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November 27, 1998 -- About the Shudokan Bob Swarthout
I will start with my lineage from Toyama Kanken...Toshi Hanuae, Karl Brock (American Serviceman), David Brownridge, Charles Scott, and myself Dennis Swarthout (Roku dan). I learned from my instructor Charles Scott of Fairbanks Alaska. He has had a Strong School here for 30 years. We like many Shudo-kan descendents alone for years. until 1994 when I meet some students of Morris Mack at a tournament in LA . I then trained at their Dojo for several years off and on when I was in Seattle (karate west, sensei Randy Holman). Our kata was very similar with the exception that we were doing back stance where they were doing Fudo-dachi.. While training with them I also picked up 6 of the Kiyoku kata the our school had lost. I have spent many years trying to find the Shudo kan that had been lost over the years and in translation by the time it was taught to me. There is on kata in Question to me , we call it koshikan...it is very similar to kosokun or kaunku dai..but I have never seen it any where else...We also do two kata called Waken Itch, and Waken Ni, they are very similar to Shito ryu's Matsukazi. I enjoyed this web page very much. Thank you .....Dennis Swarthout (907) 479-6136 Dojo....(907) 474-8080
November 6, 1998 -- More about the Shudokan -- James A. Caldwell, President, International Shudokan Association
I have done some research in the Korean connection to the Shudokan. Kanken Toyama was the founder of the system. In Toyama's book," karate-do Tai Hokan," appendix 3 is a list of names of individual that were associated and or students of Toyama that had earned at least a 5th Dan and Shihan title. Two of the names that appear are Korean, Byon In Yun and Uoi Byon Yun. Byon In Yun went back to Korea and opened a school called the Yun Mu Kwan at the Seoul, Korea YMCA in 1946. He had some notable students, Nam Suk Lee founder of the Chung Mu Kwan, 1946, Cho Lee Park founder of the Kang Duk Won, 1956, Jon Pyo Hon founder of the Hung Mu Kwan, 1966, Ki Whang Kim who eventually took over the Mu Duk Kwan. Kim also earned a 3rd dan from Toyama.
Byung In Yun disappeared during the Korean conflict during the early 50's. He was discovered to have been in North Korea and still alive as of 1995 or 96. He is supposed to be over 90 years old. While he was with Toyama he is purported to have passed on his Chinese Martial Arts knowledge to Toyama. I do know that Toyama was greatly interested in the Chinese Martial Arts in that while he was stationed in Taiwan he took the opportunity to study it so therefore it is very possible that Yun shared his knowledge with Toyama. He taught my instructor Tai Chi. I am currently studying the Chinese Martial Arts with Hanshi George Anderson in Akron, Ohio which is supposed to be from Byon In Yun. George Anderson studied from both Nam Suk Lee and Cho Lee Park. He also studied with Byung Jik Ro Founder of the Song Mu Kwan. He holds senior Dan rank in all three organizations. Hanshi Anderson is an excellent source for information concerning the Korean Martial Arts.
Uoi Byon Yun founded the Kan Bu Kan ( Korean Martial building ) in Japan which subsequently became the Ren Bu Kai. In Korea the same organization became the Han Mu Kwan.
I hope that you will contact Hanshi George Anderson at usakf@raex.com. Please remember that if you include any of the information that I have provided you in any of your publications I would expect for you to include the correct source. I got my information through my translation efforts of Kanken Toyama's book, conversations with George Anderson, Cho Lee Park, Kim Soo founder of Cha Yon Ryu, Michio Koyasu founder of Soryu. Kim Soo was a student of Cho Lee Park and Jon Pyo Hon. Koyasu was a student of Toyama and is listed in appendix. 3 of his book.
I can only relate to you the kata that I was taught which were the kata taught to my instructor by Toyama. Naihanchi 1,2,3, Pin An 1,2,3,4,5, Patusai, Chinto, Kushanku, Jion, Wanshu, Seishan, Sochin, Useishi.October 20, 1998 --I have just completed the Symposium in Tucson, Arizona and it went great. Johnny Linebarger runs a first class operation.
Here are some comments:
My students and I thank you for sharing with us all during your Tucson seminar. Your insightful discussions and observations help us all grow and thrive as martial artists. Thank you for helping us know our history and heritage. The family ever increases. It is wonderful to see you move and teach. Whether it is in kata or sparring, you have helped each one of us to be more effective. Every student, young and old, learned a great deal and are still commenting on how much they enjoyed their time with you. Loyally, Sensei Kandie Vactor,
Kandie and her husband Drew have a 5 Star restaurant, The Tack Room., in Tucson. It was really good and if you are there in Tucson, don't miss it. Johnny also has a student who runs a really good Mexican restaurant, Mama Rosa's. It is amazing that John is not yet fat. It was really good. Some time when my son and his wife are there, I will try to get a reservation for them - they would have loved it.
****************And from an unexpected source: Gordon Garland - The master weapons maker and close personal friend of the late Grandmaster and director of the USKA, Robert Trias.
George... I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your visit to Tucson. It was so good to hear you and listen to your lectures again... You are as much a craftsman with your words as I am with the weapons but if any of those people who were there had really understood the knowledge that you were trying to give them, I think your words will far outlast my weapons and serve them better.When I return from Canada I will send you a bong that I made. Hope it will be correct. I look forward to hearing from you and to receiving the patch. As always, your friend Gordon Garland
October 16, 1998 -- Sensei Rob Alvelais in California that after the amniocentisis today his and his wife are expecting twin Girls (Kata Team!!!) in the near future. Rob is retired US Team member and now is teaching karate in the Bay area.
October 6, 1998- - From Greece -- we have received a massive fax complaint against the National Federation. More on that later.
October 1, 1998- - Katherine Loukopoulos writes:
Hello friends, Just to let you know what I was up to last weekend, I flew to the Czech Republic in order to officiate and to represent GREECE in the European Junior Championships. This year the European Goju Ryu Junior Championships were held in BRNO, Czech Republic. I like to tell you that I had made an application to the European Committee and paid the annual membership fee and had GREECE accepted into the European Goju Ryu Karate Do Organization... That took quite a bit of work over the last two years, but it was accomplished... So, now I need to start getting Greek Athletes into the competitions... smile. Just sharing with you, Katherine
September 27, 1998 --Regarding Tom LaPuppet --
While driving home from the Nationals in Canton, Shihan Thomas LaPuppet was run off the road by another car and it was subsequently determined that he had fractured a vertebrae in his back. In conjunction with his long term cancer, they decided to operate and he went into the hospital. The operation appears successful and he is having the usual miserable recovery. He tells me that he was cut from stem to stern; they opened him from the back and inserted two metal disk replacements, turned him over and opened him from the front, moved his lung over and inserted two replacements in the spine from the front. It apparently was a horrendous operation. But-- he is in good spirits and is hoping for a very good recovery.
This is a great warrior who can face down most anything. As he said several years ago - "This is my time to dance." There never was a more true and steady man - he has been more than our brother, he is our inspiration and example of a real man can be.
We ask you all to pray for the speedy recovery of our beloved brother.
September 27, 1998 -- Subject: Local Youths Medal at World Karate Championships in Locarno Switzerland from Dr. Michael J. Dunphy 966-7677 dunphy@core.com fax 966-7690
Stark County Youth Wins World Championship in Karate
Locarno, Switzerland---During the week of September 24th, three local youths, 15 year old Stephanie Hasapis of North Canton, 16 year old Joshua Compton of Green and 15 year old Joshua Reger of Akron, traveled to Locarno, Switzerland for the 1st World Karate Confederation (WKC) World Youth Karate Championships. Together with a delegation from New York, and with their coach, Ray Sprankle of Canton, Hasapis, Compton and Reger represented the United States as members of USA Karate Federation (USAKF) national junior team. The USAKF, a national non-profit martial arts organization, has been sending teams to national and international championships throughout the USA and the world for the past two decades.
The WKC World Junior Championship featured competitors ages 8-16 from 22 countries throughout the world. Competition included kumite (controlled sparring) and kata (formal presentation). Stephania Hasapis, who fought in the 15 year old under 52 kilo division, was undefeated as she kicked and punched her way to a world championship gold medal. Stephanie has been competing since she was 10 years old, and has won numerous national championships in both kumite and kata. This was her first major international event, and she once again demonstrated her ability to stand out among the best. In addition to her gold medal, Stephanie also won a bronze medal in kata. Her teammate, Joshua Compton, also a seasoned veteran of competitive karate, and a national champion for several years in the USAKF circuit, nearly won a gold as well, but walked away with a well-earned silver medal in the 16 year old 60+ kilo division. Joshua has been competing since he was 8 years old, and counts this as his second major international event, having competed for the USAKF in Greece in 1996. Matt Kincaid, a USAKF national kata and kumite champion as well, did not medal in Switzerland, but fought some very tough matches and gained valuable international experience. Matt, Stephanie and Josh are all students of Dr. Michael Dunphy at the Center for the Martial Arts in North Canton. Dr. Dunphy is a member of the Kwanmukan under Hanshi George E. Anderson. Dr. Dunphy will be taking a group of his best students to Ontario, Canada in March for another major youth championship, and he will be hosting the USAKF Internationals at the Canton Civic Center in July of 1999. Dr. Dunphy can be reached at 330-966-7677.
September 27, 1998 -- About the World Karate Confederation from the 1st World Karate Cup for Children and Juniors in Locarno Switzerland. There were 286 competitors form more than 50 clubs and 14 member federation. The teams with the longest travelling distance were the Australian Traditional Karate Association and 2 teams from the USA Karate Federation. There were four observers form South Africa present to study the rules and organization of the WKC.
The USAKF coaches were Bernard SCARDA and Carmel "Babe" SORRENTO from New York and Ray Sprankle from Ohio and the teams from the respective areas. The USAKF won gold, silver, and bronze medals. The Gold was won by STEPHANIE HASAPIS in the Female -52 kg who defeated 2) A Mallad (FES) -3)A. Sanchez (ESP), 4)A. Castillo (ESP)----The Silver by JOSH COMPTON in the male -62 kg --1) T. Morrell (ISH), 3) F. Ruiz (ESP), 4) P. Banfield (ISH)----A bronze medals in the male +73 kg divisions by S. DYER and in the 15-17 Mixed Female Division (Goju Kata) by Stephanie Hasapis. Stephanie Hasapis and Josh Compton are from the Akron/Canton area in Ohio and S. Dyer is from New York City.
Good Showing kids.
August 23, 1998 -- The USAKF National Championships went extremely well and there were more competitors that in the previous two years. The Hall of Fame Banquet and reception were outstanding and the entire affair was fun and rewarding. We will post a broader report soon. July 11, 1998 -- Rumors are that the current president of the World Karate Federation is being forced to resign and that in October in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, at the World Championships, a new president will be elected -- bets are on Pelliconi form Italy or Espinos from Spain or possible Abdulla from South Africa. With the Olympic woes of that organization and the laments of unsteady direction, we just might see karate emerge as a true world sport to rival the Olympic Taekwondo.July 11, 1998 -- USKK National Championships. We are returning from Phil Koeppel's national event ane it looked good. There was a great banquet and a surprise guest speaker, Congresswoman Bono, the widow of Sonny Bono gave a neat talk about the values of karate and how it influenced her life
Grandmaster Koeppel is looking very good and did an impressive seminar. As always, the very best.
June 13, 1998 -- Former US Junior Team member Matt McClung is looking for fellow members of the 1990 Team that traveled to Budapest, Hungary for the Mikulas Cup. Please respond at: mdm@acpub.duke.edu
June 11, 1998 -- Note from Bob Boggs about the Nationals and other things-,
Dear George --My Dad e-mailed me the message on getting tired. I thought you'd enjoy the analytical aspect. Here I am again e-mailing! Looking forward on Nationals in August. You mentioned getting together a few days early and possibly going to Niagara Falls. I think I'm going to take my family. What do you think about forming a few others, Caldwell etc., that may want to go? I've got to swing south to Memphis before coming up so I'll let you know my itinerary. We've been enjoying the cool weather. Heard about the tournament a week before USAKF. Some people never grow up. It has hurt me, and I know it has hurt you even more, to see some of your long allies and friends become so hateful and seemingly ungrateful. I can respect anyone for not agreeing, but not by purposely trying to obtain or gain an edge by lying, stealing, setting personal vendetta's, or forgetting the hand that helped guide them in a positive, productive direction. I think we all have had our internal problems. Your leadership is important to me, but your friendship even more. I know I've told you before, but it has meant a lot to me to be a part of your family. Joan has had a lot of patience over all the years, and John, your son, is dependable as they come. Say hi to everyone for me. I'll have to bring some KC ribs again in August!
June 6, 1998 -- Note on the progress of this www site -- We are getting nearly 100 thousand hits per month. June 6, 1998 -- Shihan Mike Piaser of the Kwanmukan has written a nice commentary on his recent trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Read and John Anderson's reply.June 6, 1998 -- Sensei Bob Toma of the Kwanmukan is going to France this week for a three week bicycle around the food of the Pyrenees Mountains. This last winter he went skying in the French Alps, last summer on a safari to Kenya, the year before he pedaled his bike around Lake Huron, almost two thousand miles. What does he do for a living? He is in the computer division of the University of Akron, working on the Y E2000 project.
June 6, 1998 -- We just had a wild week end in Akron when the Alcoholics Anonymous convened here to honor the founding of AA in Akron - over fifteen thousand persons were here. Probably the convention bars didn't do so well.
May 26, 1998 -- from China Joe Santocildes mkopl@teda.tj.cn
Hello Everyone, Well, I can't believe it's already been a month being back here. Time flies when you are busy working everyday. The official date of my return back to the US was May 30th. The unofficial date is now June 30th. The talk is for another 2 to 6 weeks. (Add you MK time factor in there for those who know it). As for everyone else who is staffed here, that's also up in the air.
It's been real interesting working here in China. A lot of great and 'not so great' experiences. Hopefully I will come back to the States a little more wiser. I'm still hoping to go visit my dad in the Philippines when I start heading back. I'm thinking probably 3 days to a week. Nothing set in stone. I very much would like to see the house that I helped design.
I will keep everyone posted on my situation here. I've given up predicting the date when I will be returning. I will head back 'when the job is done'. Hope everyone enjoyed the Memorial Day weekend (for those who celebrated it).
Best Regards, Joe Santocildes, 3rd Dan Kwanmukan
Morrison Knudsen Corporation, Overseas PTE Ltd. TEDA, Tianjin, ChinaE-Mail: mkopl@teda.tj.cn Phone: 011-86-22-25320716/Fax: 011-86-22-25320715
4/11/96 -- an earlier letter -- On April 17th, my tourist visa expires. I am currently planning to go back to the US at that time. However, developments here on the project have changed the disposition of my status here in China. About a month ago, I was told to go back to the US. One month later, I find myself still here. It looks like I may be coming back to China. It depends on when. I am fighting to take an 8 day break in the US to attend a friend's wedding, finish up my taxes, take care of some personal business, and renew my visa. I'm sure those on the Dragon Project and at MK who I am sending this e-mail to knows the current situation here - not good. The project manager does not want to release anyone else until everything is resolved (i.e. the client is happy). He is looking for a way for me to stay in China until project completion (August 98). Ideally, he would like me to go to Hong Kong to do a 'rush-job' on my visa and come back to TEDA the next day. He doesn't want anyone leave. However, I've been here the longest without a break on the engineering team. Hopefully my boss here can help fight for my return to the US for a short 'break'. The bottom line is I might head back to the US on the 17th or I might be here in China until August. All I know is I need a break. I'm already burned out and feel I need some time off. Well, that's my status. As usual, it's up in the air. I'm going to have to put my foot down at some time. I think this is it.I will keep everyone posted. Regards, Joe
May 25, 1998 -- The World Kido Federation has released the New KiDO album/book. The publishing job was very good and if you will look at the beginning pages, Hanshi Anderson is pictured in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C, with Chairman In Sun So.May 10, 1998 --Grandmaster Park Chull-hee stayed with Hanshi Anderson during a stopover on the way to his son's wedding in Hew Jersey. His son, Raymond Park (American name) is an important representative for a major American manufacturer of snow-boards. Grandmaster Park's niece, who is learning English, was traveling with him. Other relatives in the USA: his nephew is completing his medical degree at Yale and another niece is studying at Harvard.It is good news that GM Park's very important students, the two previous presidents of Korea, have now been released from confinement and have had their civil rights restored.
During the visit to Anderson, the subject of the historical search for In Yun Byung-In was considered along with the historic links to the Shudokan of Kanken Toyama. See International Shudokan Page & Kim Soo Karate. We also discussed the former Kanbukan of Japan, from which another shihan of Toyama returned to Korea and founded the JiDoKwan.
GM Park gave a beautiful statue of Guan Gong (Kwan Yu) (in whose honor the Kwanmu-kan is named) to GM Anderson. Interestingly enough, the robe of the figurine is covered with the symbol of the Kwanmukan.
For your information, On Sunday, May 3, during the course of normal competition at a tournament in Hammond, Indiana, a competitor collapsed and died.
Two teenagers were in a kumite match and one scored a "light contact" point to the chest. Upon returning to the line for the award of the point, the receiver of the punch, William Arthur Battin, collapsed to the floor. Medical personnel were close at hand and immediately began resuscitation efforts. While attempts to resuscitate were in progress, an ambulance was summoned and came immediately. The youth was taken to the nearby hospital were extensive attempts to revive the youth failed.
The subsequent autopsy revealed no damage to the chest area, and it appears that the cause of death is the unclassified but not unknown sudden death syndrome with has, in the past, caused a mysterious and fatal heart stopping in young male athletes.
This death occurred during under normal competition held under the Olympic approved competition rules, which have been proved safe beyond doubt. Additionally, rigidly non-contact standards were in force. Medical assistance was on had, the referees were certified, and the athletes were experienced and well condition.
At this time there is no further information on the cause of death, but although it occurred during competition, it appears that karate might have not been the causative agent in the tragedy.
April 28, 1998 -- we have received this news flash about J. Delcourt's continuing affairs in France. We present it here for your information. Comments welcome.
====
On Monday, April 6th, 1998, Europe's largest sports daily newspaper " L'Equipe " reported that WUKO (World Union Karate-do Organization - presently called WKF) President Jacques Delcourt, founder and president of the French Karate Federation (FFKAMA) has been forced to resign by his own organization as the result of French federal investigations into his suspected financial misconduct, including forgery, breach of contract and misappropriation of funds. The French Public Prosecutor is continuing their investigation. The Delcourt Scandal has resulted in the cutting off of French government funding (approximately $500,000) to FFKAMA and the termination of all licensing status. As a result, FFKAMA is isolated from all sports participation and activities.
===end news flash===
April 18, 1998 -- Death of Osamu Ozawa -
Sensei Osamu Ozawa, a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, died unexpectedly at the age of 72 on April 15, 1998 from complications arising from pneumonia.
He was born in Kobe, Japan on November 25, 1925. After graduating from Hosei University in Tokyo, he was as an interpreter for the Allied Occupation, and then secured the position of broadcasting director for Osaka Television (current Asahi Mainichi Television).
It is said that Sensei Ozawa was the first JKA instructor to open a dojo in the Kansai region, and that he was the chief instructor of the JKA Kansai. He often said that the dojo in Kobe at that time was "frequently threatened by local yakuza, and he could have been killed on any given day."
He immigrated to the United States in 1964, lived a while in Los Angeles as a budding television promoter and then moved to Las Vegas where he opened a dojo. His annual Las Vegas tournament, the last held just a few days prior to his death, he presented himself as a ultra-traditional Japanese karateka and wore the traditional kimono of his native country. His tournaments were popular and were a great show, always emphasizing the values of what he considered to be the birth country of karate, Japan.
Sensei Ozawa maintained that he was the most senior Shotokan instructor in the United States (2 years senior to Sensei Nishiyama).
Please send condolences to: Mrs. Osamu Ozawa, 6832 Greengrove Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89103 U.S.A.
TEL: (702)876-9477 FAX: (702)876-2474
April 18, 1998 -- Status of President of WKF within the French Karate Federation. --- We have received the following email from FROMENTIN Philippe, FROMENTIN-Philippe@email.msn.com
The french Fédération is under justice procédure and the president Jacques Delcourt has left his function of président on 8 April 1998. The new President of the FFKAMA is Gérard Garson.
***Our note: We understand that Antonio Espinos of Spain has also replaced M. Delcourt as President of the European Karate Union. We are wondering who will be the next president of the World Karate Federation and what will happen to the Olympic recognition?
March 19, 1998 -- Unification for Olympics a must--Komapsumnida--rhaney@swbell.net
COMMENT-- Having read through your page I see that there are other martial arts that have as many problems as the United States Taekwondo Union. Having left my traditional training and got involved with the sport aspect of Taekwondo almost 6 years ago, I have never seen so much fighting amongst so many that are supposed to have honor, integrity and credlbility It sounds as though your organization is headed in the same direction. Having been training for the last 20 years in various styles mainly Taekwondo, I, and this is my opinion, think that one must look inside ones self and understand why they are training, if its for sport or is it for the true meaning of their art. As I see Taekwondo going into the 2000 Olympic Games I feel this will be the last Olympics because of all the turmoil going on. There are so many things involved in getting I.O.C. approval, NGB status for Pan Am Games, World Games, and the Olympics that any miscues could mean losing that status. For Karate to survive I suggest that all organizations involved ban together and try to work as one. As I said, these are just a few views and comments. Other than that great page and feel free to mail me back. Komapsumnida
USAKF REPLY --It is true that at the start of what we know as Traditional Taekwondo and Karate, that the teachers didn't favor the idea of styles of karate and just simply wanted their arts known as simply karate. The name karate originally referred to the Middle Kingdom of China but was later changed to mean the open hand. The teachers of taekwondo studied karate or kwon-bop for the most part. I think that you are correct in your idea of unification
March 19, 1998 -- regarding the USAKF allied membrship to the USA-NKF
Dear Mr. Thiry, President, USA-NKF -- Thank you for the membership offer from the USA-NKF. After careful consideration by the USA Karate Board of Directors, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to not accept the membership offer. If you wish further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Patrick M. Hickey
March 19, 1998 -- What is the status of karate becoming an Olympic sport? Email from Red Dog- email-pizano@compuserve.com
QUESTION--- Would the USAKF and/or the USANKF have equal power in determining who would be eligible to be on the potential US Olympic team? When and where are the qualifying tournaments for the 1998 USAKF nationals for those living in Pa.?
USAKF ANSWER--- We don't think that Karate will be an Olympic Sport anytime in the close future and may not make it at all. The sport is to diversified and Taekwondo seems to hold the center--perhaps they will include karate kata? The USAKF, just as all national organizations, prepares athletes for possible international competition and the tryouts for any US Olympic team are held under the auspices of the USOC and must be open to all athletes of the United States of America.
For the qualifiers, it depends on where you live in Pennsylvania -- East or West. In the East, Pat Byrnes is in charge and in the West, either Pat Hickey or Bill Viola will be in charge. If you tell us where you live and your category of competition, we will inform you how to qualify.
The USAKF is really the best organization in the US to belong to. It provides legitimate and recognized ranking and credentials, fair and just competition, access to other martial arts disciplines, clinics and seminars, licenses for coaching and refereeing, and all those things. We have a strong membership and are open to all legitimate and recognized style, and to those that want to upgrade their standings.
To compete in the USAKF you simply have to fill out the forms and enter the tournament. It sounds like you have done a good job in the AAU and we think that if you liked the AAU, you will love the USAKF.
The USAKF took Karate to the Pan American Games and at our best we had 700 registered competitors; but by the count of the membership of our clubs we probably had over 100,000.
March 6 , 1998 -- Shudokan and Kanken Toyama --questions about kata list
To: James Caldwell shinry19@idt.net --reports that he has received the following question about the Shudokan.
****************
Major Caldwell's reply---
When Hanshi Anderson and I embarked on opening the International Shu Do Kan site it was for the express purpose to open the dialogue on one the most ignored great Okinawan masters of Karate-Do. Through our discussions with each other we found that our roots, his Korean and mine Japanese/Okinawan, were from the same source, Dai Shihan Kanken Toyama. I was able to verify the Korean connection for Hanshi Anderson so it gives me great pleasure that many have found the site.
My instructor, Michio Koyasu, is still alive and was a student of Kanken Toyama. In the 1950's and 60's Koyasu sensei served in Toyama's All Japan Karate-Do Federation in several senior positions to include Vice President. I communicate with Koyasu sensei on a regular basis. He has been very gracious in providing me with historical information such as old newsletters, Tai Kai programs, and candid interviews. He also provided me with a voice tape recording between Toyama sensei and some the top instructors such as Hanaue, Onishi, Sai and Koyasu. The instructors are asking Toyama sensei questions and he responds to them. I have only recently received a full copy of Toyama's "Karate-Do Taihokan" I have managed to translate the forward recommendation by his friend Tomomutsu Nakayoshi, the preface, and most of appendix section three where the list of senior instructors are listed.
I will answer the questions as best I can.
February 7, 1998 --A comment heard about the USA Karate --- "Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines" -- Obviously we are the Eagles, it is for you to guess who are the weasels February 5, 1998 -- Explain the different international federations
Hello Hanshi --I do not mean to impose upon you, If you have a moment. I am hearing about different organizations on the international level. This evening I had Mr. Miki call me and invite me to Orlando for the World Youth Tournament. (They are paying referees and some of the senior instructors according to how many >students that they bring.)
I know you do not have to take the time to explain this to me, I would >appreciate if you would add your comments to what is the purpose of each organization.
I have become more family oriented and do not go out often. Although I am >sending students out to different events. You know I hold your opinion in high regard. Anything you could add.
I trust all is well with you and yours -- God Bless
Our reply:
Dear friend, The operations for the organizations are all similar but the drivers are different.
The AAU is as it has always been and always be as long as Joe Mirza runs it. He now has the help of Minobu Miki who is there because it offers him better chances of personal recognition than does the USAKF who has Jim Caldwell as the head of referees. The AAU has a good location and has done some good work but, for me, I don't like too much technical control from the Shito-ryu or the Shotokan for that matter. It seems to me that the AAU is designed to manage grass roots karate roe and that Joe Mirza feel qualified to put it in place. Be it as it may, that is to say that he is a good man, there are too many organizations involved there that are not based in martial arts values and give new meaning to the internal and external concepts -- the meanings of internal as development of the self, and the meaning of external as those "exposital" things. The World Youth Tournament under the WKO is OK --but how many organizations do we need and how many are of benefit to the karateka of America.
For the USAKF, we have a good value, a good name, a good time, and offer true development in the arts. And for that matter, my teacher was from the Shudokan, from Toyama Kanken- a student of Yasutsune Itosu of Shuri-Te (teacher of Funakoshi of Shotokan--I have Sandan with a student of Funakoshi), Chosin Chibana (Shorin-Ryu), Byung In Yun (Ch'uan Fa -- the reason for our Chinese grades), and Kanryo Higashionna (Naha-Te) the teacher of Miyagi of the Goju style -- thus my connection to Masafumi Suzuki. Consequently, the gradings that we offer are of the highest level. Furthermore, we intend to work the electronic media on behalf of our group and I suggest that we will be in first place, because -- we are not now saddled with ridiculous meeting and other oddities of duty so important to more "important people." And don't forget the Hall of Fame that we have up - put up by one of the oldest significant karate organization is the Americas.
For the USANKF -(Thiry-Ha)- well -- you know all about that. If you think that that group will treat you kindly in the long run -- rethink it!
For payment of the tournament expenses- that is an old idea that the USKA rejected many years ago. It works for the big schools, but for those of moderate size is not so good. The idea is to take a lot of money and give some of it back to those who contribute to the pot. I look at it this way- How much money does it cost in total. In that light, it is much-much cheaper to compete in the USAKF. That's it -- much cheaper! --overall. If you compete in the USAKF, you, in the end, will have saved more money. Furthermore, from us there is no pressure for your students to change to any popular style or to any evangelical teacher.
It all boils down to quality, money, and security from national organizations raiding or interfering with you personal dojo.
For me, the choice is clear. For those who want to try for great athletic fame and then branch out and open their own dojos independent of their teachers, the choice is clear. For those who own a large competition circuit, the choice is clear. For those who do not do karate and have no intention of greater achievements, the choice is clear.
February 5, 1998 -- The Clinton problem
It seems to me that the medias bias against Clinton clearly shows in his inquisition of those who call in. Hosts should look up the word conspiracy in the dictionary. Furthermore, at this time free-floating opinions are not justified as no firm facts proving guilt or non-guilt are yet confirmed.
The other day I say an interview with Judge Walsh of Watergate fame and he strongly spoke against the joining of forces against Clinton in the civil suit.
February 5, 1998 --A new page has been put up for the International Shudokan Association. The Shudokan is a mjor family of karate and you can find information about it here.
February 3, 1998 -- We are delighted to hear from Jim "Cookie Monster" Cook, a noted competitor from the past and a former USKA Champion during the time of Robert Trials. We are posting some of his pictures. We will have these up on 5 February 98. Jim trained in Korea in Taekwondo and Kung Fu. He has been living in Tennessee for the past 17 years teaching privately and still in the entertainment business. Park Chull Hee is also a past friend of his. He has have a copy of the only book that ever wrote that is in Chinese and Korean which he signed and gave to him in 1968 while he was stationed in Korea. He is presently in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in Ohio and The Karate Hall of Fame at O.J.K.A.. At 51 he is no longer competing even though his last win was 2 years ago there in Knoxville, Tennessee. January 15, 1998 -- The National Convention for the USAKF will be held in Akron on the 21st of February, 1998.
January 6, 1998 -- The Winter Nationals have been postponed until April because of the too many events at the same time in Tucson, the rodeo, gem show, etc. In April, the event will be spun into the Pacific League Championships.
January 6, 1998 --The International Shudokan Association has become active and is now enlisting members related to the Shudokan of the late grandmaster, Toyama Kanken.
January 1, 1998 --From George Anderson , et al.-- Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Here are some comments on the past and a look at the future. This past year was a good year for us and we hope for you too. We have established a strong internet presence and our new Hall-of-fame is posted there, and our championships were the best ever, and we have joined the World Karate Confederation - it looks really good.
Personally, we feel resurrected and I myself and back in to my root forms of good solid karate and salubrious taichi-chuan (taigukkwon). We hope that our outstanding progress will continue and that your important support will be with us as ever.