Vince Stallone

Kyoshi

Vince Stallone

Robert Rousselot
IT/Bio-Metric Security Engineer
US Military, Japan

Robert Rousselot

     "I have had the privilege to know and train with Kyoshi Bill Gossett and Kyoshi Steve Stark for many years. They have been great mentors and friends. In this age of over ranked, "Kuchi Bushi", Internet Keyboard Warriors that claim they are teaching "Koryu" something or other Okinawan martial arts it's truly refreshing to train with two very humble people like Kyoshi Gossett and Kyoshi Stark because they are the real deal. They have trained for several decades with one of the most skilled and respected teachers alive today..and it shows! What Kyoshi Gossett and Kyoshi Stark bring to the table and can actually DO is what most others can only talk about on the internet. They have "enlightened" me many times by throwing me around the dojo with their technique or dropping me like a ton of bricks with some tuite and that was just the empty handed stuff, the Okinawan weapons techniques are on a whole different level. If anyone, regardless of style or affiliation, has the opportunity to attend one of their seminars please do. You won't be disappointed."

1980-Became a member of Taika Oyata's Organization.

1988- Immigrated toJapan.

1989- Opened my first dojo inKawasaki,Japan.

1997-Formed a karate "club" and taught at the NipponBudokan & Kamakura Budokan.

1997- Opened second Dojo near Roppongi, Japan (downtownTokyo) Teaching Japan Police and Secret Service Agents.

2003- Began teaching various the US Military Forces Units (CID, MPs etc) and DoD Civilians stationed in Japan.

2004- Awarded Rokudan (6th degree black belt) in Taika Oyata's ShinShuHoRyu.

Other arts trained in for "recreational" purposes: Kodokan Judo, Muay Thai, Shoot Fighting, Kyudo, Sumo, Katori Shinto Ryu sword.

Types of students that I have trained: Japanese Secret Service, Japanese Police, US and Japanese Military, civilians of all walks of life. (As a rule I don't teach children under the age of 16.)

Language Proficiency: Fluent in Chinese and Japanese

Martial Arts Related Licenses/Certificates: The Cooper Institute - Physical Fitness Specialist, Department of the Navy- Advanced Fitness Trainer, ISSA-Certified Fitness Trainer, First Aid, CPR, AED

George Hansel

Sensei

George Hansel

I have trained in the martial arts for many years. I am also a dojo owner and instructor.   It is with great pleasure that I write my impressions of Gossett Koubushi/Hanshi and Stark Seibushi/Hanshi.

I have attended their seminars for many years and have sponsored seminars instructed by them many times.   Their depth of knowledge is vast and multi dimensional in empty hand and weapons.

When they lead a seminar they do not make you learn what they want to teach, they ask you what you want to learn and instruct you from that point.   The vast array of weapons kata’s and techniques will give you enough to work on for a lifetime.

They are pleasant and actually fun to be around and very giving with their knowedge. I would recommend any one who is a serious martial artist to attend one of their seminars, you will be amazed.  It will open a whole new martial arts dimension for you and your training.

George Hansel

Sensei

Short Bio for George Hansel

Has been studying martial arts for 17 years

Studied Kung Fu for two years

Studied Goju Ryu and holds a Shodan ( Black Belt ) ranking

Studied Ryu Te and received Shodan ( Black Belt ) from Taika Oyata

Has trained for ten years under Hanshi Steve Stark and currently holds a Yudansha rank in Ryukyu Kempo

Member of the Ryukyu East Asian Martial Arts Coalition

Matthew Seymour

Thomas L. Freeman
Born - Springfield, IL. 1957
Occupation - Painter

KARATE BACKGROUND
Started Karate - 11/29/1979
Koeppel School of Karate Mr Ron Rollins - Instructor Shuri-Ryu

Bushido Kai Academy of Karate Mr. Ron Rollins - Sensei Shuri-Ryu / Goju-Ryu
USKK Hombu Mr. Phil Koeppel - Hanshi Seito Matsumura Shorin-Ryu Koeppel-Ha

Mr. Steve Stark, Seibushi - Hanshi Mr. Bill Gossett, Koubushi - Hanshi Ryukyu Kempo

Thomas Freeman

     On May 10, and Sept.20th, 2008, I had the good fortune to host two seminars taught by Seibush Steve Stark and Koubushi Bill Gossett. Having never experienced their unique teaching methods, I had no idea what to expect. What proceeded was a day filled with numerous "Wows'"  and "So that's it" moments that just kept opening up for me throughout the day. What has impressed me most by both of these Masters is their openness in teaching and willingness to share what they know. The seminars are fast paced and require your full attention. Their mission is to teach "Classical Okinawan Karate," but more importantly, they want to leave a positive impact on peoples lives by reaching new levels. If you can reach a new level for yourself, they will push your capabilities to the next higher level.  Training with Seibushi Stark and Koubushi Gossett gives you the feeling that you are stepping  back in time, to a time of True Bushi Warriors. You see a sense of mutual respect and friendship that has been built up over years of training together as you watch them teach and compare techniques. It reminds me of the two Bushi Warriors that Taika Oyata learned from Mr. Uhugushuku and Mr. Wakinaguri and the friendship they too shared as they  devoted their lives to "The Life Protection Arts of the Ryukyu Kingdom."

Thomas Freeman

Unante Kenkyukai 

Frank Fink is a rokudan (sixth-degree blackbelt) in Okinawan Shuri-ryu and Goju-ryu karate with experience in judo, jujitsu, kosho kempo, and wing chun kung fu. He began his training at age fifteen in the Shuri ryu style of karate under Mr. Ron Rollins of Springfield, Illinois.  Mr. Fink is a five-time USKK national champion in kumite (sparring) and kata (forms).  He is a two-time medalist in European international competition and the second winner of the Trias Cup. In 2001, Mr. Fink became the thirty-third inductee into the Bushido International Society Hall of Fame.  He is a graduate of Western Illinois University with a B.A. in Education and a teacher's license from the State of Illinois. He currently teaches adult literacy and is the apprenticeship and college coordinator at the Federal Correctional Institution in Pekin.  Mr. Fink is also a combat veteran of the Persian Gulf War and a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserve.  He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Modern Army Combatives Program.

Patricia Fink is a rokudan (sixth degree blackbelt) in Seito Matsumura Shorin ryu karate under Master Phillip Koeppel.  She began her training in 1983 and has since been USKK grand champion over twelve times in both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring).  She has competed and medalled twice in international competition (Italy 1998 and Greece 2000) as a member of Team USA Karate.  She became the thirty-fourth inductee into the Bushido International Society making her and her husband the first married couple to be so honored.  She is a recipient of the coveted Mel Wise Award and the chairperson for the prestigious women-competitors-only Legends Award.  Mrs. Fink has a degree in early childhood development and over fifteen years experience as a daycare professional. 

Frank Fink

     My students and I were guests of Mr. Tom Freeman of Sherman, Illinois this past May for a day-long kobudo and bunkai seminar featuring Seibushi Steve Stark and Koubushi Bill Gossett, senior students of Taika Oyata.  Mr. Freeman was a gracious host as always, and Seibushi Stark and Koubishi Gossett were dynamic and informative presenters.  Their approach was nothing if not unique and refreshing.  They simply displayed an extensive arsenal of Okinawan weaponry on the floor and allowed us to choose which ones we wanted to learn.  I sought to pick something completely foreign to me and settled on the tanbo, twin sticks approximately 24 inches in length.  As I am a rather slow and unremarkable learner, I decided to stick with that weapon and it's introductory form for the duration of the kobudo portion of the seminar.  Others, however, elected to explore other weapons and kata including jo (four-foot staff), Okinawan katana (didn't even know there was such a thing), and sai.  My younger students learned a nunchaku kata which they have since proudly taught to me and several other members of our dojo.  During an intermission, Koubushi Gossett, an accomplished caligrapher, produced several custom brushed kanji rice paper scrolls for any one who desired one.  I personally procured two for our dojo, one a custom translation of "koshiki", our dojo's name for a special combatives course I teach, and "If you sit on a rock long enough, it will get warm" a favorite saying of Koubushi's.  After the break, we resumed with kata bunkai. This consisted of very effective and often painful applications of tuite (joint locking) and kyusho jitsu (pressure point manipulation) derived from kata movements familiar to most everyone in attendance.  Afterwards, we shared a few very pleasant hours in fellowship at my favorite local sushi restaurant.  All my students reported having a wonderful time and learning a great deal. Personally, I felt I was in the presence of something quite different from anything I have experienced in my twenty-eight years of training in classical Asian martial arts.  Although both sensei are friendly, personable, and accomodating, one senses that below the surface lie the restrained spirits of true warriors forged by the tutelage of a real master.  A word of caution, both of these men are extremely serious about their commitment to following, to a some extent, the same pedigogy their teacher used with them.  That is to say that they will not spoon feed you; they tend to move fast and with relatively little explanation at first.  This approach, I believe, is to force the student to assimilate the movement rather than the fixed positions of the kata.  This enables the student, often through self-discovery, to learn the true meaning of the techniques embedded in the form much better than more methodical approach I am accustomed to.  Nevertheless, all are welcomed to sample what they generously offer (and it is overwhelming in breadth alone without even beginning to plumb the depths) and are made to feel valued as fellow karate-ka. I cherish the time I spent with them both and look forward to seeing and training with them again this spring.

Frank Fink
Rokudan
Okinawan karate
Kosho-kai Karate Dojo
Pekin, Illinois 

Gary Mazzotti

     I have attended two workouts with Senseis Stark and Gossett and have been extremely impressed by both their open hand and kobudo techniques. I have had the honor and privilege to receive instruction in both katana and jo katas. These are very important to me because, being ranked as shodan-ho in Muso Jikiden Iai Jutsu through the Nippon Kobudo Jikishin-Kai, we have both jo and katana katas and kumitachi in our style.

      The katana kata I learned has developed my sword manipulation abilities to a very astonishing degree. I highly recommend this kata to any sword stylist as it teaches not only cuts and draws from the regular hand positions but also from reverse hand and, best of all, from underhand positions. The underhand draw is especially effective because it is so rare to see it applied. I am still working on the left hand draw. All of these techniques will give a regular iai practioner an advantage against his traditionalist foes, no matter what the sword style. These thoughts and comments also apply to the jo kata, and the jo kata we have received is only kihon! I cannot wait to see their koryo and advanced katas.

      I am very anxious to attend the next seminar in May to receive corrections and revisions to the forms I have learned already. I am also hoping to pick up some more advanced revisions to my current techniques and, hopefully, to receive further instruction in sword and jo applications.

Short Bio:
      I have been practicing in karate, mainly Goju-Ryu, for about 28 years. My sensei for most of this time has been David Shaneman, Rokudan in Goju karate through Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai, Ed Boyd, Godan and director of Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai, and Eric Johnson, Godan in Springfield Goju Karate Club. I have also studied Shorin-Ryu karate with senseis Koeppel and Phillips and am currently studying Whispering Gung Fu, Hung Gar Gung Fu, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu Tai Chi, Kendo, and Iai Jutsu under various senseis and sifus.

Ranks Currently Held in Karate:
      Godan in Goju-Ryu from Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai Yondan in Goju-Ryu from United States Karate-Do Kai Yondan in Goju-Ryu from Springfield Goju Karate Club Shodan in Whispering Gung Fu from Universal Martial Arts

Ranks Currently Held in Kobudo:
      Ichi-Kyu in Kendo through All United Staes Kendo Federation Shodan-Ho in Iai Jutsu through Nippon Kobudo Jikishin-Kai

Instructors Whose Seminars are Attended on a Regular Basis:
Sensei Teruo Chinen, Chairman, Jundokan International

Sensei Motoo Yamakura, Chairman, Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai
Sensei Ted Rabino, 6th Dan, Chief Instructor, Japan Shito-Kai Murayama USA
Sensei Kimo Wall, Goju-Ryu Karate
Shigeki Yamanaka Sensei, 8th Dan Kiyoshi, Kendo
Shigeki Saito Sensei, 8th Dan Kiyoshi, Kendo

Steven K. Foster

     When Mr. Freeman invited me to his seminar I accepted more out of courtesy than the opportunity to learn something.  But 20 minutes into the workout told me this was no ordinary seminar.  Kobushi Gossett and Seibushi Stark shouwed they knew what they were talking about, and could back up what they taught.  Their knowledge of weapons and empty hand was excellent, and you could feel the enthusiasm intheir teaching.  The atmosphere was very relaxed.  I felt as though I was with friends, not a teacher-student relationship.

     I have been to two of Mr. Gossetts and Mr. Starks seminars and would not hesitate to return for the next one.  If you have the opporturnity to attend one of their seminars, please do; you willnot be disappointed.

Steven K. Foster

Go-Dan, Okinawan Goju-ryu

Ed Boyd

"It is with hesitation that I write this.  Not because of a lack of enthusiasm but rather that I have no talent for the written word and I fear I may not express myself well.  I whole heartedly endorse everyone taking part in any available training activities that are being directed by Mr. Gossett and Mr. Stark.
I typically do not like Karate “seminars”. Personally I do not really care for the word “seminar”. I believe this is because I come from the business world. Seminars in the business world are typically events where sales men try to sell you something. You can’t buy Karate. Karate has to be built on a foundation of pain and hard work. I will go to Karate seminars sometimes because I have old friends and the only time we get to see each other is at Karate related functions.   
When I went to my first event directed by Mr. Gossett and Mr. Stark I did not have any expectations. I just went to support a friend who was hosting the seminar.
I learned a lot. The first training event caused me to rethink much of what I had been taught in Bojutsu.   
I grapple. I’m an old Judoka and a student of Gracie Jiu Jitstu.  Mr Gossett is a very talented grappler, I found out. I took away some very enlightening ideas concerning arm drags in a stand up grappling situations. I doubt that these lessons were on the original lesson plan but they ranked among the highpoints of our first meeting. Someday I would like to bring my son, who wrestles, to a class so we could train together with Mr. Gossett.   
These “seminars” Mr. Gossett and Mr. Stark do instruction in, do not feel like seminars. To me training sessions feel like a class. I get the feeling of being involved in a real student teacher relationship. Mr. Gossett and Mr. Stark are my kind of people.  They are not salesmen.  They do not offer any sort of magic beans. There are no magic beans in Karate, only technique and hard work.  They will provide techniques. You need to provide the work.  These gentlemen are my kind of people. They are very knowledgeable and I will continue to learn from them any time the opportunity presents itself." 

Short Bio for Ed Boyd:

Director for the Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyokai United States of America

Goju Ryu, Goju ryu Seminar instructor, Judo, Gracie jiu jutsu, kobudo, wrestling, grappling, 20 plus years experience.