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
3rd Quarter 2007

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Michigan Summer Camp Welcomes Master Okazaki’s Return

On July 11, 2007, Master Teruyuki Okazaki, ninth dan, returned to Michigan for his second appearance in twenty six years at Mid-America’s Michigan summer camp. Master Okazaki was greeted by seventy-five eager and enthusiastic campers ready to train. He was assisted by Dr. Martin Vaughan, sixth dan, and together, they gave everyone just what they were looking for: knowledge, experience, hard work, and sweat.
Master Okazaki stressed the basics of four important principles in kata; seeing your (imaginary) opponent, stance, hip movement, and seika tanden. He explained that seika tanden is three fingers below your bellybutton and three fingers in, and is the source of your inner strength.

The Four Points Explained
by Jim Oberschlake
“There is an order to this process, and it applies to all karate movement, not just kata. First is look and see opponent. Second is all movement starts from hips. Third is make correct stance. The purpose of the stance is to create stability so you direct energy toward your opponent. Fourth is at the moment you execute technique connect to and think power comes from seika tanden.

Okazaki Sensei gave us a routine he developed from techniques taken from the first three katas. This was because we had many rank levels present. This routine moved in a variety of directions and utilized a variety of stances. We did this routine with the first move going forward; then we modified this routine with the first move going backward. We did the routine with upper body techniques, and then did the same routines with lower body techniques. The routine had the same purpose as kata. It made you move in a variety of ways as if fighting many opponents in many different directions.

Okazaki Sensei also gave us a process for exploring the practical application of kata moves. First take any kata move and try to develop a one step sparring response based on that move. Second consider other opponents that may be present. Now you must deal with the first attacker and at the same time move away from other opponents. Third explore all possibilities as to number of opponents and where they have positioned themselves in preparing to attack you. You must be able to move in any direction and defend in a variety of ways when you are unarmed and dealing with many attackers. This is what kata teaches.”

In summary, Master Okazaki gave us a set of basic combinations which may be used to improve your mind, body and spirit. The first set included all the basic stances, blocks and strikes, and the second included all the basic stances and kicks. Master Okazaki explained that if we worked on these every day, then our overall karate skills would greatly improve.

On Saturday night, Master Okazaki honored us with a interview about his life and experiences in karate-do (see related article “Interview With the Master”). There was also a farewell party for OSU’s Steve Mark. He has left the region so he could be with his fiancee who lives in Virginia (East Coast Region). We want to wish him the best of luck and much success.
In addition to the party, this year’s camp offered an instructor’s training class, a dan exam, and team training. Next year’s camp will also be used to help determine the final selection of the men’s and women’s kata and kumite teams for the 2008 ISKF National Tournament.
Chiho Bare would like to express a special thank you to all who helped clean the floor on Friday afternoon. “I was totally panicked when I saw the inside of the wooden building at 2:00 PM. Total Mess. Then Ohio people arrived early and people from Swartz Creek all worked together and cleaned the floor on time.” She also wants to say thank you to everyone who cleaned their rooms before leaving; another great example of your karate spirit.

As always, the food was delicious, the accommodations comfortable, and the experience priceless. We look forward to Master Okazaki’s return next summer. The twenty-seventh annual Mid-America Michigan camp will be held July 11-12, 2008.

Interview with the Master: His Life
by Chiho Bare

Chiho Bare: What kind of childhood did you have?

Master Okazaki: I was born in (June 22) 1931, on the island of Kyushu, (Fukuoka prefecture). At that time, Japan was under a military dictatorship. The Emperor (Michinomiya Hirohito) was considered a god over the country, and what ever he said, we must do. We were all brainwashed to believe it. Our education system was similar to England’s. We had six years of grammar school, five years of middle high school, three years of high school, and three years at a university, and they completely separated men and women up to high school. Japan was considered a man’s country, and I liked it at the time!

Families in Japan made the eldest son follow very regimented social and educational guidelines. Since I was the second son, I could do anything I liked. When I was younger, I was a very bad kid; always fighting and doing naughty things.
When I was in fifth grade there was a graduation into sixth grade, and my teacher said, “Do not come to graduation because you will cause a lot of problems.”

So, on graduation day, I stayed home. My mother said, “Why aren’t you in school?” I told her my teacher said I could stay home and relax, but she knew that there was something wrong. She went to the school and asked the teacher, “Why isn’t my son coming to the graduation ceremony?” The teacher told her, “We don’t want him here because he is such a bad kid!” When I went to middle high school, I had a reputation for being a trouble maker. So, when one of my friends did something bad, the teacher would say, “So, you’re with Okazaki’s group?”

When I was in grammar school, they gave us a very strict military education. Every day we had to practice the martial art of kendo, fighting with a sword. We practiced kendo everyday along with our regular education. We continuously practiced kendo up to fifth grade, and since it involved hitting each other with a bamboo stick, we loved it. Then, in high school we could choose either kendo or judo. Karate was very new to Japan because Master Funakoshi had just brought it from Okinawa. The government did not want us to practice it because they thought it was too dangerous; however when we went to the university, we could practice anything we wanted. We had heard that karate had the best fighting techniques, and I was very interested. By the time I had entered Takushoku University, the war had ended, and Japan had lost. It was a very confusing time for everyone. After the war, General Douglas MacArthur took control of Japan, and stopped all martial arts practice, in part, because they (occupation forces) didn’t know exactly what the martial arts were. They thought they were just for fighting techniques, and that is why we were forbidden to take part in them. When I first went to Takushoku University, I practiced aikido. Each of the martial arts masters were allowed to do demonstrations so that students could pick the one they liked best. I liked karate best because of the fighting techniques. Since the martial arts were outlawed, we had to practice them in secret. The (US) military police did not know what karate-do was, so we would have someone stand lookout while we practiced. When the police were spotted we would switch to kata practice. They would ask Sensei Funakoshi what we were doing, and he said we were practicing a Japanese dance.

In my second year at the university, Master Nakayama and other Japanese masters petitioned General MacArthur’s headquarters to start practicing. The masters were on record (before the war started) opposing the use of the martial arts for fighting. As a result, MacArthur said it was okay to practice the martial arts (in the open). After it became legal to practice, American servicemen became interested in practicing judo, aikido, and karate. They started with about thirty people who were sent to learn hand-to-hand combat. The Americans were curious because all of the Japanese masters representing the martial arts were small men. They wanted a demonstration, and I wanted to take on the big Americans; however, Master Nakayama said I had to ask Master Funakoshi’s permission first. Master Funakoshi said, “No, I will take care of it.” The big American boxer came at Master Funakoshi halfheartedly because the only thing he saw was a tiny old man standing before him. Master Funakoshi only laughed when the American tried to hit him. The American felt foolish, so he really tried to hit him this time. Before he could do anything, the big American was on the floor. As a result, the Americans became interested in learning more about karate-do. When I first started teaching, they listened to everything I said, and tried to do it. That is one of the reasons why I like Americans so much.

The problem was, when they returned home, they tried to pass themselves off as martial arts masters. As a result, the Japanese Ambassador contacted the JKA about sending instructors to the United States. In 1961, Master Nakayama sent Mr. Nishiyama and myself to the United States to be instructors. I was on the east coast, and Mr. Nishiyama on the west coast. He said it would be for a maximum of one year, after which we would come home and be replaced by other instructors. So, after one year, I was looking forward to returning to Japan in order to continue my practice under Master Nakayama; however, he had other plans for me. He said, “Why don’t you stay one more year.” I told Master Nakayama that we needed 50 instructors, one for each state. He said, “Don’t make a joke.” However, he did give us permission to start the instructor training program in the United States so that every state would have a certified instructor. As a result, America is now my home, and I now have more friends in the United States than I do in Japan.

Part II will be featured in the next quarterly newsletter.

Sara, Sheila, and Suzy Erfani All Earn Dan Promotions

On April 28, 2007, three of Dr. G. Rod Erfani’s daughters earned dan promotions. Sara Erfani, was promoted to nidan, and both Suzy Erfani and Sheila Erfani attained the rank of shodan.

Sara started training in 1996, Suzy in 1998, and Sheila in 1999. For the Erfanis, karate is a family tradition. Dr. Erfani is their instructor, and their older brother Rod, is also a black belt, as is their other sibling, Sonia.

In a related story, Angela Ngigi, Indiana ISKF, passed her shodan exam at this year’s Michigan summer camp. Unfortunately, shortly after camp, Angie and her family moved out of the region. She said that Michigan camp was a blast, and that she regrets that it may be her last one. We wish Angie and her family the very best in their new location, and hope that she will return sometime in the near future.

Dayton Shotokan Karate Club Profiled

Mr. Jerry Baker, sandan, became chief instructor of the Dayton Shotokan Karate club in January of 1993. Prior to that, it had been in existence through various instructors since about 1980. Currently, there are fourteen students who train with Sensei Baker; nine men, four women, and one youth. They practice on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 - 7:30 PM, and on most Saturdays from 7:30 - 9:00 AM. The cost for training is $40.00 per month, and $20.00 for any additional family member. Sensei Baker is also assisted in his instruction by Valerie McKay, nidan.

Mr. Baker began his shotokan training in 1986, at the age of 38, in hopes of improving his lower back problems. This motivation was soon replaced by the love for karate and the challenges and benefits it presents in all aspects of his life.

The most important lesson he learned in karate was to train hard, seek understanding, and reach out for all that karate has to offer. Then relax and trust what you have learned. Karate becomes most effective in the dojo and in your life when you get out of your own way, and let karate find you.

His favorite training includes simple wazas that utilize alternating arm/leg movements and hip changes through a variety of stances. Wazas are used to develop support legs, posture, consistent stance height, and transitions for effective kime. Practice of the wazas transitions from individuals working in line in the group to partner applications.

Sensei Baker started karate twenty-one years ago, and has been an instructor for the last fourteen years. He has had an opportunity to train with many excellent instructors at the ISKF Master camp and other regional camps and clinics. He was also the Executive Director for the Region for a number of years before turning it over to Jim Nelson in 2003.

Jerry is a retired school administrator, and is now teaching in the graduate schools at the University of Dayton and Wright State University and supervising/mentoring future teachers and principals. His wife, Judi, helped him a great deal when he was Executive Director of the Region. They have three children Seth, Nathan, and Katie, who have all graduated from high school and are either in college or have begun their careers. His other interests include reading, biking, travel, and photography. “Karate is no longer a hobby...It is a way of life.”

Always ready with a joke or quip, Jerry enjoys having a battle of wits with his friends and peers. Over the years, he has relayed many funny stories about his experiences as an elementary principal.

Jerry will soon have a birthday (December 6, 2007), so feel free to drop him a note or card at: 5770 N. County Line Rd. Union, Ohio 45322.

Second Annual Golf Outing A Huge Success
By James Oberschlake

Of course, the second annual Mid America Golf Outing held at Friendly Meadows Golf Course, Hamersville, Ohio, was a success. Why do I say “of course”? It is not because we accomplished the financial goal of raising about $4000 that will be used to help those representing our region at the ISKF National Tournament in San Francisco this year. It is not because of the splendid weather we experienced. It is not to suggest that this event occurred without a great deal of effort from many people. It is not because Christian Moore’s team did not take last place. I say “of course” because success is the natural result when good people connect to create a good experience for a worthy cause. These are some of the comments I heard: “Wow! We sure get a lot of stuff for $75.00.” “You guys really put on a great outing. It is so organized.” “We had a great time. We will definitely play again next year.” “You know. The amazing thing is that I did not hear one negative word from anybody the whole day. None!” “This was a great idea. The region needs to do more things like this, Jimmy.” “Where is the bathroom?”

I would like to say thanks to all who contributed in whatever way they could to make our outing a wonderful experience for all. A special thanks goes out to Roma Ritchie, Jim Nelson, Marty Vaughan, Kevin and Laura Graham, Rita Hutchison, Dave Talley, Kim and Jeff Weber, Christian Moore, Michael Busha, Len and RaeJean Gordon, Dan and Chiho Bare, the many volunteer workers from Shotokan Karate of Anderson and Brown County Shotokan Karate Club, and the whole staff at Friendly Meadows Golf Course. I would also like to recognize our hole sponsors and those who contributed to our goodie bag, door and contest prizes, and our silent auction.

I am looking forward to an even greater experience next year. The date is August 2, 2008. See you then!

Related Golf Outing News
In addition to the second annual golf outing, there was a regional training on Friday night at the Brown County Shotokan Karate Club. The regional teams also had an opportunity to practice, both on Friday night and Saturday morning before the outing under the guidance of Sensei Vaughan and Sensei Oberschlake.

With help from Roma Ritchie and Rita Hutchison, all the food that was not used at the outing was donated to Clermont County's Saul's Homeless Shelter.

David Talley said, “I think I have found my niche at these outings. I enjoyed cooking and look forward to doing it again next year.” I wonder if Angel knows this?

Listed below are the hole sponsors and those who donated items for the silent auction, goodie bags, and door prizes.

Fall Camp Features
Special Guest Instructor - Mr. James Field

September 15 -16, 2007, was the first time that Sensei Field has been our special guest instructor at fall camp. In the past, he has always visited us in the spring, but due to a busy spring schedule, we asked him to return this September. Mr. Field, Shichidan (7th Dan), is the chief instructor of the Southwest Region, based in Santa Monica, California. Sensei Golden and Mr. Field have been long time friends, and share a sempai - kohai relationship. He opened his dojo there on September 22, 1973. Sensei Field is a very inspirational instructor, and requires that his students always give their best effort. He is also a perfectionist, and is considered a very tough judge. Mid-America instructor trainees also got a big boost, with Sensei Field teaching three classes over the weekend. Each class subject includes topics geared towards kihon, kata and kumite. Roundhouse combinations were used both as a means of attack and defense. One drill which everyone found difficult was to have one person hold out a belt at face level, while the other person moved his or her foot back and forth touching the belt without bending the knee. This drill helps develop strength, balance and flexibility. Lexi Weber seemed to have the easiest time with this drill; in part, because of her additional training as a cheerleader.
We worked on heian nidan by breaking it down into segments and creating a defense using heian nidan techniques. Students also learned some basic guides to use when judging a kata. For example, when the standard is set for kata, ie., 8.0 for a perfect kata, does the judge really know what a 8.0 kata is? Another question asked referred to head-to-head kata competition. “If one student did an almost perfect kata except for one mistake, and the other did the kata without any mistakes, but with poor technique, who would win?” His response was, “The student who did the kata without making any mistakes. The goal of kata is to do it perfectly. She only made one mistake, but it cost her her life. So, even though the winner’s technique was not perfect, she did not make any mistakes.”
Sensei Field also emphasized the importance of looking at your imaginary opponent before moving on to the next move. This relates back to what Master Okazaki said in his four basic principles of kata; “First, you must look in order to see your (imaginary) opponent before you move.”

Another important judging principle that Sensei Field drove home was about being as fair as possible. Do not base your score on who the competitor is, where she comes from, or how she has done in the past. Base your score on how she did her kata at that particular moment in time.

In all, this was one of our best fall camps ever. Sensei Field has agreed to return next September as our special guest instructor. We welcome his return, and look forward to seeing him again at the ISKF National Tournament, being held in San Francisco, California.

Mid-America Needs More "Qualified Instructors and Judges”
By Chiho Bare

The writing for this article was inspired by Sensei Field at fall camp. The point is, Mid-America needs more qualified instructors and judges. Please see the attached chart. If you print it out, it is just a piece of paper, but it is a very powerful piece of paper. This chart will be your road map in your karate life for the next ten years. If you are Nidan and above, please plan to take the judges’ exam and to become involved in the instructors training program. Write down on the chart the next time you take your dan and/or judges exam.
This chart is not just for black belts, it is for all the karate-ka in Mid-America. If you are a colored belt, and you have your instructor’s permission, please plan to take a kyu test every third or fourth month. Soon you will be a black belt. We need to build the depth of our black belts in this region in order to make it stronger. We will improve and get better ALL TOGETHER, from white belt to black belt. Then, sooner or later, we will all be (almost) the same. In other words, we will all understand the concept of doing a perfect 8.0 kata, which Sensei Field discussed during the Sunday morning training at fall camp.

We will have a youth and adult colored belt tournament after the clinic on November 10, 2007, starting at 1:00 PM. The purpose of the tournament/shiai is to give our youth and our colored belt adults tournament experience, and to help our black belts improve their judging skills. So, if you have a judges certificate, please help us at the tournament. For all other black belts and parents, please support the tournament as judges, table workers, and any other areas needed. At the same time, please encourage your student(s) to participate in this shiai. It will help strengthen our region, (which = our future) and will be a great learning experience for all. Use the chart on to map out the next ten years of your karate life. Set some goals, and endeavor to accomplish them. Download Map Here

Editors note: Chiho Bare has been declared the unofficial “Cheerleader” of the Mid-America Region. This title was given to her because of her undaunted spirit, caring attitude, and infectious enthusiasm.

2007-2008 Calendar

October 20-21, 2007
National Tournament
San Francisco, CA

November 10, 2007, 11:00 AM
Regional Clinic and Shiai
Delaware, OH

December 15, 2007, 12:00 PM
Dan Test and Clinic
OSU Campus, Columbus, OH

February 16, 2008, 11:00 AM
Regional Clinic
Delaware, OH

March 15, 2008, 11:00 AM
Regional Clinic
Delaware, OH

April 12-13, 2008 (tentative)
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 & Golf Outing
Hamersville, OH

Editors Note
If you would like to make a contribution to next quarter’s newsletter, please forward it to regional headquarters for printing. Thanks to all those who helped with this newsletter. Jim Nelson