By Anthony J. Machcinski
Two members of Kearny Martial Arts were honored with the opportunity to attend the World Head of Family Sokeship Council (WHFSC) in Orlando, Fla. The event brings together more than 450 martial arts leaders from across the globe.
“It’s an extremely prestigious event,” explained Kearny Martial Arts Sensei Joe Pung. “It was an amazing experience.”
Pung attended the Council with Grand Master Vincent Marchetti.
The Council is usually a Grandmasters-only event; however, Pung was permitted to attend the event because Marchetti is his teacher.
A Grand Master requires decades of training and is the highest level that can be obtained in Martial Arts – a tenth-degree black belt. A Sensei, as described by Pung, is typically a third-degree black belt or higher who devotes most of his time to teaching.
Both Pung and Marchetti are trained in the art of Michi Budo Ryu, which is Japanese for “Best of the Street Fighters.”
The council as a whole is an opportunity for Grand Masters from across the globe to showcase their Martial Art, to learn about the history behind the Arts, and to network with other Grand Masters. Pung described the event as, “part honorary, part networking, and part education.”
For Pung, seeing Marchetti’s involvement in the council was an important part of the Council experience.
“It was interesting to see (him conduct a meeting) and to see how much influence he really has,” Pung said. “I got to see him address the entire council in a morning meeting, explaining why it’s important to document your lineage.”
This WHFSC was Pung’s third time at the event while Marchetti has been going to the Council every year since its inception 20 years ago.
