Brought to you by Renshi Robyn Rush-James THE OBSERVER

Volume 1, Issue 6 Sept 1st, 2008 A quick glance at what is inside this issue: Weapons Wisdom : Tonfa The tonfa, also known the reign of Okinawan ruler Shō Shin, holding the shaft and the handle of Role of the Parent; Book 2 restrictions were placed on the use of the tonfa together, one can use it for Review—Readers Cor- as tong fa or tuifa, is a weaponry in order to stabilise the coun- holding or breaking techniques. ner , Misconceptions & traditional Okinawan try after a period of civil war. This re- Tonfa are tradi- striction is said to have favoured the tionally wielded in Myths Con’t weapon from which the development of unconventional agricul- pairs, one in each modern side-handled po- tural tools as weapons of self-defense. hand. This is Meet the Masters; Mike 3 According to Okinawan and Malay unlike police Ericksons’ Dojang hamp- lice baton is derived. folklore, the tonfa was developed from nightsticks, which a wooden handle originally used as a are generally used penings; Jhooo Rhee 4 History: The origin of the Tonfa is tool to fit into the hole on the side of a alone. As the tonfa Daily Affirmations millstone, giving the user the ability to can be held in debated but experts believe it either grind rice, as well as other grains.[1] many different originated in China or Indonesia.[1] The Chinese on the other hand believe ways, education in Tenents of Tae Kwon do 4 [2] It is used in both Southeast Asian it to have evolved from the crutch. the use of the tonfa Part 5; Why Kids should and Chinese martial arts and was often involves probably brought to Okinawa through study Martial arts Part 4 learning how to their influence. A similar weapon Technique: There are numerous switch between called the mae sun sawk is used in ways to defend and attack with the different grips at Thailand. Tradition holds that during tonfa. In defense, if the handle is Maricopa Seminar hap- 4 - 5 grasped then the shaft protects the fore- high speed. Such arm and hand from blows from the techniques require penings; Gary Alexander great manual dex- & Isshinryu Karate opponents and the knob can protect the thumb. If both ends of the shaft are terity. held, the shaft can be used to ward off blows and the handle can be used as a http://www.geocities. hook to catch the opponent's weapons. com/cbfisher2000/ Tales from the Island 6 - 7 shihan8/tonfa2b.jpg Chapter 5; Kenpo Forms: In attack, one can swing the shaft to strike the target. Large amounts of mo- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Tonfas.jpg Seisan; Tae Kwon Do mentum can be imparted to the shaft by Forms: Won-Y=Hyo twirling the tonfa by the handle. The tonfa can also be wielded in such a way Arnold Martial Arts Festi- 8 - 9 as to use the knob as a striking imple- val; Instructor Spotlight, ment, held either by the handle or by the shaft. One can also stab one's oppo- Purpose and Contact nents with the shaft of the tonfa. By school Information

Misconceptions and Myths: Women Can’t Do Martial Arts Well Excerpts from February 2006 issue of Black Belt Magazine, Part 1 - Vol 44 No. 1 (http://www.blackbeltmag.com/archives/452) by Jonathan Maberry

That old myth is ready for the But let’s take a quick stroll back who became the only female scrap heap. Aside from the fact through history. About 2,000 years student of the legendary Bodhid- that women like Cynthia ago, during China’s Spring and harma. A century later, there was Rothrock, Karen Sheperd and Autumn Period, a woman named Mulan—yes, the one they based Michelle Yeoh have proved Yu Niu competed in a seven-day the Disney cartoon on—who’s themselves to be compelling ac- sword contest organized by the considered a heroine in China. tion heroes of the cinema, at the king and was chosen as the cham- tournament and dojo level, there pion over 3,000 swordsmen. And don’t forget that wing chun have been thousands of superior was invented by a Buddhist nun female fighters and practitioners, Then in the fifth century, there was for use by women. and with each generation there a princess named Ming-Lian, the are more. daughter of Emperor Liang Wu Di, —– Con’t page 2 —– PAGE 2 THE OBSERVER VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6 The Role of the Parent: Tips and guide to helping your child excel in the martial arts To maintain high standards and levels of sat- with which we can help, let us know. gives up. The encouragement of your child's isfaction, there must be communication be- efforts takes on a new significance at this tween parents, students and instructors. To Invitation to rank test is the decision of the time. help your child develop self-control, disci- instructors. The student typically will have, pline and respect, instructors will need your already, individually demonstrated the skills to Any parent can directly help with their child's full support. be tested previously during class time or dur- progress by assisting with memory work. We ing reviews. The parent should assist the child don't spend a lot of valuable class time with Always refer to the instructors and staff by (especially a younger child) in deciding wrote memorization of facts/history, since their titles; ex: do not call Mr. Purvis, whether of not to accept the invitation. Testing this can easily be done at home - especially "Billee." This will reinforce the level of re- is based on the individual students capabilities. with loving parental assistance. spect we expect our students to show adults in general, and especially, those in positions of Please do not compare your child to another. Help and remind your child to keep a martial authority. It is important for you to set a good Look only at the progress your child is mak- arts journal and take notes of the class par- example for your children. ing. ticulars of the day or questions they may have throughout the week to bring to the next class. Parents should double check to make sure that Talk to your children about martial arts and their children come to class prepared. Make it share in their progress. As your child pro- Finally, one of the best approaches to helping clear to your child, however, that the primary gresses, it is important to encourage their ef- your child with his/her training is to put on a responsibility for his/her equipment is their forts in training. As their rank increases, the uniform, jump right in and learn about the own. training becomes more challenging and some- Martial Arts first hand. Not only will you get times they may become discouraged. It is im- a lot out of it, but also the bonding between If you need to see an instructor, please make portant as parents and instructors to make the child and parent grows stronger. an appointment, so we can give you our full difference between a child who meets and Excerpts taken from :http://www.lifeforcekarate.com/more.asp? attention. If your child is having problems overcomes challenges and one who merely

BOOK REVIEW — Readers Corner! Featuring the most effective meth- fenses taught are proven against the ods of karate, judo, aikido by a for- most common attacks made against mer Marine Instructor, 10th Dan, everyday people. In addition to ef- Black belt hall-of-famer, and first fective defense moves, there is ad- american champion. Anyone can vice on how to protect your home, learn to defend and protect them- how to minimize the possibility of selves using the step by step instruc- attack, and how you can avoid dan- tion in this book. The defense ger and survive physical confronta- moves require no previous experi- tion or attack. ence, and can be practiced in the privacy of your own home. The de- 130 pages copiously illustrated.

Misconceptions and Myths: Women Can’t Do Martial Arts Well ***Continued from page 1 ***

In the 20th century, there have been hun- It’s a silly statement to make—like say- neither can a 120-pound man. Weight dreds of female champions, fighters, demo ing short people can’t do the martial arts and body mass are what matters in com- experts, competitors and instructors. as well as tall people, or that thin people bat sports. Women like Graciela Casillas, Cheryl can’t fight as hard as heavy people. Wheeler and Kathy Long have kicked se- Remember that the majority of martial rious holes through the women-can’t-fight This argument barely holds water when arts were developed specifically to allow myth. discussing full-contact martial arts be- smaller and weaker people to defend cause they’re weight-class-based. Sure, themselves against larger and stronger A variation of this myth is that women a 120-pound woman can’t effectively attackers. can’t do the martial arts as well as men. fight a 235-pound man in the ring, but VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6 THE OBSERVER PAGE 3 Mike Ericksons’ Dojang happenings Every Monday night we have Schedule: riculum each Monday to meet an open Dojang. Every Monday Night starts at the needs of the group. If 8 PM till 9 PM you are interested, send us Class participates: Brown your e-mail address and belts, Black Belts, and Agenda: we'll place you on our special invites. The pri- 1st Monday of each month weekly distribution list. mary objective: Provide an will be sparring. Most upper belt class that fo- classes involve honing Tra- Please send responses to cuses on the needs ditional TKD forms 1-11, Wes Colbrunn and Jay Carey of its participants. sparring, self-defense, and weapons practice. This is an [email protected] Location:South West Corner open class and that requires [email protected] of Alma School Rd and Ger- input from its participates mann Rd. weekly to adjust the cur-

MEET the MASTERS : Grand Master Fusei Kise

Fusei Kise was born on May 4, 1935. Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito He began his study of Karate in 1947 (Orthodox Karate- Do). from his Uncle Master Makabe. In 1955 On January 3, 1972 Master Kise Master Kise became a student of Master qualified for the Hanshi title by passing Nobutake Shingake and receive his SHO the 8th Dan examination held by Grand DAN. In 1958 Master Kise began study- Master Hohan Soken and Master ing under Grand Master Hohan Soken, Makabe. Sep 1st 1976 Master Kise the third successor of Shorin Ryu Matsu- qualified for his 9th Dan by Grand mura Seito Karate-Do. In 1960 he was a Master Hohan Soken. In 1977 Master student of Grand Master Shigeru Naka- Kise founded the Shorin Ryu Karate mura, Okinawan Kenpo Karate-Do Fed- Kenshin Kan Karate and Kobudo Fed- eration and qualified for his 7th Degree eration. On Oct 25 1987 Master Kise Black Belt. After five years of training, was promoted to 10th Dan by Master Master Kise became a shihan or Master Shigaru Tamaiya. on January 1, 1965 when he passed the 7th Dan examination under Grand Master Found at http://www.kenshin-kan.com/ Shigeru Nakamura. At that time Master kise.html. Kise taught and practice Shorinji Ryu Karate-Do. Also during this time he was Additional Note of interest: studying Shorin Ryu under Grand Master Shihan Larry Isaac was promoted by Hohan Soken. On January 1, 1957 Mas- Master Fusei Kise to 9th degree black ter Kise switched completely over to the belt.

Jhoon Rhee: Four Daily Affirmations (memorized and spoken with instructors) I like myself because … I am wise because… I always take action to make I always learn something good good things happen. everyday.

I am humanly perfect I am happy that I am me because …I never make because…. mistakes knowingly. I choose to be happy. PAGE 4 THE OBSERVER VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6 The Tenets of Taekwondo… continued By Uly Navarette Courtesy, Humility, Integrity, Persever- lowed you to make the best possible Although we “never fight to achieve ance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit. choice for yourself and maybe even oth- selfish ends,” we many times have to ers. decide whether we are using our Have you ever gotten the urge to pounce on your little brother or sister for taking “might for right.” Exhibit self control ACTED responsibly and understood that your favorite toy or making you mad but and make wise decisions with your each action is a choice that you are mak- abilities because even though you have in the end never did anything to them? ing. Have you said “No thank you” when you the ability to complete a technique doesn’t mean that you should! were offered a second helping of food or REVIEWED the consequences of your your favorite dessert even though you actions and whether or not that took your By exercising self-control, you can weren’t full and could have eaten it? further away from your goals or brought learn to make appropriate decisions and you closer to your accomplishments. choose behaviors that will be more If you chose not to pounce on your sib- likely to have positive outcomes in ling to eat the food then you have exhib- Self control is probably one of the most school, at home, in the dojang and in ited self-control. Be proud of yourself critical of the Tenants simply because life! you were a STAR!! without it, we could potentially hurt our- selves, others and perhaps even the ones You - STOPPED before you acted. You we love. As martial artists we train to be observed if even for a split second and able to act and react quickly to defend did not just react. ourselves and others through the “knowledge in our mind.” We train rigor- THOUGHT about your alternative other thoughts, feelings and actions that al- ously so that we can make quick deci- sions in flight or fight types of scenarios.

Maricopa Happenings Event: Dan Pribble Kenpo 5.0 Seminar Date(s): 9/13/2008 Details: This will be a Kenpo 5.0 Contact: Mr. Tim Cocuzza seminar, based on Concepts and Please contact Mr. Cocuzza for Contact Phone: 602-689-2255 Principles; Standup and Ground pricing information. Come and Techniques, enjoy this unique experience Contact Email: Children 2 - 3:15 pm with one of the best in his field! [email protected] Adults 3:30 - 6 pm

Why Kids Should Study Martial Arts Part 5: Goal Setting Many martial arts divide the various Kids learn to take on new learning in Learning to tackle complex and com- stages of ability into ranks. In styles de- chunks; by dividing up all the knowl- prehensive bodies of knowledge by rived from Japanese and Korean martial edge needed to master a martial art into breaking them down into smaller por- arts, the ranks are often denoted by col- sections, they can take on each section tions is a skill that can help outside the ored belts, ranging from the white belt of as they become able. Upon passing the martial arts as well, whether it's learn- a new beginner to the black belt of a sen- tests required to receive the next level, ing to swim or learning calculus. ior student. they can look forward to the next belt level, and so on. All content copyright © 1999-2008 Advancing One Step at a Time James Hom The requirements for each belt level are defined in detail and represent incre- mental improvement in that martial art. Successive belt ranks require more diffi- cult and comprehensive knowledge, and represent new challenges to overcome. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6 THE OBSERVER PAGE 5 Gary Alexander and Isshinryu Karate

For those of you too young to know the real history of the also was First to sponsor Martial Arts in the U.S., in particular Isshinryu Karate, the main move- Kick Boxing in the U.S. ment of Martial Arts in the U.S. got started in 1956. The main Isshin- with sponsorship of such ryu personalities of the time were Marines returning home from tours projects starting in 1974 of duty in Okinawa, such as Don Nagle of New Jersey, Harold Long of and continuing thru 1980. Tennessee, Steve Armstrong of Washington, and several others all Stopped because "didn't having trained directly with the Grand Master Tatsuoa Shimabuku. like the product" too Enter Gary Alexander, also a Marine returnee from Oki- many pads, not enough nawa, of the same period (1958) was a part of the Fleet Marine Force good fighters. constantly making tactical landings wherever in the Asia theater, and It was at these events that had no real time to get to the towns to study the Martial Arts seriously. the early Masters of the Alexander's back-ground at the time (1956-58) was limited to "some" times were showcased by Judo, having studied in Gotemba, Japan, (Mount Fuji), and whatever Alexander, and they be- Karate could be learned from other Marines that had the time to study came famous through his with the current day Masters in Okinawa. Returning home to the U.S. events, and the "limited" A., Gary Alexander connected with Don Nagle in their hometown of generated media coverage Jersey City, N.J. in 1958. Alexander trained with Don Nagle and other of the times. Don Nagle Marines that Nagle had trained in Camp Lejeune who traveled from was showcased with Peter Urban as Gary Alexander set the spectacular many points in the U.S to continue to train-up under Don Nagle. A historic match that brought these two great, very competent, and dia- perfect Martial Arts environment of all military (Marines) mind sets metrically opposing, stylists together for a kumite match. The match and realistic Martial Arts training that you write books about. Rules "if was recorded as a draw! Harold Long, and Steve Armstrong, and many any" for combatants revolved around personal chivalry not to bend other Isshinryu stylists were attending these events and also received each too badly. After the period of training-up, many of the Marines the notoriety of the day. It was at Gary Alexander's events that Ed went back to their homes around the U.S. and started their own McGrath became known as the "Voice of Karate" as he emceed with schools, clubs, etc.. great fitness. Throughout these periods, Gary Alexander did not con- As more diversified styles and action arrived in the U.S. par- tinue fighting tournaments (Rules started developing, and the question- ticularly the Eastern U.S. and Canada, the remaining Marines of the able judging “games” started) but continued his fighting and sharpen- New York metro area including Gary Alexander, would travel from ing of his skills informally, dojo to dojo, or anywhere there was action. dojo to dojo wherever there could be kumite/sparring action found, and No Judges or Rules needed. Winner was quite evident. fought with anyone willing to get on the mats. During this period of With an approximated 1,000 matches/fights in all environ- Full Contact fighting, Gary Alexander was making a name (1958- ments, Gary Alexander started during these actions to develop add-on 1962) as an undefeated adversary against all styles, all comers. In tactics and methods that he felt enhanced the system, and were needed, 1962, Mas Tsuruoka of Toronto, Canada presented his First Full Con- and worked in the fight. Some techniques of other Karate systems, tact Championships. Alexander was selected to lead the team to To- Judo/Ju-Jitsu, Aikido, were used to support the Karate "Method" which ronto for Isshinryu. Alexander defeated all comers for Isshinryu. One Gary Alexander now calls Isshinryu "Plus", State of the Arts, and week later, Mas Oyama (Goju-ryu) presented his “First” Full Contact “Good to Go” for Y2K Millennium. North American Karate Championships in Madison Square Garden. Gary Alexander is now the Chief Instructor/Founder of the Again, Alexander led the team and once again defeated all comers, U.S.A. Isshinryu Plus Karate System. The Isshinryu Plus Karate Sys- formally documenting himself and Isshinryu as an "Undefeated" force tem has been established as "the" system for Isshinryu Y2K. Re- to contend with. developed and upgraded to offer proven, superior, fighting concepts, Since then (42 years later), Alexnder is and has been re- forms, and methods for aspiring modern day Martial Artists. Gary garded as the "Hammer" for Alexander still teaches and participates in all classes and recently built Isshinryu. In another direc- a 2,400 sq. Showcase Dojo to serve as headquarters for Isshinryu Plus tion, Alexander, with no Karate and his worldwide - International Association of Martial Art- more follow up Champion- ists. Visitors are always welcome. To Train at Home, or for entertain- ships to fight in, decided ment, a series of 14 Video's were produced by Gary Alexander docu- there was a need for action, menting all Isshinryu Plus Karate Systems Fighting Forms (10), in- and felt that Isshinryu cluding weapons Saya, Bo. should sponsor an Annual Basic Exercises and Drills (1), and "Unarmed & Dangerous” event. Gary Alexander be- a Self Defense/Hand to Hand Combat / Fighting Tactics (3). You can gan running his own "open contact us at [email protected] If you wish to join with Gary to all styles" events for Is- Alexander's organization founded in 1964, any Isshinryu stylists or shinryu in 1964, in New Martial Arts Stylists that seeks to join a "Proven", Progressive, Recog- York City, Gary Alexan- nized Leader in Worldwide Martial Arts, you are welcome to join with der's events still running to Gary Alexander under the Isshinryu Division, specialized Martial Arts this date, 37 years later, are Division, of the International Association of Martial Artists. known as the longest run- ning Martial Arts events in http://www.bohans-family.com/Articles/gary2.htm the world. Gary Alexander Tales from the Island A fictional story by: Mr. Patrick Callahan

This is the fifth installment of a continuing story of a young Okinawan boy, that is growing up near the fishing village the Northern Province Capital of Nago, in the North West coast area of Okinawa.

Chapter 5 For the next two years Ichiro’s every spare moment was filled with the idea of when he’d be old enough to begin his martial training under Anan. He and Takeo would play in the forest pretending to be samurai hero’s saving the village. Takeo was as pas- sionate as his friend and looked forward to the day they would actually be sparring with each other, although he already knew it would be difficult to get the best of his friend. Both of the boys had already had their 10th birthdays and were in the advanced classes in school. They studied each eve- ning without complaint because that was their ‘job’ in the family. “Become an educated man and the world is at your feet”, Grand- mother Hanako would say to Ichiro each evening as she tucked him into bed. He loved his grandmothers and knew how important it was to listen carefully to everything they had to offer because they had lived a long time and knew so much. During this time, Anan had established himself as the village master of martial arts. He held classes in the courtyard of his home and it allowed for about twenty students, although he only accepted 12. They would train for 3 straight days and then Anan would travel to another village that had heard of his abilities so he could train some of their young men, but he would only stay 2 days there and then move on to another village. It would take him 10 days to make this journey. During his absence, he would ap- point a senior student to assist with any questions from the other students. If he didn’t know the answer he would say so but then tell them that he would present the question to the master. On the tenth day of Master Anan’s absence the village waited anxiously for his return, which was usually around sunset. Ichiro and Takeo had gone to the village for fresh vegetables and as they waited they saw Ichiro’s father at the head of the road into the village. Takeo jerked on his friends’ vest nervously and Ichiro told him to be patient. Then they saw Anan coming up the path and Mikio greeted him with a deep bow. Anan put both his hands on Mikio’s shoulders and shook his head, but the boys had no idea what had just happened. Everyone came out of their shops and homes to greet the ‘old man’. It was always a very happy time when the master returned and there was a village meal that everyone helped put together. Anan would eat just what he needed but would always pat his stomach and with a great smile tell all that he was filled with the best food on Okinawa and all the villagers would laugh and thank him, but it was he that had so much thanks for his newly established home. He got up and walked over to Mikio and his family. Everyone stood and bowed with respect and then he spoke to Ichiro. “Well Ichiro, I understand that you are now of the age for martial training, is this so?”, he asked. Ichiro bowed again and respond, “Yes, Master Anan.” Anan continued, “Your father tells me you are strong, obedient and humble. Is this also true?” “Sir, if my fa- ther speaks of these things it must be so,” he answered humbly. Impressed Anan finished with, “Ah, well spoken young man.” He bowed, turned and walked away. Ichiro looked at his father and saw that he was smiling in approval which made Ichiro very happy. As they walked home, Mikio put his arm around his son and said, “My son , you are a pleasure and I am proud to tell you that you may now go ask for admittance into the kara-te school”. Ichiro was so happy he jumped up and down and then his father said, “Yes, enjoy this moment because tomorrow may bring confusion.” part. Nahate Seisan was brought to Oki- Ichiro didn’t know what to think about Kenpo Forms’ & nawa from Fujian, China by Nakaima, Sa- that statement, so his father added, kiyama, Higashionna, and Uechi in the “Don’t think too much my son, enjoy History: Seisan 19th Century. the moment for now.” The literal meaning of the name of this That didn’t help much Ichiro In China, Seisan is used in several Fujian kata is "13" in Okinawan. Or "to attack in thought. Oh well, time to sleep and styles, including the "Monk-fist" and 13 different directions" from an original dream. "Tiger" systems. There is also a Tomori- Chinese (Fujian) name. The kata is found in practically all styles of Okinawan Ka- Seisan, however its pattern is almost identi- rate, regardless of genealogy. cal to the Shurite version.

There are two basic types: Funakoshi learned the kata from Itosu and Shurite and Nahate. Azato but simplified it and change the name to hangetsu or "halfmoon" because of Shurite Seisan has been utilized by Okina- the wan karateka for about two hundred years. arc like steps used in the execution of many Seisan has its root origins in China. The major techniques in his version. kata of the Shurite version is more "Okinawanized" than its Nahate counter- Taken from LIMAC newsletter TKD Forms History and Information: Won-hyo

Won-Hyo (617-686 AD) was the noted Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism into the Silla Dynasty in 686 AD. Won-Hyo, born in north- ern Kyongsang Province, was said to be wise from birth. As legend has it, he was born in a forest in Chestnut Valley under a Sal tree. The Sal tree is significant, as reference to it is usually only found in the legends of very revered figures. Won-Hyo's official name, given to him at birth, was Sol Sedang. He derived the pen name Won-Hyo (meaning dawn) from his nickname "Sedak," which had the same meaning. He assumed this pen name in later years after he had become more accomplished as a Buddhist philosopher and poet. In the past, Koreans were identified by many names. Each person had a nickname as well as an official name. A person of intellectual or artistic talents might also be given a pen name. Monks and apprentices were often given yet another name by their masters. Won-Hyo began his career at the age of 20 when he decided to enter the Buddhist priesthood and converted his own home into a temple. However, Buddhism was not a popular religion in Silla at that time. Although this religion had been introduced into the kingdom of Koguryo in 372 AD and Paekche in 384 AD, the general population of Silla was reluctant to accept it. The monk A-Tow was supposed to have introduced Buddhism to Silla between 417 AD and 457 AD, but the religion was mainly confined to the royal family and was rejected by the people. However, this religious isolation was to change during the 7th century. At that time, Silla was at war with the kingdoms of Packche and Koguryo and was under constant invasion from Paekche. In 642 AD, it lost 40 castles to Packche attacks, including the great castle of Taeya near the capital of Silla. This at- mosphere dramatically influenced the Buddhist faith of all three kingdoms. Religion became more nationalistic, which tended to intensify the ferocity of the con- flicts. To accelerate the development of this type of national spirit in Silla, King Pop-Hung wanted to officially recognize Buddhism in 527 A.D. He tried to establish it as an official state religion in the area around Kyongju. The attempt was met with vehement opposition by members of the court. In 528 AD, these members of the court pressured the King into agreeing to the execution of a 22 year old monk named Ichadon to convince them that Buddhism was worthwhile religion. Ichadon's death for his belief in Buddhism resulted in stories of his blood at the execution being white as milk. These stories made him a martyr so the King issued a royal mandate that granted freedom of Buddhist belief. Shortly afterward, Buddhism was accepted by the people. In later years, King Hun-Duk named Ichadon as one of the ten sacred monks of Silla. The study of Buddhism during the reign of King Pop-Hung required the ability to read and write Chinese, so serious study was still confined mainly to monks and the aristocratic population. Unfortunately, not many places were open for a serious Buddhist student to study in Silla. Therefore, in 650 AD, Won-Hyo and the noted monk Ui- Sang, like other monks of the time, set out to study Buddhism in China. The overland journey took them to Liaotung in Koguryo. Mistaken as spies along the way by several Koguryo sentries, they barely escaped captivity and were able to return to Silla. There is no further record of Won-Hyo traveling to China to study, although one more attempt was made shortly after Packche was defeated in 660 AD by Silla and Tang troops from China. However, such study was not necessary because wisdom was Won-Hyo's from birth and he did not need a teacher. Therefore, he became the only monk of his time who did not study in China. The many monks who did study in China had a broad impact on the religious culture of the Korean peninsula. In fact, there were at least five main sects of Buddhism being practiced in Silla during this period: Kyeyul, Yulban, Chinpyo, Popsong, and Hwaom. Chinpyo and Popsong were introduced by Won- Hyo with Popsong, being based upon Hwajong-non (Treatise on the Harmonious Understanding of the Ten Doctrines) from which Won-Hyo's posthumous title of "Hwajong Kuksa" was derived. Won-Hyo was, in fact, the most influential of the many monks of the 7th century. He used his power in an attempt to unify the five existing sects and reduce their constant sectarian rivalries. Won-Hyo is also considered to be one of the most prolific writers in all of the Buddhist countries of his time, his works include over 100 different kinds of literature consisting of about 240 volumes. Unfortunately, only 20 works within a total of 25 volumes have survived. One of the forms he chose to use was a special Silla poetic form, Hyang-Ga, These poems were mainly written by monks or members of the Hwarang and concerned patriotism, Buddhism, and praise of the illustrious dead. Won-Hyo's poem "Hwaorm-Ga" is said to be among the most admired of these poems. Won-Hyo's writing was not the only area in which he gained recognition. He was well-known both to the general population and to the members of the royal family and their court. He was often asked to conduct services, recite prayers, and give sermons at the royal court. In 660 AD, King Muyo became so interested in Won-Hyo that he asked him to come and live in the royal palace of Yosok. A relationship with the royal princess Kwa developed and was soon fol- lowed by their marriage and the birth of their son Sol-Chong. Sol-Chong grew up to become one of the ten Confucian sages of the Silla era. He is recognized for his scholarship in Chinese literature and history and for his adaptation of Idu, the system of using Chinese characters phonetically to record Korean songs and poems. As Korea had not yet developed an alpha- bet, this adaptation was very important. It made Chinese literature available to the general public by creating, in effect, a method for translation. Sol-Chong is said to have been the author of many original works; however his Kye-Hwa-Wang is his only surviving work. Shortly after his son was born, Won-Hyo left the palace and began traveling the country. He was recognized as a great scholar by the Dang Dynasty of China, although he never studied there, and he was highly respected by the people of Korea. He hated that different religions argued with each other over their different beliefs, so he created his own ideology in which the conflicts between various religions could be reconciled. In 661 AD, he experienced a revelation in his Buddhist philosophy and developed the Chongto-Gyo (Pure Land) sect. This sect did not require study of the Chinese Buddhist literature Techniques Introduced for salvation, but merely diligent prayer. His belief was that one could obtain (1) Closed ready stance A salvation, or enter the "Pure Land", by simply praying. This fundamental change in Buddhist philosophy made religion accessible to the lower classes. (2) Fixed Stance It soon became very popular among the entire population. However, his most (3) Bending Ready Stance A remarkable achievements were his efforts in relieving the poverty and suffer- (4) L-stance knife-hand high ing of ordinary people. In 662 AD, Won-Hyo left the priesthood and devoted inward strike the rest of his life to traveling the country teaching this new sect to the com- mon people. Won-Hyo's contributions to the culture and national awareness (5) Fixed stance middle of Silla were instrumental in the unification of the three kingdoms of Korea. punch Won-Hyo died in 686 AD and was laid in state by his son Sol- (6) Walking stance reverse Chong in Punhwang-Sa temple. He had seen the unification of the Three punch Kingdoms of Korea in his own lifetime and had helped to bring about a bril- liant culture in Korea through his efforts in Buddhist philosophy. He had a (7) Walking stance Inner profound influence on quality of life in Silla and on Buddhism in Korea, forearm circular block China, and Japan. (8) L-stance forearm middle guarding block Number of Movements: 28 (9) Middle side piercing kick http://museum.gbgs.go.kr/open_content/ (10) Low front snap kick eng/img/gs/sm_img02.gif

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5 THE OBSERVER PAGE 9 KNOW YOUR INSTRUCTORS Mr. Curtis Smith Mr. Smith began his weapons training with Ms. Rush in 2003 and received his Okinawan Kobudo black belt in 2006. While he has studied other martial arts, including Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, and Ju Jitsu, his true passion is weapons. While studying for his black belt paper for weapons, Mr. Smith discovered Medieval Martial Arts, Europe's counterpart to karate. "With Eastern Martial Arts being so prevalent in today's self defense schools, it was re- freshing to find that there are some schools emerging from the rich martial history of Europe." In the future Mr. Smith hopes to further his weapons training by branching into the weapons training of Ancient Europe. As a student of Ms. Rush, Mr. Smith strives to uphold the standards set forth by Renshi Robyn Rush-James & Shihan Larry Isaac her teachings as well as his own standards and OBSERVER MISSION: To bring knowledge and unify all martial motto: Always walk your own path, do not rush or artists in all realms of training. To educate martial artists in the past, try to follow another's path, accept the guidance present and future of martial arts and provide an avenue of of your instructors along information of as a source of sharing of expertise amongst friends and your path, and do not fail yourself by quitting. colleagues. If you would like to contribute or have a local event happening or story to share that you would like to have featured, http://www.jbmaa. com/instructors.html please contact Mrs. Rush-James at: [email protected].

Mrs. Rush’s Weapons Program Schools Contact Information Karate Joe & Professor Wards’ Master Turner's World Champions Training Centers Martial Arts Academy Head Instructor, Troy Neemann 110 S. Val Vista Drive Suite B-3 Weapons Instructor: In The Safeway Shopping Center Renshi Robyn Rush-James & Patrick Gilbert, Arizona 85296 Callahan (480) 813-9760 20046 N. John Wayne Parkway Ste. Master Chaz Turner 106 Email : [email protected] Maricopa, AZ 85239 Weapons Instructors: Dan Brayman Jr. (480) 831-KICK (5425) and Steven Bagshaw www.worldchampionstrainingcenters. www.mtmaa.com com

JB Martial Arts Academy 5865 West Ray Road, Suite 10 , Thomas’ America’s Best Karate Chandler, AZ 85226 263 E. Warner Rd Suite 103 (480) 855-5262 Gilbert, AZ 85296 Head Instructor, Glen Wong (480) 507-5425(KICK) [email protected] [email protected] Weapons Instructors: Curtis Smith, President William Thomas Bradley Wong and Renshi Robyn Instructor: Scott Morrill & Renshi Rush-James Robyn Rush-James www.jbmaa.com www.abkarateonline.com