen and the sword].
Romney Taylor (USA) "Patrick McCarthy has a very strong personality, what I personally have witnessed the two times I have met him is a person who reflects the intensity you bring to the table, if you care to be confrontational he can be that, if you care to be intellectual he can be that, if you care to be gentle and work together, He can do that. At this last meeting there were a few people from different organizations (Dillman 's for one) who asked Very pointed (pun) questions, Patrick McCarthy was very polite, answered the questions and seemed to go out of his way to be diplomatic and not make the person asking defensive or uncomfortable. He was gentle yet effective when he demonstrated and corrected technique, he was open to all questions, And willing to share his knowledge on all levels, speaking to all groups in terms they understood, TCM or western Med, or plan, just hit him here. I can only tell you what I have experienced in two meetings, and it was the same both times. I would highly recommend meeting him to anyone who has questions and an open mind to learn, And I would willingly offer myself for demonstration, because I now trust his judgment (I would not do so for many other famous people)."
Rene Roggeveen (
Alex Wyllie (England) "As a Shotokan 5th Dan and practitioner of Martial arts, including Ju-Jitsu, Aikido and flirting with other various arts for the last 33 years, I found the course very stimulating and it confirmed what I believed for so long about the links between ALL martial arts. I would like to see more of this style of training in this country. I would also like to be placed top of the list for any future seminars, which we need more of. More strength to the 'Black ship!' .
Tony Cobley (
Bruce Lamont (
Simply put; "the world was flat, then along came Mr Patrick McCarthy."
Alan Richardson (
"Koryu has given me a far greater understanding of karate’s application principles than I was ever able to obtain through years of training in its modern counterpart." Dr. Jeremy Arnold, Brisbane
"I now better understand the application principles of karate through having studied Koryu [Uchinadi]." Vince Morris Shotokan
"Allow me to say that I find Patrick McCarthy sensei a gentleman as well as a teacher of the highest caliber, therefore I enjoy training with him". - Wayne Dyett Shotokan Black Belt
"Attending a seminar with McCarthy sensei is like discovering the Rosetta Stone." Jeff McCauley Black Belt Shotokan SKIA Sydney Australia
"I was blown away by McCarthy-sensei's workshop here in
"...Patrick McCarthy moved to
"I was captivated by his [London-Wateford] seminar. With a degree in education, and a 3rd degree black belt in Shotokan karate, I have observed, and been taught by, a lot of teachers, lecturers and instructors throughout my life and can honestly say that sensei McCarthy's standard of delivery is the highest I have seen. I was amazed by the wealth, depth and complexity of his knowledge and ability to communicate it." Paul Wilkins, Professional Lecturer, Norwich/England
"It was simply amazing (now I know what Bruce Lamont meant when he wrote "the world was flat, then along came Mr. Patrick McCarthy"). That is how I feel. McCarthy's knowledge on all aspects of karate is completely exceptional. My training partner at the seminar (former world champion Stan Peterec) and I were thrilled to finally have someone explain and demonstrate real and effective applications to the various kata. As the late O'Sensei Richard Kim said, "Of all the thousands of students that I have had over the years, Patrick McCarthy is by far the most talented." Shane Brown Shorinji Ryu
Nineteen bum-numbing hours crushed and crammed into a bucket seat from Durban [South Africa] to Brisbane was worth the privilege and pleasure of spending three 'full' (and equally crammed) weeks getting hands-on exposure to the enormous energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of Kyoshi Patrick McCarthy. The uniqueness of his curriculum is obvious, not only as expressed through the personal experiences of all who have trained with him, but also when one looks at the abilities and attributes of the senior practitioners that are drawn to him. My first exposure to Kyoshi's exceptional skills was during his first seminar in
"Sensei, I don't have words to express what I feel, but you have really had a major impact on my life and I am very grateful for everything you have done for me. I can only say thank you and hope you understand how much I put into those words." Per-Ivar Andersson,
FWIW, it is difficult to be in the martial arts world today and not be influenced by McCarthy-sensei. I would imagine that many more teachers world-wide would still be living in the dark had his work not been so widely available. I hope history give the credit due to McCarthy-sensei for his work. Many will have an ego that will not allow them to publicly admit so. Steve Jamison Isshinryu yudansha NJ
After 23 years - I am happy to say that I participated in the best seminar I ever went to this weekend with McCarthy Hanshi in
"What karate did not teach me about grappling, close quarters confrontation, and ground fighting...Koryu Uchinadi did." Dave Kolb, Police Officer Brisbane
"McCarthy's widely acclaimed HAPV (Habitual Acts of Physical Violence) theory, functional two-person drills & Koryu Uchinadi concepts provide the formula necessary to resolve the ambiguity surrounding the application principles of kata." Dirk
Your second annual seminar was inspirational and enlightening. You can be sure that from my point of view,
"His knowledge and experience in the martial arts absolutely bewilders me and with all the seminars I have taken over the years, his was by far one I will cherish and never forget. My biggest regret, after 4 hours of training, was that the seminar was not long enough." - Johnny Kennedy/Goju Ryu Black belt
"I was very pleased attending McCarthy Sensei's seminar in
"I have trained under McCarthy sensei on many occasions since 1996 because his knowledge and teaching methods have continued to inspire me. After 30 years with karate this is what I want and I attempt to use as much of his teachings as I can in my own dojo because it just makes so much sense. I really feel he is a master of his Era." Ted D'Arcy 6th Dan Shotokan
In all my 35 years of training, including many training camps with some of the most noted instructors in the world, I mentally and physically learned more in two days with McCarthy sensei, I ever have elsewhere. He is truly a walking Encyclopedia of information, with the gift to teach how make the body and mind understand something we all have done for every but with out true understanding." Al Taylor Shotokan-ryu Black Belt
"Once again many thanks for the seminar and sharing your work with us. I thought it was excellent and have received nothing put positive feedback from the other students that attended. The seminar was excellent and as usual very thought provoking. I always come away realising how little I know and how far I have to travel! I think inspirational sums up the weekend for me and certainly many of the attendees I have spoken with." Ashley Croft---Shotokan Yudansha
Dear Kyoshi, I just want to say that I have now had two of the Kyusho international instructor's in at my dojo, and really you come up on top as far as knowledge, teaching style, and ability. Just thought I would let you know. Frank Monea http://www.kempokarate.com.au/
This specific concept of learning the SD technique first and then practicing solo, I first learned from Patrick McCarthy. After you've experienced this method, it's almost impossible not to believe kata was meant to be this way, IMO. Rather than just trying to imagine an attacker, you can actually `feel' the person there as you grab, or twist, strike and make you way through the kata. David Gimberline Shotokan Karate Yudansha
Can I just say that my introduction and first PM seminar was Nottingham 98. PM certainly delivered for me that weekend and I am still a follower of Sensei's teachings. Ian Steers, Wado-Ryu,