Travels to Instruct and Inspect Dojo in New York and New Jersey, USA
SOKE Nakazaki Yasutaka
Travels to Instruct and Inspect Dojo in New York and New Jersey, USA
From June 4 to 12, 2025, SOKE Nakazaki Yasutaka traveled to New Jersey and New York in the United States for a dojo inspection tour.
The objectives of this trip included dojo inspections, special training sessions, dan promotion examinations, various meetings, and preparations for Festa in the United States.
June 4
At 5:00 PM on June 4, SOKE arrived at Newark International Airport.
He was welcomed by Honbuchō (Headquarters Director) Jeter Vargas of New York, along with Honbuchō Montalvo of the Dominican Republic, Shibuchō (Branch Leader) Quiñones, and Shihan Nolasco, who had arrived about eight hours earlier. It was a reunion exactly one year after their last meeting, when SOKE had visited the Dominican Republic in July of the previous year to attend the inaugural Pan-American and Caribbean Regional Championship.
Despite the 13-hour flight and jet lag, the warm welcome from the Yushinmon family instantly swept away all fatigue.
After a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the airport to Absecon, New Jersey, they checked into the hotel, followed by a late-night meeting at Shihan Jeter’s home.
Arrival at Newark Airport Traveled for two-and-a-half-hour to New Jersey
Schedule meeting at Shihan Jeter’s home
June 5
On the 5th, in the afternoon, they visited Sensei Jeter’s dojo in New Jersey.
This dojo had just celebrated its first anniversary in March. After a meeting upon arrival, they observed the training session. The children were enthusiastically immersed in their training, preparing for the upcoming kyū (rank) examination the next day.
Meeting at Shihan Jeter’s dōjō in New Jersey
A portrait of the SOKE model was gifted by Shihan Quiñones
Training observation
Jeter Vargas’ son, Mio, 2nd dan
June 6
June 6 was the day of the kyū promotion exams, which were held in two groups: lower and upper elementary levels. Many parents observed the exam, their earnest expressions leaving a strong impression. Not only the children, but their families too united in support, showing a strong sense of community. This is a testament to how deeply the instructors’ passion has permeated the students and families.
That evening, a special training session was conducted by SOKE, focusing intensely on Bōjutsu (staff techniques)—specifically Tokumine-no-Kon, which was practiced to completion.
At Shihan Jeter’s dojo in New Jersey
Special training session
Afternoon walk in Ocean City
Children’s promotion examination after returning home
This movement was repeated dozens of times
Small turn
June 7
June 7 was the day of Shihan Jeter’s 6th-dan promotion examination.
Shihan Gariba and Shihan Bruno from New York acted as recommenders, while Honbuchō Montalvo and Shihan Quiñones from the Dominican Republic attended as witnesses. In accordance with the dan examination procedures followed in Japan, the assessment was conducted in a solemn atmosphere, with SOKE seated at the central table, presiding over the proceedings with dignity.
After the technical demonstration, Shihan Jeter was asked to speak about his motivation and resolve regarding his promotion.
Using a translation device, Shihan Jeter’s heartfelt words in Japanese flowed out with such intensity that they could hardly be contained within him. He spoke about the three years he spent tirelessly working, often sacrificing sleep and even training time, to save funds for his long-cherished goal of opening a dojo in New Jersey after instructing at the Ozone Park dojo in New York. The hardships he faced after the dojo establishment and his profound gratitude to SOKE were beyond what words could express. As a member of the Yushinmon family and as Honbuchō (Headquarters Director) of New York, he vowed to continue devoting himself to the growth of Yushinmon. He expressed that this, to him, is both a way of repaying SOKE and his life’s mission.
After the announcement of his successful promotion, he was officially awarded the certificate of 6th-dan Kyōshi. The dojo resounded with applause from all who were present.
In Japan, the annual Festa has been held in Tokyo for over 20 years. With the major goal of hosting a similar event in the U.S., Shihan Jeter, on the ride after the exam, guided SOKE to a potential venue he had previously researched, where they inspected the exterior of the facility.
Dan promotion examination for Shihan Jeter
Special training session by SOKE
June 8
On June 8, Shihan Cuevas, who arrived at Newark Airport from Puerto Rico in the middle of the night, took a taxi to join the group.
That day, they traveled for four hours to visit the Ozone Park dojo in Queens, New York. The training session was full of energy, with many students sweating through their practice.
To Manhattan, New York
June 9
From June 9 to 10, they returned to Sensei Jeter’s dojo in New Jersey for further observation. SOKE provided careful instruction in seiza and reihō to a large group of children.
During training, SOKE noted that kata had slightly deteriorated compared to the previous year, and advised everyone to return to basics and practice with renewed focus. With the intent of passing on the spirit of Dōtō, the legitimate lineage, and preserving the techniques transmitted directly from SOKE, training in Doto Shorinji-ryu Karatedo Yushinmon began once again from kihon, with particular emphasis placed on the instruction of kata.
Training observation at the Ozone Park dojo in New York
Intense meeting
June 10
Reihō and Iai-jutsu training with Shihan Cuevas, Honbuchō (Head of Headquarters) of Puerto Rico
Shihan Cuevas had arrived at Newark Airport from Puerto Rico during the night and took a two-and-a-half-hour taxi ride to meet SOKE, who was staying in New Jersey.
June 11
On the final day, June 11, SOKE was driven to the airport by Shihan Jeter in the morning and began his return journey to Japan.
