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.

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.

Congratulations to the people who earned promotions since our last newsletter.

• Junior Yellow Belt: Ronald Dill II, Nicholas Curcio
• Junior Green Belt #1: Donald Irons

SAVE THESE DATES

MAY 16TH
American Isshinryu Association – “DAY WITH THE MASTERS” is Sunday, May 16th Master Temple’s dojo, 316 Jackson Avenue, Dunellen, NJ.  We will start at noon with a clinic on kumite with one of the best Isshinryu fighters of all time, Master Ralph Passero from 12-12:50.  The 2nd clinic is with Master Don Nash on “Winning Techniques for Kata”.  Master Nash was an outstanding competitor and always placed!  His seminar will run from 1-1:50pm.  Master John Hughes will put on the 3rd seminar and it will be on bo techniques.  Who better to learn bo from than one of the best with a bo, Mr. Hughes!  His clinic runs from 2-2:50 pm.  Master Brian Fitzgerald will give the 3rd clinic on kata bunkai.  If you think you know about your kata, think again, he will show bunkai that you never would have thought of.  His seminar runs from 3-3:50.  Finally, Master Temple will be giving away 12 six foot grand champ trophies for a free weapons competition from 4-5pm. There will be four divisions, (1) Kyu level, (2) Shodans, (3) Nidans/Sandans and  (4) Masters.

The cost for the entire day is only $15.00 for members.  Non members will be $25.00 and that will get you a full membership as well.  Spectator fee is just $3.00. These events are our way of generating revenue for the organization.  I donate the building and the trophies, the Masters donate their time.  No money goes in our pocket!  We need your support!

JUNE 19TH
TRAINING SESSIONS AT KYOSHI’S – SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2010 – - ADULTS SHOULD ARRIVE BY 9:00 A.M. – READY TO WORKOUT . . . CHILDREN BY 10:30 A.M. – - MORE INFORMATION WILL FOLLOW.

JUNE 26TH
Hanshi Duessel’s SUMMER AFFILIATION SEMINARS are June 26th and are being held at Shihan Carmona’s dojo in Landing, NJ. The cost for the symposium including lunch and dinner will be $50. Shihan Carmona asks that each individual WHD school owner handle registrations. With this in mind adult Brown and Black belts must register with Kyoshi Hughes no later than Thursday, May 20th. Ask if you have any questions. Also, please let me know if you will be attending the seminars and the get together afterward or just the seminars.

AUGUST 13TH & 14TH
OVERNIGHT TRAINING AT KYOSHI’S – FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2010 – - MORE INFORMATION WILL FOLLOW.

KARATE & ENERGY

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vax-o-matic/ / CC BY 2.0

In the long history of martial arts, practitioners have used their physical skills as a means of building mental, emotional and physical skills. This is especially true of karate; in fact, for many karatekas, the art is primarily a path towards personal fulfillment rather than a basic means of self-defense. Karate and its martial arts forerunners are historically linked with Zen Buddhism. In this branch of Buddhist belief, people achieve enlightenment through everyday activities. By experiencing every moment for itself and leaving the mind open to all experiences, we may find inner peace. The cornerstone of Zen Buddhism is being in-tune (mushin) with the world around you.

To advance through the higher levels of karate, it is essential that a karateka cultivate internal power, which is the basic element of this power is ki. Ki is an undefinable force, but it is generally described as the energy of life. It binds all living things together and gives each person his or her spiritual, physical and mental power. In most schools, beginning karatekas won’t worry too much about ki. They focus mainly on proper technique and breathing exercises. But in these basic activities, they are laying the groundwork for later ki exercises.

In solitary practice, karatekas must learn to concentrate on their own movements, letting everything else go. This is a powerful form of meditation. In fighting competitions, karatekas need to react quickly to any action by their opponent. This quickly teaches the karateka to be open and attentive to whatever he or she may encounter.

THOUGHT, CHOICES & ENERGY

“What we ponder and what we think about sets the course of our life. Any day we wish; we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish, we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish, we can start a new activity. Any day we wish, we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year. We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause.” (Jim Rohn)

As Shakespeare uniquely observed, “The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves.”

We created our circumstances by our past choices. We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today.

Whether we look into the depths of thinkers like Jim Rohn or William Shakespeare or delve into the advanced levels of karate, we can learn much about ourselves. Decide to become a student of the art. Many people study many things and may learn a great deal but frequently what is learned is not to the depths that the person who dedicates himself or herself to living one art and pursuing the meanings of the true way.

Hanshi Duessel’s most recent seminar was held in Pittsburgh was March 6, 2010. Approximately fifty students attended the seminar from Pittsburgh, Penn State, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey. A special thank you to Mr. Jeff Matusewicz, Mr. Adam Masur, Mr. Joe Marotta, Mr. Tom Ammernann, Miss. Natalie Montone, Mr. Ryan Ammermann, Mr. Lee Gugler, and Mr. Tony Curcuruto for attending from our dojo.

Hanshi Duessel’s SUMMER AFFILIATION SEMINARS are June 26th and are being held at Shihan Carmona’s dojo in Landing, NJ. The cost for the symposium including lunch and dinner will be $50. Shihan Carmona asks that registrations be handled by each individual WHD school and passed along to me no later than May 30th, 2010. With this in mind adult Brown and Black belts must register with Kyoshi Hughes no later than Thursday, May 20th. Ask if you have any questions.

25TH BENEFIT TOURNAMENT – April 25, 2010 at Hackettstown High School. We need help from students, family and friends to make the day a success. We Train And It Is Fun. Students should plan to participate; it is fun and a good learning situation.

KING’S Sparring Tournament, March 14th was a nice event. Congratulations to Jake Brader for his 4th place, Arshdeep Sing did well in his division and Ryan Ammermann for winning 1st Place in the Men’s Black Belt (18 – 34 age group).

Congratulations to the people who earned promotions since our last newsletter.

• Jake Brader – Junior Yellow Belt
• Tristen Christiano – Junior Orange Belt
• Clairanne Arcaro – Senior Green Belt

ATTITUDE

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, being gifted or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home…a dojo. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes.” Wayne Wayland (Isshin-ryu Karate Instructor)

Difficult situations are sometimes necessary for a person to mature. At times the situation is an unpopular one, such a creative moment when one is considering the probabilities. However, it is true that some lessons require a strong experience for evolution to occur. The experience gained and often in hindsight knows that even the most negative experience can produce a positive outcome. Remember the eternal energy, which each of us possesses requires that we participate in the physical experience that will help create growth and develop a positive attitude. Instead of complaining about the problem, contemplate the information received and move forward. If someone does something to hurt your feelings, forgive but do not forget the moment. If a grudge is held, the person holding onto the hurtful idea is generally the only one who is truly being effected. Stay true to personal beliefs and receive the lessons and use them to move forward. Learn the lesson and move forward. Again, we realize the reluctance of those stuck in a negative pattern to receive this information, however, we feel the infinitive power of the Soul and align our energies with it, so as to help you through it.

ALWAYS REMEMBER that in the dojo, everyone works, nothing is free and all start at the bottom. We should exercise respect, patience, and understanding in dealing with our everyday existence. A student will succeed in the martial arts through hard work, proper attitude, repetition in the techniques and devotion to him/herself and the art. Strive for perfection in all that you do and accept nothing less. If you do, you are cheating yourself. Only you can make positive things happen.

THE GROWTH PYRAMID

There are many ways that we can look at attaining our goal in our martial arts training. To some it might seem as a winding path, while to others a straight walk, and to others a climb up the mountain. If we are to stop and think for a moment we have traveled all three paths. The path that we travel is based on our own individual triangle. It is a road that requires balance, devotion and dedication. It is a triangle with a base – foundation – that consists of three sides, each made up of a vital part of the training. If there is a lack of balance in any of these areas, the climb to the top will fail. The three sides are: preliminary exercises – basic exercises to loosen and strengthen the body and joints, stretching the ligaments, etc. Basics exercises – the ABC’s of karate teaching proper techniques in exercises as well as all areas of the art. Last, but most important, kata training. With a combination of the three, a solid foundation is established, along with proper growth and development is achieved. Kata cannot be fully understood without the bunkai – application of the techniques. Weapon’s training cannot be performed without the knowledge of kata. Each part of the triangle is dependent on the other for support and balance. When all sides are place together, they show the upward path to the growth pyramid.

TWO WOLVES

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. 

”One is Evil – It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

“The other is Good – It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”

 The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Adult students should consider joining the American Isshinryu Karate Association. It is a $10.00 annual fee.

Adult yellow belts and about should join the Isshin-ryu World Karate Association. It is a one time $40.00 fee .
See Kyoshi if interested.

THERE WILL BE NO CLASS AT FIT HAPPENS SATURDAY, APRIL 3RD

Renshi – 5th  DEGREE BLACK BELT [12 to 16 years after 1st Dan] & 6th  DEGREE BLACK BELT [5 years after 5th  Dan] The  Renshi  title indicates a “polished instructor”  and may be awarded by an instructor who is earned the title of Kyoshi.

At times an instructor may have a student who is close in rank.  For example a 6th Dan may have a student who is a 5th Dan.  In some cases the use of the term, Renshi, may confuse lower rank students as to who is the higher ranking black belt.  At the rank of 6th Dan another term may be awarded to help clarify this situation.  Shihan is a Japanese term, often used in Japanese martial arts as an honorific title for senior instructors. The term is frequently used interchangeably with English terms such as “senior instructor”.

Various martial arts organizations have different requirements for the usage of the title, but in general it is a high title, 6th dan or above, that takes many years to achieve.  The title, like other advanced titles (Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi) must be  awarded by someone who is at least a 7th or 8th Dan and who has been awarded the title of Kyoshi.  It is generally distinct from the black belt ranking system and in schools which are members of my association of dojos, the idividual must be a teacher of his or her own school and have promoted people to at least the rank of Renshi.

Kyoshi – 7th DEGREE BLACK BELT  [5 years after 6th Dan] & 8th DEGREE BLACK BELT [5 years after7th Dan] and should be at least 50+ years of age] The “Kyo” in Kyoshi means “professor” or “philosophy”. Therefore, Kyoshi equals a “professor” capable of teaching the philosophy of the martial arts.  An instructor who has earned the title of Kyoshi should award this title by a person who has earned the title of Hanshi and this person should still be active in a dojo and also train diligently on his or her own.

Hanshi – 9th DEGREE BLACK BELT  & 10th DEGREE BLACK BELT   The “Han” in Hanshi means “example, model” and indicates “a teacher that can serve as an ideal model for others”, or a “senior master”.  This is a very special title representing the highest levels of martial arts, a teacher of other teachers and demonstrates personal growth and an in depth understanding of the style.

The 9th degree should have at least 40 consistent adult years of diligent training in Isshin-ryu Karate in the dojo and continued study on his or her own.  Beyond this the individual should be respected by his or her peers and a valued part of the martial art’s community.

The 10th degree is reserved traditionally for the founder of the style.  The rank, title and responsibilities inherent in the designation may be handed down from the founder to an heir.  In Isshin-ryu Karate Tatsuo Shimabuku named his son Kichiro to the heir to his style.  Also, in the Isshin-ryu style of karate there are numerous subgroups (IWKA, IIKA, AOKA, KIAI, OIKKA, and a number of other organizations) that have developed after the death of Tatsuo Shimabuku.  These groups each have a 10th degree black belt at the head of the organization

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.

photo credit: seeveeaar


Sterling W. Sill said: “Our future success will be determined by what we presently think.  Physically we become what we eat, but mentally, spiritually, socially, and morally, we become what we think.  Napoleon Hill wrote a great book, ‘Think and Grow Rich’; we can also think and grow wise.  We can think and grow faithful.  Being a great thinker does not require us to think only original thoughts.  All of the greatest thoughts about love, beauty, faith, kindness, and success have already been thought again and again.  As we rerun them through our own minds, they will produce an increasing rate of return.”

The thoughts that pass through the mind are responsible for everything that happens in life.   As the thoughts are, so is one’s life.  To make changes in life it is necessary to change old thinking and replace it by positive thought and insight.  Using the power of thoughts effectively can be termed “practical daydreaming”.  The power of thought is creative. It is possible to train and strengthen it.  Visualize a perfect scene of whatever you want to accomplish.  Put as much detail and imagery into the mental image.  Revisit these mental images often and accept the positive outcome and they will come true because the mind does not know what is imaginary or real.  It only knows what we think and believe.  Thoughts that pass through the subconscious mind influence actions in accordance with these thoughts.

Training individually and in the dojo during class enhances our ability to think, develop positive thoughts and capabilities.  As training is started the student is often hesitant because what is being taught is foreign and new.  Fundamental skills are taught and practiced in each class.  This repetition of foundation skills is not unique to traditional karate training but it has been lost in many dojos, schools and the work place because the emphasis today is placed on being fast without much emphasis on proper technique; getting the product done to make money is more important.  With the proper foundation, the advancement through higher skills is found to be less stressful and combination of skills is also understood with better insight.  We must first learn the movements and the proper direction in which the kata or sparring drill is done.  Then breathing correctly, inhaling while in transition and exhaling while blocking or attacking, is necessary for power to eventually be developed.  Next an added component to breathing is the Kiai and methods to tighten the body, adding strength and power to the techniques and focus of power at the appropriate times.  As understanding of the possible meanings for each move (bunkai) and combination of moves is developed, timing is also heightened so the moves in kata may be used in kumite and self defense applications.

As is evident in this brief thought, proper traditional karate training may last a lifetime and still be challenging and exciting.  If one strives to understand each aspect of the art, individual successes will be experienced.  These successes will also transfer into daily life, which is an added benefit to proper training.

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)

We are aware of Hanshi’s quotation: “Speed+Form = Power”. As we think about it and the speed zones, why does one person learn more easily than another, progressing through the ranks more quickly and why does one person’s technique hit the target during sparring and another’s is blocked? One piece of the puzzle is speed. Another piece of the puzzle is timing. Yet other pieces are using the proper technique with the proper weapon to attack the appropriate target. Would a Pittsburgh Pirate baseball player try to hit a home run using the handle of a broom or a wiffle ball bat? The icing on the cake is developing the ability to use the proper training techniques at each rank, combined with the proper comprehension level and applying all of what has been mentioned with the appropriate speed and form. Trying to learn or advance too quickly generally slows one’s progress, rather than speeding it up.

As the sensei instructs the movements in kihon, kata, kobudo and kumite, remember how each movement and combination of movements is taught. That is the proper beginning learning speed. Do every part of each technique before beginning the next one. Resist the desire to move more quickly that the sensei instructs by trying to imitate the way the more advanced ranks perform the techniques you are learning. Make sure that each stance is set before the technique is delivered. With practice the individual techniques will join into combinations and movements will become more refined. Gradual progress, proper training and time will ultimately create simultaneous blocks and counters with speed, form, balance and focus. At higher levels the student will be able to “see” the opponent and the attack thus making his or her practice and performance “alive”.

Physical strength and conditioning are important as we develop into adulthood. As we condition our bodies, we remain healthy, strong and alert. A thought worth viewing is, what is physically strong for one person is weak for another. At this point in my life, I have not bench pressed 275 pounds in years but I now do more repetitions and sets than I did when I was younger. “Staying” strength is now more important than knowing that I can move a relatively heavy weight a moderately short distance. (But it was impressive, at least to me, then). Emphasize conditioning and flexibility because these qualities are the skills that will help us throughout our entire lives. With time our youth’s strength, speed and quickness refocuses on maturity’s enthusiasm, technique and timing to succeed. As is stated at the end of Tennyson’s poem “Ulysses”:

We are not now that strength which in the old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are,
One equal-temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

At times illness and injury may limit our physical activity. If this happens we either take time off or we continue to train, doing what we can to advance the capabilities we are able to use. Working through injuries when appropriate, knowing no further injury will occur if we do what is reasonable, is a sign of maturity, dedication and discipline.

So, with all this being said, what must be understood if we are to use the proper speed zone? Strive to follow the direction of the sensei that knows how to best help each of us to improve. Practice daily demonstrating the proper way to do kihon, kata and kobudo and at the appropriate speed. When in the dojo, use the time efficiently; arrive early and be ready to start at the beginning of each training session. Practice what you have been taught and be open to improve when instructed. Lastly, have a beginners mind; be open to learn and review the skills you may feel that you know (perfectly). With this open and willing mind, each person will be able to learn more (happily) and become an exceptional karate student and person.

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.

DOJO FEES WILL BE IN EFFECT FEBRUARY 2010
Please pay the beginning of each month

If paying monthly with more than one std. per family  – - additional student is a $10 reduction / month.

Those students that have paid for more than one month, the new rates will begin with the next payment.

There will be no classes at the Hackettstown or Fit Happens dojos on December 24, 25, 26 & 31. Please plan ahead and make up these classes.

Zen and Strategy

Zen philosophy and its strategic insights optimized fighting strategy and taught Samurai to deal with fear and death to obtain victory. The benefits were proven during hundreds of years in situations where the penalty for failure was not loss of a “point”, but death. Today Zen is rarely taught in fighting, and the focus of martial arts classes are usually all physical despite the fact that the mental component is the most important attribute in any fight – tournament, or real life.

Asian strategy (e.g. the classic “Art of War” by Sun Tzu) and Zen are not religions but provide systems for understanding the ‘self’, optimizing technique and performing at one’s best. Some of the principles taught by sport’s psychologists mirror that of Zen in the martial arts and other things taken from Zen are more specifically directed towards combat. The modern term of putting oneself in “the zone” is directly related to the Zen mind state of mushin – one Zen principle, which can be related to kumite, is discussed in more detail below.

“Like a full circle, the mind must be empty, yet complete.” The Japanese term often used in karate, which is loosely translated as “empty mind”. This term does not strictly imply “no thought”, but rather no attachment to any one thought, emotion or strategy. To obtain this state of mind fears, doubts, ego, and any preconceived thoughts of action (strategy) must be removed, or the mind will not react openly. When we apply mushin to certain techniques and kumite strategies many karate athletes often miss the point at first glance – it revolves around the assumption that the mind must be trained to know all these strategies innately and that at any moment in kumite the right one for the situation is released without thought. This creates the required speed (i.e. no delay) and enables dynamic adaptive change in the strategy after the opponent begins to react (which enables another innately trained technique/combination to emerge as soon as it is needed). There are drills, combinations and training methods to enhance this heightened mind state.

A simpler conceptual analogy for mushin, which removes the complexity of strategy, is the following: imagine fighting someone who truly has the ability to strike with any one of their 4 limbs at any time. These people are always tricky fighters due to the fact that any limb can come out at any time i.e. no attachment or predisposition to any one thing (mushin). As one works on kumite this is one physical-mental approach, which can be drilled.

There is a famous Zen saying “mizu no kokoro” which translates to “a mind like water.” Everyone understands how the water of a pond can be calm and clear. In this state, it will reflect all around it truthfully & accurately, much like a mirror. In karate and in life we strive to have a calm mind that reflects everything around us accurately. Therefore, the mind must be clear like the glass surface of a still pond, reflecting everything accurately and without distortion. If the mind gets attached to any thoughts, this is analogous to throwing a stone into the tranquil pond. The ripples that the stone creates (or thought in the mind) will interfere with the smooth surface of the pond making the reflection (perception) distorted. If the mind is cluttered with thoughts, how can it possibly react quickly in stressful situations? Only when the mind is clear and calm will we act instantly without hesitation or fear.

The term “void” (kara in Japanese) has very real implications for strategy, Zen mind set and accessing weak points in an opponent’s technique and body. The use of “void” as the first character in Karate-Do was later consolidated in 1935 by Funakoshi sensei (founder of Shotokan) publishing the book “Karate-Do Kyohan”. The link between “voids”, or “emptiness”, has obvious similarities to mushin, however, its mental implications for strategy go further than that. The mind is just one component of a “void” approach used in fighting. Other cumulative uses of the “void” concept include:

1. Technique combinations which open an opponent enabling the scoring of a “point” (pre-determined opponent response strategy which occurs following a particular combination)
2. Furthering the first two points by striking a cavity, or anatomical void, to most damage/upset the opponent.

Therefore, fighters can chose to train certain combinations that provide a three-pronged approach of creating mental voids, physical opening voids, which are then followed by impact on an anatomical void. The emphasis here is to use all three “void” approaches in a cumulative fashion. The goal here is to not only score points but also mentally optimize one’s position of confidence and strength relative to the opponent’s physical and mental state.

Although this article mentions just two karate related Zen concepts a number of others exist which are highly relevant to kumite performance. All such concepts can be worked on as part of one’s training to optimize tournament fighting. Other Zen-based lessons can include:

• Centering in a bout (physically and mentally) – upsetting your opponents “centered confident state”
• Striking voids (mental and physical combinations)
• Progressing through the stages of Zen as one’s fighting improves
• Reading your opponent
• Dealing with fear and anxiety to perform at your best
• Use of Aiki and Kiai to upset your opponents mind game, and at the same time create physical openings for standard technique scoring

PERCEPTION

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After 3 minutes: A middle-aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. Several other children repeated this action. Every parent, without exception, forced his or her children to move on quickly.

45 minutes: The musician played continuously.  Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace.  The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story (you can read it here, at the Washington Post). Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities. 

The questions raised:

• In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
• Do we stop to appreciate it?
• Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: 
 If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made. How many other things are we missing?