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2004
Karate Jr. Marathon |
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August 24th at Costa Mesa, California USA |
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Forty five Jr.
Genbu-Kai members ranging in age from 5 to 16
years old participated in the unique and demanding
Annual Jr. Marathon that takes place near the end
of each summer semester. This years event lasted two
hours on Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm, with the
competitors running ultimately miles from the Dojo around Baleric park to various stations manned by adult
Genbu-Kai volunteers. At each station, the
students would perform in a Karate related event.
The events are graduated in difficulty to
accommodate all ages and skill levels. There were
14 different events in all. After completing an
event and receiving a sticker of completion each
student would run back to the Dojo then run out
again to complete another event as rapidly as
possible!
It is increasingly
rare to see young people putting so much positive energy
and focus into what they are trying to do.
Expecting only the Traditional “Dumb Prizes, a Certificate and Suika”
(watermelon)! It says something very good about
the character of these young people who were
willing to put forth the effort to compete, do
some really hard work and
and have
some fun.
Congratulations to Marathon Champion Danielle
Vartanian and ALL of the Jr. Marathon competitors
that put out such a tremendous effort. Every
one of them is a Winner! |
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Photo Link |
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Results Link |
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Results Page 2 |
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Super Summer
Seminar 2004 |
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July 25th 2004 at Costa Mesa, California USA |
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Story |
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Genbu-Kai Picnic
2004 |
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June 27, 2004 Irvine
Regional Park Orange, California |
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While preparations were underway it was overcast and
cool. Early arrivals amused themselves with the many
activities available in the park.
Several Genbu-Kai members harvested the local mulberry crop
from the trees. (Am I the only one that
thought mulberries were grown on bushes?)…
Sensei
Demura arrived early. Having just returned from his
Mexico trip. By
10:30 it began to appear as if there would be a very small
turnout for the event. Genbu-Kai
members and guests gradually began to trickle in. The
trickle grew into a crowd of about 225 people. The sun
came out,
pleasantly warmed the park, and fried everyone that ventured
out of the shade unprotected!
The
day’s activities began with the Jrs. vs Adults softball.
The Jrs. annihilated the adults 8 to 1! Go
Juniors! The second game
was the lower belts vs higher belts softball. Final score
12 to 6 for the the lower belts. After the
softball games, lunch was served. The abundant buffet was
six picnic tables’ long and contained soda and fruit juice,
water,
chips, salads and sandwiches. Casseroles, pizza, hot dogs!
Desserts, fruit and cookies! Every single food item
imaginable at a picnic! Plus a few more.
And delicious. Everything always tastes better at a
picnic!
After
lunch there were more games, activities and races for the younger
children. Some Genbu-Kai members remained in the park,
hiking and participating in other activities until the park
closed. Everyone went home with a smile! Or asleep…
Photo Link
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Kobu-Do Seminar and
Tournament |
| May 2, 2004 Riverside,
California USA |
The Kobudo Seminar began with Sensei Demura
giving a brief history lesson on Okinawan Kobudo. He explained
to us the significance of each of the weapons that we had an
opportunity of learning that day, and how the usage of that
particular weapon originated. The different weapon groups were
segregated and assigned to higher belts for the first part of
the day. Instructors went over the basics of the weapon and
began teaching us the first kihon (basic) Kata for the weapon we
had chosen to learn. Each group had a few hours to learn the
Kata they were to use for competition. After a brief lunch
break. Competition started with the Kata divisions followed by
the Kobudo divisions. It was exciting to take part in as well
as being a spectator. After all the competitions were
completed, participants were given the option to test for their
weapon. Whether students competed, tested or not, everyone left
that day having learned something new. And with the knowledge
that they had taken active role in continuing a grand and unique
tradition. By
Michael Keating
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Today, the first annual Batto-Do Seminar and Tournament was
held in Riverside, California in the Huntley gym building at
Riverside City College. After sign-up closed the event got lined
up and underway almost immediately. Attendees were treated to a
wonderful surprise as Master Kazuhiko Hosaka traveled all the
way from his home in Japan to be our very Special Guest Head
Instructor and Chief Referee for the competition! Sensei Demura
performed the guest introductions, and introduced the assembly
to the basic rules, courtesy, manners and history that go with
the Japanese sword. Sensei then translated to English for us as
Master Hosaka gave us his greeting and began his instruction.
The seminar students were divided into three
groups with Jerry Short leading the beginners, Jim Eyre leading
the intermediates and Master Hosaka leading the Advanced group.
Sensei Demura and Master Hosaka took the time to go around to
all the students offering encouragement and corrections.
The seminars lasted all morning and the
Tournament began right after a short lunch break. Adult and
Junior beginner kata competitors performed the Toyama-Ryu
Batto-Do Katas they had just learned in the morning at the
seminar. The competitors in the intermediate and advanced events
were highly skilled and performed well.
Intermediate competitors in the cutting event
were required to make two opposed 45 degree cuts. Advanced
competitors were required to make a series of 5 cuts. Down at a
45 degree angle. Down again at an opposed angle. Back up again
at the same angle attempting to slice off about three quarters
of an inch. Then back down again at the same angle attempting
another thin slice. Finally, back across with a level cut.
Before the closing ceremony, Master Hosaka advised the cutting
competitors. "Almost everyone is gripping the Sword too
tightly." And Master Hosaka showed the proper (more relaxed)
grip.
Juniors and Adult Beginners were not permitted
to compete in the Cutting Event. Juniors and Adult Beginners
were offered the opportunity to practice their Cutting after
completion of the days scheduled events.
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| Hanamatsuri |
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April 8, 2004 Anaheim, California USA |
The Buddhist observance of "Hanamatsuri"
has been taking place in the Japanese American community since
Issei (first generation Japanese Americans) immigrated to the
United States. The Orange County Buddhist church celebrated “Hanamatsuri" (Flower Festival), the Birthday of Gautama Buddha
with special services, cultural exhibits, stage programs, food
and carnival games! Japanese cultural exhibits will include
handmade Kimekomi dolls, Koi Fish, Ikebana, Tea Ceremony, Sumi-E,
Chigiri-E, Bonsai, Kimono display, and a special rooms
displaying projects of the Dharma School and Japanese School
children. Stage demonstrations include Nihon Buyo (Classical
Dance), Minyo (Folk Song), Kendo, Aikido, Genbu-Kai Karate,
Judo, and musical instruments such as Koto, and Orange County
Buddhist Church's own Taiko Drum Group! Good food and FUN for
the whole family.
Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai performed two
demonstration shows. The first on Saturday April 10th at
6:30pm. The second show was on Sunday April 11th at
6:00pm. Over thirty members of the Santa Ana and several
other So. Calif. Dojos participated in each event! There
were examples of Basics, Kata, One Point Sparring and free
Sparring. Weapons including Batto-Do (Senpai Jim Eyre and Senpai
Jerry Short) traditional Okinawan weapons Demos.
There were also self defense applications and the ever popular
Board Breaking! As always the food was great and everyone
had a Great time!
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"Samurai Days" Parade in Little
Tokyo 2004 |
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Los Angeles, California USA |
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Story |
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Photo Link |
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In Loving Memory |
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Bruce Gregory
Butler |
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1950 - 2004 |
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After a year long battle with Cancer and its
related complications, the Martial Arts World
suffered a great loss with the passing
of Bruce Butler on the morning of October 28th.
Bruce was a genuine "Warrior" and had dedicated
his life to being a top Genbu-Kai Karate
practitioner and Instructor! His students
from the Newport Beach Dojo, Mission Viejo
Dojo, Corona Del Mar Dojo and everyone else that knew
him will feel his loss most severely.
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http://www.shihanryu.org/profiles/butler/ |
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http://www.usjujitsu.net/bio/butler/tribute.htm |
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When I must leave you for a
little while, |
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please do not grieve and
shed wild tears, |
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and hug your sorrow to you
through the years |
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but start out bravely with
a gallant smile |
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and for my sake and in my
name |
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live on and do all things
the same. |
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Seek not your loneliness on
empty days |
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But fill each waking hour
in useful ways, |
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Reach out your hand in
comfort in cheer… |
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And I in turn will comfort
you and hold you near |
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And never be afraid to die |
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For I am waiting for you in
the sky... |
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Bruce will be missed... |
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Please send cards or correspondence to:
Chris Butler (in care of)
Genbu-Kai Santa Ana Dojo
1429 n. Bristol St.
Santa Ana, California 92706 |
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Bruce's family has requested in lieu of flowers, |
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donations could be made in Bruce's name to the: |
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American Cancer Society |
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Irvine,
Ca. 92602 (949) 261-9446 |
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http://www.cancer.org |
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or
The Leukemia Society |
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http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls |
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Orange
County Fair 2004 |
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Costa Mesa, California USA |
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This year the Costa Mesa Dojo and Guests continued a
long established tradition by performing four excellent
shows at the 2004 Orange County (California) Fair!
While Senpai Jacki Long led the shows and narrated to
the audience, 53 Genbu-Kai members participated in the
shows. Which were presented at 5pm Sunday July 11th
on the World Famous outdoor Sun Stage. The next show
was presented at 2pm Friday July 23rd on the
tiny Celebration Stage inside the “Youth in Motion”
building. That same day there was a second show at 4pm,
again on the Sun Stage. The final show was presented
Saturday July 31st on the Sun Stage to a
packed audience!
As
always the demonstrations included beginner karate
basics. Intermediate basics and Kata. Adults and
advanced juniors performed the Kata Nifanchi Shodan as a
group. Individual Katas were demonstrated.
Combinations kicks and 1 point sparring were shown.
Several students demonstrated advanced Katas. There was
a mini tournament with competitor pairs chosen by Senpai
Jackie. All of the competitors showed excellent control
and great sportsmanship. A good time was had by all.
After the Karate was completed there were demonstrations
of Okinawan Kobudo. Several of the shows also included
an impressive Batto demonstration by Senpai Jerry
Short. All the shows ended with the ever popular “Board
Breaking.” There was a considerable amount of positive
feedback from the audiences! |
| 1pm
July 31 2004
Photo Link |
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4pm July 23 2004
Photo Link |
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2pm July 23 2004
Photo Link |
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5pm July 11 2004
Photo Link |
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Kobu-Do Seminar and
Tournament Results |
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May 2, 2004 Riverside, California |
Kumite Results
Girls
1. Kristiana Marczeski
2. Katerina Marczeski
3. Alicia Keech 3.Paige Schneider
Smaller Boys
1. Allen Avelar
2. Jake Speilberger
3. Yusuke Okumura
Bigger Boys
1. Adam Schneider
2. Austin Quick
3. Jordan Lawson 3. Kyle Schneider
Adults
White Belt Women
1. Aubrey Magill
2. Claudia Cordova
3. Sonia Smith 3. Maria Sierra
Green/Brown Belt Women
1. Julie Kulimakin
2. Vivian Cawthon
3. Rebekah Hendricks 3. Amber McIntyre
White Belt Men
1. Jeff Rizzo
2. Matthew Erwin
3. Mike Gonzeles Jr. 3. Andrew Cataldo
Green/Brown Belt Men
1. Randy Burroughs
2. Patrick Falconer
3. Masa Okumura 3. Sam Banis
Kata Results
Beginner White/Yellow Belts 9 and Under
1. Candace Rucker
Beginner Purple/Blue/Red Belts 9 and Under
1. Katerina Marczeski
2. Paige Schneider
3. Emily Bernstein
Beginner White/Yellow Belts 10-14 Years
1. Allen Avelar
2. Luis Espinoza
Beginner Purple/Blue/Red Belts 10-14 Years
1. Aaron Keech
2. Nicholas Bernstein
3. Chris Rucker
Beginner White/Yellow Belts 15-17 Years
1. Chris Katt
Beginner Purple/Blue/Red Belts 15-17 Years
1. Stephanie Kodama
Experienced 9 and Under
1. Jordan Lawson
2. Yusuke Okumura
Experienced 10-14 Years
1. Eric Horvath
Adult Kata Results
Beginner White Belt
1. Sonia Smith
2. Mike Gonzales
3. Devin McLaughlin
Beginner Green Belt
1. Carl Doan
2. Michael Keating
3. Denise Caufeldt
Beginner Brown/Black Belt
1. Patrick Falconer
2. Rebekah Hendricks
3. Amber McIntyre
Experienced White/Green Belt
1. Vivian Cawthon
2. Ganymede Pasion
3. Amber McIntyre
Experienced Brown/Black Belt
1. Isabel Briscoe
2. Sam Banis
3. Mark Martinez S.
Professional Level
1. Kevin Suzuki
2. Tom Shinoda
3. Vasili Mstislavskaia
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Batto-Do Seminar and
Tournament Results |
| April 17, 2004
Riverside, California USA |
Kata
Results
Junior Beginner
1. Yusuke Okumura
2. David Cisneros
Adult Beginner
1. Masakazu Okumura
2. Steve Cisneros
3. Kevin Fajardo
Adult Intermediate
1. Vivian Cawthon
2. Patrick Falconer
3. Amber McIntyre
Black Belts
1. Tom Shinoda
2. Jess Seiffert
3. Susan McGlynn
Cutting Results
Intermediate
1. Michael Keating
2. Vivian Cawthon
3. Wendy Maldonado 3. Amber McIntyre
Black Belt
1. Jess Seiffert
2. Tom Shinoda
3. JoAnn Eyre 3. Susan McGlynn
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