Bob Beal

Hachidan - 8th Degree Black Belt

Shihan - Master Instructor

“I began studying Uechi-Ryu in 1975. In 1993 I was given the privilege of teaching at the Atkinson Dojo by Sensei Durkin. When teaching I focus on self-defense, endurance and stretching, aerobic bordering on anaerobic, and fighting for air. (My opening statement to the class, "It is my job to leave you behind, it is your job not to let me.") How to survive under extreme conditions. As a professional I worked on the railroad as a Locomotive Engineer for over 40 years. A family man married for 52 years, two sons both Blackbelts and two wonderful grandchildren. I enjoy playing tenor saxophone, bicycling, gardening and reading. At 72 years old, my two most important groups of people in my life are (in this order) my family and my Uechi Family. My best friend is my wife Debbie.