It is the end of 2008.  For many this will be remembered as a year of challenges, especially financial challenges.

American Karate Kai remains vibrant in the continuing classes at Aina Haina, the HPD Police Academy and American Karate Kai West in Waipahu. This year has again been fruitful, especially for those involved with Kick Start Karate. Graduating high school Seniors qualifying for scholarships to continue their education at the University of Hawaii are Michael Castillo and Jasten Pascual.

Continuing their education at the University of Hawaii are student counselors Blaine Mendoza and Jaime Pascual.  Blaine will graduate in the spring of 2009 with a degree in Kinesiology while Jaime continues in her pursuit of becoming a medical doctor.

American Karate Kai continues to thrive at Aina Haina with our Grasshoppers and Martial Movement classes.

American Karate Kai West is doing well with continuing and new students.

This past year, we competed in local and the National Karate Federation’s National Karate-Do Championships held in Houston, Texas. Our students did well again winning a number of medals at this tournament.  Of course, ending the trip at Disneyland, in Anaheim, California made all of the hard work worth it.

In Janaury of 2009, Hanshi Clarence Lee will be in Honolulu to conduct our Black Belt testing.  Sensei Kevin Wong will test for his 5th Dan. Sensei’s Dr. Ming Chen, Nelson Fukuki, Blaine Mendoza and Jaime Pascual will test for their 2nd Dan.

In looking back at 2008, it was a good year for American Karate Kai.  We look forward to a better 2009 with a number of students graduating from High School and the University of Hawaii.

Sensei Mayrie Aquino has relocated back to Las Vegas, Nevada and is applying for a job with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Black Belts Rachael Liaw and Sherelyn Somera continue their pursuit of higher education on the mainland.  Rachael at Stanford University and Sherelyn at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

So with all of the good things that have happened amongst our students, we must continue to look at our glass of water as being half full and not half empty.  We must remain positive in our outlook on life, no matter what adversity we face.

Remember, Strength Through Adversity is a truism. We all face adversity in our lives but as we work our way through the challenges, we become stronger.

This is enhanced when you continue with your karate training.  Striving for your Black Belt is a goal that will test your will and self-confidence. Preparing to meet this goal also prepares you to meet your challenges in life and overcome these challenges. Look at each challenge as an opportunity to become stronger physically, mentally and spiritually.

So I wish each and everyone of you a Happy New Year in 2009.

In the Way…”PROTECT THE INNOCENT, FORGIVE THE IGNORANT AND TAME ONLY THE WILD. HOWEVER, LET US TAME OURSELVES FIRST BEFORE WE TAME THE WILD.”

Understanding this Tenant will help you in facing your adversities in the future.
Sensei

It is the time of year when our students are graduating from High School. So to our graduates, Blessie Pillos from our Waipahu Dojo, Karlee Williams and Amanda Waltz from our Aina Haina Dojo, “CONGRATULATIONS.” I know that they are planning on furthering their education, Blessie at the University of Hawaii, Karlee at Leeward Community College and Amanda at Oregon State University.

What about some of our other students and where are they? Shari Dela Cuadra who was one of our first Black Belts from the Waipahu Dojo is now an attorney and practicing law in Honolulu.  Alex Panida, Black Belt Shodan, has graduated from the University of Hawaii and is now working at Kapiolani Medical Center as a physical therapist. Steven Ronquillo, Black Belt Shodan, is a member of the National Guard and has served in Iraq. Blaine Mendoza, Black Belt, Shodan, is finishing up his fifth year at the University of Hawaii and majoring in Kinetics.

Mayrie Aquino, Black Belt Shodan, has graduated from Chaminade University, and is now employed by Goodwill Industries. Jaime Pascual, Black Belt, Shodan, is still at the University of Hawaii and is a Pre-Med major. Jasten Pascual, Black Belt, Shodan is still at the University of Hawaii.
Blaine, Mayrie, Jamie, Alex and Jasten continue to help instruct at Kick Start Karate located at the Honolulu Police Training Academy in Waipahu.

Tamara Agunat, Black Belt Shodan, is an educator and teaching high school in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Gavin Hashimoto, Black Belt Shodan, graduated from the University of Hawaii and is an educator, teaching at Kamiloiki Elementary School in Honolulu.

Dacia Boyce, Black Belt Shodan, a Junior at Punahou School will be spending a week  this summer at the U.S. Air Force Academy at the invite of the Academy. Sheralyn Somera, Black Belt Shodan, is finishing her Freshman year at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Rachael Liaw, Black Belt, Shodan, is also finishing her Freshman year at Stanford University.

Merlin Joshua Agcamaran, Color Belt, a Junior at Kapolei High School will be Kick Starts fifth student to attend the Presidential Classroom in Washington, D.C. The selected students from all over the United States spend a week in class learning about how government works.  They will also take tours of the White House and the Nations Capitol, visiting with the Hawaii Congressional Delegation. The Organization of Chinese Americans is the annual sponsor for three to five students from Hawaii to attend these classes.  We appreciate their support of Kick Start.
As all of our students know, Sensei believes in encouraging and helping our students in furthering their education. Kick Start has provided scholarships for our students in the past 10 years.  As you can see, our students have done well and we expect our high school graduates this year to follow in the paths of our other successful Black Belts.

National Karate Federation Annual Championship Tournament

Thirteen of our students from Kick Start will compete in the Annual National Karate Federation Championships that will be held in Houston, Texas  on July 16, 17, 18, 2008. They will compete in Kata (Form) and Kumite (Sparring) competition.

They have worked hard in the past year qualifying to participate on the National Team.  They have competed in a number of local tournaments, participated in community service projects, held at least a 2.0 grade point average, and actively participated in Kick Start guidance classes.

We wish them the very best as they continue to prepare for their competition this summer.

That is the latest for now. Anyone wanting more information about American Karate Kai, Kick Start Karate, Grasshoppers and Martial Movement Classes can contact Sensei at (808) 753 5617.

Aloha

Sensei

Happy New Year to all of you!

It is the time of year when we make our New Years Resolutions.  We wil lose weight, spend less money, spend more time with family and friends and a number of other resolutions.  These resolutions are usually well intended and give us  a road map of how we would like to improve ourselves this year.

As previously stated in my last newsletter, I have found that the sixteen By-laws that our students use as a guide to model their daily lives after provides a useful and meaningful way to live by.

So as we greet the New Year, let us remember to give thanks to our God for all that we have received. Let us remember those that have impacted our lives.  For those who have passed on, let us keep them in our hearts and mind.  For those that are still with us, let us give thanks for being able to be a part of their lives and they a part of ours.

Let us remember the joyous times with family and friends, renew any broken relationships that are worth renewing.  In my experience in life, there will be times we break ties with those that are special to us, family and friends. When this occurs, it is best to keep them in a special place in our hearts, forgive and move on with life.  However, if there is ever an opportunity to renew a special relationship that is worth renewing, then we would be remiss in not doing so.

Hanshi Clarence Lee will arrive in Honolulu on Thursday, January 31, 2008.  We will have promotions on February 5, 2008, Tuesday at our Police Academy dojo and on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at our Aina Haina dojo.

There will be a total of seven brown belts testing for their Black Belts.  Five will be for the rank of Shodan and two for their Junior Black Belts.  We wish them all the best in their testing.

So until the next time, Aloha and take care!

Sensei

It is that time of year when we need to stop and reflect on all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. It is time to give thanks to our God for these blessings. With all that we have been blessed with, I know that there are trials and tribulations that we all encounter in our journey through life.

Through the dedicated training of karate and practicing our values of respect and discipline, I have become a better person. As the Chief of Police of a large Metropolitan Police Department in the United States, I encountered many challenges on a daily basis. During the toughest of times, I would always look forward to my karate practice at the end of the day. There were days that I was exhausted but forced myself to go to the dojo. Once there, I would practice and at the end of the training session, I was refreshed and ready to go home and prepare for the next day.

Karate has become a way of life for me. Although retired from the Honolulu Police Department, I still practice karate at home on a daily basis and four times a week in the dojo. I understand the meaning of “STRENGTH THROUGH ADVERSITY!” I have been blessed with a new found inner strength, courage, wisdom and patience.
I also have faith in my God. I believe that He will continue to guide me in my quest to conquer myself to be a better person. One of the sixteen tenants that we use as a guide for daily living is: ” PROTECT THE INNOCENT, FORGIVE THE IGNORANT AND TAME ONLY THE WILD. HOWEVER, LET US TAME OURSELVES FIRST, BEFORE WE TAME THE WILD.” So there is a need for all of us to discipline ourselves if we expect to be successful in dealing with all of life’s challenges.
I hope that you will also have the opportunity to share this same experience. If you want more information about becoming a better person through the martial arts, give us a call at (808) 753 5617.

Announcements:

Yesterday, November 24, 2007 the 48th All Hawaii State Karate-Do Championships was held in Honolulu, Hawaii. Many karateka from the continental United States, Hawaii, Austrailia, India and Japan competed in this prestigious tournament. American Karate Kai was well represented by 23 of our students who did very well in the competition.

Our Kick Start Karate Annual Awards luncheon will be held at the Pearl Country Club from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 2, 2007.

Aloha and Happy Holidays to all of you.

Sensei

Katas or forms are the essence of Karate. Katas are combinations of punches, kicks, blocks, and strikes performed in a symmetrical or linear pattern. Often others ask about the katas we teach within our system.

The following are the empty hand katas that are required to be known for testing from the white belt grade to the Black Belt 1st Degree (Shodan).

Taikyoku Series: Taikyoku Jodan Uke; Taikyoku Chudan Uchi Uke; Taikyoku Gedanbarai; Taikyoku Kiba dachi; Taikyoku Kokutsu dachi; Fuku Kata Ichi;

Pinan Series: Pinan Shodan; Pinan Nidan; Pinan Sandan; Pinan Yondan; Pinan Godan;

Nihanchi Series: Naihanchi Shodan; Naihanchi Nidan; Nihanchi Sandan;

Gion; Enpi; Shimpa; Juroku; Ananku; Wankan; Kensei Dai;

Passai Shodan; Passai Nidan;

Kusanku Sho; Kusanku Dai; Chinto; Goju Shiho; Useishi;

These are the katas that are mandatory and does not include other competition katas such as Sepai, Seiunchin and Rohai. In our next issue we will cover the weapon katas that are required for advancing through the ranks.

Anyone interested in Black Belt Certification in our system or karate lessons can call (808) 753 5617 for more information.  We have started our “Grasshoppers Class (ages 5-8) and Martial Movements Class (ages 14 - 99)” at our Aina Haina Dojo in East Honolulu.
Until our next issue, take care and Aloha!

Kyoshi Donohue

In the dojo, I have often spoken of the Cycle of Life.  The traditions in the dojo reflect on life itself.  We have the Kohai, the students; the Sempai, the Senior Students including Black Belts; the Sensei’s, usually Black Belts with Third or Fourth Dan ranking; Renshi, Black Belts with Fifth or Sixth Dan ranking; Kyoshi, usually Black Belts with Seventh or Eighth Dan rankings and the Hanshi’s, usually with Ninth or Tenth Dan ranking.

Everyone in the dojo knows where they are in reference to ranking and what is expected of them.  The Kohai strive to attain the Sempai status, Black Belt, Shodan.  We know when we line up where everyone belongs.  As everyone strives to achieve the next highest ranking, we also know that we are expected to take responsibility for the school’s continued growth and prosperity.

We represent life itself in the dojo.  The Sempai’s, Senseis, Renshi’s, Kyoshi’s and Hanshi’s line up in the front of the class and lead the instruction of the Kohai. As time passes, the Hanshi’s will pass on and the domino effect starts where those below move up.  We all know our place and what is expected of us and we willingly accept this Cycle of Life.

All Black Belts have the obligation to ensure that the Chief Instructor of their respective schools are respected and that everyone makes an honest effort to help the school to grow and continue with its traditions.

This is the “Way” or “Do” in our art.  Let us be true to ourselves, our school, our instructors and our art.  To do otherwise would be disrespectful and disloyal.

Hanshi Clarence T. Lee arrived in Honolulu on February 14, 2007 and awarded Black Belt Certificates to the following students.

Waipahu Dojo                                             Aina Haina Dojo

Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt

Michael Castillo                                             Dacia Boyce

Gendell Espero                                             Eric Liaw

Jasten Pascual                                             Rachel Liaw
Sherelyn Somera                                         Karlee Williams

Ni Dan 2nd Degree Black Belt

Gavin Hashimoto

Junior Black Belts

Zacharay-Jordan Angeles                             Brandi Chun

Kevin Oshiro

Congratulations to all of you. The testing process is demanding and ensures that all who receive their Black Belts from American Karate Kai are deserving of their Black Belts and Certificates. The average time these students have been training is 5 years. The testing involved a written test which tested their knowledge of the roots of our school, history of the martial arts in China and Okinawa, philosophy, ettiquette and terminology. The physical testing involved performing their knowledge of more than 25 katas, from the very basic to the more advanced forms, as well as, their knowledge of the martial arts weapons like the sai (short sword) bo (staff), and kama (sickles).

We were honored with the presence of Shihan Fumio Nagaishi and Kyoshi Patrick Nakata who are senior instructors with the Shorin Ryu Kobayashi Ryu karate system.

Testing ended with everyone passing their test and a great pot luck with insturctors, students and family shairing in the ono treats.

Congratulations to all, well done!

Kyoshi Donohue

Many instructors state that the martial arts improves discipline, physical health, flexibility and mental tranquility. True, however, when deciding if you want to join a school for the various improvements they are saying will happen, ask them to explain what discipline is?

The best description I have come across and can relate to was written by M. Scott Peck, M.D. in his book The Road Less Traveled. Dr. Peck states that Discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve life’s problems.  These tools are Delayiing the Gratification; Accepting Responsibility; Dedication to Truth and Balancing.

In this post, I will comment on the first tool which is “Delaying the Gratification.” In life we all have wants and needs. We have to be able to know what is a want and what is a need. In life we struggle and suffer to put our wants to the side in order obtain our needs. By delaying the gratification of obtaining our wants before our needs, we are able to meet and experience pain first and getting it over with.

Through this process, we learn to discipline ourselves so we can enjoy the results of what we finally obtain by “Delaying the Gratification.”

Aloha

Kyoshi

We continue to prepare for our Annual Black Belt Test that will occur during the week of February 18, 2007. This is the time that Hanshi Clarence T. Lee comes to Honolulu for the testing of our Black Belt candidates.

Those testing for Shodan or higher rankings must insure that Sensei is aware of your intentions. To test for Ni Dan (Second Degree Black Belt) you will need to have actively trained for at least three years since being awarded your Shodan ranking. For higher rankings, you need to have actively trained at least five years since being awarded your last Dan ranking.

To receive any ranking, you must pass a written exam with a 70% correct scoring percentile, as well as, our testing of your knowledge in kata, defensive charts, kobudo, yaku soku kumite and jyu kumite.
For those from other schools who are interested in receiving Rank Certification or to affiliate their school (s) with ours, please feel free to contact me at (808) 753 5617.

The 1st Edition of our 11th Volume of Kiai, our school news letter is currently being distributed at the dojo’s. If you have not received a copy, please call me.

Aloha,

Sensei

Where are some of our young adult black belts?  Marissa Ford ( Aina Haina Dojo) is in her sophmore year at UC Santa Clara. Alex Lim  (Aina Haina) is at Occidental University in Los Angeles. Tamara Agunat (Kick Start Karate)is now a certified educator teaching in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gavin Hashimoto (Aina Haina) is finishing up his Education Degree and will graduate from the UH this year. Mayrie Aquino(KSK) is in her Junior year at Chaminade and Blaine Mendoz (KSK) is at the UH.

Want to know more about the history of karate in Hawaii.  Visit the Hawaii Karate Museum at www.hikari.us

The 47th Honolulu International Karate-Do Championships (also known as the All Hawaii Karate Championships) will be held on November 25, 2006, Saturday, at the Manoa District Park. Those interested please see me.