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 2008

FALL HIGHLIGHTS

ON THE ROAD TO TORONTO
By Wendy McVicker

On Thursday, October 9, James Nelson, Carol Glenn and Wendy McVicker drove to Toronto for the first ISKF World Shoto Cup, held at Ryerson University, in Toronto, Canada, from October 9–13, 2008. Other Mid-America karate-ka present were Chiho Bare, Sydney Saidoo, Danielle Suryan, official team photographer Dan Bare, and Sensei Martin Vaughan, acting as the US Team's Youth Coach. Carol, Chiho and Wendy were signed up to compete in the senior women's team kata event; they and James Nelson were also to compete in individual senior kata, and Chiho and Carol were hoping to compete in senior women's kumite, but there was some doubt about whether this event would take place.

When we arrived at the Delta Chlesea hotel, we presented ourselves for registration, and at that point discovered that there were only two senior women's teams signed up to compete. So we already knew we'd come home with a medal! Now, we had to see if we could turn in a performance worthy of that prize. We also found out that senior kumite had been canceled for lack of interest. Carol and Chiho approached Sensei Woon–a–tai to ask him about that. One other woman had expressed an interest; this was Lori Jones (Canada, 6th dan). When Mr. Woon–a–tai heard that both Carol and Chiho wanted to spar, he wrote each of the three women's names on a piece of paper and asked them to draw. This way the brackets were formed: Chiho would get a pass to the final round, and Lori and Carol would spar first. This was something to look forward to on Monday! We also learned that, although there were only two kata teams, we would still have to do a preliminary round on Saturday, to determine Monday's order. This turned out to be a good thing for us.
In the future senior kumite, for karate–ka aged 45–55, has been officially added to the lineup of events at ISKF national and world tournaments.

On Thursday afternoon, 3 classes were offered: a black belt class, led by Sensei Yaguchi; an instructor trainee class, and a US Team training led by Sensei Hiro Okazaki.

Sensei Yaguchi emphasized BODY CONTROL in his class.
The warmup: start with the first move from Sochin; then back leg snap kick, stepping in to land in front stance, reverse punch; step back into back stance, front leg front kick, land front stance, reverse punch; front leg sweep, land front stance rising block, reverse punch. Be sure to do this on both sides. It is a real challenge to start by stepping in with the left leg—try it!

Doing the above drill with a partner: Both people start left leg forward. Attacker shifts in with a short punch. Defender steps back, and with the front leg first "tags" the opponent's leg above the knee (with the top of the foot) and then snaps the hip to deliver a reverse roundhouse kick to the opponent's stomach. After both people have worked on this, switch sides. Sensei emphasized again that we must always work both sides.

After this we worked on Bassai Dai, and then each person did his or her individual kata in very slow motion, then regular speed.
Sensei Hiro Okazaki had the class warm up with a short punch, pivoting to reverse punch combination, working all the way around the clock, and then going in the opposite direction. Then with a partner, we practiced two different drills:

(1) Both sides reverse punch, then one follows up with short punch, reverse punch.
(2) Attacker roundhouse kicks, defender holds out palm for target. Defender steps back, reverse punches.
After this, he had the class divide into groups; individuals and teams worked on their katas.

On Friday, the youth events took place after an opening ceremony that brought judges and youth competitors marching in to the gym, the latter to line up behind a sign with their country's name. Twenty-three countries were represented, although not all of them brought children. Master Okazaki addressed the youth, reminding them (and us) as he always does, that this was, "Just another kind of training." It was great to see the dedication that the youth brought to their karate. We often say that young people are the future: it was clear that the future of ISKF karate is assured if even a few of these young people keep training. I couldn't help thinking about what the senior division will look like in another thirty or forty years; when so many of those karate–ka will have started their training in early childhood. Then maybe we'll get more than two women senior kata teams competing at the international tournaments!

On Saturday we had the adult and senior elimination rounds. Chiho advanced to the finals in individual kata, and the team advanced also, as expected. This gave us a welcome opportunity to continue to polish our kata teamwork. Ryerson kept another gym open for people to practice in during the day.

Monday was a long day. It began with all competitors marching in behind their country's flag or sign. Opening ceremonies included a family of Native American people performing traditional dances—for the last dance, they invited us to join them in a circle dance , holding hands. Many of our "warriors" seemed reluctant to take part, but I noticed that, once they did, they ended up smiling. Just try dancing without smiling! The children in this family were also wonderful karate competitors. After this we were treated to three formidable karate demonstrations: In one, Maureen Woon–A–Tai, seventh dan, demonstrated applications for Kanku Sho—to the crowd's delight, these included tossing three men around the gym. Other katas and applications demonstrated were Nijushiho and Heian sandan this included defense from a chair —reminding some of us of our fall camp with Sensei Field.

Final rounds began late in the morning, and included all three divisions—youth, adult, and senior. Lunch breaks were taken in the gym. By the end of the day, the USA Team had won a number of medals and, although everyone seemed exhausted, spirits were high.
Highlights for me: seeing so many truly accomplished karate–ka performing at peak levels; feeling the sense of camaraderie among competitors; realizing that "our" karate is alive and well in many corners of the world; noticing that the USA Team was a beautiful illustration of what we like to think our country is all about: a harmonious racial and ethnic mix of people all working together to do their very best.

Five days of high-pitched performance, the experience of a lifetime.
Wendy, Carol and Jim drove out of Toronto under a full moon…

Mid-America Karate-ka Shine at 2008 ISKF National Tournament
This year’s ISKF National Championships were held in Los Angles, CA, at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel, on November 14-16, 2008.

Mid-America was well represented with twenty-four participants from six different clubs. James Oberschlake was the only first place medal winner in men’s senior kumite, but we had ten seconds, and seventeen thirds. In addition, this is the first year in many years, that we have fielded two collegiate teams, both from Ohio State University. The kata team did not place, but the men’s kumite team took third place. Good job men!

Events started on Friday, November 14, 2008, with the annual ISKF Board of Directors and Board of Governors meeting followed by the National Collegiate Karate Association meeting. Sensei Vaughan and Jim Nelson attended the Board of Directors/Governors meeting, and Jim also attended the NCKA meeting. If you would like a copy of the Board of Directors/Governors minutes, please contact Jim Nelson.

Following the meetings, the dan and judges exams took place. Jim Nelson was promoted to go dan, and James Oberschlake was promoted to a C level judge. Congratulations to both of them. That evening, there was an instructor training class and clinics for kyu ranks and black belts. In the black belt clinic, Sensei Robin Reilly had us concentrate on relaxing when doing techniques and free
sparring. At the end we were supposed to do very slow free sparring; however, many individuals had difficulty with this. The main problem they had was relaxing and focusing on good technique. Instead, they were more worried about winning and getting in a quick counter attack rather than working in harmony with their partners to improve their technique.

Saturday’s competition included the adult elimination rounds and youth, collegiate, and senior competition. The top three kata and top two kumite adult karate-ka advanced to the finals on Sunday. The youth competition was concluded on Saturday. Lexi Weber earned a third place in girls kumite ages 14-15, and Robert Parkhurst placed third in boys kumite ages 12-13. The senior kata team included Chiho Bare, Carol Glenn, and Jim Nelson. After the preliminary round there was a tie for first between Mid-America and Alaska. In the end, Alaska edged out our team in a very close competition. Abbe Kerrison finished second in adult women brown belt kata and kumite, and Laura Graham finished third in both. Very nice job ladies!

On Sunday the finals began at 1:00 PM, with the Collegiate finals. As mentioned before, the men’s kumite team took third place. Team members included Martin Maquivar, Brian Parry, and Derek Reichel. In addition, Abbe Kerrison took second in women’s advanced collegiate kata and kumite, and Brian Parry took third in beginners men’s collegiate kumite. Kudos to all!

In the senior finals, James Oberschlake placed first in men’s kumite and second in kata. Chiho Bare placed second in both women’s senior kata and kumite. The men’s kata and kumite teams placed third in both events. This year’s mens kata team consisted of Greg Hoplamazian, Tatsuun Ryu, and Dave Talley. The men’s kumite team included Greg Hoplamazian, Martin Maquivar, Brett Riedel, Tatsuun Ryu, Jeff Weber and Dave Talley, although Dave was unable to compete due to a head injury he sustained on Saturday.
The women’s kata team also did very well, finishing fourth in both kata and kumite. The kata team included Debbie Hofmann, Rachel Ryu, and Kim Weber. The kumite team consisted of Carol Glenn, Debbie Hofmann, and Rachel Ryu. Kim Weber was also on the team, but was unable to compete due to an injury. On Sunday night, the annual banquet was held in the Grand Ballroom. Roma Ritchie was present to receive the Meritorious Service Award from Master Okazaki. Roma started training in March 1992 at the Brown County dojo, and received her black belt in 1998. She has taught the childrens classes in Brown County for several years, and acts as a table manager at the Regional tournament. In addition, she helps organize the Region’s golf outing by soliciting donations for
food and drinks from area businesses and individuals.

Roma has a big heart and is always willing to volunteer to help the Region and its members. Congratulations to her for this well deserved award!

Mid-America continues to improve and looks forward to next year’s National Championships to be held on November 14-15, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Master Okazaki Comes to Mid-America
The Mid-America Region welcomed Sensei Teryuki Okazaki, 10th dan, to Delaware, Ohio, on December 13, 2008, for a clinic and dan exam. Seventy-two karate-ka greeted him at Willis Middle School for our annual December seminar, instructor training class, and dan exam. We covered familiar territory with his compact drills for doing all the basics needed for each of the Heian katas.
Drills

Starting in shizentai (natural position) step into a front stance with the left leg forward while executing a jab (face) reverse punch (stomach) combination (kizami suki---gyaku zuki). Next, step back into front stance at a 4:00 o’clock position while doing a middle block (soto uke). Next, shift into kiba-dachi while executing empi uchi with the right elbow. From straddle leg stance (kiba-dachi), do a back fist (uraken uchi) to the face; then shift into front stance and reverse punch. From the same position do a rising block (age uke) before stepping into front stance oi zuki (lunge punch).

Next, step back at a 6:00 o’clock position into kokutsu dachi (back stance-left leg forward) knife hand block (shuto uke) after which, shift into front stance and execute a reverse punch. Your right leg basically remains in the same postion. Finished---step forward into shizentai.

The same drill can be done with kicking combinations. From shizentai, first, kick with the left leg while stepping into front stance. Next, execute a mae geri with the right leg setting back in place. Step back into a 4:00 o’clock position while doing a side snap kick with the right leg (yoko geri keage) landing in kiba-dachi. Shift into zenkutsu dachi and do a maegeri with the left leg, setting back in place. From the same position, do a kizami mawashi geri (roundhouse kick with the front leg) before stepping in mawashi geri. Next, step back at a 6:00 o’clock position into kokutsu dachi while executing a side thrust kick with the front leg(kisami yoko geri kekomi). Shift into front stance and finish with a mae geri using the left leg setting back in place. Finished---step forward into shizentai.

Note that there are five combinations using the blocking-striking-punching techniques and four combinations while doing the kicking techniques. Do the same combinations while stepping forward with the right side first. These may also be executed while stepping backward, although there is a slight variation on some of the techniques (guess you had to be there in order to get those). Master Okazaki also had the instructor trainees teach part of the clinic and field questions from students about heian sandan.
Following the clinic Sensei Vaughan and Master Okazaki held a dan exam for seventeen Mid-America karate-ka. Of those taking the exam, five were promoted to shodan, two to nidan, three to sandan, one to yondan, and one to rokudan (see results at the end of article).

Once the dan exams were completed, about thirty-five people headed for “The Old Bag of Nails,” located at 66 North Sandusky Street, for food and refreshments. Our usual watering hole, “The Brown Jug,” was taken over by new owners who changed the ambiance of the diner to one that did not meet our needs.
Dan Exam Results

Promoted to Shodan
Craig Carmody-Dayton
Laura Graham-Brown County Naduparambil Jacob-OSU
Evan Kern-Indiana ISKF
Mike Mrusek-Butler County

Three Month Re-exam-Shodan
Rae Jean Gordon-Anderson
Alecsander Herbert-Indiana ISKF
Dustin King-Brown County

Six Month Re-exam-Shodan
Ian Corbin-Indiana ISKF
Tracy Kitts-Athens

Promoted to Nidan
Kate Brown-Brown County
Samuel Utley-Indiana ISKF

Promoted to Sandan
Chiho Bare-Swartz Creek
Valerie McKay-Dayton
Andrew Wolff-Anderson

Promoted to Yondan
Roy Spencer-Swartz Creek

Promoted to Rokudan
James Oberschlake-Brown County

Man Behind The Camera
Have you ever wondered about the man who takes many of the pictures for Mid-America?
His name is Dan Bare, and he has been selected as our official Team Photographer. Dan has been involved in karate ever since he and his wife, Chiho, started taking classes in Swartz Creek (MI) in January of 1996.
Dan did not continue with karate, but photography did give him an opportunity to do things with Chiho whenever she traveled or competed.
I asked Dan a series of questions about his life, and these are his responses:

When did you first develop an interest in photography?
I was in Junior High School when I started to become interested in photography. I had a grown cousin from Chicago who had what we call a press camera. (the large camera with bellows and took sheet film). I set up my own
darkroom before I learned to drive.

What is one of the most interesting photographs you have ever taken?
Actually two pictures. The first was my daughter (age two) listening to music with my full sized Koss headphones. The camera had to have aperture, shutter speed, focus, all set manually perfect. The lighting was perfect catching the gleam of the devil in her eyes, knowing she had succeeded in doing something forbidden, touching, and listening to Dad’s expensive headphones and getting away with it (this picture was lost during my divorce).

Next, was the picture of Sensei Oberschlake in San Francisco, when he knocked his opponent down and was giving him a second blow and the opponent had not touched the floor yet.

The hardest and most important thing about photography is:
Location, you have to be in the right spot, sometimes you have to say “excuse me” and just step in and take the picture. You can tell the difference between pictures that were shot live compared to one that is reposed after the event.

Light, correct amount of light or a very good external flash system. My flash has a little computer in it that connects to the computer inside my camera. Together the two computers try to get the correct light setting. I have a second flash that was made to work from the first flash.

Lens, the lens collects the light and enlarges the image. I use 3 different lens, but wish I had at least 3 more.

Camera, I use a Nikon SLR (single lens reflex, I look through the lens), but would also recommend a Cannon SLR. Once you choose your first nice camera, you will stick with that brand because the lens are interchangeable.

What do you look for when taking a photograph?
The subject. I like to take candid photos that are not posed. The “Rule of Thirds” (any book for beginners will explain the “Rule of Thirds”).

Location, you have to be in the right spot at the right time.

What other interest or hobbies do you have beside photography?
My main interest is woodworking. I have a small, but almost complete woodworking shop: including a nice table saw, miter saw, router
table, downdraft sanding table, workbench, 10-20 drum thickness sander, 16” band saw, 13” planer, 6” jointer, installed dust collector, a lathe, a drill press and a good collection of hand tools.

Dan was also asked about his family background:
I was born to a 14 year old girl, at the Salvation Army Home for Unwed Mothers in Detroit and adopted by Rev. John I. and Vera Bare. I grew up as an only child; I lived most of my life in Saginaw, until I started teaching.
There was a teacher shortage in 1961 and I started full time teaching while only in my third year at Michigan State.
The first year I taught in a one room school; Kindergarten through sixth grade. I learned to multitask before computers.
My second year I moved to Bentley Community Schools near Flint (MI) and taught 6th grade Science and Reading there for 30 years. I took an early retirement package in 1994, and have been a part time instructor at Baker College of Flint, teaching computer classes and as an administrator of a computer testing program. All tests for 6 different classes were taken on a computer, (Excel, Word, Access, Power Point, Windows XP and WWW & Internet) .
My adoption records were opened in 1976 because of my Migraine headaches. I developed a very close relationship with my natural Father and his wife. I have two sisters and two brothers on my Father’s side. My natural mother was deceased, but I had two brothers on her side. I do not get to see them often enough.

How many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren do you have?
Chiho and I have one son, John I. Bare, who lives and works in Ann Arbor MI.
From my first marriage, I have 4 children. Daniel Bare Jr., is a mainframe computer programmer, and traveling around the world, Sergeant Douglas Bare, deceased at age 26, on his birthday in 1988. Deanna Foster, Housewife in Flint. MI, has 3 children, Michael, Jonathan, and Scotty. Debra Cochran, sings under the name “Cherry Red Band” in the Midland Michigan area. She has 3 children: Jessica, Devyn, and Taylor. Jessica gave us our first great-grandchild in December 2007. Chiho is now a great-grandmother!

Where did you meet Chiho?
She came to the USA to take one class (teaching English as a second language), for her Resume in Japan, and made friends with Beth, a girl from Chicago. Beth told her, if one class in the USA would be good for your Resume, why don’t you get your Masters Degree here, wouldn’t that be even better?
Chiho knew of U of M in Ann Arbor. Beth took her home, then she and her mother brought Chiho to Ann Arbor for the Summer Term. She then moved to Flint U of M for her Master’s Degree. She was at her roommate’s fathers house for his birthday dinner. I was invited and met Chiho on February 14th, 1982. Next year will be our 25th wedding anniversary. It’s hard to believe, but Chiho was very shy and quiet when I met her.

Is it hard keeping up with someone who has so much energy?
I like being busy. I have been busy all my life, even before Chiho. I have had snowmobiles, motorcycles, a 28 foot, live aboard sailboat for more then 10 summers, and of course, I enjoy photography.
Sometimes it is difficult to do things with Chiho because she is either at karate class or downstairs self-training or working out or practicing kata.
I have built my own computers since 1995. I have a Windows Vista, Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux computers running right now. I video tape our entire church service each week and post it to the internet so shut-ins and people out of town can watch the entire church service each week.
I keep busy woodworking. I like making things that are nice, useful, and can be handed down to future generations. I made a very nice jewelry box for a doctor here in Flint from Black Walnut, and a beautiful cradle for my great-grand daughter. It was made out of wood from a Cherry tree taken from the Friendly Meadows Golf Course, in Brown County, Ohio. I just finished a nice chair for Chiho’s birthday, made out of Black Walnut. I am getting ready to make a “Sam Maloof” style rocking chair out of Black Walnut.

What is the secret to your happy marriage?
My patience. My patience. My patience. My patience (Chiho said it was her patience, not his...).

JAPAN’S LIVING LEGEND DIES AT 80
Dateline: 11/07/08
The International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) is in mourning today following the passing of their President and Chairman, Hidetaka Nishiyama at the age of 80. Mr. Nishiyama was a world renowned karate master well known for his steadfast dedication to the preservation and protection of the Martial Art of Traditional Karate.

“Mr. Nishiyama passed away peacefully following his struggle with cancer”, a family spokesperson said.
Mr. Nishiyama dedicated his life to the Budo principles on which his beloved Martial Art of Traditional Karate is based. As a Charter Member of the Japan Karate Association and founding President of the Japan Karate Association International of America and the International Traditional Karate Federation, his influence on the modern day practice of Traditional Karate is unparalleled.
“He was truly one of a kind”, said Acting ITKF Chairman, Rick Jorgensen. “He has greatly influenced and impacted the lives of those who practice Traditional Karate.” “His vision was very broad. It included people of all ages and all styles of karate”, said Jorgensen. “Sensei Nishiyama strongly held the belief that the Martial Art of Traditional Karate was a path of self development. School children, adults and seniors can use the principles of Traditional Karate to achieve their highest potential through the human development of mind, body and spirit. In the last years of his life, he created a system of training these Budo principles for the use in all styles of karate. He believed that creation of a universal system for self development through Budo training was his greatest achievement. He left the ITKF with that treasure of knowledge.”

“It is now up to the ITKF to ensure Sensei Nishiyama’s life work carries on and that we are unwavering in our commitment to preserve for future generations the Budo principles of the Martial Art that he saw as the necessary underpinnings for those who practice Traditional Karate”.

Born in Tokyo, Japan, on October 10, 1928, Mr. Nishiyama had a long history of Martial Art training beginning at a very early age. He began training in Kendo under the instruction of his father, an accomplished Kendo master, at the age of 5. At the age of 10 he began his training in Judo and in 1943 he joined the Shotokan karate dojo where he achieved his first degree black belt in 1946 under Master Gichin Funakoshi.

Regardless of where Mr. Nishiyama traveled, he left his mark as a leader. He was named captain of the Takushoku University Karate Team and was cofounder of the All Japan Collegiate Karate Federation. He received a Master of Arts degree
in economics from Takushoku University and in 1951 he co-founded the Japan Karate Association and was elected to its Board of Directors.

In 1960 he published his first book: Karate: The Art of Empty-Hand Fighting. Today, his book still remains one of the foremost authoritative writings on the Martial Art of Traditional Karate.

In 1961, following his move to the United States, Mr. Nishiyama formed the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF). He later formed the JKA-US that set standards for the practice of the JKA style of karate. In 1973, he formed the International Amateur Karate Federation (which later became the International Traditional Karate Federation) and in 1976 submitted the first application to the International Olympic Committee for recognition of Traditional Karate on behalf of its athletes representing different styles of Traditional Karate.

In 1999, Mr. Nishiyama received an American flag which had flown over the Capitol Building in his honor on October 10 – the date of his birthday. The flag was in recognition of his unwavering effort on behalf of Traditional Karate and to acknowledge his significant contribution to the physical and psychological health of Americans.

In 2000, Mr. Nishiyama was honored by the Emperor of Japan who presented him with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette on the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

The Republic of Poland also honored Mr. Nishiyama in 2001 with the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which was presented in Warsaw by the nation’s President, Aleksander Kwa?niewski at the opening ceremony of the first Traditional Karate World Cup.

Mid-America Calendar
January 17-18, 2009
Winter Training /Camp
Ben Davis High School
Indianapolis, IN

February 14, 2009
Regional Training
Willis Intermediate School
Delaware, OH

March 14, 2009
Regional Training
Willis Intermediate School
Delaware, OH

April 18-19, 2009
Spring Camp
On the Campus of OSU
Columbus, OH

May 16, 2009
Regional Tournament
Willis Intermediate School
Delaware, OH

May 17, 2009
Regional Board of Director’s Meeting
Comfort Inn
Delaware, OH

June 12-19, 2009
ISKF Master Camp
Greenlane, PA

July 10-12, 2009
Michigan Summer Camp
YMCA Camp Copneconic
Fenton, MI

August 21, 2009
Regional Training
Brown County Dojo
Hamersville, OH

August 22, 2009
Golf Outing
Friendly Meadows Golf Course
Hamersville, OH

September 19-20, 2009
Fall Camp
On the Campus of OSU
Columbus, OH

October 2009
To Be Announced

November 14-15, 2009
ISKF/US National Championships
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Cherry Hill, NJ

December 12, 2009
Dan Exam and Clinic
Willis Intermediate School
Delaware, OH