In Loving Memory

It is with deep sadness that we have to report the passing on Dec.18^th of Gay Bleiweis wife of Ted Bleiweis. She was a valiant lady, never complaining; always concerned about the welfare of others.  She will be missed...   

Click on the "Gay Bleiweis" link above to read "Gay Bleiweis-The Way of the Warrior, 1997"

On Friday, November 1, several members of the Hokubei Shihan Kai (North American Shihan Association) were honored by the Japanese government for their promotion of Japanese culture through the practice of Karate-Do. These Shihan, including Demura Shihan were formally recognized by the Japanese Ambassador at a reception held at the Ambassador’s residence on Friday evening.

Along with the other honorees, Demura Shihan was recognized for his contributions to the promotion of Japanese culture and the values of traditional Japanese Budo. Each of the Shihan honored had a minimum of 40 years of experience instructing Karate-Do.

Part of this recognition included the awarding of the Budo Kokoro Sho to the honorees. This honor was particularly significant to Demura Shihan because his own instructor, Sakagami Ryusho had also been awarded this great honor.

On the next day following the reception a meeting of the Hokubei Shihan Kai was held at the Madison Hotel in Washington, D.C. This meeting, which is an annual event, is designed to help further the growth and quality of instruction of Japanese Karate-Do in North America.

As for myself, it was a great honor to be asked to attend this memorable event. Many of the Senior Shihan are getting older and are very concerned that the traditions and values of Karate-Do are passed on to the next generation. Their concerns transcended the particular aspects of any individual ryu (style). Their example and dedication to the proper study and instruction of karate should remain a model for the training and development of all karate-ka for generations to come.

37^th Annual Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai Interdojo Karate Championships

The 37^th annual Interdojo Tournament was held Sunday, November 3^rd at Costa Mesa High School, Costa Mesa, California.

The tournament was directed by Shihan Fumio Demura, Tournament Moderator - Dwight Lomayesva, Referee and Judge Coordinator - David Hines, Ring Coordinators - Roy Center and Jerry Short, Scorekeeper/Timekeeper Coordinator - Jim Eyre and Michele Suzuki, Emcee/Announcer - Greg Collier, Charting - Makoto Sugiyama, Registration - Kathi Wegener, Food dispensing - Kinue Demura and Merna Martinez.

The opening ceremonies began with a duet rendition of The National Anthem by Kelly Eyre, former student of Shihan Demura and friend John Gritz.

Shihan addressed the audience encouraging all competitors to give their best and to test themselves to their limits, but to remain fair and honorable to each other.

Demonstrations of Kata by the Federation’s black belts, Board breaking and Batto-Do preceded the competition.

The level of judging and refereeing has improved as a result of continuing seminars from David Hines. Score keeping needs more practice and more participation. Green and brown belts are encouraged to get involved before the International Tournament in February. Thanks to Lance Baker for providing a number of trained score keepers and timers from the RCC dojo.

Kata and Kumite matches proceeded throughout the day without serious injury, which is a credit not only to the fighters but to the control of the matches by the referees. This is a result of the seminars previously mentioned.

Final black belt matches were exciting as usual with the Women’s Division won by Denise Nguyen defeating Christie Hines and the Men's Division won by Thanh Nguyen defeating Seth Johnson. There were a number of closely contested matches leading up to the finals and most of the audience as well as competitors stayed until the final matches of the day. All contestants competed honorably, with many gestures of good sportsmanship and there were no serious injuries.

Shihan looks at this tournament as a prelude to the International Goodwill Championships in February. While he was generally pleased with the competition, he pointed out there were a number of things that needed to be worked on, requiring everyone’s participation and effort.

Following the tournament, a large group of students gathered at a local pizza restaurant to swap lies and enjoy good fellowship.