Justin Successfully tested for and received his 6th degree black belt in 2010. He was awarded his first gold stripe after qualifying and fulfilling the IUKF’s “Title” program in August, 2011.
The Journey Continues
June 25, 2011 Justin Testa – Renshi Paper
Over my 45 years of studying Uechi-ryu, there have been a number of destinations along the way, such as learning a new kata, achieving a certain belt, competing in a tournament, becoming a teacher, etc.; but as I get older my study of Uechi-ryu is a journey to a very elusive destination….mastery. I have come to realize that it is all about the journey rather than the destination. In the current phase of my journey, I have supplemented my Uechi training with Pilates and yoga in order to help steer my Uechi-ryu study in the direction of the mastery. The three areas that I have felt enhancements to my Uechi through Pilates and yoga are enhanced core strength, improved flexibility, and expanded breathing. This paper will explain how these two disciplines are enhancing my Uechi study. As a disclaimer, I am not an expert in the practice of either Pilates or yoga, nor am I an expert in their origins and principles. I am very much a novice, but as I continue to practice these disciplines along with my Uechi, I have been able to leverage one off of the other to help enhance my Uechi experience.
“It is better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than to die. the very essence of self-defense is a thin list of things that might get you out alive when you are already screwed”.
This year’s SummerFest participants and teachers had an opportunity to test their punches and kicks on the new “Herman” impact training tool! The “reader” (handheld visual device or wireless computer program) can easily program any number of workouts – or as in the SummerFest event, we simply created a challenge where competitors performed two kicks and two punches – and the reader provides important feedback on individual techniques and cumulative power recorded from the four techniques.
O’Sensei passed away at 2:30 P.M. today, Sunday August 7, 2011. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the liver and pancreas. He slipped into a coma Thursday morning and did not regain consciousness. While I understand not everyone agreed with Phil, we all must recognize his contribution to Judo and the other martial arts. Please join with me in wishing his family well.
