To everyone that helped, supported and competed to make the 27^th benefit tournament a success – THANK YOU.  Our students performed well demonstrating proper form and enthusiasm.  We started on time and completed the event by 2 pm; knowing that we had almost 200 competitors, everything ran smoothly because of the help of students, family and friends.

PERSONAL BELIEFS AND SUCCESS

The worst beliefs are “self-limiting beliefs.” These exist whenever we believe we are limited in some way. For example, you may think yourself to be less talented or capable than others. You may think that others are superior to you in some way. You may have fallen into the common trap of selling yourself short and settling for far less than you are truly capable of.

These self-limiting beliefs act like brakes on your potential. They hold you back. They generate the two greatest enemies of personal success—doubt and fear. They paralyze you and cause you to hesitate to take the intelligent risks that are necessary for you to fulfill your true potential.

For you to progress, to move onward and upward in your life and your business, you must continually challenge your self-limiting beliefs. You must reject any thought or suggestion that you are limited in any way. You must accept as a basic principle that you are a “no-limit” person, and that what others have done, you can do as well

When I was a young man, coming from a difficult upbringing, I fell into the mental trap of concluding that because other people were doing better than I was, they must be better or smarter than I was. I accidentally concluded that they were worth more than I was. I must therefore be worth less. This false belief held me back for years.

The fact is that no one is better than you are and no one is smarter than you are. If they are doing better, it is largely because they have developed their natural talents and abilities more than you have. They have learned the laws of cause and effect that apply to their lives and work before you have. And anything anyone else has done, within reason, you can probably do as well.

What Constitutes a Good Life?

by Jim Rohn

The ultimate expression of life is not a paycheck. The ultimate expression of life is not a Mercedes. The ultimate expression of life is not a million dollars or a bank account or a home. Here’s the ultimate expression of life in my opinion, and that is living the good life. Here’s what we must ask constantly, “What for me would be a good life?” And you have to keep going over and over the list. A list including areas such as spirituality, economics, health, relationships and recreation. What would constitute a good life? I’ve got a short list.

1) Number one, productivity. You won’t be happy if you don’t produce. The game of life is not rest. We must rest, but only long enough to gather strength to get back to productivity. What’s the reason for the seasons and the seeds, the soil and the sunshine, the rain and the miracle of life? It’s to see what you can do with it—to try your hand. Other people have tried their hand; here’s what they did. You try your hand to see what you can do. So part of life is productivity.

2) Next are good friends. Friendship is probably the greatest support system in the world. Don’t deny yourself the time to develop this support system. Nothing can match it. It’s extraordinary in its benefit. Friends are those wonderful people who know all about you and still like you. A few years ago, I lost one of my dearest friends. He died at age 53—heart attack. David is gone, but he was one of my very special friends. I used to say of David that if I was stuck in a foreign jail somewhere accused unduly and if they would allow me one phone call, I would call David. Why? He would come and get me. That’s a friend. Somebody who would come and get you. Now we’ve all got casual friends. And if you called them they would say, “Hey, if you get back, call me and we’ll have a party.” So you’ve got to have both, real friends and casual friends.

3) Next on the list of a good life is your culture. Your language, your music, the ceremonies, the traditions, the dress. All of that is so vitally important that you must keep it alive. In fact it is the uniqueness of all of us that when blended together brings vitality, energy, power, influence, uniqueness and rightness to the world.

4) Next is your spirituality. It helps to form the foundation of the family that builds the nation. And make sure you study, practice and teach. Don’t be careless about the spiritual part of your nature; it’s what makes us who we are, different from dogs, cats, birds and mice. Spirituality.

5) Next, here’s what my parents taught me. Don’t miss anything. Don’t miss the game. Don’t miss the performance, don’t miss the movie, don’t miss the show, don’t miss the dance. Go to everything you possibly can. Buy a ticket to everything you possibly can. Go see everything and experience all you possibly can. This has served me so well to this day. Just before my father died at age 93, if you were to call him at 10:30 or 11:00 at night, he wouldn’t be home. He was at the rodeo, he was watching the kids play softball, he was listening to the concert, he was at church, he was somewhere every night.

Live a vital life. Here’s one of the reasons why. If you live well, you will earn well. If you live well it will show in your face, it will show in the texture of your voice. There will be something unique and magical about you if you live well. It will infuse not only your personal life but also your business life. And it will give you a vitality nothing else can give.

6) Next are your family and the inner circle. Invest in them and they’ll invest in you. Inspire them and they’ll inspire you. With your inner circle take care of the details. When my father was still alive, I used to call him when I traveled. He’d have breakfast most every morning with the farmers. Little place called The Decoy Inn out in the country where we lived in Southwest Idaho. So Papa would go there and have breakfast and I’d call him just to give him a special day. Now if I was in Israel, I’d have to get up in the middle of the night, but it only took five minutes, ten minutes. So I’d call Papa and they’d bring him the phone. I’d say, “Papa, I’m in Israel.” He’d say, “Israel! Son, how are things in Israel?” He’d talk real loud so everybody could hear. “My son’s calling me from Israel!” I’d say, “Papa, last night they gave me a reception on the rooftop underneath the stars overlooking the Mediterranean.” He’d say, “Son, a reception on the rooftop underneath the stars overlooking the Mediterranean.” Now everybody knows the story. It only took five or ten minutes, but what a special day for my father, age 93.

If a father walks out of the house and he can still feel his daughter’s kiss on his face all day, he’s a powerful man. If a husband walks out of the house and he can still feel the imprint of his wife’s arms around his body, he’s invincible all day. It’s the special stuff with the inner circle that makes you strong and powerful and influential. So don’t miss that opportunity. Here’s the greatest value. The prophet said, “There are many virtues and values, but here’s the greatest, one person caring for another.” There is no greater value than love. Better to live in a tent on the beach with someone you love than to live in a mansion by yourself. One person caring for another, that’s one of life’s greatest expressions.

So make sure in your busy day to remember the true purpose and the reasons you do what you do. May you truly live the kind of life that will bring the fruits and rewards that you desire.

Renshi Scott Miller – Combinations & A Piece Of Seisan Kata

     Combinations whether we are kicking low and then punching high or kicking high and then punching low, one technique sets up the other. After a punch high, I am hoping that my opponent tries to block opening himself for me to attack low.  If we can get our opponent to think in one direction then we can deliver in another, we have succeeded.

     Practice a set of combinations with an opponent.   Each attack should be from a different direction, angel and different stance. Come in with a front kick (low), back fist (high), punch (low). Remember after the attack to return each kick and punch into a guard’s position and do not become vulnerable.

     THE BIGGEST MISTAKE in performing combinations is the attacks are weak and not fully executed.  Each part of the combination is equally important. If the opponent does not block or get away from the first attack, the rest of the combination is doomed to fail.  Do not overlook shadow boxing in a mirror or the use of a heavy bag for practice.   When practicing concentrate on timing, balance, stances & distance.

     To advance our skills in understanding the use of Seisan Kata, think of the combination, ‘slide in block, punch (solar plexus), punch (solar plexus,) kick (belt high) then punch (solar plexus)’.  Change the attack destinations and techniques.  For example when blocking use an open hand – then grab the opponent and pull him in.  Palm strike to opponent’s (solar plexus), then punch with blocking hand to the opponent’s temple, and then kick inside the thigh, followed lastly by a punch to the opponent’s lower ribs.  The point I am trying to make, to advance the understanding and use of established moves in kata, is when the opportunity presents itself use a technique that may be used in place of the traditional kata techniques. Mixing it up sometimes can sometimes motivate us to think more about what is actually being done.

A REMINDER: There are classes specifically to advance sparring skills at the dojo each 2^nd Friday of each month (except for July).  Junior students are invited to attend from 7pm to 7:45pm.  Adult students are invited to attend from 7pm to 8:30pm.  (cost $5.00)  There are brown & black belt sessions where things specific for these ranks are presented concerning kata, weapons and more the 3^rd Friday of each month (except July) from 7pm to 8:30pm.  (cost $5.00)  Students must pre-register by the Tuesday of the week of the session.

Congratulations to those who have earned promotions since our last newsletter.   Mac Jackson, Aidan McCoy, Garret Fulton – Junior Yellow Belt,  Jody Fulton -  Senior Yellow Belt   Alexis D’Ambly – Junior Orange Belt

REMINDER:  OUR 27^TH BENEFIT TOURNAMENT IS APRIL 29^TH

AT  HACKETTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL.

            * WE ENCOURAGE ALL STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE

            *  STUDENTS MAY REGISTER FOR THE EVENT AT YOUR CONVENIENCE.

            *  WE NEED HELP DURING THE EVENT FROM TEEN AGED AND ADULT STUDNETS, PARENTS AND FRIENDS.  THE BIGGEST NEED IS PEOPLE TO HELP KEEP SCORE DURING THE TOURNAMENT.  WE TRAIN EACH PERSON -  IT IS EASY AND IT IS FUN TO DO.  ALSO, YOU GET ONE OF THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE.

Hanshi Duessel’s most recent seminar was held in Pittsburgh was March 10, 2012 Approximately fifty students attended the seminar from Pittsburgh, Maine, New York, and New Jersey.  A special thank you to Mr. Jeff Matusewicz, Mr. Scott Miller, Mr. Joe Marotta, Miss. Natalie Montone, Mr. Ryan Ammermann, Mr. Lee Gugler, and Mr. Tony Curcuruto for attending                                     from our dojo.

BLOCKING – Scott Miller – Roku Dan

Whether sparring in a tournament or practicing one-step drills in the dojo, blocking an attack is an art form that requires practice just as much as everything else that we do in or training.  We must become proficient when applying proper blocking techniques, which involves hand and eye coordination, timing, and good footwork. Because of our dedication and the due diligence in practice our mind achieves a heightened ability to react without thinking.

For example when our cell phones ring do we have to think about how to answer them; NO we just do it. When someone is punching or kicking me because of training, I should just react applying a great block that helps set me up for a good counter.  I put blocking into 3 categories. 1) Catch and move 2) Jamming 3) Deflect and counter. My favorite type of blocking is deflecting because my concentration is to just redirect an opponent’s attack with minimal energy. If an opponent were punching toward me, I would put my arm in its directed path and let the opponent’s own momentum to move him and possibly take him off balance making my counter effective. Also needed for an effective block and counter attack are footwork and timing. Footwork can put you out of the line of attack and now your block becomes a guard. Footwork should work in conjunction with your blocking and countering. As we practice the procedure – step, set, block-move attack and counter our focus is on perfecting the proper form, footwork and timing.

Our biggest mistake is that we think too much which causes hesitation and loss of efficient form. Take time in the beginning of class to practice blocking drills with a partner. Try to utilize a series of different blocks. Ask your partner to challenge you by using effective attacks. You may have great form and technique but if you have to think about what to do when you need to do it – It might be too late. TRAINS TO REACT with the right move that is fast enough focused and sets up your counter.

Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson

from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles)

 Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

A student at Warren County College this semester referred to this quotation in a research project and I previously encountered it in the movie, “Coach Carter”.  It was produced in 1999, where Samuel Jackson portrayed Ken Carter, a successful sporting goods store owner, accepts the job of basketball coach for his old high school in a poor area of Richmond, CA, where he was a champion athlete.  He became disturbed by the poor attitudes of his players as well as their dismal play performance, Carter sets about to change both. He immediately imposes a strict regime spelled out in written contracts that include stipulations for respectful behavior, a dress code and good grades as requisites to being allowed to participate. The initial resistance from the boys is soon dispelled, as the team becomes an undefeated competitor in the games. However, when the overconfident team’s behavior begins to stray and Carter learns that too many players are doing poorly in class, he takes immediate action. To the outrage of the team, the school and the community, Carter cancels all team activities and locks the court until the team shows acceptable academic improvement.  With the help of other teachers and successful students the team improves their grades and again plays the game.  What is more important is that one of the boys, who actually recites these lines in the movie, was a gang member who watches as a close friend was killed by another rival team – thanks Coach Carter for his guidance and for saving his life.

Though this was in a movie, the thoughts in the quotation are real.  We should not be afraid to shine, to stand up for what is right and others if they are being bullied.  Doing what is right is not always the thing that the crowd does, but with integrity and character we can each make the right choices, showing others what should be done.  We begin to learn these lessons at home and in the dojo. 

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.  Succeed in the martial arts is developed through hard work, proper attitude, repetition in the techniques and devotion to him/herself and the art. Strive for perfection in all that is done and accept nothing less.  Striving for less, we are cheating ourselves.  Only you can make positive things happen.

     Congratulations to Smyan Chinnam who placed first in his division at Kings Sparring Tournament March 11^th at Newton High School.  Winning the division was an accomplishment, but what was better is that he used technique and proper fighting form practiced in the dojo to achieve this success.

Wanting to Win by Zig Ziglar

(excerpted from his new book, Born to Win! Find Your Success Code)

I’ve always said that man was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness. I believe that almost as much as I believe in God. What I mean when I make that statement is that man has the opportunity to achieve greatness and is hard-wired to make it happen. Every person has unique gifts, and those gifts give him or her the power and the opportunity to accomplish great things, if he or she learns how to use those gifts and channel them in the right direction. Now you might say, “Zig, if that’s true, why doesn’t everyone achieve greatness?” Actually, that answer is easy. Everybody doesn’t want to be great, and many people who want to be great aren’t willing to do the work to make it possible!

The great coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi, wisely stated, “Winning isn’t everything but wanting to win is.” The simple truth is that you have to want to do something badly enough before you have the slightest chance of doing it! If you don’t want it badly enough, I absolutely guarantee that you will not be willing to do the planning and preparing it takes to get it.

Psychologists will tell you in a New York minute (which, for your information, is thirty-two seconds) that you invariably and inevitably move toward the strongest impression in your mind. The impressions that are most vivid in your mind are the things you want to do. That’s why desire is so powerful and plays a big role in planning. If you really want to do something, it means that it’s something you are going to think about most of the time. When you constantly think about something, you talk about it all the time and you get lots of new ideas about how to make it happen. When you have lots of ideas about something, it makes planning easier and more enjoyable. Desire also makes you willing to become accountable for your plan, and that makes you more willing to create the plan you need to win.

In my first book, See You at the Top, I said, “Desire is the ingredient that changes the hot water of mediocrity to the steam of outstanding success.” What this means is that desire is the catalyst that enables a person with average ability to compete and win against others with more natural talent. You see, my friend, being a winner is much different from having the potential to win. Everyone has the potential; it’s what you do with that potential that really matters. Nothing is more inspiring than a person with seemingly mediocre talent rising against the odds to become a champion by way of hard work, effort, and perseverance toward their goals. Obviously, raw talent is important, but the difference-maker between first and the rest of the pack is usually desire.

I’ve spent my life studying, thinking, teaching, living, and sharing motivation. I’ve learned why some people do better than others. As a matter of fact, I’ve now written thirty books on the subject that have been translated into forty different languages and dialects, and I’ve spoken to thousands of audiences in front of millions of people. The Ziglar team has created more than fifty audio programs and hundreds of customized audio presentations through the years. I’m grateful that I have been able to see so many lives transformed through these various methods of communication. My core philosophy on winning and motivation is summed up by saying that you were born to win, but in order to be the winner you were born to be, you have to plan to win and prepare to win before you can expect to win. The playing field of life is not level, and for you to compete in the game of life, you need an equalizer of some kind. In the old West, the equalizer was the six-shooter. It enabled a little guy to chop a bigger man down to size.

Desire is also an equalizer—and nowadays is highly encouraged over a six-shooter! Desire creates an edge. Desire produces the energy to get out of bed when you don’t feel like it. Desire gives you the power to run the last one hundred yards of a marathon when you think even one more step is impossible! Desire gives you the will to do the tough things your competition may not be willing to do. Desire is the mother of motivation, because it is where motivation is born. Desire will pull you across the finish line and give you victory!

Balance In The Martial Arts & Life

Balance happens from experience in life and what you have gained from it, positive or negative.  Whatever happened in my life experience, I try to make a positive experience out of any situation; that is how you better yourself in life.  As the saying goes, the older you get, the wiser.   

C.  Holubecki

     A determining factor that limits our potential and keeps us from being all we can be is the opinions of other people. It is sad to say but there are many negative people in this world who are not successful, and they would prefer that nobody else be successful, either.

Has there ever been a time when a dream was shared with one or more people and they were not supportive? After hearing about the dream they all began to say why it was impossible and list all the reasons and obstacles seemed overwhelming.

     Sadly, there are friends and families that behave this way toward their own flesh and blood. Parents, brothers, and sisters tell their children and siblings about the things they don’t believe they can do. Sometimes it seems the only advice and support these people can offer guarantees failure. They might as well be saying, “You’re not good enough to do what you think you want to do. Who do you think you are, dreaming that kind of dream?” If you have people like this in your life, my advice is to keep your goals to yourself when you are around them. Do not become susceptible to negative influences of others.

     Our Isshin-ryu Karate training begins to give young students and adults the ability to achieve positive successes in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere.  Foundation skills become memorized forms, which may be used for self-defense and controlled fighting skills.  If needed these skills may also be used to protect us from aggressive people who wish to harm us.  Developing the strength of character to do what is right, which is not promoted by much of our society where people look for a quick way to get things done, is another factor that our instructors emphasize. Students learn to be accountable for their actions because abilities in kata, self-defense and kumite must be learned and demonstrated prior to earning advancement. Promotions are not given because of time but because of abilities demonstrated.

     Developing the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual qualities and life skills are the emphasis of our traditional training.  Becoming a positive force in school and community speak more toward our and one’s family goals.  Challenges and stresses mastered in the dojo aid each individual in the world outside the dojo.  The self-discipline fostered also helps each person better able to succeed in school and work.

     Competitions are not the main focus of our training, but seeing how the skills learned compare to other martial arts styles demonstrates the quality of instruction at our dojo.  At these events students meet and make friends that may last a lifetime. 

Place winners at the February Golden Rule Tournament – Ashley Banks – 2^nd Kata, Aidan McCoy – 1^st Kata, Mac Jackson – 2^nd Kata & 1^st Kumite, Jake Brader – 1^st Kata, Taryn Faccenda – 2^nd Kata & 4^th Kumite, Nic Curcio – 2^nd Kata & 4^th Kumite, Smyan Chinnam – 2^nd Kata & 4^th Kumite, Alexis D’Ambly – 4^th Kata, Jeff Brown – 1^st Kata & 4^th Kumite, Cassandra Brown – 4^th Kata, 4^th Kumite & 2^nd Kobudo, Joe Marotta – 3^rd Kata & 3^rd Kobudo

 Remember:

Doug King’s Sparring Tournament – March 11^th at Newton High School.

Our 27^th Benefit Tournament – April 29^{th at} Hackettstown High School.  We will need help scoring (we train and it’s fun) and other help during the event.

Adult students and Parents:  Please take a few of the dojo flyers that are by the front door and on the table by the display, place them in area stores to help promote our dojo and attract new students.  THANKS

Kicking – Sensei Scott Miller, 6^th Dan

     To develop good strong kicks we must understand the steps needed in each kick. The most important element in developing good kicks is good stretching for the legs and hips. I add kicking drills and stretching drills in my workouts at home. Good kicks can’t be learned without making them a part of workouts at home. One common mistake students make is lifting the supporting leg’s heel off the ground when kicking, which causes poor balance.   Students also rock back & forth and do not center their posture over their hips. Take time between kicks and make sure the stance is set over the supporting leg.  Strong kicks begin with driving the knee. “Kick emphasizing the knee-and make contact with the foot”.  Obviously, there is more involved with our kicks to be effective and this is just a start to improve understanding.  Take time on your own and warm up with all your kicks. Practice kicks effectively at home. Can you explain how to do a good side blade kick? Are the kicks performed effective in your katas?  Doing the kick is good but being able to explain the proper procedure is demonstrating deeper understanding.

Our sincere thanks Jeff Matusewicz, Andy Srsich, Joe Marotta, Lee Gugler, Tony Curcuruto, Scott Conroy, and Shirley Zavala for giving of their efforts and time to help rework the floor.  Hopefully, the third time redoing the training area will be the charm.  Kyoshi and Renshi Hughes.

Reminder – - February 12^th is the Golden Rule Tournament at Warren Hills HS in Washington, NJ.  Please make every effort to attend.

King’s Karate Tournament – March 11, 2012 – Newton High School

Adult Seminar in Pittsburgh, Pa – March 10, 2012

As I revisited the article below, I was preparing for the upcoming semester at Warren County College.  The difference between success and failure is found within the decisions we make and how we consciously evaluate our actions and barriers to achieving the desired goals we set. 

Making Good Decisions Better by Dr. John C. Maxwell

Inability to make decisions is one of the principal reasons executives fail. Deficiency in decision-making ranks much higher than lack of specific knowledge or technical know-how as an indicator of leadership failure.  Successful people make the right decisions early and manage them daily. Let’s break down those components by exploring the criteria for making solid decisions and by reinforcing the need to properly manage them day-by-day.

Making Good Decisions

As a leader, multiple decisions swirl around you and each clamors for time and attention. The first step in successful decision-making is to prioritize the many decisions in front of you. Give yourself time to brainstorm and make a list of each decision you currently face. When you have identified an exhaustive list of decisions, take the following steps to separate the big decisions from the minor ones:

Compare Payoff
 Ask yourself, “Which decisions on my list will produce the highest payoff?” Evaluate each in terms of your investment in time, resources, and energy. On a scale of 1 to 3, rate each item on your list as follows:

1 = Most important     2 = somewhat important     3 = Least important

Consider Your Goals
 Ask yourself, “Which decisions are essential to my goals?” To answer this question, you may need to review your primary job responsibilities and remind yourself of the critical success factors driving your performance. Applying the same 1-to-3 scale, rate each decision based on its relevance to your goals.

Delegate
 At this point, every item in your log should have two rankings—one for potential payoff and one for alignment with your goals. Add the numbers together. Highlight all entries totaling 2 or 3. These matters clearly require attention.

Focus on the remaining decisions and ask yourself, “Which of these issues must be handled by me and no  one else?” More than likely, you’ll determine that many of them can be delegated to others to lighten your load.

Decision Making Traps

Too often, leaders fall into traps causing them to make faulty decisions. They are blind to flaws in their methodology or gaps in their thinking. Here are specific pitfalls that can sabotage your efforts to express yourself wisely and decisively:

Procrastinating
 If you dread the finality of taking a stand or calling the shots, you may be tempted to put off the decision. You can fall prey to dozens of avoidance mechanisms to rationalize your unwillingness to decide, including:

Absence of urgency.  “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Uncertainty. “It could go either way. Since I’m not sure, I’ll reflect on it for a while.”

Emotional difficulty.  “It’s a lose-lose proposition, and someone will be hurt regardless of the decision. Why not postpone the damage as long as possible?”

If any of these comments sound familiar, your challenge is to condense the time frame in which you make your decision. Although you may successfully con yourself into believing that  “it can wait,” a cloud of worry will drift over you until you take the initiative to remove it.

Surrendering
 Exceptionally hard decisions can deplete your energy to the point at which you finally cave in. If you mentally crumble and degenerate into negative thinking, you’ll magnify the problem to the point where it can haunt you.  Rather than surrender, break a big decision into its components. Isolate particular aspects of the issue, and address the segments bit by bit.

Hiding Behind Information
 Many managers with exacting standards tend to crave unending stacks of data before rendering a  decision. The more facts and figures they accumulate, the more they require  before feeling ready to decide. Be willing to forge ahead when the results of  the decision will be positive—even if they won’t be perfect.

The DNA of Good Decision-Making

Evidence—Specific facts  that can be independently verified.

Search for new  information or insight which may affect the decision.

Probe the basis of your belief. We make decisions based upon our assumptions, but those assumptions are  oftentimes at variance with reality.

Take a hard look at your  areas of expertise, and honestly assess the boundaries of your knowledge. Watch  for overconfidence in yourself and others when you venture outside those  limits.

Test your opinions by looking for information that challenges your beliefs rather than looking for  information that supports your opinions.

Observation—Direct experience or understanding of an issue.

Conceptualize. Before deciding, picture the expected outcomes of your decision and mentally track the  ramifications of your chosen course of action.

Search for examples.  Locate organizations that have faced a similar decision. Evaluate their  experiences to better prepare for your own decision.

Do a test-run. When time allows, launch and assess a pilot project before fully committing yourself.

 Feedback—Impressions gleaned from asking others for input about a decision.

The most effective decisions flow from your ability to ask the right person the right question at the right time.   As long as you know where to search for the relevant information, and can verify the accuracy of what you learn, you will be well-positioned to see all sides of an issue and  make a sensible judgment.

Managing Good Decisions

The first ingredient of success—making good decisions—has no real value without the second, which is practicing daily discipline. Look at our society. Everyone wants to be thin, but nobody wants to diet. Everyone wants to live long, but few will exercise.  Everybody wants money, yet seldom will anyone budget or control their spending.

Most people want to avoid pain, and discipline is usually painful. What we fail to understand is that there are two kinds of pain: the pain of self-discipline and the pain of regret. We avoid the pain of self-discipline because we confront it every day.  Meanwhile, the pain of regret goes unnoticed for days, months, and years, but when it comes, it marks us with the profoundest disappointment.

Successful people conquer their feelings of instant gratification and form habits of daily discipline. They realize that the pain of self-discipline is momentary, while its payoff yields long-lasting rewards.

Good Decisions – Daily Discipline = A Plan without a Payoff
Daily Discipline – Good Decisions = Regimentation without Reward
Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A Masterpiece of Potential

 A new addition to our monthly newsletter will be thoughts related by leading black belts of our school.  Mr. Miller is the head instructor of the dojo at Picatinny Arsenal and was promoted to sixth degree black belt in 2008.

Think about Application and Focus: Renshi Scott Miller

These two elements of daily practice are needed if each student is to apply and understand what is being learned. When this is done the student able to make what is taught meaningful and real. Simply moving legs and arms without a level of understanding is not what makes a great kata. When performing the sequence in Seisan kata where the student performs the combination of a middle block, followed by two punches a kick and a final punch, attention must be focused on each move and the application of the entire combination. It is not enough to be happy the moves were remembered. Each student is taught that the punches are directed toward the solar plexus and the kick to the lower extremities. However, if the moves were to be used in a real situation, there may be a more realistic target. Also, if a different strike would be more effective than a punch then use it. Each student must see through the target, applying proper application, speed and focus. Practice mentally to truly visualize an attack. Move out of the way; focus the block and the counter attack. Make each movement seriously and completely. Go at a speed where form is not lost, a concept often quoted by Hanshi Duessel and Kyoshi Hughes. The use of Application and Focus will help each student understand a kata’s use if needed for self-defense, which develops in time and with the proper practice.

After a discussion during one of my college classes, I started thinking again about success, and what helps people achieve this quality.  As we enter a new year, commit to succeed!

• One must love one’s self before it may be given to another.
• The sense of value determines the quality of performance. Performance is only a reflection of internal worth, not a measure of it.
• Trying to impress less makes one more impressive.
• What is shown on the outside is a mirror the feeling felt inside.
• Chase your passion.  If work is not enjoyable – do something else.

The key trait shared by athletic champions and winners in every walk of life is the fundamental belief in one’s own internal value.

If success depends on external possessions, anxiety will be predominant in life. Being cheered for personal success is necessary, the individual is not concerned for internal gratification, but external rewards.  One can never win over a long period of time if the concept of success depends upon the perfect performance or receiving a gold medal.

Talent, appearance and other attributes are not equally distributed, but we’re all given an abundance of value.  Life is not played on a level playing field in terms of education, a supportive home life, and other circumstances beyond our control, but each person is born with the qualities of a champion. That is the quality of value.

Champions are born, but they can be unmade by their perceptions, exposure and responses. Losers are not born to lose. They are programmed that way by their own responses to their environment and their decisions.

The idea of the inner winner describes the kind of person who recognizes his or her internal value, and who is able to use that recognition as the foundation for achieving any goal. The secret of success or being a winner is to understand that results are determined by positive focused action, positive determined attitude, using one’s positive mental abilities without expecting external praise.

“You have not lived a perfect day, even though you have earned your money, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you.  Ruth Smeltzer 

 “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? by Marianne Williamson

STRESS MANAGEMENT

     A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading a training session, explaining stress management to the audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, ‘half empty or half full?’…
     She fooled them all. . . “How heavy is this glass of water?” she inquired with a smile.  Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.  She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter.  It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem.  If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm.  If I hold it for a day, you’ll have to call an ambulance. In each case it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”  She continued, “and that’s the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on.”
     “As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we’re refreshed, we can carry on with the burden – holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the night – Pick them up tomorrow.
Whatever burdens you’re carrying now, let them down for a moment. Relax; pick them up later – After you’ve rested.
Life is short. Enjoy it and the now ‘supposed’ stress that you’ve conquered!”

1. Accept the fact that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue!

2. Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3. Always read stuff that will make you looks good if you die in the middle of it.

4. Drive carefully… It’s not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.

5. If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

6. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

7. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

8. Never buy a car you can’t push.

9. Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won’t have a leg to stand on.

10. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.

11. Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

12. The second mouse gets the cheese.

13. When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.

14. Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

15. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

16. Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

17. We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

18. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

19. Have an awesome day and know that someone thought about you today.

20. It was me, your friend!

Save the earth — It’s the only planet with chocolate!

 CONGRATULATIONS to the people who earned promotions since our last newsletter:  Brown Belt #2 – Shirley K. Zavala, Scott Conroy.    Junior Yellow Belt – Megan Baker, Smyan Chinnam

Remember: There will be no classes on December 24^th and 31^st.  If these are your normal training dates plan to make them up when you are able.

In a way, human beings behave like bees. If you place several bees in an open-ended bottle and lay the bottle on its side with the base toward a light source, the bees will repeatedly fly to the bottle bottom toward the light. It never occurs to them to reverse gears and try another direction. This is a combination of genetic programming and learned behavior.

Put a bunch of flies in that bottle and turn the base toward a bright light. Within a few minutes, all the flies will have found their way out. They try all directions—up, down, toward the light, away from the light, often bumping into the glass—but sooner or later they flutter forth into the neck of the bottle and out the opening.

We often allow ourselves to become locked in our present circumstances, even if we are unhappy and really want to be reaching in a new direction. What we’re doing may make us miserable, but at least it’s familiar. One of the most important factors in achieving personal success is the willingness to try things out, to experiment, to break new ground. In fact, this is the only way to learn and progress: trial, error, feedback, knowledge, trial and success. It is a far better thing to try to succeed and fail than to do nothing and succeed.

This week:

* Try it
* Change it
* Do it

Stop stewing and start doing!

Safari: Changing Your Habits by Denis Waitley

You can change your life by changing you habits. Here are some guidepost rules regarding change:

Rule 1: No one can change you and you can’t really change anyone else. You must admit your need, stop denying your problem, and accept responsibility for changing yourself.

Rule 2: Habits aren’t broken, but replaced—by layering new behavior patterns on top of the old ones. This usually takes a least a year or two. Forget the 30-day wonder ones. I don’t know where motivational speakers got the idea that it takes twenty-one days to gain a new habit. It may take that long to remember the motions of a new skill, but after many years of being you, it takes far longer to settle into a new habit pattern and stay there. Habits are like submarines. They run silent and deep. They also are like comfortable beds, in that they’re easy to get into, but difficult to get out of. So don’t expect immediate, amazing results. Give your skills training a year and stick with it, knowing that your new ways can last a lifetime.

Rule 3: A daily routine adhered to over time will become second nature, like riding a bicycle. Negative behavior leads to a losing lifestyle, positive behavior to a wining lifestyle. Practice makes permanent in both cases. —Denis Waitley

Discipline Is a Beautiful Word by Zig Ziglar

In today’s social climate many people look with disfavor on the word discipline because they simply do not understand that discipline means “to instruct or educate, to inform the mind, to prepare by instructing in correct principles and habits.” No one who achieves greatness does so without discipline. Sybil Stanton, in her beautiful book The Twenty-Five Hour Woman, accurately states that “discipline is not on your back, needling you with imperatives; it is at your side, nudging you with incentives.” It’s true that when you discipline yourself to do the things you need to do, when you need to do them, the day’s going to come when you can do the things you want to do, when you want to do them. It’s also true that life is tough, but when you are tough on yourself, life will be infinitely easier on you.

Today many people want to be free to do as they please, but consider this: If you take the train off the tracks, it’s free, but it can’t go anywhere. Take the steering wheel out of the automobile and it’s under the control of no one, but it is useless. The reality is that until the sailor disciplines himself to be obedient to the compass, he will have to stay within sight of shore. However, once he is obedient to that compass, he can go anywhere in the world the sailboat will take him. Yes, discipline is the missing ingredient that will make the difference in your life. Discipline yourself today so you can have a better life tomorrow.

THERE WILL BE NO CLASSES ON DECEMBER 24^TH

REMEMBER TO LISTEN TO WRNJ RADIO – 1510 (AM DIAL) AND 92.7(FM DIAL) – IF THE WEATHER THREATENS / MISSED CLASSES MAY BE MADE UP.

 Parents of current students – as a Thanksgiving gift to you, please accept our thanks for permitting us to train your child or children at our dojo.  We extend a free month of training to you between now and the New Year.  Kyoshi and Renshi Hughes

Congratulations to the people who earned promotions since our last newsletter.   Junior Green Belt #1  - Jake Brader   Junior Purple Belt #1  -  Shayne Davies     Senior Green Belt  -  Jay Brader, Jeff Brown

GREAT MOMENTS IN ONE’S LIFE

 It’s been said that there are two great moments in a person’s life.  The first is when you are born and the second is when you discover your life’s purpose.  The great architect Frank Lloyd Wright said that:  “the thing always happens that you really believe in, and the belief in a thing makes it happen.”  One of my favorite stories is the amazing Gold Medal Athlete Jessie Owens. In high school, he was just an ordinary scrawny black kid.  Until his school held an assembly featuring the great Charley Paddock.  At that time, Charley was the fastest human being alive!  During the assembly, Charley asked the student body “Do you know who you are?”  He asked this a couple of times.  “Who are you?”  Then answering himself:  “You are a child of God, you live in the United States of America and you can become anything that you truly want to!”

When Jessie Owens heard these words, a burning desire was awakened inside him and he resolved then and there that he, Jessie Owens, would someday become that fastest human being in the world!  And he did go on to achieve a life of athletic and personal greatness.  The belief in a thing does make it happen!

All of us have those moments in our lives where, if we believe and decide, we can change in wonderful new directions.  In any moment you can change your life just by changing your thoughts. 

Decide to hold onto the higher ground you have claimed! This really does work but only if you keep a hold fast to your new thoughts and expressions.  It has also been shown that people who return to their former daily habits, going back to their same old associations, adopting the old habits and settling into the life that they had before, within a week or two, all of those new thought patterns – all of those new resolutions simply fade away.

Don’t go back!  Keep that flame of success alive.  Fill your mind with positive things. 

People are measured not by what they say but what they do.  Go out and do those new activities; see new people and success will accumulate.  All of those good thoughts will be reinforced by the new reality that you are creating. 

Many important decisions were made by ordinary people who started taking Isshin-ryu karate for a number of reasons:  to get in better physical condition, to be better prepared if one has to use self defense skills, to learn a art that is hundreds of years old, to advance physical activity in a way that is not like going to a gym and lifting weights or doing an aerobics’ class.  Some of those people are still in the dojo more than 20 years later.  Others have wanted to start but find a reason to not get started now.   Make the decision to go beyond the ordinary.  REMEMBER – the difference between ordinary and the extraordinary is that little EXTRA.

This is powerful stuff!

KATA TRAINING

     Kata training has its place in karate.  The reason is that it represents the knowledge that has been developed by the early masters of the martial arts.  Throughout history the katas are what define the style.

     In Isshin Ryu, the katas represents the fighting techniques of the style.  Within the kata, there are moves that are not performed, as they would be in a fighting situation.  Certain moves are performed the way they are to strengthen different parts of the body.  Some are there to develop balance, etc.  A good example is the stances.  Because hand techniques often rely on strong legs for their own strength, it is very important to strengthen one’s legs.        CH

Sense of Achievement – Entitlement

     We achieve things in our practice. Each promotion earned is an achievement.  One desirable milestone is achieving the level of black belt – Sho Dan. This has a great significance for almost everyone who trains in a martial system that utilizes the graded belt system. Sometimes this is the end goal of many. People now know that this is merely the beginning and this may be the most difficult stage of all in the martial systems both classical and traditional.
     We increase our level of proficiency by diligent practice and discipline.   This is a difficult transition as it can take us down a path we choose to make, which will lead to understanding the true spirit of karate. This includes such things as mentoring, training, practicing, and assumption of a leadership role. This is a great responsibility to you as a student of the art, as well as to those whom you lead, guide and mentor to find their own path.
     There are dojo practices and training; there are seminars with other knowledgeable instructors; there are competitive encounters; there are actual threats and conflicts that must be traveled to reach a milestone post along that highway – the path. Our perceptive filters build, modify and expand as we travel this road. It has effects – psychological.
     How we deal with both the physical and psychological can determine our leadership abilities. It involves an awareness of our ego’s and our pride. The side I sometimes use the term coined in the writings of Rory Miller and Marc MacYoung – the monkey.  If we allow it to assume a controlling position then we may fall into that grievous state where we assume a “sense of entitlement.” For leaders; for leadership – this is dangerous.
     Do you encounter emotional reactions when someone does not treat you with respect? Do you assume that you should receive recognitions such as rank, titles, etc. because you believe you have earned them? Some instructors become emotionally stressed if their dojo or practitioners are overlooked for recognitions, promotions, and awards. A false sense of entitlement creates an egoistic prideful attitude that sends a clear signal to all who witnesses it first hand.  Be careful to not be guilty of assuming a false sense of entitlement?
          A false sense of entitlement creates a persona that transmits the wrong message for those who follow your lead. How seniors of any martial system act, talk, and walk the walk transmit a great deal as to how one practices and acts both in and out of the dojo. It is a tempering process that also contributes greatly to the proper sense of application to those dangerous principles and techniques learned in karate.
     A very slippery slope we encounter in the world of martial arts. It is easy if we are not aware and diligent in our own path to enlightenment and it is a choice between either the dark side or the light side of that path. Assuming the mantel of senior, leader, mentor and a higher level of grade can subvert the way with ego, pride and the resulting sense of entitlement. “Choose your path wisely!”

There will be no class on Thursday, November 24, 2011.

If there are weather conditions that may make it unsafe to hold classes I will have announcements mate through WRNJ radio, 1510 on the AM dial and 92.7 on the FM dial (generally by 3:00 PM).  When possible I will also use the e.mail list that I have for students.  As always be safe and call the dojo or my cell to check (908-797-0087 cell).  If you are uncomfortable driving in conditions – call and then make up the class.

Please remember to turn in St. Jude Kick-A-Thon packets and checks – ASAP.

            $25.00 for members and $45.00 for non-members (includes Life-time membership)

TOURNAMENT FOR THE MT.

ARLINGTON F.O.P LODGE #78

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30^TH

IT IS CLOSE TO HOME – - AND PRICED REASONABLY.

SEE KYOSHI IF INTERESTED.

What’s important in karate training beyond punching and kicking?

Relate your understanding of our karate teaching to the following article.

Creating Your Character Is Like

an Artist Creating a Sculpture

by Jim Rohn

Could creating your character be likened to an artist creating a sculpture?  I believe that character is not something that just happens by itself, any more than a chisel can create a work of art without the hand of an artist guiding it. In both instances, a conscious decision for a specific outcome has been made. A conscious process is at work. Character is the result of hundreds and hundreds of choices you make that gradually turn who you are, at any given moment, into who you want to be. If that decision-making process is not present, you will still be somebody. You will still be alive, but may have a personality rather than a character.

Character is not something you were born with and can’t change, like your fingerprints. In fact, because you weren’t born with it, it is something that you must take responsibility for creating. I don’t believe that adversity by itself builds character and I certainly don’t think that success erodes it. Character is built by how you respond to what happens in your life. Whether it’s winning every game or losing every game. Getting rich or dealing with hard times. You build character out of certain qualities that you must create and diligently nurture within yourself. Just like you would plant and water a seed or gather wood and build a campfire. You’ve got to look for those things in your heart and in your gut. You’ve got to chisel away in order to find them. Just like chiseling away the rock in order to create the sculpture that has previously existed only in your imagination.

But do you want to know the really amazing thing about character? If you are sincerely committed to making yourself into the person you want to be, you’ll not only create those qualities, but you’ll continually strengthen them. And you will recreate them in abundance even as you are drawing on them every day of your life. Just like the burning bush in the biblical book of Exodus, the bush burned but the flames did not consume it. Character sustains itself and nurtures itself even as it is being put to work, tested, and challenged. And once character is formed, it will serve as a solid, lasting foundation upon which to build the life you desire.

DOJO PHILOSOPHY

My goal is to instruct each student in the traditional art of Isshin-ryu Karate, keeping the spirit of True – Authentic – training alive, striving to be an example for the martial arts’ community.  I aspire to motivate each student to work to improve each day, by developing A BEGINNER’S MIND. 

As the student is guided through the levels of understanding, he or she will develop the strength physically and mentally to accept the challenges of karate and life, developing and demonstrating positive influences upon others by the character that will become a part of one’s daily life.  Spiritual growth will become possible as the student develops the mental and physical tools to resist the adverse challenges of the world.  

As we move forward in the 21^st Century, I will strive to instill in each student the desire to keep the dreams of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku and Master William H. Duessel alive — that karate will again become the “One Heart Way”, working to make each student ONE with his or her body, mind, family, society and spirit.

The following article I received from karate site designed to advance understanding about Okinawa and Karate.

 Reality of Karate in Okinawa And Its Problems

     Although there are more than 50 million people who love and practice Karate, those who belong to an Okinawa based Dojo or Ryu-ha is limited, estimated 10%. Of course the date will be changed depends on what ryu-ha you call Okinawa based.  For instance, Gichin Funakoshi was a great Karate master of Syorin-ryu and founder of Syotokan-ryu.  He was one of the best contributors who introduced Okinawa Karate to main land Japan and throughout the world.  However, his ryu-ha, Syotokan-ryu is not included as an Okinawa based ryu-ha.  If you include syotokan-ryu members as an Okinawa based Karate practice population, the number will be changed dramatically.
     It is said that one of the reasons why Karate’s popularity is quiet high is because young generations and Westerners love so called “Sport Karate”.  It is true that traditional Okinawa Karate lacks flamboyancy.  Yet, traditional Okinawa Karate has its almost 1,000 years of history and the true indefatigability, both for offense and defense, built up through the times.  Though the traditional Karate is too simple and perhaps dull for those who prefer Sport Karate, once you find the distillate of the traditional Okinawa Karate, you will experience the truth by heart.
     As a birthplace of Karate, there are more than 500 Dojos in Okinawa by Karateka who inherited the tradition.  I believe those Karate masters duty to assume the real Okinawa Karate to younger generations. 

The Proof That Okinawa Is The Birthplace of Karate

     There are many theories about when Karate occurred in Okinawa and there is no solid proof such as papers or historiography.  Experts have been researched on this issue for decades and their current and main agreement is that Karate was occurred around before and in the Age of The Civil War of Ryukyu Islands called Time Aji or Time Gusuku.
     Time Aji or Time Gusuku, between seven and twelve centuries was before the Ryukyu Kingdom and there were many worriors who fight against each other aiming to take control on the island.  In those days, it was normal to have weapons and practice martial arts, and since Ryukyu Island was isolated from other continent and the sailing skills wasn’t enough to import or export goods from other countries, moreover, they didn’t produce any minerals such as copper or iron, so they had to develop what they had which was martial arts.  (In ancient times, iron was used for a little part of knives and pikes in Okinawa.  This is shown that minerals weren’t use frequently in that time.)
     Although there were some weapons such as stick, nunchaku, and oar which were used in their daily lives, it is not hard to imagine that those equipments were just secondary and mainly, people use their own body in the martial arts.
     Before 1392 when Chinese experts called (JKume Sanjyu-roku Sei, 36 Chinese experts of Kume area, came and settle in Kume area in Ryukyu Kingdon, (now the area is in Naha city).  It is said that one of the Kumes was a Chinese Kenpo master.  He combined both Okinawa and Chinese based martial arts into one, and one of his descendants create new ryu-ha called, Kojo-ryu. The Kojo-ryu Dojo was in Naha some 15 years ago.  This story is better than other theories for now that explaining there was an Okinawa based martial arts before foreigners came to the Island.
     In those days in Ryukyu Kingdom, the island’s culture was great affected by China and the art was called Chinese hand. After the Kumes arrival and exchange their culture, the traditional martial art changed its style little by little and made the today’s form.  This is one of the proofs that Karate was occurred in Okinawa.
There are some similarities between Okinawa Karate and Chinese Kenpo, but in Karate, we much focus on our spiritual side, which is based on the idea, Karatedo.  The martial art that has both physical and spiritual sides can be seen only in Okinawa.
    Today, we have approximately 500 Karate Dojo in Okinawa.  This infrequency situation shows that Karate plays an important role in Okinawan society and has huge impact on the culture.

 BBTV is a free site – check it out?  http://www.okinawabbtv.com/culture/karate/

     As we enter another school year it is important that student learn to again balance schoolwork and studying at home and staying consistent in the dojo.  The discipline and concentration skills we are working on here will enhance their abilities in the classroom and on athletic areas.

     Remember, we like to see report cards at the end of each marking period.  We like to see the progress that students are making in the classroom as well as the notations made by teachers concerning the areas beyond grades and attendance. 

Belt colors are a sign of promotion and attaining the understanding of at least a minimum amount of knowledge.  Once a black belt is attained a red stripe designates the level of rank.  The first stripe is awarded at least six months after the black belt is earned.  In keeping with what many dojos currently do, the person earning the 4^th degree status will wear a horizontal red and white belt with the white stripe on the top.  The red stripe is placed on top at 5^th degree.  At 6^th degree a red and white paneled belt is awarded.  As the individual progresses in rank the red segment on the belt increases until at 9^th degree when a red belt is awarded.

TO PRACTICE OR NOT TO PRACTICE REGULARLY – THAT’S THE QUESTION

     During a recent class with just a few students in attendance due to vacation schedules, I had time to work closely with one student for the entire class.  Though it was evident that the student had not practiced the primary basics and kicks, pinan or Seisan Kata recently, the student demonstrated enthusiasm while in the dojo.  Similar to learning and development in school, training in our dojo helps the student to learn many things about karate, self-defense, balance, timing and distancing within kata and sparring, coordination, development of strength and power (internal and physical), and much about one’s self as the individual moves from rank to rank.  It is difficult at times to refresh things that were learned previously, yet to be a good disciplined student this is necessary at every level.  If this is done regularly for children and adults, learning will be easier, promotions will be earned more quickly and frustration and stress will be kept to a minimum. 

     In basics, kata, self-defense and sparring, there are many elements that combine to add interest, understanding and usefulness while training.  Some key pieces to each are stances, tempo and timing and an appropriate pattern.  It is also important to visualize the imaginary opponent.  As this is done, practice as though the student is being attacked and then each technique, counter or combination of techniques must respond appropriately with intensity, power and focus.  Doing this the student will gain insight into the technique, achieve advancement of ability and better physical conditioning.

     Equally important to the above elements is the need to develop proper posture and stances.  One’s posture is always erect finding the head, neck, shoulder, back and hips in line.  This aspect of each stance does not deviate and any change affects balance, movement, and focus of power.  Each stance has its unique qualities and applications.  Our ready stance (Heiko Dachi) has the feet parallel, which is the meaning of the word heiko and as wide as one’s hips.  There is equal weight on each foot, the knees are bent covering the toes and legs are directly over the feet, creating a position from which movement may be performed without telegraphing one’s intent.  Seisan stance (from the first kata) has the feet parallel at shoulder with.  The heel of the front foot is in line with the toes of the rear foot.  Again, the knees are bent covering the toes.  One’s balance is centered and movement should be accomplished without leaning.  Seiuchin stance (from the second kata) finds the heels at shoulder’s width and the feet are at a 45-degree outward angle.  The knees are bent so they cover the toes.  Equal weight is distributed on each foot.  There is great strength from side to side but less if force is applied backward from an opponent because of the nature of the stance.  Naihanchi stance again finds the heels in line with the shoulders and the toes point inward at a 45-degree angle.  The knees cover the toes and the structure of the stance help the legs protect the lower abdomen and groin.  Cat stance finds the heel of the rear foot in line with the ball of the front foot.  Unlike the T stance where the feet are at right angles to one another, the rear foot is at a slight forward angle.  The knee of the rear foot is bent so it is beyond the toes and 90% of the weight is on the rear foot.  Sanchin stance is an extremely rooted stance.  The feet are shoulder width, the front foot is in line with a toe / heel position in seisan stance.  The toes of the front foot are angled inward; knees are again over the toes.  A specific method of tension development, chinkuchi, requires many years to understand and begin to develop.  In time the adult body may be able to withstand strikes without movement.

     Movement between stances should find the body in alignment, starting with proper foot position and posture.  The center of balance, found approximately two inches below the navel, should not rise and fall from one movement to the next.  When students obi train, the belt should remain at a constant level whether moving forward or backward.  Students should concentrate on moving the knee rather than the foot when setting its position in a stance.  In doing so the ball of the foot is kept in contact with the floor and establishes its position before the heel.

     Breathing during each technique or combination of techniques finds the air being drawn in through the nose into the lower abdomen and exhaled through the mouth. Though the lungs hold the air, the abdomen and diaphragm relax and contract to help the student breath most effectively, thus being able to focus karate’s power efficiently.  Proper timing of each breath is developed through understanding its use during kata and is then extended to kumite, sparring.

     The intricacies of proper traditional karate training were said by the founder of the style, Tatsuo Shimabuku, to Hanshi Duessel to be like a puzzle.   If one piece of the puzzle’s picture is missing, then the picture is not complete because that element is missing.  If the missing piece is one of the above key elements, then a large part of proper training and performance is missing.  If one is not taught properly, then again the development of true karate is not accomplished.  The stages of teaching begin with learning the simple form of the kihon (basics), kata, kobudo (weapons) and kumite (sparring).  From this stage we progress to putting the singular pieces together into proper combinations of techniques.  Then we add the proper breathing, while polishing the form further. Lastly, we work to develop strength, power, fluid motion and understanding of what is truly being done.  As the student develops, he or she must accept the challenge to work to improve. 

     To protect one’s self, the student must understand what the appropriate target is to be attacked; then use the appropriate weapon, whether hand or foot and the proper part of the hand or foot needed for the strike.  Finally, the proper mechanism of delivery of the strike must be used so the form helps to enhance the power and efficiency of the strike.  Mentioned above are briefly covered concepts so the student and parent may understand the importance of training properly and consistently.  This is necessary if the student is to improve on the correct path.  “Karatedo” – Empty Hand Way or Path.

DOJO FEES – Please pay the beginning of each month 

PER WEEK         1 STUDENT       2 STUDENTS       3 STUDENTS  

1 CLASS                   $50.00                $90.00                    $125.00

2 CLASSES              $70.00               $130.00                  $180.00

3 CLASSES              $85.00                $160.00                  $235.00

3 MONTHS (1X)        $135.00              $255.00                  $345.00

3 MONTHS (2X)        $195.00              $365.00                  $510.00

If you pay by check, please make the check to Isshin-ryu (School of Karate) and please use blue or black ink, as the bank’s scanning device does not read other colors.  Thanks!

UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS:

            September 24 (Saturday) – AOKA (Don Nagle Tournament) Bayonne

            October 8 – Adult American Isshin-ryu Seminars at Sensei King’s Dojo in Andover, NJ – 12 to 3

            October 23 (Sunday) – Scott Klinger’s Tournament – Sparta, NJ

            October 30 (Sunday) – Reggie Goode’s Tournament – (PBA) – Mt. Arlington

If there is a topic that you would like addressed in a newsletter, please share the idea with Kyoshi.

Our recent training sessions started at 6:59 PM Friday evening accompanied by rain that lasted until 1:18 AM.  The Friday sessions were for Black Belts and Brown Belts who are hoping to finalize their travel toward becoming a Sho Dan, First Degree Black Belt.  Saturday sessions continued early and ended with a demonstration in our training center with family and friends in attendance. 

THOUGHTS FROM OUR NEW SHO DAN, ANTHONY CURCURUTO

       I would like to share a quote with you, from the book ‘Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind,’ by Shunryu Suzuki.

            “If you continue this simple practice every day, you will obtain some wonderful power. Before you obtain it, it is something wonderful, but after you attain it, it is nothing special.”

     Although Mr. Suzuki was discussing meditation and enlightenment, one can apply it to Karate practice as well. There are those who practice Karate with a singular goal of getting a certain color belt to put on.  For those students, I ask you to reconsider your source of motivation; you will get much more out of it as a result.

            Mr. Suzuki says,

            “…As long as you think, ‘I am doing this,’ or ‘I have to do this,’ or ‘I must attain something    special,’ you are not actually doing anything.”

     When we let go of these ‘gaining ideas,’ only then do we actually begin to ‘do something.’ Consider the following: If one starts a new kata in class, and thinks, ‘I cannot wait until I finish this kata,’ for the most part, quite a bit is lost. When we finish learning the moves of a kata, we do not magically gain a special power to understand and perform it perfectly. We must focus on each move, each day at a time instead of focusing on the end as a primary goal. In this manner, we have been contemplating and learning little things all along, and when we are finally taught ‘all the moves,’ it is ‘nothing special.’ We have learned and will continue to learn more and more during practice.

     This past weekend I was promoted to Sho-Dan, or black belt rank. One of my parents, who observed the demo and promotion ceremony said, “I did not realize there were only eight katas.” I explained that it was no small thing to have ‘only eight katas,’ and that I would be learning much more about the moves therein for years to come.  During my testing there were segments that taught me to consider doing kata sequences in ways and scenarios I hadn’t ever imagined before. You will have to be there to know what I mean. If I had constantly been thinking, ‘I just can’t wait until I get my new belt,’ I would have gone through the motions without the gaining the insight from each lesson.  What then would the belt really mean to me?

     Much like demonstrating skills in music and art, the idea of ‘being a black belt’ is surrounded by mystique and myth. Many newcomers and people outside the dojo think that a black belt means ultimate mastery. When one gets a diploma in school, are they done learning? It is really more of a starting point in life. Being a Sho-Dan is a rewarding milestone in that it made me recall how far I’ve come since I walked in the dojo on my first day, and also that I have helped others in various ways.  When I bow onto the floor as a black belt, I will simply continue my Karate practice, just as I have always done, without any special power to ‘part the sea’ with my fist. I look forward to each day learning and working with Kyu and Dan ranks alike.

THOUGHTS FROM OUR NEW SHO DAN, JOSEPH REINBOLD

     The experience that I had during the testing will change the way I train in the dojo from now on. It showed me that I am capable of overcoming much harder challenges than I thought I could. There were times where I felt that I could not go on and felt exhausted, but there was always that sense of passion that got me through the most difficult of tasks. There will always be times during our training that anger or discourage us. But with a positive attitude and a focused mind, you can achieve any goal. There is no better feeling than the satisfaction after accomplishing something you thought was beyond you. I would like to thank Kyoshi and Mrs. Hughes for their dedication and passion. Thank you to all the black belts who were there for Tony and I during this test for your time and encouragement.

If you have not received recent e.mail updates about class schedules and events, please see Kyoshi and give us your e.mail address or update the information we have.  THANKS

For updated information and calendar of events, check our dojo web site regularly.  

www.Isshin-ryu.com

THE 3^rd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH SPECIAL TRAINING FOR JUNIOR PURPLE BELTS & JUNIOR BROWN BELTS

TRAINING SPECIFIC FOR SKILLS YOU NEED TO: IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS & ADVANCE ABILITIES IN KATA, KUMITE & WEAPONS   -   6:00 P.M.  to   6:55 P.M.   

ADULT BROWN AND BLACK BELTS   - TRAINING SESSIONS START AT 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

SPARRING SPECIFIC TRAINING CLASSES WILL BE HELD THE 2^ND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH FOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR GREEN BELTS AND ABOVE – all sparring and safety equipment is needed.

7:00 P.M. to 8:15 P.M.

COST – $5.00 PER SESSION

EACH STUDENT MUST SIGN UP BY THE WEDNESDAY OF THE APPROPRIATE WEEK OF THE TRAINING TO ATTEND

THANKS TO THE BLACK BELTS AND STUDENTS WHO HELPED CONDUCT CLASSES WHILE WE WERE ON VACATION IN MAINE.  We started our vacation-visiting friends at the MIKA weekend event at the More To Life campgrounds.  Friday evening Rebecca Pushard and Josh Buck earned their fourth degree black belts.  Senseis Jodi, Clem and Mat earned their third degree black belts.  Saturday morning after a bo and sai seminar, I biked the 20 miles to Castle Island Camps through the rolling (?) hills of the countryside.  The week at Castle Island consisted of eating three great meals a day, kayaking, biking, fishing, relaxing and spending great times with family and friends.  Friday morning Fayth, a karate student in maine, and Elizabeth, the daughter of the owner of Castle Island Camps, and I biked to Mt. Vernon for a cool drink before returning to the island.  Friday evening, after our lobster dinner, the heat prompted us to leave for home, knowing there was not going to be much sleep even if we left before breakfast.  Moose, our German Shepherd, was at Happy Tails Resort . . . and was said to have played nicely with the other dogs.  He is now home chasing his Frisbee. My catching up at the dojo is nearly done and I am now going to finish my chores, and work on my car that needs brake and fuel lines.  Again, thanks to my friends at MIKA, Castle Island and here at the dojo for making it possible for Linda and me to do our annual vacation, (this year with our son, daugher, grand daughter and son-in-law) re-energize and return to start kicking . . .