TRADITIONAL KARATE / SELF-DEFENCE & FITNESS
Your way to START LIVING!
UECHI-GO-RYU KARATE
Our Instructors
Valentino J Cox, Kyoshi
8th Dan Uechi-Go-Ryu
7th Dan Goju Ryu & Shorinji Kenpo Karate
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Valentino Jose Cox was born in El Salvadore in 1971. In 1981 he came to live in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Valentino’s journey in karate also started that year, under the instruction of Shihan Michael Zwerdling (5th dan in Uechi Ryu). Shihan Zwerdling placed great emphasis on patience, self-control and respect for the tradition of Uechi-Ryu. His belief in the style was so strong and strict, that he did not generally take on students under the age of 18. However, Valentino was truly insistent and eager to learn the art, and so Shihan Zwerdling agreed to make an exception to this rule, allowing Valentino to join the dojo at the age of 10. Valentino trained intensively in Uechi-Ryu, initially attending the three general classes per week, and later being invited to join the advanced class in addition.
Valentino studied with Shihan Zwerdling for six years, satisfying all technical and physical requirements for first degree black belt (shodan). However, consistent with the philosophy of the traditional Uechi style, Shihan Zwerdling was unable to officially promote Valentino to Shodan (first degree blackbelt) as he was not yet 18 years old.
At the age of 16, and with the consent of Shihan Zwerdling, Valentino began to study USA Urban Goju Ryu and Shorinji Kempo under the instruction of Master (Hanshi-Shihan) David Shim.
Under Master Shim’s leadership and guidance, Valentino has become an expert in all aspects of USA Urban Goju Ryu and Shorinji Kempo; in Kata, full contact kumite, and also Kobudo (Okinawan weaponry). Valentino is proud to have achieved his Shodan at the age of 16 under Master Shim. Valentino continues to study under Master Shim (a 10th degree blackbelt in Urban Goju Ryu and Shorinji Kempo), who awarded him with his 7th Degree black belt, along with the title of Kyoshi, in USA Urban Goju Ryu and Shorinji Kempo.in 2014.
Valentino relocated to Adelaide, Australia, in 2007, and in the same year established his own style of martial arts (Karate) called Uechi-Go-Ryu. This style is a synthesis of the traditional Okinawan / Japanese styles of Uechi Ryu, Goju-Ryu and Shorinji Kempo, and emphasizes the traditional Japanese karate principles of patience, and courtesy, in addition the practical application of kata techniques to Bunkai and kumite.
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"In Karate, you must always be ready to shift direction or technique at any time. Your mind must be willing and open to change. Embrace what other styles have to offer, as this will enrich & enhance your life”.
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Rachel Sag, Senpai
Instructor - Dragonfly Club
2nd Dan
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Rachel started her training in Goju Ryu in March 2014, by happy accident, when she took her son to his second Karate lesson and was invited by the instructor to join in the class. As a complete beginner, with no knowledge of Karate whatsoever, she became fascinated not only with kata and basics, (and later kumite), but also with the martial arts culture as a whole. She found that karate filled a void she had previously not known was inside her. As a mature beginner, grasping new movements and patterns was, (and still can be) a real struggle, but an enjoyable one, with many deeper benefits gained along the way.
Although it wasn't until many months, (and several bruises) later, that she was shown how to break-fall with some degree of efficiency, Rachel fell head over heels for karate, and pursued new learning opportunities via every available avenue, particularly through the TJKN (Traditional Japanese Karate Network) and its affiliated dojo and instructors.
Rachel met Valentino Kyoshi later in 2014, through his network connections, and discovered he was a man with great knowledge, and boundless passion for practising and passing on his art. A few months later, at the start of 2015, Rachel contacted Kyoshi and arranged to try a class at UGRK.....and then another.....and the next one.....and then cross trained regularly 2-3 times per week until she decided that UGRK was her real home.
Rachel is an active member of the dojo, who doesn't miss a class (if she is in the state!). She enjoys contributing to the spirit of the dojo in whatever ways she can, and endeavours to help maintain the welcoming and supportive environment that attracted her to the dojo in the first place.
Rachel achieved her second kyu, and the title of Senpai, in November 2016, and hopes to continue assisting others to learn UGRK by sharing her positive attitude and enthusiasm. She sees teaching as an excellent learning opportunity, and hopes it will help her prepare for shodan, and the path beyond.
Outside of the dojo, Rachel is a part time worker, full time spouse and mum of two, (the youngest of whom trains with UGRK dragonfly club), a musician, singer, and composer. She enjoys exercise (especially long walks on the beach and climbing hills), travel, writing, reading, and also has a passion for food and cooking.
Connie Pokorny, Senpai
Instructor - Dragonfly Club
2nd Kyu
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Connie Pokorny joined Uechi-Go-Ryu Karate in 2017. Connie had previously tried some boxing classes in the past, but it was all about punching bags and she never felt that she was learning anything.
Having no prior experience or training in Karate, taking the first step to walk into a dojo was a big achievement in itself. Connie was suggested by a friend to come along and try a few classes to see if she would like it, and from her first class, she hasn’t looked back.
Not only has Karate given Connie the ability to learn all aspects of the art including Kata, attack, defence, and Kumite, but also learning about the history of Karate, and why it is so important today to ensure that tradition continues to be passed on and not forgotten.
“I was 39 years old when I joined Uechi-Go-Ryu, never would I have thought that Karate would turn into a passion of mine. The head instructor Valentino Cox Kyoshi, and the other students in the class make me feel so welcomed, and are always encouraging me to do my best. Joining Uechi-Go-Ryu has benefited me in more ways than one. It is not just about kicks and punches, it has given me a different perspective on life, whether it be in my career, how I interact with people, but also in my home/personal life. It has also given me new found confidence within myself. Our Dojo Kun sums it up perfectly – Pride, Patience, Courtesy and Spirit”..
Connie is an active member of the dojo and is one of the Instructors for the Dragonfly class.
Teaching young students is a whole new experience for Connie, she embraces her role wholeheartedly and thoroughly enjoys being able to pass on her knowledge and help the young ones grow.
In January 2021, Connie was awarded with the MIK award (Most Improved Karateka) for 2020.
In January 2020, Connie received her Senpai title.
Outside of the dojo, Connie is a fulltime Mortgage Broker, a wife and loving mum to 2 cats.
Connies other passions are travelling, listening to old records, and catching up with friends and family