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Seminars Abroad: Top photo - Molinella, Italy. Bottom photo: Russellville, Arkansas
NEWSLETTER UPDATE
In order to improve our IKA Newsletter distribution we have changed how we send out the newsletter.
Everyone’s email address constantly changes. In addition, many email users block email or have their email filtered or their mailbox is full or inactive. In addition, we now have a limitation as to how many people we can send email to daily. As a result of this, the IKA will now be distributing the IKA Newsletter using yahoo groups.
The name of the yahoo group is: IKAKarate
1. Go to: www.yahoo.com
2. select “groups” in the left hand column
3. under find a group, type “IKAKarate” and press the search button
4. select the group “IKAKarate”
5. press the button marked “join this group”
6. If you don’t have a yahoo account, it is free to set up. Hit the blue “sign up” link to establish your account.
You can then go to the "File" section and download the current newsletter in Adobe Acrobat format.
From this point on, any time a new edition of the IKA News is posted, you will be notified by email. You will also be notified if any announcements are posted. In the future, we will likely start utilizing the open forum that the group is capable of. For the immediate time, we will be only using the group to distribute the IKA News and send out bulletins.
Osu,
Shihan Rod Kuratomi
On Soke’s Behalf
The IKA newsletter will continue to be distributed in Adobe Acrobat through Yahoo Groups. Acrobat Reader is available for download on the internet for FREE from:
www.adobe.com
Soke News
CHRONICLE OF SEMINAR IN MOLINELLA, ITALY
On March 27-28, 2010, Soke Kubota and Shihan Rod Kuratomi traveled to the town of Molinella, Italy to teach a Kubotan, Karate, and Kubotactical seminar. There was also dan testing by six students/instructors. Where is Molinella you might ask? It is a very small town about 30 km from Bologna in the northern part of Italy nestled in the middle of vast farmlands. We found the countryside to be green and beautiful and the people warm and friendly. The karate under the guidance of Master Pajello was strong and the students disciplined. About 70 students attended the course from throughout the region including Master Giorgio Bortolin from Torino and Sensei Fabrizio Moreale from Tuscany. The class thoroughly enjoyed the training and we had students as young as five years old learning how to use the Kubotan and Kubotactical techniques! Soke and Shihan Rod were treated to several outstanding meals, including a couple meals served at a restaurant outside of town surrounded by nothing but trees and open fields. We had some of the best pasta dishes ever. The food did not have a lot of heavy sauces, instead focusing on the natural flavor of the food. All the wine we had including the red wine was served chilled and was “frizzante” or slightly sparkling.
The trip was very enjoyable because it was the first trip we have gone on where we actually had some time to relax. Usually these trips are non-stop with meetings, press conferences, teaching, and banquets. This time, our host was gracious to allow us some relaxation time which helped us greatly to recover from the jet lag.
Testing was highlighted by Sensei Monia Atti who was promoted to Godan and demonstrated her superior ability not only in karate but in Iaido as well. The weekend was also highlighted by Soke bestowing the title of “Kiyoshi” to Master Bortolin and Master Pajello. He also bestowed the title of “Shihan” to Monia Atti and to Mara Gallini.
We would like to thank Kiyoshi Pajello for hosting the seminar and also to Manuella Fronzke and Shihan Monia Atti that acted as our interpreters and chauffers and to all of the hosting students that assisted with making the event a successful one. Osu!
SEMINAR IN ARKANSAS
On April 10th, Soke Kubota and Shihan Rod Kuratomi traveled to Russellville, Arkansas to teach a class on Kubotan and Kubotactical. There were about 50 students in attendance that came from our two IKA Dojos in Arkansas as well as our dojo in Missouri and dojos from surrounding cities. The seminar was hosted by Sensei John Terry of Russellville. We also got to meet our instructor Sensei Fred Anderson from Arkansas and Sensei Kal Rooks from Missouri. This was Soke and Rod’s first trip to Arkansas and it was an enjoyable one. We found the students to be very attentive and respectful and eager to learn Soke’s techniques. We found Arkansas to be an absolutely beautiful state with lush dense woods and lakes aplenty. Soke and Rod were also given nice gifts. Soke received a flat Arkansas rock that was engraved with a diamond tool with the IKA logo. Due to the hardness of the rock, this is a process that takes the artist one to two months to complete. Shihan Rod got a plaque with a quartz geode on it. We both got to take home a little piece or Arkansas.
One interesting point, upon landing in Little Rock, we were telling our host about our trip and our layover in Dallas and how we had an excellent Texas beer with our meal. Sensei Terry then informed us that Russellville was in a “dry county” meaning alcohol was not sold in the county! On the highway to Russellville, we saw a sign, “next alcohol 100 miles” ! This was an interesting change and we did not know there were still places in the United States that have outlawed the sale of alcohol. We thought this was done away with after the repeal of prohibition in the 1920’s. We were told that this was common in many counties of the “Bible Belt”. Soke LOVES his wine so this was a bit of a surprise. Hope was not lost though as wefound out that private clubs have permits to sell alcohol. You
just have to become a member and fill out an application. It was also free to join. You just won’t find any liquor stores or markets that sell alcohol and if you want any, you will have to pay bar prices. Interestingly, Sensei Terry told us that as a result, there is a lower crime rate in the county.
The highlight meals were awesome steaks at a reasonable price that you can only find in the heartland of America. We had plenty of meat and potatoes that were delicious, though we were happy to get home and have or steamed rice and sake!
We also had a rare experience to travel in the airplane from Dallas to LA with three full size Labradors. They were part of the Ventura County Sheriff’s search and rescue team that were training in Dallas. The dogs were well behaved and you could tell they were seasoned travelers. They either sat in the seat like a person or were lying on the floor. It was a rare and enjoyable sight as both Soke and Rod like dogs!
We would like to thank Sensei Terry and his family and students for hosting a very organized event and for his gracious Southern hospitality. We look forward to teaching a karate seminar in the not too distant future.
TOURNAMENT AND SEMINAR IN TORINO,ITALY
Soke will be traveling to Torino the weekend of July 3-4, 2010 for the Champion Cup tournament and karate seminar. The host will be Shihan Giorgio Bortolin. For more information, contact Shihan Bortolin at his email at:
aik@karate-aik.it
We also have information posted on the Yahoo Group, IKA Karate
UKRAINE TOURNAMENT *** CANCELLED*****
It is with great regret that we announce that the tournament and seminars in Sumy, Ukraine, originally scheduled for June 4-6th, 2010 has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule this event for next year.
POSSIBLE FUTURE SEMINAR IN SICILY, ITALY
Soke is currently looking into teaching a seminar in Sicily in November, 2010. We will keep you updated as plans emerge.
ALL STAR TOURNAMENT DATE CHANGE
The All Star tournament in Los Angeles will be on Sunday, October 10, 2010 this year. Remember the date: 10/10/10. This is the second Sunday of the month instead of the traditional first Sunday.
POSSIBLE VENUE FOR 2011 WORLD TOURNAMENT
Soke is currently checking into holding the 2011 IKA World Tournament at an Olympic Class facility close to the city of Venice, Italy. The facility is right on the beach and is a first rate facility with low cost lodging. This promises to be an ideal venue for the next tournament. We will keep you informed as details become available. At this time it looks like it may be the end of summer.
SOKE ON FACEBOOK!
Look for Soke on Facebook. The name is:
IKA Karate Kubota. Soke will be using Facebook for posting photos of his travels and other happenings.
IKA REMEMBERS SENSEI KENNY KUCH
Sensei Kenny was a long time student of Soke Kubota who unexpectedly passed away last month. Shihan Paul McCaul has written this tribute in honor of our fallen fellow warrior:
“A Tribute to Little Tarzan”
Sensei Ken Kuch began his karate training in the late 1960s as a teenager studying with Ed Parker’s International Kenpo Karate Association. He trained diligently, and rose to the rank of first degree black belt in that system.
Eventually, Sensei Kuch stumbled across IKA black belt Ron McCausland, who had earlier relocated from IKA headquarters to start an IKA dojo in Sacramento. After a humbling sparring session, and being on the receiving end of Sensei McCausland’s delivery of hard-and-fast Gosoku-ryu karate, Kenny picked himself off the floor, and decided at that moment to take off his kenpo black belt and replace it with a white belt as a new student of Sensei McCausland.
Kenny trained hard under Ron McCausland, and quickly rose to the rank of shodan. One day, Ron asked Kenny how far he wanted to go with his training, and he replied that he wanted to be the best he could be, and advance to higher dan rankings with diligent and progressive training. Sensei McCausland told him that he would need to train at the IKA headquarters with Soke Kubota to achieve his goals.
True to his passion, that is exactly what Kenny did. He quit his job, packed his modest material possessions along with his karate gi, and relocated to southern California to train at IKA headquarters. He trained hard and diligently, and rose to the rank of yondan before returning back to his northern California roots. In 1988 he settled in El Dorado Hills with his new wife, Sirkka.
He soon connected with some local IKA karateka, who had trained years earlier with Sensei McCaulsand. This small group regularly trained in a room at a local gymnastics academy. Kenny Kuch took charge of leading this group, and they eventually relocated their “dojo” to the park and recreation district in El Dorado Hills. Kenny taught IKA-style Gosoku-ryu karate to a dedicated and loyal group of adults and children on Tuesday/Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings for over 20 years.
Ed Pierini, a long time student of Kenny’s, recalls how New Year’s Day workouts and annual trips to the IKA headquarters dojo were regular activities of Kenny and his small group of dojo brothers and sisters.
Ed also recalls how Kenny continued to train regularly, and seldom missed a workout, even as he began experiencing health problems a couple of years ago. He even trained two days prior to his death on Thursday, February 25, 2010. He was 60 years young.
Machi Goto, one of his female shodan disciples had this to say about Sensei Kuch: “I especially enjoyed his advanced classes on Saturdays. He would demonstrate his 'signature' combination techniques. And I was always mesmerized with his speed and coordination of the beautifully choreographed moves and amazed that his technique was always evolving and ever changing. “
Another student, upon learning of Sensei Kuch’s passing commented that he would also remember him “. . . by picturing in my mind how he held his body and how he moved, the way he held his hands and the way they were when he blocked, his foot sweep, his steely glaze, and his kindness.”
Jim Mather, of the California Karate Academy, remembers that he first met Kenny in the early or mid 70s. “Kenny always had that smile on his face and trained with all the intensity he could muster. He came to the Bay Area for a local tournament when he was a brown belt. They paired him off with a guy about a foot taller than him. The guy was talking trash before the match, looking over at Kenny and laughing to his friends. At hajime, the guy launched a hard, thrusting front kick. Kenny scooped it inside, spinning the guy around and causing him to land flat on his back, with his head at Kenny’s feet. Kenny scored ippon with a strong downward reverse punch, sinking Gosoku Ryu style, using gravity and his entire body to drive the punch. He won the match in seconds.”
After Kenny moved to LA, Jim saw him at IKA tournaments, or when training at IKA Headquarters. Kenny hadn’t changed. He was still that easy-going, almost sweet guy to his friends, and feared opponent to whomever he fought. Jim always looked forward to spending time with him, as he brightened Jim‘s day.
Val Mijailovic first meet Kenny Kuch when visiting Ron McCausland’s school in Sacramento, CA. Val remembers during his first visit Sensei Ron saying that Kenny is “the one to watch out for”.
“I thought, ‘man this guy is short… should be no problem’ Well.. surprise!!! surprise!!! Then Kenny moved to LA to train full time with Soke Kubota and within a short time we became best of friends. After a while we started calling him “Little Tarzan” for obvious reasons. There was no challenge that Kenny would not take on.”
Val notes that Kenny has been his inspiration since the time they met. When he and Sirkka moved up north, his spirit stayed with Val. According to Val, in the rollercoaster of Val’s life, Kenny has always been his spiritual base of support.
Val says that as a dedicated karateka practitioner, competitor, motivator, educator, husband and a father, Kenny is the example of what is right and what we all should strive to be like.
Boban Petkovic remembers that Kenny was a good dose of comic relief: “Finally, there was someone else that made this bad boy from the Balkans appear comparatively tame (at times). With Kenny, it was always good laughs and good times.”
Boban recalls that Kenny was extremely strong, and would always lift weights. For years Boban thought Kenny had a Napoleon complex, “because he would always strike first, and then tell us that he did it because he figured we were going to hit him because we were bigger than he was. But in my mind, Kenny was always over six feet tall. To me, he was and will always be the big man with the biggest heart and the biggest smile.”
MASTER'S FORUM
The “Master’s Forum” is dedicated to increasing the knowledge base of the IKA Family. Each month we will try to cover a new
topic on a multitude of facets of the art, dealing with all levels of expertise. . This month Shihan Rod Kuratomi writes about something a topic with very close ties to karate:
Letting Go of the Ego
What is the ego and how does it relate to martial arts training? If a person has a “Big Ego” what does this mean? - It is an exaggerated belief that one is more important than they really are. It is someone that sees themselves as something they really are not.
What is it that causes a person to develop a big ego?
People are not usually born with big egos. The swelled ego is usually the result of some negative life experiences that have caused the ego to grow in an attempt to protect the weak mental and/or physical self. Most people with big egos are very insecure. These damaged egos could come from the realization that one has a lack of physical or mental strength. The damaged ego could be a result of an upbringing where as a child one always had to prove oneself to an authority figure or parent and were constantly being pushed down or told they were no good or a failure. It could be a result of bullying or from a physically abusive parent or spouse. Inside, the person knows they are weak and/or afraid so they project a false image of strength in order to protect the true weak self from others.
Funny thing….. Most people that train in karate start out with a problem with their ego. I think people with insecurity issues are naturally drawn to martial training as it give them a sense of control of their environment and from predators. It also gives one more control over a sometimes uncontrollable life. It is often times an innate fear that draws them to martial arts or the desire to develop power over others.
Most fights on the street start with a verbal statement that “damages” the ego of one of the combatants. The ego of the one receiving the abusive verbal statement can’t handle the damaging verbal attack to the ego and a physical confrontation ensues. Often times a fight ensues in the name to protect “honor”. Protecting one’s honor and protecting one’s ego are not the same but there are some similarities.
What happens to a person when they train in the martial arts long enough that they become proficient in self-defense? A true confidence is born. The weak person with the big ego walks down the street in fear, with a head held high and the chest pumped up with a false projection of strength attempting to protect a weak physical and mental self through deception. Contrast this with a true confidence that comes only with years of dedicated training in karate. The trained karateka does not need to prove his or herself in a verbal street confrontation. The karateka has true self-confidence in one’s training and ability. The trained karateka has nothing to prove. The karateka has the ability to de-escalate a verbal confrontation because there is no fragile ego to protect. Hurting a “tough guy” with a fragile ego that is physically and mentally weaker is not a challenge. Walking away or de-escalating a verbal challenge is the true demonstration of strength. Often times, the emanation of confidence by the karateka is enough for the confrontation to never begin in the first place. Cowards (bullys), criminals, and wild animals sense this confidence and instinctively avoid it.
Karate also allows one to get to know one’s true self. With this knowledge comes an accurate assessment of one’s physical and mental limits and abilities. This is important just in case a verbal confrontation turns physical. If one has a false sense of confidence it could result in getting into confrontations that can prove dangerous if one has an inaccurate assessment of one’s actual abilities. When you are able to accurately assess your own abilities, you become better at assessing your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
Let me close with a story of an actual confrontation that happened to our own Shihan Charles Scott, head of our IKA Alaska dojo. Shihan Scott is a big African American man of imposing presence and was confronted in an Alaska bar by a huge “redneck” surrounded by his buddies who challenged him to a fight “outside” because he did not like blacks in “his” bar. Shihan Scott declined and the redneck said, “You don’t want to fight me because you are afraid!”. Shihan Scott said, “Yes, it is because I am afraid of you”. The redneck then walked away and joined his redneck buddies over his “victory”. But who REALLY won? Shihan Scott was then recognized by some patrons of the bar who knew of his martial skill and his good standing in the community. They asked him, “Why didn’t you teach that guy a lesson?”. Shihan Scott proclaimed, “If I fought that guy what would it have accomplished? Had I won, he would go tell his friends how he got beat by some big mean black man which would only reinforce his continued prejudice. Had I lost, he would go around bragging how he showed a black man who is boss and how superior he was. Either way it was a lose-lose situation. By me letting go of my ego, I de-escalated a potentially dangerous confrontation and no one was hurt or put in jail”.
Through superior training and discipline comes not only confidence, but wisdom as well…
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
"I always say that when you can handle a physical situation you are more confident. When you are more confident and secure, you become much more tolerant of others because you don’t need to prove yourself. If you know how to defend yourself properly you don’t have to worry about being victimized. It clears your mind to... concentrate on other things."
-HELIO GRACIE
DOJO RULES
Each seek perfection of character.
Develop morals, ethics and distinguishable attributes.
Each be faithful.
Be loyal and devoted to a person, cause, or idea.
Each endeavor
Have conscientious or concerted effort toward an end with an earnest attempt.
Each respect others
To feel or show deferential value, honor, appreciation and regard for another.
Each refrain from violent behavior.
To hold oneself back from responding with inappropriate anger and physical force.
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IKA BLACK BELT RANKS
Soke said to please be aware that IKA Black Belt ranks
of 4th dan and above need to be approved by him
personally. It has come to his attention that there
are some certificates being distributed with Soke's
signature stamp on the certificate that was done
without his authorization. If you did not get your
certificate from Soke personally and wish to check on
the validity of the certificate, please call or email
him directly.
USE OF IKA NAME AND TRADEMARKS
It has come to Soke Kubota's attention that some organizations around the world may be using IKA's name and trademarks without permission. The name "International Karate Association, Inc." (IKA) and its registered trademarks may be used by affiliated organizations only after first receiving Soke's written permission. In addition, Soke's hand written signature or the red Japanese signature stamp must not be used without his expressed permission. The red stamp is like a legal signature in Japan and is a symbol of authenticity. It should not be used by anybody except for Soke or for purposes that he authorizes.
The "International Karate Association, Inc." name must not be used by itself to represent your organization. There is only one International Karate Association, Inc. and it is at Headquarters in Glendale, California, USA. After receiving approval from Soke, you may use the IKA name, but it must be attached with another description to differentiate it from the IKA Headquarters. For example, if you are from the state of Nebraska, you could use the name, "International Karate Association of Nebraska" or something similar.
COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL
Please note that proper protocol (Reigi) requires that information matters directly relating to IKA Headquarters, IKA tournaments, karate training and seminars must be communicated to Soke Kubota first before contacting other members within the organization. It is improper for Soke to be the last person to be informed of matters that directly involve him and IKA Headquarters such as, for example, your intention to attend his tournament or invitations to tournaments that are addressed directly to a Headquarters student without Soke's knowledge. It is proper respect in both of these cases to inform Soke first or at the same time that the student is contacted. Thank you for your consideration in these matters.
INSURANCE ISSUES
Due to increased liability risks, it is necessary that all IKA schools carry some form of liability insurance to protect the school from legal issues that may arise from accidents. The amount of liability insurance will depend on your location. USA schools are suggested to carry one-million dollars of liability insurance.
Please contact Soke at Headquarters if you have any questions.
List of IKA Headquarters Staff and Instructors
President and Founder - Soke Takayuki Kubota
Soke Dai - James Caan
Vice-President - Thea Kubota
Chief Advisor - Leonard Kramer
Office Manager - Carmen Kim
Senior Technical Advisors - Val Mijailovic, Boban Petkovic
Technical Director - Rod Kuratomi
National Coach and Advisor - Ted Bratakos
Secretary - Judy Rao
Liason, Special Projects - Sara Kubota
Medical Advisor - Dr. Ashok Rao, M.D.
Webmaster - Christian Lopez
Official Photographer - Lee Fisher
IKA HEADQUARTERS INSTRUCTORS
Soke Takayuki Kubota – 10th dan
Hank Hamilton - 7th dan
Paul McCaul - 7th dan - Shihan
Val Mijailovic - 7th dan - Shihan
Boban Petkovic - 7th dan - Shiihan
Mike Berger - 6th dan - Shiihan
Ted Bratakos - 6th dan - Shihan
Mark Grigorian - 6th dan - Shihan
Tatsuo Hirano - 6th dan - Shihan
Leonard Kramer - 6th dan
Rod Kuratomi - 6th dan - Shihan
Adam Pearson - 6th dan
George Sinani - 6th dan - Shihan
Antonio Antonetti - 5th dan - Shihan
Norvell Carrere - 5th dan - Shihan
Mark Gujda - 5th dan - Shihan
Marcial Soto - 5th dan - Shihan
Sami Asmar - 4th dan - Shihan Dai
Victor Chico - 4th dan - Shihan Dai
Danny Kahan - 4th dan - Shihan Dai
Judy Marx - 4th dan - Shihan Dai
Demetrio Munoz - 4th dan - Shihan Dai
David Petrie - 4th dan - Shihan Dai
Stuart Richman - 4th dan - Shihan Dai
Kirk Stites - 4th dan - Shihan Dai
David White - 4th dan
Alfanso Espinosa - 3rd dan - Sensei
Aman Ikram - 3rd dan - Sensei
Anthony Boosalis - 2nd dan - Sensei
George Lopez - 2nd dan - Sensei
Judy Rao - 2nd dan - Sensei
Patrick Reddy - 2nd dan - Sensei
Roy Simmons - 2nd dan - Sensei
Jennifer Allen - 1st dan - Shidoin
Maureen DeGuzman - 1st dan - Shidoin
Richard Martrosian - 1st dan - Shidoin
CURRENT IKA HEADQUARTERS INSTRUCTORS
The average training time for the Shihan (Master) level instructor is 30+ years of training and teaching. Each Shihan not only teaches but trains as well in order to maintain their status. Title is not automatically bestowed with rank. Soke also has several other master level instructors in Kubojitsu , Kobudo and IPT (International Police Training). Shihan Dai is a Deputy Master level instructor with an average of 20-30 years of training and teaching. Titles are reserved only for instructors that are ACTIVELY teaching at IKA Headquarters. Dan ranks are retained but titles can be changed as Soke sees fit.
SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES FOR THE NEXT IKA ONLINE NEWSLETTER USING THE FORM BELOW.
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