TIKK NEWS. Inside. Winter Shiai Tournament fun wraps up 2013 for TIKK students. Winter 2014

Transcription

1 Winter 2014 TIKK NEWS We will try to be lean and accept nothing in between in 2014 Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai Perfecting Character Since 1991 Winter Shiai Tournament fun wraps up 2013 for TIKK students By LAURA MURRAY Ni Dan T he spirit of Isshinryu was alive and well at the Winter Shiai Dec. 14 as Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai kyu rank students competed in a tournament showing their ability in kata and in kumite. For many, it was the first tournament they had ever competed in. The shiai, held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Lewisville, marked the final big event of the year for TIKK students. The day also saw several students earning promotions. Moving to ni kyu, which is the second level in brown belt, were Grace Murray and Fabricio Velez. Earning their way into the brown belt ranks with a promotion to san kyu were Alexander White belt Dasha Kovalov of the Coppell dojo shows her excitement at the tournament. Inside Kyoshi s Corner Dojo move Gasshuku Know Your Black Belts...15 Senseis Corner (See WINTER SHIAI, page 11)

2 Page 2 TIKK NEWS WINTER 2014 KYOSHI S corner Calendar Let positive prevail xpect nothing. Be ready for E anything. Try not to let negative things ruin your positive attitude. We should look at problems to your mind as exercise for your brain. Do not let others take away your peace of mind. Be the best you you can be! Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen Feb. 18 Sensei Murray s Birthday Feb. 23 Mr. Shah s Birthday March 5 Mr. Hendrix s Birthday March 16 Mr. Soto s Birthday March 22 Mrs. Dickey s Birthday March 29 Junior Gasshuku, Denia Rec Center April th annual Gasshuku, Copper Canyon April 6 Spring Shiai, Copper Canyon April 15 Mrs. Murray s Birthday April 22 Mr. Espinosa s Birthday April 23 Kyoshi & Renshi s 20th anniversary April 25 Mr. J. Kroll s Birthday May 1 Mr. Pergantis Birthday May 4 Renshi Harris Birthday May 11 Renshi Thomas Birthday May 18 Mrs. Wiederkehr s Birthday May 19 Mr. Melendez s Birthday May 24 Sensei Rupp s Birthday June 15 Sensei Gue s Birthday June 30 Mr. Murray s Birthday July 16 Mr. A. Wallander s Birthday July 22 Kyoshi Kristensen s Birthday July IHOF Tournament, Gatlinburg, Tenn. Aug. 8 Mr. S. Kroll s Birthday Aug. 24 Summer Shiai, Location TBA April 15.. Addyson Zimmerman, Granbury May 1...Noah Holmberg, Denia May 1... Elijah Holmberg, Denia May 1... Aiden Lambrecht, Denia June Ibrahim Ghafoor, Granbury June Amelia Ghafoor, Granbury June Emaan Ghafoor, Granbury June Clara Holson, Granbury July 2... Bob Nied, Lewisville Sr. Center July 9... John Shih, Denia July 9... Carrie Shih, Denia July Derek Cagle, Aubrey Aug Andrew Long, Coppell Aug Ellen Kisselburg, Grapevine Aug Krista Kisselburg, Grapevine Sept Natalie Manson, Granbury NEW STUDENTS Sept Walker Andrews, Granbury Sept Preston Andrews, Granbury Sept Ryan Pomeroy, Granbury Sept Aiden White, Grapevine Oct Owen O Steen, Grapevine Oct Croix DaCunha, Grapevine Oct Mattix DaCunha, Grapevine Oct Harvey Ree, Grapevine Oct Loki Poirot, Denia Oct Oren Long, Denia Oct Ian Lee, Grapevine Oct Sebastian Brown, Grapevine Nov. 1...Aiden Huynh, Plano Nov Rihard Knight, Grapevine Nov Alison Cagle, Aubrey Nov. 5...Elizabeth Gustwick, Denia Nov Ben Collins, Denton Jan Joshua Stannell, Granbury Jan Cindy Stampf, Robson Ranch Jan Tom Lopez, Robson Ranch Jan Diane Johnson, Robson Ranch Jan David Higgins, Robson Ranch Jan. 7 Geils Adoul HegranesRobson Ranch Jan Aurora Forsting, Robson Ranch Jan Steve Williams, Robson Ranch Jan Robert Williams, Robson Ranch Jan Ben Dickerson, Robson Ranch Jan. 7. Florence Dickerson, Robson Ranch Jan Christopher Haney, Granbury Jan Kaitlyn Tomsha-Solares, Denton Jan Steven Shen, Denia Jan Emma Long, Denia TIKK NEWS is published periodically by karateka of Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai, established in 1991, and is distributed to students at all the school s dojos and to others interested in TIKK activities. Publisher Kyoshi Shihan Robert Kristensen Editor Ni Dan Laura Murray Grapevine Dojo (Main) 900 W. Wall St. Grapevine, TX (817) TIKK NEWS Visit us on the web: Aubrey All About Fitness (940) Coppell Velocity Sports Performance (214) Denton Brickhouse Gym & Denia Rec. Center (940) Robson Ranch (940) Granbury YMCA (214) Lewisville Lewisville Senior Center (469) Plano University of Gymnastics (214) Affliliated school located in Nevada

3 WINTER 2014 TIKK NEWS Page 3 YOUTH CORNER current chairperson of the dojo and one of Kason's instructors is the grandson of Yamaguchi Gogen, the founder of that kai. One day he got to meet Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi, president of Japan Goju-Ryu Kai and currently highest shihan and a Clara Holson ranbury white belt Clara G Holson competed in the West Texas Fair and Rodeo in Abilene in September through the International Texas Long Horn Association. She won grand champion in the junior open halter division with her longhorn, Boom-me- Baby and won reserve grand c ha mp io n with her l o n g h o r n Halo in the open halter junior division on the same day. Brown belt Kason C h e s k y, who trains Kason Chesky i n t h e Denton and A u b r e y dojos, spread his wings last summer and joined a Goju-Ryu karate school while visiting Tokyo. Goju-Ryu is one of the styles Isshinryu derives some of its forms from. While Kason had difficulty understanding all Japanese instructions, he tried to learn something new every day. The dojo where he trained is the main dojo of the All Japanese Karate-do Goju-Ryu Kai. The Kason Chesky & Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi son of Gogen Yamaguchi, at the dojo. Purple belt Lauren Schneider, who trains in Plano and attends Allen High School, earned a second division for both ensemble and solo on the flute at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest held in Austin last May. Yellow belt Caleb Ison, who trains in Plano, completed the Arrow of Light Ceremony for scouting and is now a Boy Scout in Troop 285 in Plano. Sho Dan Johannes Kroll earned the Veterans of Foreign Wars Citation and Medal Award as part of the Jr. ROTC program at Berkner High School. The award gives special recognition of outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership and only one award is given per battalion. Mr. Johannes Kroll In addition, Mr. Kroll received the Senior Army Instructor's Leadership Award before graduating from Berkner High School in Richardson last June. Mr. Kroll now attends Texas A&M University in College Station where he is a physics major and a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets. (See related story, page 4.) Sho Dan Shane Murray g r a d u a t e d from Coppell High School in June and now is a m o v e m e n t science major at Texas C h r i s t i a n University in Ft. Worth. He earned a spot on TCU's cross country and track teams. Mr. Shane Murray He also began assisting Sensei Jeannie Rupp in teaching some classes at the Granbury dojo last fall with it being located not too far from TCU.

4 Page 4 TIKK NEWS WINTEr 2014 From kai to corps: Kroll learns life of discipline By LAURA MURRAY Ni Dan iving one's 200 percent, attention to detail and disci- G pline are just a few of the lessons Sho Dan Johannes Kroll learned from his 12 years of training at Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai. The 18-year-old went for more of the same as he entered college at Texas A&M University in College Station as a physics major last fall. He joined the Fightin' Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets. Rather than a white belt, Mr. Kroll became what the Corps refers to as a "fish." "My duty as a fish is to learn to be a follower, and learn how to live to the higher standard set for me by the Corps," he said. His days, which begin at 5 a.m., are filled with Corps responsibilities from physical training and formation drills before breakfast with the Corps to wearing his uniform to class and when he is Wedding Bells Sensei Kyle Murray and Ni Kyu Grace Kennedy tied the knot Nov. 30 in Coppell after dating for 6 1/2 years. Sho Dan Johannes Kroll, left, enjoys a Gig em moment with his dad, Sho Dan Steve Kroll. on campus to more formation drills in the evening and dinner with the Corps to mandatory study hours and attendance at all home football games. Now that he is half way through his freshman year, he said he has already learned life lessons from the experience. "I ve learned how to be better organized, dependable for my buddies, dedication to tasks assigned to me by either an upperclassman or an errand/favor for my classmate. "I ve learned that hard work makes you stand out above those that slack and to put myself in a position to succeed in all things that I do," he said. "I have also learned how to fail and build myself back up and learn from the failure." He found that all those sayings on the dojo wall are indeed true. "Everyone starts at the bottom, you need to work hard to move up and nothing will be given or handed out to you," he said. Mr. Kroll said he hopes to continue his karate training as much as possible with attendance at black belt workouts and shiais as he is allowed. Any time he leaves College Station he must get written commander approval.

5 WINTER 2014 TIKK NEWS Page brings challenges, new home for TIKK That was then...and this is now A Feb. 1, 2013 flood at the main TIKK dojo in Coppell sparked a move to Grapevine in late June. The TIKK headquarters is now located on a busier road in the heart of Grapevine at 900 W. Wall St. A torii, built by Ik Kyu Albert Solares, and a small garden area was added to the front of the building. Black belts work weapons at the new Grapevine dojo for the first time at a black belt workout in July. For more photos on the historic move, see pages 6 and 7.

6 Page 6 TIKK NEWS WINTER 2014 Final days in Coppell dojo Ni Dan Margaret Myers, above, packs up as Ni Dans Glenn Gibbs, Andrew Black and Mike Harper, top right, take down the punching bag holder. Kyoshi Shihan, right, ends the final morning class in the Coppell dojo where 27 of TIKK s current 35 black belts tested for black belt. Below, Mrs. Myers and Sho Dan Allan Wallander throw a few last kicks before heading out the door, lower right, for the last time. The rest is up to you.

7 WINTER 2014 TIKK NEWS Page 7 First days in Grapevine dojo TIKK students of all rank, above, get ready to unload another load during the move in June while Sho Dan Joey Marcella and brown belt Fabricio Velez, right photo, work to hang mirrors and brown belt David Van Winkle puts up trophies. Mr. Marcella, above left, puts up mirrors on the dojo floor while Sho Dan Steve Pergantis, above, hangs the dojo sayings. Left, Kyoshi Shihan leads the black belts during the first black belt workout in TIKK s new main dojo in Grapevine, 900 W. Wall St. A flood in the dojo s previous location in Coppell sparked the move to a more visible location and TIKK now owns the building rather than leasing space.

8 PAGE 8 TIKK NEWS WINTER 2014 High rank promotions highlight 16th Gasshuku By LAURA MURRAY Ni Dan he 2013 Gasshuku theme "Make It Happen" rang T true for at least six of Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai's black belts. Promotions during the last workout of the Gasshuku held April at Camp Summit in Copper Canyon resulted in the addition of three "Renshis," a yon dan, a "Sensei," and a brand new black belt. Making it happen by staying the path to earn promotions to go dan, or fifth degree, and the honor of being called "Renshi" were senseis Susan Harris, Tommy Thomas and Tony Palos. Sensei Jeannie Rupp made yon dan, or fourth degree, while Mr. Kyle Murray moved to san dan and earned the title of "Sensei." Ik kyu Robert Casale was named a sho dan at the Spring Shiai held later in the day on April 14 before all of TIKK and spectators. Mr. Casale endured a full week of intensive testing and became the last black belt to test at the old Coppell dojo. Other promotions included five students making ik kyu, the last brown belt rank before black belt. They were: L.B. Herbert, Maggie Butterfield, Adam Wallander, Aisha Espinosa and David Van Winkle. Earning ni kyu, the second level in brown belt, were Deanna Rupp, Grant Dennis and Steve Sumners. Entering the brown belt ranks at san kyu were Grace Kennedy, Fabricio Velez, Mann-Ning Li and Charlotte Warrick. Jared Brown earned his purple belt while Julian Chavez was awarded his blue belt. New green belts were Adam Ahsanullah, Luke Del Rio, Ezra Holloway, Nick Mager, Bryan "BJ" McSpadden, Luke Miller, Andrew Nunez, Brynn Pergantis and Kyra Tziovannis. Moving to yellow belt were Haley Armstrong, Kaleigh Crabtree, Liam Gibson, Andi Hawkins, Ethan Huynh, Ryan Huynh, Carter Mager, Mark Pfeiffer, Lillian Rubio, Megan Rubio, Jordan Rust, Abhishek Shah, Siddartha Shah, Ira Simpao, Gaby Simpao, Jennifer Stokes, Rachel Tanel, Russell Tarver, Brody Tritt and Joseph Tziovannis. For the second year, L.B. Herbert and Mr. Casale were named "Outstanding Karateka" of the Gasshuku. Sho Dan! Above, Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen awards Robert Casale his black belt at the shiai while, right, Sensei Jeannie Rupp breaks four boards marking her promotion to yon dan, or fourth degree black belt. Junior white belts listen for their names to be called during the

9 WINTER 2014 TIKK NEWS Page 9 Gasshuku 2013: Make It Happen Spring Shiai. New Renshis Harris, Thomas and Palos enjoy the day. Sensei Kyle Murray

10 Page 10 TIKK NEWS WINTER 2014 Sensei Murray leads Coppell dojo after headquarters move By LAURA MURRAY Ni Dan oppell was home to the headquarters of Texas Isshinryu C Karate Kai for 22 years. While the TIKK headquarters has moved to Grapevine because of an opportunity to buy its own building, TIKK's presence in Coppell has continued. Third degree black belt Kyle Murray, who grew up in Coppell and has trained at TIKK in Coppell since 1997, heads the Coppell dojo at its new location in Old Town Coppell at Velocity Sports Performance, 801 Hammond St.. Murray, now 24, was seven years old when he started training at TIKK under Renshi Shihan Maria Kristensen. He became the first teenager to earn the rank of sho dan, or first degree black belt, in TIKK history on April 15, He then became the youngest person in TIKK history to earn the rank of san dan, or third degree black belt, and receive the title of "Sensei" from Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen on April 14, Murray founded the Baylor Isshinryu Karate Club while he was a student at Baylor University and graduated in December He then moved back to Coppell and works as a medical economics analyst for WebTPA in Irving. Sensei Murray's new wife Grace (Kennedy) Murray, who is a brown belt and also grew up in Coppell, assists him with classes. Other additions to the TIKK schedule since the main dojo moved include TIKK sport classes being taught at the main Grapevine dojo and self defense classes being taught at the Lewisville Senior Center (see story below) and Robson Ranch in Denton. Sho Dan Jim Wallander is teaching TIKK Sport classes aimed at youth ages 8-13 who want to learn about karate and how it can help them excel in their chosen sport and become serious candidates for college scholarships. TIKK Sport classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sho Dans Joey Marcella and Kelli Kleppinger started teaching self defense classes to residents of the Robson Ranch community in Denton in January. So far, they have 10 students ranging in age from 50 to 76. Sensei Gellman starts classes at Lewisville Senior Center By LAURA MURRAY Ni Dan ensei Steve Gellman, who has trained at Texas S Isshinryu Karate Kai for more than 20 years, began offering classes to seniors through the Lewisville Senior Center last June with assistance from Renshi Tommy Thomas. Sensei Gellman, a physician at the Coppell Family Medical Center in Coppell, knows firsthand the importance of seniors keeping active and being aware of their surroundings. Sensei Gellman began his training in a junior class with his children then 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 years old in As a brown belt, he earned second place at the 2001 Isshinryu World Karate Association Tournament in Indianapolis. He was awarded his sho dan on March 23, 2003, his ni dan on April 15, 2007 and his san dan on Aug. 27, He earned the title of "Sensei" on Aug. 24, He continues his training at the Grapevine dojo. Self Defense classes are offered at noon on Tuesdays at the Lewisville Senior Center at 1950 Sensei Steve Gellman, left, with help from Renshi Tommy Thomas, front right, leads self defense classes at the Lewisville Senior Center. South Valley Parkway, located at the corner of Valley and Corporate. For more information, contact Sensei Gellman at (469) or Tori Brown at the Lewisville Senior Center at (972)

11 WINTER 2014 TIKK NEWS Page 11 Winter Shiai... (From Page 1) Guardado, Kason Chesky and Mark Schneider. Moving to purple belt were Brynn Pergantis, Robert Duteil Jr., Ethan Jones and David Wiest while earning blue belt was Brett Roth. New green belts were Siddahartha Shah, Mark Pfeiffer, Andrew Pfeiffer, Kaylee Langer, Miranda Reiner, Gaby Simpao and Ira Simpao. Earning yellow belts were Tessa Jones, Abby Cook, Amber Foote, Yusha Kovalov and Dasha Kovalov. Above, Renshi Tommy Thomas congratulates white belt Yusha Kovalov on a job well done while in left photo, white belts Aiden Hyunh and Addyson Zimmerman enjoy their winnings at the tournament held during the Winter Shiai. Brown belts, from left, Andrew Freeman, David Van Winkle, Albert Solares and Fabricio Velez enjoy the day at the shiai. Green belt Kelly Belcher shows her trophies she won.

12 PAGE 12 TIKK NEWS WINTER 2014 Summer Shiai Roll of dice determines task, repetitions & sweat By LAURA MURRAY Ni Dan t was a sweaty day at the Summer Shiai Aug. 24 as a simple I roll of the dice determined what task and how many repetitions kyu ranks would do as part of their training and final testing. But it wasn't luck that brought on promotions at the shiai held at the Denton VFW Post. Students had to earn it. At Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai, students are graded in five areas for making rank: Attendance Attitude and Spirit Ability in Kata Ability in Kumite Dedication to Isshinryu, the Dojo and the Sensei. One of the highlights of the day was when Mr. Steve Gellman was given the title of "Sensei." In 2011, he earned his san dan, the rank when students normally are eligible for the "Sensei" title. He started his own classes at the Lewisville Senior Center early last summer. Sho Dan Dianne Van Winkle leads the junior white belts in some leap frogs during the Summer Shiai held at the Denton VFW. The highest promotion of the day went to Albert Solares who became an ik kyu, which is the highest rank in brown belt before black belt. Nicole Van Winkle earned ni kyu, the second level in brown belt. Christian Lopez and Alfonso Ortiz made purple belt while Jack Belcher moved to blue belt. Making green belt were Ethan Stokes and Kelly Belcher. New yellow belts were Mathew Redmond, Hannah Rollins, Luis Gerardo Banuelos, Jair Aguilar, Oleksandr Kovalov, Lorenzo Ahumado, Dwayne Miller and Caleb Ison. Albert Solares bust through some boards before being named an ik kyu at the Summer Shiai. Senseis Jeannie Rupp, left, and Tina Palos congratulate Steve Gellman on earning sensei title.

13 WINTER 2014 TIKK NEWS PAGE 13 Tournament Round-up 2013 Isshinryu World Karate Association World Championships July 11-13, Akron, Ohio Black Belt Divisions Kata Kumite Weapons Renshi Tony Palos 1st 3rd 1st Sensei Tina Palos 2nd 2nd 2nd Mr. Mark Hendrix 3rd - 2nd Mrs. Margaret Myers 1st 3rd 1st TIKK contingent competes in IWKA tournament. Renshi Tony Palos wins IWKA Lennox Challenge (See Senseis Corner for his secret to winning as seen by Sensei Tina Palos.) Advanced Divisions Kata Kumite Albert Solares 2nd - Deanna Rupp 2nd Andrew Freeman 3rd - Deanna Rupp waits patiently for her turn to kumite in the IHOF tournament Isshinryu Hall of Fame Tournament July Gatlinburg, Tenn. Black Belt Divisions Kata Kumite Weapons Renshi Susan Harris 2nd - 3rd Mr. Ethan Shah 3rd 3rd - Eighth Annual Battle of the Best Karate Championships June 29, The Colony Black Belt Division Kata Weapons Mr. Michael Strickland 3rd 3rd Intermediate Divisions Kata Kumite Alex Guardado 4th 2nd Kason Chesky 3rd 3rd Jorge Lopez 3rd 2nd Ethan Jones 3rd 1st Robert Duteil 4th - Alfonso Ortiz 4th 3rd Christian Lopez 3rd 2nd Jack Belcher - 4th Sam White 1st 2nd Beginner Divisions Kata Kumite Abhishek Shah 2nd 3rd Siddartha Shah 1st 2nd Amber Foote 3rd 2nd Tessa Jones 2nd 5th Abby Cook 2nd 3rd

14 PAGE 14 TIKK NEWS WINTER 2014 Big birthdays abound at TIKK Happy 65th Birthday, Kyoshi!!! Happy 55th Renshi Palos!! Kyoshi shutos out the candles at his 65th birthday celebration. And big 5-0 for Sensei Palos!! Denton Fourth of July parade Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai students celebrate the Fourth of July by marching in Denton parade. Aubrey Peanut Festival Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai students do a demo as part of the Peanut Festival in Aubrey Oct. 5.

15 WINTER 2014 TIKK NEWS Page 15 KARATE Rank: Ni Dan. I first started doing karate in: I first started doing karate because: I was a four-year-old kid and I am sure it was because of some movie or actor. The thing that has kept me doing karate has been: as I have been in it for most of my life, it is just who I am. I achieved my sho dan on: August 29, My favorite kata is: all of them. My favorite karate drill is: working Judo and Aikido along with weapons. My least favorite karate drill/ exercise is: I don t think I could choose a least favorite. The one thing Shihan has taught me that has had the most impact on my life is: that if you set your mind to it, you can do anything. Your mind is what controls your body, not the other way around. To me, karate is: a way of life, more than just self defense. It s something that shapes and molds you into a better person. I have often wondered why more people do not try karate. Maybe the connotation of karate is intimidating or they do not have the confidence that they could do it due to their age, lack of time or not being athletic enough. I enjoy martial arts movies, but, in general, they could cause people to think that they could never do those things so therefore, why try? After all, they could never be Steven Segal. That said, make karate your own. Your abilities align better with some techniques than others. Mine do also. Some are better in kata than kumite; some have great kicks and others have strong punches. That is why Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen shows us so much. KNOW YOUR BLACK BELTS Mr. Charles Blommaert My most memorable karate experience is: when one of my students did not want to be at a shiai, and after talking to him, he ended up having a great time. My goal in karate this year is: to continue the same level of training, if not more, while starting my new job. PERSONAL Nickname: Chuck. Birth date and place: January 15, 1991 in Los Alamitos, Calif. Occupation (outside of karate): detention officer for Denton County Sheriff s Office. Family: my Mom, Dad and sister. I live in: Denton. My favorite pastime or hobby besides karate is: hiking. The three words people use to describe me are: athletic, goaloriented, loyal. The two people I d most like to meet are: if he were still alive, Bruce Lee...otherwise Donnie Yen and Jackie Chan. I wish I knew how to: backflip...i don t know why, I ve just always wanted to be able to. I m most proud of: making sho dan, or graduating from college. My favorite restaurant is: anywhere that serves good sushi! I m happiest when: I m working out, hiking in the mountains, or spending time with my girlfriend. The best vacation I ve ever had was when: when my family all went to Hawaii. Practice all techniques, but make karate your own We practice basics and other techniques a lot so we can react quickly to a situation. Keep a few of the techniques that you like in your hip pocket so that you can respond quickly if need be. All the techniques that we are taught are important or Kyoshi would not show them to us. Also, keep practicing those things that you might not like as much or do not feel as competent in. It will make you a better practitioner. It is important to hit important places as Master Toby Cooling has said and practicing all of our stuff will only make you better and make karate your own. Ni Dan Mike Harper

16 Page 16 TIKK NEWS Winter 2014 ournaments are great to challenge yourself not T only to do your best but also to learn from the experience. One of the benefits of participating in tournaments is making new karate friends and reconnecting with old friends. Do not miss the opportunity to participate in the next Isshinryu tournament and remember it is a chance to improve yourself, show the world your best and enjoy the experience. Congratulations to the great Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai competitors who shined during the last two tournaments! Renshi Shihan Kristensen art of life is to learn and grow, whether physically, mentally, spiritually or in karate. There are P lessons to learn and ways to grow. None of these are meant to be easy. They are meant to challenge and teach. So do not complain and fixate on the hard. Be happy, and think of all that you can accomplish since that feeling of the accomplishment is way better than giving up. Sensei Carol Gue ake care of your health if you don't take care T of your body, then where will you live! Sensei Steve Gellman aith and perseverance. I do not believe that you F can have one without the other. These two characteristics support each other. Sometimes one is literally holding the other up when the other wants to fall. Faith is the assurance of things unseen and going on through that assurance. Perseverance is the will to go on, even when faith begins to falter. We all have those days when we ask ourselves, Is it worth it? I m tired! Yes, it is worth it! Whatever your dream is, whatever your goal, do not give up. Mrs. Sensei Palos and I have experienced that just recently. Do not expect overnight results...anything worthwhile takes time, and it could be a long time before you see any. This flies in the face of our modern culture and applies outside of the dojo just as much as in it. You can climb the mountain, go through, or go around, but if you have faith and persevere, you will get to the other side. This is probably the most valuable lesson I have learned from my teacher, Kyoshi Kristensen. Renshi Tony Palos Senseis corner ast summer, Renshi Tony Palos earned his fifth L consecutive first place in kata at the 2013 Isshinryu World Karate Association World Championships. That is 10 years, from age 44 to 54, of consistent training and effort. He also performed three different katas to earn first place in the Lennox Challenge, competing against higher rank and the best female black belt. Several black belts of all ranks came up to me and commented on their appreciation of the technique and power of Renshi s kata. So I started to tell them the secret: It is not magic, Renshi Palos practices his kata every day, he has not missed a day in 14 1/2years. It does not mean he goes hard every day, just taking six or seven minutes to do cardio kata daily has earned him these results. He is just following the examples of Hanshi William H. Duessel and Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen. Anyone can do this. And it is not just about competition; the best reward is staying healthy, mind, body and spirit; and perfecting character. So, challenge yourself, make a commitment, no excuses, we know we have the time if we focus. Start now and you, too, will reap the rewards of your efforts for years to come. Sensei Tina Palos o not get comfortable with where you are at. D Always strive to be better. Sensei Kyle Murray ife can have so many challenges as we get older. L People come in and out of our lives. Focus on who is the most important in your life--family. Spend quality time, tell them you love them and do not sweat the small stuff. Take care of your health karate is a fantastic lifelong art to do that. Renshi Susan Harris hen life gets tough, take one day at a time. W Sensei Jeannie Rupp rain Considering Your Physical Strength. T Since my stroke, I have to train a totally new way due to my physical strength. Continue Your Training With Patience. It is going to take time and patience. This I understand. Stay The Path. As we say in karate, stay the path. It has never been more true for me than in the last several months. Renshi Tommy Thomas