Bridget and Corey Rickard with Deborah Harman contributed the following information:
On Nov. 7, Renshi Steve Apsega of the Maine Traditional Karate Dojo in Orrington and Renshi Stanley Leach of the Orland Shorin Ryu Karate dojo hosted Hanshi John Shipes, the U.S. Midwestern Director of the Okinawan Shorin Ryu Matsumura Karate and Kobudo Federation for a weekend of training and testing. Hanshi Shipes traveled from Athens, Texas, for the weekend and was accompanied by Kyoshi Lauren Engleby of Atwater, Minnesota and Sensei Tim Amey of Seattle, Washington.
During the weekend, Sempai Corey Rickard received the Instructor Certification in Karate.
Training for all students began Saturday morning at the Eagles Club in Brewer with a focus on
Kyu rank basic exercises, detailed choreographed patterns of movements) and one-step sparring.
Rank testing took place at the Orrington dojo with several students testing for advanced ranks. Receiving promotions in karate were Scott Daigle, Sandan (3rd degree) rank; Deborah Harman, Nidan (2nd degree) rank; and Braeden Swett: Shodan (1st degree junior rank.)
Students traveling to Athens, Texas for the annual Winter Tuite camp hosted by Hanshi John Shipes Dec. 5-7, were Renshi Stanley Leach, Renshi Steve Apsega, Corey Rickard, Deb Harman, Kristi Kelshaw and Tom Lyons. The purpose of the camp was to review basic requirements and to teach advanced techniques
During the Tuite camp, Cory Rickard tested and received Shodan rank in Tuite.