July 2009 Newsletter

Protector’s Seminars. . . .
Friday and Saturday session.s
For Dojo owners and Students!

We will be returning to camp this year to share with the attendees a portion of our PROTECTORS program which was developed over the past several years and is now being distributed throughout the USA in a TRAIN-THE-TRAINER model.The PROTECTORS fitness program was originally designed to condition members of select occupations for job readiness. 

Our PROTECTORS are represented by police, military, fire services, EMS, Corrections and Private Security. Recently there has been a groundswell of support to change the culture of public safety by preparing and maintaining employee fitness standards.

Our unique training program is built upon job task analysis and is structured to developing parts of the body compromised by the rigors of occupational duty.

We teach techniques that conquer hypertension, develop strong hearts, reduce obesity, and strengthen joint, ligament, tendon and connective tissue. There is a nutritional and mental health component also built in to create the complete PROTECTORS program.

By focusing on the “five qualities” of speed. strength, agility, mobility and endurance we can not only help PROTECTORS stay healthy over the course of a 25+ year career, but can also create more efficient and more effective personnel and contribute to the mission of their life saving endeavors.

We are happy to present this course to the martial arts community who will be interested in learning about the program for personal development as well as sharing with PROTECTORS members within their own communities. Our techniques can be quickly integrated into an existing martial arts curriculum, or taught independently as a larger full fitness training program.

We will also show and demonstrate the ACTIGRAPH, our technology component which allows us to monitor and validate all of our exercise routines to gauge the desired effect. This component, along with the training program was recently introduced to the NAVY SEALS and is currently being explored by BUDS training coaches and mentors.

The program will be presented at SUMMERCAMP by Adam Faurot, President of TITUS fitness and Roy Bedard, V.P of the PROTECTORS program. You can go to www.protectorsperformance.com to see more.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Roy

All is in Uechi-ryu
Learning how to “read” your kata!

George Mattson and his senior students will be presenting many seminars focusing on the “art of Uechi-ryu”. . . and art that happens to use self-defense.

Seminars will work on the “tools” of Uechi that form the core system taught by Kanbun and Kanei Uechi and so brilliantly conveyed through the teachings of Ryuko Tomoyose.

Learn the real purpose of the kata and how the “old ways” are still the best for instilling confidence and purpose into those simple kata moves.

Discover the “old” way of progressing through the learning cycle of Uechi-ryu. . . a meaningful and workable method of taking your Uechi “exercises” and converting them into progressive steps in a dynamic and modern program.

There will be a class every hour on this important subject!!!

Saturday Evening Masters Celebration. . .
A chance to honor our senior students

Two of Uechi-ryu pioneer women, Rose Dyer and Toni West will be honored Saturday evening by being awarded the rank of Rokudan and the title of Renshi. You will be mesmorized by their kata performance, in spite of their physical disabilities. They both are supreme examples of Karate Spirit, faced with adversity and how, with extraordinary warrior spirit and heart, were able to continue teaching and practicing their Uechi-ryu.

Ken Read and Bruce Hirabiashi will also be honored with their master ratings and titles.

Jack Summers, kyudan, will also be attending and accepting his Lifetime Achievement award. In 1943, John Summers, at the age of 17 ½ , enlisted in the US Marine Corps.  A decorated World War II warrior; he fought i
n the Pacific and was wounded at the battle of Iwo Jima.  John Summers, better known as “Jack,” has been training in the martial arts since the early 1950’s.

Shinkendo Sword Seminar
Friday Event you don’t want to miss!!

Please convey to Sensei Mattson that I am deeply honored to present Shinkendo at the upcoming camp. The best day for me would be (friday) 7/24, in the early afternoon. I have attached a brief outline of the seminar.

Obata Toshishiro is the founder and headmaster of Shinkendo Japanese Swordsmanship. “Shin (True) – Ken (Sword) – Do (Way)” is a system of Japanese swordsmanship which incorporates all aspects of sword study. 
True, deep study of Japanese Swordsmanship must involve many interlocking concepts. In Shinkendo, these five aspects of swordsmanship, Suburi, Battoho, Tanrengata, Tachiuchi, and Tameshigiri are like five interlocking rings. All five aspects have some relation to the other rings. This is the foundation of a comprehensive study of swordsmanship. It allows for one to view the techniques from a larger perspective and pursue them deeply.

Suburi – Swinging and Basics
Suburi means sword swinging practice. In Shinkendo this term is used to define basic sword movements, correct footwork, and body movement practices.

Battoho – Combative Drawing and Re-sheathing
Shinkendo teaches how to draw the sword combatively, and re-sheath it safely. This training is called Battoho.

Tanrengata – Main Solo Forms
The main solo forms practiced in Shinkendo are called Tanrengata. Shinkendo kata emphasize fluid movement, graceful balance shifting, and effective body/sword mechanics.

Tachiuchi – Partnered Training
In Shinkendo kumite (sparring) is practiced as Tachiuchi, or two-person prearranged exercises.

Tameshigiri – Target Cutting Practice
Tameshigiri is the practice of using real swords and target material to test the swordsman’s accuracy and form.

The Introduction to Japanese Swordsmanship, Shinkendo Seminar is presented by the chief instructor of Shinkendo Shoshinkan Dojo, Shaffee Bacchus-sensei. The goal of this seminar is to foster a deeper understanding of Budo through exposure to other martial arts such as Japanese Swordsmanship. Shaffee-Sensei studied at Shinkendo New York Dojo and directly with Obata Toshishiro-Kaiso the headmaster and founder of Shinkendo. He is currently a licensed instructor in Shinkendo, Toyama Ryu and Bojutsu.  
The seminar will outline the five aspects of Shinkendo focusing on practical and philosophical application of swordsmanship to everyday life and self defense.