By Matthew Yoder
A Zen-like reverence encapsulated the gym at Nandua High School Saturday. Tadashi Yamashita, a man who has dedicated more than 60 years to innovating karate technique around the world, was the recipient of subtle and vocal praise from the more than 40 students who gathered for a seminar hosted by Robert Buckner from the ESO Art Center in Belle Haven. Yamashita convened on the Shore Saturday to instruct students of varying age and skill.
Wilton Wahlkamp traveled across the bridge from Newport News to take the part in the event, absorbing directly the principles of the Shorin-ryu style he has spent 15 years practicing. He was honored to be in the presence of such a well-respected cornerstone for his chosen discipline.
“Pretty much anything we’re taught comes from him,” Wahlkamp said.
Wahlkamp, a fourth-degree black belt, offered a glimpse into how Yamashita’s style enhances his own personal well-being.
“It helps with focus, teaches discipline and humility,” said Wahlkamp.
He directly targeted its effectiveness for kids, and the morning session focused on that group. Yamashita walked students through technique step-by-step, observing deeply any flaws and interacting with them respectfully, as if they were equals.
Students were brought into line and Yamashita quietly asserted his principles.
“Remember, number one, respect your parents,” said Yamashita. He instructed kids through punch-kick combinations, further saying, “Respect yourself, do your best.”
Many kids maintained a tight focus through his words and instructions. One such student, 17-year-old Amanda Simpson of Painter, intently listened to Yamashita’s words and sparred with him confidently. She has been training at ESO for four years and was particularly excited to attend the seminar.
“I learned a lot about focus and concentration,” said Simpson.
She credits her training with promoting her self-esteem and aiding in the ability to protect herself.
“It teaches self-control, motivation, and confidence and it’s really good for self-defense,” Simpson said.
Students at ESO are accustomed to 45-minute sessions, but Saturday’s seminar tested some younger students physically and mentally with an hour and a half of training.
Sensei at ESO, Buckner, was encouraged by the maturity of his students on this Saturday morning.
“I was pleased with how they kept their focus, especially with the intimidation factor of this instructor,” said Buckner.
Buckner described Yamashita as a “superstar” in karate, from the time he was in his twenties.
“He was the fastest ever promoted to seventh-degree black belt,” said Buckner.
He described a man not only proficient in kobudo, a traditional Okinawan weapon, but also innovative, having developed his own personal style known as suikendo. Translated as “fist flowing like water,” suikendo is characterized by fast, continuous motion, and as the seminar transitioned to adults, Yamashita actively put his style on display.
“He has incredible speed and awe-inspiring technique,” Buckner said.
Buckner has been training under Yamashita since 1988 and on this day had the great honor of receiving his seventh-degree black belt with Yamashita and other illustrious local martial artists in attendance.
Buckner was tremendously pleased with the event.
“This was considered a very successful seminar,” said Buckner.
The thought is Yamashita will return to the Shore, as his travels next take him to Greece and Bulgaria. Students this day thanked Yamashita, humbly bowing upon leaving and entering the gym, and Yamashita was equally gracious, signing students robes in his native Japanese, leaving a positively tangible impression on all in attendance.
