UNIVERSAL MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME 2004 (6-31-04)

Orlando: The UMAHoF Class of 2004 was packed full of notoriety from old school traditionalist to today’s martial arts newsmakers. The VIP inductee this year was renowned MMA and submission specialist Frank Shamrock. Frank is a 5 time Undefeated Middleweight UFC champion and has been a force to be reckoned with for over a decade. Another notable full contact inductee was Chuck Liddell who could not make the event due to a heavy training schedule for his then upcoming UFC 49 in Las Vegas.

Ateru Worldwide Association Board of Directors were well represented with Master Dana Abbott, Robert Rapue PhD, and our Chairman Huunjin all being inducted in the Class of 2004.

BRAFF ON EUROPEAN TOUR (9-04)

AWA director Dr. Robert Braff is wrapping up a successful tour of Europe traveling with Master Choi of Battle of Columbus and Arnold World Games Fame and other masters. Seminars were held in Germany and England.

More Schools join AWA (10-13-04)

The list of countries AWA is currently associated with are as follows, USA, Canada, Mexico, England, Japan and Ireland.

We are currently in the following states in the US: Ohio, Florida,  Colorado, Texas, New York, Arizona, California, and Georgia

New members added to board of Directors (11-03-04)

Dr. Kevin Hufford,  Grand Master David J. Kacpersk, Sanzinsoo and Frank Guglielmi were added to the AWA Board of Directors. Mr. Hufford is a well known martial arts book writer and practitioner, Mr. Kacperski is a major player in the martial arts world in Europe, Mr. Yamada (Sanzinsoo) is a world renowned translator who has shed much light on many ancient Goju Karate manuscript, and Sensei Guglielmi is the financial advisor for AWA as well as a Shodan in Ateru Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. Please check out the board member page to learn more about these talented and dedicated people.

UNIFIED MARTIAL ARTS FEDERATION BELT CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE HELD NOV 12th & 13

Dr. Braff, State Chanbara Representative will be overseeing the Chanbara NCW competition with teams from around the globe competing for these one of a kind Championship Belts

ATERU WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES DR. BRAFF AND DR. HUFFORD

AWA has bestowed Hanshi Teaching Credentials to Dr. Braff and Kyoshi Teaching Credentials to Dr. Hufford in recognition for their great efforts, knowledge of their art, and continued excellence in teaching students worldwide. The credentials were given after a long and arduous accounting and verification of said efforts had  taken place. They are a credit to their respective styles and are thus being recognized for their great accomplishments. Dr. Braff is also the discipline leader for CSW at The Arnold World Martial Arts Expo for 2005. They are using his International San-Ryu-Do rules set for the whole competition!

ATERU GOJU-RYU KARATE-DO AND GRANDMASTER CULLEN RECOGNIZED BY O'SENSEI PHILIP PORTER AND THE USMA

Ateru Goju-Ryu Karate-Do (AGKD) has just been recognized by another sokeship council (the USMA organization) as a legitimate and bona fide karate discipline.  "This prestigious society has been the measuring stick for many great art forms and martial artists alike and we are thrilled that they have bestowed this recognition upon us." said AGKD Founder K.. Huunjin Cullen in a recent interview. 'O'Sensei Porter is part of the brick and mortar foundation that has taken the US to a prominent place in the world of martial arts.'  In addition, Soke Cullen was also recognized and admitted membership into USMA as a 10th Degree Black Belt and Grand Master Soke of Ateru Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. The staff and worldwide membership of AWA would like to congratulate our Chairman for the result of his hard work and dedication to the arts and the martial arts world community-at-large.

Soke K. Huunjin Cullen to head Security for Arnold World Games in Columbus March 4-6th 2005

Our chairman has been picked to head up and coordinate the security needs of the Arnold Classic this year. His handpicked staff will include a number of US Army ROTC cadets, senior black belt instructors vested in many disciplines, and other specifically trained individuals. Cullen will be working in conjunction with Homeland Security, The FBI and local law enforcement to make sure the event comes off without any incident. Since the enforcement of new Homeland Security Regulations training sessions to bring the security ranks have been and will be run until the time of the event. The next scheduled training session will be Tuesday Feb. 21st at the AWA World Headquarters in Findlay Ohio. The training will run from 8-9:30 pm. There is no charge for this training but it is necessary for all involved in the Arnold Security group to undergo it.

O'Sensei Philip PORTER JOINS BOARD (2-22-05)

O'Sensei Philip Porter, Founder of United States Martial Arts Association
( www.mararts.com ) will be honored at the Ateru Worldwide Association's annual board of directors meeting to be held during the Arnold Martial Arts Festival weekend in Columbus, Ohio. O' Sensei will be inducted into the prestigious board of directors that includes notables such as Fumio Demura, Soke Dr. Robert Braff, The late Dr. Robert Rapue, Kyoshi Dana Abbott and the founder Grandmaster K. Huunjin Cullen among others. He will also receive a 10th Dan in ATERU Jujitsu, an ATERU Sanctioned and registered branch of Jujitsu that will be overseen by O'Sensei himself.

Ateru Worldwide Association is a melting pot and growing community of martial artists, military and law enforcement professionals and MMA full contact fighters that share techniques and knowledge both on the web as well as in WORLD MARTIAL ARTS CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIUMS. "I am honored and pleased that we can add such a respected pillar of the martial arts world to our already esteemed board membership" Cullen said in a recent interview.
 

ARNOLD CLASSIC MARTIAL ARTS A COUPE FOR SAN-RYU-DO, MMA and AWA.

DATELINE COLUMBUS: Many great things occurred at the AMAF in Columbus March 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th. So let's get started.

Mar. 3rd: Thursday evening, Ateru Worldwide Association BOD meeting took place with the following BOD members in attendance, Dr. Braff, Dr. Hufford, Soke Cullen, & Soke Benavides

Dr. Hufford, Dr. Braff and Soke Cullen were awarded the Benavides Vale Tudo top ranking certificate sealed with the director's blood signature. All three men were amazed and honored at this and sincerely thank Soke Benavides.

Soke Braff then awarded Soke Cullen the Sanryudo medal of honor and Michael Patt was inducted into the BOD as MMA fight promoter.

Many announcements came including Christopher Cullen's NW Ohio directorship, and Mark Robinson inducted as Sgt At Arms. The following posts were also awarded: Director of Logistics Sensei Larr Etzler, AWA Goodwill Ambassador Rhett Butler, and AWA Secretary Diane Lyon, and Darryl Randall - Director of IT.

There were also many students and family members in attendance including Brett, Kim Possible, Dr. Braff's son and many others eager to hear the 2004 overview and the vision for 2005 and 2006. The complete notes for this meeting will be available once we go secure on the website. The meeting was a great time to share and to enjoy each other's company. We thank everyone that showed up and for those that arrived on Friday, we will schedule next years meeting at a time when more can make it.

Mar. 4th: The crack security "Red Shirt" team directed by Soke Cullen and the SAN-RYU-DO competitions directed by Soke Dr. Robert Braff were the only game in town at the Arnold on Friday. Due to organizational problems, though many events were to take place on Friday.. they did not. Dr, Braff was director of both CSW and Self Defense for the Arnold.

However, Dr. Braff and NEW AWA Carribean Director G. M. Christopher Francis took care of entertaining the crowd with impromptu demonstrations that had the crowd ooo ing and ahh ing. Then they held 48 divisions of CSW competition including international team competitions between SRD (San Ryu Do) USA, Team Trinidad (Coached by Mr. Francis) Team Kazakhstan and Team England.  The stands were packed and everyone enjoyed the spirited competition. If it were not for the fine work of these two dedicated AWA Directors - There would have been NO SHOW.. for Friday.

Friday evening: The Continent Field House

PRO HOOK & SHOOT HOSTED BY MICHAEL PATT AND SENSEI BENAVIDES.

There were 8 fight pro fight cards including two woman fights with competitors coming from as far as England. The fight was well accepted with a packed house watching a full night of high energy fights. David Shark Fralick, Yamashita, Chuck Zito, Tokey Hill were honored guests with ring side seats. Kevin Cullen helped out with announcements and gave a "knock out" performance of the Star Spangled Banner. The event was success and we thank everyone for their support.

Mar. 5th: Saturday morning O'Sensei was inducted as Director of Ateru Ju Jitsu and BOD member at breakfast. He was appreciative and a true gentleman. Welcome Aboard!

Saturday at the Arnold was wild and wooly with the arrival of California Governor Arnold Schwartzenneger, Actors Wesley Snipes (Blade Movies), Chuck Zito (OZ), and David Shark Fralick (The Young and Restless).

The red shirt team did well to cover more bases than it was contracted to do but as in battle, every team member went above and beyond the call of dutie. Soke Cullen wanted to personally thank all the efforts of Team Alpha both NW Ohio division and Athens division. Because of your hard efforts, the event and competitions went off quite well.

As a result of staff shifting, Soke Cullen ended up performing for 5 hours on Saturday as Wesley Snipes liaison and security during his stay that day. "Mr. Snipes is easily one of the most genuine human beings I have ever had the pleasure of meeting' Cullen said. His passion for the arts is commendable as are all the efforts he puts forth for the furthering of the arts ". 

Mar. 6th: Sunday's events included a great breaking competition and a FIRST EVER AMATEUR MMA competition held by AWA BOD members Master Chris Benavides and Mike Patt. The hall was focused on this intense and ground breaking event. The chatter on the MMA threads all attest to the fact that not only was this the first, it was the best event of the weekend according to MMA aficionados. It went smooth as silk and was a complete success. Dr. Braff offered up some large trophies to outside disciplines in a show of true altruism.

Sunday Evening: At the Marriot many were invited to a celebratory dinner with guest of honor O' Sensei Philip Porter - long time friend and ally of Dr. Braff. Also in attendance was Master Choi of BOC fame. The dinner was tremendous and it was a great way to end the weekend. Thanks to everyone especially you Dr. Braff for your unselfish ways and family values.

Other members who are joining our board will be added as they submit their bios. Thank you all for making this a great association.

REVISED 6-21-05 

AWA SUMMER CAMP '05 SET FOR

JULY 8,9,10

Seminars by the following ....

Devorah Dometrich - Kobudo

Dr. Robert Braff - Sanryudo & CSW

Soke Cullen - Ateru Goju Ryu

Sensei Chris Benavides - Pro Fight Training

Uechi Ryu - Conditioning

and many more....

It was announced today that AWA will host its Summer Camp at NW Ohio Director Master Christopher Cullen's multi acre dojo and grounds on July 8th, 9th, and 10th this year. Our camp instructors often travel to Europe, Asia, South America, The Caribbean and the US to share their knowledge. We thank them for taking time out of their busy seminar tour circuit to spend time at our camp.

Cost of the camp will be $50 for all AWA paid-in-05 members (so get your dues in before you sign up for the camp!) and $65 for non AWA members. This camp is open to all styles but space is extremely limited so book early.

CONTACT:  Grandmaster K Huunjin Cullen at kcullen@woh.rr.com or 419-320-1472

FRIDAY set up camp during afternoon - early evening.

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm D. Dometrich Kobudo

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Dr. Braff - San Ryu Do Certification

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm ALL RANK PROMOTIONALS

PROMOTIONAL TESTING: At 7:00 pm there will be an all ranks promotional with promotional candidates testing in front of AWA Board of Director's members judging their performance and signing their certificates. Please note: If you wish to attend this promotional you MUST contact the chairman kcullen@woh.rr.com , show proof of current rank validity. Those wishing to receive a beautiful signed AWA diploma must please try to pre-pay for your AWA promotional fees at least 30 days in advance. (contact Grandmaster Cullen for testing fee schedule) All those testing must wear appropriate attire.

Friday evening:  all ages are welcome to camp and listen to stories by the fire and make smores.

SATURDAY activities will run from 8am till the evening with seminars running for 1-2 hours each. Many of the board of directors will be on hand to share their training "secrets" with campers. Campers will train all day with a short lunch break at noon for lunch.

Saturday Camp seminar curriculum includes

Judo

Ju Jitsu

Kobudo

Pro MMA

San Ryu Do & CSW

Ateru Goju Karate

Shotokan

AWARDS BANQUET will be held after the promotional event to award certificates, diplomas and honorariums. This will be extremely casual and impromptu. No dress code! Food for this one is free to all paid campers.

SUNDAY morning there will be a Kobudo Seminar with Sensei Dometrich. and then a San Ryu Do  Seminar with Dr. Braff

ESSENTIALS: All campers must bring own camping gear including cooking facilities and food and beverages for the weekend. There is a small grocery 5 minutes away if you run out! All children must be supervised (after camp training activities are over) by an adult or guardian. There is a swimming pool available during certain hours and the hot tub is off limits to all but Adult black belts. CAMPING SLOTS WILL BE PRE-ASSIGNED with the best spots going on a first come first serve basis.

PAY AND REGISTER EARLY: Camping spots will be very limited so get your fees in ASAP. We are very thankful that our board of director members are sharing their talents with us. This will be your best opportunity all year to train with the masters and camp with them as well!

For more information call 1-419-320-1472

NOTE: Class content and schedule subject to change.

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May 4th 2005: AWA REACHES OUT AND WELCOMES NEW MEMBER COUNTRIES AND DIRECTORS!

AWA would like to welcome our newest member countries and their directors to the association. The directors are all fine martial artists and representatives. We are grateful to these Grandmasters and them and thank  them for their participation. Check back soon to see their bio pages online!

GERMANY: Frank M. Schneider

GREECE : Taxiarhis Karalis

SWEDEN: Jörgen Rasmussen

IRAN: Gholamreza Gholami

CANADA: Zouhaier Chebbi

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FINDLAY OHIO IS NEW HOME TO ATERU WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION AND ALSO HOMBU FOR THE SENSEI CULLEN ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS STUDIES
Sensei Cullen has finished construction and now welcomes all AWA membership, directors, representatives and diplomats to visit the new home of AWA! Located at 900 Bright Road Findlay, Ohio 45840, this facility offers three separate intimate training areas that run simultaneously. The new HQ is lavishly decorated with martial arts memorabilia and Japanese artifacts, and is the perfect place for visiting dignitaries to hold seminars, meetings and to visit for a week or a weekend. This one story ranch with attacked garage is nestled on a half acre lot and offers plenty of grass to work out on if nature or the mood calls for it.

The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 3pm -9pm, Saturday 9am-2pm. Those visiting that wish to take a class from Grandmaster Cullen can find class schedules and distance learning by clicking the following informational link: http://www.martialartsstudies.com 

6-21-05

BOC World Games growing and successful

The 29th Annual Battle of Columbus was declared a success upon its completion due much in part to the efforts of Dr. Robert Braff and Team San Ryu Do. Four of the six best of the best trophies and one runner up went to either a team San Ryu Do or Team Bergamo competitor. It was a truly international event as Trinidad and Great Britain were well represented and gathered their fair share of the gold to take back home with them.

On the floor:

In a twist and for the betterment of the competition in general Senior Master Paik, Grandmaster Braff and Grandmaster Cullen shuffled the deck and combined Tang Soo Do and Karate (Open) divisions. The competition was more robust and exciting and the efforts of all involved is much appreciated.

Workshops:

There were many inspirational and educational workshops held over the weekend. GM Cullen: " The workshop held by martial arts marketing guru and industry leader Rob Colansanti was a mega-hit! He hit on the top marketing hot point and gave everyone real money making information and ideas instead of touching upon them and making you order his book for the real stuff.

I was impressed with his depth of knowledge and at his presentation skill set. I highly endorse him and NAPMA and the good works they are involved in."

The Banquet:

The division heads and others were honored at the awards banquet on Saturday and a wonderful keynote speech was delivered by world martial arts legend Supreme Grandmaster Jyoon Rhee. Afterwards AWA's own Soke Cullen provided entertainment via his one man show and a fun time was had by all. Aterwards, many of the top martial arts minds then proceeded to stay up late night to take advantage of the proximity of said talent to talk about training, life and the part we all play in this world.

August 15th Update

SUMMER CAMP

The AWA summer camp was a great success with hours of great training and socialization. Doc Braff went through great effort and turmoil to attend and teach and we thank him dearly for his contribution. All loved his classes and many new Sanryudo students have come on line because of it.

Nikya Yamashita appeared like a tornado and blew away the attendees of his class. Vibrant, strong and entertaining are just three of the words that describe this fantastic teacher. After his seminar he was presented parting gifts and a board membership as a advisor in the JKA division.

Another high point was in the teachings of Dometrich Sensei and Okinawan Kobudo. Her two days of teaching were an eye opener for most and heartily accepted. She taught Teiko, Sais and and extended session in bo. We thank her and look forward toward bringing her back.

Cindy Kelly was tested and promoted to 6th Dan in Tae Kwon Do and presented her interim Board Membership as head of the Korean Arts. Her son Steven tested for and was awarded his 4th Degree in Tae Kwon Do and was inducted as Michigan Director for AWA. On the review board were the Chairman, Dr. Braff, Dometrich, Benavides, C. Cullen, and Robinson.

There is much to say but let us start by saying that Two of our members are writing a regular column for the oft read Action Martial Arts magazine, two other of our members are in the Oct (current) issue of Black Belt Magazine, several of our members have been honored at the WKU, USMAA, Universal Martial Arts and other halls of fame over the summer. This has truly been an active and representative summer for AWA and its membership.

Pair-of-Docs - AWA Board members and good friends Dr. Robert Braff and Dr. Kevin Hufford are now regular contributors to the high profile magazine Action Martial Arts. We will be featuring them on our spotlight page coming in September so we won't go into detail here in the news section but look for that special next month. We will also do an in depth review of how these two pioneers have furthered the cause and reach of San-Ryu-Do and CSW across the world. San-Ryu-Do is a sword art and CSW is combative sports weaponry,somewhat like chanbara, but with different rule sets and objectives.

BLACK BELT MAGAZINE:

MMA World Champion, Black Belt Hall of Famer and AWA Board member Frank Shamrock will take on Cesar Gracie after a two year break from competition. This, the first officially sanctioned MMA bout in California will take place on Oct 1, 2005 at the HP Pavillion.  Be sure to check your local listings and everyone here at AWA wishes him the best. Check page 22 of the October issue for more on this event.(Note this event was rescheduled)

Newest Black Belt Hall of Famer and AWA Board member Dana Abbott is featured on pages 108-116 in the October Issue of Black Belt Magazine. In this article Kiyoshi Abbott discusses Chanbara and the young student. This padded weapon art is international and very big in Japan.

Hands of Steel on the Wheel

Ateru Vale Tudo director Master Chris Benavides featured in this month's Trucker News... at truck stops everywhere..


The article entitled " Hands of Steel on the Wheel" give a brief history of Sensei Benavides martial life. It is well written and gives the reader some insight to what has made this man one of the most copied trainer/coaches in the MMA. Click this link and then page down to his story or if you want the full article with pictures - head to your nearest truck stop and pick up the Truckers News.