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

Fourth Quarter Newsletter October - November - December-2005

FALL HIGHLIGHTS

Financial Report
All club instructors and/or representatives are given a detailed financial report each quarter. If you would like your own, please ask them for a copy. In addition, all instructors and/or representatives were also given a year end report detailing how much each club contributed to the region’s finances. If you have any questions, please contact your club instructor or Jim Nelson.

Fall Camp 2005
This year’s Fall Camp was not as well attended as last year’s camp. In part, because of the change in venue for the 2005 ISKF National Tournament. Since Mid-America hosted the 2004 tournament, many karateka from the region were preparing to complete in
in Columbus, Ohio, on November 5-7, 2004. They were taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get excellent training so close to home.

In all, forty-two students from twelve different Mid-America member clubs did attend this year’s camp. They thought it was a great learning experience, and look forward to next year’s camp with enthusiasm. Dave Talley, James Oberschlake and Martin Vaughan were this year’s guest instructors. Their combined teaching stressed the importance of relaxation in combination with explosive techniques to improve both kata and kumite.

Next year, we plan on inviting Sensei Mikami from the Southern Region, as our special guest instructor. It will be held in Delaware, Ohio, during the month of October.

Kodo Punches Revisited
by Karen Richards
In the last issue of the Mid-America Monitor, the club profile featured the Athens/OU karate clubs. In the article, the term Kodo punches was used to describe one of Karen Richard’s favorite training techniques. Since then, there have been several inquiries regarding this training method and how it is done. “You had asked what Kodo punches are - this was an invention of Howie's, inspired by the Kodo drummers of Japan. Check the picture to the right, and you will see what I mean.

These drummers are in such supreme physical condition! Anyway, to do Kodo punches: From the floor in a seated position, raise the heels about six inches off the ground (legs remain straight, do not cross ankles), and lean back far enough to engage the abdominals (you should be resting on the buttocks, not the tailbone, and you should be raised enough so you can punch without driving your elbows into the ground). My students find them quite challenging. If your abs are in shape, you can challenge yourself by punching towards the opposite side of your body (instead of straight ahead) while twisting your feet slightly in the opposite direction (in other words, right hand punches towards the left while the legs rotate to the right.) Be careful, this twisting can hurt the back if you overdo it. This way the obliques get a workout, too.”

Fall Shiai 2005
On November 7, 2005, in Delaware, Ohio, seventy-two karateka from the Mid-America and Central regions, and our special guest from the Ann Arbor (MI) Karate club, competed in Mid-America’s first annual Fall shiai. This was made possible because of the cancellation of this year’s ISKF National Tournament, which was to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana (see related article, 2005 ISKF National Tournament Canceled).
Participation was balanced between the youth (35) and adults (37), but only ten clubs from the Mid-America region sent representatives to compete and/or to be judges. This was sad, because all profits were sent to the Southern Region to help with disaster relief following hurricane Katrina. In total, only two hundred and fifty dollars was raised for the Southern Region. However, the competition was excellent, and all competitors left the tournament with a feeling of accomplishment for a job well done.
We are planning our second annual shiai in November of 2006. Money from this event will be used to reimburse team members who complete in the ISKF National Tournament to be held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 2-3, 2006. To see a copy of the tournament results, see page 6.

Editorial: Shiai 2005
by Chiho Bare
I would like to share with you what very special thing happened during this weekend (Shiai 2005). First, I would like to congratulate the team from Ashtabula. As you know, they are all teenagers. Did you see their sharp and dynamic team kata, Enpi? If you did not see it, you should borrow the video from somebody. I feel Enpi is one of the (most) difficult team katas to do, due to the jump involved. But they did a FANTASTIC job. They should be proud of themselves!! Congratulations to Chyni (Coleman), Michelle (Ford), Matt (Brining), and their instructor Frank Baldwin. Thank you for the beautiful team kata. I will never forget that.

One more special person of the day is Tracy Marsh from (the) Swartz Creek Karate Club. She is a green belt. When she was doing her kata, almost all the people with children were gone. She is a Mom of 4 children (3 of them competed and the last one is a baby that I was playing with.) Tracy had such a fear to do anything in front of the people. She was saying, “I never have done this before.” But she chose to do individual Kata. Her name was called and she did Heian Sandan. She was glad it was over, but the score was tied so she had to do another kata. She announced Heian Shodan, but started Heian Nidan. She realized her mistake and started over. But her mind was not (at) ease so she made another mistake and started over again. Thanks to the center judge, Kim Weber, for allowing her to try, and try, and try again. What I saw was that karate forced Tracy to overcome her fear.

While she was struggling, (and) dealing with her fear, all the family members were behind her and giving her support. Congratulations to Tracy and family. I personally believe karate has something for everyone at any level. And I was glad to be there at that moment when something special happened. This is the reason I cannot stop loving karate and karate people.

At last I would like to (say) THANK YOU to all the people who made it possible to do our team kata (Shotokan Tigers-Dave Talley, Morris Lawrence III, and Chiho). It was my very selfish team kata. I became a half century old last month and the 10th anniversary of my karate life next January. It was very special event for me. I am glad I did not make a mistake. Thanks (to) all.
Editors Note: In addition to taking first place in Adult Team Kata, Chiho also took first place in Senior Kata, and Adult Women’s Individual Black Belt Kata. She also took second place in Adult Women’s Individual Black Belt Kumite. A very special day for an exceptional person!

2005 ISKF National Tournament Canceled
This year’s ISKF National Tournament was canceled due to hurricane Katrina. The tournament was supposed to have been held on November 7-9, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Because of this year’s cancellation, New Orleans has been selected again as the site for the 2007 tournament.

Mid-America had several fund raisers designed to help the Southern region rebuild after the hurricane. The following clubs also contributed to the relief effort: Ashtabula, Brown County, Butler County, Cleveland, Dayton, Heath, Kentucky, Meigs County, OSU, Shotokan Karate of Anderson, and Swartz Creek. In addition, Mid-America donated money from this year’s Fall camp and Fall Shiai. In total, over $2000.00 was donated by Mid-America clubs and individuals. Great job everyone! Thank you for your generosity and support.

Meritorious Service Award Winner
Kim Weber, sandan, was chosen as this year’s meritorious service award winner from the Mid-America Region. Kim is the chief instructor of the Shotokan Karate Club of Anderson. She has over fifty members in her club, and is assisted by her husband, Jeffrey. Kim also does much to help the Regions Executive Director (Jim Nelson) with any necessary tasks such as scheduling air travel and making hotel reservations for special guest instructors, gift buying (her specialty), and planning regional events such as last year’s successful ISKF National Tournament.

Kim has been an active competitor since she began training in 1985, and is on the Regions kata and kumite teams. She is enrolled in the Instructor Trainee Program, and is also a dedicated supporter of the Region’s camps, clinics, and tournaments. Kim can be found at almost every regional event, along with her husband (Jeff) and children, Lexi and Jesse .

Congratulations go out to Kim for being selected as this year’s Meritorious Service award winner. Her dedication and hard work on behalf of the region and karate-do are to be commended.

Training for the National Tournament Starts Now!
Part 2
Plyometrics; Exercises to Build Explosive Strength
By Martin Vaughan
In the last newsletter I described some basic principles of athletic training. In this article I will describe a specific method of training called plyometric training or plyometrics. Plyometric training is designed to build explosive power. Plyometric exercises are made up of movements that stretch a muscle followed immediately by contraction of the same muscle. Plyometric training typically includes depth jumps, single leg hopping, and stair hopping for the lower body or the use of surgical tubing or medicine balls for upper body.
Traditionally, training to develop power was closely tied to development of strength. This meant weight training at levels close to 80-90% of one-repetition maximums. Although strength is essential to development of explosive power it ignores the rest of the equation. That is the speed of the muscle contraction. Not just innate speed, but the production of quick, agile and coordinated movements explosively through a range of motion, which applies that strength (production of maximum strength in the shortest amount of time). Plyometric training is a method to develop this type of dynamic strength that is essential in most athletic movements and is particularly important to the performance of karate techniques.

Plyometric training is based on the stretch-shortening cycle of muscle using muscle tension generated by the elastic components of the muscle that is partially recovered in the subsequent contraction. In many sports skills a lengthening or stretching of the muscle precedes contraction (shortening) of the muscle. This can be seen, for example, in the oi tsuki when the lead leg in pressed slightly forward and stretched as the rear leg is pulled to the front. At the midpoint of the step the muscles of the lead leg contract to produce the forward thrust that is transferred to the punching hand. Energy is stored in the lead leg by stretching or loading the leg and is partially recovered in the subsequent contraction. The faster the contraction follows the stretch, the more energy that is recovered. Therefore, shortening the amount of time in transition is very important. Plyometric training concentrates on drills that reduce this time.
Plyometric training requires little or no equipment. I usually do not use any equipment in my plyometric training or I use equipment that is readily available (such as a bag for barrier jumps). I suggest below a few simple lower body drills, but you can do upper body drills as well. Once you get the idea you may want to learn more or develop your own drills. (See the reference books below). For improvement of karate skills you want to concentrate on drills that develop largely horizontal acceleration Multiple Response Jumps (jumps in place)- Jump multiple times landing on the same spot. Concentrate on short floor time/quick response. Variations can include jumps on one leg or jumping and turning. This is a relatively low intensity drill and may be appropriate as a warm-up drill in class.
Moving Multiple Jumps- A simple version of this drill is to hop across a line (right-left, front-back). You can vary this by moving forward/backward as you hop; hopping on one leg only or alternating leg as you cross the line. You can do a similar drill by hopping within the angles of an "X" or "+". This combines side to side and front to back motions. Variations can include one leg hops, alternating legs, moving clockwise/counterclockwise around the pattern, or moving in the diagonal directions. These drills also help develop footwork. Moving multiple jump drills are higher intensity and require a full recovery period before the next set. Therefore, they may not be as suitable for a class as they are for self-training sessions. Do the drills carefully/accurately and with the goal of maximum speed of movement (short floor time).

Caution! Because these drills are fairly high intensity you would not do them more than two days per week. Also, a strength base is necessary to reduce the risk of injury. However, the drills themselves help provide a level of strength. So if you don't have a base of strength training do these drills carefully.

References:

• Jumping into Plyometrics, Donald Chu. Human Kinetics (1998).
• High Powered Plyometrics, James Radcliffe and Robert Farentinos, Human Kinetics (1999).

Dan Test and Clinic With Master Okazaki
Despite the snowy winter weather on Saturday, December 10, 2005, seventy-one karateka from around the region met in Delaware, Ohio, to attend a clinic with Master Teruyuki Okazaki, Chief Instructor of the ISKF. Master Okazaki stressed the importance of basics while doing kata and kumite.

Following the clinic, twenty-one students took part in a dan exam. Congratulations go out to the following students for passing their exam: Shodan-Brittany Back-Brown County-Y, Ken Beynon-Columbus, Matt Brining-Ashtabula, Kate Brown-Brown County-Y, M. Dan Bryant-Swartz Creek, Abdul Fauzi-Athens, Michelle Ford-Ashtabula, Thomas Giordano-Brown County-Y, Jamie Lynne Kennedy-Swartz Creek, Dr. Richard Scott Morehead-Kentucky, Michael Parkhurst, Jr.-Westside, Tom Ventresco- West Side; Nidan- Chiho Bare-Swartz Creek, Andrew Wolff-Anderson; Sandan-Martin Schrager-Brown County.

The day ended with about forty or so karate-ka taking part in a “meet and greet” with Sensei Okazaki, Sensei Golden, and Sensei Vaughan, along with other Instructors from within our Region.

Mid-America Club Profile
Kentucky Shotokan Karate
The Kentucky Shotokan Karate Club was founded in 1986, by Dr. G. Rod Erfani, who may be contacted at, 300 North Broadway Lexington, KY 40508. Dr. Erfani’s phone number is: 859-233-8196, and his E-mail address is: gerfani@transy.edu.
Currently, the club has thirty-three men, fifteen women, and fourteen youth practicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 until 7:00 PM, and most Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:00 PM. The cost for training $150.00 per semester.

Dr. Erfani received his Ph.D. in Economics from Florida State University, where he concentrated on International Trade and Finance. He also holds a M.A. and a B.S. degree, both in Economics. Prior to joining the economics faculty at Transylvania University in 1986, he was a professor at Spring Hill College, Alabama and Central College, Iowa. Dr. Erfani has also made professional presentations throughout the United States and in many foreign countries including: Austria, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Greece, and Italy. His current research interests are in the fields of international economics, international business, and economic development.
Dr. Erfani started karate in the early 1970s and has been an instructor for twenty years. Rod (as his friends call him) actually started his martial arts journey with freestyle Olympic wrestling, which he practiced for several years as a young boy. From wrestling, he then began his karate training in the early 1970s. During the 1970s and 1980s, he practiced under Mr. Shigeru Takashina (ISKF-South Atlantic Region) and Mr. Takayuki Mikami (ISKF-Southern Region). In 1986, he started the karate club at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Greer Golden, chief instructor of the ISKF-Mid-America region, has served as the technical director of the club since its inception. Rod also trained at the JKA Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, during the winter of 2002.

The most important lesson Rod learned in karate is the Kaizen, “continuous and incremental improvement” strategy. The concept of Kaizen in karate training requires that one must continuously improve his or her karate techniques. His favorite training includes preset sparring drills with partners, utilizing punches, kicks, and blocks.

Beside enjoying his current position as a Professor of Economics and International Business at Transylvania University Lexington, Kentucky, Rod is also interested in classical guitar, flamingo music, hunting, and foreign travel. His love of karate-do is aided by the fact that his wife Leslie, is also a black belt, as well as his son, and two of his daughters. He also has two daughters who are brown belts.

Spring Camp Date Changed
The date for Spring camp has been changed to April 22- 23, 2006. Mr. James Field is still planning on being our special guest instructor, and the venues will remain the same; Willis Intermediate on Saturday, and the Delaware Hotel on Sunday. The change was necessary due to the conflict with Easter Sunday

Team Gear Orders
Due April 1, 2006
Mid-America Team Gear orders are due April 1, 2006. Merchandise and an order form can be found here:

While there, check out the new women’s polo shirt. It would make a great Mother’s day gift for all those Moms who have everything (see right).
If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Weber at: 513-233-DOJO.

Dan Exam Fee Increase
Effective January 1, 2006, there will be an increase in dan examination fees as voted on by the ISKF Board of Directors. Examination fees within the Mid-Ameria Region are as follows:

• Shodan $100.00
• Nidan $120.00
• Sandan $140.00
• Yondan $170.00
• Godan $220.00
• Rokudan $270.00
• Shichidan $320.00
• Registration fees will remain the same with the exception of rokudan:
• Shodan $90.00
• Nidan $120.00
• Sandan $165.00
• Yondan $220.00
• Godan $270.00
• Rokudan Y65,000

All registration forms must be type written, and have two passport size pictures enclosed. The appropriate registration fee must also be included in the form of a check or money order made out Mid-America Karate.

Editors Note
If you would like to make a contribution to next quarter’s newsletter, please forward it to regional headquarters for printing by December 28, 2005. Thanks to all those who helped with this newsletter. Jim Nelson