Testimonials |
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"Congratulations to Hanshi Thiry on 50 years of the Washington Karate Association! I have had the pleasure of working with you for almost 30 years and you have exemplified the true meaning of karate-do, and I look forward to continue crossing paths with you." Shihan Takeshi Uchiage, Goju Ryu Uchiage Kai
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"My years of doing Karate while growing up is one of the few activities that has had a lasting impact on my life as an adult. The work ethic, deference, leadership, and responsibility that Karate taught me led to many habits that have helped me have a promising academic and professional career so far. I'm very grateful to have spent those years of my childhood practicing karate. I'm certain that if I have children of my own that I'll be sending them to Karate". J. Schwarz
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"Hanshi Thiry played an important role in my karate career as he gave me two opportunities to practice in Seattle for an extended period of time. Not only did I learn a lot and experience what it was like to train at a world class level, but I also made many new friends. I will never forget the day, that after seeing my competition as a young karate-ka in the World Cup held in Budapest, Hanshi offered me the chance to participate in the Dan exam the following day. Also, I would have never become a WKF Referee without him. I will never forget the lessons learned from Sensei Jones both at Bellevue Dojo and in Budapest. I will always be grateful to Sensei Junko Arai for taking care of me, and Sensei Chuck Sweigart for his friendship. It's impossible to mention every person who helped me while I was there, but I would like to wish all the best for everyone in the Washington Karate Association, and truly hope the next 50 years will be at least as good as the last 50." Sensei Peter Turak of Hungary
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"A story that stands out in my mind is from a day back in the 80s when I stayed at Hanshi's house when I first moved to Seattle. Hanshi folded my clothes and underwear and put them on my bed when I forgot to take them out of the dryer. I was embarrassed as it is not a usual thing for a master of Karate-Do to do such a thing for a student in Japan. Maybe it's not that big of a deal in the US, but it was a shocking incident for me as a newcomer to the US! Hanshi has spent a lot of time promoting Karate-Do, and without it, it wouldn't have become an Olympic Sport in 2020. We as karate-ka should all respect and appreciate his efforts. Because I have trained with Soke Hayashi and other well known karate masters, I know Hanshi Thiry is a true leader and instructor in the world. I thank him for being the greatest role model for all of us." Shihan Makoto Matsuura
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"In a quote sometimes attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, “success is described in the following terms: To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” I’m pretty sure that Mr. Emerson was not a WKA student, but by all measures, Hanshi and the institution he created and nurtured truly embody this ideal. I will go one step further and say that what sets Hanshi apart is not his own successes, but that he relentlessly strives for the success of others." J. Sitomer
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“Through the Washington Karate Association, I was able to give my kids so many of the things I grew up with in a new way. I grew up with formality and manners. Speaking respectfully and acting respectfully were expected and rewarded. It is difficult to find these things now. But, because of karate, my daughters do know how to behave respectfully and how to act in formal settings. And perhaps most importantly, they value this knowledge and experience. They are proud of it because they are proud of their association with the WKA. They have learned to value feedback and take responsibility for their own learning and effort. A deep understanding that critique is a gift will help them succeed in anything they choose to do in life. It will not be easy to see my oldest daughter go off to college, but it is wonderful to know that she takes with her the knowledge of how to behave in many settings, confidence in herself, an ability to sweat, an understanding of excellence, and skills for self-defense. Thank you for everything.” A. Steel
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"The Senseis and Sempais at the Washington Karate Association get the best out of their students through encouragement, inspiration and expectation rather than fear, and it's an amazing achievement that they can do so with a group that is so diverse in age, experience, and temperament. I work in a large organization and I know that creating a culture like that starts with the "tone at the top," and so would like to thank Hanshi for creating and continuing to enable that environment for literally generations of students over the years." P. Berger
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"After moving to Washington several years ago, we visited a dozen different dojos looking for one teaching traditional karate with a family-type setting. After doing a trial class, our search was over. We were hooked!" C. Giroux
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"It’s hard to imagine what my life would look like if the WKA wasn’t a part of it. Not only have I had the amazing opportunity to learn karate and all the life lessons that come along with it, but the people I’ve met through the WKA have become a true family to me. They’ve shaped my life in so many ways that, without a doubt, I wouldn’t be who I am today without their influence." N. Cherian
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