Contact Tri-City

Kempo Karate at:

516 E. 1st. Ave. #D-2

Kennewick, WA. 99336

(509) 585-0853

or

Rick Thompson

(509) 366-0499 (C)

Children (12 and under) - 40.00

w/ 8.6% tax - $43.44

Teens (13 to 19) - 45.00

w/ 8.6% tax - $48.87

Adults (20 and over) — 50.00

w/ 8.6% tax - $54.30

January 2018

MONTHLY DUES:

ichi

I am very pleased and truly honored to inform our student body and parents of

the advancement to “Black Belt” status for Charlie Stenvall and Tom Fortier.

These two men exemplify Kempo Karate. Both were promoted in December.

Charlie began his training approximately (7) years ago, while Tom took a

much different path. He began his training in 1980. Charlie has been a con-

stant his entire career here, becoming a main instructor this past year. He al-

ways brings positive energy and a strong work ethic to each and every training

session. Life challenges has taken Tom in and out of his training over the

years, however, he has always been a constant as our business manager. He

also has been a steady instructor for the past (5) years. In fact, Tom is proba-

bly the best instructor for producing Blue and Yellow belts that this school has

ever seen. The many years in and out of the system and the numerous instruc-

tors that he trained under has given Tom the knowledge and true understand-

ing of karate. I warmly welcome both the ranks of Shodan. Very much de-

served. Congratulations!!!

January 2018

ni

THE KARATE OBI

The karate belt (obi) is a very important part of the uniform (gi). It works well holding the garment in pace and provides sup-

port to the middle of the body (hara) Each school has its own variation of wearing their obi. In Bushi-no-Nasake for example,

they use the crossover method. This produces greater lower back support. The ends should hang evenly. Be sure there are no

twists. It is part of training to learn to follow directions and pay attention to details. These abilities are displayed by how we tie,

wear, and treat our belt.

It is believed that the origin of the belt goes back to the birthplace of the martial arts, the Shaolin Su Temple in China. The

monk warriors wore a long wrap-around sash. The sash was used as a utility item, rather than clothing. From this comes the cus-

tom of not washing the belt. When you first receive a new belt, unused, you may wash it once to get the loose dye out. If the belt

becomes heavily soiled or filthy, it should be hand washed.

During the last century, in Okinawa, modern karate was developed. Practice was done secretly, usually in the dead of night.

Through continued practice the belt would first take on a yellowish color as the students sweat dyed the belt. The belt was carried

and stored in a cloth pouch hidden in the folded gi. In that hot, dark, and humid environment mold would form. This mold was

usually green. Then, after months and years use, the student became strong enough to accept the teachers better techniques. This

resulted in the student getting knocked down or thrown repeatedly to the earthen floor As the dirt was ground into the belt, the

green mold died turning to a brownish tint. Black was the final hue as many years of use took effect. Early on, most martial arts

used white, yellow, green, brown and black belts, emulating the original use of discoloration. Later, other colors and markings

were added to differentiate between the ranks and to act as a motivation.

Most traditional martial artists have high regard for their belts. It represents their determination and accomplishments of the

ancient masters. Some believe the obi is to the karateka as the sword was to the samurai. It may even be considered an extension

of their being. To touch or handle someone else’s belt without their permission might be taken as a challenge or insult.

To wear the uniform/belt in public is inappropriate It may be construed as showing off or even as a challenge. Do not wear

the jacket top or belt in public unless participating in an official function.

Remember to bring your belt to practice. Hang it up to dry if sweat soaked or fold neatly if not in use. Do NOT drag the belt

on the floor. Wear your belt with “confidence” and “dignity”.

In some schools, it is customary for the student to surrender the belt to the Sensei (teacher) if the student leaves the school.

The plain white belt or black belt is retained if the practitioner moves on. The student may also be asked to surrender the belt for

unacceptable conduct or performance. The concept is, that the belt belongs to the ryu (school), and the student represents the

school’s standard by the rank worn. If a student’s conduct or performance is not up to par, the student may be reduce in rank until

such time as Sensei deems the student has earned back the right to wear their lost rank.

Color Significance: Orange - Ember; Starting the fire to illuminate the path. Yellow - Light; The path is illuminated, now you

can see the way. Green - Growth; Body and mind are growing in the way of the warrior (Bushi-Do). Brown - Maturity; Our

immature, undisciplined, and inexperience ways are dying. Black - All colors; All student ranks are passed. Expert or Adult

level (Dan) has been obtained. Red - Blood; Is synonym of KI or CHI (Vital life force).

Article taken from gentlewarriorway.com OS