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November 2005
Newsletter
LOCAL KARATE TOURNAMENTS: - Tell Shihon
Hughes if you are attending any of these.
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November 6th - West End Dojo - East
Stroudsburg HS South
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November 13th - Mt. Arlington FOP Lodge
#78 - Edith M. Decker School - Mt. Arlington
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November 20th - Wayne Boys & Girls Club
Promotions
Congratulations to the people who earned promotions since
our last newsletter
OUR DOJO WEB SITE HAS A GREAT DEAL OF INFORMATION -
CHECK IT WEEKLY. ALSO INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FOR THE
2007 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IS POSTED THERE
TIMING, NOT SPEED OR POWER, IS THE MOST DECISIVE WEAPON
IN KARATE POWER
From the codes of karate, “the Time to Strike is When the
Opportunity Presents Itself.” In true karate, not developmental sparring
drills or matches, one punch or one kick should end a threatening situation
- - IF that technique is delivered properly, with power. Power originates in
the refined abilities of the mind through proper practice, but it works
through the body. Energy is power, which is developed though proper training
and concentration. Daily practice is needed to promote these skills and
abilities and also furthers the growth of personal discipline. As we are in
the dojo or at home, our practice must be focused and not simple wasted
movements of our basics, kata or sparring drills. We must learn the skill of
“paying attention” in order to recognize that we are trying to develop the
proper form so power may be developed in time. Learning to see power by
“paying attention” is the first skill on which each student must focus. This
development of concentration (paying attention) is one of the most
underestimated skills that a student must develop. As this happens, the
student develops a new way to see and understand more than just the growth
of martial art’s skills.
As the abilities of discipline and concentration are
developed, the student progresses through the FOUR stages of development.
| 1. Learning the basic techniques (kihon). |
3. Developing an understanding Chinkuchi or power
control which is found in Sanchin kata. |
| 2. Learning breathing techniques (nogare and ibuki)
which are found in kata. |
4. Learning and understanding the application of
techniques (waza) which is found in all aspects and phases of karate. |
BASIC PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES
Without a good workable knowledge of basic techniques, our
training become moves without meaning, motion without spirit. The key to
success in all training is to make the elements of each session Realistic.
High kicks and fancy techniques are not going to save you in a real life
situation. Being able to utilize good solid basics at the right time is the
answer for self protection. In order develop meaningful defensive skills, we
must make our upper and lower body “basic” techniques second nature. In this
way we will be able to react properly without wasting time or energy.
Going contrary to what we are sometimes taught from
childhood, we must direct each attack as though it is a real situation. If
we do not attempt to make the drill as realistic as possible, we are not
helping our self or our partner. As we do partner drills, each student must
commit to perform each attack or defensive move with controlled speed,
applying good form and power. Each attack must be directed toward the proper
target area, not away from our partner’s body, and the attack must have the
ability to hit the target area. In performing the defensive response, this
partner must also block and counter completely so the drill is realistic.
NOW both partners are able to learn from this type of practice.
At times the partners are not at the same level of
capability. In these cases the higher rank must work at the level of the
partner. In these cases the techniques are performed a little slower and
with a higher level of control. The person with the higher ability is now
concentrating on perfecting stances, attack or defensive form, and improving
the timing of each part of the drill.
Hospital Window
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital
room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to
help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only
window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men
talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their
homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had
been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could
sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things
he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour
periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity
and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and
swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young
lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of
the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite
detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and
imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade
passing by.
Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see
it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with
descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their
baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died
peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants
to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he
could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch,
and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to
take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the
bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could
have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things
outside this window
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not
even see the wall.
She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy,
despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness
when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things
you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
November is generally a time of THANKSGIVING . . . BE
THANKFUL EVERY DAY
FOR WHAT YOU HAVE AND SHARE YOUR GIFTS WITH OTHERS. |
