小林流空手鶴目会SHORIN RYU KARATE-DO WASHIMEKAI INTERNATIONAL (PHILS) MY GREAT FILIPINO SHORIN RYU TEACHER MASTER MANUEL “manny” QUINTANA DURAN One of the Bests of the Commando Self-Defense Club Manila, Philippines under the tutelage of the Master LATINO H. GONZALES “The Father of Philippine Karate” “WASHIMEKAI” (鶴 目 会 ) is a Japanese term literally translated as “EAGLE EYE CLAN” or Association. “Washi”( 鶴) meaning EAGLE; “Me” (目)– EYE and “Kai” (会), CLAN or Association. The Organization was founded in Naga City, the “Heart of Bicol” in 1984 under its original name – Eagle Eye Shorin Ryu Karate Clan. Its founding Chairman/President and Master Instructor is Marcelo Monte Navarroza Sensei, a police officer by profession (ranked Senior Police Officer IV) who recently retired from the police service on October 7, 2010 after 31 years of active service. “Eagle Eye”, meaning- keenness (alertness) in perception is the “nobility” Title given to Shihan Navarroza upon his promotion to 5th Dan Grade in 1984 by his original Filipino Shorin Ryu teacher, the great Master MANUEL “Manny” Q. DURAN, one of the famous and respected Shorin Ryu Teachers (SSH Karate Club, Sta. Mesa, Manila) during the heydays of the P.A.K.A. - Commando SelfDefense Club under the tutelage of the late Master Latino H. Gonzales, the “Father of Philippine Karate” and titular head of the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate (Shidokan) in the Philippines (circa 1960’s). Navarroza Sensei gained knowledge and skills in the art of Shorin Ryu Karate from the Great Master Duran from whom he trained for the straight period of 16 years (1972 – 1988) until his promotion to 6th Dan on May 8, 1988 where he was at the same time pronounced as successor in the Duran Shorin Ryu line. Navarroza Sense’s anointment was openly announced during the promotion ceremonies as the Master Duran addressed the Black Belts Corps in attendance numbering about 50 with the following remarks: “ANG TINIG NG ANAK AY TINIG NG AMA” (“the Voice of the SON (Disciple-Navarroza) is the Voice of the FATHER” (the Master Duran). Navarroza Sensei continued to seek guidance from the Master until the latter’s demise on August 19, 1993. In his early age as karate practitioner, Navarroza Sensei had already felt no serious inkling in competition karate although he had exposures in numerous local/regional tournaments at the time when he was still with his first joined martial arts club outside the the main stream of the Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate. At the time when he was already under the mentorship of Master Manny and already holding a Brown Belt grade, he was sent by the Master as a “One-man Team” to compete and represent the SSH Commando Karate Club-Naga City in the “1974 Southern Luzon Shorin Ryu Karate Tournament” held in Daet, Camarines Norte (Region 5) on 24th October that was officiated by Master Rolando A. Gonzales (eldest son of Master Latino H. Gonzales). Navarroza Sensei managed to successfully hurdle the series of tough elimination rounds and eventually reached the exhaustive final round (Championship bout). However, faced with a rather more skilled and experienced competitor from the Quezon Province, Navarroza Sensei settled for the Silver Medal (second Place) after an edge of a “waza-ari” (half-point) by the opponent at the end of the bout. Onward in early 1981 when he was already with the Police Service, he became a member of the powerhouse “PC/INP Region 5 (Bicol) Karate Team” that competed in numerous Regional and invitational tournaments including the “7th PKA National Karate Championships” in 1981 held in Legazpi City where their team met during the Finals the dreaded grand slammer National Champion “Philippine Constabulary (PC) Karate Team” of Camp Crame, Metro Manila. Navarroza Sensei candidly admits that he, being not in the category of a skilled kumite competitor, has to find his own way how to be of service to karate and its advancement, at least in his local environment. As being an organization-centered/oriented person, Navarroza Sensei endeavored and focused his efforts to enhance his teaching skill and management leadership. Immediately after his 6th grade promotion, Navarroza Sensei was given clearance by the Master to reactivate his previously owned Dojo (which Navarroza Shihan deactivated in early 80’s to render personal services and technical assistance to the Master’s Hombu Dojo) and the blanket authority to run his own association. Thus, from a carefully selected members from the Master Duran’s Black Belt Corps (the Black Belters and Noblemen Federation which Navarroza Sensei earlier organized and led for years as the vanguard of the Master), notably Rafael M. Zuñiga, Carlo S. Prila, and Ramiro Alfredo R. Cabral among others, he formally formed the association which he named after his nobility title “Eagle Eye”. Thus, the birth of the “Eagle Eye Shorin Ryu Karate Clan”. In 1989, the Clan gained its legal personality by virtue of its registration with the government’s Securities and Exchange Commission (S.E.C.) as a nonstock, non-profit corporation. On September 01, 1989, as called for by his duties and responsibilities as public safety officer, Navarroza Sensei left his home province and reported to his new duty assignment at the PNPA-Philippine National Police Academy stationed at Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna (Region IV) where he was given the primary responsibility to handle the martial art (Karate-do) module of the BSPS (Bachelor of Science in Public Safety) Curriculum being taken by the Police Cadets. As already an In-House Karate Instructor, Navarroza Shihan was further designated as Physical Training and Sports Development Non- Commissioned Officer of the Academy’s Tactics Group. Being so, he ran the facilities of the PNPA gymnasium and other facilities related to the combative training of the Police Cadets. On October 1990, Navaroza Sensei facilitated the official activation of the PNPA Karate Club and put into operation the Karate Corps Squad (Varsity) that subsequently competed in various levels of competitions outside the portals of the Academy from that year and onwards. Significantly, from 1991 to 1996, the PNPA Karate Club gained tremendous recognition as evidenced by the consistent bagging by members of the Club of PNPA “KAMPILAN FOR SPORTS”, one of the prestigious awards of Recognition given to graduating cadets who have excelled in the field of sports and athletics throughout the cadetship training. “Kampilan” is a traditional Filipino war-bolo or sword equivalent to the “Katana” of ancient Japan Samurai/Warrior. Presently ranked Police Superintendents (equivalent to Colonel Rank in the Military), these Karate-ka Cadet recipients of the said “Kampilan for Sports” Award included – Cadet Alan Nazarro (PNPA Class 1991), Cadet Dennis Dumanew (PNPA Class 1992), Cadet Allan Agabe (PNPA Class 1993), Cadet Osmondo Salibo (PNPA Class 1994) and Cadet Marissa Salgo (PNPA Class 1996). Moreover, many Bicol Region-based black belt members organic to the Shorin Ryu Karate linage of the great Master Duran who are rather juniors to Shihan Navarroza were fortunate enough to enter and graduated Cadetship Training from the Philippine National Police included, among others, now Police Superintendent/Lawyer Jojo Azanes (PNPA Class 1989); Police Superintendents Efraim Arcilla and Froilan F. Elopre (PNPA Class 1991); Police Superintendent Ronaldo R. Cabral (PNPA Class 1992) and Police Superintendent Roger Dy (PNPA Class 1995). On March 1990, Navarroza Sensei opened a Special Summer Karate Training Course to the children of the PNPA personnel using the Academy’s gymnasium as training venue. The enrollees totaled to more or less seventy (70) students where 56 of them successfully graduated the course with the rank of Green Belt. This led to the formal organization of the Eagle Eye Clan – Laguna Branch Dojo. Subsequently, the Central Headquarters (Hombu) was transferred from Naga City, Region 5 to Calamba, Laguna, Region 4. From the new Hombu location, the first batch of 12 Black Belt students emerged (1992-1993), namely, Rochelle Mendova, Rochelle Mendova, Jocelyn Orjalo, sisters Winnie and Warren Arato, Celeste Solares; Bong Solares, Gerandie Agonos, Raymund Delfin, Homer Cortez, Ramil Laguardia and Paredes Lumagui. Navarroza Sensei’s dedication and devotion to the teaching and propagation of Shorin Ryu Karate did not pass unnotice among the martial arts practitioners in the province of Laguna and suburbs. His being diplomatic and open-minded in dealing with fellow instructors in the area earned him their respect, acceptance and recognition as major karate leader in the locality. Surprisingly, as years passed, considerable number of karate groups in the area joined his organization. The dynamic leadership of Navarroza Sensei able him to establish and put into full operation various branch-dojos and affiliates in the area of Southern Luzon (Region 4 and Region 5). Circa 1991, the NASKOPHIL (National Shorin Ryu Karatedo Shidokan Organization of the Philippines) was formally organized under the joint tutelage of Arch. Jose R. Gumba Sr. and Anselmo “Pop” Delos Santos, Sr, in an attempt to reunite and invigorate the Shorin Ryu Karate in the country. Recognizing Navarroza Shihan’s dedication and devotion to Shorin Ryu Karate, the NASKOPHIL Chairman (then Deputy President of the PKFPhilippine Karatedo Federation), appointed him as NASKOPHIL Area Director for Southern Luzon. On Summer of 1990, 8th Dan Okinawa Master Seigi Shiroma Sensei, Director of the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate-do Asia-Pacific Shidokan (Guam) visited Manila, Philippines and conducted intensive technical Seminars to standardize the Shidokan Karate system. Later, series of rank evaluation were conducted to leading teachers and black Belts of Shorin Ryu nationwide. It must be noted that Shiroma Sensei was the second important Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Teacher who took residence instruction in the Philippines after Shihan Seikichi IHA, the first Okinawa Teacher in the Philippines (circa 1960s) who, after 11 months of instruction at the famous Commando Self-Defense Club of Master Latino Gonzales, returned back to Okinawa and subsequently opened the Shidokan School in the USA. On August 29, 1991, after extensive training seminar and rank evaluation, Navarroza Sensei passed the required examination and successfully obtained the 5th Dan grade in Okinawa Shorin Ryu Shidokan Karate from Master Seigi Shiroma. Interesting to note, he actually passed all the technical aspects of the examination for the grade of 6th Dan that he originally attempted being his association rank held (awarded to him by his Filipino Shorin Ryu Master Duran), however, his much younger age (37 years old) at the time he passed the examination disqualified him for said 6th grade that requires a minimum age of 40 years old. Nonetheless, what was consoling and gratifying was the fact that Navarroza Sensei successfully passed all the scope of the examination that only proved the authenticity and correctness of the training he obtained from his Filipino Master, Manny Q. Duran. On October of 1991, upon invitation from Navarroza Sensei, Shihan Seigi Shiroma, along with his Technical Staffs from the Asia-Pacific Shidokan Guam Dojo, namely, 6th Dan Sensei Daniel Tuazon and 5th Dan Sensei Romeo Dublin, staged a whole-day Kata Seminar at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) attended by the Cadet-members of PNPA Class 1991. In 1992, Sensei Masami Nakamura (Japanese National/Alien resident of the Philippines) who ran a branch Dojo (at his private gym) affiliated with a local Shotokan Karate Club in Calamba, Laguna became a close personal acquaintance and karate associate of Navarroza Sensei. Later, Nakamura Sensei separated from his main Shotokan Club and established his own dojo naming it SHINBUKAI and affiliated it with the Navarroza Sensei’s Shorinryu Organization. Under the set-up, Nakamura Sensei was designated as Technical Director. It was at that time that Nakamura Sensei suggested the renaming of Eagle Eye Clan to a Japanese name to give more impact among the martial arts community. After due consultation with the hierarchy of the Eagle Eye Clan, the name was changed to “WASHIMEKAI” as suggested by Nakamura Sensei. Later, during the PKF days, Nakamura Sensei served as the official Coach of the BKF-PKF Region 5. In 1995, during the PKF National Championships in Subic, Olongapo City, Navarroza Sensei (then OIC of PKF Region 5), introduced Nakamura Sensei to Sensei Shin TSUKII (JKFGojukai) who was then the National Coach of the PKF National Karate Team. On many PKF occasions and seminars, Nakamura sensei have had the opportunity interacting with numerous Japan and Okinawa Karate Masters, notably, Shihan Kanzo Miyahira (Okinawa Gojuryu Shoreikan) from whom he trained in the Okinawa Gojuryu karate System and eventually his total shift from Shotokan to Gojukai blend finally settling to the art of Okinawan Gojuryu that became the official curriculum of the Shinbukai. In 1994, upon recommendation of NASKOPHIL Chairman Arch. Jose Gumba , Navarroza Sensei joined the PKFPhilippine Karatedo Federation (the National Sport Association of Karate under the POC-Philippine Olympic Committee) and was appointed Officer In-Charge (OIC) of PKF-Region 5 by the PKF President, Manuel “Pocholo” Veguillas III. Later in 1996, Navarroza Sensei assumed the post as Regional Director of PKF Region 5. On the same year 1994, he organized the BKF-Bicol Karatedo Federation (with the Washimekai as nucleus), first ever consolidation of Bicol-based Karate groups operating in five (5) provinces of the Bicol Region which were further organized into Provincial Associations, namely, the Camarines Sur Karatedo Association (CASKA), the Camarines Norte Karatedo Association (CANKA), the Sorsogon Karatedo Association (SORKA), the Masbate Karatedo Association (MASKA); the Albay-Legazpi City Karatedo Association (ALECKA) and the Naga City Karatedo Association (NACKA), thus, became the official recognized member-federation of PKF in that region. From 1994 to 2001, the BKF took active part in all the PKF National Championships officially representing Region V (Bicol). In year 2000, Navarroza Sensei was unanimously elected as PKF Vice President for Southern Luzon. During the special national elections of PKF in 2001, Navarroza Shihan was unanimously acclaimed to his current position as PKF Vice President for Southern Luzon. On December 14, 2002, Navarroza Shihan obtained his 6th Dan National Rank from the PKF (under the original PKF Charter of 1998) and was subsequently appointed as Member of the PKF Technical Commission for Shorin Ryu Karate and concurrent Associate Member of the PKF Referee Council. For over three (3) decades of dedication, devotion and loyalty to the classical art of Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate as well as in the mainstream of sport Karate, the Washimekai gained prominence among the young generation of Shorin Ryu that later on joined his Shorin Ryu Organization. Anent such development, the Washimekai’s expansion and presence has been strongly felt geographically in at least seven (7) regions nationwide. Navarroza Sensei’s dedication and devotion not only to the practice and teaching of KARATE-DO but equally important, in carrying his multiple assigned duties and responsibilities at the Police Academy, gained him further recognition having been twice adjudged and presented Plaque of Recognition as “PNPA SENIOR NON-COMMISIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR” in 1992 and in 1997 on the occasions of the annual PNPA Foundation Anniversary celebration. With the earnest desire and quest for enhanced knowledge and skills in both the traditional and sport karate systems, Navarroza Sensei took every opportunity to undergo and take part in countless of technical training seminars from prominent Okinawa and Japan Karate Masters visiting the Philippines, thus, harnessing his knowledge in the four (4) major systems of “modern karate” (Shotokan, Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu and Wado Ryu. For more than a decade (1991-2005), Navarroza Shihan have had the great opportunities training with prominent Karate Masters of different styles, notably – 8TH DAN SEIGI SHIROMA of Okinawa Shorin Ryu Shidokan (19911992); 8th Dan AKIRA SHIOMI of Japan Karatedo Federation/JKF-Gojukai; 7TH Dan KATSONORI TSUYAMA of JKFShotokan; 5TH Dan HISAO MURASE of JKF-Wado Ryu and 6th Dan MEI NAKAYAMA of JKF Hayashiha Shito Ryu Kai (3 times World Kata Champion) <top photo>; all in year 1995 during the 1st Asian Union of Karatedo Federation Training Seminar for Coaches and Competitors conducted under the auspices of JKF-Japan Karatedo Federation and PKF-Philippine Karatedo Federation. Other Masters from whom Navarroza Sensei have had the opportunities to train with include – 7TH Dan KASUYA MITANI of Okinawa Seitou Karatedou Seitoukukai (Chiba, Japan) in 2000; 8th Dan HIDEHISA HASEME of JKF-Shitokai in 2000 and 2001; 8th Dan TOSIATSU SASAKI of JKFMaruyoshikan in 2000; Okinawan 8th Dan KANZO MIYAHIRA of Okinawa Goju Ryu Shorei Kan; 9th Dan YASUHIRO UEMA (right photo) and 6th Dan MARAHIRO TERUYA from the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karatedo SHUBUKAN-UEMA Karate Dojo and later in 2005, from the World Technical Director of Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate-do KYUDOKAN, 9th Dan Hanshi OSCAR MASATO HIGA. (left photo) For over one and a half decades (19902004), Navarroza Shihan served as In-House Karate Instructor of the PNPA. Alternating his regular duties as Karatedo Instructor at the prestigious Police Academy, Navarroza Shihan regularly served as Guest Karate-do Instructor at the Tri-Bureaus Public Safety Training Institutes, namely , the PNTI-Police National Training Institute, FNTIFire National Training Institute and JNTI-Jail Management National Training Institute. He also have had the opportunity of being hired and served as Defensive Tactics Instructor for 4-semesters at the Perpetual Help University – College of Criminology in Biñan, Laguna. On the occasion of the traditional PNPA Cadets “Ring Hop” of the Graduating “Tagapagkalinga” Class of 1991 at the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Sensei Navarroza was honored with a “Plaque of Recognition”, an award first of its kind ever presented to a personnel of the Academy by the PNPA Cadet Corps in great recognition of Shihan Navarroza’s contribution to the development and enhancement of Martial Arts Training in the Philippine National Police Academy. Being similarly active in sport karate operation, Navarroza Shihan’s constant quest for technical knowledge earned him technical qualifications being a National Referee and Kata Judge licensee in addition to being a member of the PKF Technical Commission for Shorin Ryu Karate (PKF Charter of 1998). Shihan Navarroza is likewise a licensed member and registered 5th Dan Black Belt Karate Instructor – Philippines of the KOBE OSAKA International Karate-do Renmei under the tutelage of Kyoshi Tommy Morris (the Chairman of the WKF Referee Council). On August 29, 1996, Navarroza Shihan took and passed the PKF National Ranking examination and obtained his 5th Dan Grade from the National Federation. On December 1997, Navarroza Shihan obtained the international recognition of his 5th Dan grade from the WKF-World Karatedo Federation. On August 1998, the PKF reorganized and adopted its revised/new Charter and Navarroza Shihan became a regular member of the 24-members General Assembly of PKF and was subsequently appointed as PKF Official Representative to Bicol Region and the provinces of Laguna and Cavite. Due to political conflicts among the top-Senior leaders of the Philippine’s Shidokan Karate Organization, and being a rather junior among them Navarroza Shihan and his Shorin Ryu Organization decided to withdraw from the system seeing that such conflicts were unhealthy and prejudicial not only to the Shorin Ryu system but to Karate-do in general. The Washimekai, thus, maintained the status as an independent Shorin Ryu national organization but remained active in the sporting aspect under the National Sports Association for Karate (PKF). In the later part of 2001, Navarroza Shihan decided to quit the mainstream of Olympic-type sport karate and redirected the organization’s concerns and endeavors back to the traditional karate system approach and operation. In mid-2003, after almost seven (7) years of being an independent Shorin Ryu organization in the country, Navarroza Shihan sought membership with the World Okinawa Shorin Ryu KYUDOKAN Karate-do Federation and successfully maintained linkage with its World Technical Headquarters under the Directorship of Oscar MAZATO HIGA 9th Dan Hanshi. The Okinawa Shorin Ryu Kyudokan-Sri Lanka Representative-Director, Sensei Indishe Senanayake’s assistance and support was significantly instrumental in the Washimekai’s linkage with Hanshi Oscar HIGA. On June of 2004, the Washimekai was provisionally accepted as member of the World KYUDOKAN Federation and subsequently named as the Official Philippine Branch with Navarroza Shihan as Official Representative and Chief Instructor of the Kyudokan school in the Philippines. On October 5-11, 2005, upon invitation from the Washimekai, Hanshi Oscar HIGA paid his first ever visit to the Philippines as facilitator-conductor of the “1st Kyudokan Karate Training Camp” organized by the Washimekai. The Training Camp was massively attended by 42 Black Belts and leading instructors of Washimekai and affiliates nationwide, along with some 60 senior colored belt-members carefully selected from the different Washimekai Dojos . On this remarkable occasion, Hanshi OSCAR HIGA finally awarded to Shihan Navarroza the written Certificate of Authority as Official Representative of the World KYUDOKAN Karate Federation to the Philippines. Representative On November of Year 2009, Navarroza Shihan officially passed on the Washimekai Presidency to his Executive Vice President, Atty. Ramiro Alfredo R. Cabral, one of the cofounders of Washimekai to be able to focus his efforts to the management of the PUKKO. Navarroza Shihan officially assumed the title “Chairman Emeritus” of the Washimekai while maintaining his responsibility as the Official of the World Kyudokan Karate in the Philippines. Furthermore, the technical operation of Washimekai was entrusted to Sensei Sayen Navarroza, 4th Dan, who, in addition to her responsibilities as Director and Head Instructor of her own Dojo (Washimekai Sayen Karate-Kobudo Dojo) and also Directing Committee Member for Championships Events Organizing , was designated as Washimekai National Technical Director due to her acquired proficiency in the Kyudokan Karate system having also directly trained under Hanshi Oscar HIGA. Providing Technical Assistance (in Sport KUMITE) to the Washimekai Sayen Karate Dojo is her elder brother, 2nd Dan Marven Navarroza who regularly serves as Team Coach for Sayen Sensei’s students during competitions. Marven likewise serves as Assistant to his younger sister in her duties and responsibilities in the Events Organizing and table management operation. To further enhance the operation of Washimekai , eldest son, Sensei Marlon Navarroza, 3rd Dan was designated as Washimekai Operation Director . Being the eldest son of Navarroza Shihan, Marlon Sensei’s young stage of training in Shorin Ryu Karate was entrusted to Master Manny Duran. At age 9 years old, Marlon Sensei obtained his Green Belt rank from the Master himself. He continued his self-practice at home under the direct guidance of his father. On summer of 1988, during the Shorin Ryu Karate Tournament in Naga City, the young Marlon bagged the Boys KATA Division Gold Medal. As he reached his secondary education he was introduced to the rudiments of Olympic-type sport karate. During the 1995 PKF National Juniors Karatedo Championships in Batangas City, Sensei Marlon bagged the Bronze Medal in Juniors Male KUMITE. Sensei Edward Salcedo, 3rd Dan was subsequently designated by the WASHIMEKAI National President, Shihan Cabral as WMK Secretary-General to provide administrative assistance in managing the general affairs of the Association. On December 2930, 2009, the Washimekai celebrated its “25th (SILVER) Foundation Anniversary” & Homecoming held at Naga City attended by leading Washimekai Instructors. Gracing the 2-days affairs were top PUKKO Officials from Metro Manila representing other karate styles notably, Okinawan Gojuryu Meibukan Phils (Sensei Leo de Mesa), Shito Ryu Karate (Sensei Emerson Balbin) and Shotokan Karate (Shihan Nonie Bernabe). Onward, the WASHIMEKAI institutionalized the observance/celebration of its Annual Anniversaries held every 30th of December of the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 on the 29th of December. To further enhance the Instructors' technical skills in Kyudokan Karate, Katrine Louise "Kate" Reyes, 3rd Dan, Senior Assistant Instructor at the WMK Technical Headquarters was sent to Okinawa on August 19, 2009 to undergo review-training at the Kyudokan Hombu Dojo under the guidance of the Grandmaster, 10th Dan Minoru HIGA. The handing down by Navarroza Shihan of his administrative function as President of Washimekai was made in order for him to focus on his equally big responsibility as President and Chief Executive Officer of the PUKKO. The Washimekai-KYUDOKAN Philippines was primarily responsible for prodding the formation of the PUKKO - Philippine Union of Karate and Kobudo Organizations in 2006 with the objective of sustaining, promoting and advancing TRADITIONAL KARATE (and Kobudo) Systems in the Philippines. This initiative was inspired by the "Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Federation" jointly founded some 30 years ago by 10th Dan Hanshi Yochuku HIGA (Founder of Shorinryu Kyudokan Karate) and the famous Okinawa KOBUDO Master, AKAMINE, the Founder of Honzonshinkokai Kobudo. On the sporting aspect, the organization was greatly inspired by the original concept and suggestion by the IOCInternational Olympic Committee that KARATE be governed by one World Federation comprising of Two (2) Divisions, namely, the TRADITIONAL KARATE and the TECHNICAL KARATE (existing sport body/then WUKO) but never materialize due to political conflicts. The process in organizing the Philippine Union was not such easy considering that, admittedly, minor disagreements (technical and political) among some of the prospective initiators did occur during the initial stages. Nonetheless, the original plan was vigorously pursued by the original initiators and on the following year 2007, saw the official birth of the PUKKO. Taking into the consideration the equally important role of the sporting aspect in the development of the practitioners particularly the youth ("Traditional" and "Sport" Karate compliments each other that contribute to a certain degree, in the development of the practitioners) PUKKO decided to affiliate with the WUKF (formerly WKC-WUKO). (www.wukf-karate.org ) (Photo-left) PUKKO Executive Council Members with WUKF President and WUKF General Secretary. (Right) PUKKO President with WUKF President Osvaldo Messeias de Oliveira (Brazil) and WUKF 1 VP and General Secretary Prof.Dr. Liviu Crisan (Romania). st On January 15, 2008, the PUKKO was accepted and became an affiliated-member of the then WUKO, now W.U.K.F. - World Union of Karate Federations. (Photo shows the 2010 PUKKO NATIONAL CONGRESS with WUKF President & General Secretary) On October 10, 2010, NAVARROZA Shihan was awarded his World Karate (homologated) 8th Dan Black Belt grade by the WUKF-WORLD UNION OF KARATEDO FEDERATIONS along with key Technical Staffs from his WASHIMEKAI Organization – Sensei Chiela Cyreen “Sayen” F. NAVARROZA, 4th Dan (WMK Technical Director), Sensei Marlon NAVARROZA, 3RD Dan (WMK Operation Director) and Sensei Katrine Louise “Kate” REYES, 3RD Dan (Assistant Female Instructor @ the WMK Gijutsu Honbu). WMK President, Atty. Ramiro Alfredo “Roy” CABRAL likewise got his 6TH Dan grade and Sensei Ferdinand “Tots” FEDERIS, 4TH Dan (Admin Officer of WMK Gijutsu Honbu). WMK Dojo Directors from the regions who also obtained their homologated World Karate ranks as recommended by Navarroza Shihan include: Engr. Rolindo “Ogie” OROGO, 6TH Dan and Sensei Ariel FUENTECILLA, 4TH Dan both from Mindanao Region (Davao); Sensei Wiily BENDIAN and Sensei Zeus BORROMEO, both 3RD Dan from Bicol Region (Albay). At present (2014), the WASHIMEKAI’s operation has been decentralized according to geographical locations where majority of Washimekai Dojos and affiliates are strategically located and the management supervision of same were delegated to highly trusted officials of Washimekai. WASHIMEKAI Region V (Bicol) which is the birthplace of Washimekai is supervised by Shihan Atty Ramiro R. Cabral, the WMK President. WMK Southern Tagalog (Region IV) is supervised by Sensei Sayen Navarroza and NCR-National Capital Region by Sensei Odelon Peñaflorida. WMK Central Luzon-Bulacan (Region III) is supervised by Sensei Nelson Nieva, one of the pioneer students of Kyoshi Navarroza while the WMK Mindanao Commission (Regions X and XI) is under the stewardship of the COMATCOM Chaired by Shihan Eng’r Rolindo N. Orogo. He is assisted by Shihan Weldon Pasco (for Region X) and Shihan Cris Campomanes (for Region XI). R-5 R-4 NCR/Metro Manila R-3 WMK Mindanao Commission R-1O R-11 On the occasion of the 29th WMK Anniversary, the WMK formally Inaugurated its newest Branch Dojo – the WASHIMEKAI CLOVERLEAF KARATE FITNESS CENTRE located at El Grande Subdivision, Brgy. Molino-6, Bacoor City, Province of Cavite (Region 4) that also hosted to Anniversary celebration. The Centre/Dojo is under The Directorship of Eng’r. Marco Villahermosa with Sensei Jay Cezanne Elad as assigned Instructor. Sensei Marlon provides Operational supervision of the Dojo. The affairs of the Washimekai abroad remains under the management and supervision of Shihan Jesus B. Ablanida – Washimekai BAHRAIN with the addition of the recently established branch Dojo, the “Washimekai Kuromatsu Dojo Bahrain”, under the Directorship of Sensei Robert Carillo; Shihan Leo F. Orea – Washimekai CANADA; Shihan Eng’r. Michael V. Marajas, Washimekai UAE (Dubai); Shihan Nilo San Buenaventura (one of the co-founders of Washimekai) for Washimekai-QATAR; Sensei James Davolt-Washimekai CALIFORNIA and Sensei Assane Cisse Gueye, Washimekai SENEGAL. THE WASHIMEKAI DOJO DIRECTORS/HEAD INSTRUCTORS & ASSISTANTS OKINAWA SHORIN RYU KARATE PHILIPPINES & OKINAWA TEACHERS OF THE WASHIMEKAI FOUNDER
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