OCTOBER 1997
ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER
STUDENT EDITION
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| OCT 97 | NOV 97 | DEC 97 |
| 1998 | ||
- OCTOBER IS DOJO YOGO AWARENESS MONTH
- 1998 WARRIOR CALENDAR SERIES READY!
- NEW DOJO YOGO AUDIO CASSETTE TAPE
- OCTOBER IAIDO DAN TEST
- OCTOBER IAIDO KYU TEST
- SEMINARS IN CANADA
- ADVANCED BUKI JUTSU KATA COURSES
Monday, October 20th 1997
Saturday, October 25th 1997
- IAIDO DAN PROMOTIONS
- EXCHANGE TRAINING PROGRAM MEETINGS
- NEWS FROM STUDENT IN SCOTLAND
- TIPS FROM DR. FRANK
- QUOTE FROM CHRIS
- 1998 W.R. HOCKING COLLECTION CALENDAR READY
- SWORDSMANSHIP SEMINAR
- BELT FIGHTING SEMINAR
- DUES DUE 25TH
- JUJUTSU BRANCH PROGRAM IN CANADA
- RANK REQUIREMENTS RE-ORGANIZED
- HELP WANTED
Tuesday, October 14th, 1997
OCTOBER IS DOJO YOGO AWARENESS MONTH
Proper usage of Dojo Yogo is one of the things that sets the Sei Shin Kan apart from other schools. During the month of October, we will focus on Dojo Yogo so you are encouraged to brush up on your notes on vocabulary. Your Sensei/Deshi/Sempai have been instructed to give periodic on the spot examinations on various Dojo Yogo so be prepared. Listen carefully in classes as you will hear more than the normal usage of Dojo Yogo being spoken during training. The Sei Shin Kan has 2 complete manuals, audio cassette tapes, and a flashcard style video tape on Dojo Yogo for your study. There is also a new audio cassette tape, just released this month that focuses on basic counting, commands, general terms, and basic greetings.
1998 WARRIOR CALENDAR SERIES READY!
The Full Color Sei Shin Kan 1998 Warrior Calendar Series is now available. There are three original Calendars in the series, each with a different theme. Series 1 features Samurai Swordsman on horseback. Series 2 features Samurai Archers. Series 3 features Samurai Soldiers and Generals in battle. Each Calendar is in full color and features original paintings by Japanese Artist Ebine Shundo. The Sei Shin Kan has secured exclusive rights to use and reproduce these paintings from the head Shinto Priest, Takashima Kunio San, at the Yasaki Inari Shrine in Tokyo Japan. Only 30 copies of each Calendar will be made and as of this notice, half have already been pr-ordered. You can see the Calendars now at the Dojo in Sakura Martial Arts Supply Co. Inc. These Calendars are great gift ideas for the upcoming Holidays. Collect all three. Plans are also in the works for the paintings to be printed on T-Shirts sometime next year.
NEW DOJO YOGO AUDIO CASSETTE TAPE
A very well done, new Dojo Yogo audio cassette tape has been made for Newcomers to the Sei Shin Kan. It is a 20 minute tape that focuses only on the Dojo Yogo essential to Newcomers. It starts with basic counting, 1 - 10, then goes on to basic class commands, followed by simple general terms and finishes with basic greetings. The new tape comes with a printed pocket sized study guide for reference when listening to the tape. Though the tape was designed for Newcomers, it is ideal for any Sei Shin Kan student. Since October is Dojo Yogo awareness month, this tape would be an ideal choice for all to review. You may get your copy at Sakura Martial Arts Supply Co. Inc. now. More advanced tapes are in the works now. We will keep you posted on their progress.
OCTOBER IAIDO DAN TEST
Just a reminder about the Iaido Dan test on October 19th at 2:00 PM at the Sei Shin Kan. Scheduled to test are Scott McKeighan Sensei for Sandan, Kevin Hough Sensei for Nidan, Rick Brady Sensei for Nidan and Dan Confer for Shodan. The test will feature test cutting with real swords. ALL students are invited to attend but you must reserve a spot in advance.
OCTOBER IAIDO KYU TEST
Another reminder about the Iaido Kyu Rank Examination is scheduled for Monday night October 20th starting at 7:45 PM. Members of our branch Iaido programs from Boliard's Martial Arts and the Washidokan (Gary Nepper) should also be in attendance. All non-Iaido students are invited to come and watch.
SEMINARS IN CANADA
Two seminars are scheduled to be held at the Chudokan Aikido Dojo in Windsor Canada. The first features Ground Fighting and will be held on October 18th at 2:00 PM. The other seminar will be on the Suntetsu and is scheduled for November 22nd, also at 2:00 PM. All students are invited to attend. No Martial Arts experience is necessary so please invite your friends, Family members, fellow students, and/or co-workers. Please register in advance. For more info, call the Chudokan at (519) 253-6667. Don't forget to mention that you are a Sei Shin Kan Budo Kai member and you will receive a discount on all seminars. The Sei Shin Kan operates a branch Yoshinkai Aikido program overseen by the Chudokan. The Chudokan operates a branch Yagyu Jujutsu program overseen by the Sei Shin Kan. Both the Sei Shin Kan and the Chudokan work closely together to provide the very best in Martial Arts for all of our students. All students from both Dojo have an open invitation to visit both Dojo whenever they can. Take advantage of this opportunity which is rare in the Martial Arts. Here is your chance to say you have trained Internationally and not just locally.
ADVANCED BUKI JUTSU KATA COURSES
For the first time ever at the Sei Shin Kan, there will be specialized courses on Advanced Buki Jutsu Kata. These courses are reserved for those who have attended the introductory Buki Jutsu courses offered by our Dojo throughout each year. The first Advanced Buki Jutsu Kata course will feature Advanced Bo Jutsu Kata. The course will be held on each Sunday in November at 12:30 PM. The course will focus only on the Advanced Kata and Bunkai. The Kata that will be featured is called Suichi no Kon. This Kata is unique because it was designed to be performed with multiple staff like weapons such as a Naginata, Kai, Yari etc. and not just a Bo. You must register in advance for this course so please do so now. The next Advanced Kata course will feature and Advanced Tonfa Kata. The Advanced Tonfa Kata course will run on each Sunday in December at 12:30 PM. A reference Video and manual is in the works for both Kata. Contact Viol Shihan or Jones Sensei for more details.
Please send us your comments.
Monday, October 20th 1997
NEW SEI SHIN KAN KARATE DESHI
TOM GRISH has been promoted to the rank of Sei Shin Ryu Karate Dai San Deshi. Grish Sensei is a very long time Sei Shin Kan member and the Chief Director of the Children's Sogo Budo Program. When you see him, be sure to say Omedeto gozaimasu!
NEW KUMITACHI MANUAL COMPLETED
Thanks to the efforts of everyone who donated towards the new Digital Camera, we were able to complete a vital training/reference manual that deals with Sword Kumitachi (engagement) sets 12-20 which are required for all Iaido and Jujutsu students. Each of the Kumitachi sets are presented with several step-by-step digital photos from our new camera and written instructions for reference. The manual is very well done. The layout is simple and concise. The black and white printed version is available right now at Sakura M/A Supply Co. Inc. A full color printed version is available by request. There is also a full color Electronic version of this manual available on diskette. The Electronic version comes with interactive hyperlinks for navigation between the pages and also to related sites on the Internet. Future versions of the Electronic version may include audio and full motion video links. You can order/reserve a copy and when you come in to the Dojo, it will be waiting for you.
Please send us your comments.
Saturday, October 25th 1997
IAIDO DAN PROMOTIONS
OMEDETO GOZAIMASU to Iaido Sempai SCOTT McKEIGHAN, KEVIN HOUGH, RICK BRADY, and DAN CONFER for passing their recent Iaido Dan test. The test featured their skills in advanced Kata (Formal exercises), Kumitachi (Engagements with a real swords), Hasuji Dameshi (Test cutting with a real sword), personal Enbu (A form created by the student) and much more. The event was also Historical in the fact that it was the first time that some rare advanced forms of Yagyu Shingan Ryu Hyoho Iai Jutsu were performed for testing by Sei Shin Kan Iaido students. All of their performances were truly sharp and impressive. If you are interested, you can take a look at the video of the test and see for yourself. Be sure to compliment them when you see them. Check back here in a few days for some photos.
EXCHANGE TRAINING PROGRAM MEETINGS
The International Martial Arts Exchange Training Program (ETP for short) held its third meeting tonight at the Korean Martial Arts Institute in Lapeer MI. The ETP is a collective collaborative network of top Martial Arts Instructors, Schools, Styles, and Organizations interested in promoting better awareness of Martial Arts as a whole through organized cross training programs. The ETP is modeled after Uchi Deshi (live in student) programs in Asia. It is also part of the Unlimited Learning Potential technologies originated at the Sei Shin Kan in the Instructor Training Program. Martial Artists who are interested in obtaining the widest variety of Martial Arts related information from the highest sources possible should get involved. Students who are interested in more details are encouraged to attend the next meeting which will be held at the Sei Shin Kan on Saturday, November 15th at 4:00 PM and/or discuss it with Viol Shihan.
NEWS FROM STUDENT IN SCOTLAND
Sei Shin Kan Iaido student Tamara Jaeger is going to school in Scotland. She sent us a postcard and a few messages to let us know that she is having fun, learning a lot and really misses the Sei Shin Kan and all the students. She is studying the Gaelic Language and has visited many old Castles. Sei Shin Kan students can now be found all over the World. Please keep an open line of communication with them.
TIPS FROM DR. FRANK
Sei Shin Kan Karate student and Chiropractor Dr. Frank Iulianelli sent us some words of inspiration.
Twelve things to remember:
The value of time
The success in perseverance
The pleasure of working
The dignity of simplicity
The worth of character
The power of kindness
The influence of example
The obligation of duty
The wisdom of economy
The virtue of patience
The importance of talent
The joy of originating
Please thank him when you see him.
QUOTE FROM CHRIS
Sei Shin Kan Karate Sempai Chris Townsend sent us a great quote:
"The Ultimate Warrior leaves no openings - Except in his mind."
This has special meaning to those in the Sei Shin Kan Instructor Training Program. Ask a graduate or a candidate for more details. Please thank Chris San when you see her.
1998 W.R. HOCKING COLLECTION CALENDAR READY
Martial Artist has a dual meaning for Mr. W.R. Hocking. Mr. Hocking is a long time Tang Soo Do Instructor and a Sei Shin Kan Iaido student but is best known as a professional Artist. A couple of years ago he was specially commissioned by the Sei Shin Kan and Sakura Martial Arts Supply Co. Inc. to produce several original Martial Arts related traditional Oriental ink brush drawings for the purpose of making an original Calendar for Martial Artists. The Calendars were immensely popular and sold all over the World due in part to the exposure given to them on our Web Site. This year, he produced several more original works both in black and white and color (see below) which have been put into another Calendar for 1998. Each illustration is accompanied by a Warrior Quote for inspiration. The Calendar is now available only at Sakura and in limited quantity. Mr. Hocking will personally autograph the first 20 Calendars. Last year they sold out well before Christmas so do not delay getting your copies.
SWORDSMANSHIP SEMINAR
BOLIARD'S MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL in Canton MI is sponsoring a one day, 2 hour hands on Samurai Swordsmanship Sampler on November 15th at 12:30 PM. The Sampler will feature Toyama Ryu, Nakamura Ryu, Yagyu Ryu, Yagyu Shingan Ryu and Sei Shin Ryu Swordsmanship. The Sampler will be conducted by John Viol Shihan and Senior ranking members of the Sei Shin Kan Iaido program. This event is open to anyone with an interest in authentic Japanese Swordsmanship. No previous Martial Arts experience is required. The fee for the Sampler is $25.00 per participant. Advance registration is required. You should bring your own wooden training Sword or one will be available for you at the Sampler. To register and for more details, please contact Mr. Greg Boliard. Phone - (313) 397-7010. The address is: BOLIARD’S MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL - 43663 Michigan Ave. Canton, MI 48188.
Boliard's Martial Arts School is an official Shibu Dojo (Branch) of the Sei Shin Kan Iaido program.
BELT FIGHTING SEMINAR
The WASHIDOKAN Martial Arts Center in Sandusky Michigan will be sponsoring an Obi Tori - Belt Fighting Seminar in November. The details have not been finalized yet so check back here later for details. The Washidokan is run by Mr. Gary Nepper and Aaron Nepper. Both are graduates of the Sei Shin Kan International Instructor Training Program. The Washidokan is also an official Shibu Dojo (Branch) of the Sei Shin Kan Iaido and Jujutsu programs. If you remember, Sei Shin Kan Iaido and Jujutsu student Aaron Nepper is now going to school in Nagoya Japan. For more details on the Belt Fighting Seminar you can contact Mr. Nepper by phone at: (810) 672-9733. For a listing of Available Seminars offered by the Sei Shin Kan, click HERE.
DUES DUE 25TH
Just a reminder that all Sei Shin Kan monthly class fees are due on the 25th of each month for the following month of classes. All dues must be paid on or before the 25th. Dues paid after the 25th are subject to a $10.00 late fee. Paying dues on time helps the Sei Shin Kan to pay its bills on time. Martial Artists understand duty and obligation. Martial Artists always take care of things properly and do not procrastinate. There are many Advance Pay Programs that save you a lot of money and us a lot of administrative tasks each month. Please see Paula Jones Sensei for advance pay details.
JUJUTSU BRANCH PROGRAM IN CANADA
John Parks Sensei of the Sei Shin Kan Jujutsu program has started up a branch Jujutsu program at the Chudokan Aikido Dojo in Windsor Ontario Canada. The Chudokan is run by Kevin Blok Shihan, long time personal friend of John Viol Shihan. The Chudokan is a beautiful, spacious traditional Japanese style Dojo. It is located just a few minutes away from the Tunnel and Bridge to Canada. The Jujutsu program is new and is currently being offered on Monday nights. Parks Sensei has issued an open invitation to all Sei Shin Kan students to come over and participate in the class. He is also planning a trip to the Sei Shin Kan in November for his Canadian students for a special night of training and possibly testing. Please attend the class if you get the chance. For more details, please see John Parks Sensei at the Sei Shin Kan on the nights that Jujutsu and/or Aikido is held. You can leave a note for him with Paula Jones Sensei if you wish. Visit the Chudokan Aikido Home Page at this URL - http://www.mnsi.net/~chudo/.
RANK REQUIREMENTS RE-ORGANIZED
Viol Shihan has been diligently working on updated versions of all rank requirement manuals for the Karate, Jujutsu, and Iaido programs. The recent purchase of a Digital Camera, made possible with donations from Sei Shin Kan students, has made the task much easier. What is new is the implementation of logically organized "sets" of individual technique components known as Kata "Blocks" to be performed for testing, similar to formal Kata. Viol Shihan won an award in Japan for this innovation and many Japanese Martial Arts schools have adopted this system. Viol Shihan says that the manuals are taking a lot of time to complete because of the Sogo Budo / cross-training nature of the Sei Shin Kan. He is trying to coordinate the requirements so that students who cross-train can make the transition much easier and eliminate confusion when being tested between styles. The new manuals will be part Study Guides, part Task Sheets and a testing format reference. The manuals will be mandatory to have for all Sei Shin Kan students. It has been suggested that the fee for each rank requirement manual will include the Certificate fee for that rank in effect, pre-registering the student for the future test. This has not been finalized yet. The new manuals will begin to appear at the end of this year and early in 1998. For a sneak preview, all you have to do is ask Viol Shihan. If you have any ideas, suggestions, questions, comments or feedback regarding these manuals, please do not hesitate to submit them.
HELP WANTED
Sakura Martial Arts Supply Co. Inc. is growing and actively looking for full or part-time help in all areas of the business. Interested individuals should see Paula Jones Sensei as soon as possible. No experience is necessary.
Please send us your comments.
