From: "Kurt Tezel" <Kurt@...>

Date: May 27, 2008 3:01:51 PM EDT

To: Deshi-SRKUSA@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [USRKUSA - Deshi]  Memorial Day Karate

Onegai Shimasu Hanshi, Kyoshi’s, Sensei’s and all Deshi,

Approximately 35 deshi representing all four Florida schools hit the beach at 9 am on Memorial Day for three hours of unforgettable karate training.

 

Hanshi began the class by reminding each of us that Memorial Day is more than just another day off from work.  No matter what one's political inclinations may be, we should all honor the memories of, and be grateful for the contributions of the men and women of the armed forces.  They ask no questions when asked to serve and are willing to sacrifice everything so that we may experience the freedom that we sometimes take for granted.  

 

Hanshi went on to point out that there was no prouder American than Master Ueshiro.  During World War II the battle of Okinawan cost 25,000 American lives and 95,000 Okinawan lives.  This equates to one in three Okinawans losing their life as a result of this battle.  The Japanese preached that surrender was dishonorable, consequently many Okinawans took their own lives.  It is against this backdrop that Master Ueshiro grew up.  During the war he suffered severe injuries that would have embittered and sidelined most men.  Master Ueshiro was not most men.  He refused to let that impede him in his destiny to become one of karate's greatest practitioners.  Furthermore, he came to understand, appreciate, embrace and eventually love the country that he grew up being taught was evil.   This speaks as much to Master Ueshiro's character as do his prodigious exploits on the deck.  

 

Following zazen, Hanshi led the class through the stretches and the basic techniques emphasizing keeping our eyes up and feet rooted down.  Hanshi challenged the Shihan and blackbelts to emphasize these precepts in class.  We were reminded that the importance of this is not innate and needs to be taught and constantly reinforced.  

Hanshi then led us through the kata.  The "feet first" principle was again the main emphasis.  It became clear that the sandy beach is unforgiving to those that have not yet become proficient with this concept.  We were also taught to get low as we make the transition from a high stance to a low stance.  We must avoid setting the feet and then attempting to get lower. 

We then moved on to Yakusoku Kumite.  Again emphasis was place on stepping first.  Hanshi demonstrated the importance of this concept with Sensei Tamir by demonstrating what occurs when you don't step first:  loss of balance and making yourself vulnerable.  When you do step first you may avoid the strike without even the necessity of executing a block, allowing you to commence immediately with an offensive technique/s. 

We then proceeded with kata demonstrations by all ranks and a weapons demonstration by the blackbelts.  After bowing out, a group of students, led by Sensei Tamir, took the action to the ocean.  Although the waves were large, they were matched by the large kiai of the deshi in their midst. 

Domo Arigato Hanshi for all of your guidance and for making sure that everyone that trains with you leaves with something.  Domo Arigato also to Sensei's Tamir, Chaskelson, DuJardin, Marchetti and Ms. Connie and Mr. Trevor for your contributions to a terrific event.  Domo Arigato to all the deshi that participated and brought such spirit to the training.

Domo Arigato Gozaishimasu,

Sensei Kurt Tezel, Shihan Ueshiro Merritt Island Karate