
Buzz Durkin
Uechiryu Butokukai Headmaster
Judan · Grandmaster · 10th Degree Black Belt
Meet Buzz DurkinOur school
A teaching community shaped by years of learning together, with individual attention from the first lesson onward.

Uechiryu Butokukai Headmaster
Judan · Grandmaster · 10th Degree Black Belt
Meet Buzz Durkin
Director of the Uechiryu Butokukai
Hachidan · Master · 8th Degree Black Belt
Meet Marcus Traynor
Head Instructor
Rokudan · Master · 6th Degree Black Belt
Meet Stephanie Rodenhiser








Our instructors trained with Buzz Durkin and earned their black belts here. We know what it feels like to start as a new student.
Get to know our instructors, their training, and their work in the Uechiryu Butokukai community.
Source preserved
Public source observed October 31, 2026. Readable public prose is preserved; widgets and private-access details are not reproduced. Dated promotions, relative dates and staff qualifications may be historical. This is not an active offer or registration.
Judan - 10th Degree Black Belt - Grandmaster
Headmaster
Mr. Durkin began his study of Uechi Ryu karate in 1966. In March of 1974 Mr. Durkin opened his school and began teaching. Under his leadership the school has grown to be one of the largest and most successful traditional martial arts schools in the country, winning numerous national and international awards.
Mr. Durkin has traveled to Asia many times to further his knowledge of Uechi style karate, including a Government sponsored trip to the People’s Republic of China. He currently holds the rank of tenth degree black belt and is a registered Hanshi or Master Instructor with the All Okinawan Karate Association. He is one of a select group of karate practitioners world wide to receive a special commendation for outstanding contributions to Uechi style karate. He is a charter inductee in the Uechi Ryu Hall of Fame, and a member of the World Martial Arts Federation Hall of Fame.
Mr. Durkin is considered one of the top instructors and consultants in the Martial Arts field today. He has been the keynote speaker at several national Martial Arts conventions and regularly addresses school owners, teachers and civic groups on the benefits of the Martial Arts. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the United States Martial Arts Association, which is the largest Martial Arts Association in the country.
Mr. Durkin is a Vietnam combat veteran who received both his Bachelor of Science degree and his M.B.A. from Boston College. He lives in Atkinson, NH with his wife of thirty-six years, Judy.
Staff at Buzz Durkin’s Uechi Karate School
Marcus Traynor Dojo Director Hachidan - 8th Degree Black Belt - Master Shihan - Master Instructor Read about Marcus Traynor
Stephanie Rodenhiser Head Instructor Rokudan - 6th Degree Black Belt - Master Shihan - Master Instuctor Read about Stephanie Rodenhiser
Bella Traynor Program Director Godan - 5th Degree Black Belt Shihan - Master Instructor Read About Bella Traynor
Henry Traynor Instructor Godan - 5th Degree Black Belt Shihan - Master Instructor Read About Henry Traynor
Other Intructors at Buzz Durkin’s Uechi Karate School
Judy Durkin Judan - 10th Degree Black Belt - Grandmaster Shihan - Master Instructor read about Judy Durkin
David Kelley Kudan - 9th Degree Black Belt - Master Shihan - Master Instructor Read more about David Kelley
Paul Trickett Kudan - 9th Degree Black Belt - Master Shihan - Master Instructor Read more about Paul Trickett
Bob Beal Kudan - 9th Degree Black Belt - Master Shihan - Master Instructor Read more about Bob Beal
Daniel Diskin Nanadan - 7th Degree Black Belt - Master Shihan - Master Instructor Read More about Daniel Diskin
Jonathan Shepard Nanadan - 7th Degree Black Belt - Master Shihan - Master Instructor Read More about Jonathan Shepard
Sara Mersereau Rokudan - 6th Degree Black Belt Shihan - Master Instructor Read more about Sara Mersereau
Your next chapter starts with a conversation.