Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 1 #2 Devon Henery Meaghan Henery Nathan Brockett Loren Arthur

#3 Grace Wicklund © Loren Arthur AAKF NorthWest Region REGIONAL JKA-US NorthWest, Inc. Nathan Broekett

Vol. 11, No. 3, August 2007 TOURNAMENT

Youth Division 2 Saturday, May 5, 2007 Mark Your Calendar!! (Shorter folks) Corvallis, OR

August Kata Summer Sensei Coos Bay, Regional Tournament Results 10-12, Seminar Nishiyama OR #1 Alex Castanares 2007 Note: colors denote: #2 Isaac Hall Vancouver October Red = First Place (“#1”) #3 Sylvester Canseco Fall Sensei VA Gym, 5-7 Seminar Fusaro Vancouver Blue = Second Place (“#2”) *updated WA Green = Third Place (“#3”) Kumite #1 Alex Castanares 4th Traditional October Warsaw, World Youth Division 1 #2 Pedro Rivas 5-7, 2007 Poland Championship (“Taller folks”) #3 Isaac Hall

JKA-USNW Sensei Team Kata TBA TBA Kata Winter Nishiyama #1 Alyssa Steele #1 Hillsboro Seminar Austin Holst April #2 Willie DeChant 13-15 Spring Chris Corvallis, #3 Linda Ditkovich Jordan Farris 2008 Seminar Smaby OR Isaac Hall *updated Kumite #2 Willamette The Pine Waves Newsletter is produced using #1 Meaghan Henery Chris Adobe Acrobat 7.0. To get the most recent #2 Willie DeChant Casey FREE Adobe Reader, please click on the icon #3 Ben Wallack Zachary Kimoto below: #3 Eugene Team Kata Angelina Rivas #1 Linda Ditkovich Jesus Rivas Ben Wallack Pedro Rivas

Hannah Johnston

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 2

Adult White/Green belt Men #1 Guido Fischer Did you hear that? . . . Kata #2 Adam Wisseman

#1 Steve Johnston #3 Ritch Rice “The real blocking techniques of do #2 Yuriy Shusterman not end simply with the blocking of an attack; #3 Dave Wing Team Kata according to the way the block is used, it can be #1 Willamette a strong kime-waza (decisive technique). Uke Kumite Michael Pettit kime ichijo: Uke and kime are one. This is the #1 Steve Johnston Jeff Caines characteristic that, more than any other, gives #2 Dave Wing Sandy Neggo karate-do its distinctive nature. With only a block, arms and legs forged into iron by daily #3 Bonnie Starr training can deliver a tremendous shock to an Willamette will be sending their team to the opponent and shatter his will to fight. Team Kata Nationals Tournament in Dallas, Texas June 8-9. #1 Hannah Johnston To be able to protect oneself without Team members will be: Steve Johnston injuring human live is the very soul of karate-do Sandy Neggo and can be said to be the proper function of all Ben Wallack martial arts. Jeff Caines, and Behm In recent years, contests have become Adult Brown/Blackbelt (substituting for Michael Pettit) popular everywhere. Great importance is

attached to gaining points by concentrating Kata one’s energies on henka haza, renzoku waza, Women tai-sabaki, deai, etc., and to making great #1 Susan Gunn progress through skill. This is fine so long as #2 Kathleen Resburg the spirit of karate is not lost. If it is lost, there is cause for great sorrow. In former times, when karate was thought Men of as fighting techniques, there was the motto, #1 Guido Fischer ikken hissatus, to kill with one blow. The #2 Adam Wisseman meaning that uke is also kime is implicit in this #3 Ritch Rice Live daringly, boldly, fearlessly. motto. We must pay great attention to this point, Fukugo Taste the relish to be found in conduct contests with seriousness, understand #1 Adam Wisseman competition – the nature of karate-do, and pass these things on #2 Ritch Rice to those who follow karate-do in the future.”

in having put forth the best -- Kumite within you. Women -- Henry J. Kaiser Nakayama, Masatoshi. 1979. “Blocking Kime.” In Best #1 Susan Gunn Karate Series: Kumite 2, vol. 4 p.118. : Kodansha International Ltd. #2 Kathleen Resburg www.kodansha-intl.com

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 3 dining and training facilities all in close Direct questions to: proximity to each other. Skip Mathews & Thom Macfarlane We encourage you not to miss this chance to 4153 49th Ave SW. Seattle, WA 98116 participate in a memorable and educational event 206-937-5927 or that will enhance your training experience for 253-815-9179 years to come! E-mail: [email protected] or The final seminar schedule, including class times [email protected] 2007 and fee’s will be announced by July 1, 2007 JKA-USNW Summer Seminar For the Summer Seminar this August, we August 10, 11, 12, 2007 have decided to focus on the bunkai for a few JKA-USNW, Inc. NEWS Southwestern Oregon Community College katas in addition to the information Nishiyama Coos Bay, OR Sensei will bring to us. We have asked the Regional Instructors to come up with some fantastic, practical Greetings Karateka! applications to share this year. Learning the

As you may know, Master Nishiyama will applications behind the moves in your kata once again be visiting us in Coos Bay, Oregon greatly enhances your understanding and brings Exam Results for for the JKA-NW US Summer Seminar! the kata to life! April 14, 2007 As in the past, this year’s seminar will In order for the classes to proceed quickly, Vancouver, WA focus on an overview of the International we ask that the dojos work on the katas listed.

Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) camp The bunkai classes will be able to cover more Bend Karate Club held in San Diego, CA in July of 2007. ground if you all know the kata before you arrive 1. Eric Oldenkamp – 3 kyu Main Subjects for this year’s ITKF Camp in Coos Bay. Here is the schedule and the katas that will Corvallis Karate School are: 1. Zed Fashena – 7B kyu ™ Study of newly established Traditional be covered. Karate technical training systems. Intel Karate Club 7:00AM – 8:00AM Friday ™ Emphasis on the functional application 1. Jasper Balraj – 8B of Budo precepts. Tekki Nidan 2. Kent Giard – 8B 3. Todd Owen – 8 ™ Sports science methods for the practice 10:00 AM – 12:00AM Friday Bassai Dai and Tekki Shodan 4. Yuriy Shusterman – 8 of Traditional Karate. 5. Mohammad Al-Aquabawi – 7 7:00AM – 8:00AM Saturday Heian Sandan 6. Lucanus Simonson – 7 This year the Regional Instructors will be Salem Shotokan Karate working on bunkai (kata application) on the If you have questions regarding what we are 1. Peter Ngaida – 5 kyu Friday and Saturday morning sessions. Southwestern Community College trying to do, drop us a line or give us a Willamette Karate Club call....before 10 PM preferably. 1. Seva Gorelov – 8B (www.socc.edu) is located in Coos Bay, Oregon and provides us with dorm room, Train hard!! 2. Mehrshad Ameripour – 6B .

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 4

the Checks Payable Guide (below) when sending payments. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely yours, [Signed] Hidetaka Nishiyama

President, AAKF To: ITKF Members

Re: 2007 International Karate Camp Check AAKF NEWS Dear Member: Payable Contents/Details of Payment To: Our Traditional karate technical expertise News Flash! • AAKF Club Membership continues to grow higher each year as a result of the This item just in: Fee • AAKF Individual International Camp in San Diego, California. 2008 AAKF Nationals slated to be held in After years of study and research, a milestone Membership Fee Washington, DC. historical system has finally been established by • Kyu Registration ITKF. This new system is based on original More details as they become available. AAKF • Class “D” Judge Registration Okinawan techniques and Budo principles, its {source: June 8, 2007 email from Brad Webb} Fee effectiveness further established by sports scientists. • Class “D” Ranking Examiner Registration Fee While the base and principles are similar to the • Regional or National Event original, many high level details have been Sanction Fee incorporated, which is the reason why from the May 1, 2007 • ITKF Dan Registration Fee outside it may appear very much different form the • ITKF International Judge former system. However, this new system will be To: AAKF Members (“A”, “B”, “C”) Registration difficult to understand unless properly studied in Re: Payment Guideline Fee depth. Dear Member, • ITKF International Ranking ITKF is strongly confident that this new The American Amateur Karate Federation ITKF Examiner (“A”, “B”, “C”) Registration Fee system will radically raise the technical levels of (AAKF) national office also serves as the unified Traditional (Budo) karate for its members, as well • ITKF International Coaches’ office of International Traditional Karate Federation Registration Fee as provide a very positive impression of karate to (ITKF), JKA International USA (JKA-US) and the the public. • ITKF International Event National Karate Institute (NKI). Sanction Fee This year’s International Camp in San Diego However, each of the above organizations has its • JKA-US Club Registration will have as its focal point the study of this new own independent bank account. When sending JKA- Fee system. ITKF expects each member federation to registration fees and other payments to the AAKF US • JKA-US Lifetime make certain to send at least one technical official to office, please make the check payable to the Membership Fee participate at this year’s camp. • International Camp Fees appropriate organization, especially in cases of Sincerely, multiple payments. For example, Club Membership • ITKF Publications / Books (ITKF Rules Books, etc.) Hidetaka Nishiyama fees should be made payable to AAKF, while Dan Ranking Registration fees should be made payable to NKI • ITKF Competition Gloves Chairman • Merchandise (Tee Shirts, International Traditional Karate Federation ITKF. This office is requesting your help in order to Bags, etc.) facilitate processing your payments. Please follow • DVD’s

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 5

J.K.A. International of America Bay Area Karate Club Sponsors Representing JKA Karate in Western Hemisphere Karate Seminar

with Sensei Steve M. A. Sharifi Strange But True!!

Sandy Neggo (Willamette Karate No News Reported Out of Club) just sold his house. The buyer is

JKA International of America Anna Sandys, whose mother is Sandy Sandys. Coos Bay, OR – The Bay Area Karate Club Ms. Anna Sandys just moved to Portland sponsored a karate seminar featuring Sensei from Athens Ohio, where, as it turns out, th Steve M.A. Sharifi, 7 Dan the weekend of June Sandy Neggo lived and trained 30 years Welcome 23 and June 24 at Millicoma Intermediate School ago! To Our Dojo in Coos Bay, OR. Anna Sandys is a craftsperson who At a cost of $70.00 for both days, this was An opportunity to share a photo of your dojo, makes violins. historical or current, with the rest of the Region an inexpensive opportunity to train under one of karate’s most well-known, and one of its best instructors. The turnout was not as crowded as the “Tōte was first demonstrated publicly Region’s regular seminars, but for the ones who outside Okinawa in May, 1922, at the first able to attend, the lower number of students National Athletic Exhibition, held in Tokyo meant more personalized instruction by Sensei under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Sharifi. Education. The man who was invited to give From the flyer: that memorable demonstration was Master , who at Sensei Steve Mohammad Ali Sharifi began that time was president of his training at 17 years old with Sensei Mikami the Okinawa Sho bu Kai in Louisiana. (society for the promotion Original OMAC Dojo In 1971 he returned to Iran and in 1976 was of the martial arts). Photo above is kids’ class about 1980. recognized as an official JKA organization. Tōte (also called Oregon Martial Arts Center (OMAC) was In 1984, Sensei Sharifi opened the Shotokan simply Te, meaning hand) was an art of self-defense founded in 1973. It is now at 255 E. Karate Institute in Oakland, CA where he teaches approximately 80 students. that had been undergoing Exeter, in Gladstone, Oregon. st nd development in Okinawa for centuries. Because rd Sensei Sharifi was awarded his 1 & 2 dan Art Cherry, 3 dan, is Sensei. rd of the trade and other relationships between by Sensei Mikami, his 3 dan by Sensei Abe, th th th th Okinawa and the Ming Dynasty in China, it is and his 4 , 5 , 6 , and 7 dan by Sensei probably that it was influenced by Chinese Nishiyama.

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 6 fighting techniques, but there are no written records giving a clear idea of the development of tōte.

According to legendary accounts, Okinawa was unified under King Shōhashi of Chūzan in Our Regional Director, Tim Hanlon MD, has Body Connection, 1429m and later, during the reign of King Shōhashi, written several articles that have been published in an Core Structure, an edict was issued prohibiting the practice of the international magazine, “Shotokan Karate martial arts. It is known that an order prohibiting Magazine”. Both Dr. Hanlon and John Cheetham, the and weapons was promulgated by the Satsuma clan of editor of “Shotokan Karate Magazine”, have Kagoshima, after they gained control of Okinawa in graciously given permission to reprint Dr. Hanlon’s Their Relationship to 1609. Tōte then became the last means of self- articles. Kime defense, but since the Satsuma clan also clamped Besides being very proud of our Regional Director, his articles are excellent examinations of By J. Timothy Hanlon, M.D. down severely on this, it had to be practiced in great secrecy. For the Okinawans, there was no specific aspects of karate and very helpful for your Reprinted by kind permission from personal training. The article reprinted in this issue of alternative, and they developed it into a deadly art Shotokan Karate Magazine, as we know it today. Pine Wave Newsletter is an excellent description of the body “core”, what it is, where it is, and how we Vol. 21, April 07 Not even a karateka’s family would know that And he was practicing this art, a situation which need to use it in Shotokan karate. It is his most recent article, and because its topic is so essential for Dr. Hanlon, Bend Karate Club persisted until 1905, when the normal school in Shuri and the Prefectual First Middle School everyone to understand, that is why I chose to begin adopted karate as an official subject in physical with this article. education. However, its devastating power must “Shotokan Karate Magazine” is an INTRODUCTION have been known to some extent, for it was referred excellent magazine with articles written by to by such terms as Reimyō Tōte, meaning practitioners from all over the world. It is published Over the centuries, pugilistic arts from miraculous karate, and Shimpi Tōte, meaning quarterly (January, April, July, and October) by one many cultures have developed and man in England, Mr. John Cheetham. As an editor of mysterious karate. That the secrecy itself greatly emphasized various aspects of destructive influenced the character of the art cannot be a small newsletter, I can attest that the work Mr. Cheetham puts into his publication is no simple feat, power. From the joint manipulation and overlooked. choking techniques of the ground based Tōte came to be known as karate-jutsu, and since he also continues to seriously practice and train then, from around 1922, Gichin Funakoshi took the in Shotokan karate at the same time. fighting methods to the agile body shifting revolutionary step of strongly advocating that the I encourage you to stop by his Shotokan Karate and timing of aikido, each art has signature name be changed to Karate-dō. Karate would thus Magazine website at http://www.shotokanmag.com principles that have evolved as central to be transformed, in both appearance and content, and please set aside a few dollars to subscribe to this the discipline. Shotokan Karate, with from techniques of Okinawan origin into a new excellent publication. You will find it a valuable special emphasis on that system developed resource in your study of Shotokan karate. Japanese martial art.” and nurtured by the Japan Karate -- Masatoshi Nakayama association (JKA), has a central theme, the concept of todome or “killing blow.” Nakayama, Masatoshi. 1977. “History” In Best Karate Series: Comprehensive, vol. 1 p.130-131. Tokyo: Kodansha Requisite to this concept is the development International Ltd. and application of Kime (focus). Kime, or www.kodansha-intl.com focus, is defined as the near instantaneous

delivery of maximal force to a specific http://www.shotokanmag.com target utilizing mental and physical power,

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 7 such that localized destruction of the target is g=acceleration experienced due to gravity, and contraction of the entire involved resultant. Assuming that the target is h=height). By utilizing “dropping power” musculature timed with the breath (top of appropriate and the blow properly focused (potential energy to kinetic energy conversion) at the cylinder as we shall see). The two (Kime) on the target, incapacity (todome) is impact, w essentially increase our weight and essential components of Kime are the produced in the opponent. (SKM #73 NOV 02 therefore increase our force or energy physical action (contraction timed with P-14). (KE=1/2mv2) by pressing or dropping into the breathing) and mental energy. The floor at the time of impact. By proper projection of mental energy provides Connection: sequencing of larger to smaller muscle groups direction, control of control of penetration In order to deliver maximum force to the and maximally efficient muscle contraction we and a level of destruction not achievable target at impact time (Kime), a method to strive to increase our speed (velocity) where we without this “mind projection.” Without enable the force generated by the larger are able to realize even greater energy. (Double both components (physical and mental) muscles of the legs, hips and buttocks to be the mass (dropping power) and double the effective Kime will be absent and the transmitted to the fist is essential. In addition energy, double the velocity and the energy present discussion of connection of little to leg-to-fist force/energy transmission, posture increases four-fold). The total energy of the utility. must be maintained in order to recover rapidly, punch therefore is directly proportional to our Lower Body to Pelvis: avoid personal injury and to aid in the initiation mass (increased by dropping power) multiplied of the subsequent technique. “Connection”, by our speed squared. Power represents the As we attempt to create one unit firmly therefore, relates to what is necessary to allow destructive ability of our punch and in physics anchored to the floor at impact, it is obvious for the most efficient transfer of this energy (to terms is energy/time (E/T). The shorter the that certain loss of energy will occur at each the fist for purposes of this article) as well as contact time the more destructive the force. joint utilized. This can be minimized by maintenance of posture for the proper initiation Thus far we have spoken only in theoretical strong muscular, ligamentous and of additional techniques (utilization of the terms. In actuality, the energy or force in our tendonous development obtained from long, relaxation from Kime to begin next technique). punch is never fully achieved because of hard diligent Karate practice perhaps inadequacy of our connection to the floor (our augmented with additional supplemental Physical Concepts: lever arm) and resultant loss of energy transfer. training (resistance training). Force is equal to mass times acceleration. This can and does occur at all levels of our body The fist element in the “chain” of Therefore, in order to increase the force of our as we shall see. connection to the floor (our lever arm) is punch we must either increase our mass or our foot to floor connection, achieved largely Kime: velocity, or preferably, both. Since Kinetic by gripping or squeezing the floor, energy is equal to ½ mass times velocity Though beyond the scope of this article, primarily with the toes, but also with the squared, KE=1/2mv2, mathematically a which is to explore lower to upper body mid portion of the sole of the foot. Correct doubling of mass doubles energy and a connection, a few concise words on Kime (focus) foot to leg connection through the ankle doubling of velocity (speed) quadruples are necessary. Synchronized, well-practiced joint requires correct positioning of the foot energy. Potential energy (PE) is the energy techniques that utilize larger to smaller muscle relative to the leg and is in part determined stored in a body related to gravity and is equal groups in an appropriate sequence must be by hip anatomy. Internal or external to its mass (weight) times the acceleration learned through years of diligent, supervised rotation at the hip joint, i.e., pigeon-toed or related to gravity times the distance the object practice. This sequential muscle action slew-footed). Trying to force the foot into “falls”. (PE=mxgxh) where m=mass, terminates abruptly by the near instantaneous an unnatural position not suited to our body

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 8 type for appearance or form only decreases the spine is necessary. To best utilize the connection. leverage of the floor (external force) our During the generation of “Kime stance” a stance or “power posture” must be built simultaneous contraction of the entire foot, from the ground up. Leverage from the lower leg, upper leg and buttocks musculature ground (external force) is transmitted is necessary to achieve proper stance support. through the legs and hip joints to the pelvis. External rotation of the thigh is The pelvic bone mass is the base of our counterbalanced by the use of the inner thigh core which transmits energy force up and muscles (primarily the large adductor group) down the body. This bowl formed by the creating a powerful and instantaneous and pelvis and its floor muscles coincides with balanced contraction of opposing muscle the “power center” or “lower tanden.” groups that stabilizes and connects the feet, (Chest as viewed from the right. Front of Consider our core, which transmits its legs and hips to the bony pelvis architecture. chest is bone on right; scapula is flat large lower body power to the upper body to Thus the lower body component of connection bone on left) have a base in the bony pelvis. For “delivers” the energy of the lower body to the Fig. 1. The Serratus Anterior (commonly purposes of this discussion and to produce bony pelvis. (SKM #73). known as the ‘Boxer’s Muscle’) is a fan-like an image for our minds to visualize, the series of overlapping sections that run from the core will be conceptualized (“thought of”, Upper Body to Pelvis: scapula to the ribs. It stabilizes the scapula as a editor) as a cylinder or rectangle with 4 fixed point from which to move the arm. Again considerable loss of energy sides, a top and a bottom, with its base in potentially occurs through each joint (wrist, Stabilization of the wrist, elbow and shoulder is the bony pelvis (Fig. 2). elbow) and especially the shoulder, which is beyond the scope of this discussion, but the attached to the scapula and upper back through contribution of the teres major and latissimus a series of muscles, tendons and ligaments. As (lats) dorsi muscle are obvious and readily taught the shoulder is not a weight bearing bone-to (“Keep your shoulder down”). However, the bone joint, the shoulder is particularly contribution to shoulder connection of the vulnerable to this elastic loss of force/energy. serratus anterior muscle (“boxer’s muscle”) (Fig 1) should be appreciated (the primary stabilizer of the scapula, anchoring the scapula to the back) and incorporated earlier into our teaching.

Lower to Upper Body (Core):

In punching, the spine with its three natural (Photographer unknown; reprinted from JKA Shotokan curves lies perpendicular to the line of force Sacramento Karate Website for illustrative purposes only: this shows how a karateka would be standing for Fig. 2) transfer to the target. As such, it is critical both photo by Kathleen Resburg for force/energy transfer from the lower body to the target as well as our own personal well being, that near perfect alignment and stabilization of

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 9 and large bowel, etc., are largely fluid and tend the front of the abdomen and is the body’s to “slosh” around in the core (cylinder) and in so natural corset. Through its connection to the doing contribute to substantial energy loss as this respiratory diaphragm it aids in holding the energy passes through the core to the upper top of our core cylinder in place. In body. This energy loss can be frequently addition to the transverses abdominus appreciated as that telltale shake of the muscle, the large and powerful rectus midsection during by more so immediately abdominus (Fig. 4) serves to connect the following Kime. Tipping of the upper body lower chest to the top of the pubic bone and forward at the hips during fast foreward support the viscera, but its importance in movements may be in part failure of the spine stabilization is minor. abdominal, back and side musculature to Sides: adequately control the deceleration of this mass of fluid. The importance of core stabilization of In addition to the deep lying I this visceral fluid mass cannot be overstated. transverses, the internal and external (The wings on either side of the cylinder Failure to stabilize and control this fluid results obliques (Fig. 5, 6) connect the ribs to the are the “bowl” that make the pelvis. in significant energy loss. pelvis and strongly stabilize the abdomen, The “walking cane” items on either side The single most important muscle for its contents and the spine. These are the are the bones of the upper legs.) stabilization of the core (cylinder), our power primary rotators of the upper body and their Fig. 2. The Body’s Core, or Cylinder. transfer station if you will, is the transversus strength is pivotal to proper core (cylinder) abdominus (Fig. 3). stabilization and therefore energy transfer. It is through this cylinder or rectangle that The non-punching or pullback hand, hikite, energy from the lower body to the upper body aids the opposite side supporting and must be transmitted, and therefore all six sides strengthening the opposite side (obliques) must be strong and able to contract musculature at Kime. simultaneously during Kime. The Back: understanding of the conceptual dynamics of the core (cylinder) as it relates to power Small, rather weak muscles are seen to transfer forms the basis of this article. bridge one to several vertebrae and serve in

Core Structure: Lower to Upper spinal alignment and they also relay information to the brain of spinal posture Body Connection: and position. Back injuries in powerful Front: weight lifters are frequently caused by First, our abdominal muscles have to hold our absence of training of this small network of organs firmly, so that the lower body power back support musculature. For our purpose, generated can be transferred smoothly and these muscles have a primary role in efficiently to the upper body. Though not well balance. The transverse abdominus and appreciated in martial arts, the abdominal This deep-lying, thin sheet of muscle connects internal and external oblique muscles from viscera (organs), liver, spleen, stomach, small the spine and its connective tissue elements to the front and side of the core also provide

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 10 critical and powerful support posteriorly. The The names are unimportant, but these muscles (Lower body, core/cylinder and upper long, thick erector spinae (backstrap) (Fig. 7) are of critical importance in the delivery of lower body) timed to a forceful and rapidly muscles that course adjacent to the vertebrae to upper body power during Kime. terminated exhalation results in a focused posteriorly stabilize the spine and arch of the Unfortunately, they are generally poorly trained technique (Kime). Absence of perfect lower back and represent the power muscles of and developed in Karate practitioners who connection at any location in the power the back. Their contraction, as well as “Catch on” more quickly to activating the other chain results in dissipation of energy. Since contraction of the quadratus lumborum (Fig. 8) five components or sides of the cylinder. The complete “connection” is never possible, and multifidus muscles are paramount in result is loss of power and frequently energy is inevitably lost but with supporting energy transfer from below to hemorrhoids. improvement in the chain of connection to above, especially when one realizes that the However, there is a fortunate neurological the floor less energy is dissipated prior to punching reaction force is transmitted to the connection between the lower fibers of the transfer to the target. Consider the spine perpendicularly and with an unfavorable transverses abdominus and the pelvic sling ligamentous, tendonous as well as muscular lever arm. muscles, which has become apparent to me elasticity in the ankles, around the knees, during my training. This may be demonstrated hips, shoulders, wrists, etc. However, the Top: by lying on the floor on one’s back, feeling the largest source of energy loss generally lies The lid on the core (cylinder) is formed by the lower abdomen just above the pubic bone while in the middle body connection (core): lower respiratory diaphragm (Fig. 2). Its integration tensing the pelvic floor. The transversus will also to upper body connection. The sloshing into core stabilization and energy transfer by contract. organs, weak abdominal wall, improper correct breathing at impact for Kime will be From a practical training point, the muscles position of the spine relative to the pelvis discussed below. of the inner thigh must be “hooked” or mentally and shoulder girdle and especially loss of

Bottom: linked to the pelvic floor muscles and lower pelvic floor control result in huge energy transversus abdominus, so that engaging the loss, not to mention the considerable Weakest Component of the Six-Sided inner thigh will result in coincidental linked possibility of injury to the training Cylinder: engagement of the pelvic floor and abdominal Karateka. Pelvis comes from the Latin word for muscles. It is easier to learn to use the inner thigh How the Core (Cylinder) Works: “bowl”. However, the bones of the pelvis fused and abdomen in karate than to use the pelvic into a single bone in adulthood, form only the floor and such a training linkage allows for With Kime, the abdominal muscles back and sides of the bowl, thus leaving a large earlier and more complete development of the (front) contract strongly combined and opening in the bottom. generally weak pelvic floor. anatomically linked to the internal and The bottom of the bowl is made up of a external oblique muscles (side) and the Application to Karate sling or hammock of pelvic muscles that back musculature. The pelvic floor should support the abdominal and pelvic viscera and Punching, Striking and Blocking contract strongly at impact (bottom) and the serve to control elimination (urination, stool). Techniques (Kime): respiratory diaphragm rapidly decelerates The muscular floor of the pelvis is the base of As the power developed in the large with the forceful and rapid termination of our column of power and if it bulges during muscles of the legs, hips and buttocks is breath (aided by the sudden profound power contraction (Kime) power is lost. The transferred to the pelvic bone and thus to the core increase in intrathoracic pressure thus primary pelvic sling muscles are the sphincter (cylinder) and subsequently to the upper body, compressing the diaphragm downward, ani, levator ani and the coccygeus (Fig. 10). the instantaneous contraction of all muscle “sealing the lid”). The resulting

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 11 compression of the fluid-filled nearly Notes on the Pelvis and Pelvic taught earlier in the training of Karate incompressible anatomical cylinder from six Floor: practitioners as they take years to achieve. directions results in a massive but brief increase in intraabdominal pressure. This A natural bend at the knee joint is critical Summary: compressed fluid-filled cylinder is able to for pelvic bony alignment to the spine and a This article has reviewed the concept transmit a large part of the lower body straight back leg destroys this harmonious of connection with special emphasis on generated energy to the upper body to be synchrony between floor, pelvis and spine. This connection through the center of the body transferred to the target. Inherent in this model goes almost without saying. (core). Using a cylinder as a model, we is the absolute necessity of all six sides of the Muscles can contract concentrically or have defined the six components of this cylinder to simultaneously and forcefully eccentrically. Concentric contraction occurs “middle body connection” and provided contract. Failure of one or more components to with a muscle contracts against a resistance as it enough anatomical description to serve as a carry their load results in loss of power and shortens. Eccentric contraction occurs when a basis for understanding of the concept of potential for injury. Such a model (cylinder) muscle contracts and elongates against a core and its relationship to floor to upper emphasizes the critical importance of the resistance. (“Negatives” in weight lifting terms). body transfer of energy. We have timing of breathing. Muscles can contract eccentrically against higher loads (20-40% higher) than they can examined these six components in some Posture: concentrically. Since the pelvic floor represents detail and related them to the instant of Kime when the four “sides” of the cylinder Proper posture is essential. The back the base of our power and is the weakest massively contract, the pelvic floor should have its normal lumber curve and the component of the cylinder, proper contraction or supports the bottom, and the respiratory head should rest in line with the spine. The engagement of the pelvic sling musculature is diaphragm rapidly decelerates, with the abdomen should not be shortened (rectus over necessary at all times in movement and must be breath completing the top or lid of the contraction) but rather flattened. The sides in place before the onset of Kime in order to cylinder (aided by an abrupt increase in should move toward the center of body mass, permit these weaker muscles to contract intrathoracic pressure). We have touched making the abdomen smaller, not larger. The eccentrically against the sudden increase in on posture and now wish to emphasize that back muscles should be strongly engaged and intraabdominal (cylinder) pressure that occurs without proper natural posture this complex attempts to extend or bend the back or to with Kime. This permits these muscles to be contracting of the cylinder will be straighten it are improper and potentially “prepared” to eccentrically contract stronger and incorrectly timed and unbalanced. Specific damaging. Rather a natural posture should be to be able to withstand more force at the instant alternate training methods to strengthen maintained and the muscles strongly contracted of Kime. Since the pelvic floor is the weak link, these components of the cylinder must be in that position. learning to utilize this earlier in training would the topic of future discussion. The pelvic floor must be engaged (vida provide considerable benefit to our students. By slowly learning to link contraction of the infra) “anus toward navel, and “hold your References: quarter’ all reflect this principle of pelvic inner thigh (adductors) to the pelvic floor and to contraction, especially at impact. Lastly, all of the abdomen (transversus) during training, one 1) Cogan, Michael. The New Power this must be coordinated with the lower body, can learn how to strengthen and engage the Program Vancouver: Apple Publishing upper body and the breath which “puts the lid” pelvic floor more completely during Kime and Company. on the cylinder during Kime the result is less power lost and more energy to transmit to the target. These points should be (continued next page)

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 12 Acknowledgments: article and should be on every karateka’s reference students were busy grabbing their shoes and shelf. joking with their friends while they were 1) Master Hidetaka Nishiyama for his Each book gives a very easy to read and getting ready to leave. 40 years of patience with me and for instilling understandable description of the core muscles. In the meantime, the Sensei was the principles which I have attempted to Exercises are presented from beginner to advanced. closing the dojo windows, and the other describe in alternate anatomical and Books are available from: senior ranked students were putting chairs physiological terms. The principles of body Healing Arts Press back into position and storing the dojo’s connection have been superbly demonstrated to One Park Street shomen. me over the years by this great teacher and Rochester, Vermont 05767 In other words, the senior members of master. www.InnerTraditions.com the dojo were doing the work and the junior 2) Much of my understanding of the or members were skipping out. functional anatomy and most of the superb www.Amazon.com Hmm. Not good. anatomical drawings included in this discussion Abs on the Ball: A Pilates Approach to Building A few years ago at a Regional Summer were derived from Dr. Michael Colgan’s book: Superb Abdominals. Seminar in Coos Bay, I walked into the The New Power Program – Protocols for 2003 gymnasium and was putting my pack in a Maximum Strength. I have found this to be a Author: Colleen Craig corner when Sensei Clark walked up to me. superb text that expertly explains the complex ISBN 0-89281-098-X “Why are you letting a senior brownbelt anatomical structure and function of the core $18.00 US Dollars sweep the floor instead of you? As a musculature. This and other works by Dr. Pilates on the Ball: The World’s Most Popular whitebelt, that’s your job” he said. Michael Colgan can be found at Workout Using the Exercise Ball I learned a few things from this www.applepublishing.com 2001 Author: Colleen Craig admonition. ISBN 089281981-2 First of all, there are responsibilities $18.95 US Dollars for every rank, and just like any job, school, Recommended organization, club, class, whatever, the Reading newest members start with the basics. It

isn’t the boss’s job to empty the waste cans

The Whitebelt Corner or vacuum and dust. The boss or senior By members have already taken their turn at Kathleen Resburg those tasks. Now, it’s your turn. There is (This column gets its name from the farthest back left corner of the dojo where the newest and, therefore, lowest ranks nothing demeaning about starting with the stand) basics. Second, I learned some awareness. I “Shoshin o wasurezu” had walked into the gym thinking only of “Do not forget the spirit and humility of a beginner” myself and what I needed. Two books which provide excellent core Sensei Gichin Funakoshi exercises are Abs on the Ball, and Pilates on the No matter what the room is, when you enter expecting to study or practice karate, Ball, both by Colleen Craig. These books address One evening as class finished and students the very core muscles discussed in Dr. Hanlon’s that room is now a dojo and it stays a dojo broke up to go home, I noticed that the younger until you bow out as you leave.

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 13 So that means: when you bow as you enter eventually working your way up by putting in the door, you must be aware that you are now a the time and your turn at the broom. part of the dojo. And, you know, it’s the same lesson for When you enter, bow, and look around as school. It’s the same lesson for work. Dear Hillsboro Shotokan Karateka: you put your things in their place. Ask Oh, and remember those senior students and Unfortunately I will not be available to yourself: sensei who were taking care of the dojo while the teach classes between August “What needs to be done before class can junior students were leaving? No one told them Sunday 19 and Wednesday happen, and is anyone doing it right now?” what to do; they just did it. And just like the 29 and will therefore have to If no one is doing it, YOU DO IT, without allegory of the white belt turning to black and cancel a few classes. Please the Sensei telling you to. eventually returning to white, they were doing mark your calendar Stop and think for a minute. Are there the basics. . . . accordingly. chairs or tables that need to be set up or stacked There will be no karate classes on the to the side? What about closing windows that following dates at the following dojos: have been opened before class? Any trash that needs to be taken out? And, who is sweeping Bethany dojo, the floor before you get out there in your bare Pacific Association of affected classes: Little Dragons class, feet? Does your dojo have a shomen or kamiza Women Martial Artists that is stored away and needs to be taken care Junior class and junior beginners class of? 30th ANNUAL Tuesday, August 21 at Bethany - no class If you aren’t sure of what needs to be TRAINING CAMP Thursday, August 23 at Bethany - no class done, ask the senior student (“sempai”) or Tuesday, August 28 at Bethany - no class Walker C eekr Ranch sensei. The following dojos will have class: We study this art partially towards a Petaluma, California Hillsboro Dojo “perfection of character.” Character includes (north of San Francisco, site of I will try and get someone to teach these learning to take personal responsibility for the 1996 PAWMA Camp) classes. If I do not succeed then the senior Labor Day Weekend: things that must be done, without expecting student in the class will be teaching the August 31 - September 3, 2007 someone else (a mother, a teacher, a boss, a class. sensei) to tell you to do it. YOU do it. You To request a brochure and registration know it must be done. You are part of the form, contact us at: Monday, August 20 at Hillsboro – whole group, and the group, along with I will not be there but there will be a class yourself, benefits by you knowing what you [email protected] taught by the senior student or another need to take responsibility for. or sensei If you can learn that, then you will realize PAWMA Wednesday August 22 at Hillsboro – that learning and training karate is the same P.O. Box 591450 I will not be there but there will be a class thing. YOU do the work. You must be aware taught by the senior student or another San Francisco, CA 94159-1450 of the tasks that must be done. You start at the sensei beginning and do the basic tasks first, Monday August 27 at Hillsboro – Hard and Soft Working Together

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 14 I will not be there but there will be a class 6) Because we yell and holler in class, I thought I Pay attention to those warnings signs you taught by the senior student or another sensei was simply doing my ‘kiai’s’ wrong. read or hear about in the media. Don’t laugh at 7) Because I had a hoarse voice almost every other them or think they are just “hooey.” Intel Dojo: week, I thought I was simply doing my ‘kiai’s wrong. Just as you do maintenance on your car on Tuesday, August 21 lunchtime class – 8) I thought I had developed a nodule on my vocal a very regular basis, DO go through a body Senior student please take the lead cords. “systems check” in your shower: skin, breast Friday, August 24 lunchtime class – 9) And, because I sometimes had difficulty (men get breast cancer, too), testicular Senior student please take the lead swallowing, I thought I had a nodule on my vocal (especially if you are in your 20’s), mouth Tuesday, August 28 lunchtime class – cords. (especially if you chew tobacco or smoke). Skin Senior student please take the lead (Do we hear a pattern here???) cancer can strike ANYWHERE IT WANTS TO, 10) And, being human, and knowing that vocal cord not where YOU think it will or can. Sorry for the inconvenience this may cause, nodules are sometimes, but not always, relieved If you find something unusual, please accept my humble apologies. through surgery, I didn’t want to get checked out. GET IT CHECKED OUT. I will also update my website to reflect these I hold full membership in the Denial Club. Membership in the Denial Club cancellations. I was lucky. My cancer was found by accident while automatically comes with being born human. being screened for something entirely unrelated to any Dropping that membership is voluntary, carries of my symptoms. no penalty, and it could save your life. Best regards Your editor, Sensei Guido Now, go back and re-read numbers 1 through 10. Kathleen Resburg 11) Thyroid cancer is on the rise. The experts don’t know why. [Light of Life Foundation; www.lightoflifefoundation.com

www.checkyourneck.com ] A final note: 12) If you had radiation treatments as a child, or lived As many of you already know, last year I was in the Hanford shadow area, or live on planet Earth, treated for Thyroid cancer. This year, the past few get checked out. weeks were a follow-up to make sure all was gone 13) The next time you see your doctor or health care I want to share with all of you some symptoms practitioner, make sure that practitioner “palpates” or and some facts to be aware of. feels your neck! 1) Out of the general population, at the minimum (Until the surgeon pointed it out to me, I did not 5% of us will have nodules or bumps on their know I had a large nodule at the base of my throat. It thyroids. These will be non-cancerous or “benign”. was not visible and it did not hurt). 2) Statistically, of those who do develop Thyroid 14) Most forms of Thyroid cancer, if caught early, cancer, 3 out of 4 will be women. are some of the easiest types of cancer to cure. Sensei Robert Fusaro will be the But remember, 1 out of those 4 will be men. As a result of surgery, it was discovered that my featured Guest Instructor at the 3) Generally, the most common thyroid cancer, cancer had just metastasized to the very first lymph papillary, is painless. That means in all likelihood gland. That’s a very serious development and Fall Seminar, October 5-6-7, you won’t know you have it if you do. changed the “stage” or level of cancer. 2007 at the Vancouver VA, 4) If you have ANY difficulty swallowing during I want No One to discover they have cancer too Vancouver, Washington eating: GET IT CHECKED OUT!!! late.

5) If you find you have a hoarse voice frequently FOR ANY REASON: GET IT CHECKED OUT!!!

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 15

Pine Waves Newsletter is the newsletter of JKA-US “The body should be triangular, the mind NorthWest, Inc. It is published to share information circular. The triangle represents the with the diverse membership between the states of generation of energy and is the most stable Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska, and with its Explanation of the physical posture. The circle symbolizes serenity affiliates in other AAKF and ITKF Regions. JKA-US North West and perfection, the source of unlimited techniques. The square stands for solidity, the Members are encouraged to submit articles, stories, and Pine Waves Logo basis of applied control.” news, announcements, etc. Submissions should be -- Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Ai-Ki-Do sent to the Editor by mail or email. (This Logos are designed so publication is readily available to all ages, therefore, others will immediately Stevens, John, trans. The Art of Peace: Teachings of the the Editor reserves the right to deny publication of Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. (Boston, identify the product, Massachusetts: Shambala Publications, Inc., 1992), p. 78. material that is offensive, obscene, inflammatory, or service, or organization. in “bad taste”). ======This logo is made of several parts, a circle, a The Pine Waves is copy written in accordance with triangle and a disassembled square. To subscribe or submit items for publication, write or email to: established Federal laws. Editor, Pine Waves Newsletter Subscriptions are free. Email receipt of the Pine Here, the triangle represents the Apt 33 Waves is preferred, although not required. Email mountains throughout the 19000 NW Evergreen Pkwy Hillsboro, subscribers are advised to program their Firewalls to NorthWest. It also represents the “Western OR 97124-7005 accept the Pine Waves Newsletter. Mailed issues Mountain” of Nishiyama Sensei. “Sankaku,” [email protected] are in black and white; emailed subscribers receive Please include your name, address, email their copies in color. appears in many Japanese philosophies. address, phone number and dojo.

The emailed version of the newsletter is in Adobe The red circle represents the JKA- US; Acrobat Portable Document File (.pdf) version 7, Advertising: but is set for readability in versions 3, 4, and 5. “Maru,” appears in many Japanese Commercial: $30.00 per year Readers should update their Acrobat Reader philosophies. Can include color logo so long as the logo can regularly by clicking on this link to Adobe Acrobat be reduced in size. Website addresses are

(this is free software): encouraged along with street address, phone http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain The disassembled square forms the numbers, and contacts. rivers and trees representative of .html Members: $10.00 per year; $5.00 per single the Pacific NorthWest. “Shikaku,” issue. appears in many Japanese philosophies. Newspaper “want-ad” style advertisement. Can Publication schedule for 2007 include color logo so long as the logo can be Issue Date Submission reduced in size. Website addresses are Deadline encouraged along with street addresses, phone March 2007 Feb. 2007 numbers, and contacts. May 2007 Apr. 2007 July 2007 June 2007 Contact Editor, Pine Waves Newsletter (see September 2007 Sept. 2007 address above) for more information. Payment November 2007 Nov. 2007 to JKA-US NW Inc. January 2008 Dec. 2007

Pine Waves, Vol. 11, No. 3 August 2007 Page 16 Washington JKA Shotokan Club Seattle, WA Tim Hanlon Skip Mathews, 3rd dan 206-937-5927 Chairman, Technical Committee NorthWest Region AAKF/ITKF Clubs Email: [email protected] [email protected] Tim Hanlon, Regional Director Whitworth Karate Club Spokane, WA Kathleen Resburg Ron Porzio, Regional Coordinator st James Cannon, 1 dan 509-323-9166 Editor, Pine Waves Newsletter Email: [email protected] Bend Karate Club Bend, OR Email: [email protected] th Email cc: [email protected] Tim Hanlon, 6 dan 541-389-8404 Email: [email protected] Willamette Karate Club Milwaukie, OR Governing Organization Offices: Email cc: [email protected] Sandy Neggo, 3rd dan 503-761-0348 ITKF Email: [email protected] Corvallis Karate School Corvallis, OR International Traditional Karate Federation Richard Hand, 4th dan 541-757-1493 1930 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1208 Email: [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90057 JKA-US NW, Inc. Officers: Email cc: [email protected] Tim Hanlon Regional Director, J.K.A. International of America Salem Shotokan Karate Club Salem, OR Chief Instructor 1440 West Olympic Boulevard Vince Nistico, 4th dan 503-364-6951 Email: [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90015 Email: [email protected] Ron Porzio Regional Coordinator Intel Karate Club Hillsboro, OR American Amateur Karate Federation nd Email: [email protected] 1930 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1207 Gyuszi Suto, 2 dan 503-640-0165 Email: [email protected] Robert Ems Primary Presiding Officer Los Angeles, CA 90057 [email protected] No. Thurston Shotokan Karate Lacey, WA Mike Morishige, 3rd dan 360-753-5454 Vince Nistico Second Presiding Officer Friendly Dojos: Email: [email protected] [email protected] Tournament Officer Bay Area Karate Club Coos Bay, OR Oregon Martial Arts Center Oregon City, OR Richard Hand Communications Officer George Clark, 4th dan 541-269-2315 Art Cherry, 3rd dan 503-655-0947 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Gil Hartl Planning Officer Email cc: [email protected] Email cc: [email protected] [email protected]

Hillsboro Shotokan Karate Puget Sound Karate Club Federal Way, WA Debbie Gillaspie Secretary rd www.Hillsboro-shotokan-karate.com Thom MacFarlane, 3 dan 253-815-9179 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Guido Fischer 503 961 4292 Bruce McDonald Treasurer [email protected] Rogue Shotokan Karate Central Point, OR 503-540-7854 [email protected] Debbie Gillaspie, 1st dan 541-664-7841 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Hillsboro dojo: NE Harewood & NE Estate Drive Portland, OR Additional Contacts: VA Employees Karate-do Hillsboro, Oregon, 97124 Don Tilson, 1st Kyu 360-687-0918 Robert Graves Bethany Athletic club: Email: [email protected] Chief Technical Advisor th 15670 NW Central Drive Jerry Fitzpatrick, 5 dan Email: [email protected] Portland, Oregon, 97229 Email: [email protected] Email cc: [email protected] Larry Wicklund (rev.8/12 /07) AAKF Oregon Registrar Email: [email protected]