I want to thank all theKissaki Instructors and students for your support and efforts throughout the year. I am very proud when I see the progress made by individual students in developing confidence and technique. This has only been possible through two things: Each individual's commitment to regular training and to the fine quality of the instructors.

Congratulations to all those who have achieved Dan status or advanced in their Dan ranks. You are con-tinually setting the standard that others have to achieve. So, Kissaki Kai continues to make progress through-out the world as more stu-dents are exposed to the down-to-earth practicality of its approach.

Next year looks like being a good one with the possi-bility of a summer camp in May in the West of Eng-land and in the USA a three day LETS course immediately preceding the summer camp in June. Now you have the approxi-mate dates there is no rea-son why you cannot start to save up and have a really great experience. Online on the Website, the forum is growing in popularity so please do consider joining and making friends with other

Kissaki Kai members throughout the world and airing your views and opinions on whatever interests you. I want to wish you all the very best of the season for good health and happiness and I look forward to train-ing with you on seminars next year.

Do make sure to buy the December edition of TRAD, even if you have to

order it from your book-store. It contains four sepa-rate articles about Kissaki Kai, which reflects the great interest, which Kis-saki is stirring up in the karate world. This maga-zine is also on sale throughout the USA (Barnes and Noble). We've also just learned that another Kissaki article (the Summer Camp report) appears in 'Irish Fighters' Magazine. The word is spreading!

Sensei Vince has been contracted by Ulysses Press to write a new book with the working title of: 'Real Vital Point Fighting', due for release in the autumn.

As is usual with Vince's publications, this will be a

no-nonsense, detailedinstructionalmanual on exactly how to use Kyusho points in real combat.

It should be on eve-rybody's ‘to get’ list when it comes out.

Please be sure to visit the website to keep up-to-date with all kinds of

Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do Newsletter

K I S S A K I - K A I K A R A T E - D O December 2006

Xmas Greetings Trad Mag Website

1

Understanding Kata Bernie Heerey 2

Understanding Kata Bernie Heerey

3

Giri Article 4

Seminars 5

Order Form 6

Inside this issue:

The Honbu Dojo The HQ Dojo is now fully operational, with Cardio and Pilates classes in addition to the regular karate classes.

The Dojo has an extra large training area, proper locker rooms with toilets and showers, and also includes a large steam room for easing those aching bodies after training.

Massage facilities are also available.

There is a children's room, lounge, viewing gallery, refreshment area and new office suites.

Remember that the HQ Dojo will be delighted to welcome you for a visit.

Just email if you are interested in coming for a few days. We can usually meet you at Philly airport!

Happy Xmas

Website

New Book

Traditional Karate Mag.

late to give one as a Christ-mas present, it might help to stimulate someone's New Years' resolution to keep training.

What do you think of Kata? How do you train in the various Kata? How do you interpret and deal with the apparent anomalies sur-rounding the different ways in which various styles per-form the same Kata?

For all of us in the Kissaki family this isn’t really anIssue, because we have access to knowledgeable high grade Instructors like Sensei Vince, who have spent a great deal of time and effort deciphering the Kata alphabet, and hence the language of Kata.

Many clubs outside Kissaki are now once again jump-ing on the “Fashionable” Bunkai band wagon, giving their own ideas of what Kata means, along with various explanations of the defensive techniques they believe the Kata contain.

No problem there, except that you need to have a good understanding of the principles and the lan-

information about Kissaki Kai, to read reports and see photos of seminars and to download the Newsletters. When you do you will see that the online shop has been completely re-organized. You can now purchase any item online using PayPal or your own credit card through the se-cure PayPal site. You will notice that Seminar Samplers 1&2 and 4&5 have been combined into double DVD sets at a lower price. This is to reflect that although the content is im-portant and interesting, the production quality is not as good as current DVDs. Although it is probably too

K I S S A K I - K A I K A R A T E - D O December 2006

Page 2

Makes you think!

“If you're going through hell, keep going.”

Winston Churchill

“Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.”

John F Kennedy

"You may train for a long time, but if you merely move your hands and feet and jump up and down like a puppet, learning karate is not very different from learning a dance. You will never have reached the heart of the matter; you will have failed to grasp the quintessence ofkarate-do."

Gichin Funakoshi

“In a real confrontation, more than anything else one should strike to the face first, as this is most effective “

Choki Motobu

being naturally inexperi-enced, perhaps having lim-ited available comparisons, and no proven effective reference point. Obviously they have to trust their In-structors. This to me shows the important responsibility a Sensei and Instructor has to bear, which is an important subject Sensei Vince has recently reviewed.

It is an Instructors responsi-bility to pass on the best and most truthful knowledge pos-sible. Effective martial arts knowledge is gained through experience and evidence. Experience and evidence is paid for with bruises, hard work and time!

My current favourite defini-tion of Kata is this: Kata is a collection of flexible symbols that represent the shape of fast, simple and effective defensive techniques and principles against the mostcommon types of attacks.

It is vital to the insurance of obtaining truly fast simple and effective techniques that the principles of combat (The brilliant and logical Rules of Combat) are utilised in all defensive Kata Bunkai.

With so much information available I am surprised that there are still techniques being taught that clearly won’t work effectively in a real life confrontation. To slightly miss quote what Vince has often said – “Ifyou have got a fast, simple and effective system of deal-ing with a self-defence situa-tion wouldn’t you be a fool not to use it”?

Kata concepts give us fast; simple and effective tools to

guage of Kata to make real sense of it, and not just “make it fit.” If you don’t ap-ply the correct principles and the correct language in your interpretation of Kata appli-cations it is very easy to come up with defensive techniques that may look

somewhat like the Kata form, but which are possibly weak in reality, and not really very effective.

In some examples I have seen, they are even likely to get you into seri-ous difficulties should you try to

use them in a real self-defence situation.

I have recently witnessed two different clubs teaching applications which I consider to be very limited in effec-tiveness.

These were against knife attacks, and even a gun de-fence that would definitely get you shot! There were no back up “Rules of combat” principles taught or stressed at all. In particular, there was no reference to the im-portance of creating a stop-ping mind in the attacker through effective distraction techniques!!

It was also very clear to me and to some of my assistant instructors too, that the tech-niques shown could only really work in a compliant partner situation. It is vital to pressure test all Bunkai /self-defence techniques in realis-tic training drills.

It is the student that clearly suffers here, as they possi-bly don’t know any better,

Understanding Kata Bernie Heerey (Kenshinkai

Kissaki Karate Club)

K I S S A K I - K A I K A R A T E - D O December 2006

Page 3

deal with common attack situations. The various Bunkai are flexible enough to enable the “shape” of any one to deal with a number of different self-defence situations.

The opening two moves from the Empi Kata, for example, is just awesome in the amount of situations it can deal with, and it does so complying with the rules and principles within all truly effective Kata Bunkai.

Make sure your Kata Bunkai really is truly fast, simple and effective by the definition of these words in a martial arts context, and then pressure test them! Bernie Heerey 5th Dan

The first December week-end saw two excellent semi-nars in the UK: One in Ilford, and one in Nottingham, which was also a Dan grading in Nottingham. As usual, the training in the full Ilford dojo was pretty intense and sweaty and as well as a few new faces, we had a surprise guest in the form of Guy Janssens, the Belgian Chief Instructor.

After the Kissaki basics Sensei Vince then moved on to the theme of the semi-nar, which was to demon-strate that identical princi-ples were contained in often very different Kata.

In this instance he took the opening moves from Heian Nidan and showed how they were exactly the same in some bunkai applications as

the opening moves of Niju Shiho.

The Sunday session in Nottingham combined training for all students with a black belt grading and the Kissaki family is proud to announce the following new senior Dan grades: Anthony Vaughan 1st Dan, Ben Stevens 1st Dan, Diane Bavister 2nd Dan, John Barker 2nd Dan and Bernie Heerey 5th Dan.

The UK now has a new General and Licencing secretary, John Barker, 2nd Dan, and Eva has moved to join the Kissaki HQ in

New Jersey.

She will be the international secretary and also be responsible for developing the new Kissaki Kobudo section at the Honbu Dojo in New Jersey.

Recent Seminars

Some of the London seminar participants

Have a

COOLXmas!

News

Eva BayerleinJohn Barker

K I S S A K I - K A I K A R A T E - D O December 2006

Page 4

Many of you will have heard me say on the semi-nars, that one of the charac-teristics of Kissaki-Kai is that when attacked, the assailant never gets the chance to throw another punch. Whilst doing some further research on Master Choki Motobu (one of the most effective of the old Okinawa masters) I was intrigued to find the following snippets of information which mayinterest you: A) “One cannot use

continuous attacks against true karate. That is because the blocks of true karate make it impossible for the oppo-nent to launch a second attack.”

B) B) “Kicks are not all that effective in a real confrontation.”

C) “The blocking hand must be able to become the attacking hand in an instant. Blocking with one hand and then countering with the other is not true bujutsu. Real bujutsu presses forward and blocks and counters

in the same motion.”And perhaps one which endears me tremendously to him: D) “It is necessary to drink alcohol and pursue other fun human activities. The art (i.e. karate) of someone who is too serious has no ‘flavour’.” Hmmn...I feel a strange affinity with this man!

Following my last article 'Giri' which seems to have evoked a lot of interest and comment, I want to continue in somewhat the same vein, by remarking upon another phenomenon which seems to me to border on the un-ethical and certainly could not be considered as pre-senting a true and accurate image to the prospective student. I occasionally open a martial arts magazine, or see on the web advertisements for seminars presented by instructors purporting to be highly ranked representa-tives of this or that group and 'master’.

Many are attracted by these apparent qualifications, and pay good money to attend. So, what is the problem? Let me clarify: in most instances - especially in Europe - the instructor claiming a high rank in the master's system is frequently nothing of the sort - except on paper! Here's the deal: A well known Foreign instructor visits Europe, he has someone arrange a

seminar for him, and attracts a good crowd. The Instructor offers the seminar-arranger the opportunity of joining his organization and helping him to spread it in this country, and arrange for return visits by the chief instructor. In return, he will accept the organizer into membership and recognize his current rank. The organizer - being an ambitious person - accepts, and is soon presenting semi-nars of his own, under the banner of his new organiza-tion, and proudly announc-ing to the world his position as National Representative - whatever Dan - and Joe public - knowing no better, actually believes that he will be receiving instruction from someone legitimately graded with years of experience to match in this particular sys-tem.Nothing could be further from the truth! The new 'National Representative' frequently will have only ever met the visiting chief instructor on one or two occasions, but he has read the books and watched the DVDs avidly! Now in all legitimate Ryu, it is impossible to attain a high Dan rank without many years of serious training. So, how can this be anything but a cheap charade, a cynical attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of potential seminar attendees and recruits to the organization? I was written to a little while ago by a sensei who was so exercised by this practice that he and all his senior black belts resigned from the association on the spot as yet another high rank was passed out to an unqualified seminar host!

At least some are not pre-pared to go along with such shenanigans, but that is what you get when freedom is determined to mean free from ethics, morality and responsibility.Is it legal - perhaps, perhaps not, but is it right? That's up to you. I have had some little experi-ence in this, on the one hand once being the recipi-ent of such an offer, and on the other finding that a ka-rate-ka across the other side of the planet whom I had never even met was claim-ing me in his direct line of instructors! (He too had read the books and seen the videos).In Kissaki-Kai we often accept Dan grades from other Ryu into membership. However, when we do, we insist that they are careful not to claim any Kissaki-Kai rank until they have been deemed to have reached that level. Their own previ-ous grades must be indi-cated as being in whatever Ryu awarded them. This way we can never fall into the invidious trap of misrepresentation. Does it matter? Who knows; but I think it reflects the in-tegrity of the Ryu and the senior instructors within, and underlines the bedrock of morality which underpins a -Do system. It is the Kissaki-Kai way.

Choki Motobu

Further to GIRI

www.kissakikarate.com I hope you are all in the habit of checking the website. If so you will have noticed that the new Shop is now operating. You can now order in confidence with PayPal or by credit card. You will also notice some price adjustments due to the weakness in the dollar. Check it out & grab a bargain!

Kissaki-Kai Karate Marlton Professional Arts Building 55 Route 70 East & Maple Ave Marlton, New Jersey 08053. USA

Phone: 856-985-1311 Fax: 856-985-1311 E-mail: kissaki@comcast.net www.kissakikarate.com

"Learn as if you will live forever; live as if you will die tomorrow."

-- Gandhi

K I S S A K I - K A I K A R A T E - D O

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Forthcoming

Seminars

Tekki Shodan - The Kata & Essential Bunkai

The latest DVD teaching the essential bunkai from the powerful defensive principles in this unique Kata. Filmed in Canada, the USA and the UK, this will truly open your eyes to the tremendously effective waza concealed within this widely practiced Kata!

We are hoping to hold a seminar in the UK in February.

Belgium: There will be a seminar on Saturday 21st April 2007. Please contact: Guy Janssens Email:guy.janssens@muntersnv.beor look on the Website:kissakibelgium.fateback.comfor details.

Member Insurance

You are probably aware that the new governing body for Karate in England (Karate England) seems to be having a few problems! (Nothing new there then!)At this time It is vital that you keep your license (& thus insurance) up to date! All Kissaki members MUST have a license - please act responsibly and check that yours is current. If not - see your instructor straight away. Instructors, please check your memberships & send application/renewal forms etc., as quickly as possible. To ensure that everyone is covered by insurance, we have decided to deal directly with the Insurers, so the KE difficulties will not affect each individual’s insurance cover.

Important Admin NewsAs many of you already know, Eva (thecurrent UK license sec.) has moved to theUSA to join Vince & help with the Honbu Dojo and Kissaki-Kai world-wide. She is now the Kissaki-Kai Gen. Sec., for the world.

Taking up the up local duties as UK Gen. Sec. from Oct 14th is John Barker 2ndDan. License applications should be sentto him at:18 Victoria Street, South Normanton,Derbyshire, DE55 2BX

email: j.barker60@ntlworld.com

Payments as before should be to ‘PBS’

Details of the UK seminars in the next fewmonths will be advertised on the websiteand by email as soon as possible.

Please support the seminars - they are thebest way to see (and feel) techniques asthey should be done, plus they are a lot offun!

Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do Newsletter

December 2006 Page 6

Item Description No of items $ € Total

Kyusho Secrets II Book Now 240 pages, extra chapters, Principles of Combat, point charts, kata bunkai etc.

19.00 37.00 28.00

Rules of Combat Book The development of warrior tactics! For all those who need to really under-stand the basis of survival in combat!

14.00 27.00 20.00

Tekki Shodan DVD Filmed at seminars in the UK, Canada, and USA this video/DVD offers an insight into the powerful defensive kata Tekki Shodan.

23.50 45.00 35.00

Bassai Dai DVD Showing major bunkai & principles of the kata. 23.50 45.00 35.00

Nijushiho DVD Showing major bunkai & principles of the kata. 23.50 45.00 35.00

Empi DVD Showing major bunkai & principles of the kata. 23.50 45.00 35.00

Extreme Self-Defence - Paladin Video

Focussing on firearm and edged weapon defences. Only available in VHS video format.

Rules of Combat DVD How adding the rules makes techniques far more effective. 23.50 45.00 35.00

Kanku Dai DVD Showing major bunkai & principles of the kata. 23.50 45.00 35.00

Aragaki Seisan DVD The full kata, major bunkai & principles. 23.50 45.00 35.00

Manstoppers DVD A collection of guaranteed manstopping techniques plus gun & knife de-fence.

23.50 45.00 35.00

Cop Combat DVD The latest video from Police Academy - real combat training. 23.50 45.00 35.00

Hostage Defence DVD Covers firearm and knife defences from hostage situation. Police training. 23.50 45.00 35.00

Martial Mind DVD Deals with fear, increasing speed & power, the martial way, meditation. 23.50 45.00 35.00

Bunkai Sampler 1&2 double DVD

No1: The truth about blocks, covers many of the Heian kata. No2: More background with examples from Unsu, Gankaku etc.

30.00 58.00 44.50

Bunkai Sampler 4&5 double DVD

No4:The Ura (secret) bunkai to Tekki (Naihanshi), Maikyo and others. No5: Covers Flinch reflex, bunkai from Heians, Empi etc.

30.00 58.00 44.50

Thigh Pad x1 Thigh pads are essential for realistic training! 11.00 21.00 16.00

Thigh Pads (pair) Buying a set will save you and your partner precious time. 19.00 37.00 28.00

Please ONLY add postage to mail orders 2 $3 €3

Total

UK Address: Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do, c/o John Barker, 18 Victoria Street, South Normanton, DE55 2BX, e-mail: Kissaki@comcast.net, UK Payment: By cheque (payable to PBS) or by credit card or Paypal account on our secure online shop at www.kissakikarate.com/shop.htm

USA Address: Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do, 9 Brandywine Drive, Marlton, NJ 08053, e-mail Kissaki@comcast.net, USA Payment: bycheck (payable to Kissaki Kai) or by credit card or Paypal account on our secure online shop at www.kissakikarate.com/shop.htm.

Europe and 'world': Please visit our website at www.kissakikarate.com/shop.htm

If not specified, we will send you a DVD. Please let us know if you wish to receive PAL or NTSC format, or a VHS tape instead. Due to the exchange rate $ prices have been adjusted and non - prices at the online shop may vary slightly in line with currency fluctuations.

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