Warrior's Spirit
Issue 1
October 1, 2006.
Official News letter of The World Multi Martial Arts Hall of Fame
twmmahof@...
http://www.freewebs.com/golden_fist_award/

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Do you have a talent for journalism? TWMMAHOF is accepting articles
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article to the email below along with a brief bio, your email and
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information. Only informational articles please.
twmmahof@...

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A Word From The Executive Council

Another successful induction and awards banquet held September 1-2,
2006 in Cleveland, Ohio. Over 30 new members were inducted into
TWMMAHOF in a weekend to mark history. Dr Ea Moore, founder and CEO
of the Hall of Fame presented the awards during the annual induction
ceremony and awards banquet. Inductees are as follows:
1.) Sensi Christa
Jacobson
2.) Roberta Patricia
Hughes
3.) Michael R Coulon
4.) Soke Ed Livingston
5.) Soke Guy Ga'son
6.) Master Jean LeGrand
7.) Soke Jimmy Steger
8.) Soke Christopher
Bashaw
9.) Shihan Rick Wilmott
10.) Professor Rick Greene
11.) Shihan David Herbert
12.) Dominick Brioche
13.) Professor Kevin
Conroy Sr
14.) Shihan Mark Lawrence
15.) Master Charles Banks
16.) Professor Vincent Lyn
17.) Shihan Solley Said
18.) Soke Gord Hessie
19.) Si-Fu Bruce Sebregts
20.) Tom Lopez
21.) Grandmaster John
Crudup
22.) Professor Michael
McGann
23.) Soke Allah Freedom
24.) Dr. Juan Otero
25.) Robert Williams
26.) James Edward Miller
27.) Grandmaster Paka Khan
28.) Fredrick Glenn
29.) Wanye Hall
30.) Professor Olen Lane
31.) Alex Carter
32.) Tony Mayo
33.) Grandmaster papasan
Jack Stern
34.) Brendan Stote
35.) Daniel Pelligrini
36.) Alda Anduze
37.) Dr Albert Best
38.)Charles BanksII
39.) Danielle J. Banks
40.) David Neithers


The Executive Council dedicated and held a memoriam conducted in
honor and special memory of Shuseki Shihan William Oliver, Professor
Richard A. Bell and Dr. Glenn Morris, all world renowned martial arts
legends, as well as past inductees during the awards banguet. The
evening ceremony was attended by family, friends, students and
inductees from around the globe.

On September 2 was also held the World Hall of Fame Tournament Finals
representing martial artists from around the world and from numerous
styles and arts.

Along with the council annual meeting, belt ranking tests and
promotions were held over the weekend. For pictures of the weekends
evnts go to http://www.freewebs.com/golden_fist_award .

Next years tournament and induction / awards ceremony was announce
that it will be held in Manchester, NH (USA) at the Radisson Hotel on
June 15-16, 2007. Don't forget to pre-register early for next years
events. Information can be found on our website at
http://www.freewebs.com/golden_fist_award/ for the tournament and
seminars as well as nomination information for future inductees.

If you know of those you feel are worthy of induction into the World
Multi Martial Arts Hall of Fame, the Grandfather to Martial Arts Hall
of Fames, just print off the nomination information and present them
with the paper work. Deadline to receive applications is 4/1/06. Not
sure who can be nominated, simply go on line and view the website. We
all have a special teacher or student that is worthy to nominate.
Don't waste any time; nominate them today!

This is our first e-newsletter. Feel free to share this and pass it
along. Any one can sign up to receive the news letter at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TWMMAHOF . The newsletter will go out
the first day of each month.

And anyone is encouraged to send in an article according to the
requirements by sending it to twmmahof@...


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It has been requested to share the memoriam service held at the 2006
Awards dinner.


Opening:

-With humility…
-With awareness of the existence of life…
-And of the sufferings that are going on around us, let us practice
the establishment of peace in our hearts and on Earth. -Thich Nhat
Hanh

-May this gathering inspire us to help all beings to create a spirit
of awakening and understanding, allowing each of us a life lived in
love, peace, and harmony.

-Tonight we intend to honor those who have passed from this physical
world into the great void of Heavenly existence. We honor them as
family, friend, teacher, spouse, pioneer, and legend.
-We honor their memory
-We honor their spirit
-We honor their legacy

Bring forth the essence of our departed brothers (memoriam alter &
photos of Bell, Oliver, and Morris brought in by bearers)

Light incense: Chris

- Every day is a new day and a new life. All things arise and
subside… Appear and disappear.
- This is a dynamic state, continuously changing…
- Nothing is permanent.
- Continuously becoming…
- Continuously becoming.
- We call this Life.

-Teachers, we honor you (Bow toward alter)


(Bowl of rice) Brought before the alter by a representative of TWMAHOF

-With honorable awareness we offer the gift of life. May each
precious grain come to nourish the body… the mind… and the Spirit…
Creating Oneness.

The relationship to a teacher, a mentor, displays no distance, be it
of time of geography. The teacher and his teachings are as close as
our own heart. The teacher is beyond near and far, for it is not only
the body and the personality one hope to learn from, but of his
essence and spirit as he carries himself though this life. The
teacher plants the seeds of knowledge and cultivates that knowledge
into wisdom. The teacher is a master gardener, and we are but
seedlings that emerge to hear the fruits of a bountiful harvest. To
be a leader carries awesome responsibility.

Tonight we honor three pioneers… three legends… three brothers who
have passed before us:

Shuseki Shihon William Oliver
Professor Richard A Bell
Dr. Glenn J Morris Soke

(Pause & Silence)


Oliver
Shuseki Shihan William Oliver, was born in 1952, and he departed from
this world in 2004.

Shihan Oliver, a man known for his outstanding talent and
accomplishments, respected not only in the world of Seido, but
respected throughout the globe itself. For his life is what legends
come out of.

Shuseki Shihen Oliver exuded talent and continues to be an
inspiration. Whether you knew him personally, or know him from the
stories of friends and students, there is little doubt that this man
changed the lives of thousands within the Martial Arts.

William Oliver was committed to teaching throughout the world,
including Australia, Asia, and the Caribbean. Subject of Martial Arts
magazines, television appearances on ABCs Wide World of Sports,
Nickelodeon, for some of his younger students, as well as a
documentary about the 1st World Kyokushin Championship, called "the
Fighting Kings".

Shihah Oliver, a 7th degree black belt, with over 30 years of
training, passed November 20, 2004 at his dojo.

The Martial Arts community has lost a true warrior. God bless his
family and his students.

Shuseki Shihen Oliver, you will remain in the hearts of many and may
your teachings continue to flourish…

Osa


Bell
Professor Richard A Bell came into this physical existence in 1943.
He founded Sansei Isshinryu Karate-Do in 1980. Professor Bell was
chief instructor of Sansei Isshinryu Karate, until his untimely
passing, from this reality into the next, in 2005.

During his chosen path into Budo Professor Bell studied many martial
systems and styles. These included: Jutitsu, Judo, Shorin-ryu, Wado-
ryu, Uechi-Ryu, Goju, Shotakan, Okinawan Isshunryu, USA Goju, Aikido,
Okenawan Kenpo, Nisei Goju, Kendo and Tai Chi Chuan.

In 1967 Professor Bell began teaching Martial Arts, over the years he
was entrusted the following titles and earned the following ranks:

Phd/MA, Soke, Professor, Hanshi, Shihan, 10th dan, Sansei, Isshinryu,
8th dan, Nisei Goju, 6th dan Lee Jititsa-ryu, 5th Dan Okanawan
Isshinryu, Intermediate Level Taoist Tai Chi Chuan, 6th Kyu Kendo and
4th Kyu USA Goju.

The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inducted Richard A. Bell in 1994
for his dedicated service as a deputy United States Marshal.

Sansei Isshinryu Karate Do and the World Wide Martial Arts community
will feel the loss of this great man, but his life and the system he
has left behind will remain forever in the hearts of his students and
in the support of the Martial Arts community.

Professor Richard A. Bell, on behalf of Sansei Isshin Ryu Karate and
the World Martial Arts community we pay tribute to you services, your
memory and your teachings.

Osa


Morris
Dr. Glenn J. Morris, Soke, chose this life in 1944, and passed into
the next April 1, 2006.

Soke Glenn Morris left the Hoshin Roshin Ryu Ju Tai Jutsu system as
his legacy to the world. Dr. Glenn Morris displayed the mind of a
scholar, the spirit of an artist, the heart of a warrior, and the wit
of a master.

Dr. Morris trained in the Martial Arts for over 50 years studying:
Jujitsu, Judo, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Karate, Boxing, and Wrestling. In
1965 he earned his 1st black belt in the art of Jujitsu while serving
in the United States Army.

As a Martial Arts teacher he began by instructing in Germany to the
third MED and later at Penn State University. Hoshin began in 1980 at
Hillsdale College, Michigan, and a few years later, Dr. Morris began
attending Ninjitsu seminars with Stephen Hayes. This exposure of
Ninjitsu led to further training under Hatsumi-Soke, who, in time,
promoted Glenn to Kudan, or 9th degree black belt, in the year 2000,
and post humously awarded Dr Morris his 10th dan. Additional Martial
Arts accolades include: Grand Master of the Millennium, induction to
the WHFSC Hall of Fame, and member world head of family Sokeship
council.

Not only a pioneer in the Martial Arts, Soke Morris was a committed
man of Academia; possessing a PhD from Wayne State University and A
Sci D from Eurotechnical Research University.

Those that knew Dr. Morris, this time around, speak fondly of him, as
a committed and dedicated teacher, friend, Martial Arts Master
extraordinaire, storyteller, and a man with a smile, kind heart and
quick wit.

The art of Hoshin Roshi Ryu Ju Tai Jutsu has come from the college
campus, traveled throughout the North American continent, and is now
spreading into the Martial Arts community of Europe. Through the
dedication and initiative of Dr. Morris, and the follow through of
his senior disciples, under leadership of Gordon Hesse, inheritor of
the Hoshin system; the legacy and dream of Dr. Glenn J. Morris, Soke,
his life works and personality will forever stay in the hearts of
those he has touched and those he still has yet to touch.

Dr. Morris, knowing your art, knowing your teachings, it would not
surprise me to hear your students say, that you are here tonight.

Sir, we honor you and your legacy.

Honsha Za Shonen

Osa

Offering of flowers (by a child or children)

-There is a beauty in all things: birth, life, death, and rebirth.

- May all beings be free from enmity
- May all beings be free from ill treatment
- May all beings be free from troubles
- May all beings be free from suffering
- May all beings be protect their own happiness
- May all beings be happy
- May the infinite Light of Wisdom and Compassion so shine within,
that the errors and vanities of the self be dispelled, so we shall
understand the changing nature of existence and awaken into Spiritual
Peace.

On this day, September 2, 2006, before the World Martial Arts
community, we honor and pay tribute to their memory:

Shuseki Shihan William Oliver
Professor Richard A. Bell
Dr. Glenn J. Morris, Soke


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De-mystifying Pressure Points

As I go around the world teaching the arts of Kyusho-jitsu or Dim
Mak, I am often faced with many people who at first do not believe in
these arts. Many of them are swayed away by the "new age mumbo
jumbo". It is only after I explain to them the scientific or medical
reasons why they work that they start to come around. Many like to
create an air of mystique around this "secret" techniques and this is
where we are losing them.

The body is a fine make up of neurological pathways, which are
constantly flowing with electrical energy. Pressure points, which
many lay on nerve pathways, are like circuit switches. If one of
these switches is properly tripped, that nerve pathway is affected,
much like a circuit breaker in your house being tripped. When several
of these switches are tripped in the correct fashion it is just like
if you were to throw a metal wrench into your breaker box of your
house. Everything shuts down.

There are six types of nerves described in Geyton's Book of
Medical Physiology. We utilize three in the art of Kyusho. Nerves
respond to a touch, hit or rub. This is explained in medical texts
and I even heard a doctor comment on this on Good Morning America.
Nerves points cause pain, control a joint and can affect an internal
organ. The places where nerves are most vulnerable are where the
major nerve comes to a head, where two cross or where a nerve forms
a "Y". If we look at an anatomy chart of the nervous system you will
see numerous "Y" formations.

When I teach seminars I try to use both the Traditional Chinese
Medicine and the Western Medicine terms for each point. This also
helps to establish a connection between these two modalities.

When we teach these arts are seminars we will reach the masses
faster and more effectively if we take out all the "secrets"
and "hidden" mysteries. It simply demonstrates that all the
information is out there, just simply put in a different manner.


About the author: Matt Brown is an 8th Degree Black Belt Grandmaster
under world -renowned Kyusho jitsu expert Grandmaster George Dillman.
Brown has been studying martial arts for over 30 years. He also holds
ranks in many other styles. He is a Black Belt Hall of Fame Member
and State Director for several martial arts organizations. He is also
a certified Medical Qi Gong and Tui Na Therapist and is knowledgeable
in Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities. PSKarate@...
www.penacookschoolkarate.com.

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Evolution of Karate Kata and Bunkai
By Stephen Irwin

"Release the grip by striking here, weaken your opponent's balance
with a leg trap then apply your response to subdue him appropriately."
It could be a half dozen movements with blending, turning and
fluidity. Part of the sequence might include an outside to inside
movement of the arm co-ordinated with rooting of the feet and a
vibration of energy from the ground up through the hips, waist and
spine. To perform the arm lock you need to disrupt his internal
posture with a vital point strike using the other hand and finally
you execute the throw or tie-up and if necessary strike to further
vital points to disable your attacker.
It's a possible kata sequence. But try teaching that to sixty people
in one go. You don't have time to show them the subtleties; besides,
the training methods to learn the technique are quaint and old
fashioned (sparring's better than push hands and more suited to
physical education).
The sequence has to be broken down and movements are made bigger so
the people at the back of the dojo can see. Over time it becomes step
forward in front stance with a "preparation move", inner block,
reverse punch. Ichi ni san. Stand in line and we can all drill it
together. Let's do it faster and with more power because you need to
get fit. And it's good for your spirit, it's the Budo way.
The soft flowing kata changes because the basic techniques have been
broken down too far into start-stop jerky movements with too much
strength and tension. The kata loses its essence. A whole bunch of
new techniques called kicks, blocks and punches are created out of
the modified form. They are vaguely similar to some of the original
movements, but somehow they are not right. The old-school teachers
wouldn't recognize them.
The applications become strong blocks and counters to big, long range
attacks. We could have a competition to see who's the strongest. It
will encourage the students to work harder and make the dojo look
good.
Years later more open-minded people ask awkward questions. They know
the explanation of the technique doesn't work on the streets so they
come up with alternative meanings that fit their own cultural needs
of the day. They have experience of different self defense
requirements and are well-educated thanks to the wider availability
of information. They come up with better applications that work
against more realistic attacks they might have faced in the local bar.
The new ways of interpreting movements are reverse engineered into
the kata to help make sense of it all.
After some time their bunkai and applications become more refined and
they start to rediscover the original inner teachings of the form.
They learn that some teachers didn't modify the techniques so the
essence of the form remained intact. They are able to go out and find
the missing links. The kata comes alive. They discover internal
training methods required to learn the principles within the form.
Now the bunkai changes as the kata becomes softer, more fluid. The
block-punch combination becomes "Release the grip by striking here,
weaken your opponent's balance with a leg trap then apply your
response to subdue him appropriately."
It's called progress don't you know!
Stephen Irwin
http://www.thekatabook.com
Improve Your Karate, Sharpen Your Skills and Increase Confidence
Through Mastery of the Inner Game
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Irwin

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Bullies
by Rexanne Mancini
Bullies are an ugly but very real part of childhood. There's not much
we can do to protect our children from these cruel and brutal kids
except teach them how to defend themselves from an otherwise
unprovoked attack of the bullying kind.
Bullies are kids who have tremendous low self-esteem. They feel
better about themselves by tormenting another, usually smaller or
weaker child. If a bully decides to pick on someone that is not
smaller in size but otherwise imagined as weak, they will usually
have a gang around to further ensure the unfairness of the battle.
They do not fight fair, nor do they understand compassion, dignity or
basic integrity. Gee, wonder where they learned these lovely
qualities?
A larger, stronger individual has most likely bullied a child who
feels the need to bully another smaller or weaker child. Parents or
caretakers who regularly torment or abuse their children are teaching
these children to torment and abuse others who are not able to stand
up to their size, strength or perceived power. These parents or
caretakers are bullies themselves. Adult bullies are spouse beaters,
verbal abusers, child abusers and the type of person we see
personified in fiction as the menace to weaker, gentler people
everywhere. They are the ones we love to hate in movies and books.
Sadly, they are merely carrying on the tradition of their
upbringing.
All we can do is teach our children to stand up for themselves in
this situation ... to avoid kids who have nothing better to do than
torture other children and how to defend themselves if they ever do
become the target of a bully.
We do not regularly teach our children to kick someone's teeth down
their throat or fill their ears with a vicious verbal attack but I do
believe that, under extenuating circumstances, children should be
taught to fight back, to do whatever it takes to stop their attacker.
Children might ignore a name caller or walk away from an instigator,
but to do nothing when physically hurt by another child (or adult)
leaves them defenseless. I have told my daughters to never start a
fight but to always finish one, if possible. They have my total
approval in defending themselves, whatever it takes. As much as we
don't want to tell our kids to hurt another, do we really want to see
our kids get hurt themselves? Of course not.
My older daughter was tormented last year for the first few months of
school by a group of boys who clearly had no idea how to relate to a
cute girl. ;-) She was pretty freaked out ... at first. Then she
fought back, giving them a dose of their own medicine. She stood up
for herself with dignity and more smarts than the boys were capable
of responding to. They are now all very good friends. These boys
would fight to the death for her if she were threatened. They huddled
around and comforted her when she didn't make the cheer leading team.
They STILL apologize for having tortured her! Yes, she is a strong-
minded kid. A lot of kids aren't. Those are the little darlings who
need to learn to defend themselves the most.
Sometimes, enrolling a child, especially a boy, in a self-defense
class works wonders for their self-esteem. They are instructed from
the first day that they are not to use their newfound talent on
another human being, however, the inner strength and physical control
they learn can do wonders for their shy and reserved natures. Other
good avenues for a child in need of a boost are sport lessons,
gymnastics or possibly acting or dance classes for a child who
expresses a desire to learn the arts. The better kids feel about
themselves, the less likely they are to become victims or bullies in
life. A good heart to heart conversation, where the child is heard
and understood, can also work miracles in healing a wounded spirit.
A child who bullies other children needs to be stopped. They are in
desperate need of instruction on caring for and nurturing others.
Sometimes, a simple "How would YOU feel ...?" can jar a recessed
nerve in their brain to awaken compassion and respect. Naturally,
these lessons are best learned at home but a child who is on his way
to becoming a sociopath needs help wherever he can get it.
Approaching the parents of a bully is probably one of the most
unrewarding encounters you might have. They most likely have taught
their child to be a bully, albeit unconsciously through a variety of
abusive behaviors. I think it is imperative that these parents be
made aware of their child's antisocial problem, whether from the
school or another parent whose kid has become a victim of the bully.
In so doing, we might indirectly encourage some of these parents and
caretakers to reevaluate their family values and environment.
Copyright – 2000-2004- Rexanne Mancini
For more insight and discussion about bullies and bullying, visit
this thread in my community forum: Bullies & Bullying
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rexanne Mancini is the mother of two daughters, Justice and Liberty.
She is a novelist, freelance writer and maintains an extensive yet
informal parenting and family web site, Rexanne.com –
http://www.rexanne.com/ -Visit her site for good advice, award-
winning Internet holiday pages and some humor to help you cope.
Subscribe to her free newsletter, Rexanne's Web Review, for a monthly
dose of Rexanne: http://www.rexanne.com/rwr-archives.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hoshinjutsu

As a senior member of the Hoshinroshiryu, I would like to thank Dr.
Moore and the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame organization for
welcoming us with open arms at this year's Hall of Fame event in
Cleveland. The event was first class from beginning to end. From the
Wyndam hotel we all stayed in luxury, to the Gentleman's club the
formal awards banquet was held at. All of those involved in
organizing and making this event happen should be commended for their
efforts.

Even though many of the readers of this newsletter may not be
familiar with our organization, we are not a stranger to the WMAHOF.
Our founder Dr. Glenn Morris-soke was inducted into the Hall of Fame
in 1992, and was an honoured member of the World Head of Family and
Sokeship Council for many years. His eclectic martial art known as
Hoshinjutsu will live on in the hearts of his students, instructors,
and fans worldwide, as Dr, Morris-soke passed on from this world
April 1, 2006. We, his senior instructors, along with his successor
Gord Hessie-soke have vowed to continue his teachings of combat
martial arts, and the ways of the esoteric in the same manner that he
taught us. Dr. Morris-soke's passion for the martial arts led him to
study and train with many different masters of so many different
disciplines. He held dan rankings in more than six different martial
arts. His three books on the martial arts, the Kundalini, and the
esoteric have sold thousands of copies worldwide. He had the mind of
scholar, the passion of an artist, and the heart of a warrior. We
would again like to thank the WMAHOF for honouring Dr. Morris-soke's
memory at this year's banquet.

We look forward to nurturing our relationship with the WMAHOF
organization, and look forward to supporting Dr. Moore and the WMAHOF
in their efforts to spread the good word of brothership through the
martial arts for many years to come. We look forward to seeing
everyone next June in New Hampshire for next year's event.

Hoshin Ikkan!

Shihan Mark Lawrence
Hoshinroshiryu Canadian Representative
Kawartha Hoshin Training Centre
http://www.khtc.ca/welcome.htm
Mailto:info@...

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The Spiritual Realm and Martial Arts
By: Rev. Dr. William Wong

Is higher spirituality needed for proficiency in the martial arts?
What will one gain in the effort? Isn't it all just some high
sounding mumbo jumbo with no application to real life? Will it
conflict with my religion?

All of these questions are heard in martial arts circles when the
subject of spirituality arises. To answer the first question: No
higher spirituality is not needed for physical proficiency in the
arts (although spirituality acquired power, chi, will enhance any
physical movement). But a fighting art without a spiritual
foundation is like driving a car without drivers ed. or shooting a
gun without safety instructions. It can be done but you won't have
the data and ethics to know when to use your art and when not to.
Remember to the monks, the martial arts were not do all end all's.
The arts were part of the step ladder to spiritual attunement (read
AT ONE MENT) with the universe. Their concepts of the universe and
the Taoist concept of the Tao are expanded versions of the near
eastern (i.e. Judeo-Christian-Moslem) conception of an
anthropomorphic God.

The monks sought to be at one with the Creator through being one
with creation. They held that creation reflects the Creator although
the Creator cannot be limited to this creation. (This is the
principle of panentheism.)

So the martial arts brought the discipline, the physical strength
and health needed to properly receive large amounts of universal
energy - Chi. The arts served as the vehicle to raise that chi and
circulate it so that the mind could use it and realize that greater
realms existed than the conscious senses could perceive. The realms
perceived and joined with were just as real, ofttimes more real
feeling than three dimensional life. This knowledge expanded their
knowledge of themselves and how they fit into the One (the Tao,
Nirvana, the Universe, the Creator, God). Some Gifted monks after
much practice could achieve temporary absorption into the essence
of the Creator (known in Western mysticism as mystical union).
Students returned from their meditative sessions elated, expanded
mentally and spiritually from having been surrounded by great peace
love and wisdom. People who have had near death experiences report
much the same events and feelings.

Which school of spirituality to choose? Try many then pick the one
that rings true to your heart!

There are many schools of spirituality both eastern and western.
Practices range from Japanese Za Zen to the Jesuits Spiritual
Exercises to Indian Tantric energy channeling. Frankly speaking
though the most well thought out, easiest applied and most result
producing methods are oriental. (Having mentioned the Jesuits, many
of them are now using Zen to augment their own tradition). This is
because in the West not much attention was placed into listening for
God; most of the emphasis was placed in talking at Him. Eastern
reasoning goes like this: How long would a friend remain a friend if
in your conversations you did all the talking and never let the
friend get a word in edgewise? In the East, balance in life,
especially spiritual life is very important. Therefore prayer is
balanced with listening (meditation). If anything the methods lean
more towards listening; thinking that what the universe (God) has to
say is a lot more important then what we have to say to the universe.

Why does all this spiritual stuff sound like mumbo-jumbo and hocus-
pocus?

In the West we've gotten used to uninitiated teachers throwing out
high sounding platitudes while teaching martial arts. The stuff is
meant to sound like Oriental wisdom but it isn't truly connected by
the teacher to the physical acts being taught and it lacks the depth
and continuity true philosophy has when applied to the problems of
daily life. So to the listener, it rings false or unsteady. The
student then gets the idea that all Eastern philosophy must be
merely saying without real application to his life and therefore
avoids further inquiry. Students expect their teachers to know
whereof they speak and the teachers are letting them down. The
philosophy they spout is a good example of chop suey: having
something resembling the form but lacking the substance.

Many students listening to that pap don't ever want to hear it
again, concluding after a while that all they're going to get from
the martial arts is the 'hitting'. Since the 1950's each succeeding
generation of black belts and sifu's have known and understood
spirituality less and less.

So what are we looking for?

Inner peace; spiritual light; a sense of connectedness with the
Creator (the Universe, the Tao, the Buddha - you pick your
cosmology). Sounds corny? To some it might until their lives are
in such turmoil that they search frantically for some rest and peace
but don't know where to find it or how. There is an old story of a
samurai with so much inner peace that before a battle he was
sitting writing poetry.

Is this connectedness difficult to achieve? No. No! Well then why
do people spend years trying to learn to draw in and circulate chi
or to connect with the Tao? Answer: Because they are taking the
long way around the barn! Just as not all martial arts are equal
in technique or in the fighters they produce, (something not
admitted by everyone but alluded to quite often by Wing Chun
practitioners), not all spiritual methods are equal in their powers
of enlightenment. Some spiritual schools feed you truth with an
eyedropper. These methods were developed in very ancient times when
people were coarser, less mentally developed and more closed up to
chi raising (kundalini) and circulation. Those methods were
appropriate for their time but not now! For example Buddhism has
three schools: Hinayana, or the Former Day of the Law, Provisional
Mahayana or the Provisional Day of the Law and Mahayana or the
Latter Day of the Law.

Each school was suited to a period lasting some 1000 years. In the
first period attainment of enlightenment was well nigh close to
impossible and demanded sever privations of it's followers. With
the second period attainment became easier with a different
definition of altruism that modified the doctrine of self
deprivation to one of sharing instead of completely giving
everything away, doing without being miserable.

In the third thousand years after the Buddha's' death and for 10,000
years afterward we get to the third or present period. Mankind has
now evolved enough that enlightenment is available to all.
Fulfillment of ones' higher desires and dreams lead one to
attainment now, not privations.

As in Wing Chun Gung Fu, where short leverage and straight lines to
a target replaced long lines and circles, there are shorter easier
ways of getting from point A to point B while attaining the same or
better results.

It must also be remembered that there are many paths to
enlightenment and unity with the Tao (Universe, God or whatever you
want to name the great It). According to the Bhagavad Gita, one of
Hinduism's most sacred scriptures there are four paths to attaining
unity with God: The path of Wisdom and Knowledge, that is
concentrated on the mystery of the Creator seeking union with Him;
the path of Practice and Discipline, studying sacred law and
carrying them out; the path of Service and Right action, this one
speaks for itself; and lastly the path of Renunciation, of giving up
worldly goods and desires to live a life of meditation and austerity.

Everyone, regardless of their present level of spirituality can find
a mode of searching among the four paths that will fit their life,
thought and abilities.

www.EssentialsJournal.com
www.DrWong.us

Dr Wong is on the Executive Council for The World Martial Arts Hall
of Fame.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why Martial Arts Is The Best Thing You Can Do To Get Your Child Ready
for School This Year
By Robert L. Jones

Have you done everything you can to prepare your children for school
this year? You've probably bought the items on the list of supplies,
bought some new school clothes and taken them to the school's open
house to meet the teachers and find their ways. There is still one
more thing you can do to help you children have a successful year,
however. Enroll your children in a martial arts class.
Martial arts training is so much more than kicking, screaming and
breaking boards. Training martial arts teaches emotional control,
sportsmanship, focus and discipline. As we all know as parents, there
are so many influences out there that go against these
characteristics we need to do everything we can to teach them to our
own children.
Class Structure. When you enroll your children into the right martial
arts class, they will enter a disciplined class that will require
them to respect their instructor, their fellow students and
themselves. The respect demanded at martial arts training will teach
your children to respect their teachers, classmates and even school
property even when they are not in their martial arts class because
it naturally carries over into other aspects of their lives such as
school work, team sports and classroom behavior. Instructors at the
right school will teach your children that all people, especially
adults, deserve respect. You'll probably even find your children's
teachers telling you that their classroom demeanor is improving as a
result of martial arts training.
Focus. Training martial arts is not a mindless activity. To keep
themselves safe from injuries, participants need to have complete
concentration and focus at all times during training. This ability to
concentrate will carry over to other parts of your children's lives,
even school. They will become more aware of their surroundings and
will be less likely to "zone out" during the school day. They'll have
improved focus and concentration that will help them during school
lessons, while doing homework and even when studying and taking exams.
Confidence. Another characteristic that all children need to succeed
in school is confidence. Martial arts can help increase your
children's confidence by giving them the knowledge they need to
defend themselves not only physically, but mentally as well. They
will be strong enough to not become victims of bullying from
schoolmates and will have the ability to stay calm in stressful and
potentially harmful situations by teaching them how to handle stress
without losing their temper or simply becoming flustered.
Stress Reduction. You know that life can be stressful and you
probably already know that physical exercise is a great stress
reliever. Your children, even in the younger primary grades, may also
be experiencing daily stress. It's no wonder with the rigors of
school requiring them to do a many hours of homework each week.
Giving them an outlet for physical activity, such as martial arts,
can help them reduce their stress levels. While you might just
encourage them to join different sports teams throughout the year,
martial arts takes stress relief one step further by giving them a
well-rounded type of relief. When they are training martial arts,
your children will be concentrating on their training, not dwelling
on their problems and the things they need to do. They won't be
worrying and stressing out about an upcoming test or about their
friends. They will be focusing their mind on something productive
(both mentally and physically) and will feel better all-around when
they are done with their class.
Preparing your child for a successful school year requires so much
more than school shopping and getting them out the door that first
day. Help them learn how to help themselves by giving them the tools
they need to respect others, focus on school, exude confidence and
reduce their stress levels. Enroll them in a martial arts class today.
For more information on this article or others go to Articles on
Martial Arts
Robert Jones runs three successful martial arts schools located in
Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Kent Washington. He has been helping families
make positive changes in their lives through martial arts for over 20
years. He has also written A Guide on How to Pick a Martial Arts
School
He can be reached at the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts. 800-508-6141.
His schools can be found on the web at Bellevue Martial Arts and Kung
Fu
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_L._Jones

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sports Drinks: What Do You Really Need?
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

Drinks that contain salt and sugar are better than just plain water
during exercise, unless you are also eating foods. A study from the
Medical College of Georgia shows that tennis players have lower body
temperatures when they drink fluid with electrolytes and sugar,
rather than just plain water (British Journal of Sports Medicine, May
2006). Higher body temperatures during exercise slow you down and
tire you earlier.
More than 80 percent of the energy that supplies your muscles is lost
as heat. Less than 20 percent drives your muscles. So during
exercise, your heart has to cool your body by pumping hot blood from
your muscles to your skin, as well as pumping oxygen-rich blood to
your muscles. If you heart has difficulty serving both functions, it
cannot pump enough hot blood from muscles and your temperature rises.
You do not have to take sports drinks to protect yourself from high
body temperature. During exercise, you need energy, salt and water
and your body doesn't care how it gets these nutrients. Eating any
salted food with water or any beverage you like will supply your body
as efficiently as sports drinks. You will drink less of a beverage
that does not taste good to you, no matter what its advertised
advantages may be.
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter on fitness, health, and
nutrition.
Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and
practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in
four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to
hundreds of his fitness and health reports -- and the FREE Good Food
Book -- at http://www.DrMirkin.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabe_Mirkin,_M.D.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tai Chi, an Ancient Modality for Modern Practice
Christopher J. Bashaw, RN
Imagine a handful of women in their late 60's to late 70's learning
an ancient martial art. Impractical? Perhaps you have not been to
Rochester NH, where this occurs each week, and has, for several
years.
Ultimately, our ladies are learning about health, and battling their
F.U.D.'s (Fears, Uncertainties, and Doubts); while practicing and
perfecting the art of Tai Chi, as taught in Kosho Hoho Yooga system
(Old Pine Tree Method of Unity and Self Discipline).
http://www.freewebs.com/kosho_hoho_yooga
Study of Tai Chi is unique. It marks historical meeting of many
centuries, Taoist and Buddhist study, known as Chi Kung
or "Excellence of Energy," or more commonly known in our western
civilization as "Energy Cultivation Exercises," primarily devoted to
physical health and spiritual growth.
The result, an unusual blend of healing, martial, and meditative
arts, referred to as internal practice of Tai Chi (meaning "Grand
Ultimate" or "Raising the Roof"). Tai Chi during its 1,000 years of
modern development has been considered a movement art. This implies
much more than just physical or even energetic movement. It denotes a
relationship with experience of change.
The attitude, which Tai Chi seeks to cultivate, is an understanding
of change as a natural life process. One is asked to look at
tendencies in which we resist change, be that physical, emotional, or
mental. Through practice of Tai Chi one allows herself to become a
more willing participant in the process of change, understanding that
change is inevitable anyway. Practice may begin primarily as a
physical experience, but in time, applies qualities that we seek to
develop, including; balance, timing, and integration of emotional,
mental, and spiritual levels as well.
Essence of Tai Chi practice is not specifically to learn a set of
movements, nor to become talented in a system of self-defense;
although, these abilities may occur during the course of practice, as
particular aspects of the complete system. Intention of Tai Chi is to
allow one the opportunity to become more aware of natural laws which
govern change. Not just change in the body as effects of physical,
structural movement; but rather, principles of change and movement
that govern every aspect of our lives and the world around us:
spiritual, emotional, and physical change, and the harmonies of each.
Exercises of Tai Chi practice simply provide participants with
opportunities to explore that process of discovery. It is the goal of
Kosho Hoho Yooga to bring these principles forth to the public,
through both group and private lessons, providing optional teacher
certification in various levels, to those interested.
Women participating in our program, at Tara Estates, Rochester, NH,
are but a few who have seen balance improve, pain lessen, and
reliance on our current medical system decrease. These women report
less pain and more mobility as they suffer from Parkinson's,
fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and back pain. One
day per week of instruction, along with 15 minutes each day of
practice at home, has transformed these "Golden Girls" into new
women, once again.
Healing benefits of Tai Chi alone are amazing. Many medical
institutions now provide Tai Chi classes and workshops. Many
insurance companies now provide coverage for training. This year, it
is expected that more than 80 million Americans will turn to
acupuncture, herbs, Tai Chi, and other natural alternative therapies
to treat or prevent illness. Experts say the growing demand for these
ancient therapies is due to our 21st century lifestyles. Numerous
studies have been conducted over the years on Tai Chi and the results
are quite impressive.
Below is a summary of some of the most common benefits, as seen
through numerous studies, related to the regular practice of Tai Chi.
• Significant increase in T-lymphocyte count
• Toning of body muscles
• Increased co-ordination, balance, flexibility, agility and
general mobility of all joints
• Reduction of hypertension
• Migraine sufferers are often relieved of symptoms
• Asthma sufferers are able to reduce use of medications
• Sufferers of depression have shown rapid improvement within a
few months, having been on medication for several years.
Doctors are increasingly recommending Tai Chi as a form of exercise,
to their patients. As with all forms of exercise, you should first
consult your doctor before you start practicing Tai Chi.
Kosho Hoho Yooga, Tai Chi, has on-going classes in Rochester, NH for
people of all abilities and ages, for health, meditation, as well as
their own individual and personal reasons.
http://www.freewebs.com/mizu_tama_dojo
Instruction is offered by Christopher Bashaw, Registered Nurse since
graduating from nursing school in 1984. Career focus has been on
rehabilitation nursing, occupational health issues, and recovery
associated with both. Certifications include: Advanced nursing,
Bachelors in Naturology (study of natural medicine), Masters in
Religion, as well as, Doctorates in Divinity. An ordained Minister,
specifically a Buddhist Lay Priest, Christopher focuses his attention
on similarities of religion and traditional spiritual practices
rather than differences. Spirituality is an important element missing
from health models of today, and he incorporates such in teachings
related to Kosho Hoho Yooga.
Continuing his studies and practices of ancient healing arts,
incorporating energy work, Shamanic practice, Herbology, and
nutrition into his teachings. Attuned as a Reiki Master/Teacher,
developing Kokoro Ryu Reiki (heart, mind, body, school of reiki) as
part of Kosho Hoho Yooga system and curriculum, magnified healing
practitioner; he has blended both traditional allopathic western
care, with eastern complementary medicine into his expansive nursing
practice. Educating on wellness and disease prevention nationally,
Christopher was a founding member of the Healing Arts Clinic at Mount
Ascutney Hospital, Windsor, VT; first of its kind in Vermont and New
England, blending complementary medicine in both the outpatient and
inpatient setting. Christopher is also the president of AIANE (Asian
Internal Arts of New England) and Executive Vice President to the
World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, as well as an inductee, and licensed
soke of Kosho Hoho Yooga (Family Head of the Kosho Hoho Yooga System)
legitimized by the WMMAHOF Headfamilies, Headfounders, Grandmasters
and Sokeship Council.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

June 15-16, 2007

We are pleased to announce the return of Masters and Grandmasters
presenting seminars Friday June 15, 2007 in Manchester, NH – kicking
off the 2007 event.

When coming to the festivities we suggest you come into the hotel
Thursday evening so as to be fresh and ready to begun a day filled
with education and friendship as the seminars planned will be some of
the best ever seen.

Saturday, June 16 the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame will hold is
annual tournament, a mixed martial arts tournament for adult and
children, all ranks and all styles.

To learn more about the events planned simply go onto the website
http://www.freewebs.com/golden_fist_award or contact Rick Wilmott,
renshi at kosho@... to inquire about fee's, deadlines and
content.

Join people from around the globe as they spend a weekend of
learning, sharing, and competing.

Both the seminars and tournament are open to the public and anyone
may attend. Seminar and tournament fees are separate from induction
fees and banquet guest fees.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2007 Inductions and Nominations

Found on the website at http://www.freewebs.com/golden_fist_award are
the nomination forms necessary for suggesting people for induction
into the oldest martial arts hall of fame in existence. It is
important to note the deadline of April 1st 2007 for receiving all
nominations, induction fees and completed registration paperwork for
inductees.

Nominate your students or teachers who have contributed to the
martial arts. Honor them by nominating them and coming with them to
the 2007 event and rubbing elbows with only the best of the best the
world has to offer!