Sensei has purchased new "High Tech" scorekeeping machines manufactured by FSK.  They're lightweight and portable and easy to use if you read the directions.  They were unveiled at the Genbu-Kai referee seminar on February 11th.  While the machines don't replace the scorekeeper, they Do replace the old "Turn Cards" that have been in use for many years.  The new machine also makes it very easy for everyone to see the particulars of a match in progress.  And the timers have loud signals and warning buzzers to alert scorekeepers and timekeepers.  They'll get their first real test at the Genbu-Kai 36th Annual   

    At the Genbu-Kai Santa Ana, California Hombu Dojo.  On Friday night, immediately following the advanced Karate class.  This special event was offered in preparation for the Genbu-Kai 36th Annual Goodwill Karate-Do Championships to be held in Costa Mesa, California later this month.

News from Genbu-Kai Costa Rica

2007

    Congratulation to Genbu-Kai Costa Rica Chief Instructor Alberto Paris and to his beautiful new bride.  The rest of the Genbu-Kai family  wishes you both much happiness!

    The Genbu-Kai referee/scorekeeping Seminar started at noon at Costa Mesa High School and ended about 4:00pm.  Sensei Demura gave a brief introduction and again placed great emphasis on “Safety and Fairness.”  The Genbu-Kai members that attended were given an orientation and an explanation of tournament rules by Senpai Dave Hines.   After a very short break, everyone is divided into groups.  The groups all work together to simulate tournament competition conditions.  Lower ranking members get the opportunity to practice and perfect their competition and scorekeeping skills.  Higher ranking members get to practice their referee/judge skills.  Genbu-Kai has some brand new “High-Tech” scorekeeping machines that have been unveiled in the two most recent referee seminars.  The equipment doesn’t replace the human scorekeepers, just the old fashioned turn cards.  The various groups covered Kumite (sparring) and Kata (forms) competitions.  After the event completed there was a large table full of pizza and soft drinks.  If you missed it, you missed out!  Thank you for a terrific event Sensei!

    This week on Sunday morning after Kata class the Santa Ana dojo held a Referee Seminar.  Sensei Demura emphasized the importance of safety and fairness.  Senpai Dave Hines clarified tournament criteria and rules.  Black Belts were divided into referee teams and lower belts practiced Kumite while the referees practiced their craft.  There is no better place to learn about the intricacies of competition, than at a referee seminar.  If you haven't been to one, you're really missing out.

    Every Sunday from 8:00am till 9:00am there is a Kata class for green belts and above.  From 9:15 until 10:15 there is a class for Brown and Black belts.  The classes are dedicated to improving and perfecting the performance of Genbu-Kai Kata.

    From the 18th to the 22nd of January, Shihan Demura and Sempai Jackie Long visited the cities of Tucson and Phoenix Arizona.  Activities started with Sensei teaching classes on Thursday night at the Tucson dojo.  Friday included karate and Kobudo testing with the Genbu-Kai Tucson's inaugural banquet hosted by Doug Corlew. As guest of honor Shihan Demura left the students and families with some positive life lessons and wisdom.  After a night of making origami for the kids, Sensei taught four clinics of karate and Kobudo in both Tucson and Phoenix to over 75 martial artists from Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Mexico. Sunday had a little fishing and a lot of snow! Snow in Tucson?  Flights were cancelled because of the surprise snow storm and Tucson enjoyed an additional day with Sensei and Sempai Long.

In Loving Memory Master Bong Soo Han

1931- 2007

    Sad News…Sensei Demura's friend the great Master and martial arts 

champion, Bong Soo Han Father of the art of Hapkido in America has

passed away quietly at home at 6:05 pm January 8th surrounded by his family 

and friends.  His teachings will continue on in the many generations of 

excellent martial artists he has produced.  Master Han and his family will 

continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

www.bongsoohanhapkido.com

    Genbu-Kai students from the various dojos in Chile assembled in Viña del Mar, Chile for their annual Kanchugeiko event.  Click on the link below to see the event photos on the Genbu-Kai Chile website. 

    At 05:30 Genbu-Kai members gathered around the fire pits at Huntington State Beach in Huntington Beach, California USA and warmed themselves while they could.  Almost everyone said, “it wasn’t as warm as in last years fog”, but they also remember it “having been much colder other times.”  Sensei Demura got the Karate training started long before first light and continued long past a beautiful sunup with a rousing Karate session.  The surf didn’t care what anyone’s rank was, it soaked them all.  Afterward, the fire pits were crowded with people having their hot drinks. It looked like everyone really enjoyed this year’s event. 

What a great way to start the New Year!   Thank you Sensei Demura!

    Genbu-Kai students from all the Dojos in Chile assembled on January 1^st 2007 for the traditional dojo cleaning.  They performed maintenance, made repairs and did plenty of cleaning.  Just like at all the other Genbu-Kai dojos all around the world.  Click on the link below to view Osoji photos from the various Genbu-Kai Chile dojos at the Genbu-Kai Chile website.