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- THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR SEIYO no SHORIN-RYU KOBUDO KAI

November 2011 W. Dan Hausel, Soke & Eric J. Hausel, Soke-Dai v.8, no.11 Newsletter of SEIYO SHORIN-RYU HOMBU

“Ultimately, you must forget about technique. The further you progress, the fewer teachings there are. The Great Path is really no path” -Ueshiba 2012 PROPOSED HOMBU CLINICS Nitanbo Yarijutsu & Defense Hakutsuru Dai Hakutsuru Sho & Bunkai Kioga/Tsue – expandable baton & cane Hombu Clinic & Testing Hanbo – 3 foot baton Kusanku Dai Kata & Bunkai Wankan Dai & Sho Kata & Bunkai Empi Kata & Bunkai Sandan Kata & Bunkai All Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Clinic & Testing All about Rope - Manrikigusari, , Gusarigama, Surichin, Hojo

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER’s DOJO KUN Reigi o omonjiru koto Always act with good manners

Dojo kun can be considered philosophy, affirmations and some schools even consider them as rules. Being somewhat conservative, I do not like rules. I find people who spend a lot of time writing rules don’t follow their own rules; and our society already has plenty to go around.

For me, dojo kun is philosophy, or affirmations that hopefully many of us will strive to incorporate in our mannerisms at the dojo and take outside to your daily activities. They are to help guide all of us while we train in . In the dojo, we should strive to show good manners, and at the same time enjoy ourselves. We are all far from being perfect and dojo kun along with traditional martial arts training are designed to make us just a little better than we were the previous week.

Over the years, I’ve taught a few thousand students at various universities, and because of the nature of universities; students tend to graduate and move on to jobs and families, and unfortunately I only hear from a very small minority as they move on. Hopefully, most continue training in martial arts and I hope some even end up with their own dojo – this is my ultimate objective, to guide you to become

sensei one day. Because of this, I try to teach proper traditions so you can one day teach your students these traditions.

A few things to think about: (1) osu (pronounced ossss). This is highly under-used but a sign of great respect and good manners. You can use this term for almost anything: in Japanese it can mean “I understand”, “I will try to do better”, “yes, Sensei”, etc. It is a response by one who is corrected in their technique and is followed with a bow.

(2) Rei (bow). Bow whenever you think it feels right and always bow lower than someone of higher rank. It is rare for a Soke to bow to his students (but I do), so keep this in mind if you train in another system with another Soke.

(3) Japanese greetings and commands in a traditional dojo are fun such as „konnichi ‟ (pronounced coal--chi-wa) (good day); domo arigoto (thank you), domo (thanks or hello), hai (pronounced high)(yes); yoroshiku (pronounced yo-row-she-koo) (pleased to meet you); yokoso (pronounced yo-coal-sow) (welcome); omedeto (pronounced oh-may-day-toe) (congratulations); seiretsu (pronounced say-ret-sue) (line up); sumimasen (pronounced sue-me-moss-en) (apology, sorry).

(4) Whenever a Soke enters a dojo, the first student to see the Soke should shout “yamae”, meaning “stop”. At that point, the class senior would give the command “Soke rei” and all students should bow. However, because the Arizona Hombu is small and I’m usually present before anyone else, we ignore this tradition at the Hombu. But if you attend any of our clinics outside of Arizona, you will hear this command.

In the dojo, use formal Japanese titles, particularly if we have visitors present. For example, at the Arizona Hombu, we have Dr. Neal Adam who is a shihan: Bill Borea, Paula Borea, Dan Graffius, Sarah Kamenicky and Dan Lang are our yudansha (black belt students) and their official titles are senpai (pronounced sem-pie). When they teach, it is also proper to call them sensei, even though they are not yet of the official rank of sensei but they are all getting very close to that rank.

So, by learning a few of these types of mannerisms, you are also learning traditional karate. Karate is not just kicking and punching, it is also just as much about traditions and acting with good manners.

CONGRATULATIONS We send our congratulations to Shihan-Dai Matt Larson (head instructor at the UW Campus Shorin- Ryu Karate Club) and his wife Senah Larson. Matt and Senah are the proud parents of a new karate-ka - Cason James Larson, born to wear a gi on Wednesday October 26th, 2011, at 8 pounds and 9 ounces.

NEWS FROM UW Shihan-Dai Larson reported that the University of Wyoming club has been concentrating on the Pinan kata and the self-defense applications of those kata.

2011 FALL SEIYO-SHORIN-RYU CLINIC AT UW We held our fall clinic in Laramie on October 1st and 2nd. We held a self defense clinic on Friday night that was attended by approximately 20 students from the university. They learned many useful techniques and were enthusiastic about the clinic. In addition, several students from various dojo attended, were very helpful and were good .

Some clinic members ready to rumble. Left to right – Senpai Elena Finley, Hanshi Andy Finley, Adrian Finley, Senpai Florence Teulé and Senpai Bryan Bortner (photos by Heather From).

On Saturday and Sunday, approximately 15 karateka attended from Gillette, Casper, Laramie, Logan, Utah and Colorado/Nebraska. Every one trained very hard for the two days and it was exciting to watch. We trained extensively in self defense applications from the 5 Pinan kata and also trained in Gama Nidan, one of my favorite kata and the first kobudo kata I learned from Soke. It was great training in Laramie and I appreciate the hard work from everyone who attended – Hanshi Andy Finley, 7th dan.

NEWS FROM GILLETTE Starting next month the Gillette Dojo is planning on hosting a monthly self-defense clinic. Each clinic will have a theme and focus on a different concepts of self defense. The first clinic, November 17th, is going to focus on understanding why and how a person might be attacked, and learning some basic initial reactions to a variety of attacks involving grabs.

If any SKI members would like to attend one of these clinics or just train with us in the Gillette dojo, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. We have classes Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights and we also train on some Saturdays – Shihan-Dai Kyle Gewecke, 4th dan.

NEWS FROM THE HOMBU We recently had a few students test for rank and congratulations are in order for Dave Hargreaves (promoted to hachikyu), Lou Ferzacca (promoted to shichikyu), Patrick Scofield (promoted to shichikyu), and Ryan Harden (promoted to gokyu) for a job well done!

Class photo following recent exams. Left to Right (front line). Katharina Richert, Adam Bialek, Dave Hargreaves, Lacy Pine, Lou Ferzacca, Patrick Scofield, Charles Jean and Ryan Harden. Back row standing are Soke, Dan Lang, Paula Borea, Bill Borea and Shihan Adam. Missing are Sarah Kamenicky, Dan Graffius, Satish Andalam, Morgan Jean-Downen, Victor, Marina and Sebastia Pena, Steve, Melinda and Christiana Valinski, Taylor Sapanara, Rich Mendolia, Emily Adam and Nathaniel and Ethan.

JAPANESESE (Nihontō) Researching Japanese swords, systems and styles can involve considerable time and has resulted in several books on the subject by many authors. The complexities of the Japanese , systems and styles are mind-boggling. And I will provide only a cursory review.

Several swords were prominent during Feudal and these are generally known as Japanese swords (日本刀) or nihontō. The used to write (s) include

‘日’ the ideograph for sun, and ‘本’ the kanji for „origin‟ or ‘root’ (this symbol is a pictorial graphic of a tree with a root at its base indicated by the small cross horizontal line at the bottom of the kanji). These two kanji (日本) are combined to represent Japan (origin of the sun). The third kanji (刀) represents sword: thus all together we have Japanese sword(s). The Japanese do not distinguish between plural and singular nouns.

Katana showing guard (tsuba), handle (tsuka), charm (menuki) and the „handyman‟s secret (duct tape) (photo by Kenrick Davis).

Most Japanese swords are not well-defined and categories for length of the weapon are general. The lengths were

measured in shaku (the average distance between nodes of a mature bamboo stem ~ 1 foot). The primary shaku used to measure most objects in Japan equals 30.3 cm (11.93 inches).

A general length classification scheme used for nihontō:  tantō (knife or ) = 1 shaku or less;  or (short swords known as shōtō) = 1 to 2 shaku;  or (long swords known as daitō) = more than 2 shaku;  ōdachi (long swords) = more than 3 shaku.

In addition to the above swords, the and were considered to be part of the nihontō family even though they were pole mounted .

The most common sword known to Westerners is katana (刀). The katana is a single edged sword, with a curve whose possession was restricted to the lineage during Feudal Japan. It was thought that katana were the soul of samurai and was so important that the samurai actually gave names to their swords, as they were considered to be part of the living.

Long Swords (1) ōdachi (also known as ōtachi) (大太刀) The „ō‟ in ōdachi refers to „great‟. The kanji for „great‟ is written as ‘大’ which also means big. The ōdachi predated katana and had some unique characteristics. Not only was the sword noticeably long, the ōdachi was marked by religious inscriptions imprinted on the tang. It is thought by most researchers that ōdachi were used in ceremonies prior to battle; and because their length (5 to 6 shaku) was enormous (often longer than the samurai was tall), it is thought many were used as swords. The ōdachi would have been impractical to carry in an obi (belt) around one’s waist. Thus, it was thought the weapon was either carried on one’s back, in hand, attached to a horse, or by an assistant who followed the samurai.

(2) Nodachi The nodachi is often confused with ōdachi. However, nodachi refers to any type of long battlefield or field sword (daitō) as well as a tachi and is often misapplied to any oversized Japanese sword. It has the same appearance and design as a tachi, but was significantly longer. The sword is believed to have been used primarily for dueling.

Daitō (3) Katana (刀). The katana (pronounced kah-ta-nah in Japanese and popularized as ka- tan-a in the West), was one of the traditional swords worn by samurai. It had a blade larger than 2 shaku with a more moderate curve than a similar blade known as tachi (see #4 below). The katana was worn on the left side of the samurai with the cutting edge (yaiba or ha) up. The blade included a circular to square guard (tsuba) separating it from a

long grip handle or pommel (tuska) made for two hands. The blade of the katana along with the portion of the blade known as the nakago that extends into the handle was all one continuous piece known as the tang. Those katana made for () and training (iaitō) have full tang. This simply means that the nakago and ken (blade) are made of one, uninterrupted, piece of . Many cheap practice (iaitō) unfortunately have two separate pieces - a blade and handle. This results in loosening of the blade with prolong use until the handle starts to separate from the blade. Thus, when searching for an iaitō it is best to pay a few extra bucks and purchase one with a full tang. If you decide to purchase one to train in any of our dojo, it must be an iaitō with dull edge. Shinken are way too dangerous for dojo use and in Arizona should be reserved for trimming cactus or home invaders.

The gripping handle of katana is typically covered with ray skin leather (same‟) and wrapped with cord known as ito. To hold the handle (tsuka) in place on the nakago, a hole was punched into the steel nakago and a small bamboo peg (mekugi) forced through the handle into the nakago. When the handle is removed from a well-made katana by forcing the mekugi out, the swordsmith’s signature should be seen carved into the nakago. The katana was developed from an earlier sword referred to as (打刀). The katana was carried in a known as the saya.

(4) Tachi (太刀). The katana and tachi look very similar but can be distinguished by locating the mei (signature) on the sword’s nakago under the handle. When worn, the mei would be carved on that side of the tang that would face outward when placed in one’s obi. Because the tachi is worn with the cutting edge down opposite of the katana, the mei will be on the opposite side of the tang for this sword. The tachi was often considered as a spare blade used in battle.

There were tachi with variations from the classical weapon that included a larger tachi (see #1 above) known as ōtachi (ōdachi) and a shorter sword known as kōtachi (kōdachi). The kōdachi was similar in length to wakizashi (see #5 below). Shōtō (short swords) (5) Wakizashi (脇差) The wakizashi, also referred to as wakizashi no kataka, translates as „sword inserted at one‟s side‟. The wakizashi typically had a blade of 1 to 2 shaku. Those closer to the length of a katana, were referred to

as ō-wakazashi, while a shorter blade wakizashi was closer to the length of a tanto and known as ko- wakizashi. The wakizashi was worn with a katana only by samurai. Together, the pair were referred to as daisho which translates as „dai‟ (big) and „sho‟ (little), terms some of us are already familiar with because some of our advanced karate kata use these terms, such as Passai Dai and Passai Sho.

The wakizashi was a back-up sword, also used for close quarters fighting and for (ritual suicide). The size of wakizashi was not regulated until the when in 1638 AD, only samurai were allowed to wear katana of a regulated length. At this time wakizashi were also regulated. Samurai were allowed to wear both swords while those of the chonin class (merchants) were only allowed to wear a shorter ko-wakizashi to protect themselves from bandits. It was customary for samurai to leave katana at a door of a castle, but they always carried wakizashi. The wakizashi was the samurai‟s honor blade and would never leave his/hers side, so much so, that it is reported samurai even slept with them under their pillows (Bill, be sure to check under Paula‟s pillow and report back to us!). Tanto (knife) (6) Tanto The tanto was a knife worn by samurai of feudal Japan. One variety was that of the yoroi tōshi or dagger (about 8 inches long) that had a greater thickness and used for piercing armor. Another tanto was the aikuchi (匕首). The aikuchi had the distinctive characteristic of no tsuba, similar to another dagger known as a . See also ken tanto below (#8). Even so, many tanto had tsuba, such as the tanto given to me by the Utah Shorin Kai at the last Gassuku (see photo to right of tanto with shaku measuring tape).

Miscellaneous Swords (7) Chokutō. The chokutō had a straight blade and was introduced to Japan from Korea.

(8) Kusanagi no This was a double-edged sword used in the 5th century in Japan and similar to the ken tanto (double- edged knife).

(9) Shirasaya (白鞘) The shirasaya translates as ‘white scabbard’. This was a sword that had a plain wooded blade mount consisting of a saya (scabbard) with a tsuka () and traditionally used for storage when a sword blade was not needed for some time. In this form, it was not used on a battlefield.

(10) Shikomi-zue (仕込み杖) The shikomi-zue is a sword-stick. These typically contained a blade inside a cane (tsue) mounting for concealment. Some of these also concealed other such as pepper powder (metsubuski), chains, hooks, etc.

Schools and Ryu Most Japanese swords are traced to one of five provinces in Japan that included Shoshu, Yamato, Bizen, Yamashiro and Mino. There were different styles and systems of Japanese and training.

Kenjutsu, (sword techniques) is the martial art combat sword training. Similar to kenjutsu is kendo (way of the sword). Both tend focus on techniques of the sword after it has been drawn from the saya (scabbard). Kendo-ka practice with bamboo swords known as , while wearing padded clothing known as bōgu and head gear known as men. Most kenjutsu use sword.

Kyoshi Rob Watson, 8th dan, explains to members of the Utah Shorin Kai about kenjutsu and kendo while wearing bōgu and men of kendo and showing katana of kenjutsu. To the right, Renshi Todd Stoneking, 6th dan, hands shinai to Kyoshi Watson.

Iaijutsu (iaidō 居合道) and Battōjutsu (抜刀術) , iaidō and battōjutsu are fast draw arts designed to develop fast draw with follow-up attacks with the sword. These arts are similar and generally only differ in training methods. For instance, battōjutsu incorporates multiple cuts following the draw of the sword; while iaidō emphasizes reaction to unknown scenarios, or a reaction to a sudden and swift attacks. In iaidō, the student begins training with a (wooden practice sword) and later switches to a iaitō (dull-edged practice sword). Only very experienced practitioners use shinken (live blade) because of the extreme danger to oneself. Because iaidō is practiced with a weapon, whether it is a dull or live, nearly all training is by kata that includes drawing the weapon followed by cuts and finishing with ceremonial de-blooding of the blade and replacing the weapon back into the saya. is not part of iaidō, but is instead restricted to kendo. Another art that is similar to iaidō, is that of jōjutsu (training with a 4-foot staff).

Modern (sword testing) during Halloween.

According to Wikipedia, some styles of iaidō include Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu, Muso Shinden Ryu, Mugai-Ryu, Jikyo-Ryu, Suio-Ryu, Motobu Udundi (Okinawan), Shindō Munen-ryū, Shinkage- ryū, Hōki-ryū, Tatsumi-ryū, Tamiya-ryū, Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū, Takenouchi-ryū,Eishin- ryū.

Sword testing, known as tameshigiri was designed to test the blade’s sharpness and the practitioner’s abilities on a variety of materials. Today, we often see people use matting or straw on a vertical pole. In the past, it was not uncommon for some Japanese to test on cadavers of executed criminals. Few iaidō schools practice tameshigiri.

As a final note, as Soke, I decided to incorporate samurai arts into Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo. In addition to , our members train in jujutsu, hojojutsu, hanbojutsu, and yarijutsu.

Some Books On Nihonto Craig, Darrell, 1981, Iai – the art of Drawing the Sword: Lotus Press, Tokyo, Japan, 257 p. Yumoto, J, M., 1958, The Samurai Sword – A Handbook: Charles E. Tuttle Co, Tokyo, Japan, 191 p. Warner, G. and Draeger, D.F., 1982, Japanese Swordsmanship – Technique and Practice: Weatherhill, Boston, 296 p. Zier, Don, J., 2000, Japanese Sword Drawing: Unique Publications, Burbank, CA, 317 p.

2011 GASSAKU In August, the Utah Shorin-Kai hosted the 2011 Gassaku, and again we had a great time at the East Canyon Resort east of Salt Lake City (see photo to left sent to us by Renshi Todd Stoneking).

PRAYERS FOR MEMBERS Please keep our following members in mind with positive thoughts and prayers while they heal. In the last newsletter, we mentioned Rich Mendolia who came down with Valley Fever. We also need prayers for Kyoshi Rob Watson who underwent shoulder surgery for the third time, and also for Steve Valinski, who is having some physical problems and unable to attend class for now. These people are very important in our lives.

Rich Mendolia (below left) is sorely missed at the Hombu. All of our members are complaining that Ryan Harden cannot produce enough bruises to keep everyone satisfied. We need you back Rich! (Below right) Yudansha photo at the 2011 Utah Gassuku showing Kyoshi Rob Watson standing next to Soke. Rob underwent a third bout of shoulder surgery in recent weeks – we need to get him back and healthy. (Bottom right) Steve Valinski standing at the far left is also having medical problems. We miss Steve considerably and look forward to his rapid recovery and return. All of you, get well soon – that‟s an order!

FUNAKOSHI LET Neko OUT OF THE BAG Anku Itosu and Gichin Funakoshi already let the cat (neko) out of the bag. They told everyone about Okinawan Karate, so it’s no longer a secret. So, please don’t keep us a secret either. Bring a friend, family member or co-worker to visit our Shorin-Ryu family. Please also forward a copy of our newsletter to an associate and we would appreciate anyone making copies and distributing a few.

Sketch of neko (cat) (note, all of my sketches are for sale at 50% off – we need to make room in our house and these are taking up too much room. These are all original pencil or color pencil sketches.

LINKS Shorin-Ryu History Blog International Martial Arts Center The Arizona Hombu Man of Year Nomination Kids Karate Karate Anniversary Japanese Traditional Karate dojo Az Traditional Karate Self-Defense Gilbert Karate Yelp Karate Stances Karate Tournaments Airline Self-Defense Arizona Kobudo Sai Jujutsu Karate Philosophy Demos Interview Training memories Physics and Karate Bojutsu Karate Icons Karate Clinics Seiyo Kai Shorin-Ryu Adult Karate Classes Self Defense Hanbo Hombu Arizona Karate Official site of Seiyo Kai Traditional Okinawan Karate Yahoo ASU news Seiyo Wiki Merchant Circle Merchant Circle 2 Merchant Circle 3 Thumbtack UW Hotfrog Karate Information Manta Manta2 Naginata Meikyo-Rohai Kata Secrets of Karate Mesa Karate Gilbert Karate Academy Follow Us on Facebook

RECENT PRESS RELEASES Grandparents Earn Black Belts Mesa, AZ, October 5th, 2011: The Arizona School of Traditional Karate also known as Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Hombu congratulated Bill and Paula Borea of Gilbert, Arizona following recent exams. Bill and Paula underwent 1.5 weeks of exams in Traditional Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo in Mesa. Both were tested by Grandmaster Soke Hausel, 10th degree black belt, and both were required to demonstrate advanced forms (known as kata), Okinawan weapons (known as kobudo) and Samurai Arts. They also had to demonstrate defenses against a variety of attacks including against an assailant with a knife, gun and rifle. They were successful and promoted to Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in karate and kobudo on Thursday (September 8th, 2011) at the Arizona dojo in Mesa (60 W. Baseline Road).

According to Soke Hausel, 10th degree black belt, who has been teaching for more than 40 years, this is the first time he has ever heard of a married couple who are also senior citizens earning black belts on the same evening. Soke did have one Canadian

couple earn black belts together, but they were in their mid-20s. Another couple from the University of Wyoming earned 3rd degree black belts in the same year, but were not married at the time – they later married and moved to Cody, Wyoming. As far as senior citizens, he did have one professor earn a 1st degree black belt in his 80s, but this is extremely rare.

But there are even more unusual circumstances about this couple that is made for a movie script. For example,

• few people ever reach the level of 2nd degree black belt in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu karate. This is because of extreme dedication and many years of training that are required.

• Both Bill and Paula Borea have been training for many years and each trained in Japan while Bill Borea was stationed in Japan as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

• Paula Borea's story alone is the kind of stuff made for a novel or movie. She is half Japanese. After World War II, she was born to a Japanese mother and American serviceman. Being a child of two opposing cultures, much of her Japanese family disowned her and she was given up to adoption at the age of 4 to 5 (and her life was even threatened by one Japanese uncle).

• Later in life, she returned to Japan with her husband, where she met her mother for the first time since the forced separation and the two shared many tears.

• Paula is not only of Japanese descent, she is also of samurai lineage and has always had an interest to her heritage. This led her on a search for a traditional martial arts school in Arizona that would bring her closer to her Japanese heritage. She found the Arizona School of Traditional Karate in Mesa provided her with that part of her life that was missing and started training under Grandmaster Hausel in 2006.

• Both Bill and Paula are grandparents who show that with the right attitude, anything can be accomplished.

• Bill and Paula Borea show this everyday in their lives. People who claim they cannot work out because of physical limitations need to met these two extraordinary people - one recently had back surgery and the other open heart surgery. Both continue to train at the school in Mesa 2 to 3 times a week. Paula reports that the Arizona School of Traditional Karate is as traditional as anything she saw in Okinawa. Bill reports that karate training saved his life by greatly improving his health.

EAST Martial Artist Inducted In ‘2012 Who’s Who in the World’ October 6th, 2011. Soke Hausel of the East Valley of Phoenix, a member of several Halls of Fame, will now also be included in the 29th edition of Marquis Who‟s Who in the World (2012). The Hall of Fame instructor from Mesa, Arizona was contacted by Fred Marks, editor-in-chief of Marquis Who’s Who in the World indicating they have elected him for inclusion in their prestigious biographical reference that includes many of the more productive people in the world. Hausel also appeared in Who‟s Who in the World 2011, Who‟s Who in America and the majority of Who‟s Who in Science and Engineering editions. Soke Hausel was selected because of his numerous accomplishments as a polymath that include work as a martial artist, geologist, public speaker, astronomer, artist, and author.

As a martial artist, he was promoted to Grandmaster of Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo (Seiyo Kai) in 1999. In 2004, he was promoted to the highest rank available in Okinawan Karate – 10th dan. In the past, he taught martial arts at four universities before opening the Arizona School of Traditional Karate and Seiyo Kai Hombu at 60 W. Baseline in Mesa.

He is a member of several Halls of Fame including the North American Black Belt Hall of Fame, World Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame (Malaysia), World Head of Society Hall of Fame (Philippines), Latin America Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Puerto Rico), World Karate Union Hall of Fame (Pennsylvania) and American Karate Association Hall of Fame (Ohio) for martial arts accomplishments and the National Rock Hound and Lapidary Hall of Fame and Millennium Hall of Fame for geological sciences.

PROFESSOR Earns Master Degree October 15th, 2011: Wax on, wax off. It takes decades of dedication & training to master a martial art. When most people think of a master of martial arts, they often visualize an old, wise monk; or a faster than life karate master who is indestructible. But to be a true master of martial arts, one must not only master the physical skills of a martial art, but they must also master oriental philosophy, history and traditions.

It is also rare for a PhD to earn a Master Degree: not the master’s degree from a university, but a master degree in Shorin-Ryu Karate. Remember Daniel-san from the original Karate Kid? Mr. Myagi taught Daniel-san Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate - the same art taught at the Arizona School of Traditional Karate in Mesa and Gilbert at 60 W. Baseline Road. Reaching the level of PhD and Professor requires dedication to a particular field of study and research leaving little time for anything else. And to do the same in martial arts is rare.

Dr Neal Adam, associate professor of biology at Grand Canyon University, has dedicated the past 30 years to learning karate while pursuing a career in science. His love for karate reached a high level of comprehension of Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Seiyo Kai Karate and Kobudo. To reach this level of expertise, one must understand the mechanics and physics of karate, they must comprehend the philosophy of the art, they must learn dozens of complex forms and be able to demonstrate these forms without thinking and with extraordinary power and focus, and they must master ancient weapons, and must learn to defend themselves effectively.

The Master degree is a measure of one’s expertise and translates in Japanese as Shihan. Dr. Neal Adam reached this level and was presented certifications of Shihan and Godan (5th degree black belt) after testing in front of Soke Hausel, world head of Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo at the Hombu (world headquarters) in Mesa.

Dr. Neal Adam, associate professor at Grand Canyon University is presented Shihan certification and godan (5th degree black belt).

In addition to demonstrating an understanding of karate and kobudo, Dr. Adam was also required to develop new forms of kobudo. He created a new form of hanbo (3-foot staff) and applications for self defense, and also developed a new form using common everyday tools of his trade for self-defense: eye glasses, rulers, pens, belt, etc. The new form was named the Nerd-ja kata.

Left – Professor Adam exhibits his Nerd-ja uniform to demonstrate common self-defense weapons of a professor.

SMASHING PUMPKINS & MARTIAL ARTS October 20th, 2011. It’s Halloween; the season of , the season of pumpkins, the season of samurai? It’s all of these at the Arizona School of Traditional Karate at the border of Mesa and Gilbert on Baseline where things are always a little different. Different because the school stresses „traditional‟ curriculum (remember Mr. Myagi in the Karate Kid?), and because classes are taught by Hall of Famer, Soke Hausel, 10th dan, a kojyu of budo (professor of martial arts) and world head of Shorin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo (Seiyo Kai) a traditional style of . Classes are also taught by Shihan Neal Adam, 5th dan, a master of karate and kobudo and also an active professor at one of the local universities. But where does Halloween fit into traditional arts?

Trick or treat? So how does a grandmaster celebrate Halloween? Photos of Soke Hausel of Mesa in traditional karate gi (uniform) with and katana (samurai sword) (photos by Sharon Hausel). Not too many pumpkins were harmed during the filming of this demonstration.

Students of the Arizona School of Traditional Karate and Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo not only train in traditional karate and kobudo, they also train in samurai

and other arts, so they get a better, all-around martial arts and self-defense education. For example, Soke Hausel has certifications in 23 martial arts and takes advantage of this by teaching a diversified curriculum to his adult classes. Some of the arts taught by the hall of fame grandmaster include Okinawan karate, nunchaku, tonfa, kama, bo, hanbo, nitanbo (two sticks), sai, tanto (knife), yari (spear), naginata, manrikigusari (chain), gusarigama (sickle and chain), katana (samurai sword), (garden hoe), (okinawan oar), (star darts), jujutsu and other arts.

But imagine smashing pumpkins – not the famous alternative rock band, but rather smashing pumpkins with a karate , , or just slicing them with kama (Okinawan sickles) or katana, better known as a samurai sword. Why would anyone do this? Because it is Halloween, this gives our students an opportunity to see how well their technique has developed, and most of all, it brings members together in friendship and works towards the ultimate goal of becoming more self-confident and better all- around members of society at 60 W. Baseline Road.

Librarians Use More Than Just Library Cards October 25th, 2011. Imagine – you’re in-between bookshelves at the public library just before closing – someone sneaks up behind and grabs you. What do you do with that book in your hand?

Librarians and staff of the Chandler Public Library were confronted with this and other imaginary scenarios at a recent seminar taught by Hall of Fame martial artist and grandmaster, Soke Hausel of the Arizona School of Traditional Karate in Mesa and world head of Seiyo No Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo Kai in Gilbert, an international association of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo. Kobudo is a martial art that teaches use of Okinawan farming and fishing implements, as well as modern garden and construction tools, as weapons of self-defense.

During the seminar, Soke Hausel taught the seminar attendees how to escape from wrist grabs, lapel grabs and bear-hugs, by using their elbows, knees, feet and hands and how to use books, magazines, coins, pens, belts, and car keys for self-defense tools against aggressive attacks. The attendees were surprised to find they were working with self-defense weapons every day and even checking them out to the public. Who would have thought that a book or rolled up magazine could be so effective in self-defense?

Soke Hausel has been a martial arts instructor for more than 40 years and taught similar self-defense clinics and seminars to local political groups, EMT, university faculty and staff, military, scouts, teachers, women’s clubs, sororities, religious groups, martial arts instructors, etc. He is a professor of martial arts who taught at four universities in past years and currently teaches karate, kobudo and self-defense in the East Valley.

Library Science took on a new meaning in Chandler, when Hall of Fame martial artist, Soke Hausel, taught librarians that they are surrounded by weapons. Assisted by Charles Jean, the two taught the librarians to use their feet, elbows and books in self-defense. For more press releases and updates, please see our summaries at Seiyo Kai News, Arizona Karate News, Journal of a Soke, Karate Instructor Nominated, Arizona Karate Facebook page, and Seiyo No Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo Kai Facebook.

Traditional karate is not only about training, but also making new friends. Join us at our dojo at the border of Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler at 60 W. Baseline Road, Mesa.

Mesa Karate - http://mesa-te.blogspot.com/ Gilbert Karate - http://gilbert-te.blogspot.com/ Adult Karate Classes - http://gilbert-te.blogspot.com/ International Training Center in Mesa - http://sokeshodai.blogspot.com/