From Monday, October 19 through Saturday, October 31, David Troup sensei and Meg Barclay travelled to Okinawa to train with the most experienced sensei in Matsubayashi-ryu. It was a fascinating trip filled with cultural exploration and hard training; friendship and discovery.
Meg and David had multiple days in which they had two separate training sessions, and in between managed to explore royal gardens, sacred sites, imperial gardens, castle ruins, beautiful coastline, and memorials to celebrated karateka.
They returned with a deeper understanding of the karate we practice and will a much larger international karate family.

Huge congratulations to Siiri Soucy on her well-deserved promotion to Hachikyu last night at the Penobscot Bay YMCA.
She has put in the work, and it shows. We look forward to her bringing her positive energy into the Dojo!

Congratulations to Justin Keller and Jerald Hurdle on their well-deserved promotion at the Pen Bay YMCA dojo to Hachikyu (yellow belt) in Matayoshi Kobudo as part of the Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-Kai. Keep working hard and keep coming to class.

Congratulations to Justin Keller on his promotion to Nikkyu (brown belt) last night at the Pen Bay YMCA dojo. His commitment, enthusiasm, and overall knowledge of the basics, kata, and kumite are outstanding. Keep making us look good Justin!

Congratulations to Carolyn Corbin, who was promoted to rokkyu (green belt) on Thursday, August 27.
Her hard work and terrific understanding of her basics, kata, and yakusoku kumite are clear class after class.

Keep coming through the door to the dojo, Carolyn!

Congratulations to Jen Christie on her well-deserved promotion to 4th Kyu (Brown tips) at the Penobscot Bay YMCA. She has been working hard, and it shows! Keep coming through the door to the Dojo Jen!

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Huge congratulations to Seven Soucy on his much-deserved promotion to Nikkyu (brown belt) on June 30, 2026 at the Penobscot Bay YMCA. His hard work and understanding of the material is clear! We look forward to seeing Seven and his positive energy every time he comes through the door!

Congratulations to Mary Ann Heinzen-Hackett on her successful promotion to Nidan (2nd degree black belt). She showed great understanding of her Kata, Kumite, Kata bunkai, and overall knowledge of Matsubayashi-ryu history! We are so grateful to have her as a key member of our Dojo!

Well done, and keep coming through the door to the Dojo!

Beginning on Saturday, May 2, we will offer a weekly Matayoshi-style kobudo class led by David Troup sensei, through the Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-kai (OKDR), under the direction of President Neil Stolsmark, Hanshi, 9th dan. Troup sensei is a Shodan in the OKDR, and is currently studying with Michael Norvell sensei, Rokudan in the OKDR.

The class will take place at the Penobscot Bay YMCA’s Lily Pond facility, which is the white building to your right as you come down the driveway to the YMCA. Registration is required through the YMCA’s website or by visiting the YMCA’s front desk.

Students will explore classical Okinawan martial arts weapons training, including bo, sai, tonfa, and nunchaku, with an emphasis on basics, kata, and practical application. Suitable for beginners and experienced martial artists alike, the class offers a disciplined, respectful environment to deepen both skill and understanding of this traditional art.