Check out the SKA “Clothes & Gifts” section at Cafepress for a wide variety of items commemorating our organization’s 40th Anniversary! T-shirts, workout towels, and hoodies will be available for purchase at the SKA Invitational Tournament on April 26, 2008 in Newtown, PA.

The father of one of our SKA members sent in the following remembrance of Sensei Ray McArdle:

 

 

Sensei Ray McArdle took over responsibility for the club where my son Kevin trained when Sensei Tim Heinsinger moved to the Bethlehem area in the late 90’s. Although the students missed Sensei Tim, who had been their first instructor, they quickly warmed up to Sensei Ray who had been attending the classes for some time to ease the transition between the two instructors.

Sensei Ray quickly settled into the role as their teacher and earned the student’s respect. My son Kevin grew from young child to young adult with the benefit of the teachings of Shotokan to shape his growth. He transformed from a tentative yellow belt to a confident black belt in a few short years under Sensei Ray’s tutelage, well-prepared for future challenges. I’m sure that had it not been for Sensei Ray’s teaching abilities, my son would not have grown into the person he is today. Respect, integrity, honor, modesty, discipline and camaraderie are just a few of the lessons that Kevin learned as a member of Sensei’s Ray’s Lower Northeast Shotokan Karate club.

When Sensei Ray fell ill, some students wrote to him wishing him well and some were able to visit him, which I know gave him great comfort. We all read the heartfelt thanks he sent to the class via a letter shortly before his passing.

Sensei Ray was a very private person. He did not often let those around him into his personal matters, but he had the special ability to convey that he was always “a friend” to the students and parents of the club. I truly believe that his life enriched the children he taught and helped them to become the good men and women that they are today; my son is one of them, Sensei Ray’s legacy.

I’m forever indebted to Sensei Ray for having molded and shaped my son to respect others, to walk in confidence, to be disciplined in his studies and work, and to give to those needing assistance. This is how I remember the man and the teacher, Ray MacArdle

Respectfully
Dan Gallagher
Father of Kevin Gallagher

The SKA Adult & Teen Invitational Tournament will be held on Saturday, April 26th at Newtown Jr. High School (click here for directions).   This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Shotokan Karate Association.

This tournament is only open to members of the SKA.

The event list is available here - Schedule of Events. Registration forms can be downloaded here - Registration Form.

Sensei John Liszewski’s Eastern Sun Dojo in Denton, MD is proud to launch their new club website at www.shotokankarate.org/easternsun.  Designed by club member Barbi Christopher, the website provides information about the club’s history, schedule, and location, along with plenty of pictures from the club’s long history. 

Sensei Ray McArdle passed away at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia today after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ray had taught at several Philadelphia Recreation Centers and had earned his 3rd dan with Sensei Tim Heinsinger.   He was 55 years old.

Our deepest condolences go out to Ray’s family, friends, and students. Further information will be posted when available.