White Crane Snow Tiger News – October 2007
UMAA Hall of Fame
Watermelon Kumite They seem to like it.
Strength Training
The Good Deed
Okinawa Hakutsuru Kenpo and the Chinese Connection
News Notes & Yamazato New Releases
http://www.worldbudokan.com/video/ISKKFSummerCampMPEGPromo.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb_IC0ur0-A
UMAA Hall of Fame
Just wanted to let everyone know that Shihan Frank
William’s Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame event held in Charlotte,
N.C. was a big success. The event was well attended. He had over 120
people who attended seminars and at least three hundred people at the
banquet. This year’s HOF was dedicated to Sensei Mike Hancock. Hanshi
Tony Sandoval taught a white crane seminar and Hanshi George Alexander
taught a kumite seminar. Additionally, Sensei Scott Mertz taught the
Paiho kata of Ryuei Ryu while Tashi Troye Price taught jujitsu and
Sensei Jim Logue taught a bo seminar. Secret Service agent and martial
artist Tim Spiess taught a well-received seminar on executive security.
Finally the seminars concluded with seminar on Chinto Kata taught by
Nitta Seifuku sensei and his son.
There were many people at the Yamazato booth too numerous to mention but many karate notables that stopped by included Sensei Jerry Offut, Amy Hancock, Doug Hancock, Matt Mollineux, Randy Randolph, Jonathan Walker, Joche (Josh) Zapata, Danita Clark, the girls from Aznar Weapons and Gordon from Murasaki Kobudo www.murasakikobudo.com among others. The Aznar weapons are made in the Philippines from a unique hardwood and are virtually indestructible. Check them out at Aznar Weaponry www.aznarweaponry.com .
At the banquet Hanshi Tony Sandoval and Hanshi George Alexander both received 10th Dan certificates from the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Association presented by sensei Seifuku Nitta. This was a great honor and a once in a lifetime achievement. After the banquet we stayed up many hours discussing karate with Nitta sensei. His style of Shorin Ryu seems to be a Tomari-te based system. His son who is a world-class competitor demonstrated Chinto, Gojushiho, Kusanku and Tokumine no kon kata for us. It was obvious from his superb performances of these kata that they are Tomari-te versions of these kata. One distinguishing feature is that they start from a 45-degree angle. Additionally, Nitta sensei studied karate from his grandfather and Seki Toma. Toma sensei was a direct student of Chotoku Kyan who in turn studied with Matsumora Kosaku the organizer of the now rare pure Tomari-te forms. Nitta sensei will be holding a tournament in Okinawa in March. More info on this later.
Shihan Frank Williams put on a great event. He will
hold another one in 2009. We will definitely support his event in
2009. He can be contacted at:
sensei@universal-martial-arts.org
Watermelon Kumite They seem to like it.
In the last issue we mentioned our
light-hearted adventures with watermelon Kumite. It’s on youtube and we
have also produced a twenty-four minute DVD full version of the
Watermelon Kumite Championships. It’s free and if anybody would like one
let us know and we’ll ship you one. I was a little apprehensive about
showing this since it’s not the most disciplined approach to karate
Kumite with watermelon guts flying everywhere and everyone having so
much fun! Not the most traditional approach to karate sparring. However,
we did show it at the UMAA HOF and everyone was fascinated by it and
they all said, “Hey! I want to try that!” So maybe we started something
that’s not so bad! With all the things I I‘ve done in the martial arts,
books written, DVDs produced, etc. Shihan Rudy Crosswell said, “You’ll
probably be remembered most as the Soke of Watermelon Kumite!” Can’t
wait until next year’s championships!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb_IC0ur0-A
We will start shooting White Crane Speed & Evasion Vol. 7 next week. This one will cover Makiwara and hojoundo or weight training. So included in this issue is a bit on weight or strength training for martial arts.
WEIGHT TRAINING
One
element of karate training is the development of power. It has
been noted that from the standpoint of combat reality and if you had to
prioritize your skills in terms of effectiveness, power in techniques is
of primary importance followed by speed and lastly by refined technique
or form. Without sufficient power, no matter how fast or well
applied, techniques will be ineffective. According to this
theoretical basis, how does one get power in techniques? There are
various ways to gain power. Repetition training in forms (kata)
and basics (kihon) will make punches and kicks more powerful.
Another way to make techniques stronger is by impact conditioning.
Impact conditioning means striking an object such as a makiwara board or
kick bag. This will also make techniques more powerful.
However, the use of weights to create resistance enhances power the
most.
A
conventional training program with barbells and dumbbells will build
strength and put power behind your techniques. Such exercises as
military press, bench press, curls, etc. will accomplish this. Sets
should be done with an amount of weight whereby at least 10 to 15 reps
can be performed in a single set. Be careful not to overwork the lats in
that this can interfere with your punch. Tricep work especially enhances
your punch and the development of the lower abs and quadriceps improves
the front kick. Other exercises such as bicep curls and calf raises help
with conditioning but have no major benefit to the karateka in that
these muscles are not of primary use in the performance of punches and
kicks. Also available to the karateka are some ancient specialized
training devices, which are still effective in making your techniques
more powerful. One of these ancient devices, which originated in
Another device whose training applications also originated in
The
tetsugeta or iron clogs are another form of ancient training device
that with modification can have some modern applications. These were
used to strengthen the legs for kicking. These were made out of stone in
ancient times. The technique is to go through the motion of kicking with
the geta or Japanese style clogs attached to your feet. The weight of
the iron geta on the end of the foot served to strengthen the leg
muscles used in kicking. Ankle weights can be substituted for the iron
clogs to achieve the same results. Caution is necessary in doing these
exercises slowly in order to avoid injury. An additional specialized
weight training device used to develop wrist and forearm strength is
called makiage gu, literally winding up equipment. This is simply a
short stick with a rope attached to the center. The other end of the
rope is weighted and by turning the wrists the weight is wound up to the
stick and then reversing this action is lowered slowly back down again.
There are various other exotic ancient training devices but the ones
mentioned above are still practical and can be of value in a
power-training regimen.
The Good
Deed
By Sensei
Bob Weiser
I've been feeling the need to volunteer some of my time, so I contacted the county and they asked if I wouldn't mind teaching martial arts to an autism group. I said that I wouldn't mind and asked how many people could be expected. They told me there would be 40 people, but their symptoms were mild, not severe. With that many people I knew I would need help, and black belt Sandy Barbee stepped up to the plate. We started out by asking everyone to sit in a circle while I explained some basic background on our style, then had the group stand up and do some light warm-ups.--When I mean light, I mean light, and even this was almost too much for them to do. Sandy and I then had them line up in two lines, facing each other. After an hour of attempting to teach the group how to escape from a wrist grab, with little success, I decided to sit them down while Sandy and I put our Dogu on and did a quick Kendo match.
Needless to say, the group went crazy. Since I brought a couple of foam shinai, head gear and gloves, I asked if anyone wanted to try it.---I was overrun with volunteers. At least 95% of the group participated and while they weren't very good, their enthusiasm made up for any lack. They had a ball, whacking the floor, each other and everything in reach. The Kendo was a huge hit and you could see where, if you could keep the group's attention, it would be beneficial in helping their hand-eye coordination.
While we did a good deed, Sandy and I were exhausted.
We also had a greater appreciation of the counselors and other
volunteers who do this on a day-to-day basis.
Okinawa Hakutsuru Kenpo and the Chinese Connection
Arakaki Seisho (1840-1820) was born in Kume Village, Okinawa and became one of the King’s bushi or knights. He was also known as Arakaki Kamadeunchu and was reportedly a warrior of great stature. During his martial arts career he also garnered the nickname “Maaya” or the cat! Perhaps because of his agility or quick movements. Additionally, he is noted as being the original teacher of Kanryo Higashionna. He is credited with bringing the following kata to Okinawa from China Sochin, Niseishi and Unshu. These kata are all part of the Okinawa Hakutsuru Kenpo system. We recently received some documentation that reveals the kata niseishi, seisan, sanseiru and others were all practiced at the Southern Shaolin Temple. Arakaki traveled to China during the late nineteenth century and studied these forms. His teacher was the warrior Wai Shin zan. He later taught the forms he learned in China in Okinawa in the Naha district. In this way these forms were introduced to Okinawan karate. Further, Arakaki’s kata syllabus contained the following forms: Niseishi, Sochin, Unshu, Arakaki Seisan, Arakaki no Sai, Sesoku no Kon, Suparinpei (Pechurim) & Arakaki no kon. Arakaki ‘s kata are one of the sources of the Okinawa Hakutsuru Kenpo Association kata syllabus. The goals of this organization are to preserve the kata that came to Okinawa from China. These kata were then transformed or Okinawaized to add the hard aspect of Okinawan karate to the Chinese brand of martial art. The other sources of kata for this group are attributable to Kanryo Higashionna [and Chojun Miyagi] and the white crane master Gokenki. More on Gokenki in the next issue.
Anybody interested in this study group and membership in the Okinawa Hakutsuru Kenpo Association please contact us at alexyama@mindspring.com
Arakaki Seisho (1840-1920) Photo courtesy Scott
Mertz. Okinawa
Hakutsuru Kenpo Chart
Patch
Hanshi Rudy Crosswell has released a new series of six DVDs on Shito Ryu Karate and four DVDs on Traditional Kobudo.
We recently received a new shipment of swords in from Asia. They are
called “The Lightening Cloud Katana.”
One style is the Master Sword and
the other is the New
Warrior Spirit!” These are real
swords and are sharp (shinken). The Master Sword sells for
$600.00.We have it on sale for $500.00. It is very attractive
and is a high quality blade. It is manufactured using the Damascus style
of folding the blade many times. The New
Warrior Spirit sells for $300 and is on sale at an
introductory price of $250.00. The
New Warrior Spirit
is an excellent value.
I like the balance of this blade in particular. It comes with either a
black or red handle. [I grabbed one for myself and have used it to cut
bamboo already.] If you are looking for a higher quality blade go with
the Master Sword. Both are good
swords and can be used for kata as well as cutting.
The New Warrior Spirit
Blade
News Notes
·
Okinawa Trip!
We have revised the departure for Okinawa until May 2008. This
way all who come along can attend or participate in sensei Nitta’s
tournament.
·
Yamazato is selling a new
sword called “The Lightening Cloud!” The
Master Sword and the
New Warrior Spirit! These are hand
forged with high quality steel and not machine made. Call 1-888-299-9262
·
ISKKF Summer Martial Arts Camp
Got dates for our event next year. The ISKKF 2008 Summer Camp will be
held August 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2008 in Reliance, TN. For more info go to
www.worldbudokan.com
http://www.worldbudokan.com/video/ISKKFSummerCampMPEGPromo.htm
-
White Crane
Speed & Evasion Vol 7. This
DVD has Makiwara training and some great karate strength training
methods on it and is the next volumn in the Okinawa Hakutsuru Kenpo
System. Will be released in one month.
-
Two other new titles coming soon from Yamazato!
The Secret Arts of Chinese Leg Maneuvers
& Chinese Strength & Power
Development. Will be available
in two weeks. These are the best DVDs we’ve seen on this subject!
-
Martial Oceans
will be promoting another great cruise Next year. On July 17thh
2008 the group will depart from San Diego and head for fun on the
waves and enjoy Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
In addition to
Great Martial Arts Training Mondo Silente Dive Team will be
there as well. Looking for more people to dive with us! For more
info Contact sensei Tony Calvino
1-877-773-2790. Register today!
New
Titles from Yamazato Productions:
$29.95
each FREE SHIPPING! Call 1-888-299-YAMA (9262) or
www.yamazato-videos.com
Also New! Kyuzo Mifune Judo’s Greatest Master. Awsome! A must see DVD before you die.
Photo
Gallery:
George Alexander receives Hanshi
10th Dan certificate
Shihan Frank Willliams & George
Members of the ISKKF Jonathan
Walker (L), Randy Randolph,
Chinto Seminar
George
Alexander & Joche (Josh) Zapata.
The girls from Aznar
Dixie (L) and Melissa
My best to you in your martial arts endeavors. Stay strong! Stay
healthy! Finally, anyone interested in membership in the Okinawa
Hakutsuru Kenpo Association/Shorin Ryu Karate/Jujitsu/Sword or any of
our other marital disciplines check out the new website and
contact me.
www.worldbudokan.com. The article section is growing.
Sincerely,
George W. Alexander, 10th Dan President
Okinawa Hakutsuru Kenpo Association
International Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation
Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu Federation
World Budokan Kendo Federation
Yamazato International
180 Yellow Jacket Drive
Reliance, TN USA 37369
Tel. 423-338-4972
Toll Free 1-888-299-YAMA (9262)
Fax 423-338-5651
www.yamazato-videos.com
