BECOMING A SUCCESS

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.

Adaptability in Action

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.

NOVEMBER 2011

 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.

AMERICAN ISSHINRYU ADULT SEMINARS AT DOUG KING’S DOJO – OCTOBER 8^TH.  MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND.  THE COST IS MINIMAL AND WHAT MAY BE LEARNED IS HUGE.

            $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/

CONGRATULATIONS to the students who earned promotions.  Mikey Donica, Ben & Wyatt Almer – junior orange belt,   Susan Torlucci – brown belt #3

     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.

CONGRATULATIONS to the students who earned promotions at our July training sessions and afterward in the dojo.  Ashley Banks & Sarah Irizarry – junior orange belt,  Zach DeStefano – junior green belt #1Arshdeep Singh – junior purple belt #1, Shirley Zavala & Scott Conroy – brown belt #3, Kristyn Wheeler – brown belt #2,  Trevor Silva – brown belt #1, Anthony Curcuruto & Joseph Reinbold – first degree black belt, Roger Pollina – second degree black belt, Jeff Adler – third degree black belt, Edward Grace – fourth degree black belt.

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 . . .

JULY 2011

Staying consistent during the summer months.

If there is interest for July and August we will have a morning class for children from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesdays and then our continuing adult class from 11:00 AM to Noon. 

Please see Kyoshi or Renshi Hughes to let us know if you are interested.  Evening and Saturday classes will continue normally for the summer vacation months.

 If you are planning a vacation, please remember to let us know prior to leaving and you may make up the missed classes before or after your mental health time.   Send us a post card so we can share in your experience.

 Training sessions are scheduled for July 8^th & 9^th at the Hughes’.  This overnight training experience is only open to students being tested for Sho Dan and all current black belts.   We will be setting up tents, etc. at 7 P.M. (unless otherwise instructed).

 The Saturday sessions are open to ALL students and ALL students are encouraged to attend.  THERE WILL BE NO SATURDAY CLASS JULY 9^TH AT THE DOJO.  Adults should arrive by 9 A.M. and children should arrive by 11:00 A.M.  Organized classes and experiences will be conducted to help students learn different qualities about their karate training in fields, wooded areas, the Pequest River and much more.  We will provide Friday snacks, Saturday breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks, break nutrition and drinks and hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner.  All cups, utensils, plates will be provided.

 The demonstrations at the end and promotions should be a must see event this year starting at 3:30 P.M., which will be followed by dinner. 

 PLEASE PUT A TAG WITH YOUR NAME ON YOUR BOWL IF YOU WANT IT RETURNED AFTER THE COVER DISH DINNER.

 Parents are welcome to come and watch any portion of the day.  Lawn chairs are recommended for the family gathering at the end of the session   

            Please sign up with Kyoshi or Mrs. Hughes to bring a cover dish for the dinner.  Please put a nametag 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 June 30^th so we may plan the meals etc. for the two days. 

Any food restrictions or allergies, please let us know.

What do you make? – Matt Dorsey

Sometimes, as martial arts school owners, we lose sight of the importance of what we do. I hope this short story helps put things in perspective for you.

A martial arts school owner and his wife were invited to a dinner party at a friend’s house. There were a few other couples attending. The husband of one of the other couples was the owner of a large manufacturing company that made parts for industrial equipment.

As the party progressed and the drinks flowed, the owner of the manufacturing company got more and more full of himself and started bragging about his company and his success. He talked about how many employees he had and how he had a vacation home and a boat. At one point, he looked over at the martial arts school owner and stated loudly, “I make over $250,000 per year. What do YOU make?”

The room became uncomfortably quiet. The school owner calmly replied, ” I make hundreds of people realize their potential in life. I make children who are shy and withdrawn more confident and outgoing. I make children who have attention and discipline issues more focused and enjoy better self-esteem. I make adults get in better shape and enjoy the confidence of knowing how to protect themselves. I make a huge positive difference in the lives of many individuals, our community and the world. That’s what I make!”

The owner of the manufacturing company slowly slinked away to another area of the party.

Success comes in many forms. As martial Arts instructors, we have the opportunity to make great changes in our students’ lives and make a substantial living at the same time. What could be better than that!

 Mr. Dorsey is a sensei in Rochester, NY, whom I have known for many years.  He conducts a quality program and relates some interesting ideas in his brief article.  In today’s society many martial arts facilities are run to make a profit and support the instructor and his or her family.  I do not believe that anyone wants to have a facility and not be able to generate the revenues needed to pay the bills.  However, within the past decade or so, more schools are being opened and run with the intent of making money.  The key words of motivating people, helping people to grow physically, mentally and emotionally and so forth are used, which are the corner stones of any martial art.  Traditional dojos strive to emphasize the development of the individual through use of basic elements, kata (forms), kumite (sparring), kobudo (weapons) and elements involved in developing each area. Promotions are awarded in keeping with the philosophy of the sensei.   Most recently the growing trend is MMA fighting because of the TV programs.  No way is either right or wrong, just as no one style is better than other.  Each sensei and student must understand his or her desire and what he or she wants to gain from the practice of an art – then choose the right school.

As a former high school teacher, athletic trainer, director of the Hackettstown sports programs, a current senior adjunct professor, and Isshin-ryu instructor, I have thought many times about what is the best way to have a dojo and teach Isshin-ryu Karate.  Traditional Isshin-ryu Karate is taught in stages.  Every student first learns basics (Kihon), and then the next step is to learn each of the eight hand forms (Kata).  The next step learned at the same time is the application of each move (Bunkai), self-defense and sparring (Kumite).  At junior purple belt or adult brown belt weapons training is started (Kobudo).  My wife and I teach because of the love of the Isshin-ryu Karate, because of the positive influence we may have to help our students, children and adults, understand that there are no limitations to their abilities, and because each students is capable of attaining any level he or she wants to work toward. 

A student must approach the study of the art with an open mind knowing the training will become a part of everything he or she does. The emotional, mental and physical developments will enhance school and work endeavors.  Time dedicated to training in and out of the dojo will help to develop discipline and confidence, which will also enhance daily life.  No two people learn the same way.  Some skills will be learned easily and others will take a great deal of time, while frustration is conquered.  As each plateau is overcome the student grows internally, intrinsically, knowing that life like karate is challenging at times.  With each victory emotional growth and development helps to make future challenges manageable. As is evident, life and karate are tied together in many ways, helping the individual in countless ways.

            Parents are welcome to come and watch any portion of the day.  Lawn chairs are recommended for the family gathering at the end of the session.  We will be setting up tents, etc. at 7pm (unless otherwise instructed).   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 for dinner.  All cups, utensils, plates will be provided.

            Saturday at 3:30 P.M. demonstration and promotion ceremonies will be followed by dinner.  Please sign up with Kyoshi or Mrs. Hughes to bring a cover dish for the dinner.  Please put a name tag 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 June 30^th so we may plan the meals etc. for the two days.  Any food restrictions or allergies, please let us know.

            DIRECTIONS to Sensei’s

Follow route 46 West out of Hackettstown, thru Great Meadows  . . .

PASS Herby’s ice cream stand

            St. Peter and Paul Church

            RICO’S RESTAURANT

One mile from RICO’S look for a sign for Warren Haven – Warren Acres at the turn and an auto body shop on the left . . .  (if you go too far you will see Great Meadow’s Liquors on the right)

BEAR LEFT off 46 onto Pequest Road . . . PASS

            trucking company

            cross the bridge

            bear right at the crest of the hill . . . staying on Pequest Rd

Less than 100 yards TURN LEFT on Deerfield Drive  . . .  Follow to the end and at #24 take the dirt drive up the hill to the house.  Any questions call my cell – 908-797-0087.

* * * * *   SIGN & RETURN BY June 30, 2011 * * * * *

^{We reserve the right to call a parent and send any student home if he or she does not conduct himself or herself in a manner keeping with our karate discipline.  Some of the activities during the training session may be strenuous and the nature of the activities requires the cooperation of all students for the safety of all the students.  (As in class nothing will be done that is beyond the scope of each student).} 

            ^{Student’s Name __________________________               Phone number ________________________}

                ^{Number of people attending the dinner after the session ________}

                ^{Student signature (if 18 or older) ______________________      Parent’s  signature _________________________}

COST $30.00/student.. if student participates Friday and Saturday

            $20.00/student.. if student participates Saturday only (START TIME WILL BE 9:00 AM for adults and 10:30 AM for children)

                                    ** All weekend classes will be held at the training camp * * 

           PEOPLE WHO ARE A MEMBER OF THE W. H. D. AFFILIATION, OR WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE, PLEASE GIVE YOUR ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE TO KYOSHI NO LATER THAN MAY 20^TH SO I MAY SEND THEM TO HANSHI BY HIS BIRTHDAY THE END OF THE MONTH.  THANKS!

           We are in the process of ordering jackets for the dojo (pictured above) that are going to be worn by the members of the dojo that are going to the upcoming IWKA World Tournament in Indiana this June.  The logo (also above) will be embroidered on the left chest in white.  These jackets are available in children’s and adult sizes.  The cost will be $42.00. 

For adults there are black three button polo shirts with a yellow or gold embroidered logo on the left chest as above.  The cost will be $19.00

For adults and children there are heather gray t-shirts printed both sides. The lettering on the silk-screened shirt may be a bit different depending on the available font at the printer’s.  The cost will be $8.50.

Orders will be taken for all members of our dojo and family by Thursday, May 12^th.