KWF 2018 Summer Seminar in Payson AZ

There are many takeaways from this summer's Karatenomichi World Federation America seminar last weekend, 13 - 15 July 2018 in the beautiful setting around Payson AZ. One is that KWF principles are extremely difficult to achieve habitually, at least for me. The alterations of the basic ideas many of us learned years ago under the tutelage of masters like Hidetaka Nishiyama Sensei are simple enough in theory. But to apply for example, the technique of blocking front attack by moving to the side (crossing the t, in the terminology of Kane and Wilder's "The Way of Kata") then loading the rear foot to build maximum potential energy by rotating hips farther than what seems usual or comfortable, or, as Yahara Sensei says, taking it "to the limit," before exploding forward with an incapacitatinly strong counter, and then shifting forward again, ready for next technique, is really difficult. But it is really effective. When I do jyu ippon kumite correctly, it is really effective. Getting it right time after time is challenging, very challenging, but the striving, the reaching is key.

The other takeaway is cherishing the generosity of our seminar leaders. Mr. Vern Vaden, with so many years of competitive experience and experience-derived insight into our system, taught the importance of eye vectors and looking where you're moving. And Mr. Tom Hyder, also with decades and decades of competitive and instruction experience, focused on using KWF principles in sparring and fighting. And there was Mr. Anthony DeSardi, moving through the rows of seminar participants, fixing errors, offering alternatives, whispering encouragement, and stressing the importance of proper basics, rooted stances, relaxed and quick moves, and always reminding us of the joy of doing karate. All these great karate men, with well over a century and a half of combined karate experience from which to draw upon, were so willing to share. Ask, and you'll get an answer, sometimes three. Work hard, and you'll get what you're after; better technique.

At the awards banquet on Saturday night at the La Sierra Mexican restaurant (which has excellent beef fajitas!) I was honored with a KFW certificate as a Level C instructor, examiner, and judge. I think this photo captures the shock and amusement of my teachers that someone like me with such an elementary understanding of our system might someday actually be teaching others our principles. But, they let me keep the certificate, so I'll strive to put it to good use. My friend Mike Indelicato also passed his yondan rank exam, and Mr. DeSardi his 7th dan, Class A instructor, examiner, and judge, and was invited to join the prestigious Shihan Kai of the KWF. With the assistance of men like Tony DeSardi, our organization has a brighter future. I suggested he may want to now also seek admission into the Roman Curia as a trusted adviser to the Holy Father.

Finally, the Japanese term "gassuku," or 合宿 which means "lodging, or working together." Mr. Tony DeSardi and Bernie Sensei, both with many years of experience in a related system of Okinawan weapons called Kobudo, shared lots of fundamentals with me outside the dojo, out back on the parking lot, near a dumpster. They stayed late, after formal training had ended for the day, and shared their expertise with me. This is another example of the takeaway of generosity, and the willingness to share, even when tired, when someone wants more information. Thank you sirs!