IN MEMORY OF JAMES GIBSON
JULY 19, 1923- OCTOBER 1,2006
JULY 19, 1923- OCTOBER 1,2006
from
Carl Sammarco 5th Dan-a student, a friend Oshi Sensei
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
IN MEMORY OF JAMES GIBSON JULY 19, 1923- OCTOBER 1,2006
from
Carl Sammarco 5th Dan-a student, a friend Oshi Sensei
Saturday, October 28, 2006
(Sent to us by Don Nash)
We had a great time Kokusai Karate Kobudo Tomonokai International Karate Kobudo Friendship Group
NJ Tomonokai Men
NJ Tomonokai girly Group
Tokumura Ice tekko
The Tomonokai is a group that was brought together on Okinawa with Tokumura Kensho.
I notice shirts that say Okinawan NEW JERSEY. These shirts were designed by Tokumura.
He has made it clear that OKINAWA KARATE is all that should be on the shirts. This is a
international Friendship group that wants to learn about Okinawan culture through karate
and kobudo. What part of International are we having problems with. It no difference then
Isshin-ryu. It is not American, German, Italian, it is Isshin-ryu from Okinawa.
The Tomonokai exists because it was what Master Shimabuku wanted. To learn about his culture.
Just as people change the Symbol of Isshin-ryu adding stars, without understand Three Stars have a meaning (Heaven, Earth and Human beings); Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu and Kobudo), Mind, body and spirit), All of Tatsuo's teachers, adding a individual state separates unity.
At first Tokumura made Red shirts for women and blue for men. He changed that reasoning and said all should wear the same color shirts, blue. This is unity. While some dojo and styles have differnt color belts for men and women, that is wrong. All members of the Isshinkai wear one color shirt, and that is unity. Just as I allow any color karate Gi as long as it is solid white, members of the Isshinkai Tomonokai must understand unity. The "1" in Isshin-ryu standds for unity.
Tatsuo Shimabuku wanted American's to learn about his beloved Okinawa. That is what the Isshinkai Tomonokai is all about. AJA
We had a great time Kokusai Karate Kobudo Tomonokai International Karate Kobudo Friendship Group
Run-Nashie-Run Tomonokai (NJ)
Tokushin Cake NJ
The Tomonokai is a group that was brought together on Okinawa with Tokumura Kensho.
I notice shirts that say Okinawan NEW JERSEY. These shirts were designed by Tokumura.
He has made it clear that OKINAWA KARATE is all that should be on the shirts. This is a
international Friendship group that wants to learn about Okinawan culture through karate
and kobudo. What part of International are we having problems with. It no difference then
Isshin-ryu. It is not American, German, Italian, it is Isshin-ryu from Okinawa.
The Tomonokai exists because it was what Master Shimabuku wanted. To learn about his culture.
Just as people change the Symbol of Isshin-ryu adding stars, without understand Three Stars have a meaning (Heaven, Earth and Human beings); Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu and Kobudo), Mind, body and spirit), All of Tatsuo's teachers, adding a individual state separates unity.
At first Tokumura made Red shirts for women and blue for men. He changed that reasoning and said all should wear the same color shirts, blue. This is unity. While some dojo and styles have differnt color belts for men and women, that is wrong. All members of the Isshinkai wear one color shirt, and that is unity. Just as I allow any color karate Gi as long as it is solid white, members of the Isshinkai Tomonokai must understand unity. The "1" in Isshin-ryu standds for unity.
Tatsuo Shimabuku wanted American's to learn about his beloved Okinawa. That is what the Isshinkai Tomonokai is all about. AJA
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Seisan
By Dr. Michael A. Wanko 8th Dan
Seisan is the first kata learned by students in the Isshinryu system. In some styles it is an advanced kata taught only to black belts. This kata was developed by a famous Chinese martial artist Master Seishan (or Seisan). He was a great master from the Pangai Noon Style of Kung Fu or southern Chinese boxing. He was sent from China to Okinawa in 1588 by the king to teach Chinese boxing. He remained on Okinawa until 1600, just prior to the Japanese invasion. Master Seisan was considered the 8th wonder of the world because of his unusual power and ability. Seisan kata is believed by some to be the oldest known kata still being practiced in Okinawa. Naturally there are many versions as practitioners adapt each kata to their own needs. However, the Isshin-ryu version which was derived from the Shorin-ryu style, is believed to be close to the original.
Many consider that Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura learned the kata from Master Sakagawa or from one of the Chinese masters when he was in China. Master Sakagawa would have learned Seisan from Peichan Takahara, and Chotoku Kyan learned the kata from Matsumura. Master Kyan is credited with teaching the kata to Master Shimabuku. According to Master Angi Uezu, Master Shimabuku's son-in-law, the name translates to thirteen. Sei meaning ten and San meaning three. Therefore in this kata the student is fighting thirteen imaginary opponents. The number thirteen also holds great significance in Taoism (such as Friday the 13th). Master Funakoshi named the kata Hangetsu or half moon kata. (Crescent moon or half moon) and adopted it for the Shotokan Karate System. While I have no literature to support this interpretation, I believe this name probably came from the sweeping steps and/or blocks which are circular in the form covering half of the body at a time.
Kanbum Uechi, an Okinawan who studied in the Fukien province of China from 1897 to 1910 with Chou-Tzu-ho developed the Uechi-Ryu system of karate about 1949. This style incorporates movements of the tiger, crane, and dragon. Sanchin is the first and foremost kata of Uechi-Ryu, but another kata basic to this system is Seisan.
In the Goju-Ryu style, Seisan kata demonstrates 13 techniques: three initial fast chest punches in Sanchin-dachi stance, chest block, two kicks to the knee, and assorted quick punching from the horse stance. It ends with a front kick followed by a punch to the chest and drop into the neko-ashi-dachi with mawashi-uke technique. It is considered an advanced kata in this style.
Shorin-Ryu is still a popular style of karate on Okinawa which practices Seisan. Sokon Matsumura, was raised by "Tode" Sakugawa who gave him his nickname Bushi which means warrior. Matsumura who lived into his 90's, is credited with creating all of the kata of the system that came to be called Shuri-te. In the Shobayashi Shorin-Ryu system Seisan is still taught as well as Naihanchin (I through III), Wansu, and Chinto.
The Isshinryu version contains 130 movements and takes approximately one minute to perform. It is one of the longest of any beginner's kata in the various styles. Most styles begin teaching short introductory katas immediately after the student masters the basics. There are usually three which teach all angles of attack.
There are two kiai's in this kata. The first one is on the fourth front kick and the second is on the last front kick. The basic Seisan stance is used over fourteen times throughout the kata. Additionally, and elbow break designed to free the student from a wrist grab is employed in the kata.
Seisan is the first kata learned by students in the Isshinryu system. In some styles it is an advanced kata taught only to black belts. This kata was developed by a famous Chinese martial artist Master Seishan (or Seisan). He was a great master from the Pangai Noon Style of Kung Fu or southern Chinese boxing. He was sent from China to Okinawa in 1588 by the king to teach Chinese boxing. He remained on Okinawa until 1600, just prior to the Japanese invasion. Master Seisan was considered the 8th wonder of the world because of his unusual power and ability. Seisan kata is believed by some to be the oldest known kata still being practiced in Okinawa. Naturally there are many versions as practitioners adapt each kata to their own needs. However, the Isshin-ryu version which was derived from the Shorin-ryu style, is believed to be close to the original.
Many consider that Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura learned the kata from Master Sakagawa or from one of the Chinese masters when he was in China. Master Sakagawa would have learned Seisan from Peichan Takahara, and Chotoku Kyan learned the kata from Matsumura. Master Kyan is credited with teaching the kata to Master Shimabuku. According to Master Angi Uezu, Master Shimabuku's son-in-law, the name translates to thirteen. Sei meaning ten and San meaning three. Therefore in this kata the student is fighting thirteen imaginary opponents. The number thirteen also holds great significance in Taoism (such as Friday the 13th). Master Funakoshi named the kata Hangetsu or half moon kata. (Crescent moon or half moon) and adopted it for the Shotokan Karate System. While I have no literature to support this interpretation, I believe this name probably came from the sweeping steps and/or blocks which are circular in the form covering half of the body at a time.
Kanbum Uechi, an Okinawan who studied in the Fukien province of China from 1897 to 1910 with Chou-Tzu-ho developed the Uechi-Ryu system of karate about 1949. This style incorporates movements of the tiger, crane, and dragon. Sanchin is the first and foremost kata of Uechi-Ryu, but another kata basic to this system is Seisan.
In the Goju-Ryu style, Seisan kata demonstrates 13 techniques: three initial fast chest punches in Sanchin-dachi stance, chest block, two kicks to the knee, and assorted quick punching from the horse stance. It ends with a front kick followed by a punch to the chest and drop into the neko-ashi-dachi with mawashi-uke technique. It is considered an advanced kata in this style.
Shorin-Ryu is still a popular style of karate on Okinawa which practices Seisan. Sokon Matsumura, was raised by "Tode" Sakugawa who gave him his nickname Bushi which means warrior. Matsumura who lived into his 90's, is credited with creating all of the kata of the system that came to be called Shuri-te. In the Shobayashi Shorin-Ryu system Seisan is still taught as well as Naihanchin (I through III), Wansu, and Chinto.
The Isshinryu version contains 130 movements and takes approximately one minute to perform. It is one of the longest of any beginner's kata in the various styles. Most styles begin teaching short introductory katas immediately after the student masters the basics. There are usually three which teach all angles of attack.
There are two kiai's in this kata. The first one is on the fourth front kick and the second is on the last front kick. The basic Seisan stance is used over fourteen times throughout the kata. Additionally, and elbow break designed to free the student from a wrist grab is employed in the kata.
Monday, October 23, 2006
AOKA 2006 Tournament - Photos/Info
The 2006 AOKA Tournament was a HUGE SUCCESS - over 350 competitors!
We would like to thank everyone for their help , dedication and support.
We would like to thank everyone for their help , dedication and support.
Here are some photos and news items:
Photos:
http://aokainc.zenfolio.com/p151158017/?photo=h00513775#5322613
From the IIKA
http://www.martialartsfortheheart.com/index.htm
IIKA
News Up-Date
Chairman: JC Burris President: Tommy True
Board Members:
Phil McElroy, Jim McDonald, Willie Wilson, Melbert Lee, Bruce Guillaume,
Jerry Smith, David Gabbard, Sandra Strong, Carol Burris,
Mike Lewis, Don Bordinger, Kelly Markham
Release: All IIKA Personnel
Subject: IIKA Fighting Team Wins 2nd World Title
Release Date: Sunday, October 8, 2006
Everyone spent Friday in the Big Apple taking in the sights and enjoying the city. A team breakfast was held the morning of the tournament and then everyone was off to Bayonne a short distance away from the Hotel.
This year’s attendance at the tournament was much higher than previous years and the crowd was estimated to be between 300 to 400.
As always, Sensei Ralph Passero made everyone feel welcome. Mr. Passero is one of the most gracious tournament host's in the World of Isshinryu, or any other style for that matter.
All in attendance lined up for the bow in and Pledge of Allegiance. Introductions were then made for all the attending Masters. A tribute was presented in memory of Grand Master Don Nagle. A group Kiai was delivered in his honor that I am sure could be heard around the neighborhood.
Ju Dan Ed McGrath spoke to the crowd and then treated everyone to a short demonstration of street techniques, which all seemed to enjoy thoroughly.
Ku Dan Albert Mady from Windsor Canada performed a breaking demonstration for the group and then the tournament was underway.
The children's divisions kicked off the day with Kata and then the Kumite competition. Black Belt Weapon’s Kata was next. At this tournament, all competitors are in one division, Men, Women and Masters all compete together. There were so many competitors, numbering around 40, that everyone was split into two rings to save time. The top 2 were chosen from each ring and then they had to compete again against each other.
Congratulations to Julie Gabbard for an outstanding Kata performance and winning 3rd place for the day. I might add that she was the only women to advance to the finals.
The IIKA Teams were warming up and ready to go for the Team competition, which took place in the two center most rings. The Ladies were up first and the teams lined up to face each other and bow in.
This year’s Ladies challengers were from Master Ernie Temple’s organization and they came ready for a fight.
Everyone completed their fight and looked great. At the end of 5 rounds the score was tied 11 to 11. One more round for total points was determined to be the tie breaker. Sandra Strong led the fight all the way ending with a score of 5 to 1.
After a short celebration the Ladies were presented with their SECOND World Championship Belts.
Next up was the men's divisions. After the eliminations, Ernie Temple’s group was the challenger against our guys.
The action for each round was intense with all fighters dominating their matches. The IIKA Men finished with a final score of 19 to 7.
Congratulations to the IIKA Men's and Women's Fighting teams for successfully defending their World Team Titles!
Individual Competition
In the individual competition Chip Roney placed 2nd in Men's over 35 Black Belt. Josh Jessie placed 2nd in Men's Heavy Weight. Sandra Strong placed 1st in Ladies over 35 Black Belt. Donna Cripps Ambercrombie Placed 1st in Women's Middle Weight Black Belt. Bobbie Humphrey Placed 2nd in Women's Middle Weight Black Belt. Angel Short Placed 3rd in Women's Middle Weight Black Belt.
Lady’s Grand Championship
To determine who would fight for the Lady’s Grand an elimination fight between Sandra Strong and Donna Ambercrombie commenced with Sandra winning 3 to 2. Theresa Barnette was the seeded defending Lady’s Grand Champion from last year and the fight of the year was about to take place. Two rounds for total points is standard for the Grand's, and Sandra and Theresa put on one of the best shows of technique I have seen in some time. The score went back and forth between the two until at the end of the second round the score was tied 11 to 11. Again one more round was fought and everyone was on the edge of their seats watching the action. At the end, Theresa edged Sandra to retain her Championship. What a show between these two! I was proud of them both, and both fought their hearts out showing absolutely great skill. Congratulations go out to both for showing such class and skill, and to Theresa for a GREAT JOB.
After the tournament, Sensei Ralph Passero treated the group to pizza at the Local Big Apple Pizza House where everyone enjoyed the fellowship and talking about the days events.
We want to take time to extend a special thanks to Sensei Passero and all of his group from Bayonne . Thanks also to Master Ernie Temple for his fighting team’s participation and competitive spirit. You guys are a CLASS ACT.
Thanks to Master Tommy True and all of the IIKA Board for their support of the group and our efforts to represent the IIKA .
Way to go team! Let’s get ready for next year and a THREE PEAT! God Willing.
From the IIKA Board of Directors and everyone throughout our association, congratulations on another brilliant performance. As always, your representation of the IIKA through your technical skills, competitive spirit and sense of decorum continue to distinguish you as premier Isshinryu Karate-Ka.
Thank you for your hard work and tireless efforts to promote the IIKA both in and out of competition. You are all shining examples of Good Will Ambassadors, IIKA members and Isshinryu practitioners.
IIKA
News Up-Date
Chairman: JC Burris President: Tommy True
Board Members:
Phil McElroy, Jim McDonald, Willie Wilson, Melbert Lee, Bruce Guillaume,
Jerry Smith, David Gabbard, Sandra Strong, Carol Burris,
Mike Lewis, Don Bordinger, Kelly Markham
Release: All IIKA Personnel
Subject: Don Nagle AOKAINC World Open Isshinryu Team Championship
Release Date: October 9, 2006
CONGRATULATIONS
THE IIKA MEN AND WOMEN'S TEAM SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
Both teams are great representatives of the IIKA and their fighting spirit, and their overall personalities are an example for all martial artists to follow.
Sincerely, Ralph Passero
Friday, October 20, 2006
AOKA Inc. Web Site update
AOKA Inc. has updated it's web site
http://www.AOKAInc.com
check it out!
http://www.AOKAInc.com
check it out!
- Calendar of Events by Eventful
- Article/News Blog by Google Blogger
- Video by YouTube
- Photo Album by ZenFolio
Thursday, October 19, 2006
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