NEWSLETTER Bushishin Budo Renmei Martial Arts Association

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1 NEWSLETTER Bushishin Budo Renmei Martial Arts Association Shihan Harold Hicks Director B.B.R. From Shihan Harold: We have completed another year in our Lord and Jesus Christ and we should all be glad to be here. As the year went by, we have encountered a lot of changes and I feel that we have met and adapted to them. However we must give praise to God who saw us through. This year we lost a good friend and a foremost martial artist who was called home by God. His name was Shihan James (Pee Wee) Titus, whom I and other Instructors have worked, competed, and had seminars with. Shihan Titus was a very mild mannered person and he loved the martial arts. The Academy of Martial Arts had the opportunity to participate in several of his tournaments that he held. I will never forget the last time that I spoke with him while he was hospitalized with his severe illness and he was always in the best of spirit. We will miss him, but will continue to carry on his love for the art. May God Bless all of you, instructors, students and parents who are very important to our school. From Shihan Ray One of the main reasons for forming our association (Bushishin Budo Renmei) was to honor the memory of Dr. Albert Church and continue teaching what was taught to us under his organization. If we fail to pass on the history of this great man or fail to honor him then we fail in our purpose. The only reason that Shihan Larry Barnes lent his approval to the formation of

2 our organization and gave us legitimacy was because of this purpose. Dr. Church was the first westerner to inherit an Asian "family" martial art, Shorinji Tetsu Kempo. If you know the story of Bruce Lee and that Asian martial artists tried to prevent him from even teaching martial arts to westerners you can better understand the importance of Dr. Church being named as inheritor of this Family art whose roots can be traced back centuries to the year Dr. Church introduced this art to the United States and before his death had about 7000 practitioners. More than 30 years after his death martial artists he knew and influenced still get together to talk and share their stories about this great man. It was not only his knowledge of martial arts but also his great character that endeared him to those that knew him. Belt Testing: On February 23, 2012, we administered a test to five students who were awarded the rank of Rokkyu (Blue) belt and they did an outstanding job to received such rank. On February 23, 2012 we had a test for four students who attained the rank of Gokyu (Green) belt. They really turned up the tempo and let us as instructors know that they knew their requirements to obtain their rank and we are so very proud of them. During the Month of May we administered to four students the rank of Shichikyu (Yellow) belt and in that same month we tested four students for Rokkyu (Blue) belts. These students were pretested and then tested later to be sure that they met the requirements and could do it well before receiving their belts. As Instructors we were very please on what they did. On May 31, 2012, two students tested for (Gokyu) green belts and they performed well during the test and they were promoted that day. Thanks guys for a job well done. In the month of June around the 12th we administered at least nine tests to various students. Two students were tested for (Yonkyu) 2 nd green and they were promoted. Three students were tested for (Nikyu) 2 nd brown and were promoted and during the same month three more students were tested for (Ikkyu) 3rd brown and they were promoted. I am so proud of these students accomplishments and the hard work they put into getting to this level. Most students who reach the level of Sankyu usually don't continue, however, these students want to be all they can be. Shihan Ray and I are happy for you. Sensei Jason Capell: Sensei Jason was ordained into ministry and will work with youth. Also, he and his wife, Tiffany adopted a little girl and are now very proud parents.

3 Self Defense Classes: Several self-defense classes were held throughout the year. These ladies were taught basic techniques to defend themselves form a variety of attacks. These moves were based on leverage and not brute strength. Every woman should learn the basics of selfdefense and have the tools needed to defend themselves. Special Activity: As Head Instructor of the Academy of Martial Arts, I decided to bring back some of our Old school teaching and instructions. So every other Sunday at 4:00 P.M., I have invited the upper Kyu ranks to meet me at the dojo so we could practice on our sparring. Two students spar for 3 minutes, at the end of 3 minutes one student will step out and one will stay and spar another student for another 3 minutes. Then, at the end of the second match, the student who sparred for 6 minutes will step out and the student who stays in will spar a student who has not sparred. This will go on until all students have sparred every student that comes out to spar. In a nutshell, this type of training helps with your stamina and works on your skills. So far we have had good turnout with the students. All this is done in a controlled and respectfully atmosphere. Tournaments On Saturday October 6, 2012, the Clarendon County 1st Annual All Dojo Karate Championship was held. This event was held at Scott s Branch High School at 9253 Alex Harvin Hwy, Summerton, S.C. Registration started at 9:00 a.m. In attendance were Osensei Kenyetta and Grandmaster Nettles. This event was promoted by; Master George Wilson and Sensei James Titus(who has gone on to be with the Grand Master in Heaven). There were a lot of great instructors there. The Academy of Martial Arts had an attendance of 11 to 12 students. Of the ones who competed in this event, we returned with five (5) 1st place trophies and several other top three finishers. I was very proud and pleased with the attendance that supported me. By your presence it made me feel like all of you are satisfied with my teaching and the things we do. I truly want to extend my congratulation to Sensei Michael Marion, who competed with an older and more experience competitor who was a 10th degree Black belt. He was given a great challenge, but through it all he was not defeated. Thank you Sensei Michael for a job well done on your remarkable victory. Black Belt Test:

4 On January 19th 2013, just one day short of my Birthday, Timothy Pickell was tested and promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt. The panel of judges were Shihan Ray Mohalick, Sensei Tim Martin, Sensei Angie Spohn and yours truly, Shihan Harold Hicks. The test lasted about an hour and half. Sensei Timothy passed the test requirement successfully demonstrating his knowledge. He is not an adult yet, but we feel that with his knowledge and under out tutelage, he will be a good asset to our school From Sensei Tim 2012 was another great year for the Academy. Sensei Todd Gainey returned to Sumter and to the teaching staff at the Academy. Timothy Pickell has earned the rank of black belt after years of hard work and training. Many students have given extreme effort and have exemplified an excellent attitude and have reached the upper levels of brown belt. Many of these will follow Timothy in As always, I am amazed at the high level of dedication from the instructors. To know that these instructors share their skill and expertise out of a sheer love for the martial arts and the students makes me extremely proud to be associated with them. Christmas Party: The annual Christmas Party was another success. Watching the younger students play the "white elephant gift exchange" was almost as much fun as seeing Shihan Harold actually eat a cookie. Even though Sensei Dedi did not sing for us, it was good to have time to fellowship with each other. Upcoming Events: -Karate Camp - June Karate at Archway: Joey Johnson, 3rd Brown, teaches at Archway Academy Daycare on Fridays. He started with 13 students and currently has 11. Although the training is slower due to only being able to teach once a week, the students are learning the basics. Joey's commitment is to keep the training requirements up to the Shihan's level. We are proud that Joey shows the knowledge, responsibility, compassion, and dedication that is the bedrock of Bushishin Budo Renmei. Sensei Timothy Pickell will be taking over for Joey beginning in April. Both young men show great promise.

5 Humor: One of our students were working at a fun raiser and was taking a break and eating a candy bar. Shihan Harold walked up and the student's first thought was, "Oh no. Shihan saw me eating candy. I will have to do extra push ups now." Too funny. Don't worry Joey, I won't tell it was you. Help wanted: 1.Tell your friends about the Academy. 2.Please help keep the Academy clean. 3.Support the businesses that support the Academy. The list is on the wall in the dojo or on our web site. 4.Go out of your way to welcome new students. Remember when you were new and didn't know anybody. Did you know? 1.Sensei Dedi rides horses and was in the Christmas parade. 2.Bob Flury is in the CIA. He denies it but we know lol 3.Sensei Angie raises bees and her honey is fabulous. 4.Shihan Harold was in the Marines and the Army. 5.Shihan Ray was a postmaster. 6.Zac Saulsgiver got his first "B". Had always been "A". 7.That God loves you and wants to adopt you. 8. Jamie participated in four ROTC drill meets this year and did not place lower than fourth overall in his competitions! 9. Joey received a leadership award this year from his school. Historical Quote I come before you with these empty hands; they are the hands of peace, when necessary the hands of war. The knowledge I have gained through training is for the defense of myself, my loved ones, my country and those deserving. To use this knowledge wrongly is my shame. To use this knowledge properly is my honor. My left hand is the hand of peace and is opened in friendship; my right hand is my clinched fist of war. Together they represent my martial way and my very life. - Soke Albert Church Businesses that support the Academy: Be sure to visit the friends page on our web site or look on the advertising board in the dojo. Make plans to do business with those that have supported us.