Mudokai Newsletter

Current Newsletter Articles

Learning Through Cooperation or Competition

Most of us are familiar with competition. Throughout our lives, at school, at work, or in sports, we have competed. For many people, the way that they perceive "getting ahead" in life is through successfully competing with their peers. One of the problems with competition, however, is that when you beat someone at something, they usually experience being beaten. That is, if you win, they lose. It is often the case that the experience of losing in competition is much more frequent than the experience of winning. This losing experience can be very unpleasant leading a person to become depressed or to completely withdraw from the activity in question.

Here at the Karate Institute, we encourage students to learn cooperatively. In basics class, when a fellow student is awarded a stripe, we should be happy for his accomplishment. It is not necessary to compare ourselves competitively with our classmates. During partner practice, work with your partners to achieve the purpose of the practice and the best results for your training. Stay on task so that you can both benefit as much as possible. It is never appropriate to compete against your partners or to try to gratify your ego at their expense.

In Kata, always strive to be the best that you can be. Admire the form of those who are better than you are, and model your practice after theirs so that you can improve. At the same time, be of assistance to those whom you are able to help.

Sparring is one of the most difficult areas to address cooperatively; yet, it is the best way to spar. Sparring cooperatively means staying, all of the time, within the meaning and intent of the sparring rules. It means never striking with excessive contact which might injure or intimidate a training partner. Cooperative sparring is about being able to work within the limitations of a smaller, weaker, or less-experienced partner, for optimum mutual benefit. It also means having respect for the reserve and control exercised by a bigger, stronger, or more-experienced training partner. Sparring in this way allows your partners to give you their best match. It allows you to work to deal with their most proficient techniques. It also allows them to test you with techniques they would consider too risky to try if you were going to nail them hard. Even the best students can be appropriately challenged by less skillful partners provided that this etiquette is observed.

By training cooperatively, rather than competitively, everyone can leave the Dojo after class feeling like a winner. It is in this way that students can develop intrinsic motivation to train, rather than being dependant on external motivators like stripes and belts for rewards.

Brian and Justin Sguros achieved their Black Belts on July 23rd. The two new Sensei had passed their Basics, Self-Defense and Kata segments of the test on June 8th, and completed the graduation with ten sparring matches on July 23rd. Both students have been training for over seven years and have achieved an excellent level of skill in sparring, which they were able to demonstrate showing speed, accuracy power and control.

In Memoriam

July this year was tinged with sadness for our Dojo with the tragic death of Lillian Gallagher, following a fairly minor routine surgical procedure. Over the many years since she first signed up her son Brian for lessons, she was always a super supportive parent, assisting at tournaments, and always a happy and smiling ambassador for my Dojo. She would chat with new parents about all of the reasons why our Dojo was the right place to be. She had trained for a while herself in the Kickboxing classes, and was looking forward to continuing her training following her surgery. Sadly it was not to be. I appreciate all of the support that my staff, instructors and the parents of the Dojo have offered to Sensei Brian and his father Jimmy during this difficult time. Both Miss Jackie, Miss Suzie and Sensei Lauren Houser have been making every effort to be supportive in many practical ways, and I want to acknowledge their efforts on behalf of my Dojo.

I was able to attend the wake for Lillian in Hialeah to express my condolences to her family. I know that many of our Dojo members also attended. Having lost my own mother to cancer when she was about the same age as Lillian, I know the feelings associated with death coming too soon to someone still relatively young and very active. For my part, once the initial shock had passed, I was able to reflect on the many many positive memories I have of Lillian. Whether she was chatting excitedly to me, another student or another parent about the achievements of her son or other students at the Dojo, helping me load mats into the back of her SUV for transportation to my tournament, or complaining about the weather while huddled in her chair outside the Dojo during a cold spell watching Brian’s class, Lillian Gallagher was always good- humored and always smiling. Although many people enjoy a life of twice as many years, few seem to enjoy family life as much as Lillian did. Her family was the biggest part of her life and she was obviously dedicated as a mother and a wife. Even though she had a job, she always made provisions for Brian to be able to pursue all of his after school activities, including, of course, his martial arts classes.

To a casual observer her life may not seem to have been particularly special or important, Lillian Gallagher may have appeared merely ordinary to many people, but not to me, and I’m sure not to others who knew her well. I found her to be a person of principle and integrity, a realist who was also an optimist, who was staunch in her support of her son and her husband, wanting them to have every opportunity to achieve their potential for success in all of their endeavors, and the kind of parent who would not hesitate to let me know if she saw a problem at my Dojo that needed fixing . I often received e-mail from Lillian. Sometimes it was to say how well something was working and sometimes it was to let me know what needed to be fixed. Either way she was always assertive but respectful and obviously well intentioned, an easy combination of qualities for me to admire, and rare enough to make her particularly special in my eyes.

So, many of us will miss Mrs. Gallagher. Many of us will think of her often and remember her fondly. I know that she was proud of Sensei Brian's achievements as a martial artist. He is scheduled to receive his Adult Black Belt soon, and is close to earning his 2nd Degree Black Belt. For my part, I will honor her memory by doing my best to help her son, Sensei Brian Gallagher, achieve all of his goals in the martial arts as he continues to grow into the kind of young adult that Lillian, like any good mother, would be proud of.

Those who have lived out their days

have had a long life

Zen saying

The Importance of Balance

In last months newsletter we published an article by Sensei Emily Snyder (see below). This month we want to follow up with an article Ms. Snyder wrote for our newsletter in 2001:

I am a sophomore in high school, and I have story to share that I feel is important. Though I am usually an A to high B student, I earned an F on a test a month ago. Though it was just one single test, my parents went on a "we must help our daughter study" kick, and, as I like to put it, took away my life and locked it up somewhere. I'm not allowed to use the phone or go out on weekends until school is over. My social life has been severely restricted, and my friends and boyfriend all feel neglected.

I'm also not allowed to go to Karate during the week. That means that not only is my progress severely impeded, but I have no time to catch up on necessary sleep over the weekend because it's the only time I can come and train.

What am I doing with all that time? Studying. I studied for six hours for the next test I had in the aforementioned class, two and a half of them the night before the test. I got another F.

I believe that my parents are truly doing what they feel is right. I'm not blaming their parenting, or their intentions. What I'm getting at is that during that week, there was no balance in my life. I would go to school and study for seven hours, then come home and study for another four. I was exhausted by seven o'clock, but kept studying right up until at least ten o'clock. I had no time to give my brain a rest, or do any exercise to stretch my muscles and get my blood flowing. I was also doing nothing creative, and creativity is the drive that keeps me going.

We hear about balance all the time when it comes to things like our diet. But balance is important in everyday life. If we do not take time to stop and rest, or do a little exercise, our busy lives will grow increasingly more stressful. Karate is a good way to take an hour out of the day to focus on something completely different. Spending time with family and friends, or just taking fifteen minutes of quiet thought or meditation are good ways to take some time out. Whatever it is, everyone should have a couple of ways to balance out all the facets of their lives.

Emily Snyder

Left pic Sensei Snyder (L)
sparring with Laraine Winston for Laraines Black Belt test.

Right pic

Sensei Snyder stretch

Respect- You Must Give In Order To Get

There is an old Chinese saying, “The stalk that carries the most grain, bows the lowest.” I think this carries into the martial arts philosophy in that most of the time, the best warriors of all, are usually the most humble. This follows a natural principle called “The Law of The Farm”. Everyone knows that a farmer plants his crop in the spring, works it all year and gets to harvest in the fall. This natural law is true in business, personal relationships and basically anything you want to achieve in life.

The truth is that you need to pay in advance, full price for anything you get. Many people are raised today thinking they can get things now and pay for them later based on the way our society has become, but in all important things, you must give first and then you get.

This is especially true with respect. Respect is something you must earn, not demand from others. Once you start showing respect to others, then respect will start coming back to you. In traditional martial arts, the senior students respect and take care of the beginning students as well as the senior students because they know that each position is very important in the overall scheme of things. The teacher respects the students, because without them, he would not have any position to teach and the students respect their teacher because they know what he is teaching is priceless and will change their lives forever. This mutual respect is the foundation of black belt excellence and what each martial artists should strive for.

Respectfully, Sensei Terry Bryan

My child complains about coming to class; what should I do?

Sometimes parents, especially the parents of very young children, mention to us that the kids complain about coming to class. The parents acknowledge that the kids like the class once they are there; yet they think maybe the child is losing interest.

In many cases, the child is not telling you they doesn’t like their classes. Often, they are demonstrating that they are “present focused.” At early stages of development, kids are not always able to project their thinking into the future, or weigh the potential for future enjoyment. For example, if you offer a young child a dollar now, or five dollars in a week, they probably will choose the dollar now, and the immediate gratification.

To deal with this, first of all, understand that the child may be delighted with the lessons, and still demonstrate this “complaining behavior.” Secondly, talk with your child… not when they are complaining, but at a later time. Explain to your child that you will no longer accept complaints about this commitment to karate… that if they have a specific complaint, they should speak to their instructor. By doing this, you are eliminating any complaining that is just complaining; at the same time, you give your child the opportunity to address any real issues.

Next, follow through! If your child complains again, hold up your hands and say, “Wait! If you have complaints about your classes, let’s set up a time for you to speak to Shihan Mason!” And when your child does come without complaining, let them know how much this pleases you.

Being firm and consistent will get good immediate results… and in the future, as your child matures, they will be better able to understand delayed gratification. Without perseverance nothing of real value can be achieved. In the process of self-discovery, that we achieve through regular practice in Mudokai Karate, there may sometimes be distractions, and at times frustration. With encouragement students can overcome these issues as long as the parents of our young students will persevere and help us to keep the youngsters “on task” towards Black Belt excellence.

Alex Wood (center in the pic to the left) began her training at the karate camp in 2002.

This year Sensei Alex Wood (on right) helped to teach at the camp.

A View From the Real World by Sensei Emily Snyder

A year out of college and into "The Real World," I find myself reflecting on my years as a Karate student, and how the Martial Arts have shaped who I am today. My training has influenced the ways I think and react as a rookie member of the adult club.

I live in Washington, DC, a city known for its living expense and its crime level. These factors obviously equal an inverse relationship between where you can afford to live, and how happy your mother is about where you live. Many of my friends feel uncomfortable in my working class, very urban neighborhood. Green glass litters the streets, and a woman gets honked at every time she leaves her apartment. One of my students, who lives in a suburb, referred to the area as a "ghetto." It's not, but it is a far cry from Plantation. In order to keep myself safe, I called on a part of my earliest Martial Arts training: How to not get attacked. Make eye contact, I remembered, and smile and nod. Don't look like a victim. But in seeking to become truly aware of my surroundings, I learned about all the great things my neighborhood has to offer; I chat with the teacher who gets on my bus when I do, and laugh at the boys racing down the street, pulled by a large and happy puppy. I've started training at the Kung Fu school that's only eight doors from my apartment. Most importantly, I learned what my friends often miss: When strange men make a comment, they're not moving in to attack me. They're continuing in their own direction. Karate taught me to make eye contact for my own safety. The skill has indeed kept me safe in dangerous situations, but it's also allowed me to see decency and innocence where I might have otherwise missed it.

To afford my newly acquired life expenses, I spend my days shadowing a fifth grader with Asperger's syndrome. The job requires patience and the willingness to understand a completely different mindset. My experiences teaching Karate and watching others teach it gives me the resources to reach all different types of kids, each on their own level. Because I've done it before, I better understand the need to say the same thing over and over in different ways, and I know when to be strict and when to be fun (and how).

I could even say that teaching Karate was the first thing that instilled in me the desire to be an educator at all. Despite other teachers I've had throughout life, it was the consistency and skill of my Karate teachers that taught me the true importance of a teacher. Outside of my university, UKC was the only place where I knew, beyond a doubt, that my teachers could control a classroom, respected their students, and absolutely knew their subject matter. To have teachers who still consider themselves students brings a level of honesty and integrity to a classroom that students recognize and appreciate, even subconsciously. An educational system that believes the title "teacher," Sensei, is a distinctive and hard-earned honor has given me some of the best role models for my new career path.

There are so many small things that have become so big, now that I think about them in a (slightly) more mature way: Drills have taught me that sometimes success takes many tries; slow progression is often the best way to develop a new skill; there really is value in a good push-up; the ability to defend oneself can translate into the ability to expand oneself. Perhaps best of all, Karate has given me a community that I can depend on. I know that, no matter where my new adult life takes me, I can always come back to UKC to visit with old friends and teachers and freshen up the skills that have taken me so far. Who knows where they will take me next?

Sensei Prasso upgraded

Shihan Mason presented Mr. Prasso with his adult Black Belt on May 28th, which also happened to be his birthday. Junior Black Belts may earn their Adult rank, while under 18 years old, at Shihan’s discretion.

Sensei Balzano Shihan Mason & Sensei Prasso Shihan Mason & Sensei Snyder

'It's pretty much just me pursuing a dream'

Sensei Max Balzano's love of fire companies began in preschool, when a field trip took him to a Florida volunteer fire department. "I was impressed by it," Mr. Balzano remembered. "I said to myself, that's what I want to do." Now 18 and a senior at St. Mary's High School, the Annapolis resident is a firefighter and emergency medical technician at the West Annapolis Volunteer Fire Company Station 40. "I like to be able to help people; I've always liked doing it," he said. "It's a great feeling to know that you made a difference in someone's life."

Mr. Balzano was 16 when he signed up at the fire department in January 2006. He took two summers of training - from CPR classes to Basic Firefighting, and most recently earned his certification to drive the emergency vehicles. "It's pretty much just me pursuing a dream," he said. Chief Robert Vice of Station 40, said he is always looking for high school students with an interest in volunteering. But with so many other opportunities available, most people don't join the fire department until they are adults. He said Mr. Balzano is the only high school volunteer he could recall.

When Mr. Balzano first showed up to volunteer, Chief Vice's first impression was "Just that he was young." Now, two years later, "He's a firefighter, he's got all the training," Chief Vice said. "He works with the team." "He's really involved in anything he does, he doesn't do it half way," Chief Vice said. "He just blends in with everybody."

While most days Mr. Balzano loves the time he spends at Station 40, there are those times when he wonders why he's there. It's especially difficult when he responds to calls concerning children in trauma. "When they're in pain and you can't do anything about it, it hurts," he said. Mr. Balzano recalled one day after he responded to a call concerning a cardiac arrest. He got back and wondered what he was doing. "Then I remembered, I tried to help this person; that's what I'm here for," he said.

Some weekends Mr. Balzano spends 24 hours at the station. Other weekends, he'll spend six to eight hours on a Friday afternoon and evening. While there, he'll respond to calls concerning everything from medical emergencies to fires to "helping Grandma off the floor," he said. "I'm gaining so much experience that I can pretty much take with me anywhere," he said. "I'm going to stay with the company as long as I can." As much as Mr. Balzano enjoys his work, he hesitates to recommend that his friends volunteer as well. "Only if it's something that they want to do; it's inherently dangerous, and you are putting your life on the line for somebody else," he said.

Before joining the fire company, Mr. Balzano earned all 32 of the community service hours he needed to graduate - plus 18 more - from St. Mary's High School by volunteering at the Caring Collection. "I've done arts and crafts in school, but I've never been able to work with stained glass," he said. "I also liked their mission, what they're giving money to." Mr. Balzano will graduate this May, and plans to attend Anne Arundel Community College and then transfer to the Fire Prevention Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, his mother, Jadwiga Balzano, said. Mrs. Balzano continued “Max has come a long way since he attained his black belt back in 2002. He credits his training at University Karate Center with successfully completing his training as a firefighter and EMT.” Max was honored for having completed the most service hours in the history of the high school (which started in 1946). The graduation requirement is 32 service hours. Max completed 1760 hours, mostly volunteering as a firefighter and emergency medical technician with the county fire department.”

Heather Roth, Staff writer for the Annapolis Capital. Published by permission

Boundaries: in Life, in Martial Arts, in the Karate School

Understanding where the boundaries are is fundamental to comprehending almost any situation. I have recently taught several self-defense classes, some at our Dojo and others at facilities like BCC and St. Gregory's school. Some of the classes were restricted to adults, while others were specifically for Girl Scout groups. One of the key concepts covered in all of these classes was the idea of “establishing and maintaining boundaries”. When someone approaches us in a way that we perceive as menacing or inappropriate we must establish a boundary for our safety. If we yell “STOP! BACK OFF!” while thrusting our palm heel towards their chest we define a boundary. Should the “attacker” continue to advance, we are under attack and must respond.

During my classes with the Girl Scout groups I talked about how their parents established boundaries at home, and how, while respecting those boundaries, they should recognize that they will be involved in ongoing discussions with their parents to redefine theses boundaries as they develop as young adults and assume more and more adult responsibilities. The point under discussion was, that while we must understand where a boundary lies at the moment, we must also be prepared to negotiate for recognition of a new boundary, based on changing circumstances. With children the obvious times for such discussions may be birthdays, i.e. “now that you’re eleven years old your bedtime will be 9:00 pm rather than 8:00 pm. Another obvious time would be at the start of a new school year, i.e. “now that you’re attending High School you could look for a part- time job on the weekends”.

In nature some boundaries seem absolute, though we are constantly striving to push them back. The space program is an illustration of this as we strive to explore beyond the confines of the Earth. What sometimes makes self-defense difficult is that the boundaries are not always absolute or obvious. Predatory attackers don’t always dress up as Ninjas and attack us with swords. More often they dress up to look like a harmless neighbor, then sidle up to us while we’re putting groceries in our car and try to abduct us without warning to do us harm. That’s when it’s useful to have some basic practical skills. Many of us saw the video a few years ago of a teenage girl in Sarasota who was abducted in broad daylight while walking home from a friend’s house. As she walked through a gas station the security camera picked up her attacker grabbing her by the wrist and dragging her off. An awareness of boundaries and some basic self– defense skills could have saved her life.

The Discipline of Helpfulness

I was recently teaching a class at St. Gregory's School where we use the music room for a class once a week. After class several of the children wanted to be helpful and put the chairs back in rows. This is typical healthy behavior. Children love to help, and it is this attitude of helpfulness that allows them to learn and develop. Young girls often want to help their mother in the kitchen and boys often enjoy helping their dad in the yard or around the house. That is part of the reason that family traditions tend to continue from one generation to the next. Whatever your family traditions may be, an attitude of helpfulness is very positive. Throughout our lives we have an opportunity to live within this discipline. Helpfulness can then extend beyond our family and local community to the larger community which we share as human beings.

In terms of our Martial Arts training we have many opportunities to be helpful. When practicing with a partner in class we can help them, for example, by providing the correct attack for them to practice their prearranged defensive technique. When students get off task they not only waste their own training opportunity, they also waste the opportunity for their partner and their Sensei. This lack of discipline can even be dangerous. About twenty years ago three of my students thought that it might be helpful for them to meet at one of their homes to spar together. Unfortunately, outside of the discipline imposed at the Dojo, they managed to damage each other sufficiently that they learned never to make that mistake again. What is helpful is when talented students with good self-control attend sparring classes and can mentor beginners in our sparring program. They do this by moving around with them and encouraging appropriate controlled action, while working on their own counter-fighting techniques. This is how students can learn how to spar without getting damaged.

When a new student signs up at the karate school one of our tasks is to explain the rules of the dojo (training hall). In addition to bowing at the door of the training hall, it is also necessary to refer to all Black Belts as “Sensei”, a term of respect that basically means teacher. This discipline is helpful because it encourages respect which reinforces the value we place on safety. A respectful student tends to be a safe student.

In order to keep our office focused and keep everything running smoothly cell phones are not allowed to be used in the office or the Dojo. With cell phones in use so widely it is helpful for us not to have to compete with them in our office space. In many ways a Dojo is like a church or temple. The discipline that we practice is best performed in a collected state without unnecessary distractions. It is also for this reason that parents and other visitors are required to watch from outside. Keeping an atmosphere of quiet, focused concentration can be quite challenging, along with maintaining the privacy of our students and parents while we discuss confidential matters, either in person, or by telephone. Many of our rules may seem overly strict, but there is a reason for everything. Martial arts is different from other sports; etiquette is very necessary to keep our space safe and organized and the discipline of helpfulness is most appreciated.

Shiaii: a fun and fruitful experience

Many students took the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at the Open House and Shiaii on March 1st. In Basics great performances were turned in by Rachelle, Eduardo and Jaiden with first runner-up awards going to Matthew, Nathan, Tony and Isaiah and second runner-up awards being won by Luca and Nadia. Oscar won the Grand Championship in Weapons, with Heather and Tyler as runners-up. In Kata competition Heather won the Grand Championship, followed by Oscar, Luca and Jendayi. Winners for the Sparring event were Jendayi, who won the Grand Championship, Rachelle who won first place, followed by Kyle, Cameron and Tyler who all gave every match their best effort.

The Shiaii is a tournament style seminar which gives students of all ages a chance to gain some performance experience in the supportive atmosphere of the Dojo. For students seeking to follow up, the US Open World Martial Arts Championships will be held at Disney World in Orlando over the 4th of July weekend.

Leaders Lead Rather Than Dictate

One of the principle qualities for which a Martial Artist should strive is the quality of leadership. However, leadership ability is not a talent that can develop in a vacuum; it comes from the internalization and practice of other qualities. Sun Tze, the ancient philosopher and tactician said, “leadership is a matter of intelligence, trustworthiness, humanness , courage and sternness.” To be a leader does not mean to boss others around, to be obnoxious or impolite, but rather to exude confidence in yourself and demonstrate the qualities which Sun Tze recognized so long ago. It is not enough to be proficient in one aspect of leadership while ignoring other elements that are involved in being a leader. The ability to lead - that is getting others to follow you - comes from a careful balance of all the essential qualities of leadership. There are plenty of people who are very intelligent, and an equal number who are confident and courageous, but only a very few who can temper their courage and intelligence with trustworthiness and compassion. These are people who don’t just dictate, but lead.

As stated before, being a leader means that others have a desire to follow you in the things that you do. In the words of Confucius “there is a good leader when those who are near are made happy, and when those who are far are attracted.” As you develop your leadership skills, you may find that you are not the natural leader in all aspects of your life. Being a leader does not mean that you always have to lead, but that you have the ability to lead when necessary. In fact, one of the principle aspects of leadership and intelligence is a quality that lets you know when it is time to lead, and when it is time to follow.

Practice being a leader everyday. Learn and practice your Martial Arts techniques diligently so that you can demonstrate excellence, keep your word to your friends, family and fellow students. Show compassion for new students or others that might be having a harder time learning than you do. Give it your best shot to be the best. Be the first to raise your hand when your teacher asks for volunteers and always be eager to demonstrate for your Sensei when asked to do so. Practice diligently on a daily basis and you will soon find that others will try to emulate you, to be like you. When people want to copy you, to follow your lead, you have become a leader.

Students are encouraged to work on their leadership skills by enrolling in the Sempai Program. Sempai are members of the Black Belt Club who have reached the rank of Purple Belt or higher and want to learn how to help as assistants in class. Sempai must follow certain rules to maintain their status and receive a grade on every class that they help in.

After achieving Black Belt students may wish to enroll in our Teacher Certification Program. The first step is to be a graduate of the Sempai program. After that Shihan Mason will set up a schedule for apprentice instructors to build up their skills and experience. Seminars and Certification Clinics are offered throughout the year so that instructors can achieve ever higher levels of competence as teachers. Martial Arts training at UKC offers students of all ages opportunities to achieve, maintain and improve their skills as leaders through our leadership training programs.

A Purpose Within a Purpose Within a Purpose

Students and parents sometimes ask me how I feel about karate tournaments. They wonder whether or not it is necessary to compete to progress in karate. Let me offer some insight into the sport of Karate and how it relates to Martial Arts (MuDoKai).

Some students do well in tournaments and have fun, while others are less happy with their performance. Florida enjoys a very high standard in Martial Arts, and competitions often attract the best practitioners from the schools around the state. Not all events are well run and not all officials do a good job. Sometimes opponents are not well controlled. All of these possibilities lend an element of reality to tournament sparring in particular, that can make it more like a real fight than it is supposed to be.

In addition to the positive media attention that results from tournament success, the sport aspect of Martial Arts also serves to inspire some students in their training. Sometimes the goal of entering a competition in Forms or Sparring encourages a student to train harder and more frequently with the result that their practice improves. Motivation is a major factor in the training regimen of most students. If tournament performance inspires good training habits, it is obviously a plus.

While the UKC students, who choose to compete, generally do very well, the majority of those who train here never enter a tournament. Much of the training that we do for self-defense does not have a legal tournament application, being too dangerous to be permitted in a contest; and we are not specifically a tournament oriented school. Beyond the sport and self-defense applications of Martial Arts principles, the deeper purpose of the MuDoKai style is in training for personal growth and development. To quote from the Tao Te Ching (Lao Tzu), “He who overcomes others has force he who overcomes himself is strong.” The idea of learning to overcome, or be in control of oneself through Martial Arts training, provides a major reason for students to continue to practice, even beyond the Black Belt level.

When students first begin to practice MuDoKai, they learn strong physical techniques. By learning to control their own bodies they learn how to control the bodies of opponents. At the intermediate level, they learn to control their emotions, not by suppressing them, but by achieving balance. When you can control your own emotions, it becomes possible to control the emotions of an opponent. Moving to the Black Belt level, the students begin to understand how to control their minds. This leads to the possibility of controlling the mind of an opponent. When there is no opponent, this level of complete self-control has the effect of developing a confidence and inner strength that leads to a state called Wa-No-Michi or the Way of Harmony. This inner experience, which grows daily with practice, reflects the deeper purpose of Karate-do (the Way of the Empty Hand).

Sensei Brigida with some Trophies

A Winner Never Quits

Allowing children to quit before they reach their goals, is a course of action that some parents unfortunately take these days. It seems a convenient way out for those parents who do not want to struggle with the challenging behavior of a child who does not want to follow through on what they have started. Not all learning experiences in life are easy, and some children may rebel when they are required to confront what may seem to them to be a very challenging situation.

Unfortunately, what we teach children when we allow them to quit something that they have started, is that quitting is okay. We send a message that quitting is acceptable and that quitting is a viable option. This is not a good lesson for life.

In the movie Apollo 13 there is a scene where the Mission Control Coordinator has to figure out what to do in response to the Apollo capsule malfunctioning in a way that will prevent re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere. Unless the ground crew can accomplish what seem to be impossible tasks, and solve the problems that face them within a very limited time frame, all will be lost. What did the person in charge tell his anxious and flummoxed staff? To quote the movie, he said that “failure is not an option”. This man was not a quitter.

Many years ago a junior student had been given three red stripes on his belt and was ready to test. The child was given his paperwork stating this and then a very strange thing happened, he told his mother that he had lost interest and that he wanted to quit karate. He was actually just scared to take the test. His mother let him quit. At the same time another student had also been given his third stripe and was ready to test. He also wanted to quit but his mother insisted that he finish what he started and even paid for a set of lessons that would take him through the testing date (his membership had expired one month before the date set for graduation) so that she could support his following through to his goal, achieving the belt that he was ready to test for.

The different between these two similar situations is crucial to the development of each child’s character. In the first instance the mother allowed her child to quit before he completed the process of graduating to the next belt, thereby ensuring that quitting became an established habit. He subsequently carried this habit into his teenage years when he also quit high school despite being a gifted student.

In the second instance, the mother used her parental influence to insist that her child complete what he started, so that child not only took his belt test and passed it, but went on to achieve Black Belt, having faced the challenge before him with appropriate parental support and guidance and succeeded despite his performance anxiety.

Not everyone will necessarily train in karate throughout their life, though some students will. Most students however can achieve the goal of Black Belt. We are a Black Belt school. Aim for your goals and practice hard to realize them and you will succeed. Just because you are afraid of having to perform, or otherwise feeling foolish or humiliated is no reason to give up. You can succeed with a winning attitude, and your Sensei will help you gain that attitude with the assistance of your parents bringing to your classes.

Once more around the sun

In February Shihan Mason celebrated 28 years of continuously teaching Martial Arts in Plantation. Among the four students who participated in that initial lesson was Sensei Tom Clark who went on to achieve Nidan, 2nd degree Black Belt.

On Becoming a Master

“Everything that has been achieved is merely a preliminary exercise for the achievements to come, and no one-not even one who has reached perfection-can say he has reached the end.” This quote from Eugene Herrigel touches on an important theme for martial arts students. The experience of perfection, or completeness in martial arts, often only occurs after many years of practice and thousands of repetitious movements. Sometimes, however, it can be experienced by a complete beginner. Herrigel wrote “Zen in the Art of Archery,” and years ago I remember taking a girlfriend to practice archery with me. I showed her how to draw the bow and loose the arrow. Her first shot went straight to the center of the target, the gold. I was thrilled, as she was, at the experience of everything going “just right.” The moment was complete, perfect. Of course, this joy of the novice at a flash of perfection, while wonderful, does not mean that mastery has been achieved. Mastery requires consistent high level performance over time.

Repetition often leads students to feel bored. Getting just as excited about a punch or kick on the twentieth repetition, as you were on the first attempt is often difficult. Repeating the move for the five hundredth time is often a rote performance, containing little of the zest, intensity and quality necessary to achieve perfection. Yet, only after many thousands of such excellent repetitions can the move become so smooth, relaxed, reflexive and energized that it feels perfect.

Within the Mu-do-kai curriculum, I have done my best to disguise the repetitions. I have placed the fundamental exercises into different contexts at each belt level, in order that the students may see them with fresh eyes. I understand that new gold belts usually think that when they can roughly get through Pinan Nidan, that they “know” the Kata. These students find it incomprehensible that a Black Belt student, having been many times a champion, is performing the same Kata now, as he attempts to win his next title, as he was when he won his first. What is more, he is getting the most out of it now, and performing at the highest level. For Black Belts, this is the way to mastery, not just of karate, but of themselves.

Remember, knowledge is the result of combining the correct information, with correct practice, over time. A while ago I read Chuck Norris’ book The Secret Power Within. I have met Chuck on several occasions and found him very likable. He did not seem particularly scholarly, although I have always been impressed with his achievements as a martial artist. The book is excellent and probably much easier reading than most of my newsletter articles. I recommend it to all students and parents as a work of quality from a contemporary American Karate Master. Sometimes just a glimpse of perfection can be sufficient inspiration for us to pursue knowledge. Chuck’s book provides “Zen solutions for real problems” in a very “reader- friendly” way.

Six Steps for Successful Belt Exams

When you are striving for your next belt, or training for an advanced Black Belt exam, the preparation can be nerve-racking, but with some simple steps, you can prepare yourself for a successful graduation. Every class that you attend offers you an opportunity to improve. You will always need to work on your general ability in terms of fitness, agility, balance, flexibility and coordination. Additionally you will always be paying close attention to your skills in the particular areas addressed by the curriculum for your rank.

1. Basics and Combinations – Make sure you have practiced and that you know your basics. You should also rehearse your combinations until you can do them repeatedly without missing a step.

2. Attitude – Realize the value of a positive attitude. You must always strive to impress your Sensei with your winning and positive attitude.

3. Kata – Practice your kata, and take time to perfect each move, within the context of each combination of moves. Visualize the whole routine.

4. Self Defense – Again, during routine practice, you should practice your moves and make sure that you understand them. Stay on task in class and be sure that you are are doing all of your pairs techniques properly. Ask the Sensei if you have any questions so that you can be sure you are practicing correctly.

5. Energy Level – Make sure you are well rested and have had a high-energy, healthy snack (fruit, granola bar, etc.) before going to the Dojo. Keeping your energy level high will ensure that you perform to your highest potential.

6. Focus – Focus is extremely important. As all Martial Arts experts know, the body cannot work alone. To maintain focus means keeping your mind sharp and concentrating on the task at hand.

“Fortune favors the prepared mind”, so prepare yourself using these steps before your graduation, and keep them in mind while you are in the learning process. This will make your journey to Martial Arts Excellence a consistently rewarding experience.

Developing a Winning Mind-Set

When we are learning anything it is fundamentally important to develop a winning mind-set. While it is often assumed that “superior ability” is a key to success, over thirty years of research has indicated that an overemphasis on “talent” or “intellect”, along with the implication that these are fixed, innate traits, leave students feeling fearful of challenges, vulnerable to failure and unmotivated to learn. All of the research indicates that our abilities are not fixed and can be developed and improved upon throughout our lives. Even geniuses and the most talented people have to work hard and persevere to accomplish their goals. What we endeavor to teach students at the Dojo, is the “growth mind-set” that asserts that abilities are developed, intelligence is malleable and that, with persistent hard work, skills will improve and problems can be solved. In short, students of Mudokai learn how to learn, and develop the learning skills that will enable them to use this mind-set to utilize hard work and their love of learning to work towards success in all of their endeavors.

When people have a “fixed mind-set”, they get upset every time that they make an error. They “feel dumb” perhaps because they could not perform the move the Sensei showed them. This attitude leads to a lowering of self-esteem and will likely be reflected in their job, at home, or at school in the case of young students. One of the benefits of training in Mudokai is that we can address this issue directly. All students are encouraged to see the acquisition of skills and techniques as something everyone can learn. Our curriculum is designed so that all new beginners will be able to learn the blocks strikes and kicks through the process of instruction, practice, correction and improved practice. As students achieve higher ranks and learn more advanced skills they realize more and more that, just as they can improve their balance, flexibility, strength, agility and fitness through persistent effort, that same effort applied to their job or their schoolwork will allow them to improve their skills in those areas. A major consequence of the development of a “growth mind-set” is improved confidence. When we realize that we can learn anything we set our mind to, and achieve results by virtue of hard work and effort, we see any errors we make as useful feedback that will allow us to hone our skills. We see the development of new skills as a challenge, to meet with energy and enthusiasm. Because Mudokai training is so technically specific, the Sensei can offer praise for the students accomplishments at every stage of the development of each new skill. By focusing students on the actions that lead to success we can foster motivation and confidence.

One of the challenges that we face as we grow older is the maintenance of our “growth mind-set”. Sometimes a major setback in any area of our life can lead us to become discouraged and depressed. It is not hard to notice when this has happened to a person because they will demonstrate the symptoms of the “fixed mind-set”. They will ruminate about failures and denigrate their skills with statements like “I’ve never had good balance” or “I can’t do this, I give up”. To meet this challenge the Sensei will address the mind-set by breaking down a technique into the steps that will lead to success, while reassuring the student that struggling with the challenges posed by learning a new skill are an important part of the fun we can have as we practice that skill. Learning stimulates neural connectivity in the brain at all ages.

Funkicks Kickboxing

One of the best personal choices I've ever made was joining the Funkicks class at University Karate Center. Being 50 lbs overweight, I was concerned about heart disease and the potential for diabetes. Beginning a healthy diet was one component in reaching my fitness goal. The second was finding a good cardio/fat burning workout. My friend Sensei Stan Meyer recommended UKC's Funkicks.

Martial arts have always interested me, and the class description seemed like what I was looking for. It took about a month before I actually overcame my personal shyness/intimidation and came in to take the first class. Being so overweight, I feared not being able to keep up, and was embarrassed about the way I looked in workout clothes.

Everyone at the school and in class made me feel welcome. I've come to realize that the respect for others that is so basic to the Karate training in the school carries over into the non-karate classes as well. The trainers patiently helped me with the hand wraps for the weeks it took me to get them straight. Then in class, the trainers explained the moves, helping me to modify each element to my ability and training level. Even though I was careful not to overdo it, at the end of the first few classes, I actually felt nausea. This is apparently not uncommon for beginners. That went away within a few classes as I found my balance point for exertion.

After the first few weeks, classes seemed to get a little easier, I could keep up and was learning the moves: proper form for punches and kicks. The instructors continued to be encouraging while making sure I did things properly to avoid injury.

After a few months, weight was dropping, stamina was improving, breathing was easier. I had better balance; was developing self-confidence. The circuit training portion of the class was making me stronger and toning muscles (which contribute to improved appearance -- a very thin person would also benefit from this as it adds muscle). People started commenting on my improved appearance, but the way I felt, the extra energy I have after a class and all the time, are at least as important as appearance. The trainers vary the workouts to keep them challenging and fun, keeping the workout at optimal levels for even advanced students.

Finally, the core training segment of class has helped trim my midsection/hips/butt. After slightly more than a year of training, with only a few pounds to go to reach my goal, I can wear clothes in sizes I wore 20 years ago -- even though I weigh more than I did then.

Fitness is a wonderful natural high. Much of the time I feel like I'm walking on air. I recommend the Funkicks class to anyone. For those of us with limited time, each hour-long class provides the best possible balance of cardio, circuit-training (simulates actual boxing with targets-promotes strength), and core workout available.

Sensei Rodrigo Navarrete, 5th Dan, leads the Funkicks Team in an intense workout.

Sensei Carmine Downey Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Neal Fleisig receives his advanced Black Belt Diploma (Nidan) from Shihan Mason

Sensei Neal Fleisig: Supporting the Dojo

In 1982 when the University Karate Center moved into its first permanent studio space Sensei Neal Fleisig had already been training with Shihan Mason for two years. Having trained in Japan and received his Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate prior to beginning to train with Shihan Mason, he was on hand to help out with teaching classes as soon as the school opened. Shihan Mason was teaching a full schedule of private lessons at the time, which meant that he was frequently out of the Dojo. Sensei Fleisig, who is also a Psychologist, was able to step in and teach classes at a critical phase of the Dojo’s development.

Sensei Fleisig is a “Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He is also trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy and biofeedback techniques and has worked as a clinical therapist. Mr. Fleisig serves as a consultant to hospitals, schools, and community based facilities that work with individuals who exhibit severe aggressive and self-injurious behavior.”

In addition to his training in Shorin Ryu and MuDoKai Mr. Fleisig is an accomplished student of Tai Chi Chuan, and taught this class at the Dojo for several years. “These combined experiences have provided Mr. Fleisig with a unique blend of highly refined skills in body mechanics and movement. In addition, his training has resulted in a heightened sensitivity to issues that emerge when one individual physically intervenes with another.”

One of the hallmarks of Professional Crisis Management is that it “does not involve the use of pain to control or de-escalate aggressive behavior. All of the procedures in the system have been carefully developed and selected so as to avoid joint manipulation or awkward positioning. Professional Crisis Management procedures are eloquent in terms of body mechanics and are all physically "painless." Nevertheless, the procedures are powerful and effective and sufficient to contain and control even the most dangerous behaviors.” For additional information visit www.pcma.com. Shihan Mason wishes to thank the Professional Crisis Management Association for their contribution to this article.

Sensei Carmine Downey: Supporting the Dojo

Sensei Carmine Downey, 5th Dan in MuDoKai Martial Arts, trains field agents in self-defense for a major government agency. He began training with Shihan Mason as a teenager prior to serving as a Green Beret. In a recent e-mail to UKC, Sensei Downey outlined the limited training opportunities available to his family in Kentucky where he is now based. He noted that “the more I see the poor quality of programs, the more I appreciate the high quality of UKC. Either the instructors here are sub par to our standards, or the good ones have a very limited, or no children’s program, and are struggling, teaching in a gym, someone else’s school or just a poorly equipped facility. The irony is the locations that are booming here are of course the TKD which often have amazing facilities, or the two MMA/BJJ/Muay Thai gyms that have fight teams (with very qualified instructors I must say) but not what I want in a “family facility”. Ironically there is only one Judo school, which does have several top flight instructors, but is more a club with limited hours. “

“Keep doing what you are doing, and “stay the course” as the school is a great asset to the community and the next generation, both as martial artists and as people.“ Thank you Mr. Downey.

Building Student's Confidence and Competence

I want to request that parents to cooperate with me in giving our students the space that they need to come to class and train. I know that parents are sometimes anxious about the progress of their children and believe that “being there for the kids” means physically accompanying the child as they enter the academy, helping them with their attendance cards, taking them to their Dojo and even putting away their shoes.

At the karate school we teach children self-discipline, self-confidence and self-esteem as part of our program of personal growth and development by letting students learn how to do these tasks themselves. The Junior level is distinguished from the Dragons and Tigers by the degree of independence that we expect from the children.

For example, in the half-hour Little Dragons class the staff fills out the attendance card for the child and the parents are allowed to bring the child into the facility and to shepherd the child to and from the classroom, helping the child put away shoes if necessary.

In the forty-five minute Junior class the child is expected to be capable of doing these basic tasks, or of learning to do them, on their own. As parents and educators it is important that we all work together towards a common goal: providing opportunities for the children in our care to learn how to be self-sufficient.

Abraham Lincoln was once quoted as saying that “we don’t help others when we do for them what they could and should do for themselves.” At times people are confused about how children learn competence and confidence and how this relates to self-esteem.

Nathanial Brandon, who is the author of several groundbreaking books on self-esteem, is very precise when he defines what contributes to building this attribute in children. He believes that the two most important components of self-esteem are self-respect and competence. When a child is shown respect by the adults in their environment, they learn to respect themselves. When children are allowed to learn how to take care of themselves, they learn competence. In order to learn competence a child needs to be able to make mistakes, to try something and fail, and to be permitted to struggle with difficult tasks on their own terms, without being rescued prematurely by a well-meaning parent, adult or older sibling. We can not learn for them. They must learn for themselves.

Children can pick up on adults’ anxiety and learn to fear “failure”. Their natural ability to learn, which is fostered in a relaxed environment where trial and error is nurtured and encouraged, is shut down under the well-meaning guise of parental protection and involvement. Self-esteem is based on, and built through, learning how to be competent in life skills, according to Dr. Martin Seligman, a leading pioneer in the field of competence and depression. He says that we teach our children to be helpless when we prevent them from learning life skills, whether technical, emotional, financial, physical or intellectual in nature, for themselves. As parents we can give our kids opportunities by placing them in structured learning situations (with appropriate supervision) and supporting them in their efforts to learn, by letting them go through the process on their own.

Seligman’s book “Learned Optimism” explores this topic in detail, with research and empirical data compiled through years of observing the American process of child rearing. As adults we need to make the proffering of “rewards” (praise is a reward) contingent upon the delivery of reasonable, correct behavior from the child. Self-esteem is best developed when the child actually learns how to do something correctly, and that happens only through the process of trial and error on the part of the child.

I encourage you to view our classes at any time through the windows. Many parents bring chairs to sit and watch their children train. Since the repair work is now finished on the roof of our neighboring building, the wood partition has been removed and we can once again enjoy the bright outlook, as well as use the parking lot to the rear of the center if we wish. This is a big improvement as I personally found the wood partition rather oppressive.

If you have a question for the staff or instructors or need to schedule an appointment or purchase an item, of course, you are welcome to come inside for those purposes. If you are concerned about knowing what your child is learning, you may choose to purchase a DVD of the belt material your child is studying for home viewing and practice, or you may decide to take class yourself as many parents do. Additionally, by bringing your child only a few minutes before the class time, and picking them up promptly after class, you can help us to maintain good order in the Dojo.

Moving forward towards 2008 I anticipate renewed growth in our program. We can once again commune with our neighbors at “Kiddie Ridge Academy” and enroll their students into our classes. The gym is scheduled to re-open in January. Big Lots will also be returning so that we will have more traffic past the Dojo. Meanwhile, I welcome any efforts that can be made by our current body of students and their parents to bring us new members. Since Sensei Smith moved to Naples I have been working with the young Sensei’s who have taken over her classes to help them develop their teaching skills and build on their experience so that they can lead our young members forward towards the goal of Black Belt and beyond. It is because I have the assistance of the senior Black Belts that we are able to offer over forty classes every week, seven days a week. Any students ranked Purple belt or higher who are members of our “Black Belt Club” may apply to be Sempai (class instructor assistants). Forms are available at the Front Desk. It is from this program that students can be selected for training as Instructors after achieving their Black Belts.

Shihan Robert H. Mason © November 2007

Julia is awarded her Blue Belt by Shihan Mason. Every rank requires students to achieve ever higher levels of self-control and mastery

Teaching Self Defense to adults is about building confidence

by developing competence

A winning entry by Cameron, Kyle and Trip Lindsey
Monica and Warren Fero also won t-shirts

Miss Susie rules Halloween ‘07

Finding Your Voice

The karate school participated in a self-defense course for the Girl Scout Jamboree in Hollywood recently. The classes for the girls included verbal defensive response skills as well as physical training. The girls were allowed to ask questions and many eagerly participated in the give and take of the sessions. Real-life examples of successful escape scenarios were used to illustrate the thesis that it is always better to resist capture no matter what. Part of what makes a predator back off and give up is when the proposed victim does not cooperate; but instead fights hard by yelling, punching, kicking. In one true incident that we related to the scouts the child who was abducted was only ten years old. She and her younger brother were forced into a car by the assailant; but she did not give up. She kicked, punched, scratched and yelled so loudly that the kidnapper let her and her brother out of his car after driving only one block as she was attracting so much attention. She told the police his car license plate number and he was arrested and prosecuted.

It was interesting to observe the differences in how the girl scouts responded to the drills in which they were instructed to participate. In the martial arts it is very important to exhale forcefully when executing a technique and to kiai (yell) when instructed to do so. Some of the girls had no problem with this; yet others were shy, and when asked to kiai were actually unable to utter a single sound, in spite of repeated attempts to encourage them. Even being in a room full of other girls who were yelling loudly did not incite them to make a noise or to breathe out. Consequently, in a real-life situation they might prove to be under-rehearsed and less likely to succeed in their defense. In Martial arts training it is crucial to teach students how to breathe properly and also how to find their voice. We practice similar drills in the Dojo at all levels of training and it is essential that students comprehend the importance of this practice.

While visiting the world-famous Hippocrates Health Institute recently in West Palm Beach I listened to a short talk by its Director Brian Clements, who has studied health and diet and exercise for over forty years. His speech was interesting and informative; it was surprising to hear him say that the most important element in recovery from an illness is the patient’s belief that they deserve to get well. Similarly, a young person’s belief that they deserve to be safe and strong is important in defending themselves in a close encounter with a potential assailant. “I am safe; I am strong” was imprinted on the front of the special tee shirts that Girl Scouts wore at the Jamboree and it makes a good motto for our young students too.

Martial Arts training gives students the idea that they can and should defend themselves, and provides a practical means for doing just that. They learn that they can feel safe as a result of the skills that they practice regularly in class and that they can be strong because of a training regimen that builds muscular, emotional and mental strength.

Shihan Robert H. Mason © October 2007

Shihan Mason and Sensei Shannon Harper taught a class for Girl Scouts at the Dojo in 2005

Dominance and Martial Arts Philosophy

Dominance, and issues relating to it, are a feature of life for humans and animals alike. Wolves fight to establish or maintain a dominance hierarchy, siblings fight over who gets to hold the TV remote control and spouses fight over who gets to spend the money on a new motor cycle, or a new high fashion outfit. Who is dominant is an issue for life. The struggle for dominance can be seen at the beginning of most of the Junior classes, when, following the warm-ups, we see the competition over who should stand where in the line; in spite of the fact that the students’ belts and stripes largely define the order. Everyone gets to take class, no matter where they stand in line. It’s not an issue worth fighting over, and yet youngsters will contend for territorial dominance in this instance.

Who is the boss? Who is in charge? This is often how we perceive who has the power in a situation. We don’t want to be bossed around. In a society where “the customer is always right” there is often the idea that the consumer of a product or service is “in charge.” In Martial Arts it does not work that way. The Sensei is in charge. He is dominant. The students, starting from the most senior among them, form a hierarchy beneath the Sensei, based upon their rank. Where that rank is equal, they are encouraged to be modest, humble and deferential towards each other. The real test of their ability to be respected as dominant, lies after all, in their ability to perform rather than push.

While Martial Arts teaches respect for everyone, it also teaches the importance of winning, of being dominant, where issues of real importance are concerned. Additionally, self mastery is held to be of more value than dominating others. Respect is a by-product of this dominance hierarchy. For example, if a lion cub does not respect a male lion, he may end up being hurt, or even killed. Similarly, if a person does not respect a judge in court, they may end up going to jail for their attitude of contempt. Judges rule in their courtroom.

We ask that all students develop a proper respect for the traditions of the Dojo, and remember that respect for property is a part of this. Training equipment, magazines, displays of photographs and even the paint on the walls are all part of the dojo, the place where we train. It is important that everyone who enters this special space shows the proper regard for both the space and each other. Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference in this respect.

Students bow to show respect for the Sensei and the Dojo. Dominance wins in a tournament. Respect for opponents makes competition possible

A New Start, A New Schedule

September is the start of the new school year, a time when parents and kids have to regroup to deal with busy schedules, changing schedules, and priorities. There is only so much time and energy in one 24 hour day so the question really becomes: what are the most important things that must be done each day. There are obvious choices such as school, homework, job, eating, sleeping and travel time; then there is what we do with the time that we have left, assuming that there is some leftover time. Often this is where things get tricky as this is the area that is not mandated and so this is the area of free choice, such as it is. This is where our values determine what choices we will make-an indication of what is truly important to us, where the rubber meets the road.

We all know of times both for ourselves and for others where we have heard someone, maybe ourselves say, gee I would really like to ________(fill in the blank), but I don’t have the time, money, energy, will power, whatever; however, as the saying goes, “where there is a will, there is a way.” The key issue is how determined is the person to reach that particular goal. Obesity is one of the biggest issues in America today. Diets abound, usually at least one a week that promises the impossible: lose weight while eating whatever you want, whenever you want. It can seem the same with martial arts: get your Black Belt in one year the quick and easy way. The truth is that to achieve Black Belt excellence takes time and hard work. It means making the difficult training a priority. It means working hard on a regular schedule to achieve a goal over several years, step by step. Rather than just wishful thinking, those on the path to Black Belt, and beyond, to self-mastery, are on track with real achievement. Before you can really know anything you must know yourself. Regular weekly practice of Mudokai Martial Arts is a path to this self-knowledge.

“Martial Arts and Courage”

Courage is largely a result of confidence. Becoming a Black Belt requires courage. There is no substitute for the confidence you gain from working out and training in martial arts everyday.

Be brave. You can develop courage if you acknowledge your fear and then press on with your purpose. Be bold and welcome challenges. It is said that “fortune favors the bold”. A failure to achieve a specific goal is only a defeat when we don’t learn from the experience.

There are no shortcuts to success in martial arts. Success in martial arts, as in life, comes only through hard work and dedication to achieving our goals. Worthwhile accomplishments in martial arts are difficult. It takes courage to avoid what may sometimes seem like a shortcut to success.

To be a good martial artist, you must be willing to give a 100% effort all of the time.

Welcome situations which provide opportunities to perform under pressure. Only under pressure can you really demonstrate courage. A true martial artist delivers when the pressure is on.

Remain calm in adverse or hostile circumstances, and your courage will grow. Courage and confidence will inspire you to a level of achievement you didn’t think possible as long as you stay calm.

Courage is a quality possessed by Black Belt martial artists. It’s the quality that drives us to give that something extra when it seems like we can’t give anymore. It allows us to perform at our best, even when, in our mind, only perfection will lead to success.

Courage is a measure of our heart, and inner strength. If we meet an opponent who may be bigger and stronger, our inner strength and our heart can combine as courage to give us the winning edge.

We do not need to be intimidated by the prospect of failure. Courage gives us the confidence to do what it takes to be a winner. When faced with difficult tasks in life, bring the power of a courageous attitude to bear and they will surely yield.

Courage is the quality that you can carry throughout your daily life that will give you the confidence to be compassionate towards others and at peace with yourself.

Sometimes our challenges involve “getting out of our own way”.

It can be a major challenge to find the courage to not fight against ourselves, and rather, focus our energy on meeting our challenges directly and coping with them confidently, assertively and compassionately.

What Does Martial Arts Teach?

One of the books I finished reading recently is “Infidel” by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Without going into a review I just want to use an example of the difference she noticed between the Somali culture she was raised in, with the Dutch culture she adopted as an adult. In Somalia children are taught to strike out when they feel threatened, rather than only to strike in defense when they are attacked first. In Dutch culture however, Somali children living as refugees had to learn to “talk things through” rather than hit. Working as a translator for the Dutch authorities, Ali was involved with many situations where Somali parents had to have these rules explained to them. They were told that if their child persisted with their aggressive behavior they would not be able to attend normal schools, but would be placed in a psychiatric facility to address their mental disorder. Ali goes on to point out that Dutch civilization is peaceful and productive, as a consequence of this national policy of “talking things through, rather than hitting.” Somalia, on the other hand, has been torn by civil war and a succession of brutal dictatorships. Like Ali I would advocate for any civilized community adopting a philosophy of peaceful persuasion, rather than violent confrontation.

In talking recently to parents of new students some issues have come to my attention. Many parents are initially fearful of enrolling their children into our program. Usually this is because they have never had any experience themselves of a karate school before. Sometimes it is because they have had a previously negative experience with another school. Some karate schools at the present time, and many in the past, were set up on a para-military basis, with the goal of teaching students "blood and guts" fighting skills. Since I began teaching in Plantation in 1980 my goal has always been to make personal growth the major focus of our program. This is based in my belief that if students acquire their martial skills within a context of healthy physical, emotional and psychological development, they will derive the greatest all-around benefit. In the last few years in particular, martial arts studios around the country have finally begun to adopt the language of approaching martial arts in this fashion; however, the University Karate Center remains, as far as I know, the long term pioneer in this method of teaching martial arts to students of all ages.

It is often a good idea for concerned parents to come and watch a class first to see how we train. I appreciate the efforts that all the students make to refer clients to the school, and would encourage you to tell your friends and acquaintances about our program. We anticipate that "the proof of the pudding is in the eating" and that by seeing what we are doing, and by experiencing our program first hand, they will be convinced of its merit.

All students, but kids in particular, can use their martial arts knowledge to resolve conflicts peacefully, by talking rather than resorting to violence. The training gives them the confidence to be able to speak with someone who may be threatening them physically, rather than cave in to a bully’s demands, or lash out in panic as an untrained individual might. Since they have developed their practiced skills, they can remain cool calm and confident, while opting for the civilized solution. Essentially, Mudokai Martial Arts teaches practical peace.

Martial Arts Motivation

Studying Martial Arts is one of the most challenging and rewarding pursuits that you will ever encounter. Martial Arts proficiency requires many hours of hard work spent practicing form and technique. However, as you progress through the ranks, you will achieve a satisfaction that makes all of your hard work and dedication worth while.

At times as we undertake tasks associated with our many pursuits we might begin to feel discouraged. We need to step back and assess our situations so that we can find something that will help us remain motivated and better able to reach the great peaks of success.

Here are some mental steps that you can take:

1. Maintain a Positive Outlook

A positive outlook can greatly increase motivation and will help you to stick with your endeavors to their completion. Instead of focusing on setbacks try to consider the many benefits that you will gain with a "can do" attitude.

2. Keep your "Eye on the Prize"

Few things inspire as much as really great reward. Set a realistic goal for yourself (such as your next belt level) and work toward that goal. If your goals are realistic and attainable within a reasonable amount of time, they will better help to motivate you than unrealistic or distant goals.

3. Look at the big picture

While you are working each day to learn a new set of movements or forms, remember that the martial arts is a system that cannot work without each of its component parts. Each time you learn something new, try to see how it fits into the big picture.

4. Keep things in perspective

Maintaining perspective will greatly assist you in all of your endeavors. A small set back is not the end of the world. Remember that you are only limited by your own perceptions of reality. Inch by inch, it’s a cinch but yard by yard it’s hard.

5. Stay self-disciplined

One great way to stay motivated is to attend class regularly and participate fully in class activities. This will lead to an increased rate of learning and give you the tools that you will need for Martial Arts success.

Staying motivated is one of the keys to success in the Martial Arts and in your life. If you approach each of life’s endeavors with a high level of motivation and commitment, you are sure to succeed.

Important things to remember!

Martial Artists master their anger. Even though it may seem that things outside of us make us angry, in truth, anger comes from the inside. Our own views and fears are the source, when something happens that confirms our fears, or creates new ones, we feel strong emotions. Accept anger as a natural part of yourself, then, confront and master it. Anger doesn’t accomplish anything! Find a more productive way to resolve a problem.

Martial Artists respect others as themselves. Most of us have been taught to treat other people with respect, but we must also recognize our own need for respect and care. Spend time with people who treat you and others with kindness and remember to treat yourself with respect. Hold yourself to high standards and accept your own uniqueness!

Beyond Survival: Doing the Right Thing

Gerald Coffey, a former P.O.W. in Vietnam, has written about his experiences as a captured pilot at the hands of his enemy. One minute he was one of America’s military elite, flying a volunteer mission at high altitudes in a distant war, and the next he was injured and struggling to stay afloat while fighting for his life under enemy fire in the choppy seas of Indo-China, an instant transition of the most dramatic kind, a change of circumstances that was abrupt, life-threatening and permanent. Coffey wrote that he did not remember releasing his parachute, inflating his life raft or removing his helmet, all necessary survival procedures that he performed automatically, though unconsciously, after his plane was hit and he plunged into the ocean below. Years of military training had prepared him for just such an emergency and he was able to respond appropriately.

When civilians consider a situation like Coffey’s we can understand and appreciate the value of a military regimen because its benefits are so clearly demonstrated by his experience; however, when discipline and routine are applied in sports or in school it becomes another matter for most of us. We question it, and discuss it, we challenge it, yet we often ask for it when our children and our institutions get out of control. On the one hand, we identify with the challenges of the 1960’s which developed civil disobedience almost into an art form. On the other hand, we recall the orderliness and outward security that obedience seemed to offer throughout the 1950’s. Two very different concepts embodied in one generation, the “baby boomers”, who were born after World War II. This generation’s impact has registered culturally and politically and is shaping contemporary philosophical attitudes. So, how should our children be raised? How can we do the right thing? Can we be disciplined while living free lives?

Martial Arts is both a discipline and an art form. It is martial, therefore it lends itself well to regimentation, as does the military. It is an art, and as such requires the students to explore the mental and emotional aspects of themselves. Karate Do, the way of the empty hand, balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain by engaging the rational and the intuitive aspects of the mind simultaneously. This is the function of regular training in basics, strategy, and kata, essentially simple actions, that are developed through repetition and practice, to crystallize into a profound understanding. It is this reconciliation of discipline and freedom, of structure and creativity, that allows for the development of a mature integration of being. This self-knowledge develops a touchstone within, a capacity to do the “right thing”, and also the wisdom to realize the discipline of freedom through practice.

Why are some kids so tired?

Years ago children were seen and not heard; bedtimes were set and honored; snacks were an occasional treat; mealtimes were regular; the family ate dinner together every night. Not so nowadays with parents’ busy schedules; unfortunately kids often lack the benefits of a regular schedule, especially with regard to bedtime. Here at the karate school we often observe kids with little energy in class. From our conversation with some of the children it seems that many are not getting enough sleep. While children are growing they need to get plenty of sleep. Small babies often sleep 20 hours a day, while toddlers will happily take a nap every afternoon in addition to 12 hours or more of sleep a night. Even after kids no longer need a nap, 12 hours a night is a good sleep schedule. Once children begin school there is a tendency for some children to stay up too late at night.

When I was growing up I went to bed at 7:00 pm every night and got up at 7:00 am in the morning until I was about eight years old. My bedtime was extended to 7:30 pm from age eight to ten and then extended again to 8:00 pm from age ten to twelve.

When I went away to boarding school, right before my twelfth birthday, I recall complaining in letters home to my parents that I was not getting enough sleep. Lights out was at 9:00 pm and we got up at 6:45 am, just nine and three quarter hours, rather than my usual eleven hours. Of course, I got used to the schedule which was extended again when I was about fourteen to lights out at 9:30 pm, which was my bedtime until I left school at age sixteen. This regimen allowed me to get through my growing years with plenty of sleep, and as a result plenty of energy for my daytime schedule.

From speaking to parents over the years I know that many children get up early for school and stay up late at night, often not getting to bed until after 10:00 pm, but having to get up at 6:00 am to get ready for school. This is why some kids are so tired. Some experts believe that hyperactivity in young children is related to them trying to stay awake; if they were not so hyper they would be sleeping. Ideas like “bedtime” and “lights-out”, and a recognition of the importance of sleep as an essential ingredient to good health, and a productive daytime schedule can contribute to the quality of the lives of children, allowing them to be fully awake during the day because they are getting enough sleep during the night.

“Be Still and Know”

As much as the movements involved in karate training are difficult at first, being still and not moving at all is sometimes even harder. When students line up to bow in at the beginning and end of class the command in Japanese is kiyotsuke, which is the military equivalent in English of “ATTENTION”. What this command requires is that students should stand up straight with their heels touching and their hands by their sides. Blinking and breathing should be the only movements discernable. While this exercise is very difficult, it is important that students should do their best to practice. Sitting in seiza (kneeling) also affords a similar opportunity to be still.

In music there are rests between notes and pauses between movements. In karate practice there are points of essential stillness within certain combinations and between techniques, that create the dynamic balance essential to the rhythm and timing involved. This is especially evident in kata practice, where a good rule of thumb is to pause for one second at the end of each combination, and for two seconds at each kiai. The more absolute the stillness at these times, the more effectively it sets off both the movements that preceded it, and those which come afterwards. Effectively, the message is, that in order to understand and benefit fully from movement, you must understand and comprehend the benefit of stillness.

In our everyday lives it is not just what we do that defines something of who we are, it is also a matter of what we do not do. Our search for self knowledge may be assisted by an awareness of how we do all of the activities that we are involved in on a day-to-day basis. This is the art of everyday life; a practice of being at one with ourselves in action. We can also benefit from investigating how we are when we do nothing; when there is no activity. How well can we be still and conscious and awake at the same time. Certainly in terms of a student’s progress in the Martial Arts, this is measured not only by their competence in action, but also by their competence at attaining and maintaining a state of stillness. I’m reminded of the motto of my Alma Mata, the University of Sussex in England, where I read (studied) Developmental Psychology; “Be Still and Know”. If you can practice enough to become truly still, the knowledge that arises from that stillness can be absolutely profound. As the poet and artist Genece wrote “Come to the place of stillness, a place of calm knowing, that carries you into the sanctuary.”

Fashionably Fit For Class

Many sports have a special uniform that is worn by their participants. In the martial arts it is called a “gi” and consists of a karate top and karate pants, tied with a belt. The uniforms worn in the different styles of the martial arts each have their own traditions of “style” and color. In Goju a black uniform is worn, in Kung Fu a sash is worn with a looser fitting garment and in Tai Chi the exponents often wear shoes with a pajama-style “outfit”. Here at the karate school the uniform worn is a plain white jacket (sometimes a “logo” v-neck top) with karate pants (draw string or elastic waist) and a belt that indicates the student’s rank. Black Belts are permitted to wear uniforms with their own selection of approved color and style.

In order to train properly it is important to have the pant leg hemmed just above the ankle. This insures the student’s safety, so that they do not trip over their feet, and also gives a better overall look to the student’s appearance. In Japan students often wear karate pants hemmed to the mid-calf to keep them completely clear of the ankles for kicking.

A clean, wrinkle-free uniform is considered essential by none other than Sensei George Sfetas, who was my teacher when I was at University. Mr. Sfetas was famous for ironing his own uniform, a heavyweight Tokaido, and also for turning students away from class if their uniform was unsuitable, wrinkled or dirty.

So be “fashionably fit” for class by planning ahead. A second uniform is always a good idea, (one for the wash and one ready for class). Also, always remember after class to hang up the uniform (rather than stuffing it in a bag for the next time).

Martial Arts came originally from the Military Arts, where a well turned out, clean, sharp and complete uniform is always considered essential. Looking good in every respect is all part of our Martial Arts form.

(L) Sensei George Sfetas sparring with Mr. Mason (R) in 1980 World Forms and Weapons Champion Sensei Jeff Liotta demonstrates stillness in action

Junior Black Belt Club Getting Conscious

F. M. Alexander was an out of work actor living in Australia in the 1900’s. He was out of work because he had lost his voice. Needless to say he was highly motivated to discover how this misfortune had befallen him and so he embarked upon a study of his habits by observing himself in the mirror as he rehearsed. One of the things that he noticed was that when he spoke normally nothing much happened; however, just before he began to rehearse he did three things; he tensed his neck causing his head to go back, he tightened his throat muscles, and he took a short deep breath. He called these observations “the manner of doing”; he then observed that he was doing these three things even when he was speaking normally, and that when he “tried harder” as an actor, they were simply exaggerated.

Athletes often have chronic physical problems because their actions, already out of balance due to the stresses and strains of modern living, set up ways of moving that cause excess tension and misalignment. Martial arts students often experience similar obstacles when they embark on a schedule of training. The patterns of misuse that were probably developed in childhood and already existed unbeknownst to them (perhaps a recurring backache, a trick knee, a sensitive shoulder) kick in, and their mental desire to train competes with their physical discomfort. The result is often inconsistent class attendance and less than satisfactory results.

When I taught the Junior Black Belt Class in April my theme was paying attention to how you do what you do in class, and also in life of course. The only training that really counts, that will lead to real progress, is the training that occurs when a student is aware of their internal state, and their external surroundings, while they are in action. How can we remember ourselves while we practice and perform? I recommend that students become more conscious, that they open up all of their senses. Begin by checking that you are breathing with your actions. Exhale as you extend and let the breath come back to fill your abdomen. Fix your gaze in the mirror if it is straight ahead, or on any point at eye level if there is no mirror.

Let your gaze be open to allow you to see all around using your peripheral vision. Be sure that your stance is relaxed but poised. Your back should be straight with the back of your neck extended, knees bent, your shoulders relaxed and your hands correctly positioned. Listen attentively to the Sensei in class. Outside of class be aware of all of the sounds going on around you. By tuning in to all of our senses we increase our awareness and become practiced at noticing what is going on. As a result we develop the awareness necessary for self-defense. Often it is by noticing that something is out of place or someone is acting strangely, that leads us to realize an attack is coming, before it actually occurs. Become physically, emotionally and psychologically poised. The way to achieve this state is to attend class regularly, be very awake and aware, and follow the directions of the Sensei.

How to Stay Motiva