by Nancy Ault

When Mr. Frank Matt, sensei started Goju Ryu karate in 2001 I knew right away he was a talented karateka and would someday be a great instructor. In 2006 as a Shodan he moved from Maine to upstate New York. It was my loss but a big gain for the GKK. He soon started his own dojo at the YMCA in Corinth New York. We still drive the six hours to train with each other when possible. Recently on April 4th and 5th he returned to Maine to test for Nidan. We started Friday night with a vigorous workout covering basics and beginning training katas. Saturday morning began with my regular class and with Mr. Frank teaching my higher ranks, as he only has white belts in his dojo thus far. After class we continued his nidan testing and by lunchtime he was done and wiped out. Mr. Frank is a powerful man and always gives 110%. He dislocated a knee one time but finished testing. Saturday evening we all gathered at a student’s house for a congratulations party. Our intense interest in Goju Ryu karate is mutual. There aren’t many people I can spend a combined eighteen hours in a car talking about karate but Mr. Frank is such a friend. Congratulations to our newest GKK Nidan!