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ACCREDITED COACHING AND TECHNICAL COURSE IN IRAN

Soke Saito & Robert Senpai Travel to Iran (March 2014)

Monday 3/3/2014Del Saito Soke and Robert Burstein Senpai, departed from Medford airport to begin their long journey

to Esfahan, Iran. A bit apprehensive due to all the negative propaganda, passport and approved visa in

hand, the two set out to meet their Middle East Karate brothers and sisters. After waiting for four hours

in Seattle, they boarded an Emirates 777, and was greeted by gorgeous flight attendants. The fourteen

hour thirty minute flight to Dubai was fairly comfortable with a bit of leg room (aisle seat) and friendly

travel companions to converse with. After landing safely and an easy processing through Customs,

Soke and Robert marveled at the modern architecture of this United Arab Emirates facility. A five hour

layover was slowly testing the stamina of the already weary travelers, but they managed to keep their

senses to board their next two hour flight to Tehran Komeini Airport.

Tuesday 3/4/2014Arrival to Tehran was slightly less than pleasant for Robert Senpai. The airport police wanted to get his

finger prints so he was escorted into a back room. This is generally not required from the visitors, how-

ever, it seems to be a tit for tat gesture for American visitors. Soke himself was exempt as he was de-

clared as the guest of the government. After clearing the immigration process, they were greeted by

Amir Mahdavi Shihan, the TKFI Director of Iran and the Middle East, and presented beautiful flower

bouquets, and of course the customary kiss on the cheek.

After a much needed sleep at the Ferdossi Grand Hotel in Iran, although a very short one at that, Soke,

Amir Shihan and Robert Senpai enjoyed a typical Iranian breakfast consisting of eggs, non-pork

sausage, vegetables, cheese, bread, hot beans, juice, chai and coffee.

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As part of the airline's standard training, flight atten-dants are required to undergo beauty and etiquettetraining.

Wednesday 3/5/2014Tehran, also known as the city of hospitality has about 15 million people. Soke and Robert are quick to

notice that Iranians drive like maniacs and although initially shaken up a bit, they marvel at the technical

skills of each driver; and there are no signs of road rage. There is also no ryme or reason to traffic sig-

nals, lanes or pedestrian crossings. Motorcycles are like weeds on the street as operators weave in

and out of traffic and even at times they drive on the sidewalks and go the wrong way. The horn blown

is like saying, “Watch out, here I come!”. And if you’re crossing the street, don’t expect cars to yield as

they do in the U.S. Perfect timing is a must and at times cars miss you by inches. At first, the two travelers

were nervously following Amir Shihan’s lead, but after a few times, learned to laugh while crossing to

the other side. Soke is quick to note that one of the requirements for the black belt will now include

driving on a busy street in Tehran for 30 minutes.

The first order of events for the day was to meet the

National Iranian Karate Federation officials in Kesh-

vari stadium. Soke and his assistant were warmly

welcomed by Mr. Alireza Samandar, the head of Na-

tional Iranian Karate Federation, Shihan Ashoori, the

executive director of the federation, and Mr. Sadr, the

international public relations manager of the federa-

tion. The guests presented the hosts with some gifts

and after cordial exchanges, points about progress

of Karate Do in Iran and the desire to reach the level

for Olympic competitions was discussed. The offi-

cials were very pleased to see Soke in Iran willing to

extend the knowledge and skill of Iranian instructors

on his style of Karate. Everyone was extremely im-

pressed with Soke's biography and achievements

which Mr. Amir Mahdavi had already printed and distributed amongst the group.

The executives of the federation promised to do their best in advancing Soke’s Shito-ryu style of Karate

in Iran and assist Mr. Amir Mahdavi, Soke's representative in Iran. Establishing and making forward

progress in the whole region, under the ultimate supervision of Soke, would be one of their goals.

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Traffic is horrendous especially during Norwuz, theNew Year holiday period. Hundreds of lives are lostduring the two weeks’ holiday. (March 20 to early April)

Article published in the Islamic Republic of Iran National Karate Federation on the clinics taught and supervised byDel Saito Soke.

Soke was invited to attend the internal Karate tournament and team selection for all karate styles and

age groups scheduled to take place in Shiraz. However, the tight itinerary of Soke's travel and limitations

on flight tickets and schedules did not allow planning for that event.

At the end of the session Soke presented Mr. Samandar and Mr. Ashoori with the insignia of the Tradi-

tional Karate-do Federation International and souvenir gifts to commemorate the occasion.

The photos about the session and a descriptive of article of the event was published in the related web

sites of Karate federation and the Society of Shito-ryu Hanko-ryu Karate Do of Iran, as well as announce-

ments in the national broadcasting media.

The guests then visited the Maydan Azadi and its museums near the Mehrabad Airport. Once informed

of the arrival of the guests, the museum officials provided expert guides and called in a photographer

to document the visit.

After the visit to Maydan Azadi (translates to Freedom Square) the guests were invited to a traditional

restaurant near Ferdossi Square in Tehran. Lunch consisted of tasty lamb kabob with rice with saffron,

fresh vegetables, chai and a flat bread (naan), which is baked over a bed of small hot stones.

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L-R Mr. Ashoori, President Samandar, Saito Soke, Robert Senpai and Amir MahdaviShihan.

TKFI gifts for our dedicatedIranian Karate leaders.

Freedom Square Tower. Friendly and informative Mu-seum officials.

Spectacular Bird’s eye view of Tehran.

The guests were then introduced to Ostad Ali Babri, one of the founding members of Jujitsu in Iran, and

Mr. Shikh, an official associated with the house of representatives in Iran. The group discussed some

points on the history of the host country and the unfortunate negative views of many towards Iran due

to lack of interaction and misunderstandings. Mr. Babri hoped that the guests will have a pleasant stay

and feel the hospitality of the hosts to establish their own views outside the media representation of the

country.

Soke, Amir Shihan and Robert Senpai then flew to Isfahan and were welcomed by Mr. Mahdavi's family

and many of the dignitaries and trainers of Karate groups in Isfahan.

After a short relaxation period, the guests received Mr. Ali Davaiha (the president of Karate Group of

the Province of Isfahan) and Ostad Reza Roohi (the executive manager of the provincial Karate Group).

The guests were then invited to have dinner before returning to the Ali Quapu Hotel to retire for the

evening.

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Mr. Ostad Ali Babri and Mr. Shikh shares lunch with Soke, Mr. Amir and Mr. Burstein.

Soke and Robert are welcomed with flowers and Iranianhospitality.

Pleasant greeting from Amir Shihan and his family.

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Thursday 3/6/2014Training session for Men started at 9 AM. The style, skill, techniques, and especially the attitude of Soke

was admired by all the students as well as on lookers who stated that they had not seen such a useful

and engaging session from any of the visitors they have had before. Everyone was most impressed by

the humble attitude of such a well known expert of this special art.

Even during the rest period instructors and student could not leave Soke Saito alone and constantly

tried to benefit from every minute of his presence. It is also a hospitality gesture not to leave the guests

alone in order to make them feel welcomed and appreciated.

Left to right: Ostad Talebi, Dr. Batvani, Shihan Mahdavi, Mr. Davaiha, Soke Saito, Mr. Burstein and Ostad Roohi.

The second session lasted till 2 PM and the group benefited from Soke's teaching of principles, men-

torship and demonstrations of techniques.

The afternoon was spent on site seeing and visiting the bazaar. It is busy, it is crowded and it is real.

You can find goods for unbelievable low prices as well as high end items such as gold jewelry and ex-

pensive rugs - and you can bargain. The bazaar is a city in the city, it is huge and has its own areas for

different kinds of goods and numerous restaurants. The sound of metal clanging is the work of many

craftsman holding on to the traditional metal work called “Ghalamzani”. This form of art is where sheets

of copper or silver are shaped into objects such a vase or plates. The object is then painted upon using

pre-designed perforated templates. Then the master Ghalam Zan uses tiny chisel and hammer to dent

the object and create a 3D design on the painting. This is later on cured to gain shades of gray highlights.

Soke took part in a few hammer strokes to experience the art.

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The Bazaar of Isfahan is one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Middle East dating back to the 17th century.

The bazaar still forms the commercial heart of Isfahan. Amir Shihan bargains with the owner to get the best deal.

By this time in their trip, Soke and Robert begins to become very comfortable with the Iranian people in

general. A nation made up of numerous ethnic groups, mainly Persians, Turkish (Azari), Kurds,

Balouchis, and Arabs, it is quite an experience just to be standing on part of Persia which was once a

great world power. With all the images depicting Iran as a dark, dangerous place full of fundamentalist

fanatics, our guests discovers the real Iran with friendly people and wonderful surprises. Everyday folks

notices the foreigners as they walk throughout the city, discover that they are Americans and always

smile and practice their English with their hellos and cordial welcome.

Friday 3/7/2014Training and teaching sessions for men continued on the second day. Soke taught his special Saito-ha

Shito-ryu Kata techniques. On the second session a Bo Kata was taught which was exciting and well

received by the students who enjoyed the skill and the unique style of teaching.

The event was covered by the Isfahan Broadcasting organization and was also aired on the national

TV with a number of commentaries on the importance of the honored guests in the world of Karate.

Soke also conducted an interview which was aired on the national channels.

Although Soke Saito could speak a little Farsi, Amir Shihan assured everyone that most of the instruc-

tions would be clearly understood by hiring the service of Sensei Shand Tabatabaie. He was most patient

and articulated the main points of the course very professionally and made it possible for Soke’s ses-

sions to be most successful.

Shihan Amir Mahdavi, TKFI Director and the president of Iran's Traditional Shito Ryu Karate-do, thanked

Soke for accepting the invitation to visit Isfahan and expressed the team's appreciation for the work and

effort presented by the guests. Shihan Ali Kamali, the president of Isfahan Shito Karate, followed with

his expression of thanks to the guests. Then Shihan Morteza Zamani, the president of Hayashi ha Shito-

ryu Karate club of Isfahan, representative of northeast style, Ostad Hamed Zafaranlo, Ostad Ali Davaiha

(president of Isfahan Karate Group), each followed with their expression of welcome and gratitude.

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Isfahan Broadcasting interviewingSoke Saito.

Sensei Majid Erfanmanesh assistsin the translation.

Shand Tabatabaie Sensei, official trans-lator for our guests.

After completion of the men's session and lunch and a brief rest, Soke and Robert visited the office of

Shihan Afshin Tabatabi (the President of Kyokushin Kai Karate of the Middle East) and continued with

his teaching of Karate principles and techniques to advanced group of instructors. Shihan Tabatabi then

presented one of his own written books to Soke.

The guests are then accompanied by Ostad Davaiha and Shihan Mahdavi to visit Ostad Mostafa Soltani

(the president of Kan Zen Ryu style of Karate-Do in the province of Isfahan) who was recovering from

an illness. Soke Del Saito was warmly received in the club and he explained the importance of main

principles and basic concepts to be followed by all the students. Gifts were then exchanged between

the guests and Ostad Soltani Kaicho.

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A daily ritual between sessions was to meet at thecoffee house for chai and delicious cakes.

Typical Persian main dishes are combination of rice with meat, lamb, chicken, or fish and some onion, vegetables,nuts, and herbs. The rice is exceptionally fluffy, not sticky and with saffron and a golden crust.

Daily lunches after classes was not only tasty but a good timeto relax, laugh and to get to know one another.

Saturday 3/8/2014Soke begins the Women Instructor’s Training session and technical teaching for the basic and advance

stages. The all-female karate session (women typically do not train together with the men) caters to a

wide range of girls and young women wearing their dogi as well as the customary hijab, a veil that

covers the head and chest. The women are all eager to learn with enthusiasm, focus and unyielding

spirit. They are also brave, hopeful and with high aspirations of becoming very successful in karate as

well as in life.

After breaking for a brief visit to the tea house just outside of the venue for our daily ritual of chai, coffee

and cakes, the women’s session continued to mid-afternoon where the fundamentals and principles of

Kata were reviewed.

After lunch and relaxation Amir and Ebrahim Ramazani, who is one of the martial art and karate cham-

pions of Iran, accompanied the guests to see Hotel Abassi complex and special royal reception areas

related to Safavid and Qajar dynasties (16th to 18th century). These areas decorated with silver and

gold plated walls and sculptures carvings and were designed by royal architects at the court of Shah

Abbas Safavi.

After some site seeing, the guests were invited to have the traditional dinner at the open VIP reception

area. After dinner the guests entered the special recreation to see the traditional athletic dance of young

and fit champions in a special arena, called Zourkhaneh (or the house of power). Customarily, a special

bell (zang) was rung, to call to attention when a hero or a champion entered the arena. The bell keeper

(Morshed) rang the bell twice in honor of the guests who enjoyed a special performance by a skilled

performer.

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The women are eager to learn and take instructions very well. Soke Saito and Robert Senpai were impressed withtheir attitude and spirit. Some students traveled hundreds of miles to attend the clinics.

The guests then visited the "Maydan Naghsh-e-Jahan" (Global view square) which is registered by UN-

ESCO as the world second largest square (built around 1605). Mr. Sadegh Shai Ibani, one of the candy

shop owners in the perimeter of the square invited the guests to taste the special honey candies (Sohan)

and a local sweet (Gaz) and presented the guests with some packages of candies to take home as a

traditional hospitality gesture wishing the guests to share sweets with their students and friends.

The tour continued to the Grand Bazar of Ghaysarieh where some handcrafts and artifacts were exam-

ined. Mr. Reza Rasouli (one of the karate instructors and manager of international public relations) pre-

sented the guests with a couple of souvenirs to remember the occasion.

Other historical sites such as Ali-Ghapoo and Masjid-Shah and Masjid-Sheikh-Lotfolah were visited.

The guests then retired at the Ali-Ghapoo hotel.

Sunday 3/9/2014The instruction sessions for the women reconvened at 9 AM and Soke covered many fundamentals

and advance Kata, including Seipai, Suparinpei, Gojushiho, Unshu and the Bassai series. After the com-

pletion of the session, everyone had a good laugh sharing the concern of Soke that women couldn’t be

touched while being instructed. Once informed that it was perfectly fine to do so, instructions from Senpai

Robert and Soke went smoothly. The women then took every opportunity to introduce themselves while

asking to take photos with our guests. Everyone had a great experience including the instructors which

formed a solid foundation for mutual respect and understanding.

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Ebrahim Ramazani Sensei (Center), Se-curity Coordinator provides grand tourof the Abassi Hotel which has 225rooms.

Soke addresses the gen-eral assembly at Iran’sfinest property.

Abassi Hotel was built at the time of king SultanHossein some 300 years ago. The guests await thebell ceremony.

Beautiful decor and art adorns the ceil-ings, halls and rooms.

A sumptuous and attractive gardenin the courtyard is a must to see.

Mr. Sadegh Shai Ibani (right), introducesSoke and Robert to some Iranian sweets.

Around 2:30 the guests went to Shahrzad Restaurant for lunch. After some rest time the guests were

accompanied to visit some of the oldest bridges built centuries ago over the then grand river Zayandeh

Rood.

Then tea was served in a restaurant located in the base of Zagros mountain.

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Khaju Bridge, built by Shah Abass II in 1650.

Taking a breather under one of the arches ofKhaju Bridge.

Students gather around Soke and Robert on the Khaju Bridge.

Shahrestan Bridge is the oldest bridge on the Zayandeh Rud.

During the teaching and practicing classes, many of the region karate champions paid their respect to

Soke and welcomed him and enjoyed his companionship. Some of those people were: Ostad Ali Kamali

(Shito-ryu Shitokai), Morteza Nilforoushan (Kan Zen Ryu), Morteza Zamani (Shito-ryu Hayashi Ha),

Reza Roohi (Wadoryu), Mohamad Eftekhari-Poor (Shito-kai), Mehdi Mir-Shamshiri (Wadokai), Ali Davay-

iha (President of Isfahan Karate Group), Hossein Sharifi (Director of Isfahan Karate Club), Massoud

Alam-Shiri (Shotokan), Hamid Khadem Khorassani (Shito-ryu), Hasan Salam-Poor (previous Head In-

structor to National Iranian Karate Team), Javad Shirani (Manager of Kargaran sport stadium, who was

one of the wrestling champions of Iran), Massoud Salehi (Director of REEF Sports Club), Mr. Yazdi-

Zadeh (Assistant Director of Youth & Sport of Isfahan Province), Mr. Talebi (Vice President of REEF

Club of Iran) and Mr. Vazir Zadeh (Representative of Isfahan Radio and TV).

Also from the Women section: Ms. Mahnaz Talebi (Vice president of Women's Traditional Shito-ryu

Group of Iran) and Ms. Nahid Shahbazi (Vice president of Isfahan Karate Group).

Monday 3/10/2014The guests visited the Jolfa area of Isfahan which is the residential area of Christian Armenians, and

visited the Vanek Church which is one of the oldest historical buildings of Isfahan and the oldest church

in Isfahan. The Chehel-Sotoon (40 pillars) monument was also visited (this is one of the old landmarks

of the city depicting the traditional architecture of centuries ago. It is called 40 pillars due to the reflection

of its pillars on the waters of the river it used to shine above.)

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The guests were then invited by the management of REEF Sport Center to visit the center. This visit

was organized by Amir Mahdavi who is the chief trainer of the club's Karate Club . After the customary

introduction to officials and customary presentation of welcoming gifts in honor of the VIP guests, the

office of Traditional Shito-ryu Federation of Iran and Asia was officially opened. Soke Del Saito initiated

the opening ceremony by cutting the ribbon.

The guests then visited Attar House which is a mansion renovated with the traditional architecture design

through the support of Mr. Tabashiri, the executive director of Reef Group, and dedicated to charitable

events. The next organized event was a visit to the sport club of Ostad Habibolah Nazarian. Mr. Nazarian

was the president of Iranian Karate Federation for 15 years and a member of Asian Karate Federation

Directorate. Mr. Nazerian welcomed Soke Del Saito, and recognized the social and international stature

of Soke in a very complimentary speech admiring his world renowned techniques, philosophy, and skills.

Then Ostad Nazerian, president of Iranian Shotokan, presented Soke with a traditional design gift to

mark the occasion. (Soke was also invited to stay at this exquisite mansion on his next visit to Iran.)

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Mr. Massoud Salehi Exec Director of REEF Sports Club as-sists Soke in the ribbon cutting ceremony. In the back-ground Mr. Talebi (technical director of REEF), and Mr.Erphan.

The new office of TKFI Shito-ryu in Iran and the MiddleEast.

Tuesday 3/11/2014Initially, the plan was to fly to Shiraz, known as the city of poets, literature, wine and flowers. However,

the trip had to be revised, and instead, Mr. Majid drove our guests in his Land Rover to the fifth most

populous city, which took about 6 hours.

On the way the group stopped at Passargad and visited the tomb of Kourosh Kabir (Cyrus the Great)

who was the first king of Achaemenid dynasty (500 BC). The remains of palaces and stone writing of

the time were also visited. They passed by Naghsh Rostam where the story of the kings of the time

was carved on the side of the mountain. After passing by the tombs of some of ancient kings (Babak

and Ardeshir), they visited the Zoroastrian Fire House. (Zoroastrians did not believe in temples as the

place of worship, however, fire was sacred to them so they had fire houses in the community. The job

of the fire keepers was to make sure fire and ashes remained smoldering at night to stay warm and

making it easy to start the fire during the day). These monuments had survived dozens of centuries to

tell a story of a civilization and beliefs of the Persian Empire.

The guests then traveled to Marvdasht which was used by Dariush I and Xerxes, the mighty kings of

Persia, to receive dignitaries of the empire. The guests were welcomed and joined by representative of

TKFI in the Province of Fars including Mr. Abbas Dehghan, Ostad Mohamad-Ali Hadian and Dr. Ghas-

semi.

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Remains of the palace and tomb of Cyrus in Pasargadae,a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2006)

Mr. Majid, trusted driver with Persian rug, chai and sweets tomake the long journey to Shariz enjoyable.

Tomb of Darius the Great.Adashir I, the founder of the Sasanian empire in ancient Persia.

Saito Soke and Robert Senpai then made a trip to Takht-e-Jamshid (Persepolis), where the Iranian

tourism organization had provided a guide to explain the historical value of the remains. The palace of

Dariush III was burned down by Alexander the Great after he defeated the Persian army and captured

the palace and surrounding areas (330 BC).

One of the main attraction in a nearby location at that time was a huge walled in garden which is long

gone and destroyed. The garden of the palace of Apadana was called "Pardis". The word "Paradise" is

derived from that name.

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The history, the magnificent architecture, the glory of Persian Kingdom, the Persian Ancestorial greatness is allfascinating. One can understand how the great people of ancient Persia appreciated art, peace, love, and human-ity.

The guests then entered the city of Shiraz and were welcomed by Mr. Entezam (Director of Karate

Group of the province of Fars.) He was accompanied by one of chief trainers, Mr. Nejat. Soke enlight-

ened the well wishers with his views of the sport and how to overcome potential issues related to ex-

panding the sport. The guests were then invited to dinner and retired in Eram Hotel in Shiraz.

Wednesday 3/12/2014The touring of the city and its historical locations continued. The tomb of Hafez (one the well known

poets of Iran) was visited. The rain of the night left some freshness in the air and heralded the approach

of spring in Shiraz. Then with the arrival of D. Ghassemi the group went to visit the Garden of Eram

which is one of the historical sites of Shiraz. After lunch the guests returned to their hotel to prepare for

their departure.

In the Shiraz airport Mrs. Loghmani, the representative of women TKFI Shito-ryu of Fars, came to see

the guests off. She had missed the welcoming of the guest due to a family emergency, however, felt

compelled to see the guests and wish them well. She presented each guest with a book of poems to re-

member their trip to Shiraz.

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Khwāja Shams-ud-Dīn Muhammad Hāfez-e Shīrāzī, pen name Hāfez, was a Persian poet. His collected works com-posed of series of Persian literature are to be found in the homes of most people in Iran who learn his poems byheart and use them as proverbs and sayings to this day.

Mrs. Loghmani, TKFI Women Shito-ryu Rep-resentative in Fars.

Shiraz International Airport serves as the largest airport in the south-ern region of Iran.

The return to Tehran went smoothly despite the traffic grid of Tehran. Everyone seemed to be getting

ready for Nowruz which marks the first day of spring or Equinox, the beginning of the year in the Persian

calendar. Drivers don’t wait for a gap in the traffic to turn, they create one. When a small window of op-

portunity exists, without hesitation, they simply move ahead. This driving behavior is expected in this

city which is one of the ten largest cities in the world.

The next day the guests were escorted to the airport by Amir Shihan to assure their smooth processing

at the Tehran Komeini Airport and to continue their trip to Dubai and back to the United States.

The good memory of Soke's charisma and the visit of those friends will always remain with the Iranian

people. They wish God almighty provide them health and success and happiness.

More Photos for Everlasting Memories

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Congratulations to Amir Mahdavi Shihan for organizing the TKFI International Accredited Coaching Briefing Courseand Technical Stage in Isfahan, Iran.

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Saito Soke was the guest of honor at Isfahan’s Shotokan KarateClub.

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Farzaneh from Isfahan assists Sokeand Robert at the airport.

Claudia Tamashiro, travelneighbor from Brazil.

Mr. Hassam Salam Pour (L), developing scien-tific studies on exercise for modern karate.

Great view of Tehran from the Azadi Tower(Freedom Tower) which marks the West en-trance to the city.

Senpai Robert takes full advantage of the dine and sleep ex-perience at an Isfahan restaurant.

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Summary

The trip to Iran was one of the most memorable one that Robert and I have ever

experienced. The Iranian students were eager to learn everything we had to offer and

their appetite for understanding our techniques and philosophy kept everyone training

for hours without any breaks. Time just got ahead of us but no one ever complained.

Students took every opportunity to learn more about us and our American culture. They

were curious to know how we felt about them. We were warmly received and all the neg-

ative perception that was planted in our minds were immediately erased with their hos-

pitality, friendliness and respect. They showered us with their kindness and gifts.

Classes were held separately for the men and women, which is foreign to American and

European ways. Women’s legal status has changed during different political and historical

eras, and they continue to strive for equality. During our initial curriculum, Robert and I

were a bit reserved in our approach in conducting the classes. We were told by some

that it was inappropriate to touch the women. We were soon corrected and teaching be-

came more comfortable and enjoyable.

The sponsors and leadership of every karate and sports organization, welcomed us with

open arms. They are doing a phenomenal job assisting Amir Shihan in the care of keeping

all styles of karate at its highest level in Iran.

Our hosts love to eat and they treated us to superb Iranian cuisine. Most of their foods

are served with fresh green herbs along with fruits such as plums, pomegranates, quince,

prunes, apricots, and raisins. Their main dishes are combination of rice with meat, lamb,

chicken, or fish and some onion, vegetables, nuts, and herbs. To achieve a balanced

taste, characteristic Persian flavorings such as saffron, dried limes, cinnamon, and pars-

ley are mixed delicately and used. Tartar sauce is generally served with shrimp, so if you

ask for it with a fish dish, expect some resistance as Robert discovered.

The history of the Persian Empire is fascinating and dwarfs our infant history in compar-

ison. Words cannot fully describe the true feelings that we experienced standing on the

grounds where great kings ruled and beautiful palaces existed; where Alexander the

Great (maybe not so great to many Iranians) had swept through the area such as Perse-

polis.

Through karate, a common bond holds us close together with respect, encouragement

and genuine friendship. Perhaps our country’s leaders can learn as we have, to work to-

gether and live in peace.

Thank you for allowing us to share with you karate-do, our true American spirit, and our

beliefs with you. Thank you for opening your hearts and sharing your attitudes and feel-

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ings with us. We will keep the kindred spirit connected in our hearts.

Osu!

Del Saito, TKFI Soke

Robert Burstein, Senpai and Assistant

Acknowledgements

Motoshakeram to Amir Mahdavi Shihan for his kindness and hospitality.

We certainly appreciate all the special touches that has made our classes

successful, and our time in Tehran, Isfahan and Shariz most enjoyable.

Special thanks to Mr. Pirouz Pirnia of Connecticut for

translating the many correspondence with Mr. Amir Mahdavi and I to as-

sure us a successful event. We are grateful for teaching us the Iranian

culture and even taking the time to send us samples of Iranian money

(rials or “toman”).

Thanks to Mr. Ken Khosroabadi of Oregon for sharing his travel experi-

ence in Iran and assuring us that we have nothing to worry about; for

inviting our families to his house in Ashland to experience the Iranian cui-

sine; and to introduce us to his Iranian friends.

We would like to also thank all the dignitaries, students and supporters who took the time

to attend the classes and who made a special effort in meeting and welcoming us with

open arms.

Domo arigato gozaimashita to Sensei Jim Hamilton, princess Misty, Cece

and to all the assistants and students who helped in the classes during

our absence.

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Published By: TKFI & Del Saito SokeEditors: Amir Mahdavi Shihan

Mr. Pirouz Pirnia

Printed By: Precision Printing

For copies, please order at:

delsaito@charter.net