Upcoming Events. November 12, 2011 Pre-Test Training 1:00 4:00 PM James P. Gills YMCA 8411 Photonics Drive New Port Richey, FL (727)

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1 Yoshukai Karate International November 2011 Vol. 1, Issue 5 Upcoming Events November 12, 2011 Pre-Test Training 1:00 4:00 PM James P. Gills YMCA 8411 Photonics Drive New Port Richey, FL (727) For more information: mkmendelson@yoshukai.org In this issue: Upcoming Events Karate Ranking Systems... 7 i-defense Cross Training Strength Training for Kids October Promotions Fitness Guide for Kids Publisher s Corner Exercise of the Month January 14, 2012 Winter Testing 10:00 AM Staff Training 2:00 5:00 PM Bamboo Dojo Vero Beach, FL For more information: mike.mcclernan@yoshukai.org March 31, 2011 Suncoast Yoshukai Tournament 10:00 AM 4:00 PM James P. Gills YMCA 8411 Photonics Drive New Port Richey, FL (727) For more information: mkmendelson@yoshukai.org By Mike Mendelson Mr. Ricky Copeland and I made a trip overseas this past month to visit Mr. Alfons Pinders and his Martial Arts Academy i-defense karate school located in Essen Germany. The flight to Germany was uneventful. If you have ever taken a long road trip with your parents sitting in the backseat with two or three siblings shoulder to shoulder for hours on end, well you get the picture. After a night of no sleep we arrived in Dusseldorf around 8:00 AM and found Mr. Pinders there to greet us. We drove to his beautiful home in Essen about thirty minutes away and went right to sleep. Actually, I believe the correct term is crashed. Yes, we both crashed for the rest of the day. I do remember waking at some

2 Yoshukai Karate International Vol. 1, Issue 5 point to go for a walk in the forest and then to the village beyond where we partook of many local beverages and excellent food. And then we crashed again. On Saturday, we attended a cross training seminar hosted by Mr. Pinders. The event included instructors from two other styles, Mr. Carl Brocher (Jujitsu) and Mr. Hans-Joachim Matusek (Aikido) as well as Mr. Pinders, Mr. Copeland and myself. We taught several sessions to a multitude of students with a variety of backgrounds. Most had some form of martial arts training either from Mr. Pinders school or from one of the other schools. Some had no martial arts training at all yet they all had one thing in common, they were hungry for knowledge and they came to learn. Although it was a long day, everyone enjoyed the training and walked away with newfound knowledge. Overall, I was very impressed with Mr. Pinders students and his school. He offers a variety of programs including Yoshukai karate, MMA, kickboxing, yoga and several other programs designed to teach physical fitness and healthy living through exercise. That evening, the students hosted a Bar-B-Q in honor of Mr. Pinders 50 th birthday. All the food was prepared by the students or their parents and wow, was it great! I particularly loved the bratwurst and German potato salad and I believe Mr. Copeland was partial to the German chocolate cake. The highpoint of the evening was when the students presented Mr. Pinders with an airplane ride over the town as a birthday gift. They also presented Mr. Copeland and myself with a case of wine. We had a wonderful time with a really great group of people. The following day turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip when Mr. Pinders graciously shared his airplane ride with Mr. Copeland and I. We flew over the village and surrounding countryside and the view was spectacular! Our special thanks to Carlo Hunerfeld and his son for such a great day. We spent the remainder of our time in Germany, teaching a few classes and traveling around the area sightseeing before returning home. Both Mr. Copeland and I had a wonderful time and we would like to thank Mr. Pinders and the fantastic folks that make up his school for their hospitality and friendship. 2

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6 Yoshukai Karate International Vol. 1, Issue Membership Dues due by January 31 st, 2012 Titusville Cross Training TYKI Dojo, Titusville February 4 th, 2012 Alabama Spring Test/Training Sylacauga Karate School March 10th, 2012 OCTOBER PROMOTIONS 3 rd Kyu Ryan Jairam 6 th Kyu Aryan Shah Kevin Jairam 8 th Kyu Taylor Jade Stanton Respecting the Old, Creating the New by Chris Denwood is a collection of articles and short philosophical essays on the application of traditional karate for self-protection. Mr. Denwood examines some of the key fundamentals in traditional karate and provides an example of how they might be applied in a realistic self-defense situation. His explanations are well thought out and the book will appeal to novice as well as experienced practitioners. The book is available on Amazon.com or, you can contact Mr. Lee Norris (norris264@bellsouth.net) who has several brand new copies available for purchase. 6

7 Yoshukai Karate International Vol. 1, Issue 5 Definitions used in Karate Ranking Systems By Lee Farrell Formal Karate Titles Sensei: "Teacher or One who has gone before." This title is by far the most often used title in karate and generally refers to someone of Yondan level (4th dan) or higher. Most will state that this is the most honorable title that a student can use when referring to the senior as their teacher. The title Sensei implies a close relationship between the student and teacher. Shihan: In many karate systems Shihan is a "Master or Expert Teacher. In Yoshukai Karate International, Shihan is the first of four teaching titles. It is awarded to someone who has developed an understanding of the principles of Yoshukai Karate. The title Shihan does not mean that this person has stopped learning because they know all of the answers. On the contrary, they are considered to be the most serious and dedicated students in any style of martial arts. The title Shihan is generally considered to be an organizational title alone and has little meaning and may not be recognized outside of the holder s style or organization. In most arts the Shihan level is reserved for the student who has reached Godan (5th dan) however; in our system it may be awarded at Yondan (4 th dan) for those who are considered instructor grade and embarking on a teaching program. Renshi: "Senior Teacher." This is the second of the four teacher titles in Yoshukai Karate. It has only been granted to those who have been active in the organization and teaching for many years. For most arts it is an advanced Shihan title and in some, reserved for Rokudan (6 th dan). Although this title is independent of rank, it is seldom given to anyone below the rank of Godan. It is not unusual for a Renshi to have over 20 years of training before this title is conferred upon them. Tasshi or Tesshi: "Apprentice Master Teacher." This title was originally the title used instead of Kyoshi. It is now sometimes used between the levels of Renshi and Kyoshi by the Dai-Nippon-Butoku-Kai. Kyoshi: "Master Teacher. The third of the four teacher titles in Yoshukai Karate, Kyoshi is considered an advanced Shihan title. Although this title is independent of the ranking system, it is seldom given to anyone below Rokudan (6th dan) and in most cases Shichidan (7 th dan). It is not unusual for a Kyoshi to have over 30 years of training before this title is received. 7

8 Yoshukai Karate International Vol. 1, Issue 5 8 Hanshi: "Senior Master Teacher," a model person or warrior. This is the forth and highest teaching title awarded in Yoshukai Karate. The title is usually given to the oldest and most senior black belt (or head) of an individual karate organization after having studied the art of karate for most of their lifetime. This rank signifies their true understanding of the art. It is not uncommon for a Hanshi to have over years of training before receiving this title. Although independent of the ranking system, the title of Hanshi is seldom awarded to anyone below the rank of Hachidan (8th dan). Kaicho: This title generally refers to a Regional Head or Director of a style. It may also refer to a Branch/Regional or Head Representative of an organization or association. Taiso: The term used to designate a great master of the martial arts. Shoshu: The title used to designate a Master of a particular art. Soshi: Title used to designate the Head Master of an organization and in a martial arts context, is considered comparable to the term Soke (see below). The position of Soshi may also be used in conjunction with the term Soke if the titleholder is also the head master of the system. Keep in mind that the term Soke applies to a familial position within the organization so it may not be the highest technical position in the art. Conversely, the term Soshi would imply that the person holds the highest technical position in the art and in most cases is the head of the art itself. Kaiso: The founder of a particular style or organization/association. A Senior Advisor of the founder may also hold this title. Soke: Founder of a system or style. This title may also be used by the successor of the founder of a style or system. This person will be a Judan (10th dan) in most cases. Shihan-dai: In Yoshukai Karate this title refers to the person who has been designated as assistant to the teacher. Shihan-dai is sometimes issued prior to the recipient receiving the full Shihan title and therefore would be considered a lesser or lower title than the Shihan itself. O-Sensei or Dai Sensei: This title means Greatest or Highest Respected Teacher. This title is honorific and used only by the students when referring to the founder or head instructor of the art. It is considered bad form for teachers to refer to themselves as such, verbally or in written form. Seito Deshi or Deshi: A student, pupil or disciple of a martial art. Uchi Deshi: A student who lives and trains with the Master of a martial art.

9 Yoshukai Karate International Vol. 1, Issue 5 Terms for Kyu and Dan Ranking System There are various types of Mudansha, Yudansha and Kodansha belts or obi that are worn in karate systems as the method of identifying the various ranks and levels of students, instructors and teachers. The method of rank recognition is almost as vast and complicated as the styles themselves. Many styles use stripes to designate the level of rank in the kyu ranking system. It is very common to see English and Japanese Kanji (as well as other languages) on belts worn by the Yudansha grades. The writing on these belts includes information such as the rank holders name, organization, rank, style, school, country and/or state. The colors of the letters on the obi may vary and be on one end of the obi or both ends of the obi. The writing (in most cases) will be aligned so as to be readable when the belt is being worn. In our association we do not wear the stripes on the obi (belts) however; there are various levels within each color of obi. Mudansha: (Kyu Grade) Term used to describe those students below the grade of black belt. White belt: Jukyu (10 th kyu, beginner), Yellow belt: Kukyu (9 th kyu), Hachikyu (8 th kyu), Shichikyu (7 th kyu), Green belt: Rokukyu (6 th kyu), Gokyu (5 th kyu), Yonkyu (4 th kyu), Brown belt: Sankyu (3 rd kyu), Nikyu (2 nd kyu), Ikkyu (1 st kyu). Yudansha: (Dan Grade) Term used to describe those students who have acquired the rank of Black Belt. Shodan (1st dan, at this level the student is considered to be seriously dedicated), Nidan (2nd dan), Sandan (3rd dan), Yondan (4th dan, possible instructor grade, the title of Shihan may be awarded at this grade), Godan (5th dan), and Rokudan (6th dan, this rank and above may be designated by the wearing of a Red & White obi). Kodansha: (Senior Dan Grade) Term used to describe those students who have advanced to the Senior Black Belt ranks. Shichidan (7 th dan), Hachidan (8 th dan), Kudan (9 th dan) are designated by wearing the Red & White obi, and holding the higher teacher license of Renshi, Kyoshi or Hanshi. At this time the Hachi-dan, Kudan, and Judan (10 th dan) are not assigned in our organization. 9

10 Yoshukai Karate International Vol. 1, Issue 5 Strength training: OK for kids? Strength training offers kids many benefits, but there are important caveats to keep in mind. Here's what you need to know about youth strength training. By Mayo Clinic staff Strength training for kids? You bet! Done properly, strength training offers many bonuses to young athletes. Strength training is even a good idea for kids who simply want to look and feel better. In fact, strength training can put your child on a lifetime path to better health and fitness. Strength training, not weightlifting For kids, light resistance and controlled movements are best with a special emphasis on proper technique and safety. Your child can do many strength training exercises with his or her own body weight or inexpensive resistance tubing. Free weights and machine weights are other options. Don't confuse strength training with weightlifting, bodybuilding or powerlifting. These activities are largely driven by competition, with participants vying to lift heavier weights or build bigger muscles than those of other athletes. This can put too much strain on young muscles, tendons and areas of cartilage that haven't yet turned to bone (growth plates) especially when proper technique is sacrificed in favor of lifting larger amounts of weight. For kids, what are the benefits of strength training? Done properly, strength training can: Increase your child's muscle strength and endurance Help protect your child's muscles and joints from injury Improve your child's performance in nearly any sport, from dancing and figure skating to football and soccer And strength training isn't only for athletes. Even if your child isn't interested in sports, strength training can: Strengthen your child's bones Help promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels Boost your child's metabolism Help your child maintain a healthy weight Improve your child's self-esteem When can a child begin strength training? During childhood, kids improve their body awareness, control and balance through active play. As early as age 8, however, strength training can become a valuable part of an overall fitness plan as long as the child is mature enough to follow directions and practice proper technique and form. If your child expresses an interest in strength training, remind him or her that strength training is meant to increase muscle strength and endurance. Bulking up is something else entirely and most safely done after puberty. You might also check with your child's doctor for the OK to begin a strength training program, especially if your child has a 10

11 Yoshukai Karate International Vol. 1, Issue 5 known or suspected health problem such as a heart condition, high blood pressure or a seizure disorder. What's the best way to start a strength training program for kids? A child's strength training program isn't necessarily a scaled-down version of what an adult would do. Keep these general principles in mind: Seek instruction. Start with a coach or personal trainer who has experience with youth strength training. The coach or trainer can create a safe, effective strength training program based on your child's age, size, skills and sports interests. Or enroll your child in a strength training class designed for kids. Warm up and cool down. Encourage your child to begin each strength training session with five to 10 minutes of light aerobic activity, such as walking, jogging in place or jumping rope. This warms the muscles and helps reduce the risk of injury. Gentle stretching after each session is a good idea, too. child can gradually increase the resistance or number of repetitions, as he or she gets older. Supervise. Adult supervision is an important part of youth strength training. Don't let your child go it alone. Rest between workouts. Make sure your child rests at least one full day between exercising each specific muscle group. Two or three strength training sessions a week are plenty. Keep it fun. Help your child vary the routine to prevent boredom. Results won't come overnight. But eventually, your child will notice a difference in muscle strength and endurance which may fuel a fitness habit that lasts a lifetime. Original Article: h-training/hq01010 Accessed Oct 31, Keep it light. Kids can safely lift adultsize weights, as long as the weight is light enough. In most cases, one set of 12 to 15 repetitions is all it takes. The resistance doesn't have to come from weights, either. Resistance tubing and body-weight exercises, such as push-ups, can be just as effective. Stress proper technique. Rather than focusing on the amount of weight your child lifts, stress proper form and technique during each exercise. Your 11

12 Yoshukai Karate International Vol. 1, Issue 5 12 The following article was written as a guideline for children but the principles apply to everyone especially mature adults trying to kick-start an exercise program. Warm Up To prevent injury, it is important for your child to warm up before exercising. This should include about five minutes of light activity, such as walking, calisthenics (jumping jacks, bending, knee lifts), and stretching. Exercise After warming up, your child should perform fifteen to forty minutes of a regular exercise each day. This can include fast walking, jogging, biking, roller blading, running, swimming, jumping rope or group activities, such as martial arts, playing soccer, hockey, volleyball, baseball, basketball, or football. Cool Down To prevent injury, it is also important for your child to cool down after exercising. Like the warm up, this should include about five minutes of light activity, such as walking, calisthenics (jumping jacks, bending, knee lifts), and stretching. Strength Training If supervised by a well-trained and certified instructor, strength training can be an important part of your child's fitness routine. Strength training or weight training exercises can lead to an increase in muscle mass. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, by increasing your child's muscle mass, it can make it easier for him to lose weight and/or maintain a healthy weight. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) position is that "children and adolescents should avoid the practice of weight lifting, power lifting, and body building, as well as the repetitive use of maximal amounts of weight in strength training programs, until they have reached Tanner stage 5 level of developmental maturity." This usually occurs at around age 15. Younger children, if well supervised, can perform less strenuous strength training exercises, especially if they do not lift heavy or maximal weights. Strength training exercises can be done after the cooling down period or on alternate days from their regular exercises and they can include: sit-ups crunches leg lifts pushups pull-ups lunges knee bends arm curls with free weights other exercises that involve lifting free weights or weight machines Be patient. It can take time to get your child involved in a regular fitness routine. Get the whole family involved. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise should be a regular part of your family's life. It is much easier if everyone in the house follows these guidelines, than if your child has to do it alone. Prevent dehydration by having your child drink one to two eight ounce glasses of water before exercising and give them free access to water during their exercise routine. This article can be found on the web at: cise.html

13 Yoshukai Karate International Vol. 1, Issue 5 Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. ~Charles Dickens Ball Rollouts Ball Rollout (hamstrings, glutes, calves and core muscles) Lie on your back placing the backs of your lower legs and heels on the top of a stability ball (feet lined up with your hips). Contract your abdominal/core muscles to flatten your low back into the floor. Extend your arms out to your sides with palms turned to the floor to help stabilize your body during the exercise. Keeping the abdominals engaged, lift your hips up off the floor. Press the backs of your lower legs and heels into the ball for additional stability. Continue to press upwards until your body is in a straight line from your heels to your shoulder blades keeping your abdominals engaged. Slowly bend your knees and pull the ball toward your hips until you can rest the soles of the your feet on top of the ball. Keep the torso stable. Slowly press the ball away from your hips until the knees are straight, stabilizing with the core, hamstrings, glutes and arms. Repeat for a prescribed number of repetitions and slowly lower yourself back towards your starting position. YOSHUKAI KARATE INTERNATIONAL DOJO DIRECTORY UNITED STATES The Bamboo Dojo bamboodojo.com FIAMA Martial Arts Academy Port Orange YMCA Mmyer4006@aol.ocm Suncoast Yoshukai mkmendelson@yoshukai.org Sylacauga Karate School, AL Eddie.Machen@gmail.com Titusville Yoshukai Karate International West Palm Beach Dojo johnrobertalford@gmail.com Yoshukai of Tampa Bay GERMANY Yoshukai Essen AUSTRALIA Sydney City Dojo frazer3@iprimus.com.au Melbourne Dojo hamish.rathgen@yahoo.com NEW ZEALAND University of Canterbury Dojo darelhall@xtra.co.nz Tokomaru Dojo, Palmerston North dave.leathwick@agresearch.co.nz Wellington Dojo cberry2020@gmail.com MALAYSIA Koru Sports Academy 13