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Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, and Brown Belt Scott Carr traveled to St. Louis, MO to compete in the Midwest Martial Arts Association's St. Louis Showdown Karate Tournament. Unfortunately, Katie Carr was not feeling well enough to compete, so the UGKA was represented by Scott Carr. Scott took 1st Place in Weapons competition, 1st Place in Forms Competition, and 2nd Place in Fighting. Katie Carr attended the tournament Black Belt meeting, and greatly appreciated both Mr. Richard Osborn, Jr. and Mr. David Frazier's concern for her. Mr. David Frazier is also the 2009 President of the Midwest Martial Arts Association, and was kind enough to get his picture taken with Katie Carr. Both Katie Carr and Scott Carr are members of the Midwest Martial Arts Association Southern Conference, and have competed in MMASC tournaments for the past couple tournament seasons.

Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, and Sensei of the Mannford Institute of Karate along with Scott Carr, Soliday Brown Belt, traveled to Louisville, KY for the AKA Grand Nationals and Bluegrass Nationals Karate Tournament! A NASKA rated event, this tournament is one of the largest in the country and attracts some of the very best competitors from across the country! Katie Carr competed in a division featuring 14 Black Belts representing the best of the best, with many of them NASKA seeded in the tournament. While Katie did not place in Traditional Forms competition, she fought her way through the brackets in Fighting Competition to finish in 3rd Place! Scott Carr competed in Weapons using Sai, and took 2nd Place in the Underbelt Advanced Division. In Traditional Forms competition, Scott took 2nd Place again against strong competition. In Fighting, Scott dominated his division and took 1st Place. Both Katie and Scott are members of the American Karate Association competing in the Southern Region and are in the running for national titles during the 2009 tournament season. Both are 2008 national champions in the American Karate Association, and Katie is also a 2007 national champion.

Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, wins 3rd Place in Fighting in her Black Belt division against some of the best Black Belts in the country! Soliday Brown Belt, Scott Carr, wins 1st Place in Fighting, 2nd Place in Forms, and 2nd Place in Weapons competition!

Mr. John Sharkey, Jr - American Karate Association President, took some time out during the tournament and was kind enough to get his picture taken with Katie! The last time Mr. Sharkey visited with Katie was during the AKA Awards Banquet. Katie greatly appreciated his time and interest in how she was doing in the tournament!

Grandmaster Soliday along with UGKA Instructors Mr. Teddy Soliday, 3rd DAN and Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, preside over the White Belt testing. White Belt test night consisted of those students testing for their first stripe (9th KYU) as well as those White Belts testing for their second stripe (8th KYU).

Mr. Ted Soliday's Sapulpa Institute of Karate held its White Belt testing tonight with a strong class of students testing for their next rank. About half of the White Belts completed their training requirements and tested tonight for the first stripe (9th KYU), and were joined by the other half of White Belts who participated in the 9th KYU requirements and then went on to test for their second stripe (8th KYU). UGKA Instructors Mr. Teddy Soliday, 3rd DAN, and Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, contributed in evaluating the testing students and insuring they all had successfully passed all expectations needed for certification. After the White Belt testing was completed, the color belts continued their training in both movements and katas.

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In 1969 in North Tulsa, the 4th annual All Goju Midwest Karate Championship was being held, hosted by the W.L. Hutcherson Branch YMCA Karate Club. This event was a very important milestone in the history of Oklahoma karate. The Karate Instructor for the W.L. Hutcherson YMCA Karate Club, and Director of the tournament was none other than Mr. Howard Fields, pictured left. It is important to remember the historical context of those days - karate ranks typically took a much longer time investment to receive, and Howard Fields was appointed to be the Director for this very important North Tulsa karate tournament as he was of the highest rank - pictured here as a Yellow Belt in Japanese Goju Ryu Karate. Of course, today Grandmaster Howard Fields is recognized as 10th DAN (as noted here in April 2009). His efforts in those days helped lay the foundation for not only pioneering karate in Oklahoma, but the success of karate in North Tulsa and the Midwest Goju Karate Association.

From the Tulsa Institute of Karate and Director of the Midwest Goju Karate Association, Lou Angel (pictured right as 4th DAN in 1969) sanctioned the 4th annual All Goju Midwest Karate Championships. Lou Angel was also the Chief Referee for the event, and helped insure the success of the tournament. Like Mr. Howard Fields' karate school in 1969, Lou Angel helped birth karate schools throughout Oklahoma and especially around the Tulsa area. Schools listed as participating in the 1969 Midwest Karate Championships included schools from: Muskogee, Okmulgee, Tulsa-Brookside, Sapulpa (still in operation today under Mr. Ted Soliday), Skiatook, Coffeyville Kansas, Paris Arkansas, University of Tulsa, Elk City, Oral Roberts University, Bartlesville, Wewoka, Tahlequah, Eastside YMCA, Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, and Lincoln Illinois.

Mr. Ted Soliday, 9th DAN, and Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, visit with Grandmaster Janis Fraley before the tournament begins. Grandmaster Soliday, UGKA Blackbelt Katie Carr, and Grandmaster Gilkey during the tournament.

Mr. Soliday and UGKA competitors attended the 2009 Bruce Lee Blades of Steel Karate Tournament, hosted by Janis Fraley's Shotokan Tigers in Broken Arrow, OK. Mr. Soliday participated in judging the Black Belt divisions, along with fellow Goju Grandmaster, Earl Gilkey. Competitors from the UGKA included students from Mr. Soliday's Sapulpa Institute of Karate; Ms. Katie Carr's Mannford Institute of Karate, and Mr. Scott Collins' Sand Springs Institute of Karate. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN Katie Carr took 1st Place in Forms competition. She won 2nd Place in Fighting after an exciting heavy hitting, heavy kicking match against a very strong male black belt opponent, being edged out by a single point as time ran out. Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, Sensei of the Mannford Institute of Karate with father and assistant instructor Scott Carr, Brown Belt. Mr. Carr did not compete in this tournament, instead he helped insure all of the UGKA students got to the rings and were prepared and ready for competition. Mr. Scott Collins, 7th DAN, Sensei of the Sand Springs Institute of Karate with his White Belt student, Hunter. Hunter competed in beginning forms for his division, but moved up to fight in the intermediate division to insure a better level of competition.

Sapulpa Institute of Karate Founder and Sensei Darrell Maggard pictured in 1968 with fellow Midwest Japanese Goju Ryu Karate Legends Lou Angel, Bill Briscoe, and Bob Santini. Sensei Darrell Maggard founded the Sapulpa Institute of Karate and has been a mentor and teacher to Mr. Ted Soliday, 9th DAN - as well as a current serving board member to the United Goju Karate Association along with Sensei Bob Santini and Mr. Bill Briscoe, 9th DAN. Mr. Lou Angel, 10th DAN, founded the original Institute of Karate in Tulsa and is credited as the original pioneer bringing Japanese Goju Ryu Karate to the Midwest. He later founded the NCMA (National College of Martial Arts) in Joplin, MO.

Scott Carr, Brown Belt, won 2nd Place in Weapons, 2nd Place in Forms, and 2nd Place in Fighting at the MMASC's 2009 Four State Brawl! Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, won 2nd Place in Fighting and 2nd Place in Forms Competition at the 2009 Four State Brawl!

Katie Carr, 2nd Dan, and Scott Carr, Brown Belt, traveled to Neosho, Mo to compete in the Midwest Martial Art Association Southern Conference's 2009 Four State Brawl Karate Tournament. Scott Carr competed in Adult Weapons Competition and, in close competition, won 2nd Place using traditional Sai weapons. This was the first tournament for Scott competing in the Advanced divisions, and in Forms Competition, Scott won 2nd Place, as well as 2nd Place in Fighting. In the MMASC, Katie competes up in the Adult Women's Black Belt division. Katie took 2nd Place in Fighting in a very close competition. In Forms, Katie tied for 1st Place and the competitors went to a tie breaker using their first beginner form. It was a close decision, and Katie ended up winning 2nd Place for Forms. The MMASC continues to share their generosity with UGKA competitors, and both Katie and Scott greatly appreciated the support and fellowship offered.

Mr. Soliday's UGKA was given a special invitation to compete in the American Bushido-Kai Karate Association (ABKA) Championships this weekend, held in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. The ABKA Championships are comprised almost entirely of the ABKA schools from across Oklahoma and Texas, and when all competitors assembled and were seated at the opening of the tournament, it certainly appeared to be the largest competition seen in the state! The UGKA schools brought competitors from three of its schools - the Mr. Soliday's Sapulpa Institute of Karate; Mr. Scott Collins' Sand Springs Institute of Karate, and Katie Carr's Mannford Institute of Karate. Nancie "Tiny" Longacre, 7TH DAN, competes in the Adult Women Black Belt Forms competition! Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, took 1st Place in Forms competition in a strong advanced division. After an initial tie for 1st Place Katie Carr competed with her first basic form to win the tiebreaker and topped the forms division! Katie also competed in Fighting, taking 3rd Place.

UGKA Instructor Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, with UGKA students Charli, Charity, Ian, and Amber (from left to right) The UGKA Black Belt Competitors - Legendary Nancie "Tiny" Longacre, 7th DAN; Greg Partridge, 3rd DAN; Katie Carr, 2nd DAN The UGKA team with their trophies!

The UGKA was represented at the Eureka Springs Classic Karate Tournament in Eureka Springs, AR with the attendance and competition from Nancie "Tiny" Longacre, 7th DAN, Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, Scott Carr, Soliday Brown Belt, and tournament support and pictures provided by Leon Longacre, 7th DAN. Nancie Longacre competed in the Adult Black Belt Forms competition, winning 1st Place. Although not successful, Nancie was honored to also be able to compete for tournament Grand Champion. Katie Carr competed in her Black Belt division winning 1st Place in Fighting and 2nd Place in Forms competition. Katie also was honored to assist in judging several divisions in the tournament, and extremely honored to be asked by Sensei Groves to assist in judging the Black Belt Grand Championships! Scott Carr competed in Forms winning 2nd Place, and took 4th Place in Weapons competition.

At Grandmaster Gilkey's 2009 Oklahoma Nationals - Pearl of the Plains Karate Tournament, Mr. Soliday, 9th DAN participated with Mr. Gilkey, 10th DAN in recognizing Mr. Howard Fields as 10th Degree. Also participating from the Wild Bunch Karate Association, Mr. Bill Briscoe, 9th DAN, and Mr. Bob Kinney, 9th DAN. Mr. Fields is a long time Japanese Goju Ryu Black Belt. He established his school and students on Tulsa's North Side during the formative years in the late 60's and early 70's, helping build the Tulsa area into one of the strongest regions of the country with Japanese Goju Ryu Karate, and the 2009 Oklahoma Nationals was a reunion of many of the Goju Black Belts, both peers and students during that time. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, was also honored by Grandmaster Gilkey. Mr. Gilkey highlighted the accomplishments of Katie as a national champion, her years as a martial artist, and her opening her own karate school last year when she was only 15, the Mannford Institute of Karate. Mr. Gilkey additionally honored two other young martial artists and national champions, and along with Katie Carr, presented them with awards for their efforts. The UGKA was well represented in competition awards in the 2009 Oklahoma Nationals! Nancie "Tiny" Longacre, 7th DAN, won 1st Place in Women's Black Belt Forms competition; Mr. Scott Collins, 7th DAN, won 2nd Place in Men's Black Belt Forms competition; Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, won 1st Place in Junior Black Belt Fighting and 3rd Place in Forms competition; Ashton Collins, Green Belt, won 1st Place in Women's Underbelt Fighting and 1st Place in Forms competition. Mr. Darrell Maggard visits with Mr. Howard Fields after the ceremony. Mr. Maggard was Mr. Soliday's Sensei and founded the Sapulpa Institute of Karate. Mr. Howard Fields visits with Katie Carr and asks her about her past tournament season, and her accomplishments.

Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, is presented with an award from Grandmaster Gilkey for her accomplishments within martial arts! Mr. Soliday honors Mr. Howard Fields during the ceremony recognizing Mr. Fields as 10th Degree in Japanese Goju Ryu Karate The largest gathering of Japanese Goju Ryu Black Belts in many years, in addition to local area Black Belts participating in acknowledging, recognizing, and honoring Mr. Howard Fields, 10th DAN. Nancie "Tiny" Longacre, 7th DAN, Mr. Leon Longacre, 7th DAN, Mr. Scott Collins, 7th DAN, and Mr. Ted Soliday, 9th DAN

Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, with Sensei Sharkey, AKA President, after receiving the 2008 National Championship Award for top fighter and top forms competitor for her black belt division in the AKA Southern Region. Scott Carr, Soliday Purple Belt, with Sensei Sharkey, AKA President, after receiving the 2008 National Championship Award for top fighter and for third place in forms competition for his Men's advanced underbelt division in the AKA Southern Region.

The American Karate Associations' southern 2008 awards banquet was held in Mountain Home, Arkansas on March 28th. UGKA Instructor and Sensei of the Mannford Institute of Karate, Katie Carr, and Soliday Purple Belt Scott Carr, traveled to the AKA banquet to receive their 2008 national champion awards. Sensei Groves, pictured with the UGKA members below, hosted the event. Awards to the UGKA members were presented by fellow Oklahoman, Grandmaster David Fishinghawk (pictured with Katie Carr below). AKA President, Sensei Sharkey, was on hand for the awards and festivities and the UGKA members were honored with being seated at the banquet table with him.

Katie Carr's Mannford Institute of Karate competed in Mr. David Fishinghawk's American Open Karate Tournament in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, competed as well and took 1st Place in Fighting, and 2nd Place in Forms competitions. Soliday Purple Belt Scott Carr took 1st Place in Fighting, 2nd Place in Forms, and 2nd Place in Weapons competition. Two students of Ms. Katie Carr also competed - In her very first tournament, White Belt Karley White took 1st Place in Forms and 3rd Place in Fighting! In her second tournament appearance, White Belt Charity Jones took 1st in Fighting, and 1st Place in Forms competition!

Ms. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, advises one of her students, Karley White, as Assistant Instructor and Soliday Purple Belt Kassie Carr looks on. Grandmaster Earl Gilkey poses for a picture with UGKA Instructor and Sensei Katie Carr.

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Soliday Black Belt Katie Carr, Soliday Purple Belt Scott Carr, and Soliday Green Belt Chelsea Boen made an impact at the Missouri Nationals this weekend winning in almost every division! Chelsea Boen took 1st place amidst strong competition in Forms, as well as 3rd place in fighting. Katie Carr took 2nd place in fighting and was awarded Runner Up Grand Champion in adult Women's Black Belt Fighting. Scott Carr took 3rd place in weapons competition, 1st place in forms competition, and 3rd place in fighting. It was great to see fellow Wild Bunch Black Belt Mr. Todd Brown, as well as watching him compete! Mr. Brown's TNT Martial Arts has been a strong member school within the Wild Bunch, and a great supporter of Mr. Soliday and the UGKA!

Mr. Soliday provides guidance and advice before forms competition begins! Katie Carr, Soliday 2nd degree Black Belt, was awarded the Women Black Belt Runner Up Grand Champion for the Fighting Competition! The Wild Bunch Karate Association was represented in Black Belt competition with Mr. Todd Brown, 3rd DAN, of TNT Martial Arts and of course by Katie Carr, 2nd DAN who competed for the first time in Adult Women's Black Belt competition. Katie Carr, 2nd DAN, competing in Women's Black Belt Forms

Class Tour

Traditional Japanese Goju Ryu provides the context for building skills, experience, and self-confidence. View pictures from a class in action as students train under Mr. Soliday.

Gallery

Mr. Soliday's picture gallery Pictures from the past and present.

Ted Soliday started in Japanese Goju in 1966 with Ed Williams. On October 1, 1972 while training under Darrell Maggard at the Sapulpa Institute of Karate, he earned his black belt and received his rank from Hanshi Lou Angel. Mr. Soliday started his first karate school in 1967, teaching hundreds of students over the years the traditional form of karate he had learned. Later, Mr. Maggard turned over his school, the Sapulpa Institute of Karate, to Mr. Soliday where he has taught for many years. Mr. Soliday received the rank of Hachi Dan (8^th Dan) on March 9, 1996 from Mr. Lou Angel, (10^th Dan) Hanshi of Tenshi Goju Kai and head of the National College of MartialArts (NCMA) out of Joplin, Missouri. Mr. Soliday has been recognized and certified by 10^th Dan, Grand Master, Masayuki (Azato) Ward, Russelville, Arkansas, head of the Japanese-Okinawan Karate Federation. On July 27, 2002 Mr. Soliday received the rank of KYU DAN (9^th DAN) from Mr. Bill Briscoe and Mr. Bob Kinney who head the Wild Bunch Karate Association in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Mr. Soliday organized the United Goju Karate Association in January, 2002. Darrell Maggard, Bob Santini, Bill Briscoe, James Keys and Gary Boyd have agreed to act as a consulting board of directors for the organization giving the board over 100 years of combined experience in the martial arts. All of these gentlemen are from the "old" Japanese Goju schools of the early 1960(s), bringing to this organization the traditional Japanese Goju karate teaching values and methods.

Events Get the latest information and action of Thomas "Thunderkick" Longacre, 3rd DAN Goju as he competes in the World Combat League! Get more info and see more of Thomas at www.tkick.tv!!