Al Wharton
Judan - Uechiryu Karate Do
On March 9th, Master Al Wharton was awarded the rank of 10th Dan (Judan) in Uechi Ryu Karate Do at Winterfest in Orlando, Florida, by the ‘International Uechi Ryu Karate Federation’.
This was an historic event, which saw Master Al being presented with the highest rank in this Okinawan system of Karate. Master Al is the first Bermudian to be honored with such a prestigious title within the IUKF both in Bermuda and the United Kingdom.
Master Al started his Martial arts journey in Boston, Massachusetts back in 1969 at the Mattson Academy of Karate. Master George E Mattson brought Uechi Ryu back from Okinawa, Japan after being stationed there, and was instrumental in introducing this style to North America.
After a year of training in Uechi Ryu, a classmate told Al he had seen a wonderful demonstration of Chinese martial arts; and was invited to attend a training session, and wanted him to come along. Al went along with his friend and met Master Chin Bing Cheung, becoming his student in Bak Sil Lum (Northern Shaolin). He trained 4 times weekly in Uechi Ryu and 3 times weekly in Bak Sil Lum and intentionally did not let any instructors know that he practiced more than one system. He advanced in both systems and competed in many tournaments doing kumite under the guidance of Jim Maloney, and advanced classes taught by George Mattson. He continued to train and compete in both disciplines until he left Boston in 1975, when he returned to Bermuda.
Upon returning to Bermuda, Master Al set about perfecting what he learned from Master Chin, performing demos and competing in many tournaments in Bermuda and abroad. He began teaching Bak Sil Lum in 1976, establishing Bermuda Arts and Fitness Academy, which was one of the first Martial arts academies on the island.
Master Al started teaching Uechi Ryu Karate in 1977, also over the early years studied Shotokan Karate with Kazumi Tabata and captained and coached the Bermuda Karate team in many WUKO world championships, and later studied the fundamentals of Chen Tai Chi, and Hau Shan Pai Qi Gong.
Al has taught hundreds of students in the 50 plus years, and has been recognized twice by Bermuda Government for his contribution to martial arts; having hosted many tournaments, seminars and demonstrations, introducing some of the finest masters of martial arts to Bermuda's shores. In 2012 he hosted the 13th edition of the Bermuda Arts And Fitness Academy’s Martial Arts Tournament, one of the largest. Master Al has proven to be a teacher’s teacher, setting the foundation for advancement of many of his students who have become teachers in their own right. He can be credited with introducing Kung Fu, and Uechi Ryu Karate to Bermuda, having some of the finest practitioners come under his instruction.
He is more widely known for his Uechi Ryu Karate and was inducted into the Uechi Hall Of Fame in 1982. He has created a DVD of "Sechin Combat Bunkai" as part of his contribution to the Uechi-Ryu Community for his 8th Dan, and contributed a Kata of his own creation called "Kinsei" at his 10th Dan Ceremony at Winterfest. For these reasons, Master Al has also been awarded the Title of Hanshi, along with his Judan rank.
Master Al is now living in England with his family and has no plans to retire as he is about to embark on teaching his own online courses within the Mattson Academy’s online program.
This year’s seminar: Basics & Insights
Discussing the importance of BASICS, and how they develop INSIGHTS over time.
Performing various Drills, including Free style Kumite, Pre arranged Kumite, Self Protection and Kata.