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
2nd Quarter 2006

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

25th Anniversary Summer Camp Celebration

Sixty-five karateka from the Mid-America region helped celebrate Michigan’s 25th Anniversary Summer Camp, during the weekend of July 7-9, 2006. This year’s instructors were chief instructor Shigeru Takashina, 8th dan, and special guest instructor Martin Vaughan, 6th dan. In addition to the normal five training sessions, there were two additional team trainings and one instructor training class. Sensei Vaughan taught the additional team trainings and Master Takashina taught the instructor training class. By the time camp was over, everyone felt very tired, but motivated to work hard for this year’s national tournament, which was held in Anchorage, Alaska (see related story).

For those of you who have never attended a Michigan Summer Camp, It is a very worthwhile experience. The camp is located at a YMCA facility near Fenton, Michigan. Within the campgrounds is a lake which may be used for swimming and other water sport activities, along with comfortable lodging and a modern cafeteria. The evenings are filled with planned events on both Friday and Saturday. On Friday night, James Oberschlake, Brown County, and David Talley, West Side JKA, held a round table discussion on the topic of, “How To Program Your Muscles For Karate.” Saturday night’s party included an ice cream social and a chance for everyone to relax and chat with old friends.

Next year, both Master Takashina and Sensei Vaughan have been invited to return as our special guest instructors along with our own chief instructor, Greer Golden. Summer camp will be the weekend of July 13-15, 2006. Please make plans to come to Mid-America’s longest running (and very affordable) Michigan camp. If you would like to view additional pictures from this year’s camp, log onto our web site at: http:/midamericaiskf.com

Mid-America’s First Annual Golf Outing Resounding Success!

This year’s chairperson, Kim Weber did an outstanding job with organizing Mid-America’s first annual golf outing. It was held at the Friendly Meadows Golf Course, located in Hamersville, Ohio, on August 12, 2006. She is appreciative to Jim Nelson and Jim Oberschlake for their assistance. Other committee members deserving a round of applause include Michael Busha, Roma Ritchie, Jeff Weber, Chris Moore, Robin Higgins, Tom Ventresco, Rita Hutchison, Andrew Wolff, Ken Beynon, and Marty Schrager. In addition, many members and parents throughout the Region volunteered their time and energy to make this a very successful event. The outing included a youth demonstration that performed as participants were arriving at the golf course. The demonstration was lead by Chyni Coleman, and included youth students from the local dojos.

Revenue was generated by selling hole sponsorships and signing teams up to play. The outing produced thirty-nine hole sponsors and nineteen teams. In addition to hole sponsorships, businesses and individuals also made contributions in the form of cash donations, food, and prizes.

In addition to golfing, there were other activities for the golfers, including two meals and many contests. For One dollar each, golfers could try their luck at two Hole-in-One contests. This gave them a chance to win a lease on a new Ford Fusion and a cruise for four. Unfortunately, no one won either; however, everyone had fun trying. There were winners in all of the other contests. Winner of the longest drive for men was Jason Kroeyr, and for women/youth division was Debi Brooks; each received a new putter. The closest to the pin winner was T. Carr, who won a new Callaway carry-golf bag. The putting contest was won by Jim Nelson, who did a fifty/fifty split with the region. A silent auction was also held, during which everyone had a chance to bid on some great gifts.

The day ended with dinner and the awards presentation. Team Carr took first place, Capital Varsity came in second, and the Sand Baggers placed third. Each member of the top three teams was awarded a golf trophy.

We received many positive comments about this year’s outing, including how well organized it was, and what great gifts were given to each golfer in both the goodie bags and as door prizes.

Next year’s golf outing has been set for August 11, 2007, at Friendly Meadows Golf Course and will be chaired by James Oberschlake. One of our goals for next year will be to get more teams involved.

If you have any questions or would like to help with next year’s outing, please contact Jim at 513-312-7040 or by E-mail: joberschlake@hotmail.com

Amazing Breathing
By: Larry Rothenberg

We should be grateful for each and every breath we take. We are always breathing and therefore always have something to appreciate. In fact, we should be enthusiastic about our breathing and not take it for granted. Without the ability to breathe, we would be in immediate fear and panic, and would quickly die.

Breathing is fascinating. We can control for the most part, whether we breathe fast or slow, shallow or deep, gently or forcefully. Wherever we go, we have a supply of oxygen to give to every cell in our body, and we get it for free.

We learned from the very beginning of our karate careers that breathing is an essential component of karate techniques. How essential is it? Master Masatoshi Nakayama said: “The essence of karate techniques is kime. The meaning of kime is an explosive attack to the target using the appropriate technique and maximum power in the shortest time possible.” Best Karate, p. 11.

What a huge component breathing is to kime! Can we augment our breathing to magnify our kime? Here are some ideas for some “sweat research.”

• How can we more effectively use/change our breathing for a more explosive start? A dramatic acceleration? An electrifying focus and finish?
• How does breathing work to create the connection between the parts of our body?
• How is it possible for breathing, which weighs nothing, to add to, or even multiply, our power?
• Why does proper breathing have a psychological effect that intensifies our spirit when delivering techniques?
  
• In a short break during an exhausting training, how can we use/change or better control our breathing to upgrade our recovery time?
  
• Can we improve our meditation by making slight adjustments in our breathing?
  
• What about using proper breathing control in handling stressful situations at work, school, etc., or even to fall asleep easier?

Let’s make breathing a mission. Like many other aspects of karate, it is a lifetime endeavor, so let’s enjoy the process. Above all, let’s appreciate our breathing. It is amazing!

Fall Camp Changes Location

This year Fall Camp will be changing locations from Delaware, Ohio, to the campus of Ohio State University. Steve Mark has arranged for us to use the Recreation and Physical Activity Center, located close to the Ohio State Football Stratum. Earlier, registration packets and maps were sent to all club instructors. If you need one, please see your club instructor or contact Jim Nelson. Camp is the weekend of October 14-15, 2006. There are three training sessions. The first starts at 11:00 AM in the Tom W. Davis gym, followed by a 5:00 PM session in the same location. Following the 11:00 AM clinic, there will be a dan pretest and kyu test. On Sunday, we will be using the same building, but in rooms MPR #2, B30 and MPR #3, B134. The starting time for Sunday will also be at 11:00 AM.
The cost for training is $60.00 for all three sessions, or $30.00 per clinic. There are family discounts for two or more members.
Sensei Golden will be hosting this year’s Fall Camp, and will be selecting our special guest instructors.
The proceeds will used to support the Region and its members.

If you have any questions, please contact Jim Nelson. It is very important that you notify Steve Mark that you are coming to camp, so that he may give your name to the University. He needs it in order for you to be admitted into the building for training. This also includes any parents who plan on watching. Parking is also going to be an issue, and Steve and members of his club are looking into fixing the problem. smark@oh.hra.com or by Phone: 937-645-6243.

Second Annual Shiai Planned for November

Last year, Mid-America hosted its first annual Shiai at the Willis Middle School in Delaware, Ohio. The ISKF Collegiate and National Tournament originally was scheduled to take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, in November, but was canceled due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina.

The Shiai was opened to all Shotokan Karateka in Mid-America and the Central Region. There was overwhelming support to continue with another Shiai this year, so Mid-America will be hosting its second annual Shiai on November 11, 2006, at Willis Intermediate School, in Delaware, Ohio. The starting time will be 11:00 AM, and will again be open to all Shotokan Karateka in all regions. The November date is possible due to the fact that this year’s National Tournament was held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 2-3, 2006 (see related news story).

More information will be given out at Fall Camp and mailed to all club instructors after camp. If you would like to help organize this event, please contact Jim Nelson.

2006 ISKF National Championships Net Mid-America Gold

The ISKF Collegiate and National tournaments were held in Anchorage, Alaska, on September 2-3, 2006. Twenty-one members from Mid-America attended the 28th annual championships.

Of the twenty members who competed, eleven medaled. Mid-America was lead by defending champions Chiho Bare, Women’s Senior Kata, and Chyni Coleman, Boys and Girls (age 16-17), Kata, and Young Women’s Kumite. Both repeated as gold medal winners. In addition, Dana Little took first place in Intermediate Youth Kata and Kumite (ages 7-9). Jesse Weber (Advance Youth ages 7-9) took a second in Kumite and a third in Kata. Lexi Weber placed third in (Advanced Youth ages 10-11) Kumite. Danielle Suryan was second in Girls Advanced Kumite (ages 14-15), and Sydney Saidoo took third in the same division.

Mid-America’s Kata teams also did very well. The Youth Kata Team (Lexie Pry, Danielle Suryan, Sydney Saidoo, placed third place, as did the Senior Kata team (Carol Glenn, Chiho Bare, Jim Nelson). This was the first year for the Senior Team Kata division. Both the women and men's Kata Teams finished fourth.

In the Collegiate Division, Naomi Nemoto (University of Michigan), captured a third in Black Belt Women’s Kumite.
In addition to the the excellent showing by all team members, three karataka from the region passed their judges examinations. Rachel Ryu, Kentucky, and Carol Glenn, Swartz Creek, passed the class D ranking, and Tatsuun Ryu, Kentucky, passed his class C ranking. Congratulations to all three for their hard work and studious efforts. Also, special congratulations go to Dr. Martin Vaughan, Indiana ISKF, for passing his rokudan test (6th degree black belt). We are very proud of his accomplishment, and know how much time and effort go into such an endeavor.

Following, and prior to the tournament, many members from our region took tours around this beautiful state. It truly does have some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth (see pictures posted on the web site).

Lastly, thanks to all of you who helped this year’s team members with your time, energy, and monetary support. Without it, several members would not have been able to attend the tournament. Also, a special thank you to Beckie Brocies, tournament director, for her generous hospitality and excellent organization which helped make this year’s tournament a very memorable experience.

Karen Richard
2006 Meritorious Service Award Winner

The Meritorious Service Award is granted to those individuals who have made significant contributions to the region. Karen Richard, sandan, was named the 2006 Meritorious Service Award winner from Mid-America. Karen began her Shotokan karate training in 1990 at the Athens/Ohio University Karate Club, in Athens, Ohio. After receiving her Shodan rank in 1993, she became an assistant instructor to her husband, Howard Beebe. Karen also trained in Japan in 1995 and 1996, in Niigata and with Tanaka Sensei at JKA headquarters, where she gained invaluable competitive experience. She has been a medal winner at both the national and international level, and currently coaches kata teams in the Mid-America Region in addition to being one of Region’s top instructors.
Karen was unable to attend this year’s national tournament; however, Marty Schrager, Brown County, made sure her plaque did not miss out on this wonderful trip. Marty took pictures of Karen’s plaque at various locations in and around Anchorage, Alaska. He is quoted as saying, “Karen’s plaque and I had a great time touring Anchorage, I’m sorry she wasn’t here to enjoy it in person.”
Congratulations to Karen, and a special thank you goes to her for her numerous contributions to the Mid America Region.

Letters to the Editor

The Shoto Cup:
A Rewarding Experience

I would like to thank you and all the volunteers for successfully organizing the Mid-America Golf Scramble Fundraiser on Saturday, August 12, 2006 to support the Mid-America Region’s Youth team to participate in the 2006 World Cup in Sydney, Australia and the ISKF National Tournament in Anchorage, Alaska.

The tournament ran very well and was attended by 530 junior competitors from 41 countries. It was held at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Center. Rod and Sara (Erfani) participated in the Junior Kumite Competition. Although they did not place in the tournament, the experience was educational and invaluable. However, Pedram Rastegar from the Fairfax Shotokan Karate Club in Virginia placed 3rd in the Junior Kumite Competition (Boys 16-18 Years).

The trip to Sydney, Australia was expensive (over $2,200.00 each), but it was well worth it. The tournament was very rewarding for me as I attended the JKA Judges Clinic/Meeting and coached members of the US junior team.

Again, thank you and the Mid-America Region for all your support and help.

From Dr. G. Rod Erfani
Kentucky Shotokan

“Turtle on the Fence Post”
Each person has own image in their mind. When I wear (a) Gi and go to (a) Dojo, I cannot help (but) seeing myself as, “A turtle on the fence post.”

“A turtle on the fence post,” is the expression used by Dr. John C Maxwell. We all know a turtle cannot climb up the fence post by himself/herself. Obviously somebody helped him/her. For me, this ‘somebody” is almost all of you. Mid-America Team members, especially Sensei Vaughan, Sensei Oberschlake and Sensei Talley, constantly give us great inspiration and karate instruction. Many people supported our Golfing Event on Aug. 12. And at home in Michigan, my friends at Swartz Creek Karate Club led by Sensei Nelson and every Friday training at Ann Arbor Karate Club led by Sensei Morris Lawrence give me encouragement and friendship to keep training no matter what. I am so grateful.

Also, I would like to thank you for (the) great loving and caring instruction for three young ladies from the Swartz Creek Karate Club who did Youth Team Kata at the National(s) and earned (a) #3 position among almost all the black belts youth teams. It could not be possible without all the support you gave them, especially Sensei Dave Talley and his family.

Now, can you see the turtles who want to be on the fence post at your club? Yes, there are many. Just please be patient. (I could not pass the green belt Kyu Test in 1998!!)
With the leadership and instruction of Mid-America, sooner or later, you will be on the fence post, if you are willing.

From Chiho Bare
Swartz Creek Karate Club

2006-2007 Calendar

• October 14-15-Fall Camp
  On the campus of OSU
• November 11-Shiai
  Willis Intermediate,
  Delaware, Ohio, 11:00 AM
• December 9-Dan Test & Clinic
  Willis Intermediate,
  Delaware, Ohio, 11:00 AM
• January 20, Winter Training
  12:00 PM Ben Davis High School Indianapolis, IN
• February 17, Regional Training
  11:00 AM Willis Intermediate Delaware, OH
• March 17, Regional Training
  11:00 AM Willis Intermediate Delaware, OH
• April 14, Spring Camp
  11:00 AM Willis Intermediate
  April 14, Spring Camp
  05:00 PM Willis Intermediate
  April 15, Spring Camp
  8:30 AM Delaware Hotel Delaware, OH
• May 19, Regional Tournament
  11:00 AM Willis Intermediate Delaware, OH
• May 20, Dan Test & Meeting
  11:00 AM-1:00 PM
  Delaware Hotel
  Delaware, OH
• June 8-15, Master Camp
  Camp Green Lane Lansdale, PA
• July 13-15, Summer Camp
  Camp Copneconic, Fenton, MI
• August 11, Golf Outing
  11:00 AM Friendly Meadows Golf Course Hamersville, OH
• August TBA, Regional Training
  11:00 AM Willis Intermediate Delaware, OH
• September TBA Shiai
  11:00 AM Willis Intermediate Delaware, OH
• October TBA, 2007 Fall Camp
• November 10-11, Nationals
  Hyatt Regency Phoenix, AZ

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