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Home Biography Calendar Contact Us Karate Kids Kardio Corner Kobudo History Dictionary Newsletter Guest Book	Sensei Speaks - What’s Happening May, June, July, and August are and have been very busy months for us. We began with Mr. Michael’s tournament in May and went immediately to our camp followed by Mr. Venson’s tournament. If you did not attend them all you can’t imagine how busy that was. June came along and right away we had the Kobayashi National Karate Championships in week one. Week two took us to The Warrior Gasshuku in Wisconsin. Week three went right into Mr. Koeppel’s International Karate/Kobudo Championships. Week four took us to Washington, D.C. The Okinawans had come to do the Shorinryu Master’s Camp hosted by kyoshi Welch. Returning from that camp we went to work immediately on producing the trophies for the Haynes-Apperson Battle Of Independence. Of course that is a tournament that we are responsible for so there is much more than preparing trophies. However, when there are challenges the strong gets going and the weak will fall by the wayside. At any rate, once this tournament is over we will begin preparing to go to Dallas, Texas. This will be for the USKA World Championships. I am proud to say that Ms. Wiles is going and I am confident that she will do well. This little girl has a great deal of passion for her karate and she is easy to teach. Even though she is so young, I have been able to talk to her as if she was much older and she understands. You will see lots out of her in time to come. Once I am back I have to leave for my family reunion which means that I will be out of the Dojo for almost two whole weeks. My family relies very heavily upon me and I have to spend some time this year. August bring s a “Kids Tournament” and “Summer Camp”. I would love to have some of my students attend. It’s back to school time! Sensei Speaks - DOJO PARENTS I just want to take a moment and thank all of the Dojo parents for all that they do. In May we celebrated “Mother’ Day” and in June we celebrated “Father’s Day”, I am quite confident that all of us took the time to recognize our parents during those holidays but I want us to look at our parents on a more serious note. My mother and father are gone and I wish, often, that I could haved them back. Our parents do so much for us and we should look at them and honor them everyday. Instead, parents are taken for granted and we think that they will live forever. As long as we have a comfortable home, nice clothes, and plenty of food we tend to believe that all is well. For the most part all is well. However, we don’t always know and certainly don’t understand what it takes to be a parent. There is no idea of how difficult the day may have been. So, lets tell our parents daily how much they mean to us. Thank them for all that they do for you. KOBAYASHI NATIONAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS First, I thank all of my parents and students for all of their efforts and support. Our tournament was a success because of you stepping in and doing the things that had to be done. Most will look at me and say that I did it all but you deserve all of the credit. Again, I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart and I am here for you just as you are for me. All of our students did very well at the tournament, We did not have anyone competing in the grand championships for bicycles or cash but they did well. To mention some of our competitors we had: Mr. Jackson, Ms. Wiles, Mr. Clark, Ms. Townsend, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Lee, Mr. Wysong, and Ms. Turner, Kristen. If I am not mistaken, all of the students placed in the tournament. That is an excellent representation for our Dojo and it shows us what our capabilities are. What would I do without Mr. Ward and Mr. Michael? These are my senior students and they stepped up. Mr. Ward did an excellent job in running the tournament. He did all of the things that he needed to do to get the event over in a timely manner. Mr. Michael did everything that he could. He had to greatest number of students there and they did exceptionally well also. Congratulations To Our Graduates Ku-Kyu Mr. Key — Mighty Mite Mr. Munson — Beg Kids Shichi—Kyu Mr. Camden — Beg Kids Go—Kyu Mr. Ussery, S — Adult Mr. Ussery, T — Adult San-Kyu Mr. Alexander — Adv. Kids These graduates have done an excellent job and have earned their ranks respectfully. That is, they have worked hard to adhere to the standards and procedures of all who have gone before them. They have moved forward as human beings in furthering their knowledge of self and standing against the battles that must be fought within. This an especially noteworthy task because, so often, we fall short. I will be the first to admit that I have that I have fallen short many times and it is not always easy to get up. However, to stay down is to lose your life. When we get up we move on to prosperity. I am proud of each of these students. Each of them has what is required to move towards and into Black Belt. I encourage each of you to take this part of your life seriously and withstand the trials that will come before you. This journey will help to prepare you for all that will come into your lives. Student Of The Month As always it is here that I like to recognize students for their diligence, dedication, and devotion. I have seen some real changes in some of the students and that is very interesting to me. Our youth selection as S.O.M. is Ms. Beza Townsend. Ms. Townsend is one who maintains a very quiet manner but works very hard constantly. She attends the youth and adult classes which assures her that she is where she is supposed to be with her rank progression. Ms. Townsend is becoming a force as a competitor and the other kids are taking note. Our adult selection as S.O.M. is Ms. Kristen Turner. Ms. Turner has distinguished herself through her attendance to class and following instructions with hard work. This young lady has grown tremendously since joining the class and she listens closely at what is being said. She readily adapts to changes and pushes hard to move forward. I am proud to make these selections as Students Of The Month. Each of them are destined for greater things than karate could offer but will assure them of getting there. I encourage you always to train hard and be nothing but the best. Special Events July 3rd — Haynes-Apperson Karate Tournament July 4tIh — Independence Day July 5th — Dojo Closed July 6th — Mr. Gruel’s Dojo July 7th — Chanbarra July 12th — Graduation 5—7p.m. July 14th — Brown/Black Belt Class Night July 16th & 17th — Camp Lebanon, Mo Mrs. Sutton July 18th — Sensei to Detroit Pickup Grandson July 21st — Leave for USKA World Championships Dallas, Tx July 27th — Return From Dallas, Tx July 28th — Leave For Family Reunion North Carolina SHORIN RYU MASTER’S CAMP Just recently, a few students and I attended the camp out in Washington, D.C. It was a truly magnificent camp that everyone enjoyed. Five ninth dans and one sixth dan came from Nakazato Sensei’s Dojo to share their knowledge with all who attended. Those who came from Okinawa were: Kempo Kinjo 9th Dan, Chosei Sakihara 9th Dan, Buntoku Ifuku 9th Dan, Noriate Genka 9th Dan, Giyu Gibo 9th Dan and Sayuri Iha 6th Dan. Enhancing the group from the U.S. was a large host of the American Kyoshi Kai: Doug Perry 9th Dan, Noel Smith 8th Dan, myself, Nabil Noujaim 8th Dan, Eberhard Welch 8th Dan and camp host, C.D Williamson 7th Dan, Jerry Taylor, 7th Dan, Neil Stolsmark 7th Dan, Arnold Mitchell 7th Dan, Tom Ward 7th Dan, Clint Green 7th Dan, Sam Ahtye 7th Dan, and Terry Gravelin 7th Dan. After listing all of those high ranking instructors, you can see that there was a great deal of knowledge and history in place. Ifuku and Genka Senseis were in the Dojo when I was in the Dojo in 1966. We chatted for a while and talked about some of the people who were there during my tenure while stationed on Okinawa. There was some great talk about then and now. What stands out is that father time has changed all of us some but God has allowed us to stay with our karate. All of us realizes that we have touched lots of lives over time and those lives have gone on to touch lives. For that reason the world is a better place. The Okinawans were outstanding in their presentations. They were very clear in instructions even though they spoke little to no English. They took the time to ensure that everyone was on the same page with their kata. They also gave some very basic applications which was a highlight since they rarely do this when they are here. Nakazato Sensei called daily to ensure that all was well with them. We did have to get Sayuri Iha’s room changed but that was minor. Those who missed this camp missed a great opportunity and fellowship with great people. THE WARRIOR GASSHUKU This was a very exciting camp in Waukesha, Wi under the direction of Kyoshi Neil Stolsmark. This camp is held in an outdoor setting and the instruction by the teachers was excellent. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and the sun was out during the entire camp. This was unlike a couple of years ago when I was there. There were storms that included a number of tornadoes. During the storms we spent quite a bit of time in the shelter and out of harms way. However, it was great camp and you missed a treat if you were not there. Friday night we were at Kyoshi Stolsmark’s Dojo for Black Belt testing and that was another interesting part of the camp. There were quite a number of people elevating in rank. They were all very well prepared and did well in their testing. There were a couple who upgraded when I was there before and they were upgrading to Nidan this time. There were a number of kyoshi at the camp who provided some excellent instruction. The highlight of all camps in Sensei Perry. He has so much knowledge that he shares unselfishly. More importantly, he puts it in a context that is understandable by all ranks, no matter how young or old they might be. This one of the camps that I would highly recommend for students to attend along with our camp and Summer camp. All of the camps are very good for you. KNOW YOURSELF Often we recite precepts that have been in existence for many years, but, I have wondered how many of us really understand what we are saying. One in particular comes to mind as I am inspired to write this article. That is, “Know the enemy and know yourself, for in a thousand battles you will never be in peril.” We also use the expression “body, mind, and spirit” which is inter-connected to the previous precept. What does this mean? During my competitive years, this was very important. I didn’t know it then but it stands out now. That is, we must be fully aware of our capabilities and abilities to accomplish a task A kumite match is a good example. Know the enemy—what are his techniques, and how does he move? This is the point where our confidence over shadows anything and everything that he has or does. You have complete control over your opponent. When you don’t know yourself and the enemy, you find yourself always behind in the battle. We are at a loss for what to do, when to do, and how to do. We become incapable of making correct decisions, Think about this when you are training. Become cognizant of all that is around you. Karate Morality Code The ideal of Karate is to cultivate noble character and conducts, the virtues of modesty and courtesy. No forestalling in Karate. Karate is the military art of self-defense to protect and preserve your life and never to attack others on your own initiative. Perseverance is the root of all the conducts. True patience lies in bearing what is unbearable. Put back your hands when you are full of fight and retract your fight when your hands itch to deal a blow. Softness is unity, Strength is unity. The ultimate object of human beings should be co-existence and co-prosperity in peace. All human actions, softness, and strength, should be united into peace. Avoid the fights and quarrels even if you were dared to. From The Kokomo School of Self Defense Training Manual By living the Karate Morality Code you will never fail in life. It will make you wise, confident, courageous, patient, a leader, modest, courteous, independent, and in control of your life.