Kuniba Kai International Newsletter Carrying on the traditions of Shogo Kuniba: Motobu-Ha, Kuniba-Ha, and Kuniba-Ryu

September 2008

Volume II, Issue 3

Executive Advisory Board Profile by Shihan Johan Backteman

The journey of my karate started in 1980 in the north part of Sweden in a town called Arvidsjaur. The northern ranger regiment was opened at that time and two of the officers that came there started a karate school in my hometown.

At that time I was 11 years old. The teachers that came there were Sensei Tamas Weber and Sensei Wilhelm Guldbrand (former Honbucho of Sweden Kuniba Kai). The style I was following was Shuko Kai (Tani Ha Shito Ryu). In 1984 Soke Shogo Kuniba was invited to Stockholm by Sensei Weber for a 3 week’s stay. I was one of the attendees at that time, only 17 years old. I practised for 14 days with this wonderful human being and Budo master. Every day for 2 weeks we had 3 sessions containing Motobu 1

Ha Shito Ryu Karate-do, Goshindo-Budo (as called at that time), and Kuniba Ryu Kobudo. This experience I will never forget. He was a true Budo master and he taught me so many things during that short period of practice. I was to promoted nidan under Shogo Kuniba. Since 1980 I have been devoted to the Budo way. After Shogo Kuniba had been in Stockholm our organisation affiliated under Seishin Kai branch and has been devoted to this organisation ever since and through name shift to Kuniba Kai and Soke Kozo Kuniba. During this time we have had many teachers from USA coming to Sweden and helping us to develop the style here. You can say that we have picked the best out of these teachers and gathered up a bank of techniques form each and every one. I would like to thank all of these masters. Soke Bill Price (Chikubu Kai), Shihan Lewis Estes, Shihan Darren Myers and also of course Soke Kozo Kuniba who visited Sweden 15 years ago for the first time. From 1990 to 1993 I was a member of the Sweden kumite national team. 1992-2002 I was member of the Sweden kata national team. I have approximately 100 medals from different competitions during my competing years. Amongst the medals is 1 gold medal in kata Kuniba Kai World tournament and also one bronze. I have 4 Swedish championships medals and also many medals both from competing nationally and internationally. I have also competed in Kobudo and succeeded with many medals. The year 2006 I was asked to take over the national kata team of Sweden which I gladly did. I had that position for 2 years. This mission included a lot of travelling to both European and world WKF tournamentsgood experience for my future teaching. Then I decided that I had too much to do with both my newborn son and other assignments in karate and my job as a schoolteacher. So I resigned. Maybe in the future I will come back, who knows; because kata is my soul and my spirit in karate. Soke Kozo Kuniba appointed me as the Honbucho of Europe Kuniba Kai, an assignment that I was very proud to have. I am now doing my best to help Soke and the Kai to develop the arts within the Kai and spread them throughout Europe. I also received the Shihan title and Godan in 2004. As for now the kai is growing rapidly around Europe. My present situation is my dojo in Umeå since I had as dojo sensei for about 8 years after Shihan Guldbrand stopped his teaching. I am also travel to other Kuniba Kai dojo and other styles in Sweden teaching. I have also visited Estonia, Switzerland, and Italy for teaching and helping out. I have been to Japan, USA and Venezuela for both competing and training within Kuniba Kai. 2

I have had a kata regional group for 6 years. The people inside are from different styles and I am developing their kata for competition. I am a judge-B in kata and Kumite. I judge maybe 3-4 times each year and have done so for about 6 years. In Sweden Kuniba Kai I am a board member and also chairman of the technical committee of Sweden Kuniba Kai My vision for the Kai is to help out in any way I can, to keep the tradition and technique, and develop it into the future.

Shihan Backteman can be reached at [email protected] 3

European Summer Camp The Europe Summer Camp was held in Hudiksvall, Sweden, June 5-8, 2008. Hosted by Shihan Johan Backteman and Shihan Ky Buon Tang (Sweden Honbucho), this camp attracted about 60 practitioners mainly from Sweden, but with a few members from Estonia and France, as well as special guests from the USA (Kyoshi Herndon) and Japan (Soke Kuniba). During the three and a half day event, activities were divided between two dojo within the Hudiksvall sports complex. Continuous training in Karate, Kobudo, Goshin Do and Iaido was superbly arranged by the hosting Shihan.

Participants at Europe Summer Camp Hudiksvall, Sweden June 2008 Link to other camp photographs taken by Peter Olesen: http://www.olesen.se/Tamashii/

Click on "Sommarläger 2008"

A highlight of the camp was a demonstration by Shihan Ky Buon Tang in which he performed Iaido techniques, followed by cutting rolled bamboo that simulates the thickness of a human neck. Most impressive! At the conclusion of the camp, all attendees paid special tribute to Soke Kozo Kuniba in honor of his 48th birthday (June 8) by singing the equivalent of “happy birthday” in Swedish and presenting him with a gift. 4

Promotions at Europe Summer Camp Congratulations to the following Yudansha Promotees: Stefan Hellander – Yondan (Sweden/Umea) Rein Rebane – Sandan (Estonia) Per Astrand – Nidan (Sweden/Hudiksvall) Fredrik Karlsson – Shodan (Sweden/Umea) Shihan Johan Backteman arranged quite a challenging examination for the benefit of Soke and other visiting Shihan.

Rengo-Kai Recognition At the Europe Summer Camp in Hudiksvall, Sweden, Kyoshi James Herndon gave a presentation on the history and development of Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do. At the conclusion of the presentation, Soke Kozo Kuniba presented Kyoshi Herndon with a lapel pin from the Nippon KarateDo Rengo-Kai in recognition of his hard work on behalf of Kuniba Kai. Kuniba-Soke is the Kanto area representative for Rengo-Kai, an organization founded more than 50 years ago with the help of his father (Shogo Kuniba) and Teruo Hayashi. Rengo-Kai consists of some 80 karate organizations, to include Itosu-Kai; Shito-Kai; Seishin-Kai; Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai; and Kuniba Kai. Second only to the JKF (Zen Nippon Karate-Do Renmei), Rengo-Kai is the most prestigious karate organization in Japan today. Recognition by Rengo-Kai is an honor.

Rengo-Kai Lapel Pin 5

New France Member While attending the Europe Summer Camp, Patrick Bregier of France made the decision to join Kuniba Kai. Bregier-Shihan was formerly a member of Seishin-Kai and met and trained with Soke Kozo Kuniba in France and Sweden in the 1980s. His karate passport, containing signatures of Shogo Kuniba, Kunio Tatsuno, and now Kozo Kuniba, is truly a collector’s item. Bregier-Shihan was recognized by Soke Kozo Kuniba as 7th Dan/Kyoshi, and he will serve as France Shibucho for the next year. As his many dojo change over to Kuniba Kai, he will eventually take on the role of France Honbucho. Bienvenu Monsieur Bregier!

Patrick Bregier (L) Receives Menjo from Kuniba-Soke

Kuniba Kai France has developed a new web site. While currently under construction, it can be viewed at: http://kunibakai.france.free.fr/

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Israel Tournament News by Shihan-Dai Eran Bernstein

Israel Kuniba Kai Championship 2008 - "Dave Bernstein Memorial" More than 400 students 5-18 years, Kata & Kumite – WKF. Only Kuniba Kai Israel Members ! ! !

National Senior Championship 2008 "Israel Karate Federation" WKF Yarden Shavit Lior Milul Yotam Perez Sabrina Skidelsky Dudu Elkayam

2nd Place Woman Kata 2nd Place Men Kata 3rd Place Men Kata 3rd Place Woman Kumite -53 Kg National Judge A

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USA Summer Camp by Kyoshi Darren Myers

Virginia Martial Arts Center recently hosted the 2008 Summer Camp for Kuniba Kai International. The special honored instructor was Soke Kozo Kuniba, 8th degree black belt from Osaka, Japan. During the camp, several kata were taught, kumite techniques were refined and some Kobudo (weapons) sparring and kata were emphasized. Soke Kuniba dazzled the participants with many Karate and Goshin Do techniques throughout the three day camp. He taught the kata “Tensho” meaning “circular hands.” Kyoshi James Herndon, Kuniba Kai International Information Director was in attendance from Orlando, FL along with Shihan Tim Click. Kyoshi Myers taught kata bunkai (application) and weapons. The training was spirited and intense under all of the instructors.

Kuniba-Soke Instructing Sanpo no Ho

USA Summer Camp Promotions During the camp, some students tested for Dan (Black Belt) ranks under Soke Kuniba. Sensei Joanne Delledonne received her Nidan (second degree) in Karate-Do, Sensei Dawna Ellis received her Shodan (first degree) in Iaido (swordsmanship) and Cory Hastings received his Shodan Ho (provisional black belt) in Iaido. Congratulations on their hard work and achievements! 8

Seventeen Year Ceremony According to the Japanese custom of counting, July 14 marked 17 years since the soul of Shogo Kuniba departed this earthly realm. At the conclusion of the USA Summer Camp, Soke Kozo Kuniba paid respect to the memory of his father, whose memorial is in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Soke Kozo Kuniba at Gravesite of His Father

Marisa Sydney – Pan-American Judge Kuniba Kai has received word that Marisa Sydney, daughter of Shihan Anthony Sydney, has been certified as a Pan-American Karate Federation Judge “C.” This came at the XXII Pan-American Senior Karate Championships held in Caracas, Venezuela, May 29 – June 1. Congratulations, Marisa!

Shihan Anthony Sydney with Daughter Marisa 9

Estonia Summer Camp By Sensei Rein Rebane

The Estonian Kunibakai summer camp 2008 lasted from July 3rd to July 9th in southern Estonia – this was the 7th time. Besides Shihan Ky Buon Tang, we had some visitors from Sweden; and, thus it turned out to be an international camp (as was Sweden in June). Even though the weather was not the best one could wish for, we could have half of the training sessions outside in the open air football field. The training schedule included karatedo, kobudo, goshindo, iaido. Also some competitions took place – some were more serious like dojo kumite than others meant for fun – crosscountry run, jump-on-the spot, push-ups, belt-skipping, shoe toss. Very memorable experience was also training outside in heavy rain – nobody wanted to go in, because a warm rain in the middle of summer isn’t too frightening and you never know when you will have the opportunity again.

Estonia Camp Attendees

For relaxing there was also a karaoke* evening and creativity contest in teams. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Karaoke (カラオケ, Karaoke? from Japanese kara(空), "empty," and ōkesutora, "orchestra") (pronounced /kɑːrɑːˌoʊkɛ/; in Japanese IPA: [karaoke]; is a form of entertainment in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music (and/or a music video) using a microphone and public address system. The music is typically a well-known pop song in which the voice of the original singer is removed or reduced in volume. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol or changing color and/or music video images, to guide the singer. Wikipedia

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There was a dan-grading, where local Honbucho Olga Pallo and one more instructor Marge Koort received sandan grade, and two outstanding students – Sergei Rutski and Juho Mattus – received shodan grade. In kobudo testing Sensei Rein Rebane received Jokyu and Sensei Marge Koort Jokyu-ho.

Promotees at Estonia Camp with Shihan Ky Buon Tang (no diploma)

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Mabuni's Five Principles of Strategy 1. Rakka (Dropping Flower): power is generated by sudden impact 2. Ryu Shui (Running water): blending (be like water) 3. Kusshin: vertical maneuvering (up and down) 4. Teni (change): by initiating, manipulating mai (critical distance), or tai sabaki (body shifting) 5. Han Geki: countering 11

Competition Kata Camp by Sensei Rein Rebane

From July 10th to 12th there took place Estonian-Swedish competition kata camp in Kose-Uuemõisa. The camp instructors were Swedish Kata Teams head coach Shihan Ky Buon Tang and assistant coach Azem Barakovic. Estonia’s instructors were head coach Herik Tölpt, Marge Koort, Hellar Bergmann and Rein Rebane. This is the first time Estonia has cooperated in training for competitions and it turned out well. The chief local organizer was Sensei Olga Pallo, according to whose opinion the Swedish people were very nice and diligent and never missed an opportunity to train. From Estonia’s side, the clubs representing Kunibakai (Daigo and Keiko) were also fully present. The other clubs with kata practitioners participated in some days and they were very satisfied and happy, but mentioned later that it was very difficult. But – good and hard training – good results! Thank You very much Shihan Ky Buon Tang and Birgitta Lindblom for setting up the trip to Estonia and Estonian Honbucho Olga Pallo for taking care of all necessary arrangements on site.

Competition Kata Camp Participants

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Authorized DVD A professionally filmed video was made of the February 2, 2008 clinic held at the dojo of Shihan Jim King in Altamonte Springs, FL, USA. This DVD features a full day’s worth of Soke Kozo Kuniba instructing basic techniques of Karate-Do, Kata drills, and Goshin Do routines. Shot from multiple angles, this video is extremely clear and features some sub-titles to emphasize teaching points. Special thanks go to Sensei Miguel Fernandez, who did all of the video and production work. He truly did a fine job on this project; and, we are hopeful that he can put his talents to use next month when Soke returns to Florida. The plan then is to film several complete Kata and a series of Goshin Do techniques.

If you would like to obtain this DVD, $30.00 including shipping, contact the Information Director at the email address given below: Contact: [email protected] Note: At Soke’s request, some DVD sales may be limited to Kuniba Kai members only.

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Unsanctioned DVD Rising Sun Productions has been distributing a video (initially a VHS, then a DVD) for years that, at best, was a bootleg copy of films taken in various dojo where Soke Shogo Kuniba trained and taught during the 1980s. Neither Seishin Kai nor Kuniba Kai had any role in the production and release of this video. There are numerous factual errors in the narration of the video (e.g., that it was footage from the 1960s and that Shogo Kuniba lived from 19451990). These errors are due to the fact that no one authorized the release of this footage, and no one was consulted during its production.

The value of this video is purely in its visual significance. It was never intended as a training video; it was merely a documentation of training. Unfortunately, the sales promotion for this video is highly misleading, as the quality of the material can not live up to the hype. Caveat emptor. Kuniba Kai does not authorize the use of the Kuniba Kai logo on this product. In point of fact, Kuniba Kai was formed in 1999, seven years after the death of Shogo Kuniba. The Seishin Kai logo would have been more appropriate, though its use was never authorized either. See: www.risingsunproductions.net 14

Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu: A Kuniba Legacy Although there is some confusion in the history of karate, as reported in various articles, books, and web sites, the founding of Motobu-Ha ShitoRyu can only be attributed to the Kuniba family of Osaka, Japan. Kosei Kokuba (Japanese = Kuniba) learned the kihon and kumite techniques of Choki Motobu, which became collectively termed Ryukyu Karate Motobu-Ha. Then, Kosho (“Shogo”) Kuniba learned these techniques from his father, Kosei. Later, Shogo Kuniba learned the emptyhand kata of Shito-Ryu from Ryusei Tomoyori, student of Kenwa Mabuni. In the late 1950s, it was Shogo Kuniba who combined the two streams into one, calling his style Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do. Events over the past decade and a half have clouded matters with regard to the rightful ownership of the style. The death of Shogo Kuniba in 1992 resulted in a struggle for control of his organization, Seishin-Kai, and its style of karate. Kunio Tatsuno held the title of Kaicho for seven years, but his claim to the title of Soke was always in dispute. Upon his death in 1999, the two sons of Shogo Kuniba formed Kuniba Kai, relinquishing all rights to Seishin-Kai, but retaining exclusivity to Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu. The Japan Karate Federation (JKF) and the Japan Karate Rengo-Kai both have recognized the right of the Kuniba brothers to the style synthesized by their father. Seishin-Kai is no longer the home of Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu and there is no authorized Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Renmei. Those who use the style name Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu should be connected to Kuniba Kai. It is a Japanese style and JKF recognition is paramount. Non-Japanese martial artists who claim a contemporary connection to the style without belonging to Kuniba Kai need to be reminded that such use puts them in the awkward position of valuing a style without supporting its family of ownership. Lastly, Kuniba Kai has no connection with two phantom organizations: The World Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Association; and, the International Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate Association. Neither of these unverifiable organizations has JKF or World Karate Federation (WKF) authorization to use the phrase “Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu” in their names. Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu belongs to the Kuniba family and Kuniba Kai. Sooner or later, everyone will understand and accept this fact.

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Wife of Soke Teruo Hayashi Word was received on July 25, 2008 that the wife of the late Soke Teruo Hayashi passed away three days earlier. She was a quiet woman who stayed in the background. Those who knew her said she was a very nice lady. Soke Teruo Hayashi, founder of Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu-Kai, was a student of Kosei Kokuba and peer to Soke Shogo Kuniba. Hayashi-Soke was like a “second Papa” to Kozo Kuniba; he passed away on September 24, 2004.

Seishin Kai Banquet Osaka, Japan, August 1996 [L-R: Kayo Kuniba, James Herndon, Teruo Hayashi, Judy Kuniba, Mrs. Hayashi]

The Kuniba Kai family acknowledges the passing of Mrs. Hayashi with sadness, and with prayers of condolences to the Hayashi family.

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They Just Don’t Get It by Sensei Paul Dal

I was teaching English privately to a teenager named Tomohiro Watanabe when I lived and trained in Osaka. I called him Watanabe kun, and Tom sometimes for short. He was a rock guitarist, planning to go to the US, study and become famous. He invited me to see him and his band in a live house in Namba, Osaka and he was quite impressive. The Japanese audience and the band were fun, gentle and even a bit shy. He managed to get a hold of a pair of tickets for Metallica, this was in 1993, and as we were both fans so I gladly accepted his invitation. They were playing in the Osakajo Hall and it was a sell out. We went together and as we came near the entrance hundreds of orange tinted long haired Japanese teenagers could be seen, smoking, laughing and talking. Some how they all looked the same, black t shirts, blue jeans, cigarettes, cocked ball caps, etc, but to my disbelief, they were as polite and orderly as any Japanese waiting patiently in line and speaking in soft voices. When we got inside, all seats were preassigned; each person fell into their seat and quietly waited for the concert to begin. Once the band came out they all stood up, cheered and waved. James Hatfield, the lead singer and guitarist welcomed everyone. As they began singing, to my utter shock, the audience still standing in front of their assigned seats, swayed their heads and hands almost in unison while SINGING the songs word for word in English. It was something I had never seen. Rather like a junior high poetry contest, they all seemed to show off their exquisite memorization with pride. Tom was surprised at my inquiries. He said he thought all metal concerts were like this. Six months later Metallica was playing at Brown Field in San Diego. Tom had been studying at a music school in Hollywood since his arrival and I was back for good in San Diego. I invited him and he accepted. The concert had the typical of Metallica followers. It looked like all the prisons of southern California had been furloughed to make the occasion. A mosh pit had formed and bald men with tattoos on their heads were slamming each other, clothes ripped and fights broke out. Illicit drugs, alcohol and shirtless patrons abound as one would expect in a metal concert. Even the thick layer of police surrounding the fenced area dare not enter as their impotent numbers could never bring such a spectacle within the limits of law. Tom in his skittish voice asked "what is going on here". I said "a metal concert". He was just as shocked as I had been six months before. He couldn't believe the utter pandemonium. I tried to explain that heavy metal 17

was the embodiment of rebellion. It was pure non-conformity. The anger they expressed, I added, was possibly directed at the forces of the Government, perhaps their parents, or their employer and this was an outlet to release that frustration. He said "eeeeeehhhhhhh????" with his eyes flashing. After a little more quiet thought, he politely left the concert and seemed to be in utter dissolution. Two years later he returned to Japan to become a guitar teacher and shied away from metal as he had misunderstood and failed to comprehend the actual meaning. It was beyond his cultural limits to comprehend. I think that budo and bushido are much the same in the US. Americans seem to grasp it on the surface, hold it lovingly to their bosoms but should they encounter it for real in all its demands, pain, and suffering, they simply run for the nearest exit. Beyond its quaint appearance and noble character lies the deepest of commitment, going beyond one's own life, the willingness to sacrifice all for a single purpose. It seems far from the limits of American culture to genuinely absorb and grasp something as non-intuitive as bushido. Thus, I have learned to accept various limitations over the years and appreciate the smaller, bite sized chunks that most Americans can swallow.

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White to black; black to white: The journey ends at the beginning by Kyoshi James Herndon

Most martial arts novices hold the black belt in great esteem. In one dojo I recently visited, the sign on the wall stated, “My goal is Black Belt.” This is all well and good. Goals fuel behavior and lead, usually, to selfdevelopment and personal growth. There is nothing wrong with having a goal. But, is the goal the symbol of progress, or the actual progress? One must remember that a belt is just a belt. Black belt – kuro obi – is just a piece of cloth worn around the waist when one has on a gi (uniform). Some say the obi is functional (or used to be); others maintain that it is only symbolic. The origins of belts or sashes worn on martial arts uniforms are, no doubt, culturally based. Some accounts give more weight to the origin of the practice than do others. Tales and legends speak of the belt beginning as white, to signify purity, and then progressing through various shades of dirtiness – yellow, green, brown – as it is worn year after year, until finally it is black. Thus, very experienced practitioners become black belts. Modern times and modern dyes have altered the process remarkably. Nowadays, you can buy a belt in almost any color imaginable. Blue, orange, purple, red, red/white, and red/black; all are seen in dojo today. More colors usually mean more promotion opportunities and more testing/promotion fees. Whether more learning occurs is debatable. Personally, I prefer the practice of earning a black belt with few color belts en route. Kyu (grades below black belt) is kyu, no matter the hue. All kyu are dan-gai (i.e., outside the dan rank). Kyu progress is a necessary transitional phase to black belt. When one attains dan (degree of black belt) status, usually after 3-5 years of continual practice, training and progress shift to an inward, perfection-oriented focus. In many traditional Japanese dojo, the black belt given is made of cotton wrapped in silk. As time passes –weeks, months, years, decades – the silk frays and wears away, leaving only the white cotton liner. Neat freaks and OC-types might be inclined to replace the frayed belt with a new black belt as necessary. They miss the point. The return to white as the black silk falls away is a visual reminder that the essence of lifelong practice is to return to the beginning, the state of beginner’s mind or Shoshin. Those who pursue the black belt through all its levels will start out as white belt, and if they are good enough, will end the journey at the beginning: older, wiser, and white belt. 19

International Meeting 2009 Soke Kozo Kuniba has decided that the Kuniba Kai International meeting will be held next year on June 8, 2009 in Osaka, Japan. Here is a tentative schedule: June 5-6 Travel to Japan June 7 Rest day, local sightseeing June 8 Honbucho/Shibucho Meeting at Dojo June 9 Special Training at Dojo June 10 Sightseeing in Kyoto/Nara and/or Osaka (your choice) June 11 Farewell Party June 12 Depart Japan

This will be an historic gathering of Kuniba Kai leaders from all over the world. Only Honbucho/Shibucho can attend the meeting on June 8, but other Shihan/Sensei can participate in the training. Family and friends are welcome to come for the sightseeing opportunities. Kuniba-Soke will check into hotel accommodations for us and provide details soon. He is hoping to arrange rates in the $60/day range at a hotel nearby. Additional information will be sent as soon as it becomes available. Some Useful Web Sites Japan Air Lines

http://www.ar.jal.com/en

Osaka City

http://www.city.osaka.jp/english/index.html

Osaka Castle

http://www.osakacastle.net/castle_en/index.htm

Hotel New Otani

http://www.asiarooms.com/japan/osaka/new_otani.html

Expedia

http://www.expedia.com/?rfrr=-1065

Currency Converter

http://www.xe.com/ucc/ 20

Upcoming Worldwide Events 2008 Date

Event

Note

Oct 4

USA Altamonte Springs (FL) Clinic

Oct 5

USA Ocala (FL) Clinic

Oct 10-11

Venezuela Solintex Tournament

Oct 18

USA San Diego (CA) Clinic

Nov 16

Shogo Kuniba Memorial Tournament Casteggio, Pavia, Italy

Contact: Shihan Jim King [email protected] Contact: Shihan Bill Woodard [email protected] Contact: Kyoshi Yovany Aguero [email protected] Contact: Sensei Paul Dal [email protected] Contact: Shihan G. S. Bertoletti [email protected]

[Please send corrections and additions to Information Director]

Next Newsletter Submit news items and other information now for next Newsletter, which will be released early December. Deadline November 15, 2008. Each issue, we’d like to highlight members and dojo from around the world. So, along with information updates and articles, please send digital photographs of camps, clinics, tournaments and promotions.

Instruction Principles (Spirit) of Kuniba Kai 1. Not sticking to forms, but rather from the heart. 2. Strict on yourself and kind to others, gain generosity as you gain strength. 3. Self-management - Constant effort to increase your physical strength, mental stability, and will power. 4. Finding joy in the effort, and building strength beyond the normal range. 5. Without being hurt or hurting anyone, your martial art should never be used.

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Invitation to Join Kuniba Kai If you are a practitioner of Motobu-Ha Shito-Ryu, you are invited to join Kuniba Kai. The Japan Karate-Do Federation (JKF)* has recognized only Kuniba Kai as the organization authorized to teach Motobu-Ha ShitoRyu Karate-Do, the style of the Kuniba family. No other claims to the style can be substantiated. From Soke Kosei Kokuba (Kuniba), through Soke Kosho (Shogo) Kuniba, to Soke Kozo Kuniba, the style continues to evolve. Keep current and in the mainstream by joining Kuniba Kai. Be part of the new history. Contact the Information Director for further details.

*Website for Japan Karate-Do Federation (JKF): http://www.karatedo.co.jp/jkf/jkf-eng/e_index.htm

Kuniba Kai International Newsletter, September 2008, Volume II, Issue 3 Editor: Kyoshi James Herndon, Ph.D., Ed.D. International Information Director [email protected] Kuniba Kai International www.kunibakai.org

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