August 2005 Newsletter

July 9, 2005 is a day for the memory banks of our minds. We had a tremendous turnout for our first summer camp. Training for our four new Sho-Dan started at 5:59 A.M. The rain that was heavy the day before had ended. After a cloudy start, the sun joined the sessions, except the two times we had to run into the garage for cover from the thunder, lightning and down pours. Forty-seven people joined the sessions in the woods, fields, logging trails, the Pequest River and our yard. Many parents and friends joined us for a good portion of the day and helped with traffic control, life guard support while taking pictures from under and over the bridge by the Pequest and during our cover dish dinner.

After the camp at our home a few people asked about what the different instructors and students should be called while in the dojo or at an event. Traditionally, the head of a school is the Sensei, or teacher. Each head of his or her own school prior to 5th degree black belt is that school’s Sensei. However, if at a rank 5th or 6th degree black belt he or she should be called Renshi (and his or her last name). At 7th or 8th degree black belt he or she should be called Kiyoshi. At 9th degree black belt he or she should be called Hanshi, like Master Duessel. These three terms relate to the degree of mastery of the style. Prior to earning the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt, each black belt should be called Mr. or Mrs. or Miss and his or her last name. The oldest student in the school or grouping of schools is called Sempai. With this in mind I should be referred to as Kiyoshi or Shihan, senior instructor.

New Products from Hanshi Duessel

Master Duessel has created a book that has taken many years to put together - “Beyond Black Belt - How to Improve Your Training” as well as a poster showing “bo basics.” These may be ordered through his website - www.hanshiduessel.com or you may order through Sensei or Mrs. Hughes. The book is written in short easy to read messages. Everyone will be able to understand the insights related. The Poster is professionally done and demonstrated the proper form with regard to the use of the bo. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL STUDENTS GET THE BOOK AND THE POSTER ONCE AT THE PURPLE BELT LEVEL OR ABOVE.

Pricing:

• POSTER - $26.00 INCLUDES SHIPPING
• BOOK - $26.00 INCLUDES SHIPPING
• DVD - $40.00 INCLUDES SHIPPING

Congratulations to:

• Second Degree Black Belt - Lori Healy, Steve O’Hara

• First Degree Black Belt - Melissa Moore, Keith O’Hara, Frank Henderson, Roberto Reyes

• Second Degree Brown Belt - Thomas Healy, Jason Reinbold

• Third Degree Brown Belt - Brandon Folkes

• Junior Purple Belt #2 - Brian Mulligan

• Junior Purple Belt #1 - Matt Fontana

• Junior Green Belt #2 - Chris Barry, Daniel Skuropaci, John Yosh

• Junior Green Belt #1 - Marcus Pullman, Andrew Yosh, Richard Couillard, Tiffany Dill, Justin Pidoto, Austin Pidoto, Matthew Clark, Hassan White

• Junior Orange Belt - Colton Seals, Meredith Crizer, Owen Crizer

• Junior Yellow Belt - Erin Seals

In the martial arts, we often think of the beginner's mind. As we are performing drills, kata, sparring techniques and repetitive exercises, we try to approach them as though it is the first time we have encountered them, keeping the training fresh. We try not to just do forms from memory but to make each exercise and kata as though we are actually seeing and reacting to a real attacker. In kata we try to make each series of moves flow together. We look before turning because one must see what is happening before reacting to the encounter. Success and progress are most often made in small increments. At times students become discouraged because often progress does not come quickly, nor do promotions which must be earned.

RETRACTION - THE IMPORTANCE OF PULLING THE HAND

When performing blocks or striking movements, one arm generally moves toward the target or it intercepts the attack, while the other arm is pulled back to the hip, generally called the chamber position. The striking and pulling actions must be done at the same time. As we practice, we must consistently work to use all parts of the body simultaneously. To work to improve our form, we must pull the lead hand back so the elbow stays as close to the body as possible. Doing this causes the arm to travel the shortest distance possible to the target and back to the chamber position. The elbow while in the chamber position should be straight back from the body, squeezing it slightly toward the center of the back to help balance the use of all the body’s muscles. If we look at a mirror during training, we should see the top two knuckles pointing at the mirror, the wrist should be straight, and the elbow should not be visible. This is also true while punching. As this is practiced, the student will gain speed and power in punches, blocks and strikes. Other benefits are that in time all techniques will become synchronized and the muscles of the body will be used more effectively and efficiently. Beyond the strength and speed gained, this practice will help to improve balance and the use of the legs and hips in our techniques. It will be more difficult for an opponent to trap or grab our arms because we are using both of our arms for each and every technique . . . not letting one out to become controlled by an attacker. Lastly, setting each stance, breathing correctly and using this retraction technique, the body is tightened in the proper sequences, our body will become more stabilized and we will be able to absorb an attack if we are hit or kicked.

KARATE OVERNIGHT

OUR KARATE OVERNIGHT IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 19TH AND SATURDAY, AUGUST 20TH. This camping and training experience are open to all students. Those students, younger than 8, are encouraged to bring an adult for the overnight portion of the event. PARENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND WITH THEIR CHILDREN OF ANY AGE . . .

You will need:

• a tent (if you wish)

• sleeping bag or blanket

• flashlight

• karate uniform

• old sneakers - mandatory for the river
  NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS IF YOU PLAN TO TRAIN WITH CLASSES.

• extra sleeping clothes

• extra socks - T-shirts - sneakers

• toothbrush, insect repellent, etc.

• gym bag to put items in when not being used

• LABEL ALL GI OR GYM BAGS & DISHES

Parents are welcome to come and watch any portion of the day. Lawn chairs are recommended for the family gathering at the end of the session. We will be setting up tents, etc. at 7 P.M. Organized classes and experiences will be conducted both Friday and Saturday.

We will provide Friday snacks, Saturday breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks and hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner. All cups, utensils, plates will be provided.

Saturday at 3:00 P.M. demonstration and promotion ceremonies will be followed by dinner. Please sign up with Sensei or Mrs. Hughes to bring a cover dish for the dinner. Please put a name tag on dishes you want returned so we may get them back to you quickly . . . or take them before you leave.

The permission slip and fees must be returned by AUGUST 17th so we may plan the meals etc. for the two days.