About the Newsletter - Koshin-ha...

Vol. I No. I Koshin-Ha Newsletter, Spring 2007

About the NewsletterAbout the Newsletter

The Koshin-ha Chito-Ryu Karate-Do newsletter is published bi-annuallyand is the official publication of theKoshin-ha Chito-Ryu Karate Assn.

All articles submitted become thesole property of the Koshin-ha Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Association.

This document may not, in wholeor in part, be edited, reprinted, or soldwithout the expressed, written permis-sion of the Koshin-ha Chito-RyuKarate-Do Association.

All rights reserved. Copyright ©2007 Koshin-ha Publications, USA.

Editorial Staff

Fara Nizamani.....Editor in ChiefJim Mahanes.......Design/Layout

The Editorial Board consists of theShihan-Kai and Shibu-Kai of theKoshin-ha Chito-Ryu Karate-DoAssociation.

Questions, Comments,Submissions, Ideas?

Got a question, a comment, a sub-mission, or idea about this or futureissues, contact Editor Fara Nizamani:[email protected], or callher at 1.800.426.5596 x5410.

The Koshin-ha Chito-ryu Karate-do Association was formed in 2004 from several of the most senior rankingChito-ryu practitioners in the United States. The organization was formed to create an environment that allowed formaximum growth of its individual members and dojo while maintaining the highest technical standards.

The Koshin-ha is dedicated to the preservation and development of Chito-ryu karate-do as created by DoctorTsuyoshi Chitose. It is the belief of the Koshin-ha membership that this goal can best be attained by creating an envi-ronment that encourages the development of highly skilled practitioners through an open exchange of ideas among itssenior members, and allows the individual dojo chief instructors a part in how the organization is operated.

www.koshinhachitoryu.org

FloridaKoshin-ha Budo-kan of PalmBeachEdward Butzin, 2nd Dan16593 121 Terrace NorthJupiter, FL [email protected]

KentuckyYoshinkan DojoEdgar Van Horne, 2nd Dan8410 Highway US 42Florence, KY 41042859-282-7000 or 859-586-9117

Kentucky Budo-kanKyoshi Jim Davenport, 8th Dan20 South Benson RoadFrankfort, KY 40601502-227-7568 or [email protected]://www.chitoryu.com/

Louisville Koshin-ha DojoShihan Phil Arnold, 5th Dan2403 Hikes LaneLouisville, KY [email protected]://www.louisvillekoshinha.com

Shudo-kan DojoSensei Scott Dunn, 4th Dan267 Fairview DriveWaddy, KY 40076502-829-0283

New YorkRochester Yoseikan DojoSensei David J. Tollis, 4th DanKoseido-ryu Jiu-jitsu, 1st Dan2097 Warncke RoadLyons, NY [email protected]

PennsylvaniaAllegheny County Budo-kaiKoshin-ha Pittsburgh South DojoKyoshi Joseph Hedderman, 7th DanKoseido-ryu Jiu-jitsu, 7th Dan 961 Holly Lynne DrivePittsburgh, PA [email protected]://www.koseido-dojo.org/

Yoseikan Pittsburgh North DojoRenshi Terry Valentino, 7th DanKoseido-ryu Jiu-jitsu, 2nd Dan103 Slade LaneWarrendale, PA [email protected]://www.yoseikankarate.com/

WashingtonBellevue Koshin-ha Chito-ryuDojoSensei Keith Dipboye, MD, 2nd DanSouth Bellevue Community Center14500 SE Newport WayBellevue, WA [email protected]://www.seattlechitoryu.com/

Koshin-ha affiliated dojo(Listed by state alphabetically)


Greetings from the edito-rial staff of the the newKoshin-Ha Chito-RyuKarate-Do Associationnewsletter.

It is our hope that youfind this publication anenjoyable and resourcefultool in your journey throughChito Ryu.

In each issue, we hope tohighlight the inner workingsof our various Koshin-hadojos - promotions, events,pictures, etc.

We also plan to have arti-cles with a more technicalfeel - one issue may focuson a particular kata and itsbunkai, the next issue mayhave a review of strikingpoints. It’s really up in theair.

We hope you feel a con-nection to this publication,as it will serve as a way forthe students of Koshin-ha tomaintain contact, continuityand a connection.

You may be wonderingwhy the cover of this inau-gural issue is a simple plain

brown wrapper. An over-sight? Not this time.

Our newsletter doesn'thave a name. It was decid-ed by the Editorial Boardthat all members shouldhave a voice in naming thenewsletter - after all, it’syour newsletter.

So we thought the bestway to accomplish this wasto ask for suggestions fromthe members and haveeveryone vote on whichname you prefer.

How can you vote? It'seasy. Just pick your topchoice from the list belowand email it to:[email protected].

Please type "NewsletterName" in the subject head-ing. Problems accessingemail? You can always callthe Editor, Fara Nizamani,at 1.800.426.5596 x5410and leave a message withyour name preference.

We will tally the votesand announce the newslettername in the next edition.

Below is a list of namessubmitted so far, but feelfree to add your own andsubmit it for consideration.

Chito-TimesKoshin-ha TimesThe KiaiZanshin Zanshinbun KoshinbunKoshin-ha Kaizen The Koshin-ha Chito-kaiNewsThe Rising Sun

Shinbun means "newspaper" in Japanese Kaizen means constant improvement

What’s With the Plain Brown Wrapper?From the editoral staff


Budo is, by nature, an artof following one’steacher and learning by

watching, then physically doingwhat we have seen in order tounderstand the lessons that oursensei wants us to learn. Wedevelop a strong sense of loyal-ty to our teachers by listeningto them and doing what theydo, for it is by this imitationthat we learn. It is not surpris-ing, then, that we often followour teachers wherever they maygo, rarely questioning where orasking why they have chosenthe path they have taken. Weseek to emulate them and theirexperiences, often seeing theirpaths as the ones we shouldcopy, only to wind up frustrat-ed, wondering if our time hasbeen wasted with the effort,confused because we cannotmake our footsteps fit the onesleft by the teachers we soadmire.

As a 7th kyu karate-ka whojust began my study of martialarts about a year ago, I often

look at myteachersand theothers sen-iors I meetand mar-vel at theirskill. Iwatch thevideo clipsof theKoshin-ha

clinics over and over again,each time looking for somenew insight or a demonstratedtechnique that I may havemissed (and sometimes just tobe impressed). Many days I

leave the dojo after class won-dering if I will ever be half ascompetent as the yudansha are,because they make everythinglook so easy. Although each ofour teachers has a wealth ofexperience to share, HanshiGeorge Van Horne stands out asa teacher who devoted his lifeto training men and womenboth inside and outside of thedojo. We clearly see the resultsof the path he traveled, but lessvisible are the struggles that he

experienced along the way andthe attitudes that undoubtedlyshaped his life and work.

Like many budo-ka, HanshiVan Horne began his study ofmartial arts for a very practicalreason: to learn how to defendhimself and his family. He ini-tially chose jujitsu and pro-gressed through the ranks, butthis path was not to be straightand easy.

Shortly before he was aboutto test for brown belt, histeacher died, but he kept on thepath, just altering it a little, andbegan studying Isshin-ryukarate with Sensei Don Nagel,since Nagel Sensei also placedgreat emphasis on self-defensetraining. Hanshi Van Hornelater moved to Kentucky toaccept a job and was one ofonly two black belts in the

entire state, but hewas determined tostay the course andcontinue his train-ing, so he switchedto Chito-ryubecause that wasthe only traditionalstyle of karate inthe NorthernKentucky area atthe time. Later hestudied Aikido andbecome quite profi-cient at blending theskills he learnedfrom Aikido with his karate.This made his method of

instruction and the techniqueshe taught quite unique. HanshiVan Horne felt thatChito-ryu was trulyunique and in hisopinion, Chito-ryuwas the best style hehad ever witnessed.Considering the factthat he had seen andtrained in so manytraditional styles, hisstatement carriedtremendous weightwith his students.

Many of usbeginners look at the seniorsand assume that they are natu-rally gifted athletes for whomall physical activity comes easi-ly, but Kyoshi James Davenportstated that Hanshi Van Hornereally had to work at getting to

the level he was at; intellectual-ly, he was exceptional, but put-ting it together physically wassometimes hard. He moved rap-idly through some stages of histraining, then seemed to stall.Hanshi Van Horne himselfoften said that he was too tightand couldn’t execute a move aswell as he wanted to, but henever let that deter him fromteaching his students to the bestof his ability. He would showhis students what to do andthen tell them that they coulddo it better, even if he couldn’t.

He encouraged his students togo to other teachers and learnfrom them as well, demonstrat-ing one of the noblest charac-teristics of a great sensei:

Do not seek to follow in thefootsteps of the men of old; seekwhat they sought.

By Fara Nizamani, Editor,Bellevue Koshin-ha Chito-ryu Dojo, Bellevue, WA

“ “- Matsuo Basho

The Footsteps of a Master

Hanshi George Van Horne

Continued on page 5


Helping to elevate the studentbeyond the teacher’s ability.

Like many true teachers,Hanshi Van Horne never passedup an opportunity to learn, andwhen it came to kumite, he wasa thinker. According to KyoshiDavenport, he was extremelyproficient at kumite and used totell his students, “If you do this,I will do this, and then you willdo this, and then I will attackhere.” He knew what you weregoing to do well in advance,because he had the ability to setup the scenario several tech-niques prior to the final tech-nique. When he taught classes,he always placed tremendousemphasis on realistic trainingwith the primary goal ofdeveloping strong self defenseskills, but Hanshi Van Horneknew well that developing thebrain is as crucial as developingthe body, probably more so.Everything he did was a lesson.He would read stories or smallsayings at class, and he knew

that different students wouldunderstand it in different ways,and sometimes a student wouldview the same story in a differ-ent light after some time,because he knew that ideaschange as we grow and traveldown our own path.

Given how much HanshiVan Horne appreciated practi-cality, it is no surprise that hisfavorite weapon was the bo,

although he also studied Iaido(The Way of the Sword) andKendo (Japanese Sword, some-times referred to as JapaneseFencing). Kyoshi Davenportrelated the following storyabout one of his weapons prac-tices with Hanshi Van Horne:“Sensei always talked abouthow versatile a weapon the bowas and how it could be used tokeep an opponent or severalopponents at a distance. Oncehe told me, “I’ll show you howeasy it is to use the bo and howhard it is to get away from it.”First he told me that he wasgoing to strike me over headand told me to move when Isaw it coming. I was able toavoid most of the initial strikes,then he took the bo and whileholding one end of it, he laidthe tip of the other end on theground. He said, “Now moveaway when you see me move.”I could never escape the strikewhich came from the groundupward. Since that time, thatshort lesson has assisted me inmy own study of these types ofstrikes from a karate standpoint.”

With such skill as a teacherand dedication to his art, it wassurprising that Hanshi VanHorne often had very few stu-dents, and at times only one(Kyoshi Davenport). His pro-fession was teaching and teach-ers want to share their knowl-edge with others, so this musthave been quite demoralizingfor him, but he didn’t let hisego get in the way and he con-tinued on his chosen path ofteaching anyone who wanted to

learn. This situation was fortu-itous for Kyoshi Davenport,however, because he was givenso much that other studentswere never fortunate enough tohave received: The time andpersonal attention of a manwhose passion for his art wasso complete that he spent a life-time learning and teaching it. Itis no wonder then that KyoshiDavenport’s students have saidto him, after working withHanshi Van Horne, “Now weunderstand why you know whatyou know.” Hanshi Van Hornehad pointed his students to thepath of martial arts and helpedthem along the way, whilealways realizing that theywould necessarily alter theirlearning to fit the road they hadchosen.

Each of us has our ownpath. It will not be identical tothat of our friends, families, andteachers, nor should it be. Mypath is decidedly different fromHanshi Van Horne’s. It took mealmost 40 years before I finallystumbled across the dojo andrealized that this was where Ishould be, only to find myselfwrestling daily with seeminglyendless frustration as I struggleto grasp the most basic tech-niques that my fellow studentsseem to master with ease. Imust admit that I have swal-lowed a few bitter pills of envyas I watch more talented stu-dents surpass me in rank,although they started trainingmonths after I began, but nomatter how difficult the way, Ihave never regretted taking upthe study of Chito-ryu karate;indeed, I am grateful every sin-gle day for the discovery of anart that has so profoundlychanged my life for the better.However, I can honestly saythat one of my greatest regretsis that I did not find this path in

time to meet and train withsuch an inspirational man, for itis through his efforts, and thosethat he influenced, that theKoshin-ha Chito-ryu organiza-tion has become a reality andhas allowed students like me tofind our way.

Writer and journalist WalterLippmann once said, “The finaltest of a leader is that he leavesbehind him in other men theconviction and the will to carryon.” Hanshi George Van Hornewas truly an outstanding leaderwho blazed a trail for countlessbudo-ka, and although none ofus will tread exactly the same

path that he did, if we continueto seek what he sought, we willhonor the memory of this greatsensei, this “teacher of teach-ers,” in the most appropriateway possible: Teaching our-selves and others the way ofKoshin-ha Chito-ryu karate.

Author’s note: Specialthanks to Kyoshi JamesDavenport for his kindnessand patience in answering myendless questions.

Footsteps Cont.

Martial Art Etiquette & Protocol


When new students first enter an affiliated dojo of the Koshin-ha Chito-kai, they will immediately observe the disciplinedbehavior of its members. This behavior is one method in whichthe military traditions of the art may be seen most clearly. It isbased upon a series of traditional, symbolic gestures, the aim ofwhich is to bring about an atmosphere suited to these Japaneseand Okinawan warlike arts. Bowing, the most obvious and fre-quently seen gesture, is only one method by which common cour-tesies and respect are shown within martial arts organizations.Respect for the dojo teacher, instructors and senior ranked indi-viduals is maintained by a strict, often unwritten code of conduct.This code of conduct, which everyone accepts quite willingly, isbased on the capabilities and knowledge of each individual. Thecapabilities and knowledge are shown by the grade of rankreached and is symbolized by different colored belts worn withthe traditional gi (training uniform). Apart from being a simpleform of classification, we can see in this system a certain philoso-phy. We respect the Yudansha (black belt members), not merelybecause of the positions or rank they may have achieved, but alsofor the considerable amount of patience, courage and devotionrequired in reaching their respective levels. This explanation ofproper martial art etiquette and protocol has been established toassist in governing the actions of all members so that each of usmay develop the proper mental attitude necessary to make gen-uine progress in our study of Bushido (the martial way).

TitlesThere are many titles used to distinguish one karate practition-

er from another. We encourage the use of titles to demonstratecourtesy to senior ranked individuals. They deserve our respectbecause they are our teachers, instructors or senior ranked stu-dents. Since Karate is a martial (military) art, many of its tradi-tions are similar in nature to those of the armed forces. All mem-bers are encouraged to show proper respect for those individualswho are of higher rank. Karate ranks are divided into two generalgroups, basic and advanced students. Basic students are rankedin different class groups referred to as kyu ranks. Advanced stu-dents are ranked in different levels or degrees referred to as danranks.

The Yudansha ranks can be further separated into three cate-gories. The first of three levels, Sho-dan, Ni-dan and San-dan(1st, 2nd & 3rd degree black belts) are considered to be juniorblack belt ranks. These Yudansha are now considered to be seri-ous students, having demonstrated their devotion and loyalty totheir dojo and teacher through continued rigorous training. Theyshould always be addressed by the kyu ranked members as Mr.,

Mrs., or Ms., depending on their status. The Japanese term “san”,meaning “with great respect”, is another method by which thesesame individuals may be addressed. When using this method, theproper way to address a person whose surname is Kelly would beKelly-san. One exception to this rule is when a junior rankedblack beltmember servesas the ChiefInstructor of hisor her owndojo. In this sit-uation, theyshould beaddressed asSensei at alltimes by theirstudents. Eventhough it iscommon forclose friend-ships to devel-op among kyuranks and danranks, it isimperative thatproper signs ofrespect and eti-quette be exer-cised at alltimes. Itshould also benoted that thejunior rankedblack belts may address each other by their given name; however,when involved in any official organizational capacity, they shouldreference each other by using one of the methods listed directlyabove

Yon-dan, Go-dan and Roku-dan, (4th, 5th, & 6th degree), thesecond category, are considered teacher level ranks. These mem-bers have not only demonstrated their devotion to their teacherand dojo through their continued rigorous training, but they havealso accepted the task of extending their devotion to the art andtheir organization through their willingness to become teachers ofthe art.

By far the most often used title in karate is the title, Sensei.The title Sensei (literally meaning, “One who has gone before”) is

By Joseph Hedderman, Kyoshiand James Davenport, Kyoshi

Code of ConductCode of Conduct

Sensei

Continued on page 7


in fact considered by most teachers to be the most respected titleone can be referenced with within the martial arts. Sensei is atitle that has been earned and is not simply a position one maytemporarily hold; therefore, Yudansha who have acquired the rankof Yon-dan or above are granted the title, Sensei. The fact that ajunior ranked black belt may fulfill a position as teacher in a classdoes not distinguish that person as a Sensei. In these situationsthey should be reference as Mr., Ms, Mrs, or san, respectively.

The title Shihan (Expert Teacher) is no doubt the second mostoften used title in karate. The title Shihan is used in the Koshin-haorganization, as well as many other organizations, to recognizethose who have many yearsteaching experience. In theKoshin-ha, the title is issued tomembers ranked at Go-dan. It isappropriate to address those ofGo-dan or higher rank as Shihan,although, referring to them asSensei is not considered improp-er.

The third category ofYudansha is referred to as theKodansha. These Kodansha(Senior Teachers) have acceptedthe responsibility of insuring thatall teachers within the organiza-tion are extremely competent andreach their full potential as teach-ers, thereby spreading the art ofChito-ryu Karate-do. This category is composed of senior teacherswho have reached the rank of Nana-dan, Hachi-dan, Ku-dan andJu-dan (7th, 8th, 9th & 10th degree). The rank of Ju-dan (10thdegree) is generally reserved for the Founder of the art, althoughthere are times when a senior ranked member (9th Dan) may beelevated in rank to the level of Ju-dan while the founder is stillliving.

In addition to the titles listed above, some Yudansha membersmay have additional titles depending on their individual statuswithin our organization and the martial arts community. Examplesof these additional titles would be the classical titles of Renshi,Kyoshi and Hanshi. Connected to the ancient Samurai, these titlescame into existence during feudal times and are completely sepa-rate from the Dan (Yudansha) ranking system. There have beenmany translations for these titles, but the Dai-Nippon-Butoku-Kaihas listed these titles to mean: Renshi (Experienced Teacher orSenior Expert Teacher), Kyoshi (Master Level Teacher orTeachers of Teachers), Hanshi (Model Teacher or Senior MasterLevel Teacher). The use of classical titles may be used whendeemed appropriate and their use is strictly a matter of demon-strating courtesy to those who have been awarded these titles. Theuse of these titles often makes it easier for students to differentiatebetween various teachers when addressing them publicly, espe-cially when numerous teachers are present.

When referencing any Yudansha member through the use of

printed or written material, titles should always be used in addi-tion to their names. There will be occasions when close friendsmay slightly deviate from the established rules when referencingor interacting with each other. It is considered acceptable for high-er ranked members to address lower ranked friends by their givenname, but when referring to them in public they should use theirname with the appropriate title. It is important to always maintainhigh traditional standards through the use of proper etiquette andprotocol, therefore setting a good example for everyone to follow.

The DojoAs previously mentioned, bowing is the most obvious and

commonly seen gesture inthe martial arts. In the mar-tial art community there aremany rules dictating whenand how one should bow.When first entering as well asleaving the dojo, all studentsshould bow. The dojo is aplace of great respect andshould be treated as such.Inside the walls of the dojo,students learn and developthe skills necessary to protecttheir own lives as well as thelives of others; therefore, thedojo atmosphere should beone of serious training.Students should conduct

themselves accordingly. Loud talking or laughing should takeplace outside of the dojo. There should be no playing or rough-housing inside the dojo. All activities inside the dojo should bedirected toward developing skills in self-awareness and self-defense through self-discipline and the perfection of one’s owncharacter. In his book The Karate Dojo, Peter Urban explains that“Karate is taught in a school called a dojo. More than merely agymnasium or a club, a dojo is a cherished place of learning andbrotherhood for Karate devotees, but the word “dojo” implies aneven broader meaning: to the dedicated student, the dojo soonbecomes a concept, a way of life. The word is symbolic of themethodological, the ideological, the philosophical aspects ofKarate. Thus, the study of Karate involves far more than thelearning of certain physical techniques; it absorbs the studentwholly; his character is as much affected by Karate as is hisbody.”

Sensei Don Draeger, another respected American martial artistand author, spent several decades training in numerous martialarts throughout Japan. He also wrote about the dojo. “To the inex-perience trainee, the dojo is nothing more than a place for physi-cal exercise. Everything he or she sees, hears, or does stands out-side their familiar, everyday existence. In fact; the dojo is austere,a humble place of natural and quite dignity. The dojo is occupied

Code of Conduct Cont.

Continued on page 8


by trainees at all levels of progress. The Sensei has supremeauthority, which he exercises through formal etiquette; the traineeis expected to conform to all such formalities, learning them bycopying what he sees his Seniors do.”

Training AreaThe training area within the dojo is also shown great respect.

It’s considered proper to rei “bow” before stepping onto the prac-tice area. In every traditional dojo there is a wall set aside for aKamiza “the upper seat or a place of honor”. All Koshin-ha dojo,whether they are located in their own building or in a trainingroom at a health club, should have a picture of Dr. Chitose as apart of their Kamiza. Some dojo will include as a part of theirKamiza other items to be honored, such as an American orJapanese flag, or even additional items which have special mean-ing to the dojo participants.

The proper method by which to approach the training area isfirst to bow toward the Kamiza and then bow toward the highestranked individual in the training area. When leaving the trainingarea the reverse order is followed: First, bowing toward the high-est ranked person and then towards the Kamiza. This act of cour-tesy is another method by which respect is shown for the dojoand senior ranked individuals. A further explanation of this ruleis: you should always bow to both the Kamiza and the highestranked person present on the training area prior to entering orexiting the area. If the highest ranked person present in the train-ing area sees your bow, he or she will return the gesture. If facinganother direction and he or she does not see you bow, you do nothave to wait for the returned bow, you may enter the area imme-diately. If for some reason you need to leave the training areaearly, you should always ask permission first. It is consideredrude and a breach of proper etiquette to leave the training areawithout first having acquired permission.

If there is a class already in session and you are late, the prop-er way to approach the training area is to take a kneeling position,bow and meditate for a short period of time. After opening youreyes, bow again and remain kneeling until you are given permis-sion to enter by the instructor. Once permission has been grantedfor you to enter the training floor, you should bow toward theKamiza and then toward the highest ranked individual beforeactually stepping onto the training floor. Reverse the procedure ifyou are given permission to leave class early. There is an excep-tion to the rule for those who have knee injuries. Sitting in acrossed leg position or standing in Musubu-dachi is acceptable.

Training with a PartnerWhen two individuals practice together as partners, it is prop-

er protocol and etiquette to “Rei” (bow) to each other before andafter the session. If your opponent (partner) is of higher rankthan yourself, your bow should be slightly lower and held untilthe senior rank has risen from the bow completely. Bowing is aneastern method of demonstrating genuine respect for each other,much the same as a hand shake is used in the western world. Youshould take great pride in learning how to execute a proper bow.The act of bowing should not be carried to an extreme. When stu-dents bow by rigidly snapping their heels together or bowingexcessively low, it defeats the very purpose of proper etiquette

and only serves to demonstrate their lack of understandingregarding the proper method of executing a bow.

When bowing, the eyes are lowered, but not as if you arelooking directly at the floor below your own feet. With practiceyou can develop your peripheral vision, which will allow you tosee the other person’s position. Through the use of your peripher-al vision you can develop the ability to know if the higher rankedindividual is still bowing or has completed their bow. Lookingdirectly at the person you are bowing toward is consideredimproper and does not follow proper etiquette. This method wasdeveloped in relation to the tournament scene and has no connec-tion to proper etiquette as followed in traditional martial arts. Inan attempt to add validity to this type of bow it has been said thatone should always keep their eyes on their opponent, even whenbowing. This reasoning seems somewhat comical, especially con-sidering the fact that no one would bow to a person who wasattacking him or her.

Special CourtesiesThere are times when special courtesies are given to advanced

students (black belts). When a higher ranked Yudansha, otherthen those present, enters the dojo, the first person to recognizehim or her should give the command “Face front” or “FaceSensei”. With this command, all students should face the entrancewhile standing at attention (Musubi-dachi). With the next com-mand “Rei” everyone should bow in unison and remain atMusubi-dachi until given the command “Continue”.

Another time when special consideration is given is when aYon-dan or higher ranked teacher approaches the training area.This situation is treated similar to the one above. The first per-son to recognize him or her should give the command “Face front“or “Face Sensei”; all should bow in unison.

When addressed by a senior ranked black belt, students shouldstand up straight and give their complete attention to theYudansha’s remarks. Remember, it’s not required to give a “snapto it“ type of attention; this type of response can be misinterpret-ed as phony. Relax, but be courteous. Proper etiquette and proto-col are easy to follow with continued effort, practice and self-awareness of what is transpiring around us.

MeetingsThe most senior ranked individual present will act as

Chairman at all Association meetings. When senior rank membersare speaking they should never be interrupted. It is important thatrespect is shown to all members, regardless of rank or title.

Responsibility & AwarenessIt is everyone’s responsibility to conduct themselves properly.

Senior students bear the greater responsibility for demonstratingproper protocol and etiquette; after all, they are the ones whohave been training the longest. Who is responsible for enforcingthis code of conduct? Traditionally, enforcement largely rests onthe shoulders of those of lesser rank as opposed to those of higherrank. You will seldom witness a senior ranked individual correct-ing someone who did not treat him or her with proper respect.Ultimately, it is everyone’s responsibility to learn and practiceproper protocol and etiquette. Those who know should assistthose who do not know.

Code of Conduct Cont.


The Koshin-ha Budokan of Palm Beach hosted the On Ko ChiShin Karate Seminar on Saturday, March 24, 2007, at OsbornePark in sunny Florida. This seminar was for all levels and styles, and featured KyoshiJames Davenport as the guest instructor.

Kyoshi Davenport arrived on Thursday afternoon, and we immediately began our train-ing with a visit to seminar participant Phil Burney, a shodan in Uechi-ryu, who owns thelocal karate supply store.

On Friday morning we went to the beach and worked out while the sun came up, thenafter breakfast we spent some time in our hot tub warming up for some more serious workin the afternoon, which mainly involved cruising about and ending up at a café on theIntracoastal Waterway where we wiled away the afternoon, talking (mostly about karate,of course) and enjoying the scenery. Friday night we went to a local hangout, a sports bar

owned by a friend of mine,which has the best NY stripsteaks in town.

Saturday was a very full day.We met up with most of thepeople who were attending theseminar and worked out on thebeach again. Another lovelysunrise. We grabbed a quickbreakfast then headed into the seminar for four hours of excellent instruc-tion from Sensei. The attendees all had a great time and enjoyed the practi-cality of the seminar topics, which included kata bunkai and oyo (analysisand applications of the kata movements) and principles of application (uni-versal laws applied to enhance the speed and power of all karate tech-

niques). They especially liked the last hour where we pulled out the mats and then practicedtechniques for breaking a person’s balance. Another well-received part of the seminar was thedrawing for a chance to attend an NHL hockey game with Kyoshi, my wife, and me, whichwas won by my student, Alex Besmer. After a quick dinner, we drove down to Sunrise, Florida,where the Florida Panthers hosted the New Jersey Devils in a game that ran into overtime andthen a shoot out. The Panthers lost in the shoot out 2-1 but we still had a great time.

No rest for the wicked, so after the hour and a half drive home we hit the sack about 1 amand then got up again at 6 to meet Al Maeyens, my senior student, on the beach for anotherworkout at sunrise. Nothing better than working out in the sand as the sun comes up over theocean with mostly sunny skies, temp 65 degrees, and a stiff breeze. Then after relaxing athome and another dip in the hot tub we went into town and visited the Jupiter lighthouse. Thelighthouse was just reopened recently and we were able to go up to the top and walk aroundoutside. Then we hit the beach to “train” again by wandering around looking for critters. Wesaw several Portuguese Man-O-War and of course the usual sea gulls and sand pipers.

Monday morning consisted of another stop for breakfast, (A word to those who want toscore points with Kyoshi: He loves the corn meal pancakes at IHOP), and then I dropped himoff at the airport, where he flew back to Kentucky with a great tan and the best wishes of thePalm Beach dojo.

By Edward Butzin, Sensei, Koshin-ha Budokan of PalmBeach, Jupiter, Florida

Koshin-ha Budokanof Palm Beach HostsKyoshi Davenport


What do a nickel, a magazine, and a key have in common? If you are KyoshiJoseph Hedderman, they are all everyday objects that can be turned into weaponsbefore a would-be assailant has time to blink, as we in the Seattle area found out lastJanuary.

The members of the Bellevue dojo eagerly anticipated Kyoshi Hedderman’s arrivalto oversee the January 19th belt tests, followed by our first-ever Kangeiko the next day.We were not disappointed. The weather was unusually cooperative for Seattle in thewinter, and we were lucky enough to have a fairly warm, sunny day, perfect for threehours of special training. An added bonus was the view from the second floor of theSouth Bellevue Community Center – tall, stately evergreens that perfectly demonstrat-ed why Seattle is known as the “Emerald City.” We even had a couple of energeticsquirrels try to join our ranks.

Kyoshi Hedderman began the seminar with warm-ups, followed by applicationinstruction that was informative and practical, helping us more fully understand whatwe learn in class. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the day came when KyoshiHedderman pulled out some innocent-looking objects and demonstrated how to usethem for self-defense. “I learned of many new pain points that can be applied in reallife, and they are the most curious ones I’ve ever seen,” said one student.

Another student was grateful merely to still be in one piece. “I’m very glad I wasn’this test subject, because now I can still play violin.”

The squirrels just gave us hostile looks and refused to be interviewed.Kyoshi Hedderman’s expertise in martial arts was matched by his sense of humor,

as we found out both during and after the clinic. The participants met for dim sumlunch at the Noble Court, a local Chinese restaurant, where the younger studentsdemonstrated their laser-like targeting prowess and amazing hand speed by filling uptheir table with plates of almost everything on the carts in less than three minutes. Weolder students were in awe.

After lunch, the students reluctantly said goodbye to our guest. Thanks to bothSensei Dipboye and him, our first Kangeiko was a success, and we all agree that wecan’t wait for Kyoshi Hedderman to visit our dojo again.

By Fara Nizamani, Bellevue Koshin-ha Chito-ryu Dojo,Bellevue, Washington

Kyoshi Hedderman conductsKangeiko at Bellevue Dojo

Another SuccessfulKangeiko held inFrankfort, Kentucky

By James Davenport, Kyoshi,Kentucky Budo-kan, Frankfort,KY, and Fara Nizamani, BellevueKoshin-ha Chito-ryu Dojo,Bellevue, Washington

The Kentucky Budo-kan inFrankfort hosted a very successfulKangeiko on January 13, 2007.Twenty-six students of all levels tookpart in the four-hour training, whichwas open to all styles. Instruction wasdivided into four blocks, each with adifferent topic. We covered Chito-ryukata and informal kata, along withcorresponding applications, as well asbasic techniques executed with bio-mechanics directly related to the con-cepts of the system of Chito-ryu,because with proper biomechanicsspeed and power can be greatlyenhanced.

As has always been the case, otherimportant subjects designed toimprove the students’ skill level werecovered in this kangeiko as well, sinceour goal is to give the students atremendous amount of informationthat they can take back with them anduse to improve their technique.


Allegheny County Budo-KaiStudents Train in the Snow

To commemorate a period when the members trained outsidefor two years, the current students of the Allegheny CountyBudo-kai took their training out into the snow on February,18th. The members who braved 20 degree temperatures andsix inches of snow and ice, practiced basic karate, kata andkobudo (weapons) for about an hour and a half. Clothing con-sisted of anything you could wear under your gi, shoes, hat andgloves.

“For about two years in the mid-eighties, our dojo ran intosome financial trouble, so the members trained outside threetimes a week in all kinds of weather,” said Sensei Sue Sbuscio.“We try to have this outside training session on a cold andsnowy day to have fun and honor the memory of what othershad to endure in the past.”

“Actually, it is a good way to train sometimes,” commentedanother student. “You really get to see what will work in badweather. High kicks, spins, stuff like that go right out thedoor. You have to stick to basic, solid karate technique.”

By Rick Sbuscio, Sensei, Allegheny County Budo-kaiPittsburgh

NO SUCH THINGAS THE SOLARPLEXUS

“There is no suchstructure as the solarplexus,” my anatomyteacher announcedwith the pomposity and certainty possessed only bytenured professors and royalty. As a shodan in Chito-ryu,I was bothered by this because I knew that the punches Ihad taken to my solar plexus sure felt real. The typicalexplanation I had heard for why a strike to the solarplexus – the area just below your sternum where your ribsjoin infront – canbe so dev-astating, isthat thebig nervebundlethere thatcontrolsbreathing,heart rateand diges-tion isbeingdamaged.When, as afirst yearmedical student, we started exploring cadavers, I foundmyself somewhat convinced by my professor: I couldn’tfind, via scalpel and retractor, anything in the upperabdomen that seemed to explain why a blow to the solarplexus is so disabling.

There are big nerve bundles in the abdomen but theone usually referred to as the solar plexus – the celiacplexus – is much closer to the spine than to the surface. Itis tucked in behind the stomach and liver; even the heartis closer to an entering fist than that nerve bundle.

The celiac plexus is the primary wiring responsible for

By Keith Dipboye, MD, Sensei, BellevueKoshin-ha Chito-ryu Dojo, Bellevue, Washington

Why a strike to the solar plexus hurts

What techniqueswork and why

When Your HeartGets in the Way

Continued on page 12

many vital functions such as adrenal secretion (adrenaline) and movement of the intestines, but it doesn’t control breathing or heartfunction. A blow transmitted to the celiac plexus will certainly cause pain and nausea and could possibly momentarily halt functionof the intestines. So it is probably true that some of the pain from a solar plexus blow comes from impact to this big bunch ofnerves. However let’s delve a little further in to what else is there, and what isn’tthere.

What ISN’T there: BONEThe heart, lungs, diaphragm, along with most of the liver and kidneys – all very

delicate organs – are hidden behind the rib cage and sternum (the strong bone runningdown the center of the chest). A powerful strike to the rib cage or sternum can frac-ture the bones, can cause pain and certainly discourage an attacker. However, the ribs,along with the cartilage and muscles that hold them together, form a layer of armor sosturdy that it takes quite a blow to actually penetrate and damage the vital organsunderneath. The solar plexus is the area just below the point where the ribs join thesternum so it is, by definition, unshielded by bone.

What ISN’T there: FATThe human anatomy

depicted in medical diagramsis typically the anatomy of anunderwear model – there isnever any fat. (Fact: accordingto FBI statistics, the averagekarate-ka is very unlikely tobe attacked by an underwearmodel, so long as the karatestudent carefully avoids thehair salons, tanning booths andmirrors where they tend tocongregate.) While most of usare aware of our love handlesat our waist and the fat underour skin that makes us so hug-gable, many people don’t real-ize that the majority of theirfat is hidden inside their bod-ies. Fat surrounds organs,serves as protective cushionsfor blood vessels, nerves and,importantly for our discussion,

forms a large apron hanging inside the abdomen called the omentum. Depending on how trim you are, your omentum is anywherefrom a few inches to over 1 foot thick. So the abdominal organs, blood vessels and nerves are – in non-underwear-models – protect-ed behind a thick, soft cushion. This is one reason why the belly is not your prime target if confronted by a guy with a beer gut.While the omentum is a formidable layer of soft gushy armor, it originates just below the solar plexus, leaving this area unguardedby fat.

What ISN’T there: MUSCLEThe muscles of the abdomen form another shield protecting the vital organs inside.The muscles of the abdomen run in layers traveling in every possible direction – vertically, horizontally and diagonally. Even a

beginning karate student can learn to take a fairly hard blow to the abdomen by tensing up their muscles. And, while the musclewall extends from the pelvis and spine all the way up to the rib cage, it is in the solar plexus area that the abdominal muscle wall is

When Your Heart Gets in the Way Cont.


We all have an apron of fat in ourabdomens called the omentum.

Continued on page 13


the thinnest. The muscle wall in front of the solar plexus is ¼th as thick as the wall in thebelly-button area.

What IS there: HEART, DIAPHRAGM AND LIVER If you have practiced karate for more than a few months, you know from experience

that a blow to the abdomen when you have exhaled, emptied your lungs, is far lesspainful than if you are caught with your lungs full of air. This rule applies in particular toblows near the solar plexus. In fact a skilled karate-ka won’t be stopped by a hard blow tothe solar plexus if he/she knows how to prepare and breathe properly.

Let’s start with what happens to your anatomy during a deep breath:You have to relax the muscles between your ribs and your lower abdomen to allow

room for your lungs to expand. The entire chest wall and abdomen goes soft as thesemuscles lose tension.

As you take in a deep breath, your diaphragm tenses up, shortens and flattens out. While it is more solid in this position, it is avery thin muscle so doesn’t offer much in the way of protection to your heart or lungs above. Because every other muscle is relaxedand flexible, the shockwave of a solar plexusblow will stretch and vibrate the tensediaphragm like a drum – this can induce musclespasm in the diaphragm causing the victim tolook (and feel), for several seconds, like theyhave forgotten how to breath.

When your diaphragm tenses to fill yourlungs, it pulls downward in your chest, bringingyour heart out of hiding. In this position, thethinnest and most fragile part of the heart – theright ventricle – is just a few inches from thesurface, in position to take much of the impactfrom a sharp solar plexus blow. Compressingthe right ventricle of the heart can cause amajor disruption of blood flow, possibly caus-ing loss of consciousness; theoretically a blowto the right ventricle could stop a person’s heartby causing fibrillation, essentially a spasm inthe heart muscle that stops it from beating.

Finally, your liver, which sits close to thesurface, is also exposed with a deep breath.Unlike hollow organs (stomach, intestines) that have some ‘give’ to them, the liver is solid and so fragile that it is easily damaged bythe force of a punch or kick. (A liver laceration can cause fatal bleeding within a few hours without emergency surgery.) Part of thepain of a solar plexus blow is your body saying, “Hey, stupid, you’ve only got one liver, and you need it.”

The opposite happens when you push the air out of your lungs and tense your abdominal wall muscles: The tense abdominal muscles form a solid wall from the pelvis and spine to the rib cage. As the muscles between the ribs con-

tract, the rib cage itself also goes more solid – the equivalent of donning a suit of armor. Ironically, the only muscle in your abdomen that relaxes when you exhale forcefully is the one you use to breath. Your

diaphragm, the big parachute-shaped sheet of muscle below your lungs relaxes to breath out, tenses to take in a breath. With thediaphragm relaxed, a blow to the solar plexus jiggles the diaphragm but doesn’t stretch or shock it.

As you relax your diaphragm, tense your abdomen and push air out, the location of your heart and liver change – they rise in yourchest wall until they are protected by your rib cage and sternum. This is the most important reason why a blow to the solar plexusisn’t as devastating when you are prepared – the most vital organs are all shielded.

There isn’t a single vital organ that hurts when you are struck in the solar plexus, there are several. Avoiding a knock out whenyou are struck in the solar plexus is all about protecting your heart, liver, diaphragm and celiac plexus; it is, just as you learned inyour earliest Chito-ryu classes, all about breathing.

When Your Heart Gets in the Way Cont.

Breathing In Breathing Out

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