Mid-America Karate
Greer Golden, Chief Instructor
Martin Vaughan, Assistant Instructor
James M. Nelson, Executive Director
9192 Norbury Dr., Swartz Creek, MI 48473-1167
PHONE 810-635-7841 FAX 810-635-2189 CELL 810-252-7696
E-Mail: MidAmericaRegion@aol.com
http.//members.aol com/cldwdiver/sckc.htm
First Quarter Newsletter January - February - March -2008
WINTER HIGHLIGHTS
Indianapolis Welcomes Mid-America Karateka With Fair Skies
by Kim Weber
Twenty-seven karateka ventured to Indianapolis, Indiana, for our fifth annual “Winter Training,” on January 12, 2008. Sensei Martin Vaughan of the Indiana ISKF Karate Club was our host this year. He was assisted by Mr. Jerry Baker, Dayton Shotokan Karate Club. We were blessed with fair weather, which allowed three hearty souls from the Swartz Creek Karate Club (Michigan) to make the five hour journey on clear roads.
Sensei Vaughan began the training with the idea that it is good to start off the New Year with the fundamentals. The topic for the day was “What makes Shotokan Karate, Shotokan Karate”. We began with Shotokan’s long stances. Sensei had us over emphasize the stance by performing a front stance lunge. Something I’m sure everyone’s legs felt quickly. Sensei stressed that when performing this drill one should keep one’s posture straight. When we added a counter punch with the lunge, you could feel the body connection and the timing required.
The next topic was getting our hips to perform correctly. Sensei had us get into a free style stance, and practice rotating our hips. He used the analogy that rotating your hip is like opening and shutting a door, the front leg is the door frame and therefore doesn’t move. Then he directed us to move our hips in a snapping motion, and had us add both short and counter punches. We noticed that the result of this drill was quicker techniques. He explained that if you set this good habit of twisting the hip quickly to drive your full body technique, you will be better prepared for sparring; both attacking and defending. He suggested that an easy way to practice things like hip rotation is to do what he called “bathroom training”. For instance, as you are brushing your teeth; practice snapping the hip. This is also a great way to include karate into your daily life.
For the second half of the class, we were divided into two groups. Sensei Baker taught the kyu ranks and completed numerous repetitions of Heian Shodan. Each repetition focused on long, deep stances. Then, if that wasn’t hard enough, students added a counter punch and front kick after each move in the kata. This proved to be a difficult training and most likely left lasting memories for a few days.
Sensei Vaughan instructed the black belts. This class split their study with Heian Shodan and Tekki Shodan. For Heian Shodan we touched on three points. Point one was to perform the kata using long, deep stances, with special attention given to keeping your posture straight. The second point was hip snapping. The idea was to practice holding most of the hip “snap” until the last quarter of the technique. The final point was turning in the kata. Sensei explained that the first step in turning is to move your weight over the support leg, then turn. After reviewing these topics, we had one more opportunity to perform Heian Shodan, doing our best to blend all of the points together. For the remainder of class, Sensei led the students thru Tekki Shodan. He discussed some important points such as, always pushing yourself to keep your stance low and keeping your weight in the middle of your kibadachi stance as you rotate for each technique. Next, students were given the opportunity to work the application of a few techniques from Tekki Shodan with a partner. Lastly, Sensei showed us how to take those same techniques and apply them using different stances, and how to use them in one-step sparring. He said that training in this way brings the technique full circle. This training was a great start to the New Year.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is no an act but a habit.”
Aristotle 384-322 B.C.
Greek Philosopher
Special Guest Instructor Inspires Many
On February 16, 2008, Mid-America welcomed Sensei Takeshi Kitagawa, 6th dan, to be our special guest instructor. He was visiting the United States with his girlfriend, Mimi Cuusid, Cleveland, who has been studying in Japan for the last two years. Her instructor in Cleveland, Larry Rothenberg, was privileged to have Sensei Kitagawa teach at his dojo last year. As Larry stated earlier, "Sensei Kitagawa visited my dojo last year and I strongly encourage everyone to attend on 2/16 to take advantage of his exceptional teaching. You will not only be impressed, you will leave the training smiling." So we had high expectations for his visit, and we were not disappointed.
Kitagawa Sensei focused on kicking - mae geri, mawashi geri, etc. We did exercises for control, speed, and timing. We also worked on combinations using kicks. He also talked to us about how we should use the techniques and combinations in competition. Toward the end of class we practiced jiyu kumite using the kicks and combinations that he taught.
Kitagawa Sensei was born in Ehime, Japan, attended Kyushu Sangyo University and trained in Ehime and Fukuoka. He received his 5th dan from Sensei Tetsuhiko Asai and received his 6th dan from Sensei Masao Kagawa. Sensei Kitagawa holds a rank A teaching and judging license and served as one of the main referees at the JKS (Japan Karate Shoto-renmei) World Competition in Okinawa, Japan, in April, 2007, and at the All-Japan Competition in Tokyo in July, 2007.
The Region would like to thank Mr. Rothenberg, Ms. Cuusid, and Dr. Marco Camesasca, Cleveland, for helping bring Kitagawa Sensei to our regional training clinic this February. This is the second year in a row that we have been privileged to have a special guest instructor. Last year, Sensei Bob Hoffman, 6th dan, from the Chester County Shotokan Karate Club (PA), was invited to the region by Debbie Hofmann and Greg Hoplamazian, OSU, two of his former students.
Mid-America Karateka Catch Spring Fever
Many Mid-America karateka must have already caught spring fever, because the number in attendance at the March 15, 2008, regional clinic was below normal. Only thirty-six students made the journey to Delaware, OH, for the last regional clinic this quarter. The next regional event will be spring camp on April 12-13, 2008, on the campus of The Ohio State University. There will not be another regional clinic until Friday, August 1, 2008, at the Brown County Dojo.
Sensei Vaughan hosted the March 15, 2008, clinic at Willis Intermediate school. We worked on techniques to improve our hip movement while sparring, and theorizing which heian kata movements were being used in kanku-dai. Jesse Weber, shodan, Anderson, was especially good at comparing the movements from the heian katas with those found in kanku-dai. It has sixty-five movements, which incorporate most of the stances, blocks, kicks, strikes, and punches found in the five heian katas. This was also Master Funakoshi’s favorite kata.
One of the drills we did to improve our hip movement while sparring involved stepping back into kokutsu-dachi first before doing a counter attack. The idea was to create space while still keeping our opponent within striking distance. We would then rotate into zenkutsu-dachi while executing a counter attack. This allowed us to use strong hip rotation when countering with a reverse punch.
The Role of Senior Students in the Dojo
Part of the following news story is from /In The Dojo/, by Dave Lowry, © 2006 by Dave Lowry. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications Inc., Boston, Massachusetts www.shambhala.com
Have you ever asked yourself, “Where do I fit into the dojo and what are my responsibilities to my sensei and my fellow karateka?” The answer to this question will depend on whether you are a beginner or more advanced karateka. Most juniors are trying to learn as much as possible about the rituals and etiquette of the dojo, so that they will not embarrass themselves in front of their seniors or their instructor. While at the same time, many seniors are called upon to help teach their juniors about such things as the correct way to bow, meditate, and line up at the beginning and end of each class, and other such related dojo protocol. The traditional dojo usually has senior students on the right or east side, and juniors on the left; however, this rule is not absolute. It will depend on the physical layout of the dojo and the preference of the instructor.
“The joseki is the position occupied, as noted above, by the seniors when they assemble and during practice. To think of the space as an "Old Boy's Club," however, would be a mistake. On the joseki side of the dojo there must be an intensity and a soberness of practice that might intimidate more junior members. There will, if the dojo is a good one, also be a serious sense of obligation and commitment on the part of seniors to members who are not as advanced.
This sense is often missing in the modern, commercial dojo. Whatever obligations are felt, they are most likely to be from juniors who will be frequently reminded of their position. They are hit with dues, testing fees, and so on, and are frequently assigned chores for the upkeep of the dojo. They are treated like outsiders and often made to feel inadequate by senior members who have "arrived," and can lord it over them, or at least carry themselves with a superior air. In the traditional dojo, however, the obligations are balanced. True, juniors need to know that their presence means more advanced practitioners must turn down the level of their training in accommodation. Juniors should also be cognizant of the fact that they, as newcomers, have the responsibility to fit in and do their part. Yet seniors in the dojo also realize that the future of their art depends upon successive generations taking it up and perfecting it and carrying it on. Without juniors, the senior students might continue to refine their art, but to what end? Nobody will be around to inherit it. That is why in the dojo the senior practitioners on the joseki side are seen as having an obligation
to nurture the juniors and bring them along.
The importance of this crucial distinction as a hallmark of the classical budo dojo cannot be stressed enough. This is particularly so because it is in such dramatic contrast to what we commonly see in martial arts schools of a more modern—or at least less traditional—persuasion. In modern martial arts training halls, especially in those devoted to arts that have a sportive element, the emphasis is frequently placed on developing champions. The goal is to create a cadre of outstanding protégés who will represent the school well and serve as an inducement to bring in more students. The traditional dojo is not based on this commercial consideration. Its prototype is inspired by the samurai unit organized for battle. Think of it this way: If an army launches a campaign with a few extraordinarily talented men in its ranks, it may be that those men win each of their encounters. Their wins, though, don't mean much if the army as a whole is defeated. In other words, an army or a ryu or a dojo are seen to be only as strong as their weakest link. The attention, then, must always be on developing to the fullest those members whose skills are most lacking. In the dojo, that will be the beginners. It is only through the close attention of the seniors that these links are strengthened.
That strengthening is always a primary concern on the joseki side of things. The joseki in such a traditional dojo is thus less a position of privilege than of responsibility.”
Perhaps each of us has to remember that we are there for a purpose. In essence, it is a give and take situation. As a senior, we are giving our knowledge and experience to our juniors. As a junior, we have an obligation to learn and absorb as much of this information as possible. We do this by practicing over and over again the many lessons that we have been taught. Then one day (before we know it), we will pass that same knowledge on to our juniors. Thus, the line will be unbroken from one generation to the next, and so on for as long as traditional Shotokan karate is taught.
Interview with the Master: His Life-Part III
by Chiho Bare
After I graduated from Takushoku University, I got a job with a construction company helping to rebuild Japan after the war. I was so busy that I didn’t have any time to practice. I asked my boss if I could go home early a couple times a week. He asked, “Why?”, and I just said, “I just want to go home early.” He said, “No, I couldn’t do this.” Around this time, Master Nakayama had a friend who was opening a new restaurant. I thought this would be a good idea because I would have more time to practice. I didn’t know anything about the restaurant business, but my major was economics so I thought I could do it, and my new partner had experience in the restaurant business, cooking, etc. Once you open your own business you have lots of responsibilities. As a result, I only had three or fours hours to sleep every night. I had to be at the market at 4:00 AM in order to purchase the food for the day. Again, I had no time to practice, so I asked my partner if I could change my schedule. He said, “No, we need to keep it like it is in order to have a successful business.”
At about this same time, the JKA (Japan Karate Association) started a dojo, and Master Nakayama said he needed my help teaching, but with so few students he didn’t have any money to pay a salary. I had saved lots of money in the bank, so I did not care as long as I had time to practice. It took six months in order for me to find someone to take my place in the restaurant business. Finally, I was able to start training again. Mr. Nakayama started the instructor training program in order to have more instructors. It took about a year before the curriculum was set for the school. Some of the first graduates were Takayuki Mikami, Takaura Eiji, and Hirokazu Kanazawa. They came six days a week in order to practice. We started at 6:00 AM and trained throughout the day, before going to bed at 10:00 PM; very similar to Master Camp. For some, 10:00 PM was too early for them to go to bed. They knew if they came down the stairs I would catch them, so they took a rope and hung it outside so they could sneak in and out without being caught. One night I heard a noise, so I followed them to a bar where they were having fun drinking, etc., but I didn’t say anything. They came home and climbed back up the rope. The next morning, they got up at 6:00 AM to run. They would usually run one or two laps then go to the dojo to train. I watched them run several laps and said, “One more lap.”, and I kept saying this. Finally, they caught on after many laps and many pushups. They knew they were in trouble, but I never said anything. In a few months they followed the rules, and didn’t break curfew.
Before the war, baseball was very popular in Japan. However, during the war it was forbidden; therefore, I didn’t know anything about it. The JKA had a team before the war which was very good, and Master Nakayama wanted to start another team after the war. He said, “Okazaki, you are the coach.”, I bowed and said, “Yes sir.”, but I was thinking, “I don’t know anything about baseball.” Many of the players were very good and some would come to me and ask, “Coach, what are we going to do?” I replied, “Just hit and catch the ball.” I watched them play, and they would run to first, then second, then third, and finally run home. I said, “This is a waste of time. Just run to first base and then back to home.” They looked at me and said, “What?” They reported to Master Nakayama, and said, “There is something wrong with the coach.” So Master Nakayama said to me, “You’re fired!” I said, “Why?”, and he replied, “You don’t know anything about baseball.” I said, “Sir, I did not tell you that I never played baseball.” Mr. Yaguchi used to tease me about being, “The best coach in the United States.”
CB: You talked a great deal about Master Funakoshi. Do you also have some stories about Master Nakayama?
MO: After the JKA received approval to begin teaching classes again, members of the United States military started training with us. During the summer, we had a camp much like Master Camp. The Americans wanted to get Master Nakayama a gift, so they came to us to ask what he would like. We made a joke, and told them he liked snakes, but we knew that he hated snakes; however, they thought we were serious. So, they went into the mountains to find a snake. They brought it to class wrapped in a box. They gave it to Master Nakayama, and said, “Thank you very much for helping us learn the martial arts.” He did not know what was in the box, and said, “Thank you very much for the gift.” He opened it up, saw that it was a snake, jumped up and ran away. We thought, “Oh, oh.” So I went to his house and explained to Mrs. Nakayama what had happened. She said, “Don’t worry, I’ll talk to my husband.” He eventually forgave us, but wouldn’t talk to us for a week.
Another time, we were invited by the government of Thailand to give a (karate) demonstration there. They wanted to have a match between a karateka and a Thai boxer. I had been watching the Thai boxers and understood that some karate techniques could not be used, but I was eager to fight. Master Nakayama said, “No, the rules are different and it would not be a good match.” They had invited the press, who took a lot of pictures, and wrote an article comparing karate and Thai boxing. One day, we were taking a walk and a young Thai boxer said, “You’re Nakayama, right?”, Master Nakayama replied, “Yes.” The boxer said, “I want to fight you.”, but Master Nakayama declined his offer. The Thai boxer took a swing at him anyway, and just like the big America, he went down. Master Nakayama looked at me and said, “Don’t tell anyone! ”We thought it best if we left quickly before anyone noticed. I can tell this story now because Master Nakayama is no longer with us.
While in Thailand, we witnessed a street fight between a cobra and mongoose. Master Nakayama wanted to take some pictures and starting doing so. He was looking through the camera lens and couldn’t tell that the snake was getting closer to him. I said, “Master Nakayama, the snake is getting close!”, and he replied, “Quiet, I’m taking pictures.” However, he looked up, saw how close the snake was, and we got out of there in a hurry.
CB: We would like to open the floor for questions.
Roy Spencer, Swartz Creek: “Sensei, when did the system of ranking or using belts to designate rank start?”
MO: Under Master Funakoshi, there was no ranking system. Everyone was a white belt until they became a black belt. Dr. Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, and Master Funakoshi became good friends, and he suggested the ranking system so students could challenge themselves to reach a higher rank. Master Funakoshi thought it was a good idea, and we started using it in 1947.
Kim Weber, Anderson: “Sensei, we know you train everyday, but is there a standard training that you do?”
MO: It depends on where I am and how much room I have to train. As you get older you don’t have to train for speed and power. Kata training is good for moving around, especially in the morning in order to help you feel good all day.
CB: When making the “Best Karate” series, how did they select who would do what kata? You are featured doing Kanku dai, is that your favorite kata?
M.O.: No, they just told us what kata to do, and we did it. I had returned to Japan for one month in order to train with Master Nakayama, when he asked me to do it.
(Young) Vincent Talley, West Side JKA: What is the average number of years that it takes to earn a black belt?
MO: Karate is not like school, where you go for so long until you earn a degree. It may take some students many years to earn a black belt and others only a few. What is your current rank?
VT: Green belt.
MO: Oh, six kyu, that’s pretty good. Promise me that you will keep training.
VT: I will.
David Talley (his dad): I’ll hold him to that.
This concludes the three part interview with Master Okazaki. If you missed the first two parts, you may log on to our web site to find parts one and two. http:/midamericaiskf.com They may also be found in the third and forth quarter newsletters of 2007. If you need additional assistance, please contact Jim Nelson, at: 810-635-7841 or MidAmericaRegion@aol.com
Jared-One Year Later,
or A Father’s Journey
By Brian Marsh
Last year, we ran a news story about Jared Marsh, age 10, from the Swartz Creek Karate Club. If you will recall, Jared had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. At that time, he was given between a 60% to 70% chance of recovery. Since then, many of you have asked me how he is doing, so I asked his dad, Brian Marsh, to give us an update. The following is what he had to say.
“On December 18th of 2006, our doctor told us “Your son has lymphoma.” The words stabbed through my mind in a flash. The world slowed, and my wife cried uncontrollably. In the hours ahead we would learn his cancer had spread to virtually every organ in his 8 year old body. He was in stage four and for a time, things looked very grim. We would also learn how much and how deeply karate had changed our lives.
During the early days, a series of disasters seemed to come in quick succession. The roof leaked and was repaired while Jared underwent surgery to remove sections of his intestines blocked by tumors. The roofers found mold. The mold remediation team found what they believed was asbestos. The doctors insisted Jared not return to the home under those circumstances due to his weakening immune system.
Our oldest daughter Lexie Pry stayed with a girlfriend in the early days. Joshua (brother) stayed with a different friend. Noah (youngest brother), 3 years old, stayed with his paternal grandmother. My wife Tracy stayed with her father as did Jared upon his release from his first hospital stay. Meanwhile, I stayed at the home and coordinated the work that needed to be done.
A few short days later, Jared returned to the hospital for intensive chemotherapy. Within 24 hours his kidneys failed, and after one round of acute dialysis, dialysis failed as well. He had to try an experimental drug to break down the toxic chemical in his body that was damaging his kidneys. It was during this time, Sensei Jim Nelson contacted me and offered to provide us with a place to stay when Jared was released from the hospital. I remember telling him we had four children and a three year old and he had no idea what he was offering. I politely declined. An hour or so later Sensei Nelson called back and told me it was handled. He had made arrangements to move out of his home to accommodate us while our home was repaired.
The Swartz Creek Karate Club packed our belongings and moved us into Sensei Nelson’s house while I sat at the bedside of my failing son. Within two weeks Jared had recovered enough to be released. I returned to our temporary home, to find the karate club had joined efforts with some other groups to do extensive repairs to our home. They planned a first floor addition for Jared’s bedroom so he would not have to share a room with a sibling.
I was stunned at the kindness and generosity of my fellow karateka. People from the dojo brought us food, cooked for us, and generally looked after us as much as they were able.
During the long nights in the cancer ward, of which there were many, I learned that karate had more meaning and purpose than I ever imagined. When my stress was at its highest, I would quietly perform the kata in the hallways of the hospital. Movement and action without thought, I began to get a glimpse into the relationship of Zen and the martial arts. Moksu took on a new meaning as well. It was not a moment of silence, and I submit to you now, it is a very important and an underrated part of what we do as karateka. I learned to clear my mind and breathe. I could feel the tension and worry drift away. At first I found it useful to imagine the full moon shining on the pond in our yard. Later, I was able to just not think, to relax my mind (mushin). This was something that was of great value in those dark days.
I don’t claim to be a good karate student, but after the events of the past year, I can claim to be a student for life. As of February 14th, 2008, Jared had been in remission for 11 months. The doctors tell us his odds improve daily and he has a very good chance for survival. If we make to the second year mark it is considered a near cure with his strain. Lexie has earned her shodan (black belt), Tracy and Josh have returned to advanced class, Noah begs to, “Go see Sensei,” and Jared will be returning to advanced class soon.
Thank you to all who helped and supported us. We are touched beyond words.”
If you would like more information or would like to drop Jared a note, please send it to: Jared or Brian Marsh, 19307 Tipsico Lake Rd., Fenton, MI 48430 or E-mail: bdarus@chartermi.net
“The mystery existing between an open moment and preparedness reveals the truth.”
Funakoshi Gichin-1868-1957
Mid-America Welcomes Del-Kai Dojo
The region has a new club, the Del-Kai Dojo Karate Club, under the direction of Mr. Darron Docie, sandan. The new club is located at 167 E. Winter St., Delaware, OH, 40315.
Darron began his training with Charles MacEldowny from the OU/Athens Karate Club in 1983. Before that, he trained with an Ishin Ryu club. In addition, he also trained in kickboxing and boxing.
He took a break from training for five years while he lived in Nashville, Tennessee. He was in the music business and stared to get fat, so he decided to resume training with a Wado ryu club which was down the street from his house. After a while, he began teaching there, and started to make preparations to move back to Ohio, once his stint in the music business was over.
After moving to Delaware, Ohio, he decided to start a shotokan club. The idea had been on his mind for years, so when the opportunity arose, he took it.
In 2002, he rented out the basement of a private Christian school, so that he could start teaching. A year and a half later, he moved to a gymnastics facility and sublet space there to gain more exposure. Plus, it gave him a chance to learn the business from the owner who had thirty plus years coaching.
That lasted for three years while he did construction work during the day. In addition to his karate school, Darron also has a construction and property management business at the same location as his dojo.
The philosophy of the Del-Kai Dojo is, “To be a shotokan club that teaches traditional karate, and one which helps its students to become productive members of the community thru hard work and dedication to the martial arts.”
Darron teaches beginning karate Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Intermediate classes are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, and four to six year olds on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:00 PM.
He also teaches kickboxing from 7:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday and Thursday, and Saturday at 11:30 AM, for $5.00 per class
All karate classes are $65.00 a month, except for four to six year old students who pay $55.00, a month. In addition, all students pay a $40.00 annual registration fee, instead of doing contracts.
If you would like more information about the Del-Kai Dojo, please visit the website at: www.delkaidojo.com, or contact Darron Docie at: darrondocie@hotmail.com
Your Vote Does Count
This is not only an election year for a new president of the United States, it is also an election year for Mid-America’s Executive Board and two at-large Board members. Ballots will be sent to each dojo in early April, and must be returned to the election committee by April 23, 2008. Election results will be announced on April 26, 2008. In order to be eligible to vote, you must be a current ISKF member in good standing. If your ISKF membership was due on April 1, 2008, it must be paid before you may vote. See your local instructor for the cost of your dojo’s ISKF membership fee.
Regional Tournament - Annual Business Meeting
This year’s regional tournament will be May 3, 2008, starting at 11:00 AM, at Willis Intermediate school, in Delaware, OH. All Mid-America Karateka are welcome to participate. In addition to contestants, we will be looking for judges and table workers. It is important that all senior students make plans to attend this event. Parents and other family members are also welcome (and needed) as table workers. No experience necessary.
On Sunday, May 4, 2008, there will be a dan exam and the Region’s annual business meeting. The dan exam starts at 11:00 AM, and the business meeting will follow immediately after the exam. They will be held in the Delaware Hotel ballroom, 351 South Sandusky St., Delaware, OH. All senior students are welcome, but only Board members may vote. If you plan on staying overnight after the regional tournament (May 3, 2008), we have a group rate at the Comfort Inn-1251 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH 43015 (off of U.S. 23). The cost of the room is $79.00, (plus taxes). The deadline for the group rate is Monday, April 14, 2008. The phone number needed to make a reservation: 1-740-363-8869. Mention Mid-America Karate when making your reservation.
42nd Annual ISKF Master Camp
The 42nd annual ISKF master camp is in session from June 6-13, 2008. Master Camp is held at Camp Green Lane, PA. If you make reservations before April 16, 2008, you will receive a $30.00 discount from full tuition. It is strongly suggested that you only send in the minimum $50.00 deposit, because absolutely no refunds will be give after May 4, 2008. www.ISKF.com
2008 Calendar
April 12-13, 2008
Spring Camp
OSU Campus, Columbus, OH
May 3-4, 2008
Regional Tournament & Meeting
Delaware, OH
June 6-12, 2008
Master Camp
Greenlane, PA
July 11-13, 2008
Summer Camp
Fenton, MI
August 1-2, 2008
Regional Clinic and Golf Outing
Hamersville, OH
September 13-14, 2008 (tentative)
Fall Camp
Delaware, OH
October 10-12, 2008
ISKF World Shoto Cup
Toronto, Canada
November 15-16, 2008
ISKF National Championships
Los Angeles, CA
December 13, 2008
Dan Exam and Clinic
Delaware, OH
Editorial
Every other day, I enjoy going for a nice long walk. Most of the time, it takes me about one hour and thirty minutes to walk five miles. Not only do my walks help me stay fit, but they also help me relax and reflect on daily events. Since this is a presidential election year, politics have been on my mind a lot. Everyone knows that Senator John McCain is the Republican nominee, and either Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton or Senator Barack Obama will be the nominee for the Democrats. If nothing else, this election is one of first. Senator McCain is the oldest Republican nominee to ever run (he was born on August 29, 1936), Senator Clinton is the first woman, and Senator Obama is the first African-American to be one of the major party’s (potential) nominees.
Currently, the top issue in the campaign is the economy, with the war in Iraq a close second. There has been much rhetoric on how we ended up in such a mess. The housing crisis, consumer credit card debt, and our growing national debt, are the top three issues being discussed everywhere. In addition, we have the growing cost of health care (and lack of coverage), deterioration of our nation’s infrastructure, the rising cost of energy, and underfunded Medicare and Social Security programs. Environmental problems are also tied into economic concerns. Things such as clean (and safe) drinking water, the growing ocean of plastic found in the Pacific ocean (twice the size of the continental US), and global warming, to name just a few.
So, no matter who you support for office, check and see how they stand on the issues. Remember, campaign promises do not always equal reality.
Just as Shihan Mastoshi Nakayama and other Japanese Masters objected to Japan’s militarism in the 1930’s and 40’s, so should we work for a peaceful world today. Money spent on the Iraqi war (400 million a day by the USA alone), could be used to solve the many (and growing) problems our country faces each day. Continue to study the dojo kun and the niju kun, and live by its principles, and you will make a difference.
If you would like to read more about the guiding principles for the martial arts and everyday life, purchase Shihan Teruyuki Okazaki’s book, Perfection of Character, distributed by GMW Publishing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Editors Note
If you would like to make a contribution to next quarter’s newsletter, please forward it to regional headquarters for printing by July 28, 2005. Thanks to all those who helped with this newsletter. Jim Nelson |
