Editor's Notes
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Ray Hughes
Editor
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Nationalism
The feeling of pride for your country is accepted world wide. It seems only in this country that it is considered inappropriate by some.
Last week I attended the Pan American Jr. Karate Championships in Lima, Peru as one of the members of the USA Referee Corp. It was my first trip to a Pan American event and first try to obtain a judge's license. Because of my lowly status, I did very little in the judging department. It however gave me time to simply observe. I observed everyone and everything. I was extremely impressed with everyone in the USA delegation; the President, the referee corp, and most importantly, the competitors. I was filled with so much enthusiasm and excitement watching these young Americans compete and hold themselves in such high demeanor. I was proud to be an American. No matter what country you come from, it feels good when your athletes do well, win or lose. All the problems of the world go away, at least for a brief time. We just simply love our countrymen. I want everyone in the United States to know there are great young Americans representing you and our country in the most dignified manner. You would be so proud of them. Our young people are doing fine. On another note
We all know karate people are the best. Sometimes we forget how great they are. I went down to Lima with no idea what I was getting myself into. A few people stepped up and made an extremely stressful trip into one of the best experiences. Yes they tied my shoelaces together before I went out to judge. And yes, they taped a paper to the back of my blazer that said "I was the best referee in the world", in Spanish. But as a newbie I accepted the hazing with dignity, I only cried in the privacy of my room. On a serious note, I want to say thank you to the following; Joe Raymond, Bill Bastian, Mike Mustoe, Michael McKenzie, Juan Oshiro, Diane Martin, Craig Warren, & Kathy (forgive me for not remembering your last name-old age I guess). I owe you guys a whistle, patch, tie, and a chance to get even. See you at the next Pan American event.
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Welcome to the world of karate history, philosophy, other martial art information
Dear Karate Enthusiast;
The purpose of this newsletter is to pass on historical information, philosophical views and activities of interest to karate martial artists around the world. Please send your article, event or activity with a photo of the instructor and/or event organizer by the 20th of the preceding month to get your information in this newsletter. Please send your text in a Word document. Please send posters and pictures in small jpeg files, thank you.
Instructors, please forward to other karate enthusiasts,
thank you.
Sincerely,
Volunteer Staff
Contact Us
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September
We are continuing with another writing from Master Otsuka's book Wado Ryu Karate, published by Masters Publication. This book can be purchased at Amazon.com.
Martial Technique and Self Defense by Master Otsuka 1892-1982 The lives and resources of citizens must be protected and maintained by the country, but in reality, one can only rely upon the powers of the law. Harm can result from a lack of caution being used by the individual, but one can suffer unprovoked, uncalled for harm. In some situations, a mastering of martial arts could prevent, or at least minimize the effects from such harm. There is nothing wrong with the fact that martial arts may be involved. But in martial arts, one's mind and heart must constantly be prepared and this preparation is of utmost importance. A plentiful amount of attention and caution is just as necessary. However, it should be remembered that martial arts may interfere with safety, or worse, call harm to one's self in certain situations. At a point of life or death, if one intends on relying upon martial arts, then it is more and more required that he pay attention and use extreme caution in order to not achieve that point in the first place. It is important to create one's confidence in his skills through training, however, to become arrogant and rely upon that skill is most dangerous. There is nothing as unfortunate as finding one's self in a situation where he must utilize martial arts to protect himself. The objective of martial arts training is to train hard and yet search for a state where martial arts need not be used. Hence, one must seek the path of peace and desire that path as well.
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September
| Ray Hughes |
Self-Disclosure
A Sensei's powerful teaching Technique
By Ray Hughes In the mid-eighties and teaching for roughly ten years, I realized that my teaching technique was not as effective as I wanted it to be. My school was doing fine, but I wanted better results.
As I started wrestling with this dilemma, I began with the assumption that I responded to instruction the same as most people. I reflected on which teaching techniques turned me off and which teaching philosophies motivated and inspired me.
During the 70's and 80's there were two distinct types of instructors. The majority, both Japanese and American, were very condescending in their instruction. They knew all and wanted everyone to know it. They expected you to obey. The minority, however, were wise instructors who came across humble, seemed to have the student's interest in mind, and delivered their message in an unusual, distinct manner. They not only taught karate technique, they also taught philosophy.
It was at this time I realized that what I thought was a unique personal trait was actually a generic human trait; that trait being "no one liked to be told anything." Though I knew I was worse than most, it was still a powerful enlightenment.
These condescending instructors were going against this human nature. Though there were those few students who happily followed like sheep, most grudgingly tolerated their instruction. These instructors used power and fear to maintain their base; obviously not conducive to keeping many students long term. In addition, a negative by-product was developed - similar type instructors. Many of which still exist today.
To read the rest of this article click HERE
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September
Forefathers
The Karate Tapestry - Part 4
By
Robert Hunt
| Robert Hunt |
To grasp what karate is, it is essential to know who went before. We can't sort through the karate tapestry without knowing people like Bushi Matsumura and the time they inhabited. When people speak of karate "masters", these forefathers are the people to whom they refer, not the diploma-mill goof balls we endure today.
For convenience, we can divide the originators into the years before and after 1871. In that year Okinawa became an official part of Japan and their universe changed, hence the prior masters had a different world view (and karate view) than those later on. In a time when illiteracy was the rule, it is very difficult to pin down facts. But we deal with the information we have until the time machine gets invented.
Kushanku - Our first karate ancestor known by written testimony is Kushanku (maybe something like Kung Shang Kung in Chinese, but I have seen so many iterations, the Chinese who read our stuff must laugh out loud). The spelling matters little, anyway, because they were probably wrong in the first place (see the line about literacy above). Be that as it may, he appeared on the scene in the 1750's and passed on his martial art, probably Shaolin, to a few interested students. We have talked about him in previous issues.
| Matsu Higa |
Click HERE to read the rest of the article
To contact Robert Hunt
[email protected]
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by Doug Jepperson
| Doug Jepperson |
A few weeks ago, Brody Burns posted a reference to a study on how to keep kids happy in athletics. Last month, Ray Hughes started a project to build an advisory group for youth development in karate. Why? Because nearly 70%-80% of youth, ages 13 to 15, drop-out of organized sports. This is a disturbing trend not just in other sports, but in karate as well. At least 30 million kids ages 6-17 play in organized sports programs each year. Several million, mostly untrained, adults volunteer as coaches, administrators, officials or in other roles. About 35% of children drop-out of an organized sport program each year. Over 50% stop playing a sport by the time they are age 12. 70%-80% of youth ages 13 to 15 dropout of organized sports programs entirely. I attended a workshop in 2012 for club development for the USSA, US Ski and Snowboard Association. One of the presenters, Walt Evans, Director of Athlete Development USOC, referred to the same statistics, and he urged the club owners to start learning about teaching, coaching and competing. And since the USA Ski organization has a lot more money than we karate people, they can afford to hire the top experts in the field. But do not despair, we may not be able to hire the experts, but we can certainly read the reports and get their books.
Click HERE to read the rest of this article Doug Jepperson
[email protected]
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And some say there is no value in sport karate
A Karate Story that's Not About Karate
March 2, 2014 at Grand Canyon University Arena
two women enter the AZ State Karate Championships.
They search the stands for a familiar face. They haven't seen each other in over a year, but when they see each other they light up. Two friends brought together by Karate.
No this is not your typical karate story of warriors in a ring that share a common goal to be the best, and as the warriors battle they come to respect each other and forge a bond.
These women are different type of warriors. They are the GRANDMAS.
Six years ago these two grandmas meet at a local AZ tournament in Phoenix. They shared their lives and stories with each other as they watched their young grandchildren
compete. All though they both had very different histories, they shared
| Sandra Gittens Chin-Tung & Judy Crook |
the common bond of family. They both were active in supporting their grand children's paths. A path that brought two amazing ladies together to become friends. They may only see each other at tournaments, but that's were they merge into Grandma Warriors. Each cheering on their own as well as the others' grand children. These Grandmas lead by example. They show us the importance of family and friendship. They support the activities of these young competitors. These ladies know the benefits karate has to offer their youngest family members and make sure to support it. With the heads of the family supporting karate, with all their years of knowledge and wisdom, then count me in. If karate is Grandma Approved then it's got to be good.
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September
Martial Art Humor
We all need a little humor in our life. If you have a joke, send it in.
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September
Zen Stories
The Gift of Insults
There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.
One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.
Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior's challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.
Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. "How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?"
"If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it," the master replied, "to whom does the gift belong?"
We all need a little Zen in our Lives. If you have a story, please send it in. |
"Arrogance is believing that you are so high up you don't need an ear to the ground"
Author unknown
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Disclaimer: Titles
One of the most difficult areas that this newsletter has to deal with is the use of instructor titles. We are very sensitive to this issue and do not want to offend or insult anyone. To simplify this daunting problem we will use the following guidelines with the use of instructor titles:
a. The correct title of the instructor(s) must be in the article or seminar information submitted by the author or event organizer.
b. All captions that we place under photos will be: 1. Japanese instructors: Last name followed by the title Sensei.
2. Non-Japanese instructors: The title Sensei followed by the last name of the instructor.
c. Any title and name that is placed in this newsletter by newsletter staff will use the title of Sensei.
We consider the title "Sensei" a very prestigious title
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JKF Wado Kai Master's Seminar
Denver, Colorado September 26-28, 2014
| Master Arakawa |
Instructors
Master Arakawa JKF 9th Dan
Master Yanagida JKF 8th Dan
Sensei Shimura JKF 7th Dan
Sponsored by Kurobane Sensei
For additional information: www.karatedenver.com303-234-9236
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Wado Kai Technical Seminar
Baku, Azerbaijan
We would like to invite you to the International Wado-Kai Karate Technical Seminar, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan on 25-26 October 2014. With Sensei Barry Wilkinson 8th Dan, FWE Vice President, Chairman responsible for the organization of DAN Grading, Secretary to Admissions for New Country Applications from Federation of Wadokai Europe (FWE).
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WIKF Wado Ryu Karate Seminars with Sensei Wicks
All courses are open to Wado practitioners (unless stated) and will include traditional Wado Techniques including- OHYO, KIHON GUMITE, TANTO & TACHI DORI, (KNIFE &SWORD DEFENCE) IDORI (KNEELING DEFENCE) AND KATA
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Sensei Wicks
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SEPTEMBER 5th -7th Finland - Contact: Vantaan Wado-ryu [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 17th - 21st WIKF Pan-American Championships Curacao - Contact William Millerson [email protected]
OCTOBER 1st -5th WIKF European Championships Cyprus - Contact Marios Vatiliotis (00357 22) 348790
OCTOBER 10th - 12th Dallas. TX. USA ,Contact - Brody Burns[email protected]
OCTOBER 14th - 16th Toronto Canada Contact: Kenneth Corrigan.[email protected]
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Other Seminars and Events
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September 9-21 Chandler Karate Championships Sensei Marlon Moore USA Karate Sanctioned Event [email protected] Chandler, Arizona
9/21
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Itosu-Kai Karate Tournament
Soka University, 1 University Dr, Aliso Viejo, CA 92693
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David Crockett
www.PATMA.us
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9/19,20 WIKF Pan American Championships
Curacao details to come
October 10/3-5 Rocky Mountain Gasshuku Sensei Madani Granby, Colorado imakarate.com
10/5 Fall Classic Alex Miladi Yuba City, CA miladigroup.com
10/12
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New York Open
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Cleve Baxter
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Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595
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(914) 665-2752
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10/19
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Hollenbeck Invitational Karate Championship
CSULA, 5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032
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Enrique Mares
www.PATMA.us
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November 11-1 Glendale Karate Championships Sensei Walden USA Karate Sanctioned Event [email protected] Glendale, Arizona
11/1
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UCI Collegiate Tournament
UCI, Anteater Recreation Center, 680 California Ave, Irvine, CA
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Bruce Nuygen/Chad Eagan
www.clubs.uci.edu/karate
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11/7,8,&9 USA Gojo Ryu Karate-Do Seiwakai Santa Monica, CA Vassie Naidoo 310-399-6955
11/9
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Adlawan Cup Food Drive Tournament
Salgado Community Center, 706 N Newhope, Santa Ana, CA 92703
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Pete Mangosing
www.te-kenjutsu-kan.com
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11/16
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Tomodachi Cup
Boys & Girls Club of Westminster, 14400 Chestnut St, Westminster, CA 92683
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Akira Fukuda
www,ocshukai.com
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December 2015May 5/30 Tenn State Championship and
August 8/15 Wado Kai Karate-Do World Cup Nagoya, Japan
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