"Oldman's Bubishi" From Prairie Martial Arts

Now available from Prairie Martial Arts. "Oldman's Bubishi", is a richly illustrated introduction to the Bunkai of Karate Kata. The book by Mark "Oldman" Cook focuses on the widely practiced kata series, the Pinan / Heian / Pyung Ahn series. If you have learned this kata series or even the Hyung and Poomse variations they inspired in Korean Karate and Tae Kwon Do, this book is for you. Let Oldman and his nemesis introduce you to the bone breaking beauty of the kata / Form. Dance class is over. It's time to put the function back into your forms.

Oldman's Bubishi, is the visual record of a deep dive into the waters of Karate Kata by Mark "Oldman" Cook. It is an 8.5 by 11", 136 page, spiral bound butt kicking. Written in the international language of line, it's not meant to sit on a shelf, look pretty and collect dust. It is a workbook for you to take onto the mats with you. What's inside? An artist's perspective on Kata. Insights on finding form, function for yourself. It's time make the art your own. There are sequential drawings of each of the five Pinan / Heian / Pyung Ahn Kata and an insightful, practical step by step analysis of each.

Are you a Karate student? Have you gotten to the point that you're asking yourself "Why do I even waste my time doing stupid kata?". This book can help YOU answer to that question. Are you a Sensei or Sabumnim? Have you finally realized the you are not getting faster and stronger with each passing year. Not interested in competition sparring anymore. Have you become bored with the whole "Karate thing." Are you considering hanging it up? DON'T DO IT!!! Take responsibility for YOUR training and growth. Get fired up. If you are not satisfied with where you are or where you are going, you NEED a big dose of "Oldman's Bubishi" STAT!

Now keep in mind this Oldman fella has a vested interest in getting you to buy this stuff so you might want to think twice about what he says. You would be much better off listening to some of the worlds most respected Karate instructors and researchers.

What are they saying?.....

"Very impressive. What a great way to reach a new generation of learners."

Patrick McCarthy, Hanshi 9th Dan

International Ryukyu Karate Research Society

"I love this book! Oldman's Bubishi includes some really interesting kata applications in a very easy to follow and engaging way. The applications are deadly serious and I found the cartoon illustrations much easier to follow that the vast majority of photo sequences I've seen. Dont make the mistake of assuming that the humorous illustrations mean the information is not for the serious martial artist! This is solid stuff! Theres no denying the illustrations are very humorous though! I found myself giggling more than once at the factual expressions of both Oldman and his unfortunate uke. I guess the best description for the book would be serious information delivered in a light-hearted way. Just what good martial arts should be!" 

Iain Abernethy 6th Dan with the British Combat Association, author of Bunkai Jutsu and recognised expert on applied Karate. 

"Oldman's Bubishi was fabulous. Love the illustrations and the bunkai — worthy of my own analysis (I hope that is a complement!). It is lighthearted, obviously the illustrations are intentionally cartoonish yet clear and accurate. Presently, there are many books out on kata analysis, but yours is more simple, more clear, and more fun. Congratulations".

Tony Annesi, Hanshi, author of "The Principles of
Advanced Budo" and "Cracking the Kata Code"

"Mark Cook, a brilliant artist is his own right, created Oldman’s Bubishi as a way to pass his

own efforts to understand kata’s technique applications for all of us. I see Mark’s expression of his own kata application studies in the Oldman’s Bubishi as a personal notebook using his creation “Oldman” as the instructor. And what an instructor the Oldman is. He most frequently tries to diffuse an attacker’s intent by seeking peace. However when the attack comes he responds with his full art including striking, grabbing and takedowns. He presents various applications to the Pinan / Heian /
Pyong An kata which with appropriate training clearly show the techniques potentials.The illustrations of Oldman’s Bubishi are brilliant. They more clearly show the applications
than most karate works have done. And occasionally a sly humor inserts itself during the 
Oldman’s response."

Victor Smith

Bushi No Te Isshinryu

Sunday! Sunday!! Sunday!!!

   Sunday nights are usually one of the highlights of my week. I love teaching my classes at Hallmark and at the Paul Henson Family YMCA. That being said there are a few things about Sunday nights that make them unique and enjoyable. First, three great young men. The training happens in my home, often after a nice meal. There is no commute. My home dojo as opposed to my other locations has mats throughout. This allows for throws and some groundwork that we can't do in other locations. With my young dogs I don't worry as much about injuries as much as I do with my senior guys. I also don't worry about potty breaks. At the Y, one person having to go to the potty  can cause a chain among the kids that becomes a ten minute diversion. I love all my classes but Sunday night is hard to beat. Did I mention there is room for one more student?

The Sword of Hard Work

 This is a photo of "The Sword of Hard Work". It is a traveling trophy that goes home with the student that works the hardest in class. Tonight it went home with Colin. At five years old Colin is my youngest student. Tonight Colin worked very hard at standing still and not talking, Standing still and not talking can be very hard work for some of us. If you knew me you would know just how true that is for me.


Of course there is a story that goes along with the sword. The sword is not only a trophy but is is a lesson for the students and a reminder for myself. The sword is ancient by my young students standards. It was "smithed" in December of 1988. Hand forged by me in my basement before it had become a dojo and before I returned to martial arts in 1994.

On December 13th I started a new job at Hallmark Cards Inc. In Kansas City Mo. I moved my family from The Windy City. In doing so we put almost all of our equity from the sale of our home into our little house on the prairie. I also learned that I would be receiving a paycheck only once a month. Ouch. Merry Christmas.

In one day I had gone from holding the biggest check I ever held in my life to having next to nothing in the bank or in my pocket. This began what my wife refers to as "The Toast Years". "What's for dinner dear? I don't know, how does toast sound." "Would you like toast with your toast?" "At least it's warm in here. One might even say it's toasty." In those lean years we never missed a meal. As long as you consider toast a meal.

Back to the "Sword" story. Because there was not much left in the bank as Christmas approached my wife made a suggestion. She suggested that we make our gifts and added the stipulation that they be made from something that was already in the house. No cheating by going out and buying supplies.

That Christmas I made the sword for my son who was almost two at the time. He was also very in to Pirates. I made the sword from a shelf from the family room. I painted it with leftover wall paint and added some flourishes with a sharpy. In the following weeks, months and years there were many sword fights. Some over honor. Some over bedtimes. Often we fortified ourselves for long campaigns with toast. We did not have much during that time but my memories of that period are still pretty sweet. It really doesn't take much to enjoy life.

For my students "The Sword of Hard Work" is a trophy. A kind of silly one at that. For me it is a reminder. It is a reminder that when times get hard, be creative. A reminder to work hard and persevere. Hard work can pay off but don't forget to have fun.  Most importantly, remember, to do those things with and for the others. 

I'm still employed by Hallmark. We paid off our mortgage a few years ago. We own our house. A house with a dojo in it. I teach karate classes. What is the curriculum. Avoid fighting but be prepared to enter the fight. Work hard, persevere, have fun, love people.

Oldman's Bubishi

The trailer for the much anticipated release of "Oldman's Bubishi ". Oldman's Bubishi, is a richly illustrated introduction to the Bunkai of Karate Kata. The book by Mark "Oldman" Cook focuses on the most widely practiced kata series, the Pinan / Heian / Pyung Ahn series. Many modern Karate and Tae Kwon Do form, hyung and poomse can trace the roots of their movement to these kata created by Anko Itosu. If you have learned this kata series or their derivative modern heirs, let Oldman introduce you to the bone breaking beauty of the kata. Dance class is over. It's time to put the function back into your forms.

What are people saying...

Iain Abernethy on "Oldman's Bubishi"...

I love this book! Oldmans Bubishi includes some really interesting kata applications in a very easy to follow and engaging way. The applications are deadly serious and I found the cartoon illustrations much easier to follow that the vast majority of photo sequences I've seen. Dont make the mistake of assuming that the humorous illustrations mean the informa...tion is not for the serious martial artist! This is solid stuff! Theres no denying the illustrations are very humorous though! I found myself giggling more than once at the factual expressions of both Oldman and his unfortunate uke. I guess the best description for the book would be serious information delivered in a light-hearted way. Just what good martial arts should be!



Iain Abernethy 6th Dan

Tony Annesi, Hanshi, author of "The Principles of
Advanced Budo" and "Cracking the Kata Code" on "Oldman's Bubishi"

" Oldmans Bubishi was fabulous. Love the illustrations and the bunkai — worthy of my own analysis (I hope that is a complement!). It is lighthearted (obviously the illustrations are intentionally cartoonish) yet clear and accurate. Presently, there are many books out on kata analysis, but yours is more simple, more clear, and more fun. Congratulations".

Reality Programing "The Bachelor" and "Survivor"

There is a lot of talk about "Reality Programing" these days. "Jersey Shore", "The Bachelor", "Survivor". Not to be left out, I have created a bit of  reality viewing entertainment as well. This video is from the Corporate Karate class at the fitness center at Hallmark. Both of these guys have been training around five years. These guys show up for class two times a week, sometime three. Both are in their 60's. They have outlasted folks half their age.  Joe even had hip surgery just last year and is back at it. They knew starting out that they would not be becoming world champions ( then again neither will I ). I have had 17 years olds ask me if it was to late for them to start training. Of course, I reassure them that they are not too old. Why start if you are 19, 23, 35, 40 or even over 50?  Because it is good for you brain and your body. Because you will learn things about yourself and others. It keeps your mind and body invigorated and challenged. It might even save your life. 

I once had a person ask me regarding Karate... "When are you gonna give that stuff up ?'   I replied "I don't know, when did you stop taking care of yourself and  doing things you enjoy?".   O.k., that may have been a bit snarky but they had it coming.

One reason I both love and hate video is that you get a chance to see things as they really are and lose any illusions you have about your skills. You can see reality. On the other hand, that is the same thing I love about it. Once you experience it you can accept it, deny it, or work to change it. Some "Keybored Warriors" out there might look at this clip an think to themselves "Ha look at those old dudes" (including the teacher). The truth is I have seen a lot of "those guys" come and go. If some of "those guys" do see this video they will probably watching it on a computer their parents paid for, between marathons of "Call of Duty" and "Keeping Up With the Kardashians". That's Reality. 

Reality, Embrace it, Accept it or Change it.

p.s. Shelly IS a "Bachelor" and Joe is a "Survivor" i.e. Ex Marine

Beginning Again

Another New Year. Another year practicing Korean Karate. Another year negotiating with Father Time. As you look ahead at the new year make time for taking care of you. Find a practice that you enjoy and works for you. Let go of perfection and enjoy practice.

Iain Abernethy seminar in Missouri

Some of you are already familiar with the work of Iain Abernethy. For those of you who are not familiar with him or his work, here is a short bio from his website. http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/

Iain Abernethy is one of the UK's leading exponents of applied karate and kata application (bunkai). His martial arts DVDs and books have sold worldwide and have been translated into other languages. Iain holds a 6th Dan with both the British Combat Association (awarded by Peter Consterdine 8th Dan and Geoff Thompson 6th Dan) and the EKGB (awarded by Doug James 7th Dan). Iain is in great demand on the seminar circuit and teaches many seminars on his approach to practical karate both here in the UK and overseas. The bunkai that Iain teaches are not prearranged karateka vs. karateka applications. Nor are they static, complex, elaborate or reliant upon finite movement. Iain's approach to karate makes kata application practical, simple, direct and accessible to all.

Iain's seminar began on Friday evening with Funikoshi's 9 throws. I was surprised to find myself being invited to be the first "Uke" of the weekend. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term it would be one who "receives" a technique. The first throw he used me to help demonstrate was "Kubiwa" (To encircle the neck). After that I got to experience "Komanage" or (Spinning top) throw. Over the next two hours we cover all nine throws. Iain shared that of the nine, six, in his opinion had a higher percentage of working and were very practical.

On Saturday we began to go through the Pinan / Heian Kata as a complete fighting system designed by Ankoh Itosu. Iain has a very interesting approach. His kata based drills are based on the premise is getting the opponents arms out of the way to get to the head. More specifically the chin and jaw which Iain would refer to as "The on off switch."A the drills included a focus on awareness in regards to self defense. One primary goal was not being so focused on an attacker that you lose sight of what is going on around you... "Watching out for his mates". The drills start with no resistance. Resistance then increases and moves toward kata based sparring rather than tournament styled sparring. In many drills we started in a clinch or "Boss grip" and pummel for position.

One drill that was very fun went like this. Each member of a pair is given a number either 1 or 2. You begin grip fighting then when your number is call you have to break free, and escape. We did this One on one and one on three. We even trained biting and groin grabs. For the groin grabs the target was the belt knot. During grip fighting if you could grab your partners knot you scored a point. For biting it was just chomping BY the ear. The point was not to forget that an assailant might go for those and not to be lax in positioning to protect your assets. Good clean fun.

One thing I was most proud of was during a grip fight. we spun our belts around in back and the goal was to get your opponents knot in back. From the clinch I dropped to my right shoulder drove my right arm through his legs and got his knot. As I still had his lapel we both went down but I ended up in side control. We never stayed on the ground our goal was always breaking free and escaping.

Sunday came and we moved on to the Tekki/ Naihanchi/ Chulgi series and KuShanku. We looked at individual techniques and then worked them into drills that flowed from one response to another. This went on in earnest for the next six hours.

By the end of the weekend both my brain an my body had been well worked. I had the opportunity to work with Iain Abernethy, an internationally recognised karate instructor and meet sixty practitioners from all corners of the U.S.. One other pleasant surprise of the weekend being recognised by people who were familiar with my online cartoon persona "Oldman". Some had seen "Oldman Boobishi" on Chris Caile's www.FightingArts.com and others had seen pages from it published in Iain's online magazine, Jissen. It was a pleasure to work with Iain. I have always felt encouraged in our emails sent and received over the years. I felt that many time over with Iain in person. That to me is one of the marks of a great teacher.

Many thanks to Iain. I'd also like to offer a special thanks to Eric Parsons for putting the seminar together. Also, thank you to Sal Belahi a shotokan third dan from Urbana, Illinois. Sal was my training partner for the majority of the weekend. I very much appreciate a training partner that can help keep a fifty one year old karate guy in one piece.

The Relaxation Response

Starting Monday, I will introduce a small group of people to "The Relaxation Response". Dr. Herbert Benson first coined the phrase 1974. In our first class will look at the warning signs of stress an impliment simple, yet proven methods to manage, reduce and even eliminate stress. We will spend twenty to thirty minutes each day for the rest of the week getting together to practice engaging the relaxation response and encouraging each other to take time to breath and relax.

Paul Henson Tae Kwon Do

Here is a clip of some of our YMCA students. I had my Flip camera with me and I asked them if they wanted to see a video of themselves. They were very excited about the possibility. They are six and seven years old. They are doing very well. So well in fact that the parents can see the progress. For the last few years I have taught mostly adults. In all honesty as we started the program at the YMCA, I wasn't sure just how it how things would work. I'd just like to say that I am having a great time and could not be more proud of the students and the work we are doing together.

Onward and Upward

  On Wednesday the 22nd, Prairie Martial Arts held it's first rank test for the new Chung Do Kwan, Tae Kwon Do program at the Paul Henson YMCA in Prairie Village. Six students participated. I'm happy to report that each of the students that tested performed very well and gave their best efforts. Amy and Sam submitted test papers. Both papers were insightful reflections of where they are in their training. As always, testing points out our strengths as well as areas we can improve.  This is true for the students and for me as an instructor. We are all learning and growing. I'd personally like to thank everyone involved for your effort and support. I'm very proud of you all and the program that we are building at the YMCA.

Meekness not Weakness

This post was inspired by an exchange with Sensei Richard Kimura and Sensei Takeshi Tamura. 


One of the beauties of Budo as a spiritual path is that it both encourages the practitioner to strive, persevere, and push ourselves at times to the end of our abilities. In any spiritual discipline there is the danger that ones accomplishments may lead to arrogance and grandiosity. Injury, infirmity and losses suffered in training and in life can remind us of our frailty and weakness which can be an effective path to humility. We are reminded that many of our losses and even successes have come by good fortune, divine providence, and the efforts of others. Embracing or acknowledging our weakness does not mean that we coddle ourselves but that we see ourselves realistically and honestly. In acknowledging our weakness we are able to lessen or eliminate fear that is based in the desire to conceal the truth. I'm remined of Christs words "My strength is made perfect in weakness". Disciplined effort to embody a spiritual truth through physical training can get us to the top of the mountain. I believe it is the acknowledgment of our frailty that can take us even higher.

Tae Kuk Chodan

Here is a little help for all of you that are getting

ready to test for you white belts. Train hard and have fun.

The Agony and the Ecstasy

Recently I had the pleasure of being introduced to the art of Isshen-Ryu Karate by Sensei John Kerker. I first became aware of Sensei Kerker after a friend Victor Smith returned from a seminar with him. Knowing Victor to be a skilled and experienced martial artist I noted his enthusiastic review of his time spent with him. Victor mentioned that Mr. Kerker only lived about three hours from me in Iowa. I tucked the idea away in the back of my mind.

In one of those "Wow it's a small world" moments, I found out via Facebook that Mr. Kerker and I grew up in the the same town an actually graduated from high school the same year. I contacted Mr. Kerker on Facebook and we exchanged a few messages. When he invited me to his seminar I decided to take him up on the offer.

Last Saturday morning I rolled into tiny Carson Iowa around 8 a.m. and pulled up to the dojo. Upon entering Sensei greeted me warmly as we chatted a bit. Know that when you are hosting a seminar one has a lot on their mind I decided not to monopolize his time. I moved on, dressed out and began to introduce myself to attendees  from around the country.

Mr. Kerker's sensei was Sherman Harrill. He studied with Tatsuo Shimabuku on Okinawa while in the military. They have very heavy hands ( in a good way ). I was impressed with their bunkai and striking power. Sensei Harrill was renowned for his in depth exploration into the application of Isshin Ryu kata and traditional weapons. After Sensei Harrill's unfortunate passing in 2001 Mr. Kerker assumed responsibility for the dojo and teaching.

Shortly after 9:00 we got started.

Though I'm not familiar with Isshin Ryu kata, Mr. Kerker was able to present his concepts and techniques via common basics. He showed shared fundamentals and principles. As he shared his approach he was clear about why he did things a particular way. That being the case there was never even a hint of condescension  toward other styles. In fact many styles were represented there that day. I have seen that kind of distain in other seminars. The level of contact in striking during drills varied with each training partner and their preference and ability to tolerate discomfort. There was never any sense that people were whacking on or thumping others to show or to dominate. Any force seemed on to clarify or demonstrate the effect on an opponent and how it effected their ability to respond or dismantled their structure so as to put an attacker in a compromised position. I was surprised by the subtlety of their Ma ai and positioning relative to the opponent. It was a very Okinawan approach.

I enjoyed my time in Carson very much. Karate people tend to be a bit odd. I found that I am not the only karateka that has the tendency to laugh when I get hit hard. If you are going to progress in karate you have to be a person that can see pain as purposeful (if not pleasurable). Kirk Douglas once starred in a movie about the life of the painter Vincent Van Gogh entitled "The Agony and the Ecstasy". Most pepole understand that to produce great art a person will expeirience both agony and ecstasy. It is the same in the martial arts as well.

I can't really say I experienced agony but I did get pretty close to ecstay. In addition to the quality training, I can say that it was the most enjoyable seminar I have attended. I would encourage anyone that has the chance to train with Sensei Kerker to do so.

Step By Step.

Hello everyone. Our Tae Kwon Do program at the Paul Henson YMCA continues it's steady growth. I think the neatest thing that is that is developing is the number of families that are training together. We  have students that are inching forward, step by step, toward testing for their first belts. As these folks are finding out, this class is a great introduction to traditional martial arts and what it can do for you. If you are looking for a fun class and a challenging workout come on in and give us a try. Whether it's on your own or with the kids, join us for a free class any Sunday at 1:30.

Basics Terminology "Coloring" Sheets

Coming Soon... 

Basics Terminology Sheets. 

A Karate Kid

I have to start this post by saying that the title "Young Karate Master" is a bit of a misnomer. It is probably just a friendly, sweet, way of saying "Wow this kid is really great". To anyone familiar with grading in traditional martial arts the idea of a ten year old master would be ludicrous. On the other hand a ten year old black belt is possible. The majority of my time spent teaching over the last year has been focused on adults. It has been refreshing and invigorating to work with kids again. I found this video on YouTube. It was a reminder to me. It reminded that children are capable of remarkable things. The video also represents the hard work of a student and a very good teachers.

Early Chung Do Kwan

This is a repost of a previous post. As new students are visiting the Prairie Martial Arts site I want them to get just a taste of our groups history. A while back two online friends helped me with the translation of some historic Chung Do Kwan photos.The first comments are from Tashigae... "OK, here we go. The first three characters, in case you haven't recognized them by yourself yet, are 'To' - 'te' - 'do' ('Tang' - 'shou' - 'dao' in Chinese), 'Chinese' - 'hand' - 'way', in other words Tode-do, the old name of karate-do. The three next characters are Chung Do kwan ('qing' 'tao' 'guan' in Chinese, 'guan' being 'kwoon' in Cantonese and 'kan' in Japanese, as in 'Shotokan', Bujinkan', etc.) and mean Green Wave school (in Chinese, 'guan' actually refers to a building with only one or two floors but a very large surface. Didn't know how to translate that, so I chose to translate contextually as 'school', since it's often used as a metonymy for a school or style in Japanese). The next three characters mean 'the [N]th time' ('di [N] hui' in Chinese, don't know how to pronounce them in Japanese). The next character is unknown to me (sorry), but the next one ('cha' in Chinese, Japanese pronounciation unknown) suggests me that the two together might mean 'examination' or something like that. The next one ('hui' in Chinese) means 'meeting', 'gathering'. The last two characters ('ji nian' in Chinese) mean 'keep record', 'keep memory' (I must confess I had to ask my beloved for this one ).To sum it up:'record of the [N]th (examination?) meeting at the Green Wave dojo' ([N] being 3, 5, 7, 2 in that order)".

So the above photo is a photo to commemorate the third promotion examination at the Chung Do Kwan. The other numbers in his quote are from other photos he saw which I have not posted yet.

Here is a bit more from ButterflyPalm a friend from Milasysia

"You were doing so well I thought you should carry on.

However the problem with translating single words only in any language has pitfalls.

But generally you are right most of the time. It is obvious different generations of Koreans wrote those non-simplified Chinese words in the best calligraphic style he/she could muster. The best and the clearest was the last one, perhaps representing a gradual improvement in Korean education.

I am surprised that up to the 50s the Koreans were still using the Chinese characters for such auspicious occasions as the founding or setting up ('Chuang Li') of Song Moo Kwan, which the Koreans may have pronounced "Song" as "Chung" (hence Chung Do Kwan) which is also the Cantonese pronunciation of the pine tree.

The pine tree has some cultural significance in China (see all those Chinese black & white ink paintings where pine trees grew out of high barren rock cliff faces?) It shows fortitude and courage, qualities which the founding fathers of Song Moo Kwan obviously wanted to instill in the "Green Wave"

Green Wave ("Qing Tao") when read together in this context most likely means an 'Eternal Youth Movement' (a 'wave' so to speak) as both characters have respectively 'young & longevity' radicals in them. 'Qing' also has the meaning of young crops and so we have the idea of planting the seeds of future greatness in these Korean youths that will eventually and eternally grow into manhood achieving great things.

The word you had problem with is the word before "Cha" (to investigate/examine) It is "Shen" -- also having the meaning of 'to examine as in a court of law' Read together in this context it simply means a grading test.

"Ji Nian" in this context simply means a commemoration ceremony. Ji = to remember; Nian = to think of in remembrance. "

I was suprised by the word "Green". I was expecting Blue wave. I have read that Funikoshis's "Shotokan" could be translated as Pine Wave Hall or school. In " Karate do My Way of Life" he spoke of the pine trees in his native Okinawa. I later asked Tashigae about the color question. This was his reply..

‘Qing’ should actually be translated as ‘dark bluish green’. I’ve seen it translated as ‘green’, ‘black’ and ‘blue’ depending on the circumstances, although ‘green’ remains the most common one.

ButterflyPalm's comment about the founding of the Song Moo Kwan was also in regard to another photograph. Both Won Kuk Lee and Yong Taek Chung were present in the photo commemorating the opening of that Kwan.

"Ladies Night Ouch" at Paul Henson YMCA

Prairie Martial Arts will be hosting a "Ladie's Night Ouch" self defense class at the Paul Henson YMCA in Prairie Village. The class will be held Saturday, July 16th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.. This class is for women only, ages 12 and up. The costs for the 3 hour class is $5 for members and $10 for non members. 

Check out this link for more information and testimonials from past participants.

"Ladies Night Ouch"

One-Punch One-Murder

In Karate, there is a concept called "Ikken Hissatsu". It is sometimes translated as “one punch one kill”. Many people believe this means that a fight should be finished with one decisive blow. Some see this as either impractical, improbable or worse, magical thinking. It may be a concept but it is not impossible. Consider this example from today's news.

LAS VEGAS -- A racial comment in the restroom of a Las Vegas Strip casino restroom preceded a single fatal punch that left a tourist from Utah dead and a Florida tourist jailed in Nevada on a murder charge, authorities said Wednesday.

Benjamin Gerard Hawkins, 37, of Gainesville, Fla., took offense to John Massie's comment about "a black man in a yellow shirt" while both men were in the restroom at O'Sheas Las Vegas Casino shortly before the fatal 12:45 a.m. confrontation, according to a police report.

Moments later, Massie was felled by a single punch to the jaw. Massie was pronounced dead less than 30 minutes later at Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas.

"One punch," police homicide Lt. Lewis Roberts told The Associated Press. "He was out. Never got back up."

Hawkins was held at the Clark County jail pending a Thursday court appearance in Las Vegas. It wasn't immediately clear if he had a lawyer, and he police said he refused jailhouse interview requests.

Statistically the odds that you would drop an assailant with one strike may be small but it does happen. The point that I would like to make is that it could happen to you. The reality is you could be in either man's shoes. Are you prepared for the ramifications of that possibility. In the news story we see two small choices that have enormous and lasting consequences. If you are practicing Karate and being trained well you should be learning two foundational skills. The first, "Holding your tongue". The second, "Walking away". Good training should prepare us to respond rather than react.

The outcomes of this sadly common and foolish situation were death and jail. Sad indeed when you consider the options were life and freedom.

Grand Master Son, Duk-sung Passes.

Grand Master Duk Sung Son, 88, of 375 Thames Street, Newport, RI, died Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. Son, Duk-sung, was born in Seoul, Korea, on June 17, 1922. Grand Master Son was a student of Lee, Won Kuk at the Chung Do Kwan  and considered by many as a founding father of the Korean Martial Art Tae Kwon Do, and was the founder and first president of the World Tae Kwan Do Association. Grand Master Son was the original chief instructor to the Republic of South Korea Army and taught the United States 8th Army that was stationed in Korea after the Korean conflict ended. He immigrated to the United States in 1963 where he taught at the Military Academy at West Point, New York University, Princeton, Brown, Fordhan and many other Universities in the tri-state area. He was the author of two textbooks on the subject; Korean Karate – The Art of Tae Kwon Do and Black Belt, Korean Karate. He taught his martial art form all over the world. 

Why at the Y?

  

 A friend asked me recently, "Why teach at the Y?". Though I didn't have a quick answer for him his question caused me to reflect a bit. An even better question might be "Why teach Tae Kwon Do at all? 

The world certainly doesn't have a shortage of martial arts schools. A brief look through the yellow pages proves that. Looking at the multitude of adds one could almost come to the conclusion you could not spill a Seven Eleven, Big Gulp without inadvertently soaking a world champion, Grand Master or even an Eternal Grand Master. Boy I really hate when that happens. All joking aside let's look at some of the reason's I teach.

1. Because I enjoy teaching (and learning).

Many of the jobs I have had over the years have involved teaching. One of my first jobs was teaching tennis lessons in my home town growing up. As a teen and young adult I managed a skateboard park and pro shop. I also traveled with a skateboard team that did demos safety lectures. At Hallmark I have gotten to teach classes to other artists and even business people.

2. Because I don't have to (I want to).

For me teaching is not a have to. It is a want to. I do not need the additional income that it brings in. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the little extra that teaching brings in BUT, I do not NEED it. Because of that I have no need to sell, coerce or cajole. I don't need to bait and switch. I don't need anyone to sign a contract. I won't be offering Ninja Birthday Parties or hosting Karate Sleepovers. In each location that I do teach in the fee is set by the location that hosts it.  Hallmark Cards Inc. is my full time employer and has been for 22 years. They pay me far more than they probably should to draw cartoons. After work I teach and train Tae Kwon Do studets in the Hallmark Fitness Center. 

3.Because it is good for me (and others). 

It keeps my mind, body and spirit active. It involves me with a wide and changing group of people in my community. I have had students that range in age from 6 to 63. I have had students that are male and female, black, white, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Indian, ADD, OCD, ADHD, and Traumaticly Brain Injured. To spend time with this diverse range of people committed to common goals and the common good is, well... good.  Training exposes me to new ideas and people. It helps me to understand myself and others better. As far as the benefit to my body? I'm no Navy Seal but I can keep training long after the college kid next to me is ready to throw up his RedBull. I'm 50 and I can eat like an Elephant and sleep like a baby. And more importantly than that, when I'm wrong I can apologize, and mean it. That may not seem like much when you are 25 and want to fight in the UFC but come see me when you're 50.

4. Because it works (if you work).

I have seen unhealthy people get healthy. I have seen timid people learn to assert themselves. I have seen Men, Women and Children defend themselves from verbal and physical assault.  I had a female student drop an attacker like a bad habit in a Walmart parking lot (sweeeeeeeeeet). I have even seen a mom understand conflict more deeply and grow in her ability to confront or stand her ground with a very strong willed teen. I've seen people win and lose and be alright with either outcome. I have passed tests and failed tests.  I've seen boards break and I've seen hands break. 

Tae kwon do is not a cure for every ill, a magic pill or a silver bullet. What is it? A sport? An activity or hobby? Yes, yes and yes. I think of it primarily is an art. A Martial Art.  It is a way to integrate  our minds and bodies. It is a way to explore all of who we are and express what we find with power and purpose.

So, back to the original question... "Why teach at the Y?", I'll give you three reasons...

1. Raygon

2. Logan

and 

3. Everything I will learn from them.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day at The K.

It was a busy weekend for my YMCA Tae Kwon Do program. Saturday we held our first demo class on the fitness floor. Students from both Hallmark Corporate Karate and Duncan's Karate helped out. Susan Smith the wellness Director mentioned that we have our first students signing up. Sunday brought the opportunity to represent the YMCA program at a Kansas City Royals game at Kaufman stadium. I got to meet some wonderful volunteers. There were also people giving Zumba and Yoga demos. I can't wait to get started. Remember, Monday May 2nd 7:00p.m. Give it a shot. You won't regret it. 

Prairie Martial Arts at the Paul Henson YMCA

Starting May 2nd I will begin teaching classes at the Paul Henson YMCA in Prairie Village. Classes are currently scheduled for Monday and Wednesday 7:10 to 8:00. Chung Do Kwan, has a long history with the YMCA. There are many YMCA's that currently host a Chung Do Kwan group. Many people don't know that the relationship actually goes back to 1946 in Seoul, Korea. At that time students from the original Chung Do Kwan performed a demonstration at a Seoul YMCA prior to starting a group there.

I'm looking forward to this new venture. The above photo is the fitness floor where we will train.  We will be doing a demonstration in April. We will also give people a taste of what a class is like. At this point the classes will be open to students ages 8 and up. I'm eager to see who will join in the classes, and the ongoing tradition.

Six Keys to Being Excellent at Anything

The Following is from Tony Schwartz

1.Pursue what you love. Passion is an incredible motivator. It fuels focus, resilience, and perseverance.

2.Do the hardest work first. We all move instinctively toward pleasure and away from pain. Most great performers, Ericsson and others have found, delay gratification and take on the difficult work of practice in the mornings, before they do anything else. That's when most of us have the most energy and the fewest distractions.

3.Practice intensely, without interruption for short periods of no longer than 90 minutes and then take a break. Ninety minutes appears to be the maximum amount of time that we can bring the highest level of focus to any given activity. The evidence is equally strong that great performers practice no more than 4 ½ hours a day.

4.Seek expert feedback, in intermittent doses. The simpler and more precise the feedback, the more equipped you are to make adjustments. Too much feedback, too continuously can create cognitive overload, increase anxiety, and interfere with learning.

5.Take regular renewal breaks. Relaxing after intense effort not only provides an opportunity to rejuvenate, but also to metabolize and embed learning. It's also during rest that the right hemisphere becomes more dominant, which can lead to creative breakthroughs.

6.Ritualize practice. Will and discipline are wildly overrated. As the researcher Roy Baumeister has found, none of us have very much of it. The best way to insure you'll take on difficult tasks is to build rituals — specific, inviolable times at which you do them, so that over time you do them without having to squander energy thinking about them.