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
4th Quarter 2007

FALL HIGHLIGHTS

Mid-America KaratekaShine at ISKF National Tournament

This year’s ISKF National Tournament was held in San Francisco, California, on October 20-21, 2007. Mid-America sent twenty-four representatives from six different clubs who brought home 15 medals.

As always, competition was excellent in both kata and kumite. Mid-America’s top two competitors in the adult division were Chyni Coleman, Ashtabula, and Carol Glenn, Swartz Creek. Chyni took second place in women’s black belt kumite, and Carol took second place in women’s senior kata.

In the finals on Sunday, Chyni had an exciting match against former national champion Christina Foo, Northwest Region, and was barely edged out by half a point. Carol tiedPhillipia Holness, Alaska, in the finals before losing by a close score following their second individual kata.

In addition, Katherine Gordon, Shotokan Karate of Anderson, placed second in youth kumite ages 10-11. Third place finishers were Noah Kennedy, Swartz Creek, youth kumite ages 7-9; Katherine Gordon, kata; Jesse Weber; Shotokan Karate of Anderson, youth kumite ages 10-11; Dana Little, Brown County, youth kumite ages 10-11; Lexie Pry, Swartz Creek, women ages 16-17 ; and RaeJean Gordon, Shotokan Karate of Anderson, adult brown belt women kumite. Both our men’s kata team; Jeff Weber, Li Ryu, David Talley, and Greg Hoplamazian, and our senior kata team; Carol Glenn, Chiho Bare, and Jim Nelson took third place.

During the banquet on Sunday night, Chiho Bare was given the Meritorious Service Award for her outstanding service to the region and her dojo.

There were also four Mid-America karateka who passed their Judge’s Examination. Chiho Bare, Kim Weber, and Jeff Weber all passed their Class D rating exam, and Carol Glenn passed her Class C rating exam. In a related story, at Master Camp in June, Dr. Martin Vaughan passed his Cl ass C rating Instructor’s Exam, and his Class C Examiner’s Examination.

Congratulations to all those who participated in the tournament and to all those who medaled and passed their exams. Next year’s ISKF National Tournament will be held in Los Angeles, California, on November 15-16, 2008.

ISKF World Shoto Cup Comes to Toronto
The Shoto Cup will be held on October 10-12, 2008, in Toronto, Canada. Sensei Frank Woon-A-Tai will be the host of this year’s tournament. It is open to all youth competitors ages 7 - 17. There will be clinics on Thursday October 9, 2008, and the youth tournament will be on Friday, October 10, 2008. More information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.

Learning, Performing, and Judging Kata
by Dr. Martin Vaughan

This fall the instructor trainee class discussed at length the requirements for the judging of kata for competition. At Fall Camp Mr. Field mentioned “the big three” of judging kata, 1. correct levels of strength, 2. changes in speed of techniques, and 3. contraction and expansion of the body. According to the 2004 Tournament rules of the JKA theses are the “three key elements of kata”, point “b” in a list. In the 2004 ISKF contest rules these points are listed as “e, f and g” of “Points of Evaluation”. Of course these are important points for judging kata performance, but you should be aware that the points listed before and after (points a, c-k in the JKA, and a-d, h-k in the ISKF rules) are also important from a judging as well as a performance standpoint. The ISKF ”Points of Evaluation for Point Awards and Point Deductions”

Deportment (Taido) - This is the attitude of the contestant before, after and to a degree during the performance of the kata. The contestant should demonstrate confidence, courtesy (proper bow and respect), and fighting spirit (eye position and intensity) from the time of entering the match area to the time of leaving the match area.

Posture and Position (Shisei) - This point refers to the proper posture and hip position of each movement. The posture should generally be vertical, but in some cases the body posture may require leaning. In this case the angle of leaning must be exact. Hip position can be full facing (shomen), half facing (hanmi) or reverse half facing (gyaku hanmi). In general the hips are full facing on offensive movements, half facing on defensive movements. However, application and the context of the movement may result in a position different from this general rule.

Stance (Tachi kata) -The stance must be the one called for in each movement. In addition, the details of the stance must be correct (width, length, foot and knee position) and the correct footwork in moving from stance to stance is necessary to produce desired stance dynamics.

Basic technique (Kihon waza) - Punching, kicking, blocking, and striking techniques must be made according to correct course, path and position. Offensive techniques should be directed to the proper target and defensive techniques should be positioned as dictated by the application of the movement.

Correct Application of Power (Chikara no kyojaku) - The first of the “big three”. Correct application of strength/power (or relaxation on the other hand) is dictated by the application of the technique(s). Also, correct application of strength contributes to the establishment of rhythm in the kata.

Speed of Techniques (Waza no kamkyu) - Second of the “big three” is speed of technique. This point is vital to the proper performance of kata. Performance of kata should not be uniformly fast or slow. Move quickly from movement to movement except where slow movements punctuate the flow to demonstrate proper application of power and breathing. Speed varies in the kata according to the application of movements. Some movements are grouped as the originator sought to simulate self defense situations creating a natural rhythm. Therefore, the speed and the rhythm produced should be closely adhered to with a little latitude allowed for body type and interpretation.

Body Expansion and Contraction (Karada no shin-shuku) - The final point of the “big three” is body expansion and contraction and it is connected to the other two points of the “big three”. During karate movements muscles are contracted and relaxed in proper sequence to permit movement. Excess muscular tension is counterproductive in production of smooth, quick techniques. Tension of the muscles should be appropriate in movement and maximum at point of impact returning to appropriate levels following impact. This is the essential point of body expansion and contraction and is closely tied to proper breathing. It permits the smooth transition from technique to technique that produces rhythm in the movements.

Line of Movement (Embusen) - Proper footwork and stance are necessary for the contestant to maintain the correct performance line (embusen) of the kata. Uniform stance and proper footwork contributes to the contestant ending the kata at the starting point.
Body Movement (Unsoku)- This is a combination of body posture, stance, correct application of power, and body expansion and contraction. Kata movements should be smooth and rhythmical. Movements should not be jerky and there should be no stomping of the stepping foot unless this is the meaning of the technique.

Interpretation (Waza no imi) - The originator of the kata had in mind to teach principles of self defense through the practice of kata. Therefore, each move has meaning relevant to that self defense lesson. Thus, proper performance should demonstrate an understanding of the application of each technique.

Continuity (Renzoku-sei) - This point is a combination of several of the above points (correct application of power, speed of techniques, body expansion and contraction, and body movement). As stated above kata movements are interrelated and proper performance of kata should demonstrate this relatedness of kata techniques.

One of the easiest criteria for judging kata, the order/sequence of the techniques/movements, is not mentioned until after the above list of points and a scale of point scores. However, Master Nakayama in the Best Karate series (vol. 5-11) lists “correct order” as the number one important point of kata training. Because the order of movements of a kata is set it is not necessary to have a great deal of training or experience to determine a mistake in order of movement.

Another important point of kata training, mentioned by Nakayama and not mentioned in the ISKF rules, is proper breathing. In general, one should inhale on blocking and exhaling on decisive (offensive) techniques, but keep in mind that breathing ultimately depends on the situation. Breathing is more difficult to use as a judging criterion, but it is possible and it is also central to many of the judging points listed above (correct application of power, body expansion and contraction, body movement, continuity). Improper breathing can lead to; the shoulders rising, the contestant being winded, and an inability to control breathing. Related to breathing is kiai (forced exhale producing the “spirit shout”) that is included in the kata at points usually near the middle and the end of the kata.

The position of the eyes relative to the technique, like breathing, is not mentioned in the judging criteria for kata, but correct eye position and direction is very important to the proper performance of kata. Eye position is easy to see and therefore, to judge.
My final, and perhaps most important, point is that the points for judging kata are the same as those for learning and performing kata. To be a good and effective judge you should train with the above points in mind. Then your training and experience will serve you well no matter what your role, be it competitor or judge.

Engaged
The region would like to congratulate Greg Hoplamazian and Debbie Hofmann on their recent engagement. We are all very happy for you!

Building the Strength of Your Dojo, An Interview With Kim Weber
Kim Weber is the chief instructor of the karate club Shotokan Karate of Anderson. She is assisted by her husband Jeffrey, and other senior black belts. Both Kim and Jeff originally trained with James Oberschlake and taught classes for him at the Brown County YMCA. Shotokan Karate of Anderson was founded in 2002, by Kim and Jeff, and has flourished ever since.

• (Mid-AM Monitor) “How many students do you currently have?”
• (Kim Weber) “We have about 50 students; over half of our students are kids.”
  
  
• (MA-M) “Do you do offer other classes besides the traditional karate classes?”
• (KW) “Yes, I started teaching extra classes as a way to try to get students for our club. By offering classes thru local community education and park programs, I could take advantage of their mailing lists. Currently, we offer short term classes for many different groups. We have a preschool aged class, for 4-6 year olds; we offer after school programs for Elementary schools. We are also teaching for a company who offers programs to kids with special needs. Additionally, we offer a Personal Safety/Self-Defense class for organizations like Boy/Girl Scouts, Church groups and neighborhood groups, for a small fee. The organizations involved usually handle the advertising for us.”
  
  
• (MA-M) “How much do you spend on advertising?”
• (KW) “We don't spend much on advertising, maybe $100 per year. When it comes to advertising and promoting a dojo, I'm an amateur (and very frugal). I have a club, like many of us, without a dedicated building, and charge under the normal “going rate” for lessons. This leaves us (or at least me) without much money for advertising. So I have tried to come up with inexpensive ways to help grow our club. I teach karate, because I enjoy training with a group, and teaching supports my “karate” habit. Besides that, it keeps me from having to get a real job.
  
  
• (MA-M) “What do you think your most successful advertising is?”
• (KW) “I think our best advertising is signage, our website and referrals. We rent space in a church and have a small sign for advertising in their front yard. It’s pretty simple, listing “KARATE” and our phone number (we got the sign for a great price from a friend). There was a previous survey done by the church stating they have somewhere around 3,000 cars driving by their building daily. This seems to be how we get a good portion of our calls.
  We also have a website, and were lucky to have had Chris Moore help us with the design and set up of the site. I also put our name & contact information on every free web listing I find. There are free web hosting sites you can use to get your dojo information out on the internet. Check sites like AOL™ and YAHOO™ to see if they have this option.
  I think our most valuable advertising is referrals. For every new member one of our students refers, we give them a $10 coupon to use towards dues or merchandise.”
  
  
• (MA-M) “Are you listed in your local phonebook?”
• (KW) “I know a phone book listing is important, including internet listings. I have taken advantage of free phone book listings when they are offered, but we are not listed in our City's largest white & yellow pages phonebooks. In our area you need to have a business phone line to be listed in their book, which is an additional cost I do not want right now. I added another phone number to our existing home line, which was a free option with our home phone plan. This gives us a dedicated “dojo” phone number, by using a ‘distinctive’ ring.”
  
  
• (MA-M) “Do you have any other ideas which may be helpful?”
• (KW) “I have heard it is helpful if people think of your name first when they think of your service, whether they are currently interested in your service or not. Here are some free ways I get our name out to the community; We march in the local 4th of July parade and do a short demonstration at the end. Our students and parents also donate their time to run a booth at the local Fireman’s Festival. We have also submitted photos of our club to the local newspapers to post announcements and promote our club. Additionally, we have a coupon for a free uniform in a local neighborhood savings booklet. There was no cost to put the coupon in the book, and receive maybe one redeemed per year. Lastly, we have a few dojo apparel items including our clubs name. I am not sure if this has helped us with advertising, but I love to see our students wearing the club gear!”
  
  
• (MA-M) “Thanks for your time, Kim, and Best Wishes for another successful year in 2008.”

If you would like more information and/or would like to talk to Kim, please call her at: 513-233-Dojo (3656). Her E-mail address is: AndersonKarate@aol.com, and her web site may be found at: http://www.andersonkarate.com/

Interview with the Master: His Life-Part II
Why did I start karate? As I said earlier, I thought karate had the best fighting techniques. When I first went to the dojo, I watched them and thought, “Wow, I am lucky that I get to fight those guys and they won’t kill me.” Master Funakoshi was very popular both as an instructor and as a calligrapher, and I got a job delivering the papers back and forth between the universities and Master Funakoshi’s home. Master Funakoshi recognized me, and invited me to dinner; something like a family member. When I told my friends and senior instructors, they became jealous and said, “So, you got invited to lunch? Are you now something like a son?” Master Funakoshi had guessed why I started karate, so he never talked about karate techniques, but instead talked about the important principles of the martial arts. However, I kept thinking about how to gain focus and speed, and not what he was trying to teach me.

One day, I went to his home and was told to wait while he finished bathing. Master Funakoshi had a cat, and I do not like cats, so when he came near me, I back fisted him and the cat ran away. Later, when Master Funakoshi and I were together, the cat would follow
Master Funakoshi, and he knew no one would hurt him as long as Master Funakoshi was near. The cat kept jumping onto my lap, and I would pet him and say, “Nice cat.” The cat got his revenge. He scratched my hand and escaped before I could do anything. Master Funakoshi knew that I had done something bad to his cat, but only said, “You must keep practicing karate because you cannot even protect yourself from my pussy cat.” The cat left a scar on my hand, which has always been a reminder that I must keep practicing.
When I was a brown belt I was practicing very hard for my black belt test. I came to practice early and always stayed after everyone else had left. Finally, I took the test, and I failed. I couldn’t understand it, because I thought I had done very well. I started to think I wasn’t any good, but I was fortunate to have a good friend who encouraged me to continue training. So, I took the test again, and I failed again. I asked Master Nakayma if I could ask Master Funakoshi about what I needed to do in order to became a black belt. He said, “Go ahead and ask him.” So I did. I said, “What kind of training do I need in order to become a black belt?” I was expecting him to say, “You need better punching or kicking technique,” but he just said, “You need more training.” So I changed my way of thinking and just focused on training and stopped worrying about getting my black belt. The next time I took the test, and I passed. After doing so, my mind changed again, and I puffed out my chest and pridefully thought, “Now, I’m a black belt.”

After I earned my black belt, I began teaching classes. Once in a while Master Funakoshi would drop by classes and observe. During one class he came to me and said, “When did you get your black belt?” I said, “I tested before you, Sensei.” and he said, “I don’t think so.” I was thinking, “He is an old man, and he forgot.” Master Nakayama stopped class, and told everyone that Master Funakoshi was going to give a special lecture. In front of everyone he said, “So, you are really a black belt?”, and I said, “Yes sir, I am.” Master Funakoshi said, “Then you can knock me down if you are really a black belt.” So, like the big American soldier, I tried punching slowing because I didn’t want to hit him and have all the senior instructors kill me. He did the same thing to me that he did to the big American boxer, he laughed and said, “That is not a black belt punch!” Since I was short tempered I thought, “All right, I am going to show him my black belt punch!” So I moved as fast as I could, and he wasn’t there. He ended up behind me, and tapped my shoulder and said, “More practice.” I asked my friends, “How did he do that?” They said, “It looked like you went through his body.” In reality, his timing was so perfect that he turned my speed against me and moved out of the way and ended up behind me. After thinking about it, I took off my black belt and started wearing a white belt. Again, my mind had change, and I started to understand the principles he was trying to teach me. It doesn’t matter if you are a white belt or a black belt, the most important thing to remember is, “Keep Training.” Even though all the Japanese masters taught different techniques all of their principles were basically the same. Never fight anyone, and try to bring peace to the world.

Part III will be featured in the next quarterly newsletter.

Twenty-Nine Complete Successful Dan Exam

On December 15, 2007, seventy-four karateka headed for Ohio State University for a clinic, instructor training program, and a dan examination. Master Teruyuki Okazaki, judan, was our special guest instructor; he was assisted by Dr. Martin Vaughan, rukodan. The clinic stressed basics and a review of heian shodan.

Following the clinic, a dan exam was held. Thirty-two took the exam, and twenty-nine passed. This is the most successful dan examination ever held in our region. In part, this was due to the requirement of pretesting, but also because of the many opportunities that students have had to attend clinics and camps within our own region. We would like thank Dr. Vaughan for the time and energy he has given us in order to make our region stronger and more competitive. We would also like to thank our other 2007 guest instructors, such as Master Okazaki, Sensei James Field, and Sensei Robert Hoffman who have also helped us understand the true nature of karate-do. 2008 looks to be even more successful than 2007, and with your help, it will be.

The next major dan exam will be held at Michigan Summer camp on July 12, 2008. Remember, you must have successfully completed a pretest or have a six month re-exam in order to test in July. Congratulations to all!

Fall Shiai Draws Junior Competitors

This year’s Fall Shiai was combined with a clinic to help senior students with their judging skills. The Shiai was open to only junior competitors and adult kyu ranks. In all, there were twenty-six youth and eleven adult kyu ranks who competed on November 10, 2007. During the clinic, Sensei Vaughan divided students into small groups in order to work on kata. Black belts were asked to help the junior students with important parts of their kata. They were supposed to look at the kata from the view point as instructor and as a judge. It proved to be a successful day for both competitors and judges.

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