"WADO"Ohtsuka headOhtsuka
 

a Monthly International Newsletter

 

 

"The only difference between the possible and impossible is one's will"

-Hironori Ohtsuka

                                                                          
                                                                            INDEPENDENT  
                              
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Welcome to the world of Wado


Dear Wado Enthusiast  

 

This newsletter is to help keep Wado enthusiasts informed of activities in Wado Ryu, Wado Kai, Wado Kokusai, and independent Wado groups in the United States and abroad. Please send your Wado event or activity with a photo of the instructor and/or event organizer by the 20th of the preceding month to get your information in this newsletter. Please send your text in a Word document and pictures in small jpeg files, thank you.

In addition,
we will publish editorials, articles, or any other important Wado information that will help the Wado enthusiast. Please send a photo of the author with the article.


Sincerely,
Volunteer Wado Staff

Disclaimer:  Titles

bow


One of the most difficult areas that this newsletter has to deal with is the use of instructor titles. We are very sensitive to this issue and do not want to offend or insult anyone.  To simplify this daunting problem we will use the following guidelines with the use of instructor titles:

a. The correct title of the instructor(s) must be in the article or seminar information submitted by the author or event organizer.

 

b. All captions that we place under photos will be:

       1. Japanese instructors: Last name followed by the title Sensei.

       2. Non-Japanese instructors: The title Sensei followed by the last name of the instructor.

 

c. Any title and name that is placed in this newsletter by newsletter staff will use the title of Sensei.

 

We consider the title "Sensei" a very prestigious title.
a picture worth a thousand words


A Picture Worth A Thousand Words

(Sensei Masino caught hanging Master Ohtsuka's picture)

Wado Seminar

 

 Wado karate-school Plux-Uithoorn presenteert, in samenwerking met Sportschool Tenno Sassenheim en Sportschool Gietelink Amstelveen.

Sponsor: van den Oetelaar Investments B.V. Uithoorn

 

STAGE SENSEI TONY HEAP 7e DAN WADO RYU

 

 

7 / 8 / 9 Oktober 2011

Tony Heap
Sensei Tony Heap

 

 

 

 Sportschool Plux-Uithoorn

Vrijdagavond 7 oktober

Enschedeweg 120

1422DR Uithoorn

Sportschool Gietelink Amstelveen Zaterdag 8 oktober

Sporthal de Meerkamp

1185LN v/d Hooplaan 239

Budo Academy Tenno Sassenheim

Zondag 9 oktober

Van Alkemadelaan 12

2171DH Sassenheim

 

 

Vrijdagavond

 

 

Zaterdag

 

 

zondag

7 Oktober: 

 

8 Oktober:

 

 

9 Oktober:

20:00 uur / 22:00 uur 1e dan en hoger

 

11:00 uur / 14:00 uur Alle bandkleuren

 

 

11:00 uur / 14:00 uur Alle bandkleuren

 

 Kosten: Vrijdagavond 15,00 euro

             Zaterdag 17,50 euro

             Zondag 17,50 euro

 

Er zijn verschillende combinaties mogelijk:

Zwarte banden hele weekeinde: 40,00 euro

Zwarte banden vrijdagavond en zaterdag of zondag: 30,00 euro

Alle bandkleuren zaterdag en zondag: 30,00 euro

Korting: groepsaanmelding (min. 10 personen) 5,00 euro korting p.p. op de voorgestelde keuze.

Aanmelding uitsluitend op het onderstaande mailadres. Wadostage@live.nl ten name van: Stage Tony Heap 2011. Kijk voor meer info. op de wado agenda

  

Colorado Classic Karate Tournament 2011

Wado Kai logo

 

Sunday, October 23, 2011 - 9:00am - 5:00pm

 

Children and Junior (Boys and Girls): 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. -
Contestant Check-in Time Starts at 8:00 a.m.

Adults: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Contestant Check-in Time Starts at 12:00 p.m.

 

Niwot High School

8989 East Niwot Road

Niwot, CO

United States

 

Contestant Fee:
 
One Event - $40, Two Events - $50, Three Events - $60
Team Kata or Kumite - $40/Team

Spectator Fee:
Adults (18 & up) - $5
Children (5-17) -$3
Children 4 yrs & under - free

 

Regulations

WKF Rules of Karate Competition with the modifications

 

Tanabe Sensei
Tanabe Sensei

Mail completed forms to:

Shudokan Karate
325 Main Street
Longmont, CO 80501

Please go to shudokankarate.org to down load information and forms

 

Contact 

Sensei Hiroyuki Tanabe

Phone:

(303) 651-7156

Email:

shudokan.longmont@gmail.com

United States Eastern Wado Ryu Karate Federation

 

FALL SEMINAR 2011

USEWFSeminars Conducted by

Sensei Kazutaka Otsuka

Grandson of Hironori Otsuka, founder of Wado-Ryu

USEWF Members Only

Kazutaka Otsuka
Kazutaka Sensei

 

The USEWF is proud to present Sensei Kazutaka Otsuka.

 

Kazutaka Otsuka Sensei is one of the world's most knowledgeable instructors of traditional Wado Ryu Karate. He is third generation from our Wado-Ryu creator and is trained by his father H. Otsuka II our current Grand Master.

 

Three separate classes will be held at three of our centrally located Dojo's, listed below. Cost per class: is $20 for children (ages 7 to 15), $30 Adult Under belts, and $40 for Black Belts. Students may attend more than one seminar. Registration can be made through By Mail Order, Online by PayPal, or at the door day of event.

 

Wednesday, October 26th

Bill Taylor's Bushido School of Karate - Murfreesboro, TN

Children (7-14): 5:00 - 6:00 pm

All Adult Kyu Ranks: 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Black Belts: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

 

 

Thursday, October 27th

Steven O'Riley's Wado Karate Centers, Antioch, TN

Children (7-14): 5:00 - 6:00 pm

All Adult Kyu Ranks: 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Black Belts: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

 

 

Saturday, October 29th

Hohenwald Wado Ryu - Hohenwald, TN

Children (7-14): 9:00 - 10:00 am

All Adult Kyu Ranks: 10:00 - 11:00 pm

Black Belts: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

 

 For more information  USEASTERNWADO.COM 

 

 

WIKF Wado Karate Seminars

 

WIKFSensei Jon Wicks

WIKF World Chief Instructor 

 

 

Wado syllabus including Ohyo Gumite,

Kihon Gumite, Idori (kneeling defense) Tanto Dori, (Knife defense) Tachi Dori, (Sword defense) and Kata.

 

 Seminars are open to all Wado practitioners   

 

Jon Wicks

Sensei Wicks

 

October 1-9th

 

Canada-Campbell river & Halifax- Course

details from Dan Wallis    wallis_d@telus.net

 

October 29th-30th

 

 WIKF Leaders Course London UK course

details form Eleni Suzuki   eleni@wikf.com 

 

November 4-5th

 

Finland Course details From vantaan.wado-ryu@mbnet.fi

 

November 12th-13th

 

Southern Ireland Dublin course details from

robertmcgrath@eircom.net

 

Takagi Sensei SeminarWado Kai logo

Spain

 

 

 

 

 

 

Takagi Sensei
Takagi Sensei
November 19 and 20, 2011

Madrid Spain


For more detailed information

JKF Wado Kai Seminar

 

        

December 16, 17, and 18, 2011

In Chiang Mai Thailand

Friday, Saturday, and SundayWado Kai logo

 

Takamasu Arakawa
Arakawa Takamasu Sensei

Japan Karate Federation Wado Kai by

TAKAMASA ARAKAWA,

6th Dan and Owner of Shiramizu dojos in Japan 

6th Dan, Japan Karate Federation Wado Kai 

 

 

International Budo University graduate

High School teacher license ( Health and physical education)

Japan Wado Kai National Kata champion

1999 Wado Kai World Cup Silver Medal in Men's Individual Kata

2001 Wado Kai National Team Kumite 1st place (Guseikai team)

2002 Wado Kai World Championships Team Kata gold medal

2002 East Japan Corporate Championships, 65 kg Men's Individual Kumite champion

2005 Wado Kai World Cup, Japan Team Kata Coach

2007 Wado Kai National Championships Team Kumite, 2nd place (Guseikai team)

Owner of the Shiramizu Karate Dojos

 

Many of his students have represented at national and international level

with trophy placements

 

Sensei Takamasa Arakawa has led many workshops in

different countries around the world

 

 

contact Japan Karate Institute Wado Kai, Chiang Mai - admin@japankarate-cnx.net

 

 

USA Wado Pioneer 

 

Sensei Cecil T. Patterson Wado Ryu logo

 

The world of Martial Arts and Traditional Karatedo lost one of its most beloved and central figures on October 27th, 2002, with the death of Cecil T. Patterson, President and Chief Instructor of the United States Eastern Wado Ryu Karate-Do Federation.

 

Born on June 22, 1930, in the small mountain town of Sevierville, Tennessee. Prompted by an early, youthful appreciation of law enforcement, Patterson Sensei first became interested in the practicality of self-defense while training in Federal Law Enforcement tactics under the FBI. Limited though it was, it was this basic training that would ignite his desire for a deeper understanding of the art of self-defense; a desire that would take him a world away from the mountains of East Tennessee to the village of Iwakuni, on the banks of the Inland Sea in southern Japan.

 

Cecil Patterson
Sensei Cecil Patterson

Stationed 

there during his tour of duty in the US Navy, Patterson Sensei enrolled in a small Wado Dojo under the instruction of Sensei Kazuo Sakura - one of the few ranking senior students directly under Master Ohtsuka and one of the only Japanese instructors to teach other nationalities in those days. It took a Japanese Policeman, who Mr. Patterson worked with, to sponsor him into the dojo. His friend asked Sakura Sensei many times before Mr. Patterson was accepted. Finally it happened and Mr. Patterson started training six-seven days every week for hours each day, the years passed with Patterson Sensei growing closer every day to realizing his dream of reaching a deeper understanding of martial arts.

 

In 1959, Mr. Patterson was advanced to the rank of San Dan by his old instructor. Five years later, he was promoted to the rank of Yon Dan (4th degree) and in December of 1968, Master Ohtsuka himself during a visit to Tennessee, advanced Patterson Sensei to the rank of Go Dan -5th degree- the highest rank achievable in the Wado system at that time, making Cecil Patterson the highest-ranked Occidental in the Wado system, worldwide.

 

With that honor, however,  came many responsibilities; including Master Ohtsuka's instruction that Mr. Patterson bring the art of Wado Ryu to the Eastern United States. In 1968, that responsibility was fulfilled with Patterson Sensei's formal establishment of The US Eastern Wado Kai Federation, and taking on the new responsibility of overseeing the operations and instruction of all Wado Ryu Dojos in the entire Eastern half of the United States. With the formation of the first Federation, however, also came recognition for Cecil Patterson. He served as both the State Representative and the Regional Director for the United States Karate Association, serving also on that organization's Board of Research. In addition, he became one of the most recognized and respected consultants to federal and state law enforcement agencies, lecturing and instructing on Police Defensive Tactics at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy, and serving for 40 years until his retirement as Director of the Arson and Fraud Division for the Department of Commerce and Insurance for the state of Tennessee.

 

Even well past 70 years of age, this quiet, contemplative man still searched for that deeper understanding, training every day, teaching every week, hosting the yearly USEWF Tournament, and bringing his annual Summer and Fall Seminars to hundreds of Wado students from 11 states. Holding the rank of Hachi-Dan (8th Degree Black Belt) Mr. Patterson received many awards for his role in karate, including being named Father of Karate for the State of Tennessee, by the Nineteenth General Assembly, and the prestigious Master Ohtsuka Award, presented to him by Hironori Otsuka II when visiting Japan in 1971. He authored several books on Wado Ryu karate and a book on police defensive tactics. On June 16th of 2001 he was inducted into the Bluegrass Nationals Sport Karate Hall of Fame.

Cecil Patterson 1
Sensei Patterson

 

Mr. Patterson and wife Joan (deceased) were blessed with five children, two sons and three daughters. The oldest son John began training in Judo and Karate in 1961 at the age of six. He was advanced to 7th Dan in 1993. It was his father's wish that after his death that John took responsibility as President of the USEWF. The eldest daughter holds a rank of San-Kyu (3rd Degree Brown Belt) in Judo. The youngest son Michael also trains in Wado-Ryu karate and continues to be active with Federation maters.

Due to Sensei Patterson's high ethics and instruction to the many USEWF senior instructors, our federation continues to thrive and has grown to over 19,000 registered members and 38 affiliated dojo's across 9 states. You can get the whole story of the U. S. Eastern Wado-Ryu Federation at www.useasternwado.com

END

 

Not Necessarily Wado
AW photo
Ray Hughes

 

 

I was talking with a couple of Wado instructors about a problem I faced and how I handled it. They suggested I put it in the "Wado" newsletter.  Their thought was there were many things that happen in the Wado dojo in addition to instruction that should be discussed. 

 

If you have an article that may be of interest to a Wado instructor, please send it in.

 

 Below is a blog I wrote and placed on my website in February, 2011.

RH 

  

 

Teens cleaning the change rooms

 

One of the purposes of this blog is to help clarify areas of misunderstanding. The following is a great example of this purpose.

 

I received an e-mail the other day from a parent that wasn't too happy with me. He strongly disagreed with my policy of having the teens clean the change rooms after the teen/adult classes. I was actually surprised by the e-mail because this family has been in my program for many years. I thought they would have understood martial art philosophy in these matters. His argument was as follows:

 

a. His son is a paying student and considers it unacceptable to have paying students help with cleaning the change rooms.

b. It creates an inconvenience for both the student and the parent.

c. The school is taking on an enormous liability risk. If a student is injured or picks up any infection as a result of these tasks the ramifications are huge.

 

Though I disagree with this argument, I appreciate this conflict of philosophies. It allows me an opportunity to express my philosophy and the philosophy of the martial arts while giving options to those who disagree with me.

 

The martial arts are quite unique from other entities such as dance, gymnastics, or other businesses where a "service" is provided to its "clients". In the martial arts we consider ourselves a family, not a service providing a product. The fees are considered funds that help pay for the facility and martial arts knowledge, not to give participants entitlement. The school (dojo) is considered our house and our home. As a family it is our responsibility to work together to help keep it clean. Not to hire others to do it for us. In the martial arts it is considered our duty to clean our own house. This philosophy has been in the martial arts since its inception. There is learning and discipline that come from cleaning our school. The cleaning of the school also develops the philosophy of being of service to others in our family and that of our guests. It is the same philosophy that many of us have at our own private homes.

 

The teachings of the school go far beyond self defense. Philosophies are taught that help us work at improving ourselves as human beings. These philosophies and techniques show us how to control our emotions, suppress our egos, develop humility, move beyond the feeling of entitlement, give back to mankind, and so on and so forth. It is a lifelong endeavor. Believe it or not, cleaning the change rooms is a part of it. All of us adult martial art students, including myself, clean the dojo and the change rooms on a daily basis. I have the teens clean because they need to understand service, learn to take pride in the tasks that they do, and be a contributing part of the family. Nothing is asked of them that we don't do ourselves.   The teenage years are critical in these areas of understanding. I expect them to do these tasks at their home and would be very disappointed if they didn't. 

 

As far as getting hurt or injured while helping clean the dojo, an injury can happen anytime and anywhere. Where do you draw the line? I guess maybe I am opening myself up to law suits. I hope the world hasn't come to this.

 

I have always considered the infection issue. We have taken steps to help in this area by providing gloves to be used in the change rooms. My conclusion is that if someone is going to get an infection by cleaning, we have bigger problems. That means someone could get an infection just by going into the change rooms. To take this issue a step further, people could get infections simply by training on the same floor with other people. This is a problem of all athletic sports where people train in close proximity to others. We work hard at the dojo to minimize such problems. The point is where do you draw the line? It is a difficult dilemma.

 

I don't know what to say about inconveniences that may come from this policy. These tasks that the teens do are very small. There is generally a half a dozen teens or more that help out after each class. Each teen does a simple task such as wiping down the counter, cleaning the mirrors, cleaning a toilet, and so on. Each task doesn't take more than a couple of minutes. If it takes longer, then the teen is socializing. I don't know if that is a bad problem unless it is making a parent wait, which of course would be bad manners.

 

During my 35 years in the martial arts this is the first direct complaint I have received on this topic. I did hear something indirectly once. Parents that I have talked to say they understand and agree with this policy, they actually encourage it. However, I am not naive enough to think that every parent agrees with me on every policy and philosophy. If you are a parent that disagrees with me, just send a polite e-mail to me and let me know. In this case, your teen will not be required to help with the change rooms. Maybe the teen can volunteer to clean somewhere else in the school. I will leave it up to the parent.

 

Again, this is a good conflict. There are hundreds of protocols that are inherent in the martial arts, too many to write down. Most are simply understood. Without these occasional disagreements and misunderstandings, many parents and students would not even be aware of some of these philosophies. Even worse, many would not completely understand the intent and purpose of some of these martial art policies. So please don't hesitate to send in any questions, thoughts or concerns you may have on any matter. We will all benefit from the explanations that address them.

 

To see how this blog was presented in the website click HERE

 

 

 

Wado Ryu logoKata Bunkai - The Secrets Within

 

Sempai Taryn Wills

Tai Shi Kai Wado-Ryu Karate Academy  

Shihan Linc Hibbs

 Australia

 

As each karateka begins their journey, kata is emphasized as one of the most important aspects of one's karate training. Kata, meaning 'form', refers to the synchronized pattern of a set of clearly defined movements. To the inexperienced karateka, kata appears nothing more than a series of basic moves, sometimes reluctantly performed in favour of more elaborate techniques. Kata is continuously encouraged to refine and strengthen the techniques and movements learnt during ones karate practice. As we progress through our training we begin to understand that kata is not just a series of movements, but an intricate set of hidden self defence techniques devised to be used in real life situations against violent and untrained attackers. These underlying techniques hidden within kata are known as Bunkai. Bunkai means 'analysis' or 'practical application of form', which refers to the multitude of self defence techniques that can be extracted from within each kata.

 

It is important for karateka practicing kata bunkai to understand the origins and the meanings behind this very deliberate set of movements. Kata was originally devised as a means of recording and passing on knowledge and techniques to other individuals and for teaching future generations. Centuries ago karateka often travelled to enhance their understanding and knowledge of the martial arts, training with other karateka they met during their journey. Devising kata helped to remember the knowledge and techniques that were exchanged, and often the kata created was named after the individual who taught it. For example, Chinto, a Dan level kata, was devised by the karate master Matsumura in honour of the martial art teachings he learnt from Chinto a Chinese martial artist he met in Okinawa1. Matsumura wanted to ensure Chinto's methods were recorded such that they could be passed on. Kata was also named as to its purpose. Nai Hanchi kata refers to the Nai Hanchi stance undertaken to perform the kata. Nai Hanchi was devised as a series of self defence and counter-attack techniques performed within confined spaces such as upon a castle wall. During these early years, students were only taught one kata at a time, dedicating several years to understanding and perfecting the fighting applications held within. Okinawan masters believed it was better to understand one kata in depth than to know many with no mastery of any2.

 

Also during this time, civilisation was highly volatile with many enemies at hand so it was important to keep defence techniques closely guarded secrets1. Kata enabled each karateka to practice the hidden techniques in secret, preventing any possible

observers from learning their methods and perhaps using them in a dishonourable manner, or devising counter attacks against them.

 

If kata was devised from self defence applications learnt through the teachings of others, why are the details of the hidden applications (the way the creator intended) now lost, such that it is up to us to decipher and understand? There are several possible reasons for this. Firstly, when karate was first introduced to schools and universities throughout Okinawa during the early 1900's, it was considered an excellent means of exercise for children and for the preparation of young adults for military service. Unfortunately many of the self defence principles were lost as these 'exercises' were to promote 'character improvement', with many of the original techniques disguised for teaching to children, as they were considered too dangerous1,3. Okinawan masters taught kata bunkai to their most trusted adult students but disguised the underlying techniques to children. Thus children gained improved health and discipline through kata without knowledge of the dangerous applications held within. The great karate master Yasutsune Itsou believed kata should be taught the same whether to adults or children, with only the matter of approach that differs - 'Kata may be practiced for its fighting skills or for health, the katas are the same, it is the approach that is different'1. Kata is still taught this way today.

 

Karate soon spread to mainland Japan leading to further changes to the way kata and bunkai were taught. The Japanese objected to excessively violent techniques, such as eye gouges insisting that many techniques be omitted. These methods, although highly effective, were no longer taught openly, and remained hidden within each kata1. As karate continued to spread, more and more techniques were considered inappropriate and no longer taught or practiced. By the 1950's karate had become more popular within the western world and unfortunately the original intentions and techniques within kata had been lost along with their original creators2.

 

Despite losing the original bunkai within kata, their effectiveness remains unchanged. It is up to each karateka to look within the movements of each kata, to try to understand and expand on this knowledge and devise new applications and techniques suitable for real life situations. It is therefore, important to think laterally when considering the possible techniques within kata. For example, most kata will contain strikes at chudan level, but this doesn't necessarily mean a counter attack would be at the mid-section. It is important to consider the preceding technique which may draw the attackers head down towards you so the counter attack is to the head. This is often followed by a strike and eventual take down. Bunkai is not one or two movements it is a sequence aimed firstly to defend, then counter and finally subdue the attacker. Bunkai movements include strikes, joint-locks, takedowns, throws, and chokes. If, for example, we take the first four movements of the kata Kihon Sugata; Left turn block gedan barai, step forward (junzuki) strike (chudan), step behind and turn (180˚) gedan barai, step forward junzuki and chudan strike. The bunkai technique is not as obvious as it may seem. The first move in this bunkai is to avoid the attackers punch by stepping back and trapping the attackers arm with a left gedan barai block (Figure 1). Step forward and strike the attacker's carotid artery (neck) with the right arm (Figure 2). Following momentum with the right arm, grab the attacker's neck and using a see-saw motion lift your left arm up and right arm down to bring the attacker's head down towards the ground (Figure 3). Step behind with the right foot and pivot such that the attacker is spun and taken to the floor. The final move is to step forward into the attacker and snap the neck with both hands (Figure 4). This simple yet very effective self defence technique is an excellent example of the hidden applications within each kata. It is critical to understand why each kata technique works and understand the meaning behind it, thus practice is imperative. Kata is not a matter of memorising a sequence of movements it is performing a sequence of effective self defence and attack techniques crucial for the aspiring karateka. The principles and martial knowledge contained within our kata is infinite.

 

We may never know the true meaning within each kata as intended by their masters, but as dedicated karateka we can begin to unravel each kata continuously searching and trying to understand the bunkai hidden within. For within kata is a highly refined and very effective self defence system. 


   To order      Koshiki no te Magazine 
  

 Koshiki  no te 2

Martial Art Humor 

 

Japanese hunting dog

 

  

If you have any martial art humor you would like to share, please forward it to us. We all need a little humor in this world

Zen Stories 

  

 
Just Two Words 

 

There once was a monastery that was very strict. Following a vow of silence, no one was allowed to speak at all. But there was one exception to this rule. Every ten years, the monks were permitted to speak just two words. After spending his first ten years at the monastery, one monk went to the head monk. "It has been ten years," said the head monk. "What are the two words you would like to speak?"

 

"Bed... hard..." said the monk.

 

"I see," replied the head monk.

 

Ten years later, the monk returned to the head monk's office. "It has been ten more years," said the head monk. "What are the two words you would like to speak?"

 

"Food... stinks..." said the monk.

 

"I see," replied the head monk.

 

Yet another ten years passed and the monk once again met with the head monk who asked, "What are your two words now, after these ten years?"

 

"I... quit!" said the monk.

"Well, I can see why," replied the head monk. "All you ever do is complain." 
 

 

If you have any Zen stories you would like to share, please forward them to us. We all need a little Zen in our lives.

BRITISH WADOKAIBrititsh Wado Kai
Preserving Traditional Wado Karate thoughout Great Britain

 
Check out this link for all activities in British WadoKai

Additional Wado Information


Please check out this link for additional Wado Information:

Suggested Tournaments for Wado competitors 

 sparring  

 

2011

 

 

 
OCTOBER 

 

Colorado Classic Karate Tournament 2011

October 23, 2011

Tanabe Sensei
 

 

NOVEMBER

 

 Suzuki Cup

Nov. 12, Dallas TX,

Brody Burns

bburns@planodojo.com  

                                     

OCTOBER 2011
In This Issue
A Picture Worth A Thousand Words
Wado Seminar
Colorado Classic Tournament
Kazutaka Sensei Seminars
WIKF Seminars England
Wado Kai Seminar Spain
Wado Kai Seminar Thailand
Sensei Patterson
Not Necessarily Wado
Kata Bunkai
Koshiki no te
Martial Art Humor
Zen Stories
British WadoKai Schedule
Additional Wado Information
Suggested Tournaments
Featured Article "A Giant Step"

Featured Article

"A Giant Step"

 

AW photo 

      Ray Hughes           Editor  

   

If you have been following this newsletter, you know that one of our passions is to develop a comprehensive communication system for all Wado enthusiasts, regardless of club or organizational ties. One of the components of this comprehensive communication system is a national and international directory for ALL Wado schools and programs.

 

To accomplish this, a couple of tasks had to be completed before we could start the directory. An initial communication system had to be established and the development of a website to host the directories.

 

The initial communication system is this newsletter. We started it over a year ago and it has been highly successful. It has grown to around 1500 Wado e-mail addresses and is forwarded to an additional 4 - 5 thousand. An interesting point and a surprise to me is the number of people that follow this newsletter that are not Wado.

 

Several months ago we started the process of developing a website with a directory system. It is now up. You can go visit the website USAWado.com and take a look at the directory. Though our focus and priorities are USA, we understand that we need to work with our Wado brother and sisters overseas. The fact is, they have a lot to offer us and we enjoy working with them.  

 

This is just the start. There is a lot of work to be done to both updating the directory and developing other areas of the Website. Everyone that is working on this dream is a volunteer, so it will go a little slower than normal. But who cares, we all love Wado and understand it is a process and not a destination.

 

We do not have all

the pertinent information of the schools that receive this newsletter. We will need your help in collecting this information to post on the directory.

 

Some of you may feel that a national directory is not important. You may feel that having your school or program listed in this directory will not benefit you or your school. But this is not true.

 

There are several important reasons for schools and programs to be listed in a national directory. First, people move. When any martial artist moves, they look up schools in the area they are moving to. They

want to continue their training in a familiar program. Secondly, prospective students need to be able to locate programs in their area. If a potential student has heard of Wado and has an interest in it, there needs to be a place where they can easily go to get school information. And third, it would assist instructors that may want to contact another Wado instructor or a large group of instructors. In addition to this, think about the possibilities that can come from a system that allows easy communication between Wado practitioners. This easy communication between excited and positive Wado people will raise the tide for all boats. Sure there are those who are negative and don't want to work with anyone. That's ok; I am just talking about those who have little or no egos and those who think beyond themselves. There are many of us old guys and gals that just want to do whatever we can to help the generation that is following us.

 

In a couple of weeks, you will be receiving a school profile. If you would,

please fill in the appropriate information and return it. It will be very easy and quick. However, if you are one who is receiving this newsletter from someone who is forwarding it to you, you will not receive the school profile. If that is the case, you can also reply to this newsletter with the following info:

 

1. School name

2. Sensei with a photo if possible

3. Address, phone number, e-mail address, mailing address, web site, etc.

4. Club affiliation (Wado Kai, Wado Ryu, Wado Kokusai, independent, other)

 

In closing, I was asked how long is this going to take to accomplish this task. I replied as stated earlier in this article, it is a journey and not a destination. Our goal is to do whatever we can and then pass it on to the next generation. 

 

 

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this newsletter is to disseminate Wado information to the Wado enthusiast in an unbiased and non political format. 
 

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rhughes@smacus.com
 

 

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Moral Wisdom in Bite-Size Morsels 

 

Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.
~ Napoleon Bonaparte

 

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