THIS DATED 1/23/06
I am continually updating the invitation so I am just attaching this information
to the original. I am sure many more questions will come up. Keep in mind this
is for the newest Kohai to the oldest Sempai. Gary Alexander seems to have the
best list for those so I will ask him with a copy of this memo. Please just
forward this material to all.
A few thoughts.
First. the more people know who's coming the more will come. So I would
appreciate any exposure you feel you can give me, i.e. post to any group you
belong to telling them that you will be attending. There are some who would like
to meet you and yours and this is the thought behind this Kumite, that and
paying my respect to Henk, for whom without him I would not be writing this
letter.
Please remove the "cost" from your mind. The $5.00 fee is a
fail-safe thought made up by my parent´s organization so they can plan the meals
that will be served. There will be no hidden charges anywhere. What we need is a
guarantee of how many will attend SO I AM NOT EATING LEFT-OVERS FOR 6 MONTHS.
Sleeping bags will be necessary for all with the exception of small
children; we have a comfort zone for them plus a nice playroom which must be
overseen by the participating parents.
DIRECTIONS:
Just email me with your location and I will return to you directions and travel
time. I am also looking for motels in the area that are reasonable in the event
some would prefer that. If this is your case you should tell me so I can make
proper arrangements or give you direction.
On February 1, 2006 Henk will open the new web site,
www.shimabuku.com. A travel planner will be there, photos of dojo
accommodations, a really great thing for me and a personal debt that I owe to my
best friend that I will never be able to repay.
THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTLY NO SMOKING IN THE BUILDING AND IT MUST BE ACCEPTED THAT
THE DOJO AND CLASS ROOMS ARE PART OF A HIGH SECURITY AREA. ABSOLUTLY NO
EXPLORING WILL BE PERMITTED. THE RESPECT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT IN YOUR DOJO
APPLIES HERE. PEACE AND QUIET IS NECESSARY AND I WILL NEVER PERMIT ANY TYPE OF
PERSONALITY CLASHES.
This meet is what some will consider spontaneous and I hope that is
how it will be. No events are planned but I have a few ideas I would like to
sneak in. I have events that the children will enjoy and I expect to give all of
them something to take home. This is for the 3 to 5 year olds in so any excuses
for babysitting is out.
I would also entertain and certainly allow any demonstrations or any
ideas or information any Sensei wants to set forth, even breaking. We will also
have accommodations to show any movie, video, etc and I will make sure that any
material I have will be presented, except my xrated stash.
I, myself, will be available at all times. I will answer, demonstrate, explain
any questions you may have with the exception of any of the derogatory crap
flying around.
This dated January 19, 2006
Hi Sensei's
Wanted to make sure that you received this invitation and also would ask you to
spread the word to others if you have a mailing list or the like. My main reason
for this is because I have simply forgot or do not have the contact information
for senior Sensei that I should have remembered but to my shame, faces are easy,
names are hard. I have a selfish reason for asking for a response, that being
that quite honestly my time should be about running out and it would be a shame
not to at least be able to look a friend in the eye, shake his hand, and know
that I did not forget anyone.
Naturally this is a form letter, if that is what it is called, but the sincerity
is with each receiver, I would like you to take a day or two and just set back
and enjoy. I owe signed books to some and I might owe books to others whom I
have forgot, even though I have asked. This time I would complete all this.
Wayne, I still do not remember if you received my book.
I write about Henk Goslinga. He, for no material reason, has built a web site
that will, I am sure, become an encyclopedia for Isshinryu. At the same time it
should give my family the security that I never planned. He is the main reason
and excuse to have this party, yes party, but kumite means coming together and I
learnt this from Walt Dailey and his writings. Some of the info in my book is
from his mind and I am not sure he has been given proper credit.
I would like to bring Henk to any dojo during his time here so all you have to
do is ask.
This party is a dream come true for those who have any interest in martial arts.
Anything you want to know about karate since 1956 will be answered. All your
excuses for not attending are out the window. I'll provide a place to sleep, a
place to take care of your children and food.
Also on February 1, 2006, the site will be open. If you are not on the tree, no
matter the rank, all you have to do is follow the instructions under "Sensei"
and we will add you to the tree.
Keep in mind, Henk is coming from the Netherlands I will guarantee him a
welcoming he deserves. I hope all of you want to have a bit of fun, clear the
air and maybe learn something and also you will be given the chance to give
something back in return.
For those who have told me they cannot make it, that is OK, BUT it is too much
trouble to delete you from the mailing list. Live with it and hit the delete
button. Messages will be headed Henk's Party. As an important afterthought, my
personality and temper has offended many karateka and I would say this. If you
can sheath the sword, do so, and join us. I want nothing from you but good
information and friendship. This means the Taestano's and Sensei Advinculla and
members of his organization.
For further thought, Don Nagle's organization is attending and also Walt Dailey,
history in itself.
Additional information: 1/18/06 KUMITE PARTY FOR HENK
It is expected that the web site, www.shimabuku.com, will be up and running to
the public by February 1, 2006. There will be directions, a trip planner from
your location and also photos of our no cost accommodations for the night.
Remember that we are planning to have events up until around 2: PM Saturday. My
ego is allowing me to say that we have a unique program for children, ours start
at 3 years old and we keep their interest. I intend to have the students
demonstrate what they have learned. This might give an instructor some ideas
that might work and at the same time maybe I can learn more. God knows I need
it. That one hour costs me a week's adrenaline. Don't disappoint me, everyone is
welcome. By the way, my parent's organization is planning some good food and the
baby-sitting is covered.
Please spread the word to all not on this list. It is time the grief stops.
Everyone is welcome. Note that I need advance notice so I know how to plan.
Reread the following invitation very carefully. No one
is going home a loser.
KUMITE ACTUALLY IS PARTY TIME!
Kumite, according to my limited knowledge of the language of my Sensei actually
means "coming together", to meet, to have a meeting of the minds. In this case
this post is actually what I will be referring to, a meeting of the minds. Henk
Goslinga of the Netherlands, my friend and my web master will be the Guest of
Honor.
DATE:
Friday, February 24, 2006 and Saturday February 25, 2006. Our doors will open at
1:00PM Friday and close Saturday late but Henk must catch a plane at 5:30PM so
he will not be there after 2:00PM. His butt will be dragging but at least he
will be tired enough to sleep on the way home. The location and map is on the
web site but you can always just email me for info.
SYNOPSIS OF THE TWO DAYS:
Anything anyone wants to do, say, demonstrate, offer advice. Demonstrate Kata;
perform Kumite, absolutely anything pertaining to karate and martial arts. The
important thing is we meet, look in each others eyes and shake hands.
WHO'S WELCOME?
Anyone who has an interest in what we all are so anxious to understand.
EXCUSS:
No money needed, with the exception of $5.00 per head guarantee in order that we
may plan our two days. On February 1, 2006 Henk will open the web site and you
will see additional photos of our dojo area. We have a large, fully protected
day care center complete with baby sitters and a place for the children to nap,
thus you cannot say the kids held you up. We have a very study and training area
which will be used as a commissary and also a work-out area when not eating. We
also then have our main dojo. We have new, clean changing rooms and bathrooms.
ACCOMONDATIONS:
Bring a sleeping bag. The areas are carpeted, clean and either warm or cold and
motels are about ten miles away. There is a late Friday night watering hole for
those who want to live after lights out, as some have to sleep.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
We will be running a video to cover the events. This video will be available to
all at cost. We will be showing any movie, vhs, cd or any other way of
projecting information from any source who feels the need to offer their
information. I, myself, found some old movies of some good fights. We also will
be showing any and all information I have put together on the web site. We might
have Kata and Kumite competitions if we have enough participation. If this comes
to pass maybe we can dig up some trophies but that is not a promise. The least
that would be awarded would be the neck medals. This is not to be considered any
type of tournament, we want to have fun and I myself, want to again meet those
old farts who I have not seen in years. With this said I know that most know me
by name but that is because I mostly made all the noise. There are those great
friends who I do not remember their names but I never forget faces. I want you
there.
CLOSING AND A SPECIAL REQUEST:
I need a $5.00 per head sent to me at PO Box 149, Hershey, PA 17033 ASAP. This
can be in the form of check or cash because in the event I do not get a
reasonable response all money will be returned and Henk and I and those who want
to meet will do something else on a smaller playing field. This in no way will
cover the expense of this coming together but it will give me, rather my parents
organization, a guideline as to how many persons to prepare for. Our commissary
is really great. Remember, wives, husbands, mothers, girlfriends, and children;
all are welcome as well as students of all ages. My youngest is three and we
have events for them. Our daycare center is large enough to handle any who
attend. Little ones will not be allowed to go unattended into the meeting rooms,
remember I said unattended.
Finally: Cross post this if you would and also make sure those who know those
old timers who are not on any of the lists get this message. I really want to
see them.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Just do two things, if you are coming, send me a reply and finally, do not in
any way, not think you are welcome, no matter whom you are or whether we,
meaning me, have ever butted heads.
Harry G. Smith
Harry G. Smith
Shihan, Isshinryu Karate