phoenix news
Ukraine Statement by Kancho Soller, Chairman & Chief Instructor,
on behalf of the Shuseki Shihan and Phoenix Karate-do Association
Kyokushinkai International
Please join the Phoenix Karate-do Association Kyokushinkai International in praying for the Ukraine and all those in harm’s way during this time of an evil and violent invasion of a sovereign country. All the world should condemn such an attack against humanity and the loss of life.
The Association has hundreds of Phoenix karateka in the Ukraine whose only wish is peace and prosperity for themselves, their families, and fellow mankind. We feel their suffering and admire their courage, and acknowledge the Providence of God in supporting their way of life. They desire freedom and preservation of their destiny, and now find their very survival in question.
The way of karate is one of peace. All of those who follow the true Way of Budo are obligated to support those who seek its path. To all of our many Phoenix and Kyokushin friends around the world, we ask for your support and prayers for our Ukrainian karateka and their country.
To our sisters and brothers in the Ukraine, we will train in your honor, and neither forget nor become complacent. We are with you.
OSU
Update February 13, 2022
*As we move through these days of winter, we are all aware of the situation that has been
developing in Eastern Europe with Russia and the Ukraine.
The Ukraine Branch of the Phoenix karate-do Association Kyokushinkai International, led
by Shihan Pavel and Sensei Y & T Grek, has been a vigorous and essential part of the
Association for decades. Hundreds of students train there under the Phoenix banner, with
talented Yudansha and Mudansha sweating in the dojo.
Please join Shuseki Shihan and me in keeping our fellow sisters and brothers in your
thoughts and prayers. Our USA spirit of of OSU should join with themin united spirit at each
class and every training. AS we train hard and often, we should reflect on the many
sacrifices, challenges and accomplishments that we all have experienced as we embrace
our non-quitting legend of the Phoenix, the essence of OSU, and our Association motto:
RISE.
We stand together, united, and are one Phoenix.
OSU
Kancho Soller
Update February 2, 2022
*The USA Spring Gashuku will be held on April 23, 2022, in the Phoenix Way Dojo of
Shuseki Shihan Codispoti. Please mark your calendars as more information will be
released as we get closer to the event. OSU~ Kancho Dan Soller
Update January, 2022
*Several Gashuku were held in world Phoenix dojo in the fall of 2021 and to date. Of note
were the well-attended USA Fall Gashuku in the Rockville Dojo (Shuseki Shihan
Melanson and Shihandai Mazur, chiefinstructors) and Kancho Winter Training (Kancho
Dan Soller). The new year saw senior dan promotionsin the Phoenix Ukraine Branch, with
Branch Chief Dolgoruk Pavel named Shihan Rokudan and Sensei Tanya & Yuri Grek to
Sensei Yondan. We congratulate these outstanding karateka for their training commitment,
instruction, and developmentof the Phoenix Way.
*This site will be updated from time to time as Phoenix Dojo reopen and regular training
occurs through Covid-19 protocals.
Update July, 2021-Summer Camps
*USA Camp Phoenix XXXVIII and UA Camp Phoenix XXII were held this summer in the USA
and Ukraine, respectively, with approximately 200 combined karateka training together. The
Ukraine hosted the largest camp in their history under the guidance of Shihan Pavel
Dolgoruk along with team of Sensei Tanya and Yuryi Grek.
*The USA was hosted at the Phoenix Summer Dojo under Kancho Soller and Shuseki
Shihan Cathy Melanson and Anthony Codispoti. Training was centered on kihon, kata,
kumite and tameshiwari, with special water and ground fighting sessions.
Promotions were on held on the Yudansha and Mudansha levels, highlighted by Chloe
Tracy to Sensei Sandan in the USA.
*The site will be updated from time to time as Phoenix Dojo reopen and regular training
occurs through Covid-19 protocols.
OSU
Update April 11, 2021
*April 24, 2021 is the date for the USA Spring Gashuku. The event will be in Maryland and
all Phoenix members are invited to attend. Please contact your instructor for specific
information. Yudansha and Mudansha testing have been scheduled for the Gashuku.
Kancho Soller and Shuseki Shihan will preside. OSU
Update December 7, 2020
*While challenged around the world with COVID-19, the Association has continued forward
this year with a combination of teaching models depending on the regional area, including
in-person with restrictions, remote and individual training instruction. Gashuku's have been
held with restrictions.
*April, 2021 is the next planned Gashuka USA. Time and location to be announced in the
comings weeks ahead.
*This website will be updated periodically during the pandemic. OSU
Update August 3, 2020
*2020 Camp Phoenix, the 37th summer gashuku of the Phoenix Karate-do Association
Kyokushinkai International, was completed this July in four major regions due to the
coronavirus pandemic. Kancho Soller and Branch Chief Shuseki Shihan Melanson led the
Capital Region, Branch Chief Shuseki Shihan Codispoti the Northeast Region, Branch
Chief Sensai B. Hoffeld the CA Region, and Branch Chief Shihandai Paval Dolgoruk the UK Region.
Zoom participation was also available at select gashuku.
*Numerous promotions were held in the Ukraine, with USA naming promotions in Sensei
Matt Heaps (MD) and Sensai M. Hoffeld (CA). OSU
Update July 7, 2020
*The Association has begun moving to physical classes on a dojo to dojo basis, while also
continuing its comprehensive Zoom training. Our recent updates include:
Shuseki Shihan Melanson hosted the 2020 Women's Warrior Weekend this past June
through a unique Zoom presentation and individual training modules, including innovative
tameshiwari.
Sensei Bradley Hoffeld created a special Zoom Mosaic for Phoenix members. The Mosiac
captures over 500 images! Please email Sensei for details at hoffeld@gmail.com
Sempai Chris DiBlasi has helped sponsor a Zoom discussion group on racism.
Interested members joining the discussion group should contact Shuseki Melanson.
The Ukrainian Branch has successfully completed their UA Camp Phoenix, summer
gashuku. Led by Shihandai Pavel, the camp conducted physical training highlighted by
beach kata and kihon.
Update April 30, 2020
*Since the coronavirus pandemic struck around the globe, Phoenix has been in the forefront
in technology and resources, moving almost immediately to remote training and instruction.
Using its extensive instructor group and resources, live remote training classes continue
every day of the week and bring Phoenix karateka together from around the world.
We are proud of being among the first to recognize the need for innovational instruction while
keeping our members safe and meeting their training needs. May you and your families stay
safe and healthy!!
Regular updates will continue as Phoenix Dojo begin to reopen and events begin to be
scheduled in the times ahead. OSU~
Update March 11, 2020
*Cali Branch Chief Sensei Bradley Hoffeld, 4th dan and Sempai Melissa Hoffeld, 2nd dan
instructed classes in the Shrewsbury, NJ dojo a couple weeks ago. Osu~
*Kancho Soller trained with Chief Instructor Chu Sempai Bell and his kohai in his Mount Dojo
throughout this past week. A highlight was working with Mikayla Wilkinson, a visiting
Australian and Division One athlete. Kancho and Chu have long term interests and
experiences in working with high performing athletes to improve their performances through
training in the Phoenix Way. Chu Sempai continues to quietly teach his regular classes along
with special "early bird" sessions for developing karateka. Osu~
*The Rockville Dojo is currently developing their website and marketing programs. Ideas
should be sent to Chief Instructors Shuseki Shihan Melanson, 7th dan and Shihandai Elias
Mazur, 5th dan. Osu`
*The Ukrainian Branch is preparing for several Yudansha promotions under the leadership
of Shihandai Pavel, 5th dan. Promotion candidates include ranks of Sandan, Nidan and
Shodan. Best of luck to all candidates! Osu~
Update January 29, 2020
*USA Camp Phoenix 2020 will be held July 17-19th, 2020 at Mount St. Mary's University in
Emmitsburg, Maryland, with the International Executive Council meetings on July 16th, 2020.
Please mark your calendars! OSU~
*In the past few weeks, Kancho Soller visited and trained in the Frederick Dojo of Sensei
Boris Voynik, 3rd dan, Mount St. Mary's dojo of Chu Sempai Bell, 2nd dan, and the Rockville
dojo of Shuseki Shihan Melanson, 7th dan, and Shihandai Elias Mazur, 5th dan. OSU~
Update January 28, 2020
*Spring Gashuku for members will be held on March 28, 2020 in Shrrewsbury, New Jersey at
the Phoenix Way Dojo. Tentatively set for 11:00am-2:00pm with social to follow.
*Shuseki Shihan Cathy Melanson has returned with her family from her visit to Iceland.
Shuseki is a frequent international traveler and trains overseas regularly.
Update January 25, 2020
*The Ukrainian Branches joined together under Shihandai Pavel, 5th dan, along with 3rd dan Sensei Yuriy and Tanya Grek, for their Winter Training outside of Kyiv.
Congratulations for the successful and well attended event!
*Congratulations to Sempai Taylor Papera from the Phoenix Way Dojo for her participation in the Batlle of the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. Shw was
coached by Shuseki Shihan Codispoti and supported by a large contingent from the dojo.
Update January 23, 2020
*Chief Instructor of the Mount St. Joseph's Dojo Sempai Adam Kauffman visited the Rockville Dojo with some of his kohai to train with Chief Instructor Shihandai Elias Mazur.
Update January 16, 2020
*Kancho Soller and Chu Sempai Bell had a private meeting to review the Mount St. Mary's University Dojo and discuss Summer Camp planning. The Mount Dojo is the oldest dojo in the Association and home to the prestigious USA Camp Phoenix, the organization's summer Gashuku. The meeting was in Maryland, USA.
Update January 15, 2020
*Shuseki Shihan Codispoti is now a weekly contributor to the Dad Syndicate Network Arena. This weekly podcast deals with parental/children issues. Shuseki is a
published author on anti-bullying strategies and the development of children in the martial arts. Please contact Shuseki Shihan for more details at phxshihan@gmail.com.
Update January 14, 2020
*Sensei Gary Herwig, 4th dan, and Kancho Soller held a conference on organizational matters of the Association. Sensei continues to teach in his personal dojo.
Update December 4, 2019
*Kancho Winter Training will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2020 at 10am in Baker Park,
Frederick, MD. Please note on your calendars! This event, as always, is for the Capital
Region primarily and other branch members while welcome, are not expected to make the
journey. Training is for approximately and hour to an hour and a half. We hope to see you
there!
*I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
*All my best! Remember, train hard and often!
Osu!
Update November 12, 2019
*The Northeast Branch Phoenix Way Dojo visited the new North Bethesda Dojo of the Capital
Region with the Paperas leading the contingent with father Rick, son Sempai Jake and
daughter Sempai Taylor. Shihandai Elias Mazur and Shuseki Shihan Melanson serve as the
new dojo's Chief Instructors. New and old students are welcome!
*Over the weekend, Phoenix fighters from the Kyiv area participated in a championship in Irpin.
Children and teens challenged themselves by fighting for the first time on a round system
rather than the Olympic system. Congrats to all participants. Osu!
Update November 4, 2019
*Kancho Dan Soller and Shuseki Shihan Anthony Codispoti recently held a conference
meeting on fundraising and donor development as the principles of the Kancho Charity Benefit.
The Benefit, central to the mission in helping those in need, is the charity arm of the closely
held greater Phoenix organization and has donated extensively to such causes as Special
Olympics, Overseas Orphanages, Elementary/High School/College Participation Scholarships,
Private Education Capital Campaigns, Educational Overseas Travel and In-Need Family
Support. The Benefit is funded by generous member and foundation support,
Update October 30, 2019
*Sensei Brad Hoffeld, 4th dan Branch Chief (CA) is sponsored a reunion in Maryland on the
28th of October, 2019 for karateka from the old Rockville Dojo. He lead a training session to
celebrate with everyone in the new Dojo of Shuseki Shihan Cathy Melanson 7th dan and
Shihandai Elias Mazur 5th dan. The Rockville Dojo played an important role in the history of
the Association and produced a number of high quality karateka who continue this day with the
Phoenix organization.
*The USA Fall Gashuku took place in Maryland USA with karateka from MD, VA, NJ, NY, PA
and IN participating in the annual event. Training focused on kata, self-defense, ground move-
ments and hand-leg combinations. Kancho Soller led the event.
*Shuseki Shihan Anthony Codispoti was highlighted in Gary Quinn's new book,Total Karate:
Conversations with The Modern Masters(Amazon). Along with having a chapter dedicated to
him, he also graces the cover. CONGRATULATIONS for this prestigious honor!
*The Ukraine Branch has sponsored a number of Phoenix tournaments for their youth
members in Kyiv along with attending other Kyokushin organized events. Visit Facebook to see
the many victories and the wide participation of Phoenix Karateka. Phoenix Shihan, Sensei and
Sempai helped organize and manage the events.
Update October 5, 2019
*USA Fall Gashuku will be held at Mount St. Mary's University (Maryland, USA) on Saturday,
October 19, 2019 from 11:00am-2:00pm.
*Shuseki Shihan Cathy Melanson, 7th dan Branch Chief and Shihandai Elias Mazur, 5th dan
Branch Chief, have announced the November opening their new dojo in North Bethesda,
Maryland, USA (12077 Nebel Street, North Bethesda, Maryland 20852). Please offer them your
congratulations! New students welcome!
*Shuseki Shihan Anthony Codispoti, 7th dan Branch Chief and Chief Instructor of the Phoenix
Way Dojo, was highlighted in a short article sponsored Garmany's of New Jersey. Captioned
"No Bullying Zone", the article highlights Sheseki Shihan's expertise in anti-bullying, martial
arts and his successful financial adviser business.
*Sempai Hector (Tito) Munoz, 2nd dan, Chile, visited Sensai Dom Corella, 3rd dan of the
Phoenix Way - Shrewsbury Dojo NJ for a tour of Wall Street in New York City.
*Sempai Matt Heaps, 2nd dan, trained with Kancho Soller in preparation for advancement
and the coming Fall Gashuku.
Update September 11, 2019
*Sensei Bradley Hoffeld, 4th dan Branch Chief (CA), instructed and trained in the Capital
Region USA throughout the first week of September. He completed his tour after training with
Kancho Soller.
Update August 10, 2019
*On August 17, 2019, The Phoenix Way Dojo in Shrewsbury, NJ will host an open training
session for USA dojo. Shuseki Shihan Anthony Codispoti will oversee the event.
*Sempai Erica Herbst invites others to join her new Facebook page, Phoenix Women
Warriors. "This is a private group created for our amazing group of Phoenix Women
Warriors around the world to share ideas, photos and videos from training, share inspiring
stories and ask questions."
*Senior Branch Chief Shihan Snegireva has returned home to the Ukraine from the USA
with her students, who trained at Camp Phoenix XXXVI. She was hosted by the
Association, Mount St. Mary's Karate Club under Chu Sempai Earl Bell, Shuseki Shihan
Melanson and special guide Sensei Boris Voynik.
*Shuseki Shihan Melanson travels to Brazil in August, continuing her 2019 International
travels.
Update July 11, 2019
*Camp Phoenix XXXVI, the annual international summer gashuka, will be held in Maryland, USA on July 19th-21st, 2019. The camp is open to all members of the
Phoenix Karate-do Association Kyokushinkai International. Yudansha promotions, continuously training and improvement remain the Camp's long standing goals.
*The annual meeting of the Phoenix Karate-do Association Kyokushinkai International will be held on July 19, 2019 in the USA with all members of the International Executive Committee in attendance. The meeting is chaired by Kancho Soller.
*Shuseki Shihan Cathy Melanson, 7th dan, is currently training in Australia and visiting Kyokushin dojo. She will return to the States for Camp Phoenix XXXVI, the annual summer gashuka of the Association.
*Sensai Gary Herwig, 4th dan, Director of the Executive Instructors Committee, along with Shuseki Shihan Anthony Codispoti, 7th dan, Vice Chair of the International Executive Committee and the Kancho Charity Benefit, have announced a number of Camp Phoenix Scholarships for the coming year. The scholarships are awarded for merit based on specific application criteria, under the auspices of the Nicholas and Joyce Codispoti Scholarship. Awardees are officially recognized at Camp Phoenix USA.
Update June 14, 2019
*Camp Phoenix XXXVI, the annual international summer gashuku, will be held inMaryland USA on July 19th-21st, 2019. The camp is open to all members of the Phoenix Karate-do Association Kyokushinkai International. Yudansha promotions, continuously training and improvement remain the Camp's long standing goals.
OSU
*Sensei Nicolae Toma, Chief Instructor of the Palisades Dojo (Washinton DC) led his Uchideshi Training Camp at Chincoteague Island, VA this past June 8th-9th. Members trained on the beach with an emphasis on Kumite and developing their budo spirit. The training is the first of what is to be a new annual event in preparation for the Association's annual July summer USA Camp Phoenix XXXVI.
OSU
*The Ukraine Branch began their annual UA Camp Phoenix 2019 over four days. Ten members will later be traveling to USA Camp Phoenix XXXVI in July for
promotions and training. OSU
*Sempai Hector (tito) Ivan Munoz from Chile, has been visiting the USA Shrewsbury, NJ Dojo, The Phoenix Way, to train with Branch Chief Shuseki Shihan Anthony
Codispoti and his karateka. Training has centered on kumite, kata and kihon. Welcome Sempai!
Update May 22, 2019
*Women's Warrior Weekend, led by Branch Chief Shuseki Shihan Cathy Melanson, is set for June 8-9th, 2019 in Virginia. Please contact Shuseki Shihan if interested in an intense physical and rewarding training weekend.
Update May 15, 2019
*Phoenix Karateka around the World are performing Kanku on Thursday, May 16th, 2019 in honor of Jim Siedecki, who died suddenly while traveling overseas. Jim was a long time supporter of Phoenix, a former student and father to Sempai M. Siedecki. He will be greatly missed! OSU
Update April 29, 2019
*Camp Phoenix Kuro obi orders and Camp rosters are due to Honbu. Please pass along the information and appropriate payments.
OSU!
Update April 25, 2019
*UKRAINE DOJO
Sixteen Phoenix Dojo of various sizes and training emphasis are located in the Kyiv, Dnepropetrovsk, and Marganets' regions under three Branch Chiefs: Shihan Natasha Snegireva, Shihandai Pavel Dolgoruk and Shihan Volodymyr Snyegirov.
Location: Kyiv, Dnepropetrovsk and Marganets regions
Website: www.phoenixkaratedo.com
Contact: Shihan Natasha Snegireva
KYIV REGION
Kyiv
Kyiv "Hebana" Dojo
Kyiv "Wak Aba" Dojo
Kyiv "Pechersk School International" Dojo
Kyiv "Kyiv International School" Dojo
Bucha
Bucha "Sakura" Dojo
Bucha "Sportstyle" Dojo
Nemishaevo
Nemishaevo "Shingitai" Dojo
DNEPROPETROVSK REGION
Nikopol Dojo
Dnepropetrovsk Dojo
MARGANET REGION
School #12 Dojo
Litsei #1 Dojo
School #2 Dojo
Litsei #10 Dojo
School #5 Dojo
School #3 Dojo
Zorya Dojo
Update April 2, 2019
*This is the Phoenix Kata site:
http://phoenixtv.azurewebsites.net
Sempai John Kidd (Frederick Dojo) along with members of the Gaithersburg Dojo
(The Forge) attended the Carolina Open Tournament in Raleigh, NC on March 30,
2019. The tournament was sponsored by long time Phoenix friend, Sensei Marvin
Saint-Cyr of Bushiken Karate.
Shihan Natasha Snegireva, Senior Branch Chief of the Ukraine, oversaw the Kyiv
Tournament for beginners this past week, with forty of her kohai participating in the
learning experience.
Updates March 27, 2019
*On March 16, 2019, Kancho Soller along w/ Branch Chiefs Shuseki Shihan Cathy Melanson & Shuseki Shihan Anthony Codispoti led the USA Spring Gashuku in the Shrewsbury Dojo NJ ~ The Phoenix Way. Members from Maryland, NJ, Indiana, Virginia, NY, Pennsylvania & Washington DC attended the Northeast & Capital Region sponsored event. The curriculum included extensive kihon, along w/ kumite, kata & advanced bag work.
Updates March 13, 2019
*See Dojo page for MSM and Indiana Dojo listing.
Updates March 3, 2019
*Sensei Bradley Hoffeld 4dan (CA) visited the Shrewsbury Dojo ~ The Phoenix Way for training with Branch Chief & Chief Instructor Shuseki Shihan Anthony Codisopti and his karateka.
*Kancho Soller visited the MSM Dojo (MD) and Chief Instructor Chu Sempai Earl Bell for kata training.
*Sensei Nick Toma 3rd dan and his Palisades Dojo (Washington DC) participated in the the Arnold Classic Tournament in Columbus, Ohio.
Updates February 27, 2019
*Honbu-The Phoenix Karate-do Association Kyokushinkai International is pleased to announce that Ukrainian Senior Branch Chief Shihan Natasha Snegireva will be accompanied by a number of karateka for this year's annual USA summer gashuka, Camp Phoenix XXXVI, to be held July 19-21st, 2019.