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Vol.10

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FROM THE EDITOR

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

MEMBER PROFILESPaul Fracchia

Rick WiedermanJim Neeter (new Addition)

Jim Copeland

DR. JIM’S CASEBOOKInjuries

Rehabilitation

CLUB ACTIVITIESTokondo Okinawa Visit

U.S.A Visit Rokudan – South Africa

Topics of InterestNational Governing Body

Lighter Side of Karate

ISKK EVENTS5th Euro Seminar

Future Events Plan

From the Editor:

Welcome to the 10th issue of the International Seito Karate Kenkyukai Newsletter.

Things in the UK have been a little slow due to our summer holidays but as you will see in this edition, three ISKK members did manage to meet up in the Carolinas.

Your comments and feedback are much appreciated and can be submitted at any time for the next publication. Thank You

Malcolm BatesEditor

August 2008

Forthcoming Events:

September:14th – 5th ISKK Euro SeminarHas to be rescheduled, revised date TBA.22nd – shin-gi-tai annual BBQ

October:none

November:30th – Shin-gi-tai karate Clubs

annual Yudansha grading.

Later:none

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Member Profiles

Member Profile Update

By Paul Fracchia

Born October 21, 1946 New York CityRetired High School Chemistry Teacher after 39 yearsMarried with seven children

Martial ArtsSeptember, 1964 Began training in Judo. Competed in judo for four years.

1966-68 Created a collegiate Judo circuit in the Southeastern U.S.

1967-68 Served as the college club President and Chief Instructor

1968 Began training with Tomoji Kidachi in Judo and Shukokai Karate under Shiregu Kimura.

1969 Began the Glens Falls YMCA Judo and Karate

Club. Continued as the head instructor for the club until forming The Karate Center in 1992.

1985 -2000 Adirondack AAU Karate Chairman and 2nd Vice President for Adirondack AAU. Held this position for 15 years.

1990- 2000 Region One AAU Karate Chairman Region One is comprised of New England, New York and New Jersey

1992-2003 Served as a National Executive Secretary of AAU Karate

1990-2003 Served on the National AAU Karate Committee

1990-2003 Served on the National AAU Referee Council

1990 Granted a Shihan license by Kenzo Mabuni

1992-present Chief Instructor of The Karate Center

1995- International Certified Referee

1998 Inducted into the AAU Hall of Fame

2000- Became a personal student of Kenzo Mabuni, Soke

2000- Granted a Nanadan by Kenzo Mabuni in Seito Shito Ryu

1985-present -Oversees 13 martial arts clubs

Have presented over 100 seminarsHave attended over 100 seminars by prominent martial arts instructors.Have conducted over 100 tournaments(local, regional, national and international)2008 Was made a member of the Mabuni family by Tukasa Mabuni, 3rd generation Soke

15 Bullard Ave.Queensbury, NY 12804USA518 793-0507paulfrac2008@yahoo.com

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New Member Profile

By Rick Wiederman

Greetings from Dallas, Texas

A couple of years ago during my church's fund raising drive, they mentioned that if you couldn't give money, perhaps you could give time or talent. I investigated

teaching karate for free at their rec center, and in May 2003, I started teaching. We maintain a small group of students -- 6 to 12 at any given time -- and charge $30 per two-month semester, which goes to the church's

general fund.

I decided to name our group Yujo Karatedokai, or Friendship Karate Association. I've found that's the

main reason I practice karate -- I don't get in fights or hang out in places where that's likely to happen. The

friendships I've developed through training are the my favorite benefit.

In the beginning (ha), we held class in the same room where we'd have donuts and coffee before services. I would arrive early with my two kids, age 5 and 2, and

we would and clean the floor of sugar and the occasional bit of glue and glitter from a Sunday School

class' art project. My adult students would take turns occupying them in an adjacent room so I could teach

uninterrupted.

Today, my kids are 10 and 7, and are students in my

class, along with a balanced mix of kids and adults. It continues to be a great experience for all concerned.

I have experimented with different curricula over the years, but have found the best guide is the students

themselves. I no longer enforce firm time-requirement rules; they simply study a given kata until they "get it." They're a good-hearted, earnest group, and there have been no issues of ego, at least not yet. We all simply

enjoy working out together.

In 2007 I moved the class to my new church, and got a few new students. A little over a year later, and they're only studying the second kata. No one feels rushed or

anxious about passing the next test -- each works on his own skills at his own pace.

The kata I teach now, in order, are: Pinan-nidan (Heian-shodan), Pinan-shodan (Heian-nidan), Pinan-sandan

(Heian-sandan), Pinan-yondan (Heian-yondan), Pinan-godan (Heian-godan), Naifanchi-shodan (Tekki-

shodan), Naifanchi-nidan (Tekki-nidan), Naifanchi-sandan (Tekki-sandan), Jion, Wansu (Empi), Passai-dai

(Bassai-dai), Passai-sho (Bassai-sho), and Chinto (Gankaku). The variation I teach is from Chozo

Nakama (1899-1981) of (Kobayashi) Shorin-ryu, who taught my teacher, Takao Nakaya (1948-).

The beginners' class focuses on the five Pinan (Heian) kata, as follows:

Pinan-nidan (Heian-shodan): Striking the attacking limb/simultaneous block and counterstrike.

Pinan-shodan (Heian-nidan): Pivoting/shifting to avoid and counter.

Pinan-sandan (Heian-sandan): Breaking free from grabs.

Pinan-yondan (Heian-yondan): Mercy.Pinan-godan (Heian-godan): 360-degree awareness.

The emphasis of Pinan-yondan may sound strange; here's the tradition I'm following. Nakama-sensei taught

that kamae (posture), that is, the moments in the kata where you simply take a stance with no bunkai or other

meaning (such as Pinan-yondan steps 5 and 7), were moments when you should do two things: Stare the

enemy down, and give him a chance to withdraw. This, he felt, was a key aspect of the ethics-traininginherant

in kata. Pinan-nidan and -shodan do not have these mid-kata kamae; Pinan-sandan, -yondan, and -godan do.

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Of course, all kata have kamae at the beginning (yoi) and ending (yame) postures. He taught that the meaning of the beginning posture was to ready your mind for the fight and extend your awareness in a full circle, and the

pause after the last move of the kata , before slowly returning to the beginning posture, was to make sure

your enemy was dead. No injured -- dead. I took this to mean a mindset where you offer mercy, and if it were refused, to see it through to the end. But he may have

meant exactly what he said.

Once the five Pinan have been absorbed, the student can stay for the advanced class, where kobudo

(weapons training) is introduced. I start with the bo (six foot staff), or "grandfather of weapons," as the Chinese call it. This is my favorite weapon. I find its simplicity and versatility truly elegant. While we don't carry such

weapons, or have ready access to them in real life, I believe they reinforce the principles of timing, striking, and dodging, while giving the mind a different ma-ai

(striking range) to work with.

Our classes are Monday and Thursday nights; as a single dad with custody of the kids, that's all I can

manage right now.

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Member Profile Update

By Jim Neeter

Jim and Monique Neeter are pleased to announce the arrival of their daughter Elena Rose Neeter on Wednesday 17th September at 4pm, weighing 8lb 3 oz.

Mum and daughter are doing well, by the photo you see that Dad is fine.. can’t stop smiling..

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Member Profile

By Jim Copeland

Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, USAMarried, 6 children, 10 grandchildrenProfession: Chiropractor (since 1977 )

I began my martial arts experience when attending the University of Tulsa, in Oklahoma, USA back in December

of 1963....A group of us visited a local karate school where Japanese Goju was taught, and two of us began classes....my college roommate quit after 2 weeks and I continued, often walking 6 miles to train. I was very bad and was not at all a fighter prior to this experience. I continued training on and off for about 2 years.

My next experience was when I moved back to Chicago and began training in Shotokan with Shojiro, Sugiyama, one of the rare Japanese instructors in that part of the country. Actually, he was the only native born Japanese teaching in that area. I trained with his school from 1965 to the early 70's, and was eventually an assistant instructor at Sensei's main dojo and at one of his suburban dojos as well.....

Eventually, I opened my own club nearer my home and continued my affiliation with the Sugiyama organization .

Moving on, I decided to go to chiropractic school. I was married with 3 sons, but this was something I had wanted to do for a long time. While in chiropractic school in Kansas City, Missouri, I started a karate class at a local YMCA, and taught there for several years, and visited instructors out of the area for further training.

After graduating, we moved to Oklahoma for 11 years.While there I started a karate program at a local 4 years college, which I taught for nearly the whole 11 years. At this time and place, Shotokan instructors were nowhere to be found within 300 miles or more, so I had to travel out of state for advanced training, or bring qualified instructors in.During those years, I was fortunate to train with such people

as Randall Hassell, Robert Fusaro, and others in Shotokan. We also brought in such notable instructors as Seiyu Oyata, founder of Ryukyu Kempo, and Terry Gibson, one of my favorite martial artists, who taught what is known as "The Progressive Fighting Arts", a combination of Wing Chun, Filipino Kali-Escrima, Silat and Muay Tai.

Since those days, I moved on to Jefferson City , Missouri, where I established a Shotokan club for 8 years. We were able to travel and visit with many wonderful instructors around the country during those years. I exposed my students to a number of Shotokan instructors as well as instructors of other systems which I felt would help create better rounded karateka. Among those we trained with in the late 80's through the mid nineties were: Howard High, Leroy Rodrigues, Bernd Weiss, Emile Farkas, Abbas Danishvari, Ed Kuras, and more training with Terry Gibson.

I have been in St. Louis for the past 12 years, spending my time in my private practice of chiropractic and acupuncture, and as a faculty member at a chiropractic college as well. During these years I have conducted classes in karate and self defense, but had little time for personal training until the past few years. I now have a regular class that I teach and also practice in. We are a small class, but at this time of life, small is good. '

My main interest in martial arts in general is to study the older systems from which our modern Shotokan has evolved and to teach both as a comparative program. I continue to visit with my first instructor (Lou

Angel ), yearly for training in Goju. His main interest these days (at age 70 ) is teaching kata bunkai.

What the future holds for me and karate training has yet to be seen, but I hope to continue researching and perhaps training in some of the older systems of karate and perhaps in other arts as well, possibly some of the traditional weapons as well.

Many of my old training mates have also continued to teach as well. Ted Hedlund, one of my seniors at the Sugiyama dojo, ( who constantly pounded my body and pushed me to become better ), is the chief instructor of JKA Sweden. Ed Kuras, another fellow student at Mr. Sugiyama's dojo and now of Macomb, Illinois is now the senior instructor of the American Shotokan Karate organization, and has been an international coach and competitor for many years. My accomplishments pale in comparison to these two and many of the others I was privileged to train with. I am just glad I have had the chance to experience all that I have.

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Dr Jim’s Casebook

Martial Arts Injuries, Management & Rehabilitation

By J.S. Copeland, D.C.

Finger and Toe Injuries: Very common injuries in karate, this type of injury should be taken seriously so as not to develop a permanent joint problem. When using maki-wara or heavy back the students should be trained properly and only allowed to strike lightly for a month or two until the joints have become stronger. When an injury does occur such as when two fists collide, this is treated like any other injury. Hand protectors should be worn at least by younger students when sparring to help avoid serious injuries. If joint motion does not return quickly, a physician consultation should be in order. One home remedy that I have recommended (after healing has taken place) for loss of joint motion, is to soak the hand or foot in hot Epsom salts for 20 minutes nightly for a week. If serious loss of motion takes place, this is when therapies such as ultrasound and low level laser are usually helpful.

Injuries to The Head: The most common injury from falls or blunt trauma is a concussion. This can often be avoided in younger students if they wear a protective martial arts style sparring helmet. We see helmets such as these in amateur boxing and they should be mandatory for children.

Knee Injuries: The most common of knee injuries involve either the cartilage of the knee known as the meniscus, and the ligaments. The most common ligaments injured are as follows: medial collateral ligament, lateral collateral ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament.

The meniscus is a cartilage that separates and cushions the bones of the knee. When these are torn, the knee will not function without pain and surgery is almost always necessary for lasting relief. This is true of torn ligaments. Ligaments attach bone to bone and when torn or over stretched, do not have the normal elasticity to do their job well.

So, in the case of torn ligaments, surgery is again often the only way to correct a poorly functioning knee. Knowing when a knee has excess motion is important for instructors so that they will know when a student needs medical intervention.

If there are no tears or permanent injury, taping can be of benefit to the karate ka and will help him or her recover better and faster.

In our office we use “Kinesio Tape” which is made in Japan, and is the most useful tape I have used. It allows movement and also allows the skin to breath as well. There are books and videos available on Kinesio Taping.

Rehabilitation Methods for Martial Arts Injuries: I prefer low tech rehab procedures in dealing with any joint injury whether it be wrist, shoulder, hip, knee, or back. My favorite devices or tools for rehabbing include:

Rocker and Wobble Boards: These are useful not only in rehabbing ankles, knees, hips and backs; they are beneficial in enhancing performance, because they improve balance and posture in addition to stabilizing various joints of the body.

These devices shown can be used for rehabbing or just enhancing balance for any sport, but for anyone wishing to obtain optimum improvement, these should be used regularly.

Exercise Balls: The exercise ball will not only help improve balance and movement in general, it is a great

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way to stretch the back out in a number of different directions.

Exercise Tubing For Enhancement of Striking ability and rehabilitation of various joint injuries: Ihave been using exercise tubing such as the “Theraband” for over 20 years, both in my practice of chiropractic and in training karate students to punch faster.I have found them to be a valuable tool in working with other athletes such as golfers, baseball players, football and soccer players and others. The athlete simply secures the band to a solid and stationary object and then applies movement in the direction needed. Thebands provide resistance thus helping build more strength and speed in the directions needed.

These exercises can be done unilaterally or bilaterally, depending on what needs to be done. The nice thing about the tubing is that a trained martial artist needs little or no training for general improvement, he will know what to do. For specific training as in developing faster punches or more speed in the initial phase of the punch, the tubing may be used as a rapid fire very short movement exercise, which helps develop more control and the ability to do combinations more quickly.

Larger straps are available for use around the waist, so that leg movement can be enhanced and more powerful total body movements can be developed in a much shorter time than with simply moving the body with no resistance. The tubing can be used in any direction and for different angled movements as well as usual linear movements performed in Okinawan and Japanese Karate.

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More Advice Next Time….

Jim Copeland has kindly written up a set of notes on injuries for publication in our newsletter and we hope to publish more of his works in the future.

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Club Activities

Tokondo – Okinawa Visit

BY: Len Norman

It was very hot and sticky but the training was fantastic we started with Sanchin Kata when done correctly is very rewarding followed by Tenchi Kata a Meibukan Kata, nice Kata. I must say I do like performing and teaching this kata.

I must finish with saying that if anybody is thinking of visiting Master Yagi , I can thoroughly recommend it not only is he the perfect host but a thorough gentleman as well, he took me for a meal the first Sunday we were there together with Mary and 3 other Japanese people, he then took Steve and I for a meal one evening after training followed up with a visit to a Karaoke bar, all at his expense, we were invited all 22 of us to his home where we sat had drinks and watched on DVD the making of the Japanese film KURO OBI which his other son Akihito plays the leading role, it was also fantastic to sit and listen to him tell his stories of who he knew and where he had visited, something I will always remember, then when we left we exchanged gifts, which was a complete surprise to me, I never expected that.

There are too many memories to put in this small email but if anybody is interested in more please read our newsline on www.ukasko.com.

I will also post a photo of Master Yagi and our group training.

Hope you will read newsline.

Len Norman

Some of the group I organized to train with Master Meitatsu Yagi 10th Dan Meibukan Goju Ryu in Okinawa centre is Master Yagi`s son Akihiro to the right myself and to my right a Canadian girl that has been training with Master Yagi in Okinawa for the past 12 months, she looked after us with not just the language, even though that wasn't a problem, but also showing us places to eat and enjoy ourselves, which I have to say was very easy to do, to the left is Steve Langbridge another ISKK member.

Akihiro(centre) , me (Extreme right) and 5 of my students

Master Yagi centre

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Shin-gi-tai karate – U.S.A. Visit

BY: Malcolm Bates

After beening in regular contact with sensei Bud Morgan for around 10 years, having first met him on the old Shotokan Research Society Internationaldiscussion group, I finally made a trip to the U.S.A. in order to meet with him in person.

Having spent a long weekend in Europe as my 55th

birthday present from my wife, I jetted off to Wilmington via, Atlanta, on the 12th August 2008.Besides a rather grumpy Cabin attendant trying to demolish my knees with a chair back, the flights were uneventful. (thank goodness). I arrived on schedule in Wilmington and was met by sensei Bud. While waiting we saw sensei Pete Rouse who was also scheduled to arrive within an hour of my flight and after introductions we set off for Oak Island.

Bud and his wife Janet havea boat at the island marina where they stay when possible and enjoy

the superb Carolina sunshine.This was where we met up and talked karate and generally socialized, ate meals and made plans.The days were arranged without stress and it was the most relaxing and enjoyable holiday that I can recall.

This is down to my hosts and the friendly people on the island…!Pete Rouse and I stayed in the motel section of the marina and being an early bird, usually started karate talk from the time Pete woke upfor an hour or two. Around 8am each day we met at the boat and went to train on the beach.We reviewed Matsumura Passai (a kata sensei Bud had been teaching me), various kata performances (eg. Seiyunchin, Wanshu, Sochin, Kanku, etc) and general self defence based situations. Overall a good bit of fun and education.

We did two

fishing trips out to sea and on the first one caught a load of

Spanish mackerel. This was not far out from land and was my first fishing since 1969 on the Zambezi River in the old Rhodesia.

The second deep seas fishing trip was about 48 miles off the coast and we came across a variety of fish with teeth!!, including sharks, dolphin and black bass.

I hired a Harley Davidson Heritage Softtail for a week and we covered 560 miles on it. Bud rode a Harley Trike with Janet and we visited a number of tourist attractions. We did the obligatory visits to the Harley Davidson shops, Myrtle beach and also some unplanned destinations like the Orton Plantation and Fort Caswell.

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Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and it was with a heavy heart that I returned home at the end of August. Due to technical problems I was delayed and stayed in Wilmington at the expense of Delta Airlines for an extra day but eventually arrived home to a cool and not so bright England.

I am hoping that sensei Bud and Janet can visit us in the Uk next year and if so I can try and repay their hospitality a little with a short trip around Europe and to persuade him to

teach a few lessons at my clubs so that my students can also meet my sensei.

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Karate Grade - ROKUDANSubmitted By: Len Els

Shibucho – South Africa

The Yudansha of KARATEKA40 would like to express their gratitude to the ISKK Shihankai for awarding an honoury 6th Dan to Solly Pokroy O’Sensei. Sensei Solly started karate under Dave Maas in 1964 and has been actively training ever since. His Rokudan made a fitting 80th birthday present to a truly great martial artist who leads by example. Attached an article in the Edmonton news (Canada) which clearly indicates that martial arts run in the Pokroy blood.

Originally the JKA syllabus only went up to 5th Dan. From 6th Dan and higher grades were awarded by nomination and vote of the JKA Shihankai. In those days the JKA was a close-knit, fraternal organization and the seniors knew each other personally. No one ever believed that a Westerner might reach such high level. Well, Stan Schmidt Sensei proved them wrong. As Karate started spreading worldwide, non-Japanese 5th Dans were knocking at the door. Schmidt Sensei (according to my information) from South Africa became the first non-Japanese JKA 6TH Dan. He was still awarded his 6th Dan by the Shihankai upon nomination, but thereafter syllabi for 6th Dan and higher were introduced.

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Topics of Interest

National Governing Body

A Stream of Consciousness For ConsiderationSubmitted by,

Ridzuan Md. Zain (Shibucho Malaysia)

The purpose of this article is to to re-examine the need and function of a ‘karate governing body’ and if so why. The reader is welcome to accept or discard any or all of it. It is my contention that we do need a single governing body for the various reasons : Karate is widely misunderstood (and sadly, often misrepresented) and there should be one point of reference that interested parties and members of the public can approach for information, advice and assistance. Karate practice encompasses a plethora of ethical and technical ideals. Disparate umbrella groups and self-styled governing bodies mislead and allow confusion. A central single body can set, and monitor standards (technical, ethical, financial, etc.) There are some who advocates the idea of two bodies, one to manage sport karate and one to cater to the so-called “traditional” karate. I believe this inappropriate as many practitioners embrace both side of the discipline, and a great many respected karate-ka who consider themselves ‘traditional’ also support sport, and vice versa. By splitting the two, we risk potentially dividing the overall karate community. Even the sport of karate as endorsed by the major bodies (WKF , WUKO) embraces budo values. It is important to consider the role of each Country Karate National Body or (National Sport Council) in these plans. In my opinion it can be very simple:Unify, or no funds. At the moment there are too many karate associations left out of the loop due to many reasons. There is of course the possibility of forging ahead with independent commercial funding. This has to be considered within the wider context of sport/education/social policy generally. Whilst it is perfectly feasible to imagine a

financially self-supported body, the implications of running independently of the Government Agency responsible for what might be loosely termed ‘physical education‘ are not viable.

A governing body needs to : Establish and maintain standards inform and educate (members and outside parties) Lobby outside bodies for support Represent it’s members’ disparate needs Deliver services for its members Act as a disciplining/controlling force to control non-aligned or non-compliant bodies

All the above must be fulfilled in an environment of transparency and propriety. Due process means that there will be accountability and scrutiny. There is no point in trying to run even a benign dictatorship or patriarchal democracy. One definition of democracy is that the leaders can be rid of. Thomas Paine, two centuries ago, warned that a democratic government must ensure that the will of the people is represented. That means constant reference back to the electorate (overall karate community). This has not been the case with each Country Karate National Body.

NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY

How do we define a national governing body (NGB)? It must be transparent, accountable and open to scrutiny by the public. Each national governing body has done a great job so far, but even insiders agree that there is room for improvement. A qualified association should not be refused affiliation because it is the final say of the ’supreme council’ with no avenue to appeal via the general meeting, to which the same-said council is answerable to (presumably). NGB should be accountable for any and all actions to the public, especially to the overall general karate community. If an organization has proper credentials and documentation, it should not be refused membership and any such membership application should be treated as a mere formality rather than a requirement..

PROOF OF REPRESENTATION: Karate is a martial art of Okinawan and Japanese origin. But it since evolved into a worldwide phenomenon and many non-Japanese has gone on to form their

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own ryu-ha and association. As such, proof of representation either in the form of affiliation certificate or letter of appointment of representation must be included. This is to prevent the problem of an organization claiming to use the name of a legitimate ryu-ha, but in actual has no affiliation or the affiliation is not active and has been terminated and is not the proper representative of the said ryu-ha, and blocking the registration of appointed representative. Failure to provide the said document would render their registration revoked.

I respect and acknowledge that for some, karate is a sporting event, whilst for others it is a martial discipline. However for many, it is the combination of both. It is my firm belief that no matter their personal view of philosophy, the two ‘camps’ should unite under a common banner. The NGB, should function less as a regulatory body and more as a facilitator with a firm mission to unify the Karate Community and not sacrifice the organic nature of karate that is ever evolving. No longer the ‘traditionalist’ shun the ’sports-centric’ governing body.

Some may wish to affiliate to an NGB to expand their scope of membership and activities, but for most it is a group of people sharing similar interests. To lobby for support from certain parties would mean surrendering their independence and would require not a small sum of financial strength.What would happen if the principals of the two organizations, the NGB and the newly formed organization don’t see eye to eye? Or one just don’t like the way the other cuts his/her hair? Would one deny the other the aforementioned ’support’ thus periling the other’s registration attempt?

CONCLUSION

It is easy to criticize and make suggestions. The burden of actual implementing any rules and procedures and affect change falls on the shoulders of the NGB to make the changes that are in the interest of the karate practitioners / public.

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THE LIGHTER SIDE OF KARATE

Submitted by: Len ElsShibucho – South Africa

Loyalty. Respect. Honour. Tradition. The art of Karate-Do is serious business. The search for ki, kime and zanchin is no laughing matter. Yet, the dojo is not without its lighter moments.

The late Asai Sensei had a keen sense of humor, something sadly lacking in some senior karateka. He once exclaimed after explaining a complicated technique to a not-so-receptive audience: ‘You don’t understand! When you don’t understand everything very difficult. If you understand, EVERYTHING very easy.

Ohta Sensei admonished during a demonstration: ‘Kiba dachi, like sitting on horse, not toilet.’

‘What was that, Alzheimer Dai?’ Solly O’Sensei when I started off with Kanku Dai and then ‘drifted’ into Kanku Sho.

The following are tell-tale signs that one is becoming too old for the Art:

You say ‘ouch’ instead of ‘kia’;You fall asleep when you meditate;Your favorite kata is Wankan, performed with a walker;You do have a favorite technique but, for the life of you, you cannot remember it;That cute new lady student asked if it is really true that you have trained with Funakoshi.

And finally Murphy’s Law does apply to karate as well:

You will only have trouble with the ties of your gi pants when you are sparring with a member of the opposite sex;That slow-moving whimp in class will turn into Kanazawa when you spar with him…as part of a class demonstration.

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ISKK Events

ISKK Europe Seminar # 5

By: Malcolm Bates

Unfortunately this seminar had to be postponed by Steve Langbridge but a new date will be advised shortly.

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Future ISKK Events

By: Malcolm Bates

It is important that we arrange and conduct local events if we are to help our kenkyukai grow and through this develop a base of knowledge that we can all share in.

The demands of life to look after our families and doour jobs does not allow a great deal of time but if each Shibucho could arrange ONE workshop a year, I believe that this could help us all to develop our knowledge, meet new friends and create a kenkyukai of great value for our successors.

In the Euro Shibucho, we rotate the responsibility for arranging the workshops and attracting studentsbetween the dojo owners in the region. We have a set fee of �5 for members, �10 for members of an ISKK dojo and �15 for visitors. This is for a 3 to 4 hour workshop offering sessions in a wide range of topics, usually each of 1 hour duration.

Through this process we have successfully build the largest group of members in the ISKK and intend to continue it. The fee structure encourages participants to join rather than pay the higher fee as they generallyhave an interest in the kenkyukai as they attended the workshop.

A further way that we can build the Kenkyukai is to include membership for all our Yudansha. The grading fee can be marginally adjusted to take the membership

fee into account or the dojo owner could do what we do and just offer it as a gift for those long standing students who have supported our clubs for many years. The feedback received from students has been very positive when receiving the extra gift.

Existing members who operate dojo have said that they will look to encourage their students to join the ISKK, so as a call for recruitment, I would appreciate feedback on what we can do to encourage our existing dojo members to register their Yudansha at grading times and how we can attract more members through our Shibucho.

How do existing Shibucho execute their duties of recruitment, what can the administration team do to help you in the process? What feedback do you get when suggesting membership to those you contact?

Feedback would be welcome and we will try and help Shibucho to execute their responsibilities of membership development where possible.

Finally, a thank you to those who have made efforts in this area through workshops and promotional contacts.Let us keep working on those leads and attract some more members with skills we can share’

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Kenkyukai Statistics

Discussion group membership remains at 34, although a few are not ISKK members and will be removed in due course.

Postings to the discussion group were very low during the holiday season with June at 48, July at 1 and no messages in August. September has already started building up again.

It is important to note than many discussions between members take place off line as focused topics are agreed. The discussion group is an open forum and a good place to start a topic.

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Membership

The Kenkyukai now has 28 members, distributed in the following regions.

European Membership

We have one new member, David Abrehart, who has joined the Euro Region bringing this region’s total membership to 16.

The edition number indicates which newsletter contains the member’s most recent profile.

In the Euro group we currently have;Malcolm Bates (Shibucho)George Bishop (Shihankai)Frank Probin (edition 4)James NeeterLen NormanJames Weber (edition 3)Paul Davis (edition 5)Tony Baldock (edition 7)Steve LangbridgePaco Cayuela (edition 8)Russell Dewhurst (edition 9)Amanda SmithDavid HartSimon Buck (edition 9)John BurdettDavid Abrehart

African membership

We have two members in Africa being;Tony DifilippoLen Els (Shibucho)

Malaysian Membership

We have two Malaysian;Ridzuan Md. Zain (Shibucho)Chepto bin HJ. Sumadi

U.S.A. Membership

One potential member is currently under assessment by the administration team.The 8 members in the USA, are;

North Carolina:Bud Morgan (Shibucho)

New York:Paul Fracchia (Shibucho, Shihankai) (edition 10)

Ohio:Dwight Holley (Shibucho, Shihankai) (edition 9)

Missouri:Jim Copeland (Shibucho) (edition 10)

Michigan:Frank Thomas (Shibucho) (edition 9)

Arkansas:Pete Rouse (Shibucho)

Oregon:Michael Taylor

Texas:Rick Wiederman

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Database Access

Members’ access to the database has remained around 14 per month with the exception of May where it rose to 38 due to access by the new ISKK members.

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Website Activity

January to mid September we have had 644 visits to our index page of the website, realizing an average of 74 per month, which is an increase of 8 per month over the previous 4 months.

The following web site enhancements have been applied;1. Link to www.shingitaikarate.com corrected on the

LINKS page.2. Added newsletter 9 to member’s index link.3. Added a return to ‘member’s index’ from the Library

page.

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15

The ISKK welcomes articles that contribute to the understanding of theory, research, history, and practical application of orthodox karate. We encourage contributions from all members,

instructors and students alike.

We welcome multidimensional articles that include sidebars, photos, art work, and/or illustrations. Editorial content will promote the core ISKK values of member participation and

stylistic diversity.

Please send your articles to malcolmbates@seitokarate.com

DISCLAIMER. The views and opinions of Letter writers and authors of Articles are not necessarily those of the Editor or ISKK.. The publication therefore accepts no responsibility for any critical statements or sentiments, technical or medical opinions contained in their editorial.