THE OBSERVER. Weapons Wisdom KAMA

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1 Brought to you by Renshi Robyn Rush-James Volume 1, Issue 5 A quick glance at what is inside this issue: Master Pineda hosts charitable auction, Eizo Shimabukuro, Book Review Karate-Do Modern Day Martial Arts styles descriptions, Chief Master Instructor Charles Ward, Kip Up Tutorial In Memory of Master Odo and lineage chart Tales from the Island Chptr 4, Belt colors, How to tie belt & connect the dots on Master Lee TKD forms information Do- San Weapons Wisdom KAMA images/kama.gif Details and Safety Information The Kama is a hand sickle, which is still widely used as a farm implement in Okinawa today. The kama is generally utilized to cut sugar cane and rice. Kama is a long handle of wood tapering at the butt for a secure grip: to its top is affixed a curved blade at right angles: the blade has a single edge on the inside of the arc. Unlike Japanese sickles, there is no hand guard. Although the weapon can be used singly, it is customarily employed in pairs. Because the weapon is potentially dangerous to the user, in most dojo, typically only the advanced student s train with the sickle. In the hands of a novice the sharp blades moving around at head level could be fatal. Blocks and deflections are performed with the shaft or by hooking with the blade. Offensive maneuvers include chopping attacks to the kidney and throat. At close range the weapon is often reversed, the August 1st, 2008 shafts lying along the forearm, bladepointing outward like an extension of the elbow. In this fashion the user simply employs karate type elbow strikes to his attacker. Taken from LIMAC student/teacher manual 1/99 images/products/xck-xmakama.jpg Tenents of TKD, Why kids should study Martial Arts prt IV, Kenpo Forms KuSanKu, word search Misconceptions and Myths: There Is a World Champion Excerpts from February 2006 issue of Black Belt Magazine, Part 1 - Vol 44 No. 1 ( by Jonathan Maberry There are many, many world champions. The martial arts are popular around the world. Millions of people study them, and thousands of systems exist. About 70 percent of the world s styles have some kind of competition. At a conservative guess, let s call that 5,000 styles. Many of these compete within the confines of regulating organizations, so let s conservatively figure that there are about 3,000 such federations worldwide. Each one of these 3,000 federations will have weight classes, and some will have classes based on sex and rank, as well. Let s call it 20 divisions, on average. Now, each of those divisions will have a champion. That s somewhere around 60,000 champions. Of those organizations, probably 10 percent compete internationally. That means that at any given time, there are probably at least 6,000 world champions. So the question really is, Is there one overall world champion? No. That would be almost impossible to arrange and certainly impossible to determine. How, in a world of 6 billion people, could anyone claim to be the best fighter? Sure, certain organizations have world champions, and they re deservedly celebrated. But no organization that s ever existed could generate a true overall world champion.

2 PAGE 2 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5 MASTER FRANCIS PINEDA HOSTS UNTOUCHABLES SILENT AUCTION In 1998 Francis Pineda participated in a video game, The Unouchable. Aside from a character Khan, he also played part as an Assistant Director and choreographer for the game. The Untouchable was released for PC, Mac, and Coin- Op. For it s time, The Untouchable was a step above the rest. The Directors and Producers decided to sway away from ultra-violent video games and stick to more realistic martial arts. It was rated higher nationwide than Mortal Kombat IV which was considered too violent and banned in several states. The Untouchable was a huge hit in Europe and was rated one of the top 50 video games of all time in the European market. In the United States, the game was featured in MacWorld magazine for being the first martial arts game for the Macintosh platform. Francis also played a critical role as a character, choreographer, and Assistant Director in a new state of the art game still in production from Creative Edge Studios. The game was originally thought to be the sequel to The Untouchable, however, its state of the art design, style, and technology will most likely give it a title of its own. From this new and upcoming game, we can offer autographs of some of the most famous martial artists known around the world. These items are from Francis Pineda s personal collection and much of it is one of a kind. In memory of Francis Pineda s father, we will be holding a silent auction for some of the last known remaining copies of the game and most complete game memorabilia. Proceeds will go directly to the American Diabetes Association on behalf of your generous bid. Frames, printing, and possible shipping have been donated by Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do in Arlington so that 100% of your donation will go to ADA. This Auction is now closed, however Donations are still being Accepted If you are interested in helping other than through an auction, we are taking checks and cash. Checks can be made to either TKD Life Skills, Inc. or to the "American Diabetes Association." Please mail your checks (do not mail cash) to: The Untouchable Auction c/o Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do 2449 N. Harrison Street, LL-2 Arlington, VA ***Donations of $20 or more will receive an autographed "Khan" photo, courtest of CLIX Photography.***

3 PAGE 3 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5 Eizo Shimabukuro Contributed by Patrick Callahan Shimabukuro, Eizo is the Grandmaster of the Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate-do and founder and Chairman of O.S.K.I.A.,Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate-do International Association. He was born on April 19, 1925 in the village of Gushikawa on Okinawa. He began his study of martial arts at the age of 13, and when he was 16, had become a student of Miyagi Chojun, who was highlighted in Vol 2.1, renowned founder of Goju-ryu Karate-do. His studies of the ancient martial arts of Okinawa with the powerful fighter, and considered the greatest true karate fighter of the period, Motobu Choki, from the Nov 98 issue. OSensei had also trained with his brother Shimabukuro Tatsuo who later founded the Isshin-ryu system of Karate-do. While specializing in the Karate- Jitsu of Okinawa, he also came to master the weapon arts of the Ryukyu Islands under the guidance of one of Okinawa s our friends most influential Kobudo geniuses, Taira Shinken. Forever seeking to improve himself, O Sensei became a disciple of the legendary Kyan Chotoku, who was highlighted in the Dec 98 issue. He trained with him until Kyan s death at the end of WWII, he died of starvation of all things. In 1959, the well known Karate master, Toyama Kanken, another native Okinawan, was commissioned by the Government of Japan to unite the diverse styles of Okinawan Karate under one association. He was also to find and recognize the surviving, great, active martial arts talent of Okinawa. Toyama was then Chairman of the All-Japan Karate-do League and founder of the Shudokan style of Karate-do. During a Karate demonstration for Toyama O sensei, he witnessed the awesome abilities of young Shimabukuro Eizo. So impressed with his skill was he, that he promptly advanced him to 10th Dan at the age of 34. This unprecedented promotion made Shimabukuro the youngest person to ever legitimately receive such a high position. Grandmaster Shimabukuro directs his Association s international activities from his home in Ginoza-Son, Okinawa. He continues to practice his art on a daily basis and teaches students from around the world. Shimabukuro O sensei also holds Dan rankings in Ju-Jitsu and Kendo. Picture acquired from: Excerpt from My Journey with the Grandmaster, by Bill Hayes, Appendix A O sensei was recently honored with a Judan (10th Dan) certificate from the Rengokai Association on Okinawa. There are only five people on Okinawa (including O sensei) who hold that rank. O sensei orginally received 10th degree certification from Kanken Toyama in At 36 years of age, O sensei had the distinction of being the youngest Judan ever. Grand Master Eizo Shimabukuro, now 74 is active as ever. He teaches 6 nights a week (3 times at the Hombu Headquarters and 3 times at the Okinawa City dojo). found on website: Book Review: Karate-do, My way of life. Author Funakoshi, Gichin. An account of the master's life. Linking the time when karate was a strictly Okinawan art of self-defense shrouded in the deepest secrecy and the present day, when it has become a martial art practiced throughout the world, is Gichin Funakoshi, the "Father of Karate-do." Out of modesty, he was reluctant to write this autobiography and did not do so until he was nearly ninety years of age. Trained in the Confucian classics, he was a schoolteacher early in life, but after decades of study under the foremost masters, he gave up his livelihood to devote the rest of his life to the propagation of the Way of Karate. Under his guidance, techniques and nomenclature were refined and modernized, the spiritual essence was brought to the fore, and karate evolved into a true martial art. Various forms of empty-hand techniques have been practiced in Okinawa for centuries, but due to the lack of historical records, fancy often masquerades as fact. In telling of his own famous teachers-and not only of their mastery of technique but of the way they acted in critical situations-the author reveals what true karate is. The stories he tells about himself are no less instructive: his determination to continue the art, after having started it to improve his health; his perseverance in the face of difficulties, even of poverty; his strict observance of the way of life of the samurai; and the spirit of self-reliance that he carried into an old age kept healthy by his practice of Karate-do. Paperback: 144 pages Do-Way-Life-Gichin-Funakoshi/ dp/

4 PAGE 4 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, or MMA, is a term used to refer to a combat sport that combines elements of many martial arts and fighting styles into one all-inclusive sport. MMA has been gaining increased popularity in the U.S., and around the world, and is often refered to as the "fastest growing sport in the world today." The MMA program I teach consists of the following components: Muay Thai Kickboxing, Western Boxing, Submission Grappling, and Close Quarter Combat. The true origin of MMA can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks, and the early Olympic sport of Pankration. In Pankration, combatants faced each other with almost no rules, and utlized a variety of fighting tactics and methods. Pankration is often credited with being the first truly complete and organized system of martial arts. MUAY THAI KICKBOXING: Muay Thai is a 2000 year old fighting style developed in Thailand. It is the most popular sport in Thailand, and continues to gain popularity world-wide. Unlike regular boxing, the use of knees, elbows, and the clinch are allowed, making Muay Thai the most ring-proven combat style, as well as one of the most effective self-defense systems. Muay Thai fighters are feared for their devastating kicks, punishing knees, and crushing elbow techniques. Muay Thai uses the boxing techniques of Western Boxing, as well as working from the standing clinch. These elements combine to form an extremely effective, yet easy to learn, practical self-defense system. The close range elbow and knee techniques of Muay Thai have been incorporated into the fighting systems of law enforcement and military special forces units around the world. The training is extremely vigorous, using special pads, hanging bags, and partner drills to develop proper body mechanics, timing, and control of distance. Conditioning rounds build your cardiovascular endurance, as well as your ability to deliver powerful strikes and kicks. Muay Thai fighters are considered to be some of the most highly conditioned athletes in the world. SUBMISSION GRAPPLING: Submission Grappling is a combination of standing and ground-based martial art forms designed both as a sport, and as a self-defense system. Submission Grappling allows students from various art forms such as Ju-Jutsu, Pankration, Greco-Roman Wrestling, etc. to all practice and compete in a unified forum. The training program that we offer utilizes elements drawn from the strong grappling background of Tai kor to produce a well-rounded submission fighter. Students learn takedowns, throws, locks, and submissions against all parts of an opponent s body. The skills learned in this class will help you survive and thrive in a ground encounter, whether it is for sport competition or street survival. The training program starts by teaching the basic standing and ground positions, both offensively and defensively. The student learns to move comfortably on the ground, and develops better control of his/her body and weight distribution. Progressive drills teach the student to move from one position to another without losing control of the opponent. The student learns to escape from vulnerable positions and how to counter the locks applied by his/her opponent. Submission grappling develops great aerobic conditioning, physical strength, flexibility, and the ability to stay relaxed during combat. Each class begins with a warm-up period using exercises and ground drills to loosen up and condition the body. We then move on to specific techniques of movement and submission. Each class ends with a chance to free-grapple and learn how to apply the tech- Pages 4 & 5 referenced from :

5 PAGE 5 WESTERN BOXING: Also known as The Sweet Science, traditional Western Boxing provides you with the same level of conditioning found in our Muay Thai class, only without the use of kicks, knees, or elbows. Students are taught the rules and techniques of Western Boxing, and will learn punching combinations, slipping and footwork techniques, distance control, timing, and the proper body mechanics with the help of pad and bag work, partner drills, conditioning rounds, and a rigorous fitness regimen. How to Do a Kip Up Step 1 Lie on your back with your knees tucked up to your chest. Chief Master Instructor, Charles Ward World Champion's Training Center, Maricopa, Arizona US Head Coach, MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing, FST, RMA achieved accreditation for the Living Weapon Academy as a postsecondary educational facility in 1994, and 1998 from the North Dakota State Board of Education, and the National P.O.S.T. (Police Officer Secondary Training) Law Enforcement Agency. Coach Ward's martial arts school is one of the only martial arts schools in the country that has ever been accredited as a continuing educational facility. In addition, his program at ASU (Sun Devil Combat Sports) is an accredited program through the university. Step 2 Keep your hands open away from your body, directly over your shoulders. Your body position should now look like a dog playing dead. Step3 Roll up until all contact with the ground is in your upper back, but don't allow your knees to pass your head. You will probably only be able to hold this position for a few seconds, that's ok. Step 4 Think of it as a spring loading. Place your palms on the ground under your shoulders. Step 5 Kick up with your feet while simultaneously pushing off the ground with your hands. This should be enough to give you a lift off the ground. Step 6 As you kick out, swing your feet underneath you with your knees spread out to the sides to create a wide base to land on. Step 7 Lead with your navel as you rise up instead of your head; your upper body will follow if you can get your hips over your feet. You will mostly likely land in a crouching position, and then you can just rise to your feet.

6 PAGE 6 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5 In Memory Of Master Odo by Paul Ortino Jr, 7th dan,chief Instructor, Okinawa Kenpo Dharma-ryu dojo This article is written in memory of Grandmaster Seikichi Odo (10th dan), one of karate's most famous martial arts instructors. Odo was the founder of the Ryu-Kyu Hon Kenpo Kobujutsu Federation (RHKKF). (1) I know him through the Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo Federation (OKKKF). He was and will always be my teacher, my mentor and my friend. Odo was born on July 26, 1926 and died on March 24, He is survived by his wife Yoshiko and children. His wife and children mourn his passing, but I can also tell you that God has welcomed him in his home. To say that he influenced thousands of martial artists would be an understatement, and I don't want to mention anyone in case I leave someone out. He was and will remain a martial arts legacy. His primary and last Sensei was the legendary karate teacher Shigeru Nakamura, the founder of Okinawan Kenpo.(2) His kobudo (ancient weapon arts of Okinawa) stems from Shinko (and son of Shinko) Matayoshi founder of Matayoshi Kobudo (3), but he also trained under Koho Kuba Sensei (a student of Kosaku Matsumura of Tomari) and Toma Sensei as well. Odo Sensei was a great kata man but will probably be best remembered for his outstanding weaponry (kobudo). The disappointing part is there is really no one that is next in line although many will write and claim they are the true disciples. He left an entourage of 9th dans, 8th dans and a few recently promoted 10th dans. There will be videos, books, and pictures surfacing with people who claim they know his way, but I tell you this: there is no single person who can claim to know his way. A student named Julian "Butch" Spain, who was not his most senior student but who probably spent more consecutive time with him than anyone else, probably knows the most. I was introduced to Master Odo in 1981 when he came to visit the dojo of Sensei Richard Gonzalez (8th Dan). Sensei Gonzalez now teaches at the dojo of my brother, Victor Ortino, in Naples, Florida, and he was the man who was truly responsible for the growth of the Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo Federation in the U.S. Odo Sensei traveled to Hawaii (where I live) almost every year from except when he was sick or traveling the U.S. or in other countries. I thus had the opportunity to know him as a person as well as a teacher. He spent his last trip to the U.S. in our home. While he was on his way to the mainland U. S., he caught bilateral pneumonia and congestive heart failure. He was hospitalized at Straub Hospital and nearly died, but it wasn't his time. Miraculously, he survived, and his last week here was pleasant. He even put on his gi (uniform) and came to our dojo. He was a simple man who enjoyed unagi teishoku (eel and rice) and oxtail soup, and loved oatmeal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. My wife Daisy as well as many students and friends took care of Master Odo when he was sick. Many students came by to visit and brought food and drink and gave him his daily massage that he enjoyed so much. The Hawaii Karate Kodansha Kai and the Hawaii Karate Congress over the years honored him with koa bowls and leis and shared many stories together. Who was Odo Sensei? His small body frame was deceiving. Once he picked up a bo, he could make it talk. Never in my over 30 years of training have I met a man who could handle weapons like he could. Bo (a six foot staff), tonfa (a short staff with a protruding handle), sai (a short metal tapered staff with two side protruding tins),and nunchaku (two short wooden sticks connected with rope or chain, a flail) were just a few, but watching him handle the kama (sickle) was unbelievable. He was a soft spoken humble man with one desire: to spread the teaching of traditional kata and Okinawa Kenpo. Once Odo Sensei was asked, "which kata is your favorite?" His sincere reply was "they are all my favorites." It was then that I truly realized how much he loved his katas. Today, there are hundreds of dojos teaching his katas and kobudo throughout the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Europe. We all will try to imitate and duplicate his forms, style and bunkai (applications of kata techniques), but there will never be another Master Odo. His katas combined Tomari-Te, Shuri-Te, and Naha-Te. (4) That is what made him a very special man. He knew the hard and soft styles and topped it off with an eaku (oar), bo (six foot staff), or nunte (a specialized type of sai with points at both end, and with no handle. The tins are reversed). He had forms with kobujutsu using bo against bo, bo against tonfa, bo against sai and others. Sensei Odo was a true master of the martial arts. He will always be remembered as the father of the Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo. He will be truly missed. Footnotes: (1) Ryu-Kyu refers to the island chain where karate was originated. Hon means original, Kenpo means Chinese fist way and Kobujutsu means old warrior way of fighting. (2) In the early1900s the term Okinawan Kenpo was used to refer to all Okinawan karate, but later in the 1950's the term became associated with the karate of Shigeru Nakamura. Nakamura studied with many famous teachers including Kanryo Higashionna (the famous Naha-Te practitioner and teacher of Miyagi who went on to found Goju-Ryu Karate), Kentsu Yabu (a student of Yasutsune Itosu and Soken Matsumura and one of the first to teach karate in the Okinawan public school system) and Chomo Hanashiro (a student of Matsumura and Itosu, who assisted Itosu in teaching karate in the public school system). Yasutsune Itosu (who first taught karate in public on Okinawa, creator of the pinan katas and teacher of Gichen Funakoshi who helped popularize karate in Japan) also often visited his dojo. He also trained under Shinkichi Kunioshi, the successor to the legendary Naha "Bushi" Sakiyama. Upon Nakamura's death, Sensei Odo briefly took over Nakamura's organization, but soon turned it over to Nakamura's son, Taketo who now heads the Okinawa Kenpo Renmie (The All Okinawan Kenpo Karate-do League). By this time Odo had formed his own organization, The Okinawa Kenpo Karate-do Kobudo Federation. (3) In his native village of Chatan (Okinawa), Shink Matayoshi learned the arts of the bo, sai, sickle and ore from Gushikawa no Tigagawa. He also learned nunchaku and tonfa from Jitude Moshigawa. Traveling to China several times, he also studied weaponry and kung fu including Kinga-noon which is considered to be related to Kanbun Uechi's Pangain-noon which formed the basis of Uechi Ryu karate. In Japan in 1915, accompanying Funakoshi, he demonstrated his tonfa jutsu art in Tokyo. Shinpo who later was head of the Matayoshi headquarters' dojo, studied kobudo under his father and karate under Chotoku Kyan and White Crane Boxing from Gokenki. (4) Tomari (once a small coastal village and trade center serving Shuri), Shuri (the capital of Okinawa and cultural center) and Naha (a larger coastal town and trading center that was also near Shuri) were three centers from which Okinawan karate developed. The karate, or "te" (meaning hand), developed in these areas. While very similar, each had distinct attributes and kata and became known by the generic terms Tomari- Te, Shuri-Te and Naha-Te. About The Author: Sensei Paul Ortino Jr. is the founder and current head of the Dharma-Ryu Dojo of Master Seikichi Odo's art; Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo. Sensei Ortino has been active in the martial arts for well over 30 years now, and holds black belts in several different martial arts. Ortino has dojos all over Hawaii and some in the mainland as well. He incorporates Ju-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Judo Kung-Fu, and Okinawan Kobudo (weaponry) as well as practical selfdefense in his regular classes. Article talem from: reading/article.php?id=94

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8 Tales from the Islands A fictional story by: Mr. Patrick Callahan PAGE 8 This is the fourth installment of a continuing story of a young Okinawan boy, that is growing up near the fishing village the Northern Province Capital of Nago, in the North West coast area of Okinawa. Chapter Four As Anan, with his arms around both Takeshi and Daichi, walked out of the ring and into the crowd of well-wishers, all wanting to speak with their new village member, Mikio walked with his son and his friend toward home. While walking, Takeo asked his friends father if he thought he could have defeated the 'old man' when he was younger? Mikio smiled and said he didn't think Takeo understood what winning really meant and asked him if he thought that winning would be to knock Anan down so that he couldn't get up? "Well, isn't that what winning really means?", Takeo asked. Mikio summoned the boys, "Come, let's sit by the stream and discuss this thing called winning." When they had all found a comfortable place to sit, Mikio began to speak. "Boys, there are many ways to look at 'winning' but I think we should examine what happened today for an answer that may help you understand the true spirit of 'winning'". He picked up a stone and tossed it into the water. "Do you believe the first rings that reached the shore are the winners? If you watch long enough all of the rings will bounce back upon themselves and keep moving until they fade back into the water. Today, when Anan and Daichi began kumite, it was like the first wave that rose from the stone as it hit the water. Then as they continued their contest, move waves were formed and they flowed outward and then back upon themselves until at the end they became what they started as, just energy." The boys were so focused as he spoke that Mikio thought they had become stone statues. Finally Ichiro blinked and asked his father, "Papa-san, the waves didn't feel anger or any emotion that would have changed their energy. As Anan and Daichi fought their faces showed no emotion and each punch, kick, sweep was met with an equal resistance that neutralized the force of the other. So it wasn't so much a fight but an exchange of energy that ended in a final burst of joy that each had expressed their best effort and found a friendship...not defeat, injury, or hatred out of one trying to be better than the other. Is that what you mean?" Mikio stood, turned toward his young son, smiled and bowed deeply in recognition of the 'true spirit' of the martial arts. He then held out his arms and hugged Ichiro and said, "Many a person begins the journey into the martial arts and few find the meaning that you have spoken this day. Takeo, I know you meant well with your question and I tell you now that when two contestants meet in the ring, one will generally win more points than the other, but on that day both are winners just because they entered the ring. One may be called 'Champion' but if his spirit is full of pride and his opponents heart is full of joy then this one is the true Champion." Takeo smiled and said, "Yes, I see what you mean and it makes me feel good inside. I hope that I too may one day know how this feels when I meet an opponent in the ring...ha! maybe it will even be my best friend Ichiro." Since they were all standing Mikio said that they should start home. Ichiro asked his father one more question, "Papa-san, do you think that Takeo and I might ask Anan if he would take us as students?" He answered with, "It is a Father's task to ask for his son to be taken as a student, and yes, I think this will happen." Then Ichiro asked his father if he and Takeo could run ahead on the beach and the old warrior waved them to be off. The boys tore off down the beach yelling at the seagulls, kicking the sea and thinking about how they may soon become students of the 'old man', Anan.

9 Belt Color Meanings: In martial arts training we wear white, including a white belt. During martial arts training, they would continue to use the same belt and in time the belt would get dirty. The longer the person would train, the darker the belt would get. The belt would eventually turn black which indicated the length of time and level of ability that the person had reached in the martial arts. So through practice and time, they started to dye belts to signify one's ability in the martial arts. Today we have different color belts for each rank, starting from white and darkening in color to black belt. White - Signifies innocence (or purity) Gold - Earth from which a plant grows from Orange - The seedling bursting through the earth. Green - A plant growth and begins to develop Purple - Seedling new in its growth Blue - The sky which the plant grows toward. Red - Fire of danger, as the plant grows toward the heavens towards the sun Brown - The flower that is ripening/seasoning for harvest. Black - Maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon Do/Martial Arts. Red through Black levels traditionally and Non traditionally are used as a review period before the Black Belt test. *each rank has or can have an intermediate and advance level prior to progressing to your next solid belt rank. PAGE 9 How to Tie the Karate Belt: 1. Hold the belt in front of you flat against the mid section, right side one foot length and the other part will be wrapped around the waist. 2. Bring the balance of the belt around the waist and left side of the back and over the front part of the belt. 3. Continue around twice, then go under bottom to top, right had side under, left hand side over and left hand side go beneath the belt and tie in knot.

10 TKD - Forms Information : Do San Meaning Do-san commemorates the pseudonym of the great patriot and educator Ahn Chang-Ho ( ). PAGE 10 Ahn Chang-Ho was committed to preserving the Korean educational system during the Japanese occupation and was well known for sincerity and lack of pretense in dealing with others. A farmer's son, he abandoned traditional learning in his home town, Pyongyang, and studied for two years at a missionary school operated by the Salvation Army. He became a Christian and felt he could not hate the Japanese as men. He decided to seek a source of national strength and cultivate it to regain national independence and prosperity. To understand the significance of Ahn Chang-Ho's achievements, one must understand the oppressive climate throughout the Korean peninsula during the Japanese occupation ( ). During the occupation, the Japanese tried to eradicate Korean culture, literature historical records, and education. As a result, many refugees fled to China, Manchuria, United States, and other countries. In 1894, at the age of 17, Ahn became a member of the Tongnip Hyophoe "Independence Association," which promoted independence from Japan and worked to reform domestic affairs and reduce dependence upon foreign countries. But the group's activities were interrupted by the conservative ruling class, so, Chaipil, leader of the group, went into exile in the United States. This strengthened Ahn's belief that Koreans themselves were to blame their failures and thus victory must come from within. He returned to his home town and established the Chomjin School, the first private modern school established in Korea. Among the first Koreans to emigrate to United States in 1902 were Ahn Chang-Ho and Rhee Syngman, who was later to become the first president of the Republic of Korea. Once in United States, Ahn Chang-Ho established groups within the Korean community in support of the independence of the Korean people. In 1903, Ahn organized a fraternity that became the Kungminhoe (Korean National Association), which inspired Korean immigrants toward a movement for national independence. The group published a newspaper called "Kongnip Shinmun." Upon learning of the Japanese protectorate treaty enforced on Korea in 1906 following the Russo-Japanese war, Ahn returned home in He organized an underground independence group in Pyong--An Province called Shinmin-Hoe (New Peoples' Association). The Shinmin-Hoe was associated with Protestant organizations and was dedicated to promoting the recovery of Korean independence through the cultivation and emergence of nationalism in education, business, and culture. In 1908 the Shinmin-Hoe established the Tae-Song (large achievement) School in Pyongyang to provide Korean youth with an education based on national spirit. He ran a ceramic kiln to raise funds for the publications of books for young people. However, the political environment of the time was not conducive to the founding of such a school; the Japanese were in the process of actively banning education for Koreans. By denying the Korean children proper schooling, the Japanese wanted to ensure their illiteracy, thus essentially creating a class of slave workers. Together with Yi Kap, Yang Ki-tak, and Shin Chae-Ho, he embarked on a lecture tour throughout the nation, warning of a national crisis incurred by the Japanese and urged the public to unite to resist the Japanese. Ahn repeatedly told Japanese leaders that Japan would profit much by keeping Korea as a friend rather than annexing Koreans and inviting their resentment. By 1910 the Shinmin-Hoe had around 300 members and represented a threat to the occupation. The Japanese were actively crushing these types of organizations, and the Shinmin-Hoe quickly became a target of their efforts. In December of 1910 the Japanese governor general, Terauchi, was scheduled to attend the dedicating ceremony for the new railway bridge over the Amnok River. The Japanese used this situation to pretend to uncover a plot to assassinate Terauchi on the way to this ceremony. All of the Shinmin-Hoe leaders and 600 innocent Christians were arrested. Under severe torture, which led to the deaths of many, 105 Koreans were indicted and brought to trial. During the trial, the defendants were adamant about their innocence. The world community felt that the alleged plot was such an obvious fabrication that political pressure grew, and most of the defendants had to be set free. By 1913, only six of the original defendants had received prison sentences. By this time, the Japanese had become fairly successful at detecting and destroying underground resistance groups. However, they were not successful in quelling the desire for freedom and self-government among the Korean people. The resistance groups moved further underground and guerilla raids from the independence groups in Manchuria and Siberia increased. The Japanese stepped up their assault on the Korean school system and other nationalistic movements. After the passage of an Education Act in 1911 the Japanese began to close all Korean schools. In 1913, the Tae- Song School was forced to close, and, by 1914, virtually all Korean schools had been shut down. This all but completed the Japanese campaign of cultural genocide. Chances of any part of the Korean culture surviving rested in the hands of the few dedicated patriots working in exile outside of Korea. When Japanese governor-general Hirobumi Itoho was assassinated by Ahn Choong-gun ( ), an independence fighter, Japan tightened its grip on Korean leaders. Finally Ahn exiled himself to Manchuria, then traveled to Siberia, Russia, Europe, and finally to the United States, along

11 PAGE 11 with Rhee Syngman. Rhee organized the Tongjihoe (Comrade Society) in Honolulu. In 1912, Ahn was elected chairman of the Korean National People's Association, which emerged as the supreme organization for Koreans abroad and played an active role in negotiations with the U.S. government. During this time, he established Hungsadan, a secret voluntary group of ardent patriots. Through these and other organizations an attempt was made to pressure President Woodrow Wilson into speaking in behalf of Korean autonomy at the Paris peace talks. Finally, in 1918, a representative of the Korean exiles was sent to these peace talks. In 1919, when the Joseon Dynasty was forcefully absorbed into the Japanese Empire, Ahn started underground activities that focused on regaining Korean independence. He returned to Shanghai in April 1919 along with Rhee Syngman and Kim Ku, where and became acting premier of a provisional government. They drew up a Democratic Constitution that provided for a freely elected president and legislature. This document also established the freedom of the press, speech, religion, and assembly. An independent judiciary was established and the previous class system of nobility was abolished. After trying in vain to narrow the differences of opinion between the leaders in Shanghai, he resigned from the post after two years. Finally, on March 1, 1919, the provisional government declared its independence from Japan and called for general resistance from the Korean population. During the resistance demonstrations the Japanese police opened fire on the unarmed Korean crowds, killing thousands. Many thousand more were arrested and tortured. Even after the Korean Declaration of Independence, Ahn Chang-Ho continued his efforts in the United States on behalf of his homeland. Ahn wanted to establish an ideal village for wandering Korean refugees in Manchuria and visited them in the 1920s. In 1922, he headed a historical commission to compile all materials related to Korea, especially the facts concerning the Japanese occupation. After a bombing incident launched by Yun Pong-gil, he was arrested by the Japanese, though he was not involved in the incident. His 23-year-long fight for national independence abroad ended with his imprisonment in Taejon in After a brief release from the prison, he was arrested again by the Japanese police. With failing health, he left the prison on bail only to die in a Seoul hospital on March 10, For more information on Ahn Chang-Ho visit: Philip Ahn "Master Kan" ( ) Philip Ahn was born in Los Angeles, California on March 29, 1905, the son of Ahn Chang-Ho. In an acting career spanning four decades, he became one of the best known Asian-American character actors in Hollywood films and on television. In the 1970s, Ahn was the wise Master Kan, leader of the Shaolin Temple in the ABC TV series, "Kung Fu." He played the part of the monk who held the rock out for Kwai Chang Caine (played by David Carradine) to grab from his palm and graduate from the Shaolin training. "Grasshopper, as soon as you are able to grab the rock from my hand you may leave the temple..." is probably the best-remembered line from this era of his career. Philip Ahn died in Los Angeles on February 28, 1978, from complications following surgery for lung cancer. Number of Movements: 24 The 24 movements of the hyung represent Ahn's entire life, which he devoted to the education of Korea and its independence movement. Techniques Introduced Stances: Turns: 360, 135, double step Blocks: inside-to-outside inner forearm, double spreading inner forearm Kicks: front snap Strikes: vertical spear hand thrust, spinning back fist, back fist Information taken from:

12 The Tenets of Tae Kwon Do part four of seven By Uly Navarette Courtesy, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit. There is a Japanese proverb that states Fall Seven Times, Stand Up Eight. Did you learn to ride a bike on the first try? Did you maintain your balance all the way down the street, turn around and then come to a perfect stop right in front of your parents or friends that were teaching you to ride? I didn t my first time and my guess is that the same can be said for most of us. My personal memory of the first time I rode a bike is a funny one. I remember the wonderful joy that I felt sparked by the adrenaline coursing through my veins as I realize that I was riding on my own. Then in almost the same instant that joy turned into terror and panic as I realized I had to turn around and head back to where I started. I guess I could have taken the easy way out and rode all the way around the block but at that age my parents would have killed me if they saw me disappear into the distance! So I started to turn. The handle bars shock violently as I tried to turn. I tried to get the front tire to move more and more to Martial arts training doesn't just improve physical attributes. One of the more renowned benefits of martial arts training is the mental workout. Focus...is Key Learning to execute the complex and foreign techniques of martial arts requires extreme mental focus. Students need to concentrate under pressure; whether they're directing energy into a difficult board break or ensuring that a technique is executed crisply and correctly. Students often find this focus is applicable to academic studies as well, citing improved concentration and focus, even under stress as in college entrance examinations. left but not too much because I might tip the bike over. I slowed down my pedaling because if I pedaled too hard surely I would ride right into the asphalt. The bike started turning. I was turning. The elation I felt was wonderful. I was doing it! This was easy! And then I looked up SMASH!! Right into the back of parked car! It is funny to reflect on it now but as a kid during a time when helmets were not required it was not so funny to have knot on your head and scraped up hands and a knee. But I got back up. Well I got up after crying my eyeballs out for about 15 minutes. And it took some convincing and an ice cream sandwich to get me to try to ride the bike again but I did try again. I missed the car this time but landed in the neighbor s yard! Thank God for grass and not a desert landscape. I got back up and tried again. Each time I got up this task got easier. Each time the grass got softer and my near brushes with death became less and less until finally I didn t fall anymore. Had I quit It would have shaped the man that I would have become years later but that is material for another article. If you haven t figured it out yet this article is about perseverance. Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience, and endurance. You show perseverance when you try a new sport that is very difficult and don t give up. When you have a learning disability and but keep trying to find a way to learn the information. When you come home where there is fighting and unhappiness and keep yourself positive and away from the negativity. When you have a teacher making your life miserable Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 4 : Learning Abilities By James Hom excerpts from Martial arts training also requires extensive memorization of terms and techniques. Many martial arts terms are in a foreign language--it's not uncommon for young students to be able to count in Japanese or Korean as easily as in their native tongue. Kata, or pre-arranged sequences of techniques, must be memorized--not only to replicate each technique in the proper sequence, but also with correct execution and with an understanding of its implementation in combat. PAGE 12 at school and try to find other ways to communicate better with them. When you fall 299 times and get back up on the 300 th time to try that tornado kick again. As martial artists we will always face some sort of adversity on our journey. Know however that you are not alone in that journey and that somewhere along the line someone has struggled like you. Keep your cool and a level head. If something starts to bother you, wait as long as you can before you express frustration. If something doesn't work right, try again and again. Don t give up on difficult jobs or situations. If you easily get frustrated by someone or something try to understand them or it in a different way. Work a little harder and a little longer on tasks that you do not like. Remember it is OK to ask for help on the journey. Most of all always, always, ALWAYS finish what you start. We do not build true confidence overnight. It takes knowledge in the mind, honesty in the heart and strength in the body. It takes hard work. It takes patience. It takes perseverance. Never, never, never, never give up. Winston Churchill Aiding such learning is the repetition used to ingrain martial arts techniques into students' muscle memories. These instructional techniques: repetition leading to memorization and then testing the implementation of that knowledge (for example, through belt exams, kata interpretation, or sparring), are adaptable to academic settings as well. Learning martial arts is learning made fun.

13 Kenpo Forms History and Information Kusanku Kata - Is It Really for Fighting at Night? By Eric Moss PAGE 13 Kusanku kata has traditionally been called the "night fighting kata." Recently however, this assumption has been challenged by several prominent martial artists. They maintain that the "night fighting" designation is basically a myth, perpetuated by misinterpretation of the name or techniques. There are several good arguments to support this position, but it is obvious that Kusanku kata does contain techniques well-adapted to fighting at night. While the inclusion of these techniques might be purely a coincidence, I believe it is doubtful the kata is also coincidentally called the "night fighting kata." I suspect that night fighting techniques were intentionally included in Kusanku kata. It should be noted that not all versions of Kusanku kata are the same, especially with regards to night fighting techniques. Shotokan's version, called Kanku, contains far fewer techniques for fighting at night than Okinawan versions. On the other end of the spectrum is Isshin Ryu's version, which despite being even newer than Kanku kata, contains far more night fighting techniques than the original Okinawan versions. Perhaps, Isshin Ryu's founder Tatsuo Shimabuku expanded on the night fighting tradition of the original kata. Although this is pure speculation, it is rumored that Shimabuku Sensei strongly believed in Kusanku's night fighting techniques. In addition, the tradition of the "night fighting kata" is quite strong in Isshin Ryu Karate. One thing is certain. The origin of Kusanku is foggy at best. Tradition states that Kusanku was an 18th century Chinese military envoy stationed in Okinawa who taught martial arts to Tode Sakugawa. Some believe Kusanku taught the kata known as Kusanku, but most believe Sakugawa Sensei created the kata and named it in honor of his teacher. Still others believe Kusanku was a culmination of several Chinese officers. As for the origin of Kusanku kata's night fighting tradition, that is even harder to establish. According to historian and researcher Joe Swift, "no references to night fighting are found in the primary references coming out of Japan and Okinawa" which has led him to conclude that "such interpretations were contrived to fit movements that are not very well understood." His extensive research provides perhaps the best argument against the night fighting tradition. Still, there is the fact that many of the techniques in Kusanku are well-suited, if not specifically designed, for fighting at night. Fighting at night might seem like a disadvantage, but it usually is not. Unless one suffers from night blindness, the only disadvantage would be knowing less about fighting at night than one's opponent. Obviously, difficulties presented by fighting at night impact everyone equally. Unfortunately, while the average person does not know how to fight at night, most experienced criminals do. This knowledge gives criminals a tremendous advantage over the average person. Luckily, the basics of night fighting are all included in Kusanku kata. The most important technique for fighting at night is to view the sky. When Gichin Funakoshi created a new name to describe Shotokan's version of Kusanku, he chose Kanku, which actually means "to view the sky." While Kanku kata might contain fewer night fighting techniques than Okinawan versions, its name actually describes the single most important night fighting technique. Kanku also includes the remnants of the most obvious night fighting technique, dropping to the ground after the crescent kick. Many consider this move, which vaguely looks like the stretched out starting position of a sprinter, to be completely useless. Obviously such individuals have limited experience fighting at night. Others consider it to be a sweeping technique, but it is rarely performed in this manner. Javier Martinez, in his excellent book Isshinryu Kusanku Kata Secrets Revealed, claims this is a "hooking the front and sweeping the back throw" from Chinese Wrestling. While this interpretation of technique is intriguing and effective, this technique also allows one to disappear into the darkness while simultaneously locating opponents. Even on the darkest night, the sky is lighter than the ground. By dropping low to the ground, opponents are silhouetted against the sky. While some believe the name "to view the sky" comes from the circular opening move, the name is more likely basic instructions for locating opponents at night. Isshin Ryu's version of Kusanku kata contains six instances where the karateka drops down low. Not only does this allow one to locate opponents by viewing the sky, it also effectively allows one to disappear into the darkness. When Ninjutsu pioneer Stephen Hayes first started training in Japan, he found it impossible to defend against opponents that seemed to be able to see in the dark. Already an experienced martial artist, he became frustrated by opponents he couldn't even see. Eventually, they told him the secret. By lowering his stance, he was able to see his opponents silhouetted against the night sky. It was that simple. The second most important technique for fighting at night found in Kusanku kata is using exaggerated sweeping movements. This serves two purposes. First, it provides additional protection against strikes. Second, it helps locate opponents by touch. Even if one can see an opponent's silhouette, it might not be possible to see their attack. Hand techniques are typically hidden by the silhouette itself, while kicks are hidden by the darkness of the ground. This makes standard blocking techniques almost useless. Standard blocks rely on precision and timing to intercept the attack. This is impossible if the actual attack cannot be seen. The solution is to modify the blocks to cover a greater area than normal. By watching the silhouette, it is possible to determine when the attack is coming. Twisting of the torso indicates which hand is attacking and shifting of weight can telegraph movement or a kick. With practice, it is even possible to read the speed and target for many attacks from subtle movements of the silhouette. In fact, learning to read silhouettes in this manner is one of the best ways to develop the ability to read an opponent's intention, regardless of lighting conditions. Still, darkness is going to hide much information that is usually taken for granted when blocking. Exaggerating the blocks provides protection against a wider variety of attacks. A prominent feature of Kusanku kata is the extensive use of the guard position. While advancing, the karateka sweeps their hands from side to side. Proponents of the night fighting tradition describe this as feeling in the dark for your opponent while listening for sounds like footsteps and breathing. While this is not the ideal way to locate an opponent,

14 PAGE 14 unlike viewing the sky, it can be used in complete darkness. The final night fighting technique, using sound to misdirect your opponent, is found only in Isshin Ryu's version of Kusanku. After assuming a low leaning stance to locate an opponent, the karateka stomps the ground to misdirect the opponent. The opponent assumes the karateka to be standing where the sound originated, but the leaning stance keeps the karateka out of reach. This technique can work like throwing a rock to distract an opponent, but that isn't the real intention. Ultimately, this technique is used to precisely locate an opponent by dictating where they move. Kusanku contains many techniques that are essential for fighting at night. While many have recently dismissed the "night fighting kata" as pure myth, the techniques themselves reveal the truth. In 1756 a Chinese military envoy named Kusanku was sent to Okinawa. He was a skilled Kempo master famous for his fighting skills. Although Kusanku never taught this kata, his best techniques were combined into this kata by his followers. There are two main lineages for the kata called Chatan Yara No Kusanku and Sakugawa No Kusanku. Sakugawa No Kusanku was developed by Karate Sakugawa based on his instruction from Kusanku. Sakugawa taught this version to Soken Bushi Matsumura. This lineage was further divided into two other forms of the kata, Kusanku Dai and Kusanku Sho. Chatan Yara developed his own version based on his training with Kusanku. He instructed Yara Peichin who in turn instructed Chotoku Kyan. Tatsuo Shimabuku learned this kata from Kyan. Kusanku kata is considered part of the Shuri-Te lineage and may be interpreted to mean To view the sky. Kusanku is a very long and complex kata. It is the longest Shuri-Te kata. It utilizes speed techniques executed at many levels including ground, kneeling, standing, and flying double straight forward kicks. It uses a variety of techniques including: deception with a foot stomp at the beginning of the kata, a flying crescent kick, twisting and evasive techniques, kneeling blocks, kneeling elbow strikes, simultaneous back fist and front kick, palm heel blocks, simultaneous palm heel strikes, and a twisting shuto strike. There are several stance shifts executed swiftly throughout the kata. The deceptive maneuvers employed by this kata may be because this kata was thought to be performed at night against numerous opponents. The stances include seisan, cat, crane seiuchin, and zen kutsu dachi. There are two kias, one just before the first kneeling elbow strike and one just before the last elbow strike. There are many interesting similarities between Kusanku and Chinto Kata. Both katas use a rapid shift to a kosa dachi stance. This is the cornerstone for Chinto Kata, but it s interesting to see this same shift repeated so many times in Kusanku. Kusanku Kata is one of Isshinryu s most difficult to perform. The transition from its kneeling stances back to upright are difficult to perform with balance and grace while delivering the next technique with power. In addition, this kata contains a stretched out hiding posture on the floor which is difficult for most students. Kusanku is further complicated by a flying double front kick which all but the finest of athletes will find difficult to execute with good form. Master Shimabuku used Kusanku Kata as the foundation for one of Isshinryu s weapons katas called Kusanku Sai. This kata is unique to Isshinryu and the movements are almost identical to Kusanku Kata except sais are used to do the blocks, punches and other strikes. Master Shimabuku did two versions of this kata. The earlier version of the kata contained all the kicks, and later he removed the kicks. Roots Of Shotokan:Funakoshi's Original 15 Kata - By Joe Swift Described by some as a "night fighting kata," no references to night fighting are found in the primary references coming out of Japan and Okinawa, leading this author to conclude that such interpretations were contrived to fit movements of this classical kata that are not very well understood. In the year 1762, a tribute ship sent to Satsuma (the Japanese clan based in Japan's most southern island, Kyushu) from the Ryukyus (the island chain in which Okinawa is the principle island) was blown off course during a storm and landed at Tosa Province (named after the Tosa clan) on Shikoku island, where they remained for a month. The Confucian scholar of Tosa, Ryoen Tobe ( ), was petitioned to collect testimony from the crew. The record of this testimony is known as the "Oshima Hikki" (literally "Note of Oshima", the name of the area of Tosa where the ship ran aground). In this book, there is some very provocative testimony by a certain Shionja Peichin, describing a man from China called Koshankin, who demonstrated a grappling technique (McCarthy, 1995; Murakami, 1990; Sakagami, 1978). It is commonly accepted that Koshankin was the originator of the Okinawan Kusanku kata (Kanku), or at least inspired it. However, there are several unknowns in this equation. First of all, was Koshankin his name or a title, or even a term of affection? Second, if it was a title or term of affection, what was his real name? Third, what martial art(s) did he teach, and how do they differ from the modern karate kata of Kusanku? Most of these questions are still being researched by this author and others. For now, suffice it to say that Kusanku is a highly important kata in the Okinawan martial arts, and has spawned many versions over the years. Although it is said that Funakoshi learned Kushanku from Anko Asato, after a careful comparative analysis it is my belief that he in fact learned it from Itosu (as Kushanku Dai that Itosu had re-worked for his physical education curriculum). More research is necessary, however. Kanku Dai (the modern Shotokan version of the Itosu Kushanku Dai kata) is one of two standardized Shotokan forms designated by the Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF) for kata competitions. KUSANKU (Kushanku or in Japanese Kosokun/Koshokun) Meaning: Warrior General or Energy from the Sun Funakoshi demonstrating the first move of Kusanku (Kanku) kata From the Chinese Attache s name or title Kung Shang K ung. The kata Kusanku dates back to Tode Sakugawa. The kata is long, and in most styles the longest kata done. It is usually recognized by the initial move in that has one raises both hands together over the head, then parting, drawing a large circle from sky to ground. This supposedly epresents humility and universal harmony or simply indicating a lack of weapons. Remember, the old Okinawans wore a Top Knot and as such, the drawing of the circle may have been the simulation of taking or pulling the top knot pin out of the hair and utilizing it as a weapon or dagger. Taken from LIMAC News, September 1997, Volume 1, Issue 1

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16 KNOW YOUR INSTRUCTORS Corliss Miller Mr. Miller was raised in Arizona in a military family. He participated in the Boy Scouts of America and at the age of 16 earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1978, Corliss joined the U.S. Air Force and spent some time working with the military police, where he learned a basic form of Aikido for military use. During his twelve-year military service, he became an amateur bodybuilder and studied to become a Certified Personal Trainer. After his discharge from the military, Corliss returned to Arizona and continued his work as a personal trainer. Soon after, he began the pursuit of black belt in American Freestyle Taekwondo at America's Best Karate and earned the rank of first-degree black belt in August, Subsequently, he began studying Okinawan Kenpo with Ms. Rush. Corliss currently holds a 3rd degree Okinawan Kenpo blackbelt and works as a part-time instructor for ABK. PAGE 16 Renshi Robyn Rush-James & Shihan Larry Isaac OBSERVER MISSION: To bring knowledge and unify all martial artists in all realms of training. To educate martial artists in the past, present and future of martial arts and provide an avenue of information of as a source of sharing of expertise amongst friends and colleagues. If you would like to contribute or have a local event happening or story to share that you would like to have featured, please contact Mrs. Rush-James at: rrushartstudios@yahoo.com. Mrs. Rush s Weapons Program Schools Contact Information Karate Joe & Professor Wards World Champions Training Centers Head Instructor, Troy Neemann Weapons Instructor: Renshi Robyn Rush-James N. John Wayne Parkway Ste. 106 Maricopa, AZ (480) 831-KICK (5425) JB Martial Arts Academy 5865 West Ray Road, Suite 10, Chandler, AZ (480) Head Instructor, Glen Wong info@jbmaa.com Weapons Instructors: Curtis Smith, Bradley Wong and Renshi Robyn Rush-James Master Turner's Martial Arts Academy 110 S. Val Vista Drive Suite B-3 In The Safeway Shopping Center Gilbert, Arizona (480) Master Chaz Turner chazturner@cox.net Weapons Instructors: Dan Brayman Jr. and Steven Bagshaw Thomas America s Best Karate 263 E. Warner Rd Suite 103 Gilbert, AZ (480) (KICK) tabkllc@qwest.net President William Thomas Instructor: Scott Morrill & Renshi Robyn Rush-James