Nidai Soke of Shuyokan Ryu Selected

	Shuyokan Ryu
	Traditional and Practical Training in Martial Arts Reality David Dye Sensei – Dojocho

Shuyokan Honbu Dojo — Costa Mesa, California

On November 10, 2002 one of the most important historical events in the history of the Shuyokan Honbu Dojo took place. A formal interview process was conducted to select the second-generation headmaster of Shuyokan Ryu, the Nidai Soke. The purpose of this process is to ensure that there will be a future legacy of the Shuyokan Ryu both nationally and internationally.

Sensei David Dye, Soke of Shuyokan Ryu, conducted the interviews. Present as witnesses to the interviews were Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu Grandmaster of Hawaiian Lua, Sensei Richard Rabago 7th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate, Makua Steve Spry 8th Dan Hawaiian Kenpo Karate, and Kancho Sam Combes 6th Dan Yoshinkan Aikido.

Of the six Shuyokan candidates who received formal written invitations to take part in the interview process, four accepted: Sensei Bob Smith, Sensei Paul Hayes, Sensei Wesley Watkins and Sensei Jeff Walker. All four candidates were interviewed separately and without any of the other candidates being present. At the request of Sensei Dye, Eric DeValpine was present to uke for all of the candidates, and Mark Sevi videotaped each of the interviews.

The results of the interview process and the final decision by Sensei Dye as to who has been selected as the Nidai Soke, shall be kept guarded and strictly confidential until such time as it becomes necessary for the person that has been selected to assume the position of Nidai Soke of Shuyokan Ryu. None of the witnesses present at the interview process will have knowledge of the final outcome of the interviews. All formal documentation including but not limited to a letter and certificate of Nidai Soke appointment to Shuyokan Ryu shall be kept sealed and in the possession Sensei David Dye. One additional set of these sealed documents will be in the possession of one of the witnesses designated and selected by Sensei Dye.

In an exclusive interview, Sensei Dye said, "It is vitally important for all those who are connected with Shuyokan in any way to know that the legacy of Shuyokan Ryu will continue on for many years to come. The selection process that has now taken place will ensure that legacy and it is my wish and my will as the Soke of Shuyokan Ryu that when the time comes for the chosen person to assume the position as Nidai Soke, all of those who are connected in any way with Shuyokan either as students, instructors, assistant instructors or as branch dojos both nationally or internationally, accept, respect and honor the person who will assume that position as the Second Generation Head Master."