The selected writings below are from SKKAA members and other sources,

taken from articles and emails:

News and Stories from Beisho Dojos Nationwide

AP Photo/The University of Texas at Austin, Marsha Miller

Fess Parker

Gene Autry (Left), Roy Rogers (Right)

David Crockett

Lone Ranger and Tonto

Papa Joe Hays was one of a kind. He was always robust and prided himself on his strength, so it was a huge shock when we learned just over a year ago that Papa Joe had been stricken with Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive debilitating disease that slowly takes away control of your muscles. The idea of Papa Joe in a wheelchair was almost inconceivable. Yet a little over a year after his diagnosis, Papa Joe was gone.

I first met Papa Joe in late 1972 or early 1973. I was stationed at Rickenbacker Air Force Base, just south of Columbus, Ohio. New in the area and hoping to link up with other Shorin-ryu stylists, I found an advertisement in a local paper for the upcoming (March 1973) "Open Heart Fund Karate Tournament," which listed Papa Joe as a contact. I called and received directions to his "dojo," one half of a side-by-side house. Only a few of his students were practicing kata; most were sparring or practicing with their nunchaku, most of which had been hand-made by Papa Joe. Later, as our friendship warmed, Papa Joe made me two pairs of nunchaku, which I still use today.

Through Papa Joe, I soon met several other Shorin-ryu black belts, including Papa Joe's instructor, Mike Hixson, and Paul Keller, who ran the Ohio State University karate club. Mike's and Paul's classes and workouts better fit my schedule and-frankly-my approach to karate. I lost touch with Papa Joe.

My first impression of Papa Joe and his school had not been entirely favorable. His focus was on fighting; my interest was mainly kata and weaponry. He came from the "street"; I came from a suburban family. I'm sure he thought I was just a kata dancer; I more or less wrote him off as a tough guy without much depth.

When we reconnected seven or eight years later, both of us had a moment of enlightenment: we each began to see in each other the same understanding of body dynamics, movement, and spirit. I think we were both shocked that someone so different could be so alike.

Papa Joe's dedication to karate was amazing. He converted his house-and later, in Florida, his garage-into a dojo. When the ASKA first began to hold summer camps in 1982, Papa Joe organized them and arranged for hotels in the Daytona Beach, Florida area. The first few years were rough. We were a newly reorganized and growing association with a limited membership and were still developing relationships between the senior black belts. Several times in the early 1980s, we had so few people come to camp that we considered giving up. Papa Joe wouldn't hear of it, and often subsidized (heavily, I suspect) the camp from his own pocket. He never told anyone he had done so. That was his idea of commitment and loyalty to his friends and his art.

Papa Joe encouraged me all along the way as we developed a full curriculum of kata, drills, sparring, self-defense, and weaponry. We each had our niche, and we complimented each other-the yin and yang of the association.

We had some wild and crazy times. Like the day I was demonstrating how you could throw nunchaku like a bolo to wrap up someone's feet. I planted a bo in the ground and walked back quite a way. Papa Joe stood off to the side to watch. I warmed up, swinging the nunchaku around, then let go. But I had held on just a fraction too long, and the nunchaku veered off course-and wrapped themselves around Papa Joe's legs. You should have seen Papa Joe dance-then all of us break up laughing. That was Papa Joe: deadly serious about his art but ready to laugh and have fun anytime.

Those of us who knew him are the richer for it. We will all miss his laugh, the crazy ways he would look at you, his dedication, his toughness, and especially his love.

I can't remember exactly when I first met Papa Joe. It might have been at a seminar or camp way back in 1992 or 93. What I do remember is that when I met him, we were like two magnets - drawn and stuck to each other from then on. He reminded me of the men in my own family: small, wiry, arrogant, huge chip on the shoulder, a tease, a scrapper, intelligent, big talker, great teacher, filled with love and hugs. He was 5'5" and bigger than life.

Go take a look at his biography in the old ASKA handbook. It's been cleaned up a bit: ... he and his fellow students... became known as the "John L. Sullivan Gang." They traveled the Midwest in the days of bare-knuckle free-fighting competition. Papa Joe confided that they also trolled the streets and bars in search of some good ole "bare-knuckle fighting." He loved a good fight. Rolling on the ground, taking a man down. Getting good and dirty doing it.

He also loved his Harley. And his bikers. They were his family as much as his actual family was. They loved him right back. Fiercely. No one in their right mind would toy with Papa Joe - not if they cared to live without pain. He taught his "boys and girls" judo, karate, ground fighting. He gave many of them a place to crash. Straightened out more than a few young boys. And a couple young girls, too.

The first time Papa Joe met my mom, he fell in love. He didn't even wait to be introduced. Just walked up, said "Hi, Mom," and wrapped her in a bear hug. Mom was a wee shy and quite embarrassed. But Papa Joe had won her over by supper and had her laughing in spite of herself.

Papa Joe wasn't much for kata, or breaking things down scientifically. He just knew how to do it, and he showed you. He was so fast. He reminded me of that old joke: a guy says "Wanna see how fast I am?" but he doesn't move. Then says "Wanna see that again?" That was Papa Joe - except he DID move, and it WAS that fast; so fast you never saw it. Ask any black belt who ever sparred with him.

When he did explain something, we'd have at least 10 minutes of down time while he regaled us with anecdotes - from his past, from his family, from other students, from his bikers. Papa Joe just loved to talk. And talk, and talk. I for one loved to listen. Because if you followed the stream of his ramblings, you'd find the path to his heart. His very big heart.

Papa Joe was nothing if not passionate: toward everyone who ever crossed his path, good and bad. His love was real. It was permanent. You knew when he was pleased with you. You also knew when he wasn't. But that was only for a moment. The next moment was a different one, and Papa Joe never lingered long in any given moment.

Papa Joe Hays. He was a feisty bugger. I spoke to Papa Joe not too long ago. He was wheelchair bound already. The disease that took him (ALS) is aggressive and unforgiving. Yet even in his worst personal moments, he had me laughing as he told me how he had to relearn his house. "Everything is dented," he said, "especially the frig. And there's this guy who rides one of those BMX bikes who wants to race me!" I cradled the phone having visions of him racing some bearded Harley guy across a parking lot in his wheelchair. We reminisced, and cried, and laughed some more, then he got tired. That was the last time we spoke. I hung up knowing I'd never see him again. God, how I loved him. Rest in peace, Papa Joe. At least give the others up there with you a little peace - after you give them all a big hug.

Learning the art of kendo was new territory for me. The use of the shinai and learning the basics is one thing, but the real emphasis was hitting your opponent with proper technique and follow through. Sensei Mike Pepe gave us the background information about kendo and how it evolved. With the theme of "unity and distance" (ai and maai), we learned about the unity of the martial artist with the shinai and the distances between opponents. Having partners to measure different distances with the strikes helped with this theme. For me, it is better to learn the strikes on something or someone, as opposed to an "in the air" technique. When I first used my shinai, there was a great distance between us. After training with Sensei Mike, that distance has decreased.

We learned to tie our hakama next. Thank goodness for partners. Everyone was able to help those around them to make sure their hakama were correct. Once all the kinks were out, we went over proper hand position on our shinai. The target areas, MEN, DO, and KOTE (head, body, and wrist), were practiced over and over. Learning about the three kiai made these techniques more complete. With the announcement of the target, I was able to feel more confident about the technique. I found that helped to enhance proper breathing also.

With the proper striking, stepping and using the angles was next. We were able to practice this on someone who had all the bogu (practice armor) on. This helped me with following through and using full power on my strikes. Sensei Mike went over strategies to attacks and counterattacks. There were many combinations, which opened my eyes for when it was time to spar one-on-one.

The climax was the sparring. I was very nervous, and trying to remember all that we had learned was making my head crazy. Once the first strike was launched, that nervousness went away. Everyone seemed to have fun and focused on the learning aspect, as opposed to trying to kill their opponent. Sensei Mike would comment on someone's nice moves or attacks, so we could all try that when it was out turn.

It was awesome on Sunday when we all demonstrated what we had learned. Talk about unity! We were unified and our techniques were synchronized. The distance we had in the beginning had decreased. I had a lot of fun and I am sure everyone else did also. Thank you, Sensei Mike Pepe for a wonderful experience.

We got the notice about Summer Budo Camp and the preceding black belt camp. The subject of the black belt camp was to be Iaido and Kendo !! This was going to be different ! New ! Exciting ! I've-never-done-this-before-will-I-make-a-fool-of-myself !!??

Soon we found out we would have to have certain equipment and clothing - I have to wear a hakama !? and it's supposed to be tied how ? Hoooh-boy, here we go.

Let me back up in time a bit. I first became acquainted with our style of karate in the early 70's when I was in college with a certain senior member of our association. I actually had attended a couple of karate classes but not continued. My roommate, however, was heavily involved in it and I was available to take pictures of him as he practiced. Having done some of that, when a tournament came around, he had me go with him to take a few memento pictures. It was here that I first got introduced to kendo. In fact, below is a picture I took at the time. Looked pretty scary to me, all that chasing each other and whacking on the head. But it was still interesting and intriguing to watch as the tournament progressed and the contestants did their stuff on the floor. It would be neat to be able to do that sometime. Well, the tournament was interesting, but it would be many years before I had occasion to encounter kendo again. Now that time was here and I was going to be the whacker and/or the whackee ! To say I was a little nervous would be close to accurate.

Ok, now it's time to start getting stuff together, so what do I need ? I need a shinai, a hakama; the armor will already be there. Now I have the shinai-kind of cool actually. Imagine I could scare the be-jabers out of someone with it. Now for the hakama. I was able to secure the loan of one from another black belt who couldn't attend, so I now have the requisite equipment. I don't mind saying that it felt completely foreign and uncomfortable to me, but this is another step in training so by golly, I'm going to do it !

The first session at camp was memorable. Making sure the hakama was tied correctly, was the first step and that took some practice. I'd gotten a book about Kendo and discovered there are many ways to tie it on, so I wasn't sure until we got to camp how this was to be done. Sensei Pepe showed me how to do it and I practiced. I got that part done, I hoped, and now it's time to go to the first session.

All of us were in the room and lined up. Sensei Pepe bowed us in. He checked out the way we had tied our hakama and we passed. We were given some information about Kendo and Sensei Pepe's background in kendo. Then he got a bag and pulled out a bunch of what looked like handkerchiefs. He told us this is a cloth to be worn on the head underneath the helmet and that it is put on in a certain way. He showed us how to fold it and put it on our heads without any knots. That was interesting. At this point, I was thinking about how structured this seemed to be and that I really didn't want to see what I looked like in a mirror.

During the rest of this session and succeeding ones, we learned how to hold the shinai, the different stances, the target areas of an opponent, and the names of those targets. I found it new and different to be yelling the name of my target each time I attempted to strike it, and hard to remember to do each time. I also had some trouble yelling the right name of that target instead of the name of another target area. I told myself, this is new and I am just like I was when I walked into a dojo for the first time - that is, I don't know anything and all of it is new and going to require the concentration and determination to learn it that I'd had to bring to karate when I first started.

There had been four sets of armor, or "bogu," as we learned it is called, sitting in the front of the room and we finally got to put it on. Here again is more specific structure. There is a certain order and way to put these items on so we had to be schooled in that and practice it. Now we have two pairs of people with armor on and it's time to begin the whacking part.

I was excited and anxious because I was looking forward to it but realized too, that I would get hit. I wondered what it is going to feel like with this armor on. Here comes the first hit to my head, or "men" as the head target is called. Wow ! That was hard and I only felt jarred, and not hurt or shaken up ! This is going to be a LOT of FUN !! And it was a lot of fun, doing the exercises with a partner, chasing each other around trying to see if you could actually strike one of the target areas. We had more to learn and every session was full enough that the time went by very quickly. Not enough time to do as much as I'd like to have done.

At the last session, Sensei Pepe had us sit down on the floor and passed out some sheets of paper. On the paper were the Japanese characters for kendo. Sensei Pepe had brought these so we could see how it was written and so we could try it and practice it. Sensei Pepe very carefully took us through the strokes for each character because, here again, is a certain order to how each is written. They have to be done correctly because it's possible to see the beginning and end of each stroke. Looking back at my notes on this, I'm counting ten strokes in the first character and eleven in the second. Hope that's right. The Japanese characters are very intriguing and I find it mysterious how they ever came up with them. Maybe they wonder the same thing about our writing ?

We worked on this for awhile and I think everyone enjoyed having the opportunity for this as well as getting to try it. Sensei Pepe did a great job getting us to this point.

The final part was different. Sensei Pepe had told us he had a story about his experience in kendo and now it was time for it. As a bonus, there was video to go with it ! Sensei Pepe had entered a kendo tournament a few years ago and we were going to hear about that experience. The video, plus his narration and story, was not only entertaining but was also an example of what one person can do when they decide to learn something. Sensei Pepe had gotten an initial lesson in kendo from Papa Chris, and then on his own had practiced. He'd gotten some friends to help him with his practice, but there'd been no dojo training, no formal instruction. Just the determination to practice what he'd been taught.

Sensei Pepe told us that we needed to wear our hakama to the Sunday morning session because we would do a demonstration of what we'd learned. Sunday morning came and we were there in our hakama, ready for the next phase.

First, we did kata. I had never attempted kata in the hakama and now wondered if I was going to trip on it and fall flat on my face. I didn't, and I don't think anybody else did either. I know I was pleasantly surprised.

We finally came to the part for our demonstration. We all lined up and did our strikes, calling the names of the targets each time. We did another drill in the air and then four people put on the bogu, or armor. They took the floor and demonstrated the drills that can be done with a partner and then did some "free-style." It was impressive and there were some nice photos taken. Then our time was done and it was time for the next portion of the program. Sunday morning's session concluded and another budo camp was behind us. That morning, I took away something that felt like a treat. It was a great camp.

By the way, the result of Sensei Pepe's kendo tournament ? He won..... So are we.

Beisho !! Karatedo!!

I am comforted by organization. Preparedness is something I am good at, setting out and planning each day out to the best of my ability. Knowing I have time and energy to do everything I need to do for all activities is a reassuring tone in the discord of an otherwise hectic day. From school to home to karate to work to studying to the library and back again, my mind races to remember where and when I have to go. However, my desire to ensure I have enough reserves to tackle the rest of homework assignments and bothersome teenage drama (midnight phone calls, anyone?) has proved an unfortunate roadblock in one area I place great emphasis on: karate.

Unlike many people, technique has never been a problem for me. Fine-tuning is always needed, but the basics do not usually present a serious issue. I do, nevertheless, have trouble with one thing my fellows grasp immediately.

There is no intensity.

There is willpower and skill, but my karate lacks in its soul. A depressing thought, shocking and upsetting to me, for I've always tried to put passion into everything I've done. Denier - I skirted the obvious for so long with the fear that I might be wrong and there would be one area of failure, one thing I could not claim to excel at. And this, this admittance that I was falling behind... this was crushing. It was truth, though, and there was no avoiding it now that I had realized it was so.

The trouble can be traced back to my early days of training, as well. I vividly remember being told, time and time again by nearly everyone in the entire dojo that I needed to put more power and more intensity into kata and drills. I remember not quite understanding, but trying, then failing. Now that I stood facing it, I needed to seek the answers to this problem.

But why would I not put enough intensity into my training? Was there no desire, or was it some other subconscious problem? It could not be lack of inspiration, for there was, without a doubt, that endless craving to reach the goal of shodan. Therefore, I took a closer look at any and all influences on my life and the processes I went through.

Orderliness was at the root of the issue. I was holding myself back with all the worrying and planning. I wanted to save energy to continue the day after class, keeping some reserves "in case of emergency." I was worried and afraid of letting go and putting my all into what I was doing. Preoccupied with what was to come and what had already been done, I was ignoring what needed to be accomplished in the present.

Now, letting go of all that planning and saving of power is becoming easier. At first, the very idea of going home completely exhausted was alarming. I didn't want to feel inept and addled in the head when I still usually had two hours or so of homework to do. As with all habits, breaking this one is a slow process. Putting a bit more vigor into this kata, pushing my partner in drills, doing basics like it was the only chance I had; it's all played a part.

There is a long way to go, no doubt. Improvement never ends, but it must start somewhere. As Pearl S. Buck said, "What has seemed new and frightening assumes its place in the unfolding of knowledge." Intensity is new and difficult to keep up on some days. The progression of unfeeling to passionate was frightening, as letting go of what I had thought were reserves of strength was not something I was entirely happy to do. At this point intensity is easier, and to be honest, it makes the day go much better. I feel refreshed and a sense of accomplishment after class, instead of the dreaded and anticipated exhaustion. Amazing, how something seeming so easy could be the main obstacle in my training. Amazing, how I'd never had the courage to fix it before. In retrospect it should have been done before instead of practicing so long without spirit.

Aut disce aut discede - either learn or leave. And I cannot, will not, leave. Learning to be intense is the only way forward.

[ Note: This is the black belt paper submitted by Amanda Lowe for her test for shodan at the Wyoming Karate Club, June 21, 2006.]

I took karate lessons for a summer at the age of eight. I don't even remember what style it was. Due to family situations and money, it would be another 25 years before I would start taking lessons again. In 1997 at the age of 33, my wife signed me up. She new of my strong interest in the martial arts and thought it would be good for me both physically and mentally to start. It would help me to stay in shape and was a good outlet for my stress. I attended class for about a year, and then we moved back to Jackson early in 1998. After settling into a new house and job, my wife signed me up again in1999 at the Wyoming Karate Club.

I started taking karate again with the same shallow view. Karate was keeping me in shape and training me to defend myself and my family should the need arise. It was also a great outlet for my stress. I continued to improve my kicking and punching abilities and learn more kata. I did not enjoy kata, to me it was just a means to and end. I made a conscious discovery after receiving my brown belt promotion. The demands of karate were not only developing my physical abilities, they were also developing my mental abilities. I was no longer just training in the martial arts; I was becoming a martial artist. Seeking balance and perfection of movement in the dojo was paralleling my endeavor to seek balance in life.

The physical challenges and interpretation of movement, especially from kata and drills, required focused concentrated freedom of thought. I realized that it takes a balanced relationship between mental discipline and physical conditioning to achieve harmony in movement while striving for perfected interpretation. I've always been able to push myself and stay focused to achieve my goals, but I've learned that true mental discipline is not the same as enthusiasm or just pushing oneself to achieve a desired goal. Mental discipline takes more of an internal or spiritual path that produces a deliberate calm approach. The result is a more peaceful state of mind. I was no longer just exercising this state of mind in the dojo; I was exercising this state of mind outside the dojo.

The changing weight of life's challenges, responsibilities, and the passing of time constantly requires me to re-evaluate my priorities. The ranking priorities of my life consist of family, karate, and career. Listing and ranking these priorities is the easy part. Actually living by this ranking often seems impossible at times. Life often rearranges these priorities and at times, I find myself loosing site of them. Seeking balance with the things I love to do with the things I have to do is a never ending endeavor. However, this balancing act seems to be more manageable with a deliberate calm approach as a result of a peaceful mind through mental discipline.

The martial arts have become a personal and spiritual means, which helps me to seek balance in all that I do in life. The constant pursuit of perfected balanced movement in the martial arts and balancing life's priorities are the ultimate unattainable goals. If these goals are unattainable, why keep pursuing them? Attaining balance is not a destination but a journey, a journey of constant self-improvement.

[ Note: This is the black belt paper submitted by Mitch Lewis for his test for shodan at Wyoming Karate Club, on June 21, 2006.]

• How long has the school existed?
• Has there been frequent turn-over in the teaching staff?
• Are some of the current students long-term? Have they been training at the same school for over 2, 4, or 6 years?
• Is the school conveniently located?
• Does the school have a class schedule that works well for me?
• Are there classes aimed at my age or abilities?
• How large are the classes?
• What is the student to teacher ratio?
• Is the curriculum rich in material and diversity?
• Can I watch classes anytime?
• Do the students look like they are having fun, being challenged and learning?
• Do the students smile and help each other?
• Do you see many injured students in the class?
• Do you like the instructors? Are they patient and clear in their teaching?
• Do you feel welcomed?
• Does the school feel right to you?
• Is the school clean, and well cared for?
• How long have the instructors trained, and where?
• For how long have the instructors taught?
• What rank are the instructors? Who gave them their rank?
• Are the instructors still studying and progressing themselves?
• Who are the instructor's teachers?
• Is the school a chartered member of a larger organization?
• Who authorizes rank adjustments, and what are their qualifications?

[Editor’s note: This was a message from Jeanne McDonald to Sensei Mike Pepe, who recently taught a six-week introductory kendo class. Sensei Mike has trained for more than 10 years in kendo and iaido, and won the kendo division 1996 Choi Yong Soon Championships. Sensei Mike has also trained in kyudo in additional to karate and Okinawan Kobudo.]

"No more excuses." Here are my thoughts on your kendo class. By the way, I’m not sure if it was the kendo or your style that 'kicked me in gear' (maybe both), but nevertheless I benefited and enjoyed the experience.

"Imagine being a goalie fending off a hockey puck zooming straight at you. How cool is that?," Sensei Mike asked on our first day of kendo training. I knew virtually nothing about kendo before I took the introductory course. I heard it meant “the Way of the Sword” and knew it had to do with samurai and warriors. I remember seeing a videotape of the senior ranks practicing kendo on the beach. I always thought it was something cool that was reserved for advanced belts. Sensei explained that young children practice kendo in Japan like American kids take gym class. I've seen shinai before; after all, Sensei Jim kept shinai at his dojo. I knew they were lightweight, flexible, made of bamboo and used for sword training.

"Crack!" is the loud sound I heard the shinai make as it hit the hardwood floor years earlier as a reminder to adjust my stance. Kristen told me Sensei Mike was going to be teaching a kendo class and said she was looking forward to it. I got caught up in her excitement because I had no clue what to expect so I just agreed. My friends were taking the class; I already experienced gains in my skills and confidence training at Sessa Kai dojo regularly since the fall (including breakfalls with Sensei Mike's judo techniques), so I didn't hesitate to sign up. I heard, "How cool is that?" and decided, “kendo would be!

So every class I approached with anticipation. The very first day we were given our own shinai not just to use, but to keep. "How cool is that!?" I immediately tagged my initials on "my" shinai. Sensei Mike explained our shinai were shorter on purpose due to physical restrictions such as the ceiling height at the dojo (even though the lights were raised to avoid a blow out). After all the reading I was duly encouraged to do, I found out there are regulations for the size (height and weight) of the shinai in competition. Looking at the shinai you see it is made of four straps of bamboo bound at the end by leather (referred to as a tsuka in the kendo literature).Sensei had us slide a round hand-guard held in place with a rubber washer that we slipped on over the tsuka to create "the handle."

I remember Sensei saying the hand-guard and washer would need to be replaced due to use over time with practice. Sensei Mike also said we could oil the shinai if necessary. When we lined up or anytime not using the shinai to strike we held it in our left hand on the left side holding the string-side up and having the end of the shinai hang toward the floor.Sensei showed us how to grip the shinai (similar to some of the other weapons, exerting more strength starting with your pinky); “Hold the shinai in such a way that you'd be ‘fly-fishing’,” is how he referred to the stroke. I remember the first day we got to hit a fortress of mats. We all surrounded those mats and pads and got the call to just keep hitting. What a thunderous sound. "How cool is that!?"

Then we were introduced slowly and steadily to the formalities and rituals that prepare the body and spirit for kendo. Sensei had extra hakama for us to wear. That was the first in many "battles" I would experience in tying the equipment. We were presented with yet another gift, a tenugui. It looked like a bandana. They were maroon (red happens to be my favorite color so that was cool) and had Japanese characters we learned meant kendo. We got to practice writing the kanji for the characters of kendo in an attempt to "Master the Pen." The tenugui was supposed to be used to keep your hair and sweat from impeding your vision. There is a special way to tie the tenugui on your head. ("Ugh." This presented to be a true challenge for me.) During one of my matches with Sensei Donny Wong, my tenugui slipped and actually covered my eyes. So I learned that preparation was key. When you weren't wearing the equipment you tied the hachimaki around your head like a bandana. (Ah, success! I could do that.)

It looked ceremonious the way the equipment (bogu) was laid out in front of you while you knelt in seiza. The tenugui was draped over the equipment and would be wrapped around your head. (I already knew I needed more practice.) The tare (waist protector) only needed to be tied once. (Even I figured this out.) When tying the do (chest protector), we learned how to toss the himo (cords) from one side to the other and tie the top first with a slipknot (that took me six weeks to figure out), then loosely tie the bottom. It was inevitable that once the men (headgear) was in place, someone would get an itchy nose. Lastly we put on the kote (gloves) and we were ready. The equipment was made of bamboo and heavy fabric so it wasn't weighted, but I felt protected. All the equipment was on and we looked ready for battle. "How cool is that?

We practiced doing drills, then matches, with an opponent. The drills focused first on foot movement. (I need much more practice on moving quicker and in longer strides.) Especially after watching Sensei Mike I decided I need more powerful footwork to move; he looks like a superhero launching and leaping forward). I was so focused on keeping the right foot ahead and the left foot a short distance behind and ready to push off that I didn't realize I could step through and not just burst (so much more to learn).

"Step around the opponent!," I heard Sensei call out after one of the others threw a strike to the do. "We can step with the left foot?," I asked, only to discover this toward the end of the training. During one of the drills we struck at the opponent's shinai one side then the other while our opponent moved back holding the shinai straight up in front of us, an exercise for us to learn to strike to the sides of the men. We also moved the opponent back, striking continuously to the men, preparing from a jodan no kame (high) position. After practicing strikes to the targets (men, side of men, kote, and do), we tried to get combinations to flow (e.g., kote-men) using (or at least trying to) the footwork to guide the strikes.

Just like in karate, it was easier to strike during the drills than while free sparring. We'd prepare in a ready position, chudan no kame with the shinai pointed toward the opponent's throat. It was difficult to keep the shinai pointed toward the opponent's throat because my reaction (and that of others I saw) was to bring the shinai up to avoid strikes coming down. (This actually created an opening.) Then we would attack forward. Even if we sidestepped to move around opponent we would turn to drive him back. The immediate focus was strike, later we learned to parry, only to get your opponent's shinai out of the way so we could strike. We also saw blocks, but again the emphasis was on striking. Sensei told us that it was the opposite reaction to empty-hand fighting where you would use your elbows to protect your ribs. It was a hard habit for some to overcome; your chest was already protected with the do, but your elbows would be smashed by the shinai if you used them to block.

"No excuses!," was the battle theme chanted. It doesn't matter if your opponent is taller, his shinai is longer, he is stronger, bigger, faster, smarter, your gloves are ripped, your tenugui is in your face...

Sensei told us the emphasis must be on moving forward and making the "cut". Now I heard Sensei Mike and Kristen call out that I need to "snap the shinai back" and have a recoil like fly fishing, but it was hard to put it into practice. I also got to see how the shinai would wrap around the men. (Not from me, at least not yet.) The magic of zanshin would be when the strike, foot and target all landed in unison. We were inspired by the videotape of Sensei Mike's championship kendo match in addition to the videos of the seniors training and kendo matches in Japan. During the matches, Sensei would call out, "Hit!" When I heard him, I hit. ( But I think it was meant for my opponent. Oh, well.)

I also heard Sensei call out, "Courage!" Sensei told us about soldiers being trained in kendo so they would be fearless in battle. Kendo teaches courage. "How cool is that!?"

One of the lessons that I learned from kendo was to move ("Courage"). The major reaction of fear is to freeze. Fear can also teach you to give up. Sensei explained, "Your thoughts become your actions." My thoughts will become my actions if I move. It makes sense to prepare, but what I got out of this training was: "No excuses. Move!"

Arigato gozaimashita, Sensei Mike.

[Editor’s note: Amanda Lowe, from the Wyoming Karate Club, is 15 years old and received Honorable Mention for the Spirit Award at the 2005 SKKAA Winter Camp.]

I was asked to define do, but the answer is not as simple as it seems. It is difficult to tell what exactly do is. As it was put, "Westerners don't have an exact translation." There's no single explanation of the path a martial artist travels. At first it seems exactly that, after all, do does mean "the path." Do is a process, a course that one follows. It can be of anything, but it requires immersing yourself in what you are doing. The path of do does not necessarily end; it fades into the distance with a distant goal, but the road is shrouded. As one progresses, the road becomes clear, but only to a certain distance. One must advance in order to uncover the secrets of the farther parts of the path.

Do is spiritual forging; development not only in technique, but in mind and spirit as well. It is not just the accumulation of moves and kata, not just a programming of reflex. It is the unlocking of parts of yourself that you didn't know before. Through the focus put on your actions, a sort of Zen descends and your emotions and personality become clearer. This is do, the journey of the soul as well as the honing of skill. Those pieces of you that are discovered may or may not be good; one of the things I've realized is that I am, by nature, not that nice. But when this is grasped, the traveler can work to improve those things that need improving, to further better themselves. Accepting those parts that are less than desirable is another part of do. The changing of attitude is difficult and requires work and effort. But it is necessary, even on the days one doesn't feel like putting the effort into it. You cannot continue on the path of do unless you come to terms with yourself.

So what am I practicing for? The answer, in simplest terms, is that I practice because I am practicing. Of course, those are not the most adequate words to describe what I do. Like do, the reason one follows the way is complicated, and differs for many people. It may be because of a passion for whatever path you are taking, or because something at the end of that path calls. Perhaps you are just swept up in the path after testing it out, tentative at first, but recognizing that this is something wanted, you continue. For me, the reason why I follow the way is a mixture of all of these things. There is something at the end of the path of martial arts that I hope to attain. What lies at the end is a more complete understanding of myself. It is also, I have to admit, a desire to be able to fully protect myself. For others, the goal at the end of the long path is different, but their reasons are their own.

The way of do is long and difficult. For any action, whether it be calligraphy or art, dancing or martial arts, reaching the end requires effort and time. It cannot be done in one night, or even one year. You may also find that the path never truly ends. Instead, there will always be something more to learn, something new to discover. Dedication is key in following the way, but the end for some can come quicker than for others. It depends on what the final objective is. The way of do is different for many people, but the meaning is the same.

A journey of over 40 years is very long for any purpose. I look back over my life and realize that the martial arts have interested me since I was 16. Maybe this interest formed because my grandfather was a state boxing champion and as a teenager one often picks an idol with whom to identify. So, idol worship might have played a part in starting my interest in the martial arts. Why then, did I dismiss my training for so long? Looking deeply, I believe that lack of confidence in myself and my Virgo personality of exactness and control to be the underlying reasons it has taken me 40+ years to approach the milestone of my shodan test.

I started my journey, however, with very little or no thought about why I was interested in the martial arts. I had no explanation for why a self defense book always was on my shelf or why karate movies were high on my "to see" list. In my teens I struggled with weekly judo lessons and remember thinking that there must be more to this art than being thrown. It seems to me now that what really made me struggle was that I could not admit to myself that I felt not good enough and therefore I lacked confidence and control.

It is amazing to me that my interest in the martial arts lay dormant for so many years, only to reestablish itself in my 50's. Yet in the years between my frustrations as a teenaged judo student and my retirement, I developed a very insidious and subtle lack of confidence. Unless I could control the outcome, I wasn't interested in trying anything. In every aspect of my life - college, teaching, investments, vacations, health, retirement - I made sure my goals were always attainable. Thus, a pre-programmable life in all avenues was developed. Failure was not an option and whenever I did fail, frustration and anxiety were the stressful outcomes.

So upon retiring from teaching I set myself the preset, attainable, and controllable goal of becoming a black belt in martial arts. I did not realize that the greatest obstacle to reaching my goal would be my poor self-image. All that I recognized, with blinders on, was one more attainable goal. (The unattainable was not in the program.) As I started training in Goju-ryu and as a white belt, I felt safe, accomplished, and confident. After six months I moved to Wyoming and continued my study in Shorin-ryu. The time passed and with it the color of my belt changed. With the passing years my knowledge expanded to nine, 10,11 kata - five, 6, 7 drills. I learned to use weapons - bo and nunchaku; I practiced self-defense of all kinds. Oh my, at times I felt way over my head, wondering if my goal was slipping away.

Martial arts were a natural extension of my professional life in physical education. I was always intrigued by the physical movements in karate. I always knew in my profession that I needed to improve the reaction time and flow in my movements. This continued to be the case in karate - as pointed out by my instructors - because my performance of katas was robotic. I noticed that even as I progressed I continued in my robotic and stiff fashion. As I grew into more intricate katas I found myself embracing the philosophy of the kata and began linking my physical movements to a more relaxed delivery. It was then I began to feel within me the oneness and harmony with each progressive kata.

Then came ikkyu - one step before shodan. My efforts up to this point had been right on course. I was truly pushing my physical abilities to their limits. Shodan was within sight; the goal was right within my grasp; I had everything under control. Up until this point my thoughts were on learning in a step-by-step A-B-C fashion. I didn't give much thought on total body development, especially to my emotional journey. I had everything under control. And then came an unexpected, unplanned and uncontrollable event: cancer.

The word still gives me a cold shiver and yet this was the one event in my life that shook me to my foundation. In the blink of an eye it showed me how all my lofty goals had been attained under the facade of confidence and control. Feeling like a bomb had hit, I no longer had it within my ability to control the outcome. It was at this point in my life that I looked at my "shodan journey" in quite a different light. I now see the emotional aspects of my training much more clearly. Now I see attaining shodan as one way of accepting and recognizing that even when I lack confidence, I can pull on an inner strength to do something positive. If attacked by several opponents or in an unusual manner, rather than consider defeat, I need to pull on that which is known. An opponent may not always be controlled, but something positive can always be done. Muscle tension and loss of focus have been major problems in my training and recognizing them allows me to battle them. Relaxing and maintaining my concentration brings a greater smoothness to my bunkai and sparring. During my hospital recuperation I found time pass slowly and my mind filled with many negative thoughts. Karate helped me develop my own type of meditation by slowly focusing mentally and visualizing my kata and drills in "tai chi speed". I learned firsthand how mind effects the body. The process calmed and allowed healing to occur. This "meditation" has been used since with sleep, health, and learning.

It seems to me that my journey has taken me up the jagged stairs of insecurity to the plateau of confidence, balance and fluidity that is seen in my katas. I never felt qualities such as these would be possible but through my steps upward they have seen some attainment in my black belt journey. So in retrospect, I admit that even being near the level of shodan amazes me. As a teen and as an adult I looked at the level of "black belt" as something really special or for someone else. Now I am here, ready to take the step up- not in fantasy or dreams - but in reality. I believe I still have some serious learning and training ahead. I picture myself getting to the stage of letting my mind become smooth and quiet and my body moving relaxed and efficient. This picture is sort of out of a Buddhist manual, but I do feel it is attainable even with inevitable setbacks. This picture is in my karate as well as every aspect of my life. I have a goal and when I am ready I will attain it. My journey has also opened to me a greater social and spiritual life. In training I feel an increased interaction with other karateka. Thus life has helped karate and karate has helped life. An old Okinawan folk song relates "Even though we take different roads to ascend the wooden mountain, each of us can achieve our goal and appreciate the moon when we reach the top". As shodan I feel I will be "appreciating the moon" by having karate help me become me and develop a more positive, accepting, and relaxed life.

• A paper egg carton
• Scissors
• A hole punch
• Craft paint, crayons, or markers
• White cotton balls
• Ribbon
• (Optional: wiggly eyes, red felt scrap, glue, jingle bells)

1. Cut the cups apart on the egg carton. Even out the edges so the cups will sit flat when you turn them upside down on a table.
2. Color the inside of one cup black. This will be the mouth.
3. Paint the outsides of the other cups whatever colors you want. Yellow dragons are always lucky.
4. Paint or color dots of various colors on the painted cups.
5. Use the hole punch to put two holes in each cup. They should be straight across from each other on the cup. Don't tie on the head yet.
6. Lace the ribbon through the holes.
7. Now, if you want to, tie jingle bells on each end of your dragon.
8. Take a little piece of red ribbon or some red felt scraps to make a tongue. If you don't have those, you can use red construction paper. Glue the tongue inside the mouth.
9. To make your dragon even cooler, add wiggle eyes. Glue one cotton ball over each eye to make bushy eyebrows. Now tie on the head.
10. If you want, you can make a leash with a piece of string or ribbon, put it through the hole in the dragon's head, and take him for a walk!

Black Belt Extravaganza Event

Waltham, MA

The True Martial Arts Academy held a black belt extravaganza promotional on Dec. 7th from 1-3 pm at the Plympton Elementary School in Waltham, Ma. With over 60 parents, grand parents and friends and 25 students in attendance for various ranks from Green belt to Black belt.




The testing started with warm ups, running, crawling, break falling and calisthenics around the gym, followed by dividing into different rank groups with a black belt advisor instructing them through the basics. This lead to drills, kata with bunkai and then self-defense against empty hand and then with knife, gun and club.

The final elements of the test were various methods of kumite against different sized students, large to small, multiple attackers and then against the adult Black Belts. We finished up with board breaking for all the black belt and Jr. Black Belt candidates and as expected it was a smashing success!

Congratulations to all the students who were promoted: (See Awards and Promotions Page)







Dojo's Got Talent Night

Waltham, MA

March 8th the True Martial Arts Academy hosted its first Dojo's Got Talent event!

The evening featured over twenty students aged 8 to 14 showing off their collective talents from comedic to musical instruments to dance to singing to amazing stuntman fighting. The laughs and applause where followed by pizza and then an excellent Jackie Chan and Jet Li movie "The Forbidden Kingdom".

Thanks to all the teens that helped make the evening a huge success, I look forward to the next one!









It is with great sadness that we recognize the passing of an old colleague, Craig N. Campbell, of Columbus, Ohio

For decades, Craig was a practitioner and teacher of Isshin-ryu karate. He was also a senior student in Kohgen Itto-ryu kendo and iaido under Kotaka Sadao Sensei. He eventually reached the rank of 6th dan in kendo and later replaced Kotaka Sensei as head of the Ohio State University's Kohbukan Kendo Club. He had also been the Scout Master of Troop #28 since 2005. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Craig, age 61, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2014 in Columbus. He is survived by his mother, Eleanor Campbell; Janet, his wife of 30 years; children, Meghan (Johnathan) Hagelstein, Ian (Kristen) Campbell and Caitlin (Garrett) Kelly; grandchildren, Alice and Matthew, Morgan and Liam; brother, Scott Campbell; and sister, Krista (Kent Nielsen) Campbell. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be Troop 28 at North Broadway United Methodist Church, 48 E. N. Broadway, 43214. A friendly soul with a lively mind and a love for the martial arts, Craig has left us too soon. He will be missed by his family and many friends.

-- Papa Chris

Earning Eagle

by Jack Plank

I'm Jack Plank. I'm a 16 year-old junior at West Geauga High School, and I've been a member of troop 193 for six years, though Scouting has been a part of my life for much longer. It was in the first grade that I joined as a cub scout with about two dozen of my classmates. Back then it was nothing special. I wasn't too interested in learning about the outdoors; it was really just another place to spend time with my friends once a week after school. And yet here I am, ten years later, almost ready to earn the highest rank in Boy Scouting.


To become an Eagle Scout, in addition to all the required service hours, merit badges, and scouting experience, one must plan and carry out to completion their "Eagle Scout Project", a major service project to the benefit of his community.

Over the summer I undertook the task of installing a huge sign in front of my high school to fulfill this requirement. It measures 130' by 10', with 6' by 4' letters spelling out "West Geauga High School". As seen in the picture, wooden frames filled with gravel painted blue make up the letters while the rest of the sign is filled with a thin layer of white limestone. The project used a total of about twenty yards of gravel and hundreds of wooden boards. Countless tons of dirt were also moved in the process of landscaping. The project took several hundred combined man hours from me, my friends, and members of my scout troop over the summer. I am just about done now, with the only remaining step being the planting of a few trees near the sign.


It's been a lot of work, getting where I am now in scouting. Not just with this project, but over the last few years. Only about 2-3% of boys who join scouting attain the rank of Eagle. Most drop out when they are given actual responsibility, when they realize that there is work to do and it's not all fun and games. I'm glad I didn't. I've learned a lot through scouting, not only about camping and nature but about preparedness, diligence, determination, problem solving, leadership, and more.

Karate and Boy Scouts have always been the two major extracurricular devotions of my life. After having recently hit a huge milestone in my training with my promotion to Shodan, it is just as satisfying to know that I am soon to hit an equally great milestone in scouting.

Ohio family competes in triathlon

by Becky Edwards

When Becky Edwards got her boys Zachary and Gabe into running she never expected this outcome! Ed.

My boys and I started a program in March to prepare us to run a 5k (3.1 miles) in June. A daunting task for an 8 and 10 year old, not to mention their mother! We would run intervals during the week (jog/walk) and meet with others in our group on Saturday mornings to run a little longer. One of the mentors in our group is an Ultra Marathoner (more than your typical 26 mile marathon) and told me that the boys had natural talent. They began running the full 3 miles that a 5k involves very early on in our training. By the time we came to our race in June, they were well equipped for the challenge.

Zachary (10) had already run a 5k trail run and came in 3rd in his age division. Talk about proud! Zach and Gabe both did very well in our scheduled June run, that had nearly 1000 runners in it. They asked if they could do it again, because they enjoyed it so much. So I looked online and found there were other events, not just the 5k events that we had been running in previously. I found a youth triathlon, that was in conjunction with the Greater Cleveland Triathlon/Duathlon that includes a Swim, bike and run.

I knew they would be fine at the biking and running, but was unsure of the swim. As it turned out, the swim was cancelled due to Lake Erie being too choppy the morning of the event. I was thrilled! They should have both been in the junior division, 7-10 year olds, but as it turns out, things are run differently in the triathlon community. Ages are determined by how old the participant will be at the end of the year. So Zach was moved up to the senior division, which was double the distance that we had been training for! Gabe's group was first, with a 1/2 mile run, 3 mile bike ride and 1/2 mile run to finish (technically a duathlon). He did very well, finishing in 22 minutes. Then it was Zach's turn. 1 mile run, 6 mile bike and finishing with another 1 mile run.

He was so nervous that he couldn't do it. But, amazingly, he did it in 41 minutes, 1st place in his age bracket. Both boys received finisher's medals and said it was one of the hardest things they've ever done.

And they want to do it again!

This mama couldn't be prouder!

A Tour of Gettysburg with Papa Chris

Pictured here: Papa Chris gives a tour of Gettysburg, PA during Summer Budo Camp

Karate Secret Video

Folks might want to check out this short introductory video advertising a longer set of DVDs for sale. It includes footage of the late, great Master Onaga Yoshimitsu of Shorin-ryu, Higa Yuchoku's top student; Shinjo Kiyohide, 9th dan Uechi-ryu and multi-year winner of the all-Okinawa tournament in kata and kumite; and Senaha Sensei, 9th dan Goju-ryu. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E58PenmA-dY

Effective Bunkai Search

For those interested in creative, effective bunkai (applications) to their kata, search Youtube for the videos of Konstantin Drobyshevsky. Some very interesting ideas.

The Case for Kata/A Warrior's View of Fate, Iain Abernethy Video

In this month's podcast we cover two topics!The first thing we cover is "The Case for Kata" The question is often asked if kata itself plays a meaningful role in practise. If kata is nothing more than a repository for bunkai, then why not just practise the applications and do away with kata? Does keeping the solo forms, and devoting time to their practise, serve any meaningful purpose? Naturally, I think the solo form does have an important role to play; and in the first section I explain why. The second section of this podcast looks at "A Warrior's View of Fate"
http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/warriors-view-fate-case-kata-podcast

Also New Online Videos: Karate Throws, An Arm-Lock Flow-Drill, Enpi / Wanshu Bunkai
Since last month's newsletter 30 minutes of new online bunkai videos have been added to the website and my "Practical Kata Bunkai" YouTube channel. The videos cover a number of karate throws, an arm-lock flow drill, and some bunkai from Wanshu / Enpi kata. To make them as easy as possible to find for newsletter subscribers, I have put all the videos on this webpage:

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/news/30-minutes-new-bunkai-videos

Joe Weider, titan of bodybuilding who mentored Arnold Schwarzenegger, dies at 93

The Washington Post, Published: March 24

Joe Weider, titan of bodybuilding who mentored Arnold Schwarzenegger, dies at 93." Joe Weider was a legendary figure in bodybuilding who helped popularize the sport worldwide, one of the founders of the modern strength and fitness movement. For more on his career, see http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/joe-weider-titan-of-bodybuilding-who-mentored-arnold-schwarzenegger-dies-at-93/2013/03/24/fed77bfe-9490-11e2-ae32-9ef60436f5c1_story.html

Jiujitsu Film Footage From 1912

From The Bartitsu Society

Here's a really cool website that contains footage from 1912 of Japanese martial arts and a demonstration of several formal jiujitsu techniques, look familiar, enjoy.

http://www.bartitsu.org/index.php/2013/03/jiujitsu-film-footage-from-1912/

Here's One for Us Old Folks

Hopkins becomes oldest boxer to win major title

By Denis Gorman, AP

The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - Add another name to Bernard Hopkins' list of victims.

Hopkins became the oldest boxer to win a major title on Saturday night, scoring a 12-round unanimous decision over Tavoris Cloud to claim the IBF light heavyweight championship.

``It feels good. It feels real good,'' Hopkins said. ``I'm going to Junior's (Restaurant and) I'm going to have cheesecake.''

The 48-year-old Hopkins broke the record he set by beating Jean Pascal for the WBC light heavyweight title on May 21, 2011. When asked which fight meant more, Hopkins said ``tonight was better. Because I'm older. (It's) more gratifying.

``Tonight was one of the bigger fights (in my career).''

And while he reveled in what he accomplished, he was looking toward the future. Hopkins, who was adamant that he will not fight past 50, laid a challenge at the feet of the 175-pound and 168-pound divisions.

``I'm motivated to do it,'' Hopkins said. ``I don't believe anybody in the 175(-pound) weight class and possibly the 168(-pound) class can beat me.''

Hopkins, fighting his 19th title bout, improved to 53-6-2 in the main event of an eight-fight card at the Barclays Center. The 30-year-old Cloud fell to 19-1.

``It was great to break (in) the Barclays Center with a (legendary) performance,'' Hopkins said.

With Hopkins forcing a patient, technical match, Cloud was unable to press the issue and Hopkins circled him, landing jabs to his face, eventually opening a cut above his left eye.

``I have to throw a lot of substance (into fights). I'm fighting old school in a new world. (I) have to learn to adapt to what (the judges) are looking for,'' Hopkins said. ``We knew a 30-year-old guy was not going to run from a 48-year-old guy.''

Hopkins connected on 169 of 417 punches. Cloud landed 139 of 650.

``I was only average tonight,'' Cloud said. ``He hit me with an elbow but I'm not complaining. It is what it is.''

Two Cops vs. One MMA Fighter Training Drill

In this video you'll see several of the techniques taught in the GST Level 2 Instructor Certification Course demonstrated by Rener Gracie. Then, you'll see an Arrest Simulation Drill that was conducted on the last day of training. Two officers were randomly selected from the group and were told to arrest Brian "T-City" Ortega (Pro MMA Fighter) who would resist them with all his might. Although normally the officers would spend much more time verbally commanding the subject, since this drill was specifically designed to test their hands-on arrest and control procedures, they were instructed not to spend any time talking to the subject. Also, with knowledge of Brian's Fighting Prowess, these officers could have easily justify escalating his force, but once again, these officers were exclusively testing their hands-on arrest techniques on a trained MMA fighter. Notice how the officers were able to overcome Brian without having to escalate to strikes, batons, etc.

*Editors Note; The above paragraph is taken from the text on the You Tube video.

Enjoy the video below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HncwGDTNsxo

Keiko Fukuda, the first and only woman awarded the rank of 10th dan in judo, passed away

Keiko Fukuda, the first and only woman awarded the rank of 10th dan in judo, passed away February 11, 2013 in San Francisco. She was 99.

The last surviving student of the founder of judo, Kano Jigoro, Fukuda broke from tradition as a young woman, choosing to train in judo under Kano rather than marry. Fukuda eventually followed Kano's wish that she and other students teach judo around the world. She came to the United States to do just that in 1966 and later settled here permanently. She became a leader in women's rights by example and voice.

Fukuda's promotion to judos highest rank came as a "total surprise," according to her caretaker, Shelley Fernandez. Then came a sense of great pride, "especially knowing that this promotion would help women's judo," Fukuda told Fernandez. "This is a dream come true," Fukuda said. She was awarded judo's highest rank by USA Judo, the national governing body for the Olympic sport in the United States in the summer of 2011.

Fukuda is the subject of a recent documentary, Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful. You can see her still teaching well into her 90s at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2hWr0WPe7o or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_HJkekcAvQ

Practical Kata Bunkai: Takedown and Strangle, Iain Abernethy Video

British sensei Iain Abernethy has come out with another nice (free!), quick bunkai application you may enjoy trying. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmpsj82skw

Kickboxing Champion Joe Lewis Passes Away

Famed martial artist Joe Lewis has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old. Sensei Lewis served in the Marine Corps in 1962 and was one of the first marines to be stationed in Vietnam. While in Okinawa Joe began his training in Shorin-ryu karate under Grandmaster Shimabuku Eizo, earning his black belt. Upon his return home, Lewis trained and competed in the '60s and '70s in full contact Kickboxing and point tournaments, becoming United States heavy weight Kickboxing Champion among other titles. He competed in many tournaments against the likes of Chuck Norris, Frank Hargrove and Skipper Mullins and is known as "the father or American Kickboxing." Mr. Lewis was voted "greatest fighter in karate history" and inducted into over a dozen different martial arts halls of fame. Joe went on to write several books on fighting and strategies as well as dabbling in films. He may be best known for his part in "Force Five," among other movies. Mr. Lewis developed his own fighting system-"Joe Lewis Fighting Systems"-teaching thousands, sharing his knowledge with others. A true pioneer of the early martial arts in America, he will be missed. Read more about karate pioneer Joe Lewis here: http://joelewisart.com/biography-2/

The 20 Precepts of Gichin Funakoshi, Iain Abernethy Podcast

We think you will enjoy the latest podcast by Iain Abernethy. "The 20 Precepts of Gichin Funakoshi"

The twenty precepts are interesting and wide ranging and they give me an opportunity to talk about martial ethics, pre-emption, the importance of the correct martial mindset, the impact of the martial arts on life outside the dojo, the need for regular training, principles over techniques, the importance of avoiding conflict, awareness vs. paranoia, the purpose of stances, the application of kata in actual conflict, the difference between practicing and doing, the importance of mindful training, and more!" You can find it at http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/20-precepts-gichin-funakoshi-podcast

Tips For Success (Tip #6)

The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, who strive valiantly, who know the great enthusiasm, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at the best, know the triumph of high achievement, and who ,at the worst, if they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

- Theodore Roosevelt

Lyoto Machida; UFC Star and Kata Expert?

Lyoto Machida is a famous mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC, however, he began his training in Shotokan karate where he holds a 3rd degree black belt. watch him perform Shotokan kata Shochin for the paparazzi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4gqY3by8ps&feature=player_embedded

Test your martial arts knowledge with this quick quiz

Just for fun, take this quick Karate Quiz! 10 questions to test your martial arts knowledge, but be careful!
http://www.ikigaiway.com/2012/deluxe-karate-history-quiz-fun-time/

If that quiz got your knowledge cells happy, heres another place to choose from a variety of quick quizzes rated easy to difficult!
http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/sports/martial_arts/karate.html

Verbal De-escalation, Iain Abernethy Podcast

Some of you may be interested in Iain Abernethy's latest offerings. Listen to his Podcast on "Verbal De-escalation" at http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/verbal-de-escalation-podcast. Also of interest is the Online lecture on the history of karate by Charles Goodin and Pat Nakata at http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/cgoodin-and-pnakata-history-karate

Sachiko Yamauchi Sensei Prough

The President of the United States Naginata Federation (USNF), Sachiko Prough has passed away in New Jersey at the young age of 52. She leaves her husband, well known Iaido expert, Sensei John Prough. Yamauchi Sensei, as she was known, grew up in Shikoku, Japan where she reached Naginata Shodan by the age of 16. She competed in various All Japan College Naginata Tournaments while in school often placing in the top 10% or better. Eventually she placed first in every All Japan level tournaments through high school, college and as an adult. Yamauchi Sensei went on to teach, coach and referee many Naginata tournaments. She held many offices including, Director of Ehime Naginata Federation and Advisor to All Japan College Naginata Federation in Japan. In America she was the President of the United States Naginata Federation and founded the Greater New York Naginata Federation. Yamauchi Sensei was promoted to the rank of Kyoshi in 1996, the second highest rank in Naginata and was one of the youngest ever to hold this title.

*Beisho members Kristen Pepe, Marisa Cimino and Jeanne McDonald of Waltham, trained often with Yamauchi Sensei in their tenure as members of the USNF.

Bob Anderson Fencing Master and Coach to Hollywood Actors Dies at 89

By T. Rees Shapiro, The Washington Post, Published: January 2

Bob Anderson taught swordsmanship to everyone from Eroll Flynn (the "original" Robin Hood) and Sean Connery to Olympic champions and the man who wielded the light-saber as Darth Vader. Read more about this remarkable swordsman and teacher, who died in January at "Bob Anderson, fencing master and coach to Hollywood actors, dies at 89." or cut and paste the following into your browser:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/bob-anderson-fencing-master-and-coach-to-hollywood-actors-dies-at-89/2012/01/02/gIQAmrmyWP_story.html

Discipline and Defiance / Practical Karate

Another interesting podcast by one of Britain's leading martial arts authorities, Iain Abernethy. Enjoy.

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/discipline-and-defiance-practical-karate-podcast

Chantal Tavitian, Shodan Student Returns From Basic Training

PV 2 Chantal Tavitian, United States Army MOS -25B (IT Specialist) who had recently been promoted to shodan in June of 2011 has returned from her basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, followed by her AIT Training at fort Gordon, Georgia.

Pictured here with Shihan Jim at the True Martial Arts Academy, her appearance was a surprise for her younger brother Shant, who was promoted to Jr. Gold Belt.

Congratulations to both and thank you for you service to our country. PV2 TAVITIAN CHANTAL
UNITED STATES ARMY
MOS- 25B (IT SPECIALIST)


BASIC TRAINING AT FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA
AIT TRAINING AT FORT GORDON, GEORGIA

Newton Teen Fights Off Brutal Attack During Aruba Vacation

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/07/27/newton-teen-describes-how-she-fought-off-brutal-attack-in-aruba

Tips For Success (Tip #5)

Champions arrive early and stay late. They know what they're there for. They don't have to be told five times to do something or be given a five-minute lecture on how to do it. You give them the challenge, and they get it done.

There are people who work at 50 percent of their ability and who are successful. Then there are the ones who give 110 percent of everything they've got and barely make it. Which ones would you want? I'd rather have the people who give it their all and walk off the field knowing that. In business as in athletics, a champion is the person who at the end says, " I gave it everything I had ; win or lose, you got the best I can give.

- James Williams
   paralypian, table tennis

Realistic Bunkai to Common Shuri-te and Naha-te Derived Kata

"For those of you especially interested in realistic bunkai to common Shuri-te and Naha-te derived kata, be sure to keep up with Sensei Iain Abernethey's many posts, youtube videos, and podcasts. His latest can be found at http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/all-practical-kata-bunkai-pad-drill-videos-july-8th. You can also sign up for his e-newsletter at www.iainabernethy.com, which will inform you of new postings as well as his many public appearances, including in the US. He's on Twitter (http://twitter.com/iainabernethyand Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/iainabernethy) too. Abernethy is one of the few--and among the very best--at interpreting traditional kata with bunkai that really work and make sense (if you can understand his North England accent). I heartily endorse what he's doing and recommend his work to you.

- Papa Chris

Article Link: Battle for the Soul of Kung Fu

Be sure to check out the terrific article,"Battle for the Soul of Kung Fu" in the March 2011 issue of National Geographic (http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/03/shaolin-kung-fu/gwin-text). It's about the original Shaolin Monastety and has a lot of wonderful pictures as well as an interesting story."

The December 4th Test at Shorin Ryu Waltham (From the Perspective of an Ikkyu)

by Daniel Strauss

It's Saturday, December 4, 2010. You're about to attempt to get a stripe, or possibly even a belt. There's a tension in you; you know you'll get the promotion, but you still aren't sure you are going to feel like you earned it. Then you think back to all the other times that you've tested and you've felt worth it afterwards. You feel more confident now. But still, you have that tiny bit of tension nagging at you. Nagging at you for the testing to begin.

We all entered the dojo, which was mirrored on two of the three walls. One of the other two walls supported the shomen, the other was covered in equipment, and the floor was padded and green. To start, we did warm-ups. But these weren't quite our average warm-ups. In place of the usual things we would do in class or during other testings, we had to do a set amount of a specified technique, like 50 jab-reverses at our own speed. Also unlike most testings, there was a theme. It was "one step at a time." What this meant was that you had to complete every move in some kind of sequence as if you would be done with the sequence after that move. Suppose that this move was a punch. What Sensei would say to everybody was, "You just have to make one good punch." Until we had finished that move, we did not have to worry about the move that would come next. My gi, which was totally white, had to snap every time I did my "one good ________."

Another part of the procedure was when our group had to line up in front of each of the other groups in turn. What they would do was to put us in different grabs, and we had to escape. We also had to bunkai Fukyu Kata Dai Ichi, which means we had to figure out what the moves were doing to an enemy. There were five of us: four arranged in a diamond and the remaining one in the middle. We also had a higher-ranked adult overseeing us. We took turns going into the middle, and when we were in the center we were performing the kata. The rest of the group, in the diamond formation, was attacking and reacting to our moves from their respective directions. The highest kata we had to perform was Rohai, which we did not have to bunkai.

But these are only the things the people about my age and rank did. Other groups had alternate tasks to perform. The groups included those testing for the rank of kobudo deshi (student of weaponry), junior black belts, and black stripes on a brown belt. My group was the last of those three. There were also adults who were not testing. They were there to lead the test and make sure things went smoothly.

At the end, Sensei asked everybody to say how long they'd been taking karate and what karate had done for them. We went our separate ways after that, and I can just about guarantee that every one of us was extremely satisfied.

Winter Seminar November 2010

by Keith Martinek

On November 6th and 7th the members of the True Martial Arts Academy in Waltham were honored by the arrival of Sensei Ed Kearney and Sensei Jayne Butram. They came to Massachusetts and, along with Sensei Jim, lead our annual winter seminar. The main topics were close-quarter fighting and knife fighting techniques.



During the fighting seminar we spent time reviewing some basic strikes, and then worked them into a variety of combinations. We focused on jabs and reverse punches using angles to get in close, and then added leg strikes. For those that worked with Sensei Ed before and felt the pain of the "tom toi" kick this was a real reminder of how devastating this kick can be. Prior to the seminar we were cautioned to bring our shin pads. Thankfully for many participants Sensei Jim had some extra pairs. Everyone paired off and began to work combinations of jab, reverse, knee strikes and the tom toi kick.

For many of the participants this was a continuation of their training from previous knife fighting seminars, for others it was our first exposure. The group spent time reviewing some basics: proper grip, attitude, posture, strategy and strikes. We paired off to practice the distance and timing for cutting and thrusts. Sensei Ed took us thru a variety of drills and combinations designed to build our coordination with the knife. In this process we learned both techniques for offense and defense with the knife. The drills became very dynamic where in one drill the attacker worked a second attack after the defender seemingly blocked the strike. Another drill had both partners working a rhythm drill, roll and pick. Here one participant would decide to break the rhythm and initiate the attack

After the seminar, Sensei Jim hosted a gathering at his home. It was a very pleasant evening spent talking with friends and sharing karate stories. We spent time watching many old videos from past Beisho seminars and camps. It was fun to see bits of our history (and some of our most senior ranks as shodans and nidans) that has led us to where our karate is today.

There was a lot of hard work this weekend and many great memories. Thank you to Sensei Jim, Jayne, Ed, and all the SKKAA members that made this Winter Seminar possible.

Tips For Success (Tip #4)

The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.

- Coach Joe Paterno

Sessa Kai

Mary Ann Vacherweill

As the name implies, Sessa Kai dojo grew out of a dedication to constant hard work and improvement on the part of Sensei Michael Pepe. Although the small space that held it for many years is closing for now, the Sessa Kai spirit did not begin, nor does it end on Waverley Avenue in Watertown. Sensei Mike's unusual spirit of tireless labor in combination with freely shared intellectual curiosity and passion for the martial arts was crafted over many years. He built these character traits in many different rooms with or without mats and mirrors. No matter the place, this spirit will continue to grow in the many who have trained with him. They take it with them to other dojos, driveways, libraries, gyms, and basements. And Sensei Mike will, no doubt, continue to unselfishly share the wealth of his knowledge where ever he is teaching.
Arigato gozai masu, Sensei. - Mary Ann Vacherweill

Click here to view Sessa Kai tribute pictures



[Editor's note: Say it ain't so! For those of us who began the martial arts in the 1960s, Anton Geesink was a hero and a role model, living proof that a Westerner could beat the best Japanese at their own game. Now he's gone! And he was 76! For me (and many others) he will always be the robust youngster who took on the best Japanese, and world, champions and beat them all, the first "foreigner" to win a Gold Medal at the Olympics, and at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics at that. Hail and farewell, honored warrior!]

Anton Geesink, 76, dies; Dutchman won first Olympic gold medal in judo

Toby Sterling

Tuesday, August 31, 2010; B06

Anton Geesink, 76, a member of the International Olympic Committee who won the first Olympic gold medal in judo, died Aug. 28 after several weeks in a hospital in his home town of Utrecht, Netherlands. No cause of death was reported.

The International Olympic Committee praised Geesink as a "great athlete" who "dedicated his entire career to the promotion of sport and its values." Mr. Geesink had been a member of the IOC since 1987.

The 6-foot-6 Dutchman stunned Japan by becoming the first Westerner to win the world judo championship in 1961 in Paris, and then won his Olympic gold in 1964 in Tokyo. He won another world title in Rio de Janeiro in 1965, along with a record 21 European championships.


Anton Geesink winning the 1964 Heavyweight Gold Medal in Judo at the Tokyo Olympics.

"Everybody will remember the gigantic stature of this Dutch figure whose size was equivalent to his kindness," the International Judo Federation said in a statement. "Anton Geesink never stopped fighting for the development of sport throughout the world."

Mr. Geesink was the first European to become a ninth-dan judoka in 1987 and was awarded the 10th degree in 1997 by the International Judo Federation.

The blue uniform worn by one competitor in international matches so that judges, referees and spectators can tell the athletes apart more easily arose from a suggestion made by Mr. Geesink at an International Judo Federation meeting in 1986.

"Today, Judo is a universal activity, thanks to the 'way of education' that Jigoro Kano created at the end of the 19th century," the judo federation's statement said. "But for sure, it would not have been possible if, first of all, Anton Geesink had not been the great champion he was and secondly, he had not become such a fantastic ambassador during and after his sports career."

Survivors include Mr. Geesink's wife, Jans, and their three children.

-- Associated Press

Samurai Spirit on Youtube

"We'd like to thank Sue Theise of the Wyoming Karate Club for drawing our attention to a fascinating series of short programs on the "Samurai Spirit," originally run on NHK World Television.

The first episode can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XasE9DbHC_Y&feature=related.

It should lead you to the other episodes. Enjoy!"

Tips For Success (Tip #3)

Life doesn't require that we be the best, only that we try our best.

- H.Jackson Brown

The Journal Jissen

We'd like to call your attention to a free on-line magazine aimed at those who are interested in what its authors term "pragmatic traditionalism." The journal, Jissen, focuses on applications of traditional karate techniques to modern self-defense situations, including bunkai of traditional kata. While most articles are by Shotokan or Wado-ryu practitioners, their ideas are highly stimulating and have great applicability for Shorin-ryu practitioners. The magazine is run and edited by Iain Abernethy, one of the foremost experts on the realistic interpretation and practice of traditional karate. While we do not endorse products and cannot vouch for everything in Jissen, we encourage you to take a look at this free-bee. It's a real bargain! You can find it at http://www.jissenmag.com.

Oregon Karate Camp

by Ashley Hull, 5th kyu, Wyoming Karate Club

The drive from Jackson, WY to Oregon camp, in Neskown, is long; but it was completely worth it. We arrived in the area a day early and slept in Master Jim Null's dojo in Beaverton, OR. Master Null has a 6th degree in Taekwondo and is a good friend of Sensei Sue Theise. The next day we got the chance to train with him a bit. He taught us new stretches and a new warm up, called Tabata, that we are now starting to use in our dojo.

Before camp started we were also able to go see Sensei Lance and Delinda Morgan's dojo; the dojo is basically in their back yard. While visiting we learned that you shouldn't touch other people's weapons before asking. At camp, Sensei Lance taught the kid's part of camp. Sensei Lance, from Oregon Family Karate, was the host and without him and his wife Delinda (who did all the cooking) we wouldn't have gotten the chance to go.

We got the chance to meet Sensei Gonzo Flores, a Godan in Okinawan Kenpo, who was the head sensei at camp. Sensei Gonzo taught everyone Kenjo Seiko Bo-Bo Kumite as well as the kata Seisan. Kenjo Seiko Bo-Bo Kumite is a partner kumite, using bo, with an attacking and defending side. We all got the chance to learn both sides. Sensei Gonzo told us about the history of the kumite. It is originally from China, from around 600 A.D., and was used for military training.

Sensei Gonzo has a wealth of knowledge and was kind enough to share it with us. At the end of the first day we all gathered around and he shared some of what he knows with us. He went through a whole lineage of karate and was explaining how directly his style could be traced back. When he taught us Seisan he also told us how he could trace it back to Southern China; he is able to tell this because of the style of the moves.

Sensei Lance's son, Cole, taught us Saifa. We learned the kata in a short amount of time so we don't have it quite as well as Kenjo Seiko Bo-Bo Kumite, which we had two days to learn, though the WKC boys, Tige, Edgar, and Sean, really enjoy the kata. The timing of the kata is interesting and we are still trying to figure it out.

There were a little over twenty people at camp total. There were three groups that attended; Sensei Gonzo's, Sensei Sue's, and Sensei Lance's. Sensei Gonzo had one student, who earned the spirit award. We met a lot of other people who love doing karate and made some good friends.

At camp we learned Kenjo Seiko Bo-Bo Kumite; and two kata, Saifa and Seisan. But those weren't the only things that we worked on. We also had "focus drills", such as when a dog ran through our group or we stepped on a twig. Class on the beach was a memorable experience. Oregon summer camp was definitely one to experience, and a great personal first karate camp experience.

Hanshi Frank Van Lenten dies at 74

Beisho is sad to announce the unexpected death of Goju-ryu Hanshi Frank Van Lenten (12/4/35-7/1/2010) in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Hanshi Van Lenten trained with most of the major masters in Okinawa during multiple tours there with the U.S. Marine Corps and was dubbed the "strongest fighter" he had ever seen by Isshin-ryu founder Shimbakuku Tatsuo. Van Lenten was the only American ever to win both the kata and kumite divisions in an Okinawa championship tournament and holds the record in Okinawa for breaking the most tiles with a single strike. He held master level rank in Shorin-ryu, Isshin-ryu, and Goju-ryu, and had extensive experience in Okinawan Kobudo. Master Van Lenten had over 50 years experience in martial arts and was a pioneer in introducing the martial arts to the US.


Frank Van Lenten, 1935-2010

Van Lenten founded and for many years led the Goshindo Karatedo Association, which still has a number of schools in the east and northeast United States, before returning to his Goju-ryu roots and becoming a senior student of the late Shinjo Masunobu. He headed, and was later advisor to, the Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do GoshinKai and the Ryukyuan Kobudo International.

He retired from the Marine Corps with over 20 years of service in the 1980s, which included serving as a Hand-to-hand Combat and Bayonet Fighting Instructor and Drill Instructor. In 1984, he was the guest of honor of the Governor of Okinawa in recognition of his propagation of Okinawan karate. Over the years, he received many honors in the martial arts. He was featured on the cover of Official Karate magazine and in 1986, was inducted into their Legion of Honor, Karate's Hall of Fame. He retired from active teaching at his dojo in Florida and spent some 20 years with the Tower Labs company in Connecticut prior to his retirement this past April.


Hanshi Van Lenten practing Goju-ryu techniques with a partner

Surviving him is his wife of 52 years, Felicidad (Faye) Van Lenten of Niceville, Florida, his half-sister, Caresse Morse of NJ, and two half-brothers, Tab Morse, of NJ and Roger Morse of CA. A Memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, July 25th at 3:00pm at the Centerbrook Meeting House, 51 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Burial and ceremony will be at Arlington National Cemetery on August 18th.


Frank Van Lenten practicing Chinto kata in Isshin-ryu founder Shimabuku Tatsuo's courtyard in the 1960s

On a personal note, Papa Chris had the opportunity several times in the 1970s to train with Master Van Lenten. He was an imposing and powerful figure who combined enormous strength with considerable grace and a willingness to teach and encourage others to become better martial artists. While never seeking the fame or fortune of some of American karate's other pioneers, Van Lenten remained true to his principles and to the Okinawan way of hard training and striving for perfection and made major contributions to the introduction and improvement of the Okinawan martial arts in the United States.

Tips For Success (Tip #2)

Let your performance do the talking.

- H.Jackson Brown

Tips For Success (Tip #1)

One of my favorite sayings I got off a soda bottle: NO DEPOSIT, NO RETURN. To me that means you'll get out of life about what you're willing to put in. All champions have made great sacrifices to win their victories. So when someone talks to me about their goals and dreams, I ask them one question: " What are you willing to do about it?."

- John Naber
Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, swimming

IGROW Talk and Interactive Board Breaking Event

March 4th Shihan Jim had the opportunity to speak at an event for Adolescent Wellness, Inc

Adolescent Wellness, a non-profit 501c3 organization, was founded to help deal with the growing problem of preventing depression and suicide among young people. A primary activity is creating awareness of prevention resources available to youth. Another activity is piloting programs for duplication by other communities. Participants are parents, peer leaders, clergy and educators.

The kick off event was dubbed the "Winter Blues," held at the Wellesley College Club in Wellesley Ma. The evening featured a blues and jazz band, an introduction of the leaders involved and an explanation of the IGROW program, (Interfaith Teens Gathering Round Our Wellness), facilitated by Dr. Nadja Reilly a psychologist from Childrens Hospital Boston. The IGROW program promotes wellness for teens through a series of four meetings, each called a TEAGOT (teens enjoying a good ol' time). Topics such as creative problem solving, developing coping skills, and stress relief are discussed, and interactive work is done with the teens by health care professionals and experts to achieve the desired outcome.

Talks were given by a yoga instructor and Shihan Jim on how mindfulness and relaxation can reduce stress. As an example to highlight the upcoming TEAGOT event on March 7th, Shihan Jim had three volunteers break a board on which each of them had written a worry or stress-related fear in order to break through. All three broke their boards and the evening was a great success.

Over 70 teens met for the TEAGOT program on Sunday with a choice of martial arts training, walking the labyrinth, and yoga, for the first half hour, followed by mural painting, massage and a smoothie bar. Twenty-six teens participated in karate, with the focus point being able to break a board by the end of the session. Each teen was given a board and asked to write a worry or stress-related thought on their board in order to break through the issue that concerned them. Shihan Jim had three sets of 8-9 teens come up and break simultaneously, all with a resounding kiai! Each set was successful and made for a very powerful demonstration.

All the teens had a fantastic time as the evening ended with a brief mediation and poem by the pastor of the church.

The success of the IGROW program in Wellesley will be next modeled in Waltham.

For more information check out their web site at www.adolescentwellness.org

Joy of jiu-jitsu helps Adam Dunn happily stay at first base

Dan Steinberg

The Washington Post

Friday, February 5, 2010; D02

No one has ever accused Adam Dunn of being Willie Mays with his glove, but the Nats' slugger has repeatedly said how much he enjoys playing defense. And with first base his anointed position heading into 2010, a few Nats fans had their interest piqued when Manager Jim Riggleman said Dunn was learning jiujitsu this offseason to help improve his agility.

"Adam can play good defense at first base," Riggleman told MASN on Dec. 19, when breaking the jiujitsu news. "Dunn is the least of our concerns."

Dunn was in town last week for the Nats' winter caravan, offering me my first opportunity to ask him about the Brazilian martial art and how it would help his job performance at first base this spring.

(Before I explain, let me note that Dec. 19 was also the date of the last Washington Snowvechkin. That means every time this city is under snowy siege, Nats fans are treated to Dunn jiujitsu news. I'd just as soon forsake the Dunn martial arts updates in exchange for not having to watch 17 "Max & Ruby" episodes from a snowbound house once a month, but I guess that's not up to me.)

Anyhow, the Dunn jiujitsu tale is possibly overblown, inasmuch as he's studied the sport off and on since he was 14, at the prompting of a childhood friend. He tapered off over the past four years, but got back into it this winter since his longtime gym is now more convenient to his offseason home.

He said the flexibility offered by the sport could theoretically help him at first, but that's not his primary motivation. But he said he was surprised how much he enjoyed playing first base, with the ability to chat an added benefit. For example?

"Depends who it is," he said. "I've got my buddies, and we've got a lot of things to talk about. Other people, I have no idea what to talk about. For instance, say Brian McCann was over there, I would probably make some sort of fat joke, something like that. I would talk to David Wright about how he can't hit homers any more. It depends."

Dunn reiterated his desire to spend his entire career in the National League, saying he's fine with designated hitting during interleague play but he never wants to do it full time.

"No chance," he said. "It's pinch-hitting four times. Pinch-hitting's hard."

And he also reiterated his desire to sign an extension with the Nats, despite the team's poor showing during his first year in D.C.

"Everything's looking up," he said. "They're doing everything they can. Before where I was, I didn't feel like they did everything they could to get better every year. Just one offseason on this team, they've done a lot of things to straighten out a lot of our problems. . . . . It wasn't that we kept running out bad players. If guys weren't getting the job done, WHOOO, they were out of here. They're trying to get all the right pieces."

Dunn loves MMA -- "people just see all the blood and that's what they think, but it's so tactical," he said -- and he enjoys the jiujitsu sessions, which could happen anywhere from one time to four times a week during the offseason. But he said he has no desire to get into a ring himself, finding first base a superior destination.

"I don't like getting hit in the face," he noted. "I don't care how big you are, you get hit in the face, it hurts."

Bastardization Of The Martial Arts

Mike Pepe

Let us say for the sake of argument that martial arts were put on the map when Soken Matusmura systemized his techniques in 1830.

This makes all "modern" martial arts approximately 175 years old. Still young by historic standards.

Still, the martial arts have developed as quickly as technology did after the invention of the microchip.

Only problem is, the microchip made technology better unlike the martial arts, which now I fear, is in a sad state.

In any martial arts, system there would have been a founder or Soke living in the 1900's. I give you Itosu Yatsasune, Kano Jigoro, Choki Motobu, Choshin Chibana, Funakoshi, Ueshiba and Nagamine to name a few. The list of Soke would be a dozen.

A quick look in BlackBelt magazine reveals many videos and DVDs depicting masters in sweatpants, muscle shirts, camouflage clothing, wrestling pants and more. Long gone are "traditional" masters in a neat white gi displaying a nice lunge punch.

Sport karate has taken traditional karate techniques and turned them into a gymnastics routine that only students of Olympic caliber can attempt. Traditional weapons have been shaved and colored to make them pretty and faster all to the oos and aaahhs of the audience. Screaming and yelling are now accepted as the "old fashioned" kiai.

Americans with little patience have turned their original style (the style they started in) into "American combat techniques" and "reality systems" of "karate". These systems, forged with little discipline, have broken away from the idea of posture and stance. If it works then it must be good. Photos of large men with scowling faces overpowering an opponent grace the pages of every magazine cover. Sadly, they miss the point that it is hard for smaller people to "overpower" anyone. Reality systems manhandle muscle and overpower opponents claiming these are "techniques" of said system.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) which started with Helio Gracie as the founder have accelerated the decline of the traditional martial artist. Whereas the Gracie system uses proven techniques using a gi, the "modern" MMA are anything but. Long gone, from 10 years ago, are the clean white gi and now only tight wrestling pants are worn. Martial artists assume their system has nothing to offer and jump on the jitsu bandwagon. Traditional Jiu-jitsu students now practice a few years of boxing, Muay Tai, and other systems to add to what was once a traditional style. People are happy to "add" to their style, the next best thing since the last thing they added to their style. The striking artist now rushes to learn ground techniques to even the score.

There is no pure Jiujitsu-pure boxing-pure Shotokan anymore.

Martial artists now embarrassed to show their "traditional" self defense technique, call upon jujitsu, Chin-na, wrestling, boxing, Muay Tai or any other "reality" system rather than their time proven techniques.

There are not many schools around using a bear paw or chicken beak. Long gone are the traditional stances of Shotokan to make way for the (lazy) American fighting stance. The low Sheiko dachi of Goju has now become a stand up side fighting stance. These "traditional" techniques I fear will soon become extinct in the martial arts community only to be replaced with mauling techniques like head grabbing elbows and knees.

The move toward reality and away from traditional martial arts I fear will be the death knell for karate, as we know it.

Tradition.

Zero Mostel sang about it on "Fiddler on the roof" how to cope with change that you can't stop.

Sadly, people break from their original style because it is lacking in certain areas. Sometimes students break because their style is to stiff feeling the style is so structured it leaves no room for growth.

Modern martial arts can only be called "karate" in the loosest sense of the word. The new form of the old karate is now called Mixed Martial Arts.

"Students" who lacked patience or were rough to the likens of Chotku Motobu disliked bowing, standing at attention and washing the floor. They quickly dismiss these things as unneeded. Students lacking the discipline to practice scoff at time-honored kata.

Granted, people join karate for modern reasons none of which is to learn a "traditional" Japanese art.

To think that by taking a Kempo style and adding some gun defenses and calling it mike-ryu makes it legitimate seems ok to these many entrepreneurs. There are literally hundreds of these new systems on the market. Their only claim to fame is they are reality based and the guy on the cover is a Soke.

My feelings are that the more the X generation wants this reality the less need there will be for Traditional schools practicing an old art form. Enrolments will dwindle and traditional dojo will dry up all becoming little club dojos with only a few followers.

Consumers don't want the old stuff. They want the new. The young and restless won't flock to a traditional dojo whereas a more seasoned, mature adult might. The older consumer understands what the younger seems to miss. I suppose seeing someone being raked in the eyes in a photo will also turn off a mature consumer!

A student, who bends his style, may somehow include techniques that are not really his system, but where does he/she start to break from the style hence having to rename it.

I understand the round kick was shockingly new when it came from China and I know Sensei Tom Wirtenan took the spin kick to Ohio when he went off to college with devastating results. However, did these things break from the system?

These so-called masters all seem to have reinvented the wheel. Get in, rake the eyes, knee, and do a wristlock or something.

Man, it will be hard to decide where or when "traditional" started. If we knew who "stole" from whom first it might make things a lot easier.

A handful of styles consider themselves Koryu styles or "ancient" styles. Author Dave Lowery to name one. There are ancient styles of weapons, Iaido, karate and more. These systems do not add to their system. They only teach what the old master taught....Maybe in modern eyes they don't have much to offer but maybe that is not their goal.

Beikoku Shorin Karate Do? Far from a Koryu style...I remember a student wearing satin pants and a red, white, and blue gi! He even introduced gymnastics kata in Kumite kata nidan! LOL!

Where did traditional start? Could it be pre 1980? Before 1960? Was it 1500? I can do my karate using a traditional jiujitsu move or a traditional small circle technique or a traditional karate technique or a throw from the traditional Kodokan series. Am I traditional?

The wheel takes a big turn. I was once a modern karateka now the modern systems have passed me by (surpassed?) Now I am considered traditional compared to the "now" karate. Another time if I'm still around my style may become fashionable again and I'll be the "now" karate. Until then I'll keep my gi on thank you.

Excitement In France

Aaron Sewall

[Editor's note: Sensei Lance Morgan received the following email account from his black belt student, Aaron Sewall, who has been teaching English in France for the past two years;]
[Additional information provided by Sensei Morgan: Aaron is a 25 year old Nidan, about 5'7" and 145 lbs.]

Hi Sensei-
So, I have my first self defense story, and with a happy ending.

I was coming home from teaching Wednesday night, on the train. Before getting off in Chartres, two guys tried to rob me, or something. One started to say something to me, and then told me to give him some money. I told him I didn't have anything, so he slapped me. I jumped on him and popped him five or six times, then I backed off, which turned out to be a mistake. His friend got up and they both came after me.

I ended up slipping on the stairs of the double decker train, and they both jumped on top of me and tried to choke me while I was on the ground. I managed to push them off and get to the top of the stairs. I told them to stay where they were, but they followed me up. I got out the other side of the car, onto the platform. The one I had laid into didn't come off, but the other one followed me off and pulled a knife on me. Thankfully a cop with a dog was on the platform, and the guy ran off, the other one not far behind him. They were chased down and arrested.

When Steph picked me up at the train station, she was a little shocked because my clothes were covered in blood, though none of it was mine. Later at the police station, the police also congratulated me for being able to fight back, and doing something to them that they aren't allowed to do. I heard one of the cops say, "Those jerks didn't realize they had picked a fight with Chuck Norris."

It turns out, that the two had been robbing people for drug money. They stole an ipod from a 13 year old kid just after he got out of school. Then on monday, they robbed a girl at knifepoint and cut her hand. Apparently they thought I would be an easy target...

The trial was really quick. They were arrested on Wednesday night, and I spent all afternoon at the courthouse today. Quite an experience, considering that I've never been to a trial in the US, and to experience it in another country and another language is something else. During the trial they changed their story (they had confessed to the police when they were arrested) and tried to say that I had started a fight with them, insulting them, and then beating the larger of the two.

Needless to say, no one believed them, not even their own lawyers. The prosecutor said "I have a hard time believing that an expatriated English teacher coming home from work would decide to start a fight on the train with two unsavory characters such as these." They were both sentenced to 4 years in prison for attempted armed robbery.

So, thank you for the years of teaching, it helped me, the other people who were victims, and, if they hadn't been stopped, surely other people they would have hurt as well.

With love,
Aaron

Everything's Going to Be Just Fine

Xandra Reynolds

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.

The Lights Are On, and Someone's Home

Phil Gauer

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.

Gracie In Action

Sensei Mike Pepe

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!!

Way to Go, Wyoming

Two students from the WKC traveled to Green River, WY on May 17 to compete at the annual Western Wyoming Karate Championship. Zoe Curran took first place in kata in the eight-year-old beginner division and Nancy Morales Perez took fourth in the eight-year-old intermediate contest. Overall, 250 competitors from six states and numerous karate styles vied for honors.

Sparring

Ana G. R. Shook

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.

I bow to my partner,
acknowledging their spirit and power
I can smell the sweat on their karate gi,
wet from a previous match
A new challenge has arrived.

I breathe deep to tame the rush emotion.
Adrenaline is necessary,
but control and direction
are essential for peace.
To discover the secret for survival,
I must relax with every breath.

The challenger has a new secret.

A noetic lesson from a skillful fighter
Not driven by cold pure logic but,
instinctual responses evolving from years
of accepting new challenges.

Can I learn the control and precision
by breathing in the smell of sweat.
A karate gi wet from a previous match.

Japanese Puppet Theater in Boston

Sensei Mike Pepe

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!

Welcoming New Members

Beisho continues to grow, recruiting its members younger and younger. On June 9, Sensei Jen and Andrew Mohler recruited Denali Grace Mohler. (That makes "Papa Chris" "Grandpapa Chris"!) Jen is also finishing a Masters degree from George Washington University as a Physician Assistant.

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.

Grappling with Fear

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 Mike takes on Judo

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.

Beisho's Naginata Ladies Rock!

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.

Japan Training Squadron Visits Boston

Sensei Mike Pepe

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 Honored

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.

Haiku Contest Winners

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

Adult division-Dan Glass, True Martial Arts Academy

Ancient roots, new leaves
This tree has grown since last spring
Ancient words, new truths

Runner-up-Ana Shook, Seishin Dojo

In heat of passion
Lost is the path through thicket
Cool rain clear the road!

Junior division-Meghan Boyle (age 11), True Martial Arts Academy

Master's River
It knows the pathway
Flowing forward, never back
A deep, moonlit path.

National Martial Arts Day in Waltham

Sensei Jim True

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 National Martial Arts Day the Spirit of the Warrior Prevailed

Fran Boyle

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".

WKC Starting the New Year with Spirit

Sensei Sue Theise

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.

From the Dojo to the Gridiron

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...

Sayonara, Miyagi-san!

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.

A Dog of a Year

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).

counter added August 17, 2011

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