Volume 15, Issue 1 Spring 2005 The Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai

• A Gathering of the Shorinjiryu Family

• Largest Group of Shorinjiryu Practioneers Worldwide

• Exchanging Knowledge, Spirit & Friendship

Another Piece in the Puzzle by Mark Vanniekerk, Sensei

Just after the defeat of Japan in world sha were excluded from the Japanese Quan at Mt Shan. Equal time was given war II, Kaiso Kori Hisataka (Kudaka) stream of Shorinjiryu . So after to Qi gong and meditation practice, to returned home from China to find his being given Hanshi Masyuki Hisataka’s calm the mind, improving the long term country in ruins and the people demor- imprimatur, the Shorinjiryu Karatedo strength and health of the martial artist. alized. Kaiso saw the need to rebuild the Shindokan was formed. Our attention Based on this, Shorinjiryu Shindokan peoples spirit. This was the beginning of is directed to the interpretation of the incorporates Chinese training method- Shorinjiryu Kenkokan in 1945, a school Chinese influences superimposed on ology, applications and Qigong exercises of karate based on the development of an Okinawan karate background, in an to existing Shorinjiryu and Randori the individual in mind, body and spirit. It attempt to better understand the para- to enhance the long term health of it’s was obvious even to the young South digm shift of Kaiso’s thinking from his practitioners. African, Laurie Vanniekerk on his first Okinawan and Japanese counterparts. While there are some differences meeting with Kori Hisataka in 1964 that My research sent me to China to study in the training methodology and there was a distinct difference between at the Beijing University of Sport and at techniques between the Shorinjiryu Kaiso’s karate and other Japanese and the Shaolin Temple, where I found like schools in general and the Shindokan, Okinawan karate schools. the Chinese schools, Shorinjiryu was a the Shorinjiryu origins of the Shindo- The Chinese Wushu influences complete system consisting of the four kan remains instantly recognisable to were quite apparent. In particular; Baji main components, ti- ( leg and kicking observers. We are pleased to be part (emphasising close range applications routines), da (arm and striking routines), of the Shinzen Kyokai and share in the consisting of strong, explosive, tech- shuai (takedowns and throws) and diverse spirit of Shorinjiryu. Together, I niques favouring the elbow, the power na- (controlling techniques). In addition, hope we can all help fill in others pieces being generated by foot stamping), and Qi-gong (energy building exercises, used of the puzzle. Bagua (emphasising rapid stepping and both for martial and Health applica- turning movements to evade opponents, tions), Weaponary, Randori (partnered changing and spinning in circular fashion fighting forms) and Yokusoku Inside This Issue to swap positions and counter from the (paired sequences). Not all karate From the Desk of the President 2 rear of your opponent, favouring open schools practice all these components. Schedule of Events 2 handed palm techniques generated from I learned equivalent Chinese From the Desk of the Vice-President 3 the waist). techniques and their applications and How Karate Saved the Pickle Jar 3 Ten years later Shihan Laurie Van- counter applications to those found in Reflections on Sokumen 4 niekerk introduced Shorinjiryu Kenko- the Shorinjiryu Kata. The most interest- The Kata of Shorinjiryu - Nijushiho 5 kan to Australia where it had spread ing observation was made in Beijing. It Important Notice of a Change in the from Brisbane to the other states. In is often said that the practice of karate Rules 6 1981, the Koshiki sports system using improves health. But, like Sports Karate, Resume of Frank Davila 6 Anzen Bogu was introduced. By 1986, tournament Wushu is not a complete The Kigami Birake 7 Shorinjiryu Kenkokan and Koshiki had martial system. In both cases, while An Open Letter 7 merged to become distinctly different to highly talented, the competitors have a An Aussie Holiday 8 the karate Shihan Laurie had witnessed limited competing life, often with result- Its Better to Burn Out 9 back in 1964. ing long term injuries. Even the Taiji After Kasio’s passing in 1984, just like competitors had their ankles, knees and Email Request 9 a many other Karateka, Laurie, myself torso strapped during training. Things Congratulations: The Year 2004 in Review 10 and a number of Shorinjiryu yudan- were the opposite at Shaolin Wushu Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai Shinzen Shorinjiryu Shorinjiryu Shimbun Shorinjiryu Page 2 SHORINJIRYU SHIMBUN

From the Desk of the President by Myron M. Lubitsch, Kyoshi

Another year now Kokoro koso. joined the Kyokai. You can learn gone and a new one Kokoro mayowasu about him by reading the fine is upon us. This past Kokoro nari; article in this publication. Shodan year was, as the song Kokoro Ni, , Linton of Ohio is continuing “Sunrise-Sunset”, Kokoro, yurusu na.” the process of learning more accurately states It is mind Shorinjiryu forms, philosophy, “laden with happiness that deludes Mind history, etc. with the expecta- and tears..” On the For there is no other mind. tion of ultimately joining fully. negative side, a few O Mind We are in communication with do not let yourself be misled by of our instructors a highly respected South African mind. took ill. I wish them a instructor who wishes to learn speedy recovery and good health. our system. Shodan Cyril and his Now, for the positive events, A very long time student, one school in Manhattan have applied some incredible events clearly who called me his “second father”, for membership. The various indicate that the Kyokai is getting chose to cut and reject over a events hosted by Kyokai members even stronger. A recent trip to decade and a half of association has grown greater in popularity. Australia cemented the strong with my school and me. That The popularity of the Shorinjiryu bond between the schools. On action ultimately set into motion Symposium, 8th Shindo Budo Kwai a personal level, the reception events that led to the appar- Invitational, 9th Island Budokan and attention given to Shihan ent breaking up of a friendship Bogujutsu, and the 18th Shinzen Vincent, Shodan Chris and myself of some thirty-five years. Two Shiai clearly shows strength of not was unbelievable. Revisiting and other students in two separate only the Kyokai but of Shorinjiryu re-establishing old friendships was clubs did similar actions. I have itself. The quintessential instructor, heartwarming. Truly, the spirit no doubt that in their minds they Hanshi Shunji Watanabe, honored of hospitality is alive and well in had perfect justification. I can us by accepting the honorary Australia. While there, Shihan Phil only hope that the bigger picture position of Technical Advisor. Hooper, the Patron of Shorinjiryu, of their actions is eventually seen. was awarded a long deserved 2005 looks bright for the As a final thought on these hurtful grading. Sensei Mark Vanniekirk, Kyokai. I wish all Kyokai member events, may I submit the following son of Shihan Laurie Vanniekirk, and the friends of the Kyokai a poem: the instructor who was first to very healthy, happy, prosperous introduce Shorinjiryu to Australia, New Year filled with excellent practice

Schedule of Events

February 20 Sunday Referee/Scorekeepers Rules Clinic - Brooklyn, NY March 12 Saturday St. Patrick’s Day Seminar - London, Canada March 19 Saturday 10th Invitational Island Budokan Bogujutsu Tournament April 16 Saturday Spring Regional Tournament - Brooklyn, NY May 20 - 22 Fri. - Sun. Third Watanabe-ha Invitational Tournament - Baltimore, Md. May 27 - 30 Fri. - Mon. 9th Shindo Budo Kwai Koshiki - Saint Jerome, Canada June 5 Sunday Referee/Scorekeeper Clinic - Brooklyn, NY June 25 Saturday Referee/Scorekeeper Clinic - Long Island, NY July 16 Saturday Summer Regional Tournament Brooklyn, NY August 13 Saturday Joint Picnic - Kenryukan,Kenkukai, Kenryukai - in L.I., NY October 2 Sunday Referee/Scorekeeper Clinic All - Brooklyn, NY October 5 Wednesday Final Scorekeeper Review October 9 Sunday 19th Annual International Shorinjiryu Shinzen Shiai - New York December 3 Saturday Winter Regional Tournament - Brooklyn, NY VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 Page 3

From the Desk of the Vice President by Dan Hayes, Shihan

I have recently been woman is a living example of budo In 2003 she own the female leg- reading of a certain and its ethics. Keep in mind that she amputee division of the International young lady who will is quoted as saying she loves what Triathlon Union World Championships forever be an inspira- she does because she feels “Athletics in New Zealand….Reinertsen doesn’t tion to me and many have given me the opportunity to wear a prosthetic to swim, she has to of my students. The prove that I’m just like everyone else.” hop out of the water and strap on her question at hand is If everyone else were like her, we nine-pound running prosthetic to get to what is Bushido? My would truly be in a different reality! the transition area. There she switches clinical explanation is When Sarah Reinertsen was a kid, to a prosthetic that has a bike cleat that it is a “code of she was told she’d never be able to bolted to it. She has to change back to ethics” by which the run. This year, Reinertsen, 29, became the running one for the marathon… “I feudal samurai aspired the first female with a prosthetic leg want to help the disabled community to and lived by. My answer based to enter the Hawaii Ironman – which break down barriers” she says. “I love upon experience is that it is a state involves a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile my life. I wouldn’t want to be any of mind or attitude. The full under- bike, and a 26.2-mile run. Reinertsen’s other way.” (Article by Gail Kislevitz standing of respect in all forms, the left leg was amputated above the knee – Runner’s World Magazine, Decem- development of intrinsic power and when she was 7 because of a tissue ber 2004) fortitude and the responsibilities deficiency. She started running when In closing, we all have our self that come with it are what Bushido she was 11, and in 1997 she com- perceived “challenges.” It is how we is all about. pleted her first marathon. After run- choose to let them shape our lives The following story should evoke ning six more – with a PR of 5:27:04 and affect others that determines both inspiration and humility, for this – she started competing in triathlons. who we are.

How Karate Saved the Pickle Jar by Zvi Strassberg, Sempai

The physical and mental benefits tor. I reflexively caught the jar and fifteen minutes, and you’re going to of pursuing karate-do are well- said something to myself like “Wow- have to drive like a maniac to avoid recognized. A number of sources, I can’t believe I did that. Thank the extra fee for late pick-up, but including research studies, conclude goodness for karate” (paraphrase; you’d better get it done right away that regular practice improves car- author not to be held responsible because if you leave it for later your diovascular functioning and strength for misquoting himself). Claire has other kid will come home and slip and flexibility, as well as providing saved earrings from disappearing or step on the glass, and the phone stress relief, increasing mood and down the drain when changing them call you needed to make before you patience, and reducing impulsivity at the mirror in front of the bath- left to pick up your kid now has to and aggression in daily life. room sink. Her quickened reflexes wait until later and the person might There is another way in which I were particularly important when not be there in a half-hour… and believe karate improves the qual- the sink was broken and had no so on. Or you have to block off or ity of life, which is to reduce the stopper to close the opening. We disable the sink until you can get to number of annoying experiences have both noticed greater aware- it, or if you take it apart now you’ll that can have a cumulative effect on ness and improved reactions in recover the earrings but be late for your mood and concentration abili- everyday life over the course of our work… and so on. As we all know ties. My wife Claire and I agree that karate study. all too well, “little” things accumulate we have greatly improved our abili- Things like having to clean up a into stressful effects. ties in some of life’s subtleties, such pickle jar or take apart a sink drain So what’s the point? The point is as avoiding collisions in the mall or are a hassle, but they aren’t cata- that we all know about the big, obvi- on the streets of Manhattan, moving strophic- at least on their own. But ous benefits of karate. But there our feet in time to prevent our toes the fact is that hassles occur in the are other, subtle benefits that should being crunched by children at play, ebb-and-flow of everyday life. So not be overlooked. We should also and in catching falling objects. cleaning up a pickle jar may well turn appreciate that regular practice can For example, I recently caught a into much, much more if you now literally and metaphorically help save jar of pickles that had been poorly have to bust your butt to take care the pickle jar—and at least a little placed and fell toward the kitchen of it before you can pick up your bit of the sanity that we have left. floor when I opened the refrigera- kid from day care which closes in Page 4 SHORINJIRYU SHIMBUN

Reflections on Sokumen Tsuki by Brian Berenbach, Shihan Well, it is December 30th, and I and/or moving forward, all the force of our fist with the target, and the am sick as a dog, having come down of the technique will be delivered to target will give. Of course, we also with a very bad cold. I would work the target. need to tighten the muscles of the out to try to burn it off, but the So body position is important. arm when delivering a (just last time I did that I wound up with Now comes “the rest of the story” the last little bit) so that the elbow pneumonia; so this time I will con- as the famous newscaster Paul joint is cushioned and we don’t wind Elbow fine my activities to mental ones. Harvey is fond of saying. Unlike up with tennis elbow. Kyoshi has asked me to write other styles, we have the philosophy So then, are the other styles of something for the newsletter, but of “spiritual development of karate “wrong” to punch the way it is difficult to think straight with individuality in mind and body”. they do? Not at all. To answer that a head full of cotton. However, in This is not an empty saying, but put question, you must first ask what is keeping with the spirit of the martial into practice from day one by the the purpose of the punch. In many arts, I will give it a shot. Shorinjiryu karate-ka. There are two styles the ability to deliver several I will endeavor to discuss some- ways of delivering a front punch. You rapid fire punches in succession thing very simple but very important can land on your front foot while is the goal rather than the power to the karateka, the front punch. moving forward with the body par- of the first punch. In those styles Horizontal Fist We all know that there are some tially facing forward, then twist the sokumen tsuki won’t do, primar- very serious differences between a body to finish the delivery, ending ily because of the time to get the Shorinjiryu punch and those in other with the body facing sideways to the body around so that a follow up styles of karate. First, we punch with target, with the punching arm fully punch can be delivered with the a vertical fist, or Tate ken. The reality extended, OR, you can your other hand. However, you need to is that, for a shorinjiryu practitioner, whole body into the technique, start be careful. It is important not to the horizontal fist doesn’t work. the punch while airborne, and hit become dependent on simultaneous Elbow Kaiso came to this realization as he the target while the front foot is still pull/punch (pulling the non-punching was in the process of formalizing off the ground with the body facing hand back to battery while punching Shorinjiryu (This was told to me by sideways and the arm fully extended with the other hand) as this can get his son, Hanshi Masayuki Hisataka in a vertical fist. If you only saw you in big trouble. Imagine punching while I studied with him). In order beginning and end pictures, the two someone and missing. They grab to deliver a very strong punch, the techniques might look identical, but your punching hand, and you want elbow has to be inline with the arm they are, in fact, radically different. to deliver a second punch. It is really and the body or the arm will col- Smaller people need to throw their important not to get in the habit lapse like an accordion on delivery. whole body into the technique, of simultaneous pull/punch as, if Vertical Fist Try this experiment: roll up your larger and less agile karateka put you do, when your punching hand shirtsleeve, hold your hand out with a twist into sokumen tsuki, and is grabbed, you will be unable to your elbow slightly bent, and then students in the middle can try both effectively deliver a punch with the turn your fist from horizontal to and see what makes more sense. other hand. In Shorinjiryu we don’t vertical. Note that as the fist goes Being 5’6”, I tended to mimic Sensei use a simultaneous pulling of the vertical, the elbow is forced inline Yamazaki (my original instructor) hand that is out to add force so it with the body. That partially explains and deliver with the foot closest should not be a problem. In fact, if why the Shorinjiryu punch is so to the target off the ground at you look closely at Niseisan Kata, Elbow strong. However, to deliver a really impact so as not to impede forward one of the hidden of the kata strong front punch (oi tsuki) it must momentum. is to train the student not to rely be delivered from a side stance There is more. Imagine having a on pulling the non-punching hand to (sokumen tsuki). bo (or a broomstick if you are not add power to the punching hand, but If you compare the vertical fist a karateka) and running full tilt at a rather to rely on body twist (hineri and sokumen tsuki illustrations you sandbag and hitting it with the tip tsuki) and forward body movement can see why. In a front punch from while lunging. If we can deliver our (oi tsuki). zenkutsu dachi, the shoulder is not techniques such that at the moment Shorinjiryu has also evolved over inline with the punching arm. When of delivery the arm goes rigid (like a the years. With the introduction a punch is delivered, recoil will result bo), forward momentum will drive of better bogu (body armor), and Sokumen Tsuki in the puncher’s body twisting to our makeshift bo right thru the a desire to have students compete absorb some of the force, resulting target. That is focus,or ki. By letting successfully in open competition, the in a weaker technique. In sokumen out some breath and holding it, and ippon techniques that I used many tsuki with the body turned fully by then tightening all the muscles of years ago have been de-emphasized. sideways at point of impact, if the the body at impact, there is no body It is my belief that we now see lunge body is braced with the rear foot elasticity or give to the collision CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 Page 5

The Kata of Shorinjiryu – Nijushiho by Des Paroz, Yondan

From the outset of this short arti- area of further research. In fact, this , is derived from Azato. It cle, I must declare a bias – Nijushiho school of Crane-Fist also teaches is unlikely we will ever know where is my favourite kata. Although a form of , and it would be Azato got this kata. Perhaps he and each of Shorinjiryu’s various kata is interesting to explore this school Aragaki exchanged techniques, a wonderful in its own way, Nijushiho further to identify possible links to feasible scenario for 2 aristocratic has something about it that makes Shorinjiryu. government officials. Perhaps, it special. I don’t think I am alone In Okinawa, most versions of they both learned it from another in this thought – in correspon- Nijushiho can be traced back to source. Perhaps, it was a common dence, Kyoshi Myron Lubitsch has a single figure in the annals of kata among Okinawan masters of expressed his belief that Nijushiho Okinawan karate – Master Seisho their time. “is the quintessential Shorinjiryu Aragaki (1840-1920). A relatively This also explains why our kata” and that it “is indicative of the little-known figure, Aragaki is also Nijushiho is different from most theories of movement, timing, dis- known to have been a major source other styles – ours is based on one tancing – everything of Shorinjiryu”! of several other kata – notably that has evolved from Azato, whilst Kyoshi Myron made a further Sanchin, Seisan and Sochin. Aragaki that used in Shitoryu, Shorinryu point that when senior Shorinjiryu was a teacher of several key figures, and other schools traces back to teachers give a demonstration, their including masters Kenwa Mabuni Aragaki. demonstration often consists of (founder of Shitoryu), Tsuyoshi Chi- What has puzzled me, however, this kata. tose (founder of Chitoryu) and also is why the version in is What is about Nijushiho that master Kanryo Higaonna, teacher of unlike our Nijushiho. The founder makes it so popular – after all it is Chojun Miyagi (founder of Gojuryu). of Shotokan, just another kata, isn’t it? Let’s look The Shorinjiryu version of Nijushiho (1868-1957) was a student of Azato, at the history and some possible is not traced back to any of these and never studied with Aragaki. theories about this kata that may masters. Given this, you would think that the help us to understand it a little Instead, Hanshi Hisataka (1994) Shotokan version would at least more. relates that our version of Nijushiho resemble ours. The word Nijushiho is made was passed to Shinan Kori Hisataka Cook (2001) relates a story that up of 4 Japanese – ni (2), ju by Master Anko Azato (c. 1828- apparently Funakoshi may have for- (10), shi (4) and ho (techniques). c.1915), a contemporary of Aragaki. gotten a number of kata, specifically Quite simply, the name means “24 Supposedly, this version of Nijushiho including Nijushiho. In an effort not Techniques”. These characters may was enhanced by Azato to reflect to lose the original teachings, Funa- also be pronounced as “Niseishi”, techniques he had honed to defend koshi sent his son, Gigo Funakoshi, and some styles utilize this pro- himself in a duel with the swords- Masatoshi Nakayama and several nunciation. Hanshi Hisataka (1976) man Yorin Kanna (Sells, 2000) – also other senior students to Osaka provides an alternative explanation referred to as Toshiaki Kirino (Hisa- around 1927-28 to learn several of the name when he tells that it taka, c.1963; Hisataka, 1994). kata from Kenwa Mabuni. As we’ve implies that combinations of 2 tech- Azato is a lesser known but seen already, Mabuni was a student niques are twice as powerful (4). pivotal figure in Okinawan karate of Aragaki, thus explaining why the Nijushiho is a kata that is history, having himself been an Shotokan version resembles that of contained in the syllabus of many upper level aristocrat (of the Shitoryu. styles, particular Shitoryu, Shotokan Peichin class), senior government This is further backed up by and Wadoryu, as well as a number statesman, learned scholar, master Chambers (date unknown), who of Okinawan Shorinryu groups. of both karate and the Jigenryu tells us that the kata (re-)learnt from However, the vast majority of these school of swordsmanship, and a Mabuni included Rohai, , renditions look absolutely nothing noted horseman. Apart from being Nijushiho and Sochin, among others. like our Nijushiho. These Nijushiho’s an early influence on Shinan Kori Chambers goes on to describe that are linear, where our’s is angular, Hisataka, he was the main assistant the form of Shotokan Nijushiho and none of the others contain the to Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura at his was further modified by Gigo signature technique – nekozeken dojo in the gardens of Shuri Castle. Funakoshi and his contemporaries (cat back wrist). Nekozeken is an Among other students there was to include several side and unusual technique that can be used Master Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945), other techniques not present in as a blocking technique, a striking principle teacher of Shinan Kori the original form. Interestingly, technique or both. Hisataka. Interestingly, none of the Hanshi Hisataka has of recent years Nijushiho exists as a form used in other styles influenced by Kyan been demonstrating a version of at least one school of Fujian Crane- include Nijushiho. Nijushiho with a similar form as the Fist (McCarthy, 1995). It is unclear So our Nijushiho, with its Shotokan one. This he refers to as as to exactly how this kata came to nekozeken and fast, angular move- Kudaka no Nijushiho, suggesting the Okinawa, and this is an interesting ment stressing evasive action over CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 Page 6 SHORINJIRYU SHIMBUN

The Kata of Shorinjiryu – Nijushiho by Des Paroz, Yondan

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 lateral (Naihanchin) and angular in general. It is at the same time possibility that perhaps that form (Nijushiho). graceful and fast, and gives insight of the kata is traced back to the Clearly Nijushiho is well suited into evasion, angles, and killing Kudaka (Hisataka) family. Outside to the task of relating angular the techniques attempted by an of the Kenkokan group, this version fighting strategies. Various open leg opponent. Nijushiho is a kata that of Nijushiho does not appear to be step (hiraki ashi) and cross-legged should be studied in great depth by practiced in Shorinjiryu. (kosa ashi) movements are utilised all practitioners of Shorinjiryu, as it Sells (2000) tells of the exis- to move around the imaginary contains so many of the essential tence of at least 2 other forms of opponent, and many of the tech- elements of our style. Nijushiho – a longer “Okinawan niques emphasise getting inside the Nijushiho”, and the short “Nisei- opponents attack to negate the References shi-sho” of Chitoryu. I personally technique. Presumably, this strategy • Chambers, D. (unknown). have yet to see former, so cannot is derived from Azato’s applications Kenwa Mabuni: The Founder comment as to whether it is related against a swordsman, where it would of Shotokan?. Fighting Spirit of to our form. The Chitoryu version be necessary to kill the effectiveness Martial Arts. Pp. 20-22. is however a distinctly different ver- of the long range weapon by getting • Cook, H. (2001). Shotokan sion – either from ours or the more inside its effective range. Karate: A Precise History. common Shotokan-esque version. As a matter of interest, the sai London, Harry Cook. So we can see that Nijushiho has kata practiced by many Shorinjiryu • Hisataka, K. (c.1963). Shorin- an interesting and colourful history. schools (and depicted in Scientific jiryu Kenkokan Karate: History Next time you compare our version Karatedo) is commonly just referred and Theory of the Art. Tokyo: with another stylist, hopefully the to as Sai no Kata. However, it Kenkokan. above will serve to help you explain appears that Shinan referred to this • Hisataka, M. (1976). Scientific why ours is different. kata as Nijushiho no Sai. Close Karatedo. Tokyo: Japan Publica- The Shorinjiryu Nijushiho investigation of the 2 forms will tions was one of the original five kata bring many similarities to light, and • Hisataka, M. (1994). Essential emphasised by Shinan Kori Hisataka it becomes obvious that the 2 are Shorinjiryu Karatedo. Tokyo: (1907-1988), along with Sanchin, originally the same. By depicting Charles E. Tuttle. Naihanchin, Chinto and Kusanku. Of Nijushiho no Sai in his c.1963 book, •McCarthy, P. (1995). The Bible of these, it is the only one not depicted Shinan filled the gap left by not Karate: Bubishi. Tokyo: Charles E. in his c. 1963 book. According including Nijushiho with the other Tuttle. to Hisataka (1994), Shinan chose forms. • Sells, J. (2000). Unante: The Sanchin, Naihanchin and Nijushiho Nijushiho is unique among all Secrets of Karate (2nd Ed.). Hol- as the basic kata, as they emphasise Shorinjiryu kata, and the Shorinjiryu lywood: Panchita S. Hawley. three directions – linear (Sanchin), version is unique among all kata

Important Notice of a Change in Rules

Points will be awarded for con- 10th Kyu – 6th Kyu may throw absolutely no contact is permitted trolled techniques to the head in techniques to the head, they will not to the head or neck area. in all divisions 5th Kyu and above be considered as points. As before, Students under 5 Kyu (green) child or adult. Whereas contestants shall not compete in weapons forms.

The Resume of Frank Davila “Karatedo & I (past, present and We ask ourselves, who am I to And as we let our own light shine, future), to express “Karatedo”, be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and we unconscientiously give other Frank Davila offers a poem written fabulous? people permission to do the same. by Marianne Williamson (as quoted Actually, who are we not to be? As we are liberated from our own by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural You are a child of God. fears, our presence automatically speech, 1994). Your playing small doesn’t serve liberates others. Our deepest fear is not that we the world. are inadequate. There’s nothing enlightened about Submitted by Our deepest fear is that we are shrinking so that other people won’t Emanuel (Manny) Hawthorne, powerful beyond measure. It is our feel insecure around you. Renshi light, not our darkness that frightens We were born to make manifest us. the glory of God that is within us. It is not in some of us, it’s in everyone. VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 Page 7

The Kagami Birake

The Kenryukan and the Ken- play games with their children and ditional martial arts schools followed kukai follows and expands upon a highly festive celebration of the suit. As was mentioned before, this a ceremony that a number of the New Year would begin. The ancient celebration has no religious meaning more traditional martial arts school samurai would take their armor and but rather a spiritual one having share. Kagami Birake is translated in weapons and polish them to shine personal significance. Usually, the a number of different ways: the rice as a mirror. The sword being the formal celebration takes place on cake cutting ceremony, the open- soul of Japan and the mirror the the second Sunday of January and in ing of the mirror, the breaking of spirit, this would be an opportune many cases January 7th or 11th and the rice cake. Since the Japanese time for the warriors to honor their always in the home dojo. The Ken- language, as with others, uses words weapons. Small round rice cakes ryukan splits the celebration into in idiomatic nuances the word would be offered to the spirits and two parts. The first part, takes place kagami means mirror and the word the weapons prepared. Rice was on the last day of classes for the birake is a form of the word hirake considered the staple of life and, year. Students review all kata taught or opening so the ceremony for therefore, understandably held in during the year, special speeches, the our purposes would be breaking or high esteem and reverence. “secret book of all knowledge” and opening the mirror. The special rice cakes mentioned other events are partaken of includ- The ceremony is an ancient above were made for this celebra- ing a New Year’s kampai and small one that was originally religious in tion. These cakes were called gifts. The second part, takes place nature. Nowadays, the religious mochi and fashioned in the form on the first Saturday (first official meanings are lost and to the martial of old style metal mirrors. Two to class) where all students engage in arts world, including the Kenryukan, three would be placed upon each the most demanding and strenuous ascribe absolutely no relation or other with an orange on the top to class of the year which consists of relevance to any religion. represent the orchids. Other orna- 1,000 kicks, punches, jumping jacks What appears to have been ments would be placed about the and crunches each and about 100 to a celebration in preparation for mochi symbolizing various devotions. 200 push-ups. The chief instructor a New Year, the people would These rice cakes tended to become along with the other instructors clean and prepare their homes for very hard and after a few days had address the students, a kampai and another year. In modern times, the to broken with a hammer, hence the sweet cakes are distributed. At this entire country celebrates New Year concept of breaking the mirror. The point the students have rededicated with a two-week celebration where broken pieces would be eaten with themselves to another year of learn- schools are closed, businesses shut other foods and the refreshing of ing. down and families gather together. the spirit begins. As time went on, the common Sometime about the mid-1880’s, “We are what we repeatedly do; people would take this time to join Jigano Kano originator of judo, Excellence, then is not an act, but a with family members and basically instituted the celebration of Kagami habit.” Aristotle have a good time. Parents would Birake. From that time on many tra-

An Open Letter by Jim Dee, Nidan

Another year is completed and I up to two hours a night. When the year and I absorbed as much as I hope, like me, you have reached the day finally come in Boston, the race could each week. Previous to my goals that you set for yourself this start temperature was 85 degree. training at the Hombu Dojo, I was past year. Please allow me to share Great weather for t he beach, yet what one might call a “RONIN” mine with you. deadly for the long distance runner. with my own dojo and students for My goals for this year were to By the time I reached the finish line 7 years. It was a pleasant surprise run in the Boston and New York on the mid April afternoon, 1,000 that I was not expecting on that Marathons as well as to hopefully o the 20,000 elite runners from all night. There was a lot more than become a Nidan in Shorinjiryu. over the world had collapsed from I had to learn about this art to be The Boston marathon was the heat exhaustion and dehydration. more comfortable with my new title first goal that I reached and it took Weeks later as I recovered from and rank as well as to be an asset to the mind and the heart of a true Boston, I was rendered speech- my dojo and to the Hombu Dojo. martial artist to both train and com- less by an act of Kyoshi Myron. At I realized that I get older, some- plete in the 26-mile course. I would the end of my weekly class at the times a technique of a form can be run in the cold nights last winter, Hombu Dojo, I was presented with lost somewhere in the mind. To some nights the temperature going my Nidan certification as well as my refresh my memory, I can count on to –20 degrees F. with the wind chill. Second Degree Black Belt. I was the youth students of the Hombu I would do this 5 nights a week, for attending classes regularly for the Page 8 SHORINJIRYU SHIMBUN

An Aussie Holiday by Jim Griffin, Renshi

Australian Shorinjiryu Karat- lunch then visited the Queensland ment House, walked some more, an edo recently had the pleasure of Zoo where they all got to cuddle a early dinner at a Japanese takeaway a visit by Kyoshi Myron Lubitsch, koala, Shihan Vincent got to go eye then off to Springwood for training Shihan Vincent Capers and Shodan to eye with an old man kangaroo at Sensei Anne Aylward’s Torakai Christian Hernandez so I thought (the kangaroo won) and Shodan Dojo. A special training guest was it a good idea to put their efforts Chrisitan nursed a blue tongue Sensei Mark Vanneikerk from Shorin- into print. lizard. We were now late for our jiryu Shindokan and also Shihan They arrived in Brisbane at 4.00 pm training session at my Laurie Vanneikerk, his wife Dale and around 8.00 am on Sunday 28th Seiryukan Dojo but not too late and Sensei Richard Bryant (they didn’t November following 22 hours we complete a spirited 90 min. ses- train). (Shihan Laurie trained with travel and they were cleaned up, sion before cleaning up and heading Kaiso in the early days). refreshed and ready to commence into Brisbane for a Japanese meal of We trained for about 2 hours training by 10.00 am at a combined Sukiake and Shabu Shabu and a few then visited Shihan Laurie’s house Shorinjiryu training camp. sake’s with the local Instructors. A for a meal and many stories of We had students and Instructors late night! yesteryear before heading home, in attend from Innisfail (1000 miles), Tuesday commenced with picking trouble, at around 1.00 am. Sensei Sydney (600 miles), Coonabarabran up Shihan Phill for a day on the Gold Lesley Griffin, my wife, has no sense (500 miles) and Rockhampton Coast but first we visited the Mack of humor! (400 miles) in addition to the local factory for a short tour so Shihan Friday morning was the time to Brisbane Dojos. Shihan Phill Hooper Vincent and Shodan Christian could say good bye to our honored guests attended, as did Sensei Chris Kliese, have their photos taken in a big so we drove them to the airport for Sensei Tom Griffin, Sensei Julie Mack truck. From there we were off their lunch time flight. I understand Hooper, Sensei Beth Wall and Sensei to point Danger then lunch at Bur- everything went smoothly from Kerry Kneen along with many leigh Heads, a tour through Surfers then on, late flights, lost luggage, late current Dan and Kyu gardes. These Paradise and back to the Seiryukan arrival in New York, no problem. people remembered Kyoshi Myron Dojo for the normal 2 hour Tuesday The New Yorkers had finished from his visit in 1985 and were keen training session. The training was fol- their relaxing Oz holiday and were to catch up with him again, most lowed by a quick meal and another well rested, we drove around 900 are not actively training at present late night. miles, trained for around 14 hours, but you never really stop training in Wednesday saw us visit Noosa Kyoshi Myron wore a hat and Shorinjiryu. where Sensei Tom Griffin was ready shorts, Shihan Vincent took 1500 Kyoshi Myron took the class, with to show us the sights. We visited photos and Shodan Christian smiled, assistance from Shihan Vincent and the Noosa National Park where we all in around 90 deg F heat. A great Shodan Christian and we progressed got to watch dolphins surfing close holiday! through Naihanchin Yon and some up, an eagle soaring and posing for Seriously, the effort and commit- Sankakutobi Kumites for about 4 pictures at the same time then on ment of these three fine Karateka hours followed by Kyu gradings to Alexandria Bay where Sensei Tom and gentlemen during their Oz visit then Dan grading demonstrations and Shodan Christian went in for a will be remembered and talked by Sensei Max Estens (Godan), surf. It was then back to Noosa for about for years to come. We thank Sensei Graeme Bowden (Yondan) lunch. We walked a total of about them and appreciate their friendship and Sensei Des Paroz (Yondan). 6 miles in the heat. We dropped and guidance. Shihan Phill Hooper was presented Sensei Tom off and then headed Karateka from different Schools with his Nanadan belt and diploma back to Brisbane for training at the from opposite sides of the globe followed by the other Dan grades. Seiryukan Dojo again. After about training as one with no issues, poli- A traditional sake’ ceremony was 2 hours training we cleaned up and tics or baggage, I love Shorinjiryu! completed with enthusiasm. had a great bar-b-cue meal of steak, It was home for a cleanup at shrimp and calamari cooked by (On behalf of Shihan Vincent and around 4.00 pm and a relatively yours truly. Another late night. Shodan Chris and myself, we thank early night. Thursday was sightseeing in you. In fact, we had a blast, you, Sensei We went sightseeing early on Brisbane City, we walked, shopped, Leslie and the entire group were fantas- Monday, Bribie Island, the Ettamogah lunched in the Botanical Gardens, tic. Thank you, again. ~ Kyoshi Myron) Pub, Montville in the mountains for walked some more, toured Parlia- VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 Page 9

Its Better to Burn Out by Peter Hiltz, Sensei

“Its better to burn out, disappointed when he doesn’t get eating, she will have a dignified and than fade away” promoted. What else in his life is relatively painless death. Her refusal The title quote is attributed to suffering from the ad hoc attendance to make the choice is a choice to a number of folks, with a Google in class? Does he attend when he suffer. She’ll linger on, reaching search yielding a majority of feels guilty? How much pain does the point where she gets taken to references to Neil Young and Kurt not meeting his goals cause him? the hospital, and they’ll force feed Cohbain. However, the utterance Would it not be better if he either her and then return her to nursing that sticks in my mind the most is chose to attend on the best regular care, repeating this cycle until she from the movie Highlander with schedule he could, or dropped out succumbs. During this time her dis- Sean Connery and Christopher until he could devote more time? If comfort will increase and her quality Lambert. In it, Clancy Brown, in schedule issues cause his sporadic of life decrease. Would not either of the role of the Kurgon, relishing the attendance, maybe dropping out and the first two conscience choices be struggle, makes the statement, “I’ve spending time at the gym in prepa- better? Is it not better to fight for something to say, it’s better to burn ration for returning would be the strength and quality of life so that out, than fade away.” most profitable path. You’ve got to one is healthier, and when the end We face these situations every know when to change paths, and be comes it comes quickly? Is it not day at school and job, in relation- able to consciously make the choice. better to decide that one’s quality of ships, through illness, etc. How we My mother is living this situa- life is below one’s requirements, and deal with them affects our life and tion now, and gives us the second therefore take the steps to not live the lives of those around us. Do we example. She’s in the best nursing below that standard? Fading away is face the real world, regardless of the facility money can buy, recovering clearly worse for everyone. She suf- curve balls it throws, and struggle from a stroke. Two months ago fers, her family suffers, the caregivers on, or do we quit, either decisively she could walk; now she cannot. who’ve come to know her suffer as or by default. Many choices come Her weakness is not from illness they watch something unnecessary from no win situations. Regardless or the stroke, but instead from her and tragic. of whether we can win or not, we avoiding making a choice about her These choices are not easy, and still face three choices: fight, flee, or future. The high level view is that are frequently painful. The best ignore. I’ll argue that ignoring is the she’s three choices, as we all do: path is often still bad. However, in worse choice, but still a choice. work with the physical therapy the drive to pick the best choice Let me argue the point with people to get as much strength back from the options we face, regardless two examples. The first relates as possible (fight), decide that her of if all are bad, it is still better to to a karate student I’ve had who situation is not worth continuing burn out, than fade away. To make started strong but now rarely makes and stop eating (flee), or ignore it. a deliberate choice to go 110% into class. Sometimes he’ll only attend She’s chosen not to choose, which whatever choice you make. one class a month, sometimes he equates to ignoring it. She refuses This brings us back to martial peaks up to 7 or 8 a month. He’s physical therapy, and sometimes arts philosophy (not that we’ve left neither with the program nor out medicines. Under eldercare laws she it). The Japanese have a saying that of the program, and he’s making has that choice. The issue is quality you’ve not tried until you’ve died little progress. He is not in class of life. If she fights to gain strength, trying. Is this not the same thing? enough to learn or build reflexes, she will live longer and have a higher Give it some thought. and his skills have slipped. He gets quality of life. If she chooses to stop

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Reflections on Sokumen Tsuki by Brian Berenbach, Shihan

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 reflect on what I have said here, and felt thanks to our current Shinzen punches delivered in a let me know your views. leadership, Kyoshi Lubitsch and instead of a sideward facing stance I am extremely grateful to all the Shihan Hayes for all their ongoing so that the second punch can be earlier Shorinjiryu instructors who efforts and sacrifices. And to you, my delivered more quickly. made personal sacrifices so that fellow karate-ka, a very happy new This concludes my rumination on we might have the opportunity and year. May you have much success in sokumen tsuki. I hope that, whether pleasure of studying a fascinating your study of karate, and in all your you agree with me or not, you will and beautiful martial art. My heart- future endeavors. Ous!

Congratulations: The Year 2004 In Review

Title First Last Name Grade School Shihan Daniel Hayes BB 7 Kenkukai Shihan Phillip Hooper BB 7 Australian Shihan* Brian Berenbach BB 6 Kenyukan Shihan Vincent Capers, Jr. BB 6 Kenryukan Shihan Carlos Figueroa BB 6 Kenryukai Shihan Atul Joshi BB 6 Kenryukan Shihan Troy Lester BB 6 Kenryukan Renshi Page Christis BB 6 Watanabe Ha Renshi Larry Dammons BB 5 Watanabe Ha Renshi Alberdeston Gonzalez BB 5 Kenryukan Sensei Max Estens BB 5 Australian Tashi Des Paroz BB 4 Australian Sensei Graham Bowden BB 4 Australian Sensei Peter Guarascio BB 3 Kenyukai Sandan Richard Alicea BB 3 Kenkukai Nidan Yesenia Santiago BB 2 Kenryukan Nidan Jim Dee BB 2 Kenryukan Kohai Nidan Anthony Leiva BB2 Jr Kenryukan Kohai Shodan David Nespoli BB Jr Kenkukai Shodan Rajesh Bhat BB 1 Kenryukan Shodan Stacey Hines BB 1 Kenryukan Shodan Doro Konate BB 1 Kenryukan Shodan Christian Hernandez BB 1 Kenryukan Shodan Ian Rosenblatt BB 1 Kenkukai Shodan Frank Davila BB 1 Kenshin Shodan Roxanna Davila BB 1 Kenshin *title upgrading ~ previously promoted to 6th Dan

Recommended For Black Belt Promotion in 2005 Ikkyu Nazir Khan Kenryukan Ikkyu Rafael Lajara Kenryukan Ikkyu* Christopher Sciacchitano Kenkukai Ikkyu* Patrick Sciacchitano Kenkukai Ikkyu* Samantha Soto Kenryukan *to Junior Black belts Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai P.O. Box 210160 Woodhaven, NY 11421

Phone: 718/647-4157 Email: [email protected]

Visit us on the web: www.shorinjiryu.org

President Myron, M. Lubitsch, Kyoshi Vice-President Dan Hayes, Shihan Editor Brian Berenbach, Shihan Graphic Design & Layout Vincent Capers, Jr., Shihan Web Master Peter Hiltz, Renshi Unless otherwise stated, all articles in this document reflect the author’s opinion. Inclusion in the Shinzen Shimbun does not necessarily constitute endorsement by the Shinzen Kyokai or any of its affiliates.

Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai Shorinjiryu Shimbun Spring 2005