Endorsed by
When & Where
Friday & Saturday, March 6 and 7, from 9AM to 3PM.
Lake Mary Community Center
140 E. Wilbur Ave.
Lake Mary, FL 32746
What is the WinterFest
George Mattson WinterFest is a two-day martial arts gathering focused on growth, learning, and connection within the Uechi Ryu community.
Two Days of Training
An intensive weekend with multiple seminars led by experienced Uechi Ryu instructors.
Learn from Multiple Masters
Train with different teachers, perspectives, and approaches to deepen your understanding of Uechi Ryu.
Tradition & Evolution
Explore both the traditional roots and modern interpretations of Uechi Ryu karate.
Community & Camaraderie
A unique opportunity to share practice, knowledge, and friendship with practitioners from around the world.
Presenters 2026
George E. Mattson
10° Dan - Founder of IUKF
George Mattson is recognized as the Father of Uechi-ryu karate in America. He trained in Okinawa under Tomoyose Ryuko and Kanei Uechi, earning his first-degree black belt before completing his U.S. Army service.
Buzz Durkin
10° Uechi Ryu - Founder of Butotukai
Buzz Durkin began his study of Uechiryu in 1966 and opened his now internationally renowned school in 1974. Mr. Durkin was one of the first Americans to travel to Okinawa for the express purpose of Uechi training (1971).
Jim Maloney
10° Dan Uechi Ryu
Sensei Jim Maloney began his Uechi training in 1963 and was elevated to the rank of 10th Dan in August of 2016. Sensei Maloney is the father of Uechiryu in Canada having opened his first dojo in Nova Scotia in 1973.
Darin Yee
10° Dan Uechi Ryu
Darin has studied White Crane and other Kung Fu systems since 1958 in Boston’s Chinatown. In 1969, he began my Uechi-Ryu journey but always kept his Kung-Fu base. He has taught extensive seminars throughout Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Okinawa and the United States.
Gustavo Gondra
10° Dan IKMA Japan - 9° Dan Kobudo
Gustavo Gondra is a highly respected Uechi Ryu karate master from Argentina. He has devoted his life to traditional Okinawan martial arts, teaching and promoting Uechi Ryu across South America and around the world.
Justin Testa
9° Dan Uechi Ryu
Justin Testa is a highly respected martial artist with 59 years of experience in Uechi-Ryu karate. He is the senior instructor at Mattson Academy of Karate (www.AtHomeKarate.com), and author of the recently published book, “Insights Into Uechi-Ryu Karate (www.uechi-insights.com).
Ryan Dean
8° Dan Uechi Ryu
Ryan has nearly 40 years of martial arts experience, with a foundation in Uechi-Ryu Karate and extensive study of body mechanics, physics, and movement. An 8th Dan in Uechi-Ryu, 2nd Dan in Judo, and National-level USA Judo Coach, he has taught full time since 2003.
Rik Lostrito
7° Dan Uechi Ryu - 3° Dan Kobudo Ryukokaku
“A Novel Way to Enhace Flow and Feel in Uechi Ryu Techniques” click here to read more.
Lee Adams
8° Dan Uechi Ryu
Lee Adams leads Shogun Martial Arts in Kent, represents the International Uechi-Ryu Karate Federation (IUKF) in the UK, and regularly teaches seminars, contributing to the growth and practice of traditional Uechi-Ryu in Britain and abroad. He is also an Aikido Instructor.
Tom Piacentini
7° Dan Uechi Ryu
Tom Piacentini is aUechi-Ryu karate instructor from Massachusetts, USA, with over five decades of training experience. He began studying Uechi Ryu in the early 1970s, has trained under senior masters including Shinjo Sensei, and has taught Uechi Ryu at his own dojo for many years.
Tim Dando
6° Dan Uechi Ryu
Patty Dando
6° Dan Uechi Ryu
Patricia Dando has dedicated her life to karate rooted in self-protection after surviving a brutal assault. Her path led her through several styles to Uechi-ryu, where she continues training under Grandmaster George E. Mattson. Founder of Women of Uechi
Roy Bedard
7° Dan Uechi Ryu
Roy Bedard, Ph.D. is a 7th-degree black belt in Uechi-Ryu Karate with over 45 years of experience in defensive tactics and martial arts.
Brian Nell
Jerome Barber
John Guarnieri
6° Dan Uechi Ryu
Robb Buckland
Sid Werthan
Gerry Hendewich
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us using the form below.
If you wish to register, please use the buttons to sign up for Friday, Saturday, or for both days of the event.
If you wish to register, please use the buttons to sign up for Friday, Saturday, or for both days of the event.