International martial artists teach at Sequim studio

By Matthew Nash • August 16, 2023 1:30 am
Students with Sequim Martial Arts spent three days learning from expert teachers from Ireland, New Jersey and Texas as part of the Dekimasu Alliance’s International Seminar in late July.
Students with Sequim Martial Arts spent three days learning from expert teachers from Ireland, New Jersey and Texas as part of the Dekimasu Alliance’s International Seminar in late July.

Sequim Martial Arts, 235 E. Washington St., hosted The Dekimasu Alliance International Seminar for its students in late July with martial artists from around the world leading classes and providing demonstrations.

See more photos here.

Classes held July 27-28 covered street karate, knife defense, personal defense, stick fighting, wooden staff and more. On July 29, martial artists of all ages demonstrated different styles of martial arts for about 90 minutes, followed by belt promotions.

Terrence Bowlin of Texas was promoted to eighth degree black belt in his Bowlin Ryu Jiu Jitsu style; and the following received seventh degree black belts in their respective styles: Sequim studio owner Kathrin Sumpter in Kong Soo Do taekwondo; Liam Gorman of Ireland in Shotokan karate; Thomas Hewitt of Ireland in Shorin-ryu karate; Michael O’Keeffe of Ireland in Shorin-ryu karate; Alejandra Vazquez of Uruguay in Shotokan karate, and Andy Webb of Ireland in Chinese Kenpo.

Hanshi Clay Worley, a 10th degree black belt who founded the Dekimasu Alliance, was in attendance for the seminar and handed out belt promotions, including for Vazquez via video call.

Sumpter also awarded Sequim student Stephen Travers, 14, the title of Sequim Martial Arts’ new assistant, or Josu.

“You’re a big help to me and you really elevate this school,” Sumpter told Travers.

Sequim Martial Arts teaches taekwondo and Phillipino stick fighting under the umbrella of Cacoy Cañente Doce Pares. For more information, visit sequimmartialarts.com.

Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash James Travers, 15, of Sequim performs a sticks routine on July 29 during the Dekimasu Alliance’s International Seminar. He plans to try for his black belt this year in Eskrima stick fighting.

Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash James Travers, 15, of Sequim performs a sticks routine on July 29 during the Dekimasu Alliance’s International Seminar. He plans to try for his black belt this year in Eskrima stick fighting.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Kathrin Sumpter, owner of Sequim Martial Arts, performs a routine during the Dekimasu Alliance International Seminar on July 29. She also received her seventh degree black belt later in the day.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Kathrin Sumpter, owner of Sequim Martial Arts, performs a routine during the Dekimasu Alliance International Seminar on July 29. She also received her seventh degree black belt later in the day.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Alejandra Vazquez of Uruguay During the Dekimasu Alliance’s International Seminar in late July at Sequim Martial Arts, alliance founder Hanshi Clay Worley presents

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Alejandra Vazquez of Uruguay During the Dekimasu Alliance’s International Seminar in late July at Sequim Martial Arts, alliance founder Hanshi Clay Worley presents