Congratulations to the people who earned promotions at our June 19th training sessions at our home.

• Junior Green Belt #1
  • Riley Kamm
• Junior Green Belt #2
  • Arshdeep Singh
• Senior Brown Belt # 3
  • Bridget Driscoll
  • Clairanne Arcaro
• Senior Brown Belt #1
  • Anthony Curcuruto
• Sho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt)
  • Lee Gugler

CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Natalie Montone for completing her first 50 Mile bike ride during the June 13th American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure in Basking Ridge.

Sho Dan, First Degree Black Belt, traditionally is the starting point in a person’s study of a martial art. This seems very strange to many people inside and outside the karate world. The Black belt is thought to be the top of the ranking scales. Growth must go beyond the physical and mental repetition of basics, drills, kata, self -defense, weapons and much more. Growth must become intrinsic and emotional, learning to combine the Body, Mind and Spirit.

Sho Dan is a beginning point, like schooling. Each grade must be earned. Each new experience brings new challenges, stresses and higher levels of learning and understanding. UNDERSTANDING is the key to the puzzle that most karate instructors do not take the time to look at – - because they are more interested in the number of black belts in their schools and the money they make off each promotion. Understanding TAKES TIME, EFFORT, MATURITY AND AGE. Most children (and some adults) cannot understand the responsibility, levels of application and abilities that must be accepted willingly with each promotion (especially with each of the levels of black belt). This is the major reason why from 1979 to today I have not promoted a child to this level.

To begin to grasp this understanding so more may be learned, one needs guidance, friendship, leadership, internal drive, a thick skin, heart and the willingness to know that there is more . . . THE BEGINNER’S MIND. There will not be something new every day or week or even every year. One must be able to keep friendships, loyalties and the duty to the arts separate. In the past 31 years as being a Sensei, I have had students stop training because:

• they thought they had learned all they could
• they thought they had learned all that was necessary
• ego took over the ability to learn and grow.

Do you want to arrive at the first level? Look within and keep a beginner’s mind. Don’t abandon ship. Black Belts are the Ants of the Karate World – - If they truly live life to the fullest. If this is necessary for Sho Dan–what is necessary for higher levels?

DURING THE SUMMER KEEP UP WITH YOUR TRAINING. TAKING TIME OFF GENERALLY SLOWS THE PROGRESS AND MANY PEOPLE RETURN IN SEPTEMBER AND NEED A REVIEW TO GET BACK ON TRACK. WE HAVE A MORNING CLASS THAT IS OPEN TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS WEDNESDAY MORNINGS STARTING JULY 7TH. IF INTERESTED SEE KYOSHI.

REMEMBER THE TRAINING SESSIONS AT KYOSHI AND RENSHI HUGHES’ HOME – FRIDAY, August 13th and SATURDAY, August 14th. This overnight camping and training experience is open to all students. Those students, younger than 10, are encouraged to bring an adult for the overnight portion of the event.

You will need:

• A tent (if you wish) (OR make plans to share)
• Sleeping clothes
• Sleeping bag or blanket
• Flashlight
• Clothes to change into after the workouts
• Karate uniform
• Toothbrush, insect repellent, etc
• Gym bag to put items in when not being
• Old sneakers & socks – mandatory for the river
• Extra socks – t-shirts – sneakers

LABEL ALL UNIFORMS & GYM BAGS

Parents are welcome to come and watch any portion of the event. Lawn chairs are recommended for the family gathering at the end of the session. We will be setting up tents, etc at 7pm Friday. Organized classes and experiences will be conducted both Friday and Saturday.

We will provide Friday snacks, Saturday breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks and hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as turkey burgers for dinner. All cups, utensils, plates will be provided. Saturday at 3:00 P.M. demonstration and promotion ceremonies for those prepared will be followed by dinner. Please sign up with Kyoshi or Renshi Hughes to bring a cover dish for the dinner. Please put a name on dishes you want returned so we may get them back to you quickly . . . or take them before you leave. The permission slip and fees must be returned by August 10th so we may plan the meals etc for the two days. See Kyoshi for a permission slip.

The first seminar about developing the understanding of Centering, Balance, Posture and Power Development involved lecture and hands on practice.

The second seminar about Sai Basics, proper use of the Okinawan Weapon and the Short Sai Kata was very informative and well received.

Following lunch the group was educated about proper kumite judging and four rings were created at the host dojo so numerous black belts could advance their skills under the guidance and supervision of the advanced 7th and 8th Degree Black Belts in attendance, as well as Hanshi Duessel. Many positive results were expressed when the entire group got together before leaving for the social gathering that concluded the events.

The 2012 event is currently scheduled for Kent, Ohio with Sensei Heidi Gauntner.

1. Potential energy which is the capacity of a body to do work by virtue of its position relative to a reference, measured in Joule, and
2. Kinetic energy, which is the energy due to its motion/action. Kinetic energy also has two forms of manifestation: Linear kinetic energy (LKE) and angular/rotational kinetic energy (RKE).

Both linear and angular kinetic energy are dependent upon the interaction of mass and velocity. If we take the mass and velocity in each case as a constant attribute, the angular kinetic energy is stronger than the linear kinetic energy. This is because in rotational motion any mass tends also to accelerate due to centrifugal force; and during the time of liberation of the body mass with the technique, e.g. spinning back kick, the energy liberated will be much stronger than in the case of linear kinetic energy. In this case a punch such as an uppercut, a fencing technique such as cut, or a spinning back kick will be much stronger than techniques executed linearly. By gaining speed the technique will have better penetration power.

Karate has many different “styles”; some styles are recognized as “soft styles,” and others are recognized as “hard styles.” The various martial arts find the ‘hard styles’ of karate demands more energy expenditure because almost every action/attack and even defense must be done with the total concentration of the athlete’s energy. The more energy that is invested in an attack the more destructive will be the effect of that impact. Most of the attacks demand anaerobic power. This is the reason that proper breathing during the technique is important.

Soft style karate uses less energy because the actions/techniques are executed more gently. The athlete is not required to perform anaerobically, and most importantly the athlete uses techniques with soft guiding movement. Further analyzing the different techniques within a style, we observe that kicking techniques require more energy than punching techniques for two reasons: Legs are heavier than arms; legs must work harder against the force of gravity. Accordingly, the higher an athlete lifts up his/her leg the more energy is needed. Soft style karate tends to use more body shifting, explaining that it is easier to avoid an attack than to block. There is a big misconception about this proposal. It is true that when two body parts collide there is a dissipation of energy (explosion of energy), this is the case in hard style karate; but it is also true that when you must avoid an attack by moving away, you also lose energy by moving.

The attacker always loses more energy than the defender whether there is contact or not. Theoretically the defender should lose more energy when he/she is moving than simple just blocking and holding his/her position. The defender will lose more energy than moving a smaller mass such as an arm.

If the training is extremely hard for a very long period of time (months of training) with little or no rest between the training sessions, the martial artist enter in a so said over training or burn out state. By using an adequate training protocol the martial artist will be able to control his/her actions and in this way he/she will conserve energy.

Ideas from the Student Handbook, and for the good of the order

• Dues should be paid the first week of each month.
• There are no promotion fees, but we ask that you pay for each obi (belt). Adults should join the IWKA after attaining their Yellow Belts & prior to earning their Green Belts. This organization is headed by the son of the founder of the style and sets standards for promotion. Students may join Hanshi Duessel’s Affiliation after this time. Children may join the IWKA as well.
• Respect will be shown to all karate-ka at all times. A respectful bow will be given whenever entering and exiting the workout area.
• Shoes are not to be worn on the workout floor.
• The only patches we wear on our gi (uniform) are the Isshin-ryu patch on the left chest – over the heart, the dojo patch – 1” up on the right sleeve, the WHD patch above our dojo patch and the American Isshinryu Association patch – 1” up on the left arm.
• Never correct the technique of a senior student (If in doubt, ask). NEVER ask for material to be added on. Additions are made when the student demonstrates proficiency and understanding of the material already given.
• Kumite or sparring will be practiced under the supervision of black belts only.
• Kyu ranks are forbidden to conduct demonstrations or teach privately without consent from their sensei. Black belts should clear activities prior to the session as well.
• It is recommended that all students buy protective hand, foot and head gear. These are available from Kyoshi. Students pay only the cost of the equipment (with shipping). We do not add extra charges on equipment needed to train.

Why Weigh, Count and Measure? by Jim Rohn

Photo Credit: Chris Runoff (flickr.com/photos/azdodsons)

Three key words to remember: weigh, count and measure. Now why weigh, count and measure? To see what your results are from your activity, your attitude and your philosophy. If you find that the results are not to your liking, there are only three places to look. Your philosophy needs to be fine-tuned, your attitude needs to be strengthened or your discipline needs extra skill. Activity, attitude and philosophy create results.

Now on results I teach that life expects you to make measurable progress in reasonable time. But, you must be reasonable with time. Here are some good time frames:

1. at the end of the day. You can’t let more than a day go by without looking at some things and making progress.
2. at the end of the week. We ask for an accounting of the week so we can issue the pay. And whatever you’ve got coming, that’s what you get when the week is over. In karate there must also be an accounting. Ask if something was learned either in kata, kumite or skill development. Because activity leads to productivity, we need to see how we’re doing.

Success is a numbers game and very early in my karate training and education I started asking: “How many books have you read in the last 90 days?” “How many classes have you attended in the last six months to improve your skills?” If these numbers are not showing a positive demonstration of dedication, discipline and activity, your life won’t change. But if you’ll start improving these numbers, then perhaps you’ll start to see everything change for you.

Here’s the best accounting. The accounting you make of yourself. You’ve got to add up some of your own numbers and ask, “Am I making the progress I want and will it take me where I want to go now and in the future?” You be the judge!

Because of the Memorial Day Weekend there will be no classes at Fit Happens on Saturday, May 29th and at the Main Street Dojo on Monday, May 31st.

REMEMBER THE TRAINING SESSIONS AT KYOSHI AND RENSHI HUGHES’ HOME – SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH – - BLACK BELT PROMOTIONS AND OTHER PROMOTIONS WILL BE AWARDED FOR THOSE PREPARED.

The Saturday sessions are open to ALL students and they are ALL encouraged to attend. The demonstrations at the end and promotions should be a must see event this year.

CLASSES AT FIT HAPPENS WILL BE CANCELED BECAUSE OF THE SPECIAL TRAINING.

ADULTS SHOULD ARRIVE BY 9:00 A.M. – READY TO TRAIN . . . CHILDREN BY 10:30 A.M.

REGISTRATION FORMS AND INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE AT EACH DOJO SOON.

My thanks to the competitors who demonstrated good kata, kumite, weapons and sportsmanship, and to the black belts that worked all day!

Download the 2010 Benefit Tournament Results.

RE: 25th INVITATIONAL BENEFIT TOURNAMENT

DATE: Sunday, APRIL 25, 2010

FROM: J. E. HUGHES, 8th Degree Black Belt

It is hard to believe but another year has started and preparations are already under way for our 25th 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.

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.

• 2010 Tournament Entry Form and Division List
• 2010 Team Kata Entry Form
• 2010 Tournament Schedule
• 2010 Tournament Rules for Kumite
• Directions to Hackettstown High School

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

Sensei Doug King’s sparring tournament is Sunday, March 14, 2010 at Newton H.S.

Our 25th Benefit Karate Tournament is Sunday, April 25th   at Hackettstown High School.  Plan to help or compete.

• Taryn Faccenda
• Nicholas Curcio
• Riley Kamm
• Jake Brader

ADULT STUDENTS SEE KYOSHI TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MARCH AND JUNE’S SEMINARS.   PLAN TO ATTEND.

The date for the 2011 IWKA Isshinryu World Karate Championships is Saturday June 25, 2011.  Seminars will be conducted the 23rd and 24th.

At the request of O’Sensei Kichiro Shimabuku the 2011 tournament will be held in Indianapolis Indiana and honor the late Sensei John C. Lennox.
The tournament information website is www.isshinryu2011.com this site links through our homepage at www.indybushido.org.

FRIDAY PURPLE, BROWN AND BLACK BELT TRAINING DATES:  FEBRUARY 19, MARCH 19, APRIL 16, MAY 21 – - Check you calendars and plan to attend   The cost is only $5.00.  Let Kyoshi know if you will be attending.

OUR 25TH BENEFIT TOURNAMENT IS APRIL 25, 2010 AT HACKETTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL.  WE WILL NEED HELP FROM PARENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.  SEE KYOSHI.

People who joined the AOKA, Inc. Organization prior to November your renewals are due as per the following.

Membership will end on March 31, 2010. We have 19 Dojo members that will also have to renew. If you are one of them please send in your donation ($10.00).   The way we would like for you to do it, is to have them to fill out a piece of paper with your/their name and membership number and mail it with their renewal donation to the following address.  American Isshinryu Inc. C/O Tom Lloyd 518 Red Crest Lane Rancher Branchburg, NJ 08876

Any student may join this organization.  Its intention is to help unify Isshin-ryu Karate regardless of the organization with which the sensei or dojo is affiliated.

The AOKA, Inc 2nd ”Day With The Master’s Seminar” is scheduled for Saturday, March 20th   or 27th (adults only).   This is a series of seminars conducted by Masters of Isshin-ryu Karate.  The first series of seminars lasted about 5 hours and was reasonably priced.  The information related was extremely beneficial.  More information will follow.

Let Kyoshi know when you renew or if you wish to join.

Read this month’s article, THOUGHT, SUCCESS, & REALITY.

Congratulations to the students who have earned promotions since our last newsletter.    Junior Yellow Belt – Amal & Anas Gondal, Zach DeStefano, Taryn Faccenda    Brown Belt #3 -  Kristyn Wheeler, Katherine Waldman, Trevor Silva   Brown Belt #2 – Joseph Reinbold

The first karate tournament of the year is at Warren Hills High School – - Sunday, February 14th.  I hope many of you will be able to attend.  I have pre-registration forms.
Sensei Doug King’s sparring tournament is Sunday, March 14, 2010 at Newton H.S.
Please check our dojo website for updates.  Mr. Masur does a great job keeping it updated and looking so GOOD.  There are many informational sites, our monthly newsletter (which will help us save trees) and the calendar of classes and events.  www.Isshin-ryu.com.  Share this with friends and family members (who probably are in your friend category anyway)

Hanshi William H. Duessel visited the Isshin-ryu School of Karate this weekend. He joined us for classes and conducted seminars on Friday and Saturday.

Friday’s seminar focused on self-defense techniques, releases, and arm/wrist locks. Hanshi stressed the importance of using “the technique and not strength” to make it work.

Saturday morning, Hanshi joined us for classes at the Panther Valley dojo, and worked kata and combination drills from seisan, seiuchin, wansu, kusanku and sunsu.

Saturday afternoon we went back tot he Hackettstown dojo for a seminar that covered some of the basics and one-step drills. We finished by working several of the multiple attacker drills that were taught to Hanshi by Tatsuo Shmabuku when he trained in Pittsburgh in 1964.
We had a great time, as always, learning from and spending time with Hanshi.

Jeff Matusewicz, Adam Masur, Joe Marotta, Natalie Montone, Frank Henderson, Lee Gugler, Tony Curcuruto and I attended the 2009 IWKA Karate Championships and Seminars June 18th to June 20th in Pittsburgh, PA. There were about 300 competitors at the Downtown Hilton site. Adam Masur, 5th Degree Black Belt, won 2nd place in Weapons and 3rd place in Kata. Natalie Montone, 2nd Degree Black Belt, won 2nd place in Sparring. Lee Gugler, Brown Belt, won 3rd place in Kata. Each of the people assisted in preparing the site for the events, attended seminars with Master Duessel and Master Wallace and created many memories that they may share with you if you ask.

The official results are in. Download a PDF of all the winners.