Karate is very grounding and centering for me. I used to go into 'karate withdrawal' any time I missed a class due to insurmountable college deadlines, and now I go into that withdrawal when a holiday interrupts the regular karate schedule. I need it. It is a joyful part of my life. I am attached!

There have been just a few times when I felt I didn't want to go--thinking I wouldn't be up to it for feeling overwhelmed with or just plain exhausted from the many things in my 'life outside of martial arts,' but the first time that happened, I told myself to have an open mind. I went anyway and I felt really great afterward! I told myself never to forget that feeling and I always remember that those rare times when I didn't feel like going were the times I especially needed to go! It quickly became apparent to me that I do not have a life outside of martial arts, for I have integrated it into so much I do in all aspects of my life.

On a physical level, I sensed that rolling around under my car to replace the exhaust system was not unlike a spell of Jujitsu, only my opponent was not a person, it was the car! I also felt I could not have lasted as long as I did unless my abs were toned from conditioning for class, although my neck muscles were quite sore from defying gravity for those few hours. Is there karate for the neck as well?!

Psychologically, karate has taught me how to want to fit in and fit well into other realms of my life. Once I finished college, I worried about not having some new slot to fill, be it grad school or a firm, etc. I was very thankful that karate class was a well-established normalcy to which I could keep belonging even though all of my other routines were fast dissipating with no new ones cropping up in the foreseeable future. When thinking about karate, I find a calm realization that all I have to do is figure out what the next step in my life has to be and why, just as I stand on the floor listening to Sensei Richard, thinking about the next step he tells me to take in a kata and why I am taking it.

So, when everything becomes overwhelming, I leave my uncertainties out in the parking lot and once I come out of the dojo, calm with smiles blanket me. 'Everything is going to be just fine' I catch myself saying as I drive the car back into the unknown.


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This is a short story that helped me realize my daughters are paying attention in class. I've been training with Sensei Richard and Jo McCulty for just over one and a half years. This past summer I had two of my daughters, Julia (15) and Samantha (13), join our club. It is great to be with them in class, but for the most part we train separately during class. (For the sake of not embarrassing them to death, I almost never pair-up with them during partner training). So, I'm not always sure that everything we cover in class is sinking in. This little story demonstrates that I need not worry.

Samantha was recently at a large public gathering at one of the parks in our neighborhood. She had gone over to the park with our other daughter, Lily (8), looking for some of her friends (my wife and I were across the street at my parents' home). Two boys, probably about Samantha's age (but she did not know them), came up to her and told her it was "National Hug Day," and could they have a hug? Samantha told them something like "I don't think so," and turned and walked away with Lily. No big deal, and I think Sam handled the situation perfectly.

Later, when Samantha was telling my wife this little story, my wife warned Samantha never to fall for such a lame come-on from a stranger. My wife explained that once someone is in close enough for a hug, they could easily take advantage and turn the hug into a "grope." She told Samantha to always be ready to "knee a boy in the crotch." (I didn't know my wife thinks along those lines, but I'm glad to learn that she does).

Julia was quietly listening in on this conversation between Samantha and my wife. Then Julia weighed-in and added that before "kneeing" someone in the crotch, it's actually better to first distract them with some type of hand-fake to the face or throat, and then "knee" them in crotch. (I know this may sound a little weird, but I felt very proud of my "little girl" at that moment). As a result of the excellent training we've been receiving in class, Julia has improved upon a tried-and-true self-defense technique handed down from mother to daughter probably for many generations.

Incidentally, I just attended a weekend-long seminar in Cleveland with Sensei Jim True. We practiced many various wrist locks and arm-bar techniques, and most of the techniques begin with some type of distraction to the face of your opponent. Julia and Samantha were not with me at the seminar, but it's nice to know that both of them are thinking along the same lines as what Sensei True was teaching. It is a great comfort for a father to know that his daughters know how to take care of themselves if the situation calls for it.

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Royce Gracie held a clinic in Newton, Massachusetts this past weekend. Jim McDonald and I went to his class, He showed great takedowns and ground work to about two dozen of us.

Imagine, this is the guy on TV in 1993 fighting these huge guys - and this 6'2" guy beat them all without throwing a punch!

During the clinic, Royce beckons me into his guard and applies a choke variation till I tap (but can't stop smiling!) Imagine, I watched this guy on my TV 15 years ago and today I'm in his guard!! How'd I get here!

At the end of the clinic he points to me and others, one at a time, and says "Put on a blue belt." Man! how could that happen! I watched him on TV with 5 or 6 friends and somehow life went on till our training crossed in Newton, Massachusetts, the class was small enough, and maybe I or someone made the right mistake for him to show it better, and the class was small enough for him to be near me and motion me into his guard.

Man, what a ride it's been!!

The last night in the old dojo facility, I became aware of how the smell of sweat on a wet karate gi encompassed the essence of a dojo.

Bunraku, Japan's internationally renowned puppet theater from Osaka, returned this fall to Boston for the first time in more than twenty years and some Sessa Kai students were lucky enough to find tickets. One of Japan's most celebrated traditional art forms, each puppet is 3/4-life size and is manipulated by three puppeteers, moving together in such seamless coordination that the puppets seem human in all their actions and emotions. The dialog of all puppets, in Japanese mind you, is narrated by one person and the emotion is heightened by music played on a Shamisen (a kind on Japanese guitar). Students were treated to two plays approximately one hour each. A wonderful time was had by all!

Sensei Brian Farrell and wife Teleia had another baby boy Monday, October 14. Brody MacMaster Farrell arrived three weeks early, at 20 inches long and 7lbs.

The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) held a tournament in Rhode Island the weekend of June 23. Two students from Sessa-kai's Wednesday night grappling class worked up the courage to compete.

Jim McDonald competed in two divisions, fighting once in each and receiving a second place. Linda Selima also fought in two divisions, fighting four matches. In the gi division, she lost to an armbar while ahead on points 6 to 0. The loss dropped her to fourth place.

Congratulations to both for having the courage to venture out and compete! Sensei Mike Pepe

Sensei Michael Pepe recently won third place in a judo tournament in February. Not bad, since he had never competed in judo before and entered after only a few lessons.

Sensei Kristen Pepe placed third in Engi (prearranged two-person forms) at the 2007 New York Naginata Championships. She was partnered with someone she had never worked with before and beat out competitors whose main pursuit is naginata. Very impressive! At an October 2007 seminar, Jeanne McDonald, Marisa Cimino, and Kristen Pepe, all received promotions two-step promotions in naginatado! Jeanne and Marissa went to nikyu and Kristen to ikkyu.

In June, two Japanese "Self-defense Forces" vessels visited Boston. The ships Yamagiri and the Amagiri docked from June 23rd -26th. On board were recently graduated cadets practicing their seafaring skills and touring the world. The ships were opened to the public, and cadets with kendo experience joined with local kendo enthusiasts in Medford to present an exhibition and to train alongside their American kendo counterparts.

Some members of the Sessa Kai dojo in Watertown were lucky enough to watch the presentation.

Entrance to the demo was free and we were presented with a display of kendo which began with warm ups, basics, freestyle shiai and point shiai. It was truly wonderful to hear the resounding whack! of the shinai and the spirited shouts of men! kote! and do! (head, wrist, chest), as each target was struck. We wish the Japanese sailors good luck and calm waters in their future travels on the open seas.

Shihan Jim True was recently nominated and accepted to the Middlesex Human Services Agency, Inc. Board of Directors. The MHSA is a non-profit agency that provides services for the following: Bristol Lodge Men's and Women's shelters, Sandra's House, Mary's House, Olivia's Place Family Shelters, Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen, Answer House, Sullivan House, Project Outreach and Prospect Terrace Children's Center.

Shihan Jim's responsibility will include being a direct link to the community providing balance and structure necessary to meet public demands, while carrying on the commitment to the services MHSA provides.

The second major area of responsibility is formulating, guiding and overseeing the development of regulatory policies that will affect the operation of the agency. This is a task that carries the burden and responsibility of safeguarding the rights, welfare and quality of life for people who need its services. Finally, as an ambassador to the community, Shihan Jim will be involved with fund raising and assisting the agency in special events and projects.

The MHSA programs are funded in part by federal, state and municipal monies, while the remainder of donations are from civic, church and synagogue, corporate and individual donors. Shihan Jim looks forward to his involvement in developing the MHSA to be the best possible for the people and community that require it's services.

The SKKAA is proud to name the winners of our spring and summer Haiku contest:

Adult division-Dan Glass, True Martial Arts Academy

Runner-up-Ana Shook, Seishin Dojo

The True Martial Arts Academy invited all community members, students, and parents to celebrate National Martial Arts Day on Saturday, October 15th, with an Open House full of events for students and community members. The day began with morning karate classes (including Preschool, Children, Teen & Family classes) open to the community after a week of Bring-A-Friend to karate.

At noon, separate Safety Awareness and Anti-Abduction Seminars for children ages 5-14 and for Teen and Adult Women were held. The inte ractive safety seminars raised awareness about dangerous situations, and focused on developing appropriate responses to danger, including setting verbal boundaries and learning some basic escape strategies, in a fun and safe setting. Officer Anne from The Waltham Police Department came to the Academy to provide Child Safety Kits with Photo ID's. After the safety seminars, students were invited to participate in karate games, such as Danger Ball, and the True Martial Arts Academy Demo Team gave an enthusiastic and fantastic performance. The day culminated with the "Kicks Against Katrina" Kick-A-Thon fundraiser to raise money for the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina survivors (see article below). In all, the day was a great success, and we thank everyone who participated and had fun that day!

On October 15, 2005, the Waltham True Martial Arts Academy celebrated National Martial Arts Day with a Kick-a-Thon to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The idea was to have participants kick as many times as possible for 15 minutes, while family and friends sponsored them with a pledge either per-kick or a flat rate. All money raised was donated to The Massachusetts Bay Red Cross Katrina Relief Fund. With over 16,000 kicks recorded and $1,941.50 raised, I'm sure most of us were glad we opted for the flat rate!

Although the event was a physical challenge especially for the younger members of the Shorin-Ryu family it also challenged the spirit. When Sensei Jim first announced the Kick-a-Thon we all thought it was a great idea, but later when I found out that the event was to coincide with National Martial Arts Day the significance of the fund raiser took on a greater meaning.

To me the idea of a warrior is one who holds certain beliefs and ethics, a code of honor like those of the medieval knights. We have tried to teach our daughter that her training consists of more than just a physical ability but also a spiritual responsibility. Without this duality of purpose the possibility to train highly skilled bullies would be very real. Which is why I am sure there is so much emphasis placed on the teaching of conflict avoidance and resolution techniques. The Kick-a-Thon provided a spiritual link to the warriors of old; it was an opportunity for these modern day knights to practice their own code of honor and to reach out to those in need and serve the greater good, a lesson that was not lost on any of those who participated in the "Kicks Against Katrina".

Members of the Wyoming Karate Club embraced the challenge set forth for them at their first class of the New Year - to do 2006 techniques. Other than the youngest students, everyone worked their hardest to accomplish the goal and go beyond. The 52 students who were at these classes threw a combined 130,000+ techniques. A variety of kicks, hand techniques, elbow and knees were done. Adult students were given the added challenge of using weights, cinderblocks, and hitting pads or makiwara. Thousands of push-ups, crunches, and jumps were added in for fun, but didn't count towards the goal.

Many youth students chose to stay longer to reach their personal goals. Special kudos go out to the following purple belts: 8-year-old Sean Batenhorst for throwing 400 beautiful jump kicks. 10-year-old Luke Meagher and 9-year-old Joseph Kravetsky, who led the kids with 5306 techniques, followed by 7-year-old Peter Frank at 4224. Brooke Jarvie and Malayna Jacobson set the pace for the adults with an amazing 6406 techniques. Also special recognition to the Adult Advanced class who, after they accomplished their 2006 techniques, elected to top it off with Shihan Jayne's torture high-middle-low multiple front kick set, which added 3300 techniques in just over 30 minutes.

This fall, Cole and Wyatt Morgan took their dedication, hard work, and martial spirit from the training mat to the football field, helping their team reach the second round of the State playoffs for the first time since 1972! Running back/outside linebacker Cole (17, photo at right) was named to the first team the All-League as running back and second team for defense. Wyatt (18, catching a pass below) made second team as a receiver and honorable mention on defense. During the hard-fought and narrowly-won first playoff round, Wyatt made three catches, gaining 40 years. Cole, a graduating senior, carried the ball 15 times and racked up 105 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown, helping his team, Yamhill-Carlton High School, win 33-28.

In the second round game, YCHS started off strong, leading at the half by 15-6. Hard hitting by the opponents, however, took out one YCHS wide receiver with a concussion. The kicker was also taken out of the game after being hit in the leg. The combination of injuries to his teammates apparently rattled the YCHS quarterback, affecting his passing accuracy and causing him to fumble the snap twice. Both fumbles resulted in touchdowns by the opposition, leaving YCHS behind 26-15 as time ran out. Congratulations to Cole and Wyatt for a great season. Now, it's on to basketball...

Before there were Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, before there were Power Rangers, there were Mr. Miyagi and Daniel-san. The Karate Kid (1984) was one of the first movies to attempt to convey authentic Okinawan culture and show the true spirit of the martial arts. Miyagi-san passed away on Thanksgiving Day, 2005 at the age of 73. His real life was almost as fascinating as that of his mysterious karate character.

Pat Morita was born in California in 1928 to a family of migrant fruit pickers, a period when discrimination against Asians was at a high point. Morita spent much of his childhood in the hospital with spinal tuberculosis, and was shipped off to an internment camp during World War II. After the war, Morita took a job working on computers for an aerospace company, but by age 30, he had decided to pursue his passion-working as a stand-up comedian, the self-styled "Hip Nip." Morita also spanned two generations of film roles for Asians-from the stereotyped Fu Manchu and pidgin English-speaking servant to the honored sensei. "Miyagi's" example influenced countless students to take up karate and look deeper at Asian culture. Morita's last role may be his best. In a yet-to-be-released movie-"Only the Brave"-Morita played a Buddhist priest imprisoned in Hawaii after Pearl Harbor. The film is about the famous and highly-decorated Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team, told from the viewpoint of a Japanese-American.

Xinnian Kuaile! Gonghei Fachoi. Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! Seh heh bok mani bat uh seyo! Chzc M?ng Nam M?I! No matter how you say it, throughout the Chinese cultural world people will soon be wishing each other a "Happy New Year" as the Year of the Dog formally begins on February 4, 2006. According to Chinese reckoning, this is the year 4703. Those born in the Year of the Dog-1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006-are loyal and honest and make excellent listeners. They are responsible and inspire confidence in others, have a compassionate personality, and offer kind words, advice, and assistance to friends and family. Dog-year people can also sometimes be narrow-minded and stubborn. Many worry a lot, underestimate their own abilities, and become introverted. They can be pessimistic-and sometimes nosy. Dog-year people can have a tough time finding the right match, but are most compatible with people born in the years of the Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002) and Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998).