November 2006 Newsletter

During a recent training session, I took a great deal of time to discuss and instruct the students on how and where POWER comes from and how it is developed. I would like to share with you some of what we discussed. There is a great difference between STRENGTH and POWER. Strength comes from the development of the body and its muscular and skeletal systems. Learning to use SPEED and FORM properly may correctly develop POWER. Both take time to begin to develop and both may become a life long part of one’s daily routine. As an individual ages, the development of strength generally changes from an emphasis on gaining physical size and increasing the ability to lift more and more weight to the ability to maintain and improve one’s physical abilities.

The development of true power in the Martial Arts is a process that may be enhanced for one’s entire life. It is an internal and external search for an external manifestation utilizing the Body, Mind and one’s Spirit. Every part of the body must become involved in the process. The mind must process the correct order of muscular tightening; using the appropriate technique or combination of techniques and the proper method of breathing as each technique is delivered at the appropriate target. At the first of four levels of development, we begin by making each part of each technique a step-by-step process. As we learn we begin to refine and remove the large jerky movements, shorten unnecessary moves, working to understand each technique. Stances and footwork must be firm or light. Posture and movement, which makes whatever technique performed strong, must be balanced. As we progress to the second level, we begin to make the technique more fluid and strong. This starts a few months after beginning karate, and involves breathing techniques, learning how and when to inhale and exhale. Breathing is very important and it is essential to understand the applications of hard ibuki breathing. At the third level, we begin to understand the foundation of the principles behind each punch, kick and block and we strive to make each better with each repetition. This starts after many months of learning and begins to develop focus of power called chinkuchi. This Okinawan word is made from chin - muscle, ku -bone, and chi - controlled energy. This skill teaches how to control (chi) soft (muscle, sinew), hard (bone) and develops into a system of body management. At the fourth level, we strive constantly to make each move become more natural and though there is a thought process, the actions become more and more a part of our nature, being completed with seeming less effort in a fluid manner. This takes years of dedicated practice, because it takes time to perfect our skills and techniques. We must be able to react without hesitation and perform each technique with smooth, fluid, power.

We begin by starting with the formation of the fist; each part of the fingers is curled in tightly so it supports the fingers and the major part of the hand. The thumb is placed tightly on the top of the curled index finger, making the wrist stronger than in a conventional fist. In Isshin-ryu Karate the punch is delivered from the hip to the solar plexus or from the hip to the point of the chin, where the first two knuckles impact the target before the rest of the hand. The wrist is straight an in line with the elbow. The elbow touches the ribs as the punch leaves the chamber position going to the target and also touches the ribs as it returns to the chamber position.

Our stances are balanced in nature and closer to the body than in many styles. Because of this the student learns to use the same stances for daily use as well as during other sporting activities. The feet are generally no more than shoulder width. The knees are always bent so the knees are over the toes, creating a stable balance stance. The weight of the body is generally placed just behind the ball of the foot aiding quick mobility. At the moment of attack or when a block and counter are needed, the weight settles as the heel is locked more into the floor.

As we think of Posture, the torso is always held erect. The head, neck, shoulders and hips are always in line, which enhances the student’s balance. The body moves in unison and the legs and hips lead movement and turns. Breathing is done primarily using the diaphragm, expanding and contracting the muscles of the abdomen. The combination of the proper breathing technique with the block or attack enhances the power of the technique. Also if one breathes correctly, the body may absorb an attack without causing injury at higher levels of development.

At a very basic level, I have just explained a primary understanding of the development of the Power that may become a part of the higher levels of learning in the martial arts. It is not unique to Isshin-ryu Karate but not all schools take the time to work to develop the abilities needed to understand and utilize these advanced skills. In America more is often better and the shortest route to wearing a black belt, and beyond, is often the wallet. Each student must understand that every part of the body and mind must work in unison without hesitation. The proper techniques must be used at the proper moment or they are wasted. The spirit must be one with the entire process and each student must perform without anger or negative emotion, which robs the intention to react properly. SO, there you have it . . . in a nutshell . . . the very brief explanation of the development of POWER, which may require a lifetime of practice.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER

 THINK ABOUT GIVING OR ASKING FOR THINGS TO HELP IMPROVE KARATE TRAINING: Some of the items are in stock - - some must be ordered so plan ahead.

MASTER DUESSEL’S ITEMS:

•  “Beyond Black Belt” - - a book of daily thoughts which is suitable for all ages - $18.00 – save $2.00
•  DVD of all hand and weapons kata - - $38.00 – save $2.00
•  Bo Training Poster - - $18.00 – save $2.00

OTHER ITEMS:

•  ISSHIN-RYU PATCH – - ON SALE FOR $7.00 – save $1.00
•  DOJO PATCH – - ON SALE FOR $4.00 - save $1.00
•  STUDENT GI’S – - SAVE $2.00
•  PROTECTIVE HANDS AND FEET - - $35.00 PER SET
•  GI BAGS - - $23.00 – save $2.00
•  IWKA CERTIFICATE FROM OKINAWA - $40.00

DOJO QUOTE OF THE MONTH

 “Every move matters because it’s part of the kata”. Andy Durante, Orange Belt

CONGRATULATIONS

The following people who promotions since our last newsletter.

•   Junior Yellow Belt – Ashley Franklin
•   Junior Orange Belt – Christopher Waldman, Katelyn Sissick, Dylan Campagna

EVERY CLASS EACH STUDENT IS CHECKED FOR PROGRESS AND PREPARATION FOR NEW MATERIAL AND PROMOTION. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PRACTICE & BE READY!

"Decisions are easy when values are clear." Unknown

The Choice...

You awaken and immediately decide, it's going to be a great day or you decide that it's not. You go to school or drive to work and something happens because of someone else’s carelessness and you can choose to immediately respond with understanding or with anger.

You get to your destination and your teacher or boss tells you about a change in operations that will happen next week. You can choose to be excited about the opportunity or fearful of the change.

Later in the day, at lunch you must sit with new guys from another place because your normal friends are not around. You can decide to make new friends and join them or be small and kindly decline.

Before you leave for the day, you receive an invitation to be a part of an upcoming happening in school or work. You can choose to give freely or your abilities or you decide to not get involved.

When you get home, the dog jumps on your lap again, who let the dog in anyway? You can choose to be patient and calmly let the dog outside or you can show your frustration and fatigue.

After dinner, your work is done because you used your time wisely when a child or younger sibling brings in his math homework on which he is not do too well and asks you for help - - - you are tired because you had a long day and your work is done. You can choose to encourage and recognize his efforts or tear him down by asking why he always waits until the last minute.

What kind of day would it have been if you chose the former in all cases? What type of day would it have been if you had decided on the latter in all situations? In these cases there are not any 'rights' or 'wrongs' just simple choices. The hidden secret of life however is that we are a product of the simple decisions we make each moment. Each day we make hundreds if not thousands of choices. We make a conscious choice for happiness, leadership, a smile, love, kindness or generosity. Or we just as easily opt for smallness, fear, anger, resentment, bitterness or hatred.

So, what type of day is it? The choice is up to you...

IT IS NOT TOO EARLY TO REGISTER FOR THE 2007 WORLD EVENT AND TO REGISTER FOR A ROOM IN PRINCETON.

AS WE ENTER THE WINTER SEASON - - LISTEN TO WRNJ 1510 ON THE AM RADIO DIAL FOR CLASS CANCELLATIONS - - IF THE WEATHER IS QUESTIONABLE.