Author Archive: AMasur

31ST INVITATIONAL BENEFIT TOURNAMENT — Sunday, APRIL 24, 2016

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ISK Benefit Tournament LogoAnother year has started and preparations are already under way for our 31st annual benefit tournament, the last Sunday in April. Each year we work to make the event run smoothly and charge reasonable fees for competitors and spectators, so everyone may attend. American Isshinryu members will receive a $5.00 discount.

As always we will create extra divisions for adults and children if the number of competitors in a division is large to make the competition fair and enjoyable for everyone.

Many friends have been made and renewed each year. Those of you who have hosted tournaments know the stress created as I hope each judge will work honestly and each student will act in the manner fostered by our karate systems. I hope you and your student will be able to attend to help us raise funds for the American Diabetes Foundation and the high school sports program. Diabetes and obesity are growing in this country because of the eating and exercise habits of our population. Because of some more recent media presentations, people are becoming aware of the problem and strides are being made with research technologies. Hopefully a cure will be found in the not too distant future.

Our team empty hand kata competition will be improved to have from 3 to 5 competitors, instead of just 3 members.

We will continue to be a NO CONTACT tournament for all competitors. THE FIRST LIGHT TOUCH TO THE HELMET, HEAD OR NECK WILL RESULT IN A WARNING, A SECOND TOUCH WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. Anything beyond a Light Touch will result in disqualification. This includes all students from white belt to black belt. The philosophy that is stressed is that CONTROL should be able to be demonstrated by all competitors. Students must wear protective hands, feet, headgear, mouth guards and groin protection in addition for the men.

ANY QUESTIONS – PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL.

Download the ISK 2016 Tournament Package

ANY QUESTIONS – PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL.
John E. Hughes
9th Degree Black Belt
(908) 852-5855
verticlefist9@gmail.com
www.Isshin-ryu.com

2015 IWKA World Championship Results

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2015 IWKA Logo
Isshinryu karateka from around the globe descended on Princeton, NJ this weekend for the 2015 IWKA World Championship Tournament and seminars. It was a time to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones in the spirit of family and friendly competition.

More than 200 awards were earned by more than 500 competitors and witnessed by more than 1,000 spectators, family and friends. This year, a new tradition has begun with the renaming of the Grand Champion kata awards for Men and Women to honor the legacies of Master William H. Duessel and Master John C. Lennox, respectively.

Though Linda and I did most of the preparation for event location, letters, emails and calls to Sensei across the U.S. and the world, our team went above and beyond any hope and expectation I had.  Any need was handled. When the crunch time arrived – with less than a week prior to the event – every student, parent and friend materialized and everything was ready for an event that ran like a new clock with precision, seemingly effortlessly.  I wish I could name everyone who was instrumental in making this event one of the best I have organized – but I am afraid of missing individuals.  SO – THANK YOU TO ALL THE STUDENTS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO GAVE SELFLESSLY TO  MAKE THE EVENT RUN PROPERLY.  With the exception of two Sensei who put their selfish desires about the hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators, every Sensei, spectator and student worked to help make this event at the level people expect of an event Linda and I coordinate.

Thank you to those who competed, judged, kept score, attended and supported this year’s tournament. You made it a weekend to remember.

Here are the winners:

K1 – Mighty Mites (6 – 7) – Novice – Boys – Kata

  1. LOGAN SAN BUENAVENTURA
  2. ALEXAHDER LENGYEL
  3. DYLAN SAN BUENAVENTURA

S3 – Mighty Mites (6 – 7) – Novice – Boys – Sparring

  1. ALEXAHDER LENGYEL
  2. JOSEPH LENGYEL
  3. LANDON YEINGST

CK1 – Mighty Mites (6 – 7) – Novice & Intermediate – Girls – Kata

  1. SAMANTHA HEINRICH
  2. ADRIANA DAVIS
  3. KIERAN MOORE

CS1 – Mighty Mites (6 – 7) – Novice & Intermediate – Girls – Sparring

  1. KIERAN MOORE
  2. ADRIANA DAVIS
  3. MAYA KIM

K5 – Mighty Mites (6 – 7) – Intermediate – Boys – Kata

  1. SAMUEL REZAI
  2. ALEXANDER CARREIRO
  3. HENRY REZAI

S7 – Mighty Mites (6 – 7) – Intermediate – Boys – Sparring

  1. JAMES KILLEN
  2. ALEXANDER CARREIRO
  3. SHRAVAN KATAMA

CK2 – Pee Wees & Juniors (8 – 11) – Novice – Combined – Kata

  1. RYAN HOO
  2. NAMRATA VENKATESAN
  3. TREVOR ADOMAITIS

CS2 – Pee Wees & Juniors (8 – 11) – Novice – Combined – Sparring

  1. CARLOS IRIZARRY
  2. TREVOR ADOMAITIS
  3. BRODIE HAUGHEY

K13 – Pee Wees (8 – 9) – Intermediate – Boys – Kata

  1. ALEXANDER LIBMAN
  2. RYAN KING
  3. DAVID KRAUS, JR

K14 – Pee Wees (8 – 9) – Intermediate – Girls – Kata

  1. ABIRAA RAMATHAS
  2. NATALIE YEINGST
  3. JENNA HEISER

S15 – Pee Wees (8 – 9) – Intermediate – Boys – Sparring

  1. ALEXANDER LIBMAN
  2. THOMAS PARADISO
  3. ANTHONY SCHNEIDER

S16 – Pee Wees (8 – 9) – Intermediate – Girls – Sparring

  1. MEGHAN MURINO
  2. KIANNA NIEUZYTEK
  3. SOPHIA DAVIS

K21 – Juniors (10 – 11) – Intermediate – Boys – Kata

  1. DENNIS LIBMAN
  2. COOPER WEEKS
  3. SASIKUMAR KETHARAN

K22 – Juniors (10 – 11) – Intermediate – Girls – Kata

  1. JULIA ZONCA
  2. REESE WATERS
  3. UGONNA EGBUCHULAM

S23 – Juniors (10 – 11) – Intermediate – Boys – Sparring

  1. TY KNOWLTON
  2. WILL TSHUDY
  3. MARK BAZSA

S24 – Juniors (10 – 11) – Intermediate – Girls – Sparring

  1. JULIA ZONCA
  2. MARYKIM NGUYEN
  3. REESE WATERS

K25 – Juniors (10 – 11) – Advanced – Boys – Kata

  1. MATTHEW VERUSO
  2. SAARUJAN JEYACHANDRAN
  3. MARIYASEELAN WINKINGSTAN

K26 – Juniors (10 – 11) – Advanced – Girls – Kata

  1. ASHLEY KRAUS
  2. SHAELYN CAROLL
  3. AMEILIA CHUNG

S27 – Juniors (10 – 11) – Advanced – Boys – Sparring

  1. ALEC MALKANI
  2. SEAN SIMON
  3. JOSHUA JOHNSTON

S28 – Juniors (10 – 11) – Advanced – Girls – Sparring

  1. ASHLEY KRAUS
  2. TORRE BERKOWITZ
  3. ANDREA IOSHPA

CK3 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Novice & Intermediate – Boys – Kata

  1. EDWARD NIEUZYTEK
  2. MURJKANANTHAN ARANJAN
  3. KIRTI VARMAN

CS3 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Novice & Intermediate – Boys – Sparring

  1. EDWARD NIEUZYTEK
  2. RYAN BRANNING
  3. MURJKANANTHAN ARANJAN

CK4 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Intermediate & Advanced – Girls – Kata

  1. JOCELYN DeFURIA
  2. KAYLA BAILEY
  3. JOSEPHINE HESTER

CS4 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Novice & Intermediate – Girls – Sparring

  1. JOCELYN DeFURIA
  2. ALYSSA YATES
  3. JADA SEAL

K38 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Advanced – Boys – Kata

  1. ZACHARY DEAN
  2. CAMERON VERUSO
  3. TIRSHATH LENET

S40 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Advanced – Boys – Sparring

  1. SAI ZONCA
  2. TIRSHATH LENET
  3. NICHOLAS MILAN

K42 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Black Belt – Boys – Kata

  1. TONY SHAFRON
  2. THIRUKKSHAN NIRANJAN
  3. NICKY GENARDI

K43 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Black Belt – Girls – Kata

  1. JOSI PALMER
  2. ABBIE JACQUES
  3. HOPE BURKHOLDER

S44 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Black Belt – Boys – Sparring

  1. TONY SHAFRON
  2. BRAGUSTHAN DUHINDAN
  3. HARIN MAILWAGANAM

S45 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Black Belt – Girls – Sparring

  1. VARSHA THAMPI
  2. ABBIE JACQUES
  3. JORDAN CHAPMAN

CK5 – Teen “B” (14 – 15) – Novice & Intermediate – Girls – Kata

  1. HOPE DAVIS
  2. FAITH DAVIS
  3. ELIZABETH LANDRY

CS5 – Teen “B” (14 – 15) – Novice & Intermediate – Girls – Sparring

  1. FAITH DAVIS
  2. SOPHIE SEMENZA
  3. HOPE DAVIS

CK6 – Teen “B” & “C” (14 – 17) – Intermediate – Boys – Kata

  1. DAVID CAMERON
  2. SARATH SHAJI
  3. KENNETH ALVAREZ

CS6 – Teen “B” & “C” (14 – 17) – Intermediate – Girls – Sparring

  1. SARATH SHAJI
  2. KENNETH ALVAREZ
  3. DAVID CAMERON

CK7 – Teen “B” & “C” (14 – 17) – Advanced – Girls – Kata

  1. CAROLYN KULICK
  2. EMILY SLATTERY
  3. KATELYN NIEUZYTEK

CS7 – Teen “B” & “C” (14 – 17) – Advanced – Girls – Sparring

  1. ZABRINA BRANNING
  2. JILLIAN GRASSIA
  3. KATELYN NIEUZYTEK

K54 – Teen “B” (14 – 15) – Advanced – Boys – Kata

  1. RAGUL ANANDAN
  2. BRENDAN EYNON
  3. JAKE BRADER

S56 – Teen “B” (14 – 15) – Advanced – Boys – Sparring

  1. ANTHONY CABRERA
  2. GUISEPPE CRILLY
  3. BRENDAN EYNON

K58 – Teen “B” (14 – 15) – Black Belt – Boys – Kata

  1. JAKE NUGENT
  2. BRETT MOYER
  3. ANDREW SIMON

K59 – Teen “B” (14 – 15) – Black Belt – Girls – Kata

  1. GRACE BURKHOLDER
  2. AVA VILLAVERDE
  3. CIERA RAY CIARAMELLA

S60 – Teen “B” (14 – 15) – Black Belt – Boys – Sparring

  1. JAKE NUGENT
  2. ANDREW SIMON
  3. BENJAMIN DICRISTO

S61 – Teen “B” (14 – 15) – Black Belt – Girls – Sparring

  1. CIERA RAY CIARAMELLA
  2. EMILY SCHNEIDER
  3. ERIN BONEFANT

K70 – Teen “C” (16 – 17) – Advanced – Boys – Kata

  1. JEGATHEESWARAN VETHARSHAN
  2. JORDAN WEYMOUTH
  3. LOUIS SELIMI

S72 – Teen “C” (16 – 17) – Advanced – Boys – Sparring

  1. JORDAN WEYMOUTH
  2. HASSAN SHASHANKA
  3. LOUIS SELIMI

K74 – Teen “C” (16 – 17) – Black Belt – Boys – Kata

  1. MATTHEW FAULKNER
  2. ELIJAH BAILEY
  3. JEREMIAH BURKHOLDER

K75 – Teen “C” (16 – 17) – Black Belt – Girls – Kata

  1. NATALIE SITZMAN
  2. FAYTH JACQUES
  3. KRISTYN WHEELER

S76 – Teen “C” (16 – 17) – Black Belt – Boys – Sparring

  1. ELIJAH BAILEY
  2. SOORYA RAMAPPAN
  3. ANDREW GENESIO

S77 – Teen “C” (16 – 17) – Black Belt – Girls – Sparring

  1. ELIZABETH ARNOLD
  2. TOSHA PAREKH
  3. FAYTH JACQUES

CK8 – Adult (18 & Older) – Under Green Belt – Men – Kata

  1. SCOTT HAYWARD
  2. ROB POHL
  3. BENJAMIN KATZ

CS8 – Adult (18 & Older) – Under Green Belt – Men – Sparring

  1. JOSE DAVILA
  2. JOSHUA SETTLEMYER
  3. ERIC LUTZ

CK9 – Adult (18 & Older) – Under Green Belt – Women – Kata

  1. ALLISON CROSS
  2. PRIYANKA SOLANKI
  3. DEBORA COHEN

CS9 – Adult (18 & Older) – Under Green Belt – Women – Sparring

  1. DEBORA COHEN
  2. PRIYANKA SOLANKI
  3. FAYRA RIVERA

CK10 – Adult (18 & Older) – Intermediate & Green Belt – Men – Kata

  1. DAVID JUNG
  2. NATHAN EARL
  3. MUHAMMAD SHUIL

CS10 – Adult (18 & Older) – Intermediate & Green Belt – Men – Sparring

  1. MIKE AGLIATA
  2. NATHAN EARL
  3. DAVID JUNG

CK11 – Adult (18 & Older) – Intermediate & Green Belt – Women – Kata

  1. MIRANDA COLE
  2. NICHOLE BILODEAU
  3. JULIE BROZE

CS11 – Adult (18 & Older) – Intermediate & Green Belt – Women – Sparring

  1. MIRANDA COLE
  2. CINDY STREZNEWSKI
  3. KIM HOAK

CK12 – Adult (18 – 45) – Advanced – Men – Kata

  1. JOSH BAILEY
  2. ANDY KELLY
  3. NICHOLAS ISABELLA

CS12 – Adult (18 – 45) – Advanced – Men – Sparring

  1. CRAIG CASILLO
  2. BILL ZONCA
  3. JESSY BETANCOURT

CK13 – Adult (18 & Older) – Advanced – Women – Kata

  1. NICOLE MAIOLO
  2. SHEILA SEKUTERSKI
  3. BARBARA MOORE

CS13 – Adult (18 & Older) – Advanced – Women – Sparring

  1. TESSANDRA SAGE
  2. NICOLE MAIOLO
  3. LINDA A. PEOPLES

K111 – Executive (46 & Older) – Advanced – Men – Kata

  1. JOHN GRASSIA
  2. DONALD HAYWARD
  3. TOM FEARFIELD

S113 – Executive (46 & Older) – Advanced – Men – Sparring

  1. JOHN GRASSIA
  2. RONALD PEOPLES
  3. THOMAS SCHROEDER

K115 – Adult (18 – 29) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Men – Kata

  1. ANTHONY LAUREANO
  2. RYAN BEEBE
  3. WILLIAM HOFFMAN

S116 – Adult (18 – 29) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Men – Sparring

  1. RYAN BEEBE
  2. ROSS FERENS
  3. JAMIE BAMBRAUGH

K117 – Adult (18 – 29) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Women – Kata

  1. EMILY BARNETT
  2. ELIZABETH GABEL
  3. BREANNE DECKER

S118 – Adult (18 – 29) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Women – Sparring

  1. KIMBERLY PLATT
  2. ELIZABETH PLATT
  3. CHRISTINA McDONALD

K123 – Adult (30 – 45) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Men – Kata

  1. JASON KELLER
    1. CARL T. DENNY
    2. JEREMY COLYER

    S124 – Adult (30 – 45) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Men – Sparring

    1. JEREMY COLYER
    2. CARL T. DENNY
    3. JIM ZECHMAN

    CK19 – Adult (30 & Older) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Women – Kata

    1. SHIRLEY K. ZAVALA
    2. YELENA TSITKIN
    3. JOCELYN BOOTHBY

    CS19 – Adult (30 & Older) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Women – Sparring

    1. WENDY BUCKLAND
    2. CAROL KAGDIS

    K131 – Adult (46 & Older) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Men – Kata

    1. JUSTIN FILEY
    2. JOE SABELLA
    3. JAY BRADER

    S132 – Adult (46 & Older) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Men – Sparring

    1. JOE SABELLA
    2. WILLIAM MELIT
    3. JACK TOSI

    K135 – Adult (46 & Older) – Black Belt (3rd – 5th Dan) – Men – Kata

    1. CLEMENT BAILEY
    2. LARRY LAUREANO
    3. JAMES THAXTON

    K137 – Adult (46 & Older) – Black Belt (3rd – 5th Dan) – Women – Kata

    1. ANGIE SPENCER
    2. MARIA BELANCOURT
    3. ELE SOISSON

    CK14 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (3rd – 5th Dan) – Men – Kata

    1. DANIEL HANNAN
    2. JOE MALARO
    3. JOSH BUCK

    CS14 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (3rd – 5th Dan) – Men – Sparring

    1. JOE MALARO
    2. JOSEPH KOTANCHIK
    3. DANIEL HANNAN

    CK15 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (3rd – 5th Dan) – Women – Kata

    1. JAMIE WHYTE
    2. KATHERINE BRYK
    3. NANCY SCHECHTER

    CS15 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (3rd – 5th Dan) – Women – Sparring

    1. HEATHER FUENZALIDA
    2. AMANDA MAGUIRE
    3. KATHERINE BRYK

    CK16 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (6th Dan and Above) – Combined – Kata

    1. DONALD WASHABAUGH
    2. SCOTT KLINGER
    3. MARTY DUGAN

    CS17 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (3rd – 6th Dan) – Women – Sparring

    1. ANGIE SPENCER
    2. ELE SOISSON
    3. CYNTHIA SMITH

    CS18 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (3rd Dan and Above) – Men – Sparring

    1. CHRISTOPHER KING
    2. JAMES THAXTON
    3. JERRY CIRIELLO

    W143 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Below Black Belt – Combined – Weapons

    1. EDWARD NIEUZYTEK
    2. ASHLEY KRAUS
    3. JOCELYN DeFURIA

    W144 – Teen “B” (14 – 15) – Below Black Belt – Combined – Weapons

    1. EMILY SLATTERY
    2. CHRISTOPHER BIANCONE
    3. JILLIAN GRASSIA

    W145 – Teen “C” (16 – 17) – Below Black Belt – Combined – Weapons

    1. BENJAMIN TOSCANO
    2. JORDAN WEYMOUTH
    3. HASSAN SHASHANKA

    W146 – Teen “A” (12 – 13) – Black Belt – Combined – Weapons

    1. TONY SHAFRON
    2. NICKY GENARDI
    3. KEITH KOLACZYK

    W147 – Teen “B” (14 – 15) – Black Belt – Combined – Weapons

    1. JAKE NUGENT
    2. MITCHEL HUANG
    3. CIERA RAY CIARAMELLA

    W148 – Teen “C” (16 – 17) – Black Belt – Combined – Weapons

    1. VITHUSAN JEEVARAJAN
    2. MATTHEW FAULKNER
    3. LOGAN STANLEY

    W149 – Adult (18 & Older) – Below Black Belt – Men – Weapons

    1. DAVID JUNG
    2. ANDY KELLY
    3. CHAD HERD

    W150 – Adult (18 & Older) – Below Black Belt – Women – Weapons

    1. NICOLE MAIOLO
    2. TESSANDRA SAGE
    3. KELLY STEINERT

    W151 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Men – Weapons

    1. ROSS FERENS
    2. FRANK CUTONE
    3. ALEC STANLEY

    W152 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (3rd – 5th Dan) – Men – Weapons

    1. DANIEL HANNAN
    2. TYLER KURTZ
    3. ANDREW PRISTER

    W153 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (1st – 2nd Dan) – Women – Weapons

    1. LINDSEY ADELSTEIN
    2. BREANNE DECKER
    3. KIMBERLY PLATT

    W154 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (3rd – 5th Dan) – Women – Weapons

    1. JAMIE WHYTE
    2. NANCY SCHECHTER
    3. ANGIE SPENCER

    W155 – Adult (18 & Older) – Black Belt (6th Dan and Above) – Combined – Weapons

    1. DONALD WASHABAUGH
    2. THOMAS STORY
    3. CYNTHIA SMITH

    W163 – Children (11 & Under) – All Ranks – Combined – Weapons

    1. SHAELYN CAROLL
    2. DENNIS LIBMAN
    3. JOSHUA HUANG
      GCK156 – Youth (6 – 11) – Group Champion (All Ranks) – Combined – Kata

      1. SAMANTHA HEINRICH

      GCK157 – Teen (12 – 17) – Group Champion (All Ranks) – Combined – Kata

      1. NATALIE SITZMAN

      GCK158 – Adult (18 & Older) – Group Champion (Under Black Belt) – Combined – Kata

      1. NICOLE MAIOLO

      GCK159 – Adult (18 & Older) – Grand Champion (Black Belt) – Men – Kata
      The Hanshi William H. Duessel Award

      1. DONALD WASHABAUGH

      GCS160 – Adult (18 & Older) – Grand Champion (Black Belt) – Men – Sparring

      1. CHRISTOPHER KING

      GCK161 – Adult (18 & Older) – Grand Champion (Black Belt) – Women – Kata
      The John C. Lennox Award

      1. JAMIE WHYTE

      GCS162 – Adult (18 & Older) – Grand Champion (Black Belt) – Women – Sparring

      1. KIMBERLY PLATT

May 2015 Newsletter

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MAY 2015 Newsletter

Why Keep a Journal?

If you’re serious about becoming a dedicated Isshin-ryu student, don’t simply trust your memory. When you listen to something valuable, write it down. When you come across something important, write it down. When you learn new pieces of kata, write them down. When you learn self-defense techniques, write them down. When you attend a seminar and hear and learn new things, write them down. The brain has 60,000 thoughts a day. Remembering unwritten information or new techniques is at times extremely difficult, especially until they become second nature. If you take notes on pieces of paper and torn-off corners and backs of old envelopes, these ideas most certainly will become lost. Things to keep in the journal are pictures, dates of events and promotions and people you’ve met. Take the time to write notes and to keep a journal. You’ll be so glad you did.

In Getting Unstuck, George and Sedena take “complicated” out of the equation and offer us guidance for the times we are facing significant challenges, all the while reminding us that life never misses an opportunity to offer us new chances and fresh starts. We can keep our balance even when we feel like we are on the shakiest ground. That reconnecting with ourselves to become more enlightened and empowered is possible. 10 Simple Rules to Embracing Change and Celebrating Your Life from “Secret Seven: Connect, Understand and Accept”

“Imagine what it would be like to live in a world where you are more concerned about what you have to offer than what you have to hide.” ~Unknown

This is a very powerful quote. It asks us to imagine a world very different from the one many of us live in. The current state of the world is better described by the second part of this Seventh Secret, a part not included in this title. The full secret says, “Connect, understand and accept…don’t protect, defend, and resist.”

Why is this secret so important? To get ourselves unstuck from things that prevent us from living the life we were born to live, to spread our wings and soar, we must also remember that our world is changing rapidly. Although there have always been dangers and threats, they have been heightened with the advent of the information age and its instant forms of digital communication. Our sense of safety is also impacted by the major life transitions we all experience: job security, financial challenges, illnesses, loss of a loved one, aging, etc.

In the face of this, it is no wonder we find ourselves a little breathless, bewildered and sometimes resistant to change. And yet, if we want to get unstuck, live lives of quality and dignity, accomplish our dreams, celebrate our talents, and pass on our gifts and wisdom to others, we would be wise to take the Seventh Secret to heart.

Adopting this secret allows you to change where you may feel stuck. Where there is a perceived threat, there can be a new sense of openness and curiosity, empathy and accord. Where there is distrust, there can be greater receptivity, balance and the ability to stay in the present more often.

This new approach will give you a new sense of freedom, new levels of energy and passion and a greater understanding of the role you and your beliefs play in determining the quality of your life.

In the end, it all comes down to a matter of choice. Each of us can choose to be reactive and at the mercy of a world that appears threatening, or we can choose to be open to life and its remarkable possibilities. We can be defensive and protective, or we can live with a new spring in our step and spirit, eyes that truly see, ears that really hear, and a heart that can feel the wonder and celebrate the magnificent mystery that is life.

Be open to possibility, rather than reliant on negativity. Instead of being defensive and protective, you can live with your eyes and ears fully open. It’s amazing what just a slight shift in perspective can do…it can make all the difference in the world. With these simple yet powerful little nuggets of wisdom, 2015 can be the year you stop feeling stuck and truly start celebrating your life!

Failure is not a single, cataclysmic event. We do not fail overnight. Failure is the inevitable result of an accumulation of poor thinking and poor choices. It is nothing more than a few errors in judgment repeated every day.

And failure’s most dangerous attribute is its subtlety. In the short term, small errors don’t seem to make any difference. We do not seem to be failing. In fact, sometimes these accumulated errors in judgment occur throughout a period of great joy and prosperity in our lives. Because there are no instant consequences to capture our attention, we simply drift from one day to the next, repeating errors, thinking the wrong thoughts, listening to the wrong voices and making the wrong choices. It is imperative to refine our philosophy in order to be able to make better choices.

Just like the formula for failure, the formula for success is easy to follow. It’s a few simple disciplines practiced every day. How can we change the errors in the formula for failure into the disciplines required in the formula for success? The answer is by making the future an important part of our current philosophy.

One of the exciting things about the formula for success is that the results are almost immediate. As we voluntarily change daily errors into daily disciplines, we experience positive results in a very short period of time. Whatever new discipline we begin to practice daily will produce exciting results that will drive us to become even better at developing more new disciplines.

The real magic of new disciplines is that they cause us to amend our thinking. If we were to start today by reading books, keeping a journal, attending classes, and listening and observing more, today would be the first day of a new life leading to a better future. If we were to start today to try harder, and in every way make a conscious and consistent effort to change subtle and deadly errors into constructive and rewarding disciplines, we would never again settle for a life of existence—not once we have tasted the fruits of a life of substance!

IWKA 2015 Commemorative Coin

2015_MAY_golf

We have received the Isshin-ryu & World Championship coins . . . thanks to the work of Mr. Schroeder. They are 2” in diameter with a clear plastic case. The cost is $20.00. See Hanshi or Mrs. Hughes.

Mrs. Brown will be holding a yard sale at her home to help raise funds for the 2015 IWKA Championship Event. Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 from 9 AM to 5 PM. Any items may be brought to 4 Windswept Way, Long Valley – – off Schooley’s Mt. Road Friday after 3 PM or Saturday morning. Need more information see Hanshi. We also could use some help for a portion of each day.

Scott Miller and Tom Schroeder are coordinating a golf tournament to help raise funds for the World Event.
Sunday, June 6 – Minebrook Golf Club – 3 PM Shotgun Start – Registration forms are at the dojo.

REMEMBER OUR 30TH BENEFIT TOURNAMENT IS THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH AT HACKETTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL. THE EVENT BEGINS AT 10:15 AM. STUDENTS SHOULD ARRIVE AROUND 9 AM. THERE IS STILL TIME TO PREREGISTER. FORMS ARE AT THE DOJO. THIS IS A GOOD TUNE UP FOR THE WORLD EVENT IN AUGUST. STUDENTS ARE DIVIDED INTO AGE AND ABILITY GROUPING. SCORE KEEPERS AND OTHER HELPERS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED.

BROWN AND BLACK BELTS – REMEMBER TO SEE HANSHI ABOUT THE MAY 16TH (SATURDAY) JUDGING SEMINAR WITH MASTER MARCUM. I NEED TO GET A HEAD COUNT. THE COST IS $15.00 TO COVER THE CERTIFICATION. IT WILL REVIEW KATA AND SPARRING PROCEDURES. REVIEW THE RULES INFORMATION ON THE WEB SITE A FEW TIMES BEFORE THAT SATURDAY.

30th INVITATIONAL BENEFIT TOURNAMENT — Sunday, APRIL 26, 2015!

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ISK Benefit Tournament LogoAnother year has started and preparations are already under way for our 30th annual benefit tournament, the last Sunday in April. Each year we work to make the event run smoothly and charge reasonable fees for competitors and spectators, so everyone may attend. American Isshinryu members will receive a $5.00 discount for pre-registering by the cut off date.

As always we will create extra divisions for adults and children if the number of competitors in a division is large to make the competition fair and enjoyable for everyone.

Many friends have been made and renewed each year. Those of you who have hosted tournaments know the stress created as I hope each judge will work honestly and each student will act in the manner fostered by our karate systems. I hope you and your student will be able to attend to help us raise funds for the American Diabetes Foundation and the high school sports program. Diabetes and obesity are growing in this country because of the eating and exercise habits of our population. Because of some more recent media presentations, people are becoming aware of the problem and strides are being made with research technologies. Hopefully a cure will be found in the not too distant future.

Our team empty hand kata competition will be improved to have from 3 to 5 competitors, instead of just 3 members.

We will continue to be a NO CONTACT tournament for all competitors. THE FIRST LIGHT TOUCH TO THE HELMET, HEAD OR NECK WILL RESULT IN A WARNING, A SECOND TOUCH WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. Anything beyond a Light Touch will result in disqualification. This includes all students from white belt to black belt. The philosophy that is stressed is that CONTROL should be able to be demonstrated by all competitors. Students must wear protective hands, feet, headgear, mouth guards and groin protection in addition for the men.

Download the ISK 2015 Tournament Package

ANY QUESTIONS – PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL.
John E. Hughes
9th Degree Black Belt
(908) 852-5855
verticlefist9@gmail.com
www.Isshin-ryu.com

29th INVITATIONAL BENEFIT TOURNAMENT — Sunday, APRIL 27, 2014!

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ISK Benefit Tournament LogoAnother year has started and preparations are already under way for our 29th annual benefit tournament. It will be the last Sunday in April. Each year we work to make the event run smoothly and charge reasonable fees for competitors and spectators, so everyone may attend. American Isshinryu members will receive a $5.00 discount for pre-registering by the cut off date.

As always we will create extra divisions for adults and children if the number of competitors in a division is large to make the competition fair and enjoyable for everyone.

Many friends have been made and renewed each year. Those of you who have hosted tournaments know the stress created as I hope each judge will work honestly and each student will act in the manner fostered by our karate systems. I hope you and your student will be able to attend to help us raise funds for the American Diabetes Foundation and the high school sports program. Diabetes and obesity are growing in this country because of the eating and exercise habits of our population. Because of some more recent media presentations, people are becoming aware of the problem and strides are being made with research technologies. Hopefully a cure will be found in the not too distant future.

Our team empty hand kata competition will be improved to have from 3 to 5 competitors, instead of just 3 members.

We will continue to be a NO CONTACT tournament for all competitors. This includes all students from white belt to black belt. The philosophy that is stressed is that CONTROL should be able to be demonstrated by all competitors. Students must wear protective hands, feet, headgear, mouth guards and groin protection in addition for the men.

Download the ISK_2014_Tournament_Package

ANY QUESTIONS – PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL.
John E. Hughes
9th Degree Black Belt
(908)852-5855
karatedo@goes.com
www.Isshin-ryu.com

Long Valley Benefit Tournament: Saturday, October 19

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lvbenefitkick_smallThe seven-year-old daughter of a Washington Twp. police officer, has been undergoing treatments for a malignant brain tumor for many months, with many more to go. We are helping the Washington Twp. Police Department PBA 301 and the Hackettstown Police Department PBA 369 conduct a Children’s Kata Tournament to help raise funds to defray the cost of treatment.

The age range for kata competition for the day is from 5 years of age to 16 years of age. There are separate divisions for boys and girls in each age group and ability level, depicted on the entry form. If any division is large, it will be divided to enhance the enjoyment and competition of the day.

The event will be held at the Long Valley Middle School, 51 West Mill Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853 on Saturday, October 19, 2013. The doors will open at 8:30 A.M. for day of the tournament registration and the tournament will begin at 10:15 A.M..

All funds raised will go directly to the family to help pay the extreme costs of treatment. All tax deductible checks for sponsorships and registration fees should be written to “Washington Twp. PBA 301 / Good & Welfare.”

Download the pre-registration and entry form.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in advertising in the tournament program, please download sponsorship information.

Please mail all entries and sponsorships to:
Isshin-ryu School of Karate
P.O. Box 7127
Hackettstown, NJ 07840

2013 Benefit Tournament

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28th INVITATIONAL BENEFIT TOURNAMENT
Sunday, April 28, 2013


Another year has started and preparations are already under way for our 28th annual benefit tournament. It will be the last Sunday in April. Each year we work to make the event run smoothly and charge reasonable fees for competitors and spectators, so everyone may attend. American Isshinryu members will receive a $5.00 discount for pre-registering by the cut off date.

As always we will create extra divisions for adults and children if the number of competitors in a division is large to make the competition fair and enjoyable for everyone.

Many friends have been made and renewed each year. Those of you who have hosted tournaments know the stress created as I hope each judge will work honestly and each student will act in the manner fostered by our karate systems. I hope you and your student will be able to attend to help us raise funds for the American Diabetes Foundation and the high school sports program. Diabetes and obesity are growing in this country because of the eating and exercise habits of our population. Because of some more recent media presentations, people are becoming aware of the problem and strides are being made with research technologies. Hopefully a cure will be found in the not too distant future.

Our team empty hand kata competition will be improved to have from 3 to 5 competitors, instead of just 3 members.

We will continue to be a NO CONTACT tournament for all competitors. This includes all students from white belt to black belt. The philosophy that is stressed is that CONTROL should be able to be demonstrated by all competitors. Students must wear protective hands, feet, headgear, mouth guards and groin protection in addition for the men.

Download Information:
2013 Tournament Info and Forms

ANY QUESTIONS – PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL.

Kyoshi John E. Hughes
8th Degree Black Belt
(908)852-5855
karatedo@goes.com

2012 ISK Benefit Tournament

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27th INVITATIONAL BENEFIT TOURNAMENT
Sunday, April 29, 2012


Another year has started and preparations are already under way for our 27th annual benefit tournament. It will be the last Sunday in April. Each year we work to make the event run smoothly and charge reasonable fees for competitors and spectators, so everyone may attend. American Isshinryu members will receive a $5.00 discount for pre-registering by the cut off date.

As always we will create extra divisions for adults and children if the number of competitors in a division is large to make the competition fair and enjoyable for everyone.

Many friends have been made and renewed each year. Those of you who have hosted tournaments know the stress created as I hope each judge will work honestly and each student will act in the manner fostered by our karate systems. I hope you and your student will be able to attend to help us raise funds for the American Diabetes Foundation and the high school sports program. Diabetes and obesity are growing in this country because of the eating and exercise habits of our population. Because of some more recent media presentations, people are becoming aware of the problem and strides are being made with research technologies. Hopefully a cure will be found in the not too distant future.

We will continue to be a NO CONTACT tournament for all competitors. This includes all students from white belt to black belt. The philosophy that is stressed is that CONTROL should be able to be demonstrated by all competitors. Students must wear protective hands, feet, headgear, mouth guards and groin protection in addition for the men.

Download Forms:
ISK_Tournament_Directions
2012 ISK_Tournament_Package

ANY QUESTIONS – PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL.

Kyoshi John E. Hughes
8th Degree Black Belt
(908)852-5855
karatedo@goes.com

February, 2011: Dojo Kun

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Dojo Kun

ISSHIN-RYU DOJO KUN

Dojo kun serves as a set of guiding principles, that the students are expected to understand and follow and are hung in the dojo. They are intended to frame the practice within an ethical context. Tatsuo Shimabuku had these in his dojo (copied from the Tatsuo Shimabuku page on Facebook).

Article 1

The dojo is where the individual’s physical and mental condition is trained.
A Believe that there is a God and human beings are his children. (Believe in your own 
faith, but respect others.)
B Military art (budo) begins with a salute and ends with the same.

C. Teachers and students bow to the protecting Goddess of Isshin-ryu (Megami) and be nice to each other.

Article 2

Devote one’s mental concentration and practice sincerely during the course of training.

Article 3

Smoking and drinking are prohibited while training.

Article 4

Take good care of equipment used in training.

Article 5

Students be respectful to their teachers and teachers be courteous to the students and guide them properly.

Article 6

Violators of the above codes will be dismissed from the dojo.

IWKA and American Isshinryu Associations

Adult Yellow belts and above you should register for your Lifetime memberships for the IWKA and American Isshinryu Associations. Each is $35.00. The American Isshinryu Association hosts a number of very good seminars during the year and there is a discount possible for participating dojos, especially if you register early. With the membership your membership cost will be paid off quickly. Tournaments sponsored by AI affiliate dojos generally have a $5.00 reduction in registration costs.

Upcoming Events

The next American Isshinryu mini seminars for adults are at Mr. Carmona’s dojo. FEBRUARY 26TH: 1 to 3 PM. You may let them know you are coming if you go to their Facebook page and respond to the appropriate link.
NJMAA welcomes Master Richard Norris and Master Brian Fitzgerald for two information packed seminars. Master Fitzgerald will be teaching the training drills, philosophies and stories of Master Don Nagle. Master Norris will be covering Bo-Bo Kumite. Please bring a JO (short bo) if you have one so we may fit as many attendees as possible.

If you may be interested in going to the IWKA Championships this June in Indianapolis, see Kyoshi.

Remember the Golden Rule Tournament at Warren Hills – Sunday, February 13th. The 27th is the Snow Date.

OUR ANNUAL TRIP TO HANSHI’S PITTSBURGH SEMINAR WILL BE SATURDAY, MARCH 5TH . WE GENERALLY LEAVE MY HOME AT 5:30 AM AND EITHER STAY IN A HOTEL THE EVENING AFTERWARD OR RETURN HOME BY 9:00 PM THE SAME DAY. THOSE GOING GENERALLY DECIDE THE CHOICE. SEE KYOSHI.

Mr. King’s Sparring Tournament for children and adults is March 13th, Sunday, at Newton High School. More information will follow.

Important Notice About Classes

BEGINNING FEBRUARY 2011 – ALL CLASSES INCLUDING SATURDAY CLASSES (FORMERLY HELD AT FIT HAPPENS) WILL BE HELD AT THE HACKETTSTOWN MAIN STREET LOCATION. Special classes may still be held at that location.

As has happened this winter already, weather conditions and thoughts about safety, have caused the closing of the dojo. If a class is cancelled that you are supposed to take, you may make the class up at your convenience. We look at a month as being four (4) weeks. At times there are five (5) weeks in a month and that extra session is a bonus for the student. REMEMBER – I call WRNJ 1510 am radio station by 2PM and they announce the class cancellation. If you call the dojo and no one answers or returns your call, especially after 3 PM, then the class is probably cancelled. You may call my cell 908.797.0087 for immediate information. I will also place closings on the dojo web page – www.Isshin-ryu.com by 2:30 PM on a day of a closing.

Thoughts on Training

We approach the study of karate with the greatest humility and deep respect for those who have gone before us in the “true way”. Karate is unique. It is the most powerful of all the martial arts. However, it is so only for the serious student who practices in the proper frame of mind… no winning or losing… no friend or foe, only training… for which there is no substitute.

Karate is a fighting art. You must train with deep seriousness from the first day. Each punch, block, or kick must be delivered with the power of the entire body in unison. No matter how much time you devote to training – months or years – if your training consists of no more than moving your arms and legs… you may as well be dancing, and you will never understand the true meaning of karate.

The spirit of Karate training is applicable to each and every aspect of our daily lives. The indomitable spirit born of bearing down and gritting your teeth against the pain of a thousand kicks, or blinking sweat from your eyes from doing kata over and over will serve you well in everyday life. One whose spirit and mental strength have been forged by hard training will face any challenge with a “can do” attitude. One who has undergone long hours of hard physical training and mental agony to learn one technique can face any task… and carry it through to a successful conclusion. When you have done this, you can truly say that you have begun to understand the true “way”. Gerard Eatman

It is good to see another instructor with similar views about the study of karate. The study of traditional martial arts is intended to be a lifetime journey to understanding the possibilities and limits of one’s capabilities- physically, mentally and emotionally. With each session in the dojo or at one’s home, there is growth of the individual. As you meet people at tournaments, joint training sessions held at the dojo or our home, talk to the newer people about their views about training, the arts and karate in general. Read information in books and on the internet about positive thought and also karate and judge the intent of the authors. Develop an open but questioning mind and evaluate what you know with what others believe. In this way you may grow in knowledge and understanding.

Lastly, please remember to stay current with dues payment at the beginning of each month.

2011 ISK Benefit Tournament

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26th INVITATIONAL BENEFIT TOURNAMENT
Sunday, April 10, 2011


It is hard to believe but another year has started and preparations are already under way for our 26th annual benefit tournament. Each year we work to make the event run smoothly and charge reasonable fees for competitors and spectators, so everyone may attend. American Isshinryu members will receive a $5.00 discount for pre-registering by March 28, 2011.

As always we will create extra divisions if the number of competitors in a division is large to make the competition fair and enjoyable for everyone.

I hope you and your students will be able to attend to help us raise funds for the American Diabetes Foundation and the high school sports program. Diabetes and obesity are growing in this country because of the eating and exercise habits of our population. Because of some more recent media presentations, people are becoming aware of the problem and strides are being made with research technologies. Hopefully a cure will be found in the not too distant future.

We will continue to be a NO CONTACT tournament for all competitors. This includes all students from white belt to black belt. The philosophy that is stressed is that CONTROL should be able to be demonstrated by all competitors. Students must wear protective hands, feet, headgear, mouth guards and groin protection in addition for the men.

Download Forms:
2011 ISK_Tournament_Directions
2011 ISK_Tournament_Package

ANY QUESTIONS – PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL.

Kyoshi John E. Hughes
8th Degree Black Belt
(908)852-5855
karatedo@goes.com