Sanbukan Dojo

Hello from Afghanistan

2012-01-20T21:47:00.001-08:00

Our very own Jose Bonilla sends his fondest wishes to everyone at the Dojo. He is serving in Afghanistan and misses the simple pleasures of a Saturday at the Sanbukan.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-27T17:45:00.001-08:00

Everyone here at the Sanbukan Dojo wishes you all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Years.

Our instructors all take a break to be with their families between Christmas and New Years, so all classes are closed. The first class of the new year will be on Tuesday January 3rd. See you all then.

Holiday Party Time!!!

2011-12-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

That's right boys and girls, it's party time at the dojo once again. This year's annual Pot Luck party is this Saturday Dec 17th, right after class (12:30 roughly). So far we know what some people will bring, but not many. Here's the list:

Alonso and Brenda - Meat Dish
Cindy and Jeremy - Japanese Salad, Utensils, Cups, Napkins, Plates
Gilbert - Lots of Ham
Toru - Japanese sandwich
Moe - Pizza
Bruce - Cake
Jay -Veggie Plate
Larry - Fruit Plate
Misa - More Pizza
Patty - Lasagna
Dane - Soda
Johann - Chicken
Mia - Portos
Rome - Pork & Chicken Lumpia

Anything else, will be a mystery I guess.

Please spread the word and let everyone know.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

The Sanbukan dojo would like to thank all of you who have served our proud country.

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations." - U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday.

In 1953, an Emporia, Kansas man named Alvin King the owner of a shoe repair shop, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. King had been actively involved with the American War Dads during World War II. He began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into "All" Veterans Day. The Emporia Chamber of Commerce took up the cause after determining that 90% of Emporia merchants as well as the Board of Education supported closing their doors on November 11 to honor all veterans. With the help of U.S. Representative Ed Rees, also from Emporia, a bill for the holiday was pushed through Congress. President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

The Dojo will be closed tonight so that all our students can enjoy trick or treating with their families.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Two Three Two

2011-09-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

We tend to have our belt tests in groups here at the Sanbukan Dojo. After Marcus and Mia tested, we had Brenda test for Orange, Cindy and Dane test for third Brown and then today Anthony and Martin tested for their Yellow belts. All of them passed and did exceptionally well. The Sensei' only consistent critique was "Kihon Dosa". You can NEVER practice the basics enough. Without a strong foundation your Aikido will not be strong.

Sensei Mits has a wonderful story about a Mathematician. He starts wanting to complete a complex equation and makes a simple math mistake right at the start. As a result, no matter how hard he tried or how hard he worked on the rest of the equation, it was always wrong. Until he finally goes all the way back and corrects his basics does his equation make sense.

Aikido is often referred to as a thinking art for just that reason. You can work and work at it for years and then suddenly stop and realize you've been making a simple mistake that has been hindering your progress. But once it's corrected, you soar!

Going green

2011-07-21T03:08:00.001-07:00

This last Saturday we had two excellent green belt tests. Both Mia and Marcus performed wonderfully!

But as an aside, I found it interesting to see how each moved very differently. Marcus being a Master of Soo Bahk Do and Mia being so tiny, made them almost look like they were taking separate tests.

Congratulations to you both, you've earned those belts!

Happy 4th of July take Monday off

2011-06-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

The monday class this coming July 4th will be cancelled for obvious reasons. IT'S THE FOURTH OF JULY!

Enjoy the Independance of our wonderful country with your friends and families. Watch a fireworks show, eat a few hot dogs and sing the National Anthem. And for those of you who may never have actually read The Declaration of Independance, I posted it on this blog last year. The Declaration of Independance

God Bless America

2011-05-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Incredible

2011-05-07T22:09:00.001-07:00

Stephanie DeLange is now the 23rd black belt promoted at the Sanbukan Dojo, and only the 4th woman to make it.

She really kicked herself in to high gear. It was amazing to watch! The last week of almost "secret" training in preparation created a wave of energy that Dane had to ride today. Which he did very well.

We are all proud of you Stephanie!

Congratulations Brenda

2011-04-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Sensei has always said, "The Yellow Belt is just as hard a test as the Black Belt". It takes a lot of courage to stand up in front of the entire class and put your knowledge to the test for the first time. Brenda showed us that courage this last Thursday.

Congratulations Brenda

BTW, Just a reminder, Stephanie is testing for her Black belt on Saturday May 7th.

Anchors away

2011-04-22T15:45:00.001-07:00

We have so many students who have served our country in the various armed forces. And we salute them all!

Most recently, Jose Bonillo left to serve a term in Kuwait with the Navy Reserves and Javier left us for Navy Boot Camp. We will miss you guys. Come home to us safely, and Thank You!

Another Black Belt on the way

2011-04-16T12:14:00.001-07:00

Stephanie has announced that she will be testing for her Shodan on Saturday May 7th.

These events are pretty rare, assuming she passed, she will be only the 23rd black belt Sensei has promoted in the 50+ years of training and teaching.

Don't miss it

Huge success

2011-04-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

This year's party for Mits was a huge success. So many people attended that I thought we may actually run out of food. But they stayed with Pot Luck tradition and brought more and more. We live in such an abundent society it's amazing. We even ended up with 3 Birthday Cakes...

Sensei was very pleased with all the laughter and gifts he recieved, and he thanked us all for making his life so easy.

Sensei is turning 69

2011-04-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Sanbukan devotees,
Our friend and Master, Mits Yamashita Sensei is turning 69 this year. We are having our usual Pot Luck celebration to commemorate this historic event on Saturday April 9th. And we welcome EVERYONE to come celebrate with us.

Sensei has given so much to every life he has touched, we can't thank him enough!

So far the Pot Luck list is as follows:

Cindy and Jeremy Birthday Cake, Utilensiles, Plates and Cups

Martin Cake

Bruce Pasta

Alonso & Brenda Ceviche

Marcus                              Drinks
Jay O'Balles                       "I'm thinking veggie plate"
Larry                                 Pizza

Please sign up at the Dojo, or send us an email, facebook comment, or just a plain old fashioned phone call and let us know what you're bringing.

Aikido in real life

2011-03-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

It was Saturday night, Superbowl weekend in Las Vegas and our 6th kyu level (green belt) student, Dane Crockford, was out at a club with friends. Totally at random a large man grabbed Dane's shirt near the neck and agressively started pulling him closer. Without fear or aggression, Dane simply reached up, grabbing the man's wrist and hand, and applied our Lapel grab #1, placing him in a nikajo. Dane easily controlled his agressor to about halfway down to his knees, and just looked at him... Seeing that the man knew he was out matched, it didn't need to go any farther, and Dane let him go. Both of them simply walked away.

Dane, not only used a technique in a real world situation, he used Aikido philosophy by controlling the situation, not amplifying it. Both parties walked away without a punch being thrown. Truely magnificent!

The new Monday class

2011-02-23T22:24:00.000-08:00

Hello all you Sanbukan devotees,
Last Monday marked the first Monday class in years. We worked on a couple of techniques that are not covered in the standard syllabus, both based on techniques covered in Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere. They were modified to better suit the intention of the lesson, ALWAYS KEEP YOUR CENTER.

images from Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere
click the image to animate

Uke grabs both of your wrists in a straight grab for the "one - on - one" attack.

You do a reverse 180 degree pivot in right stance, while bringing your elbow just over uke's arm. In this first motion, you have not moved uke much from his original position.

Next, while stepping back with your right leg, you draw back your right arm to place uke in a sankajo position while keeping your left arm outstretched, much like an archer draws his bow. It is important that during this motion you keep your hips and shoulders facing the same direction and keeping your center line.

Next, you keep your arms stationary with respect to your torso and perform a "turn-in-place" motion. Finally to complete the throw you take a step.

images from Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere
click the image to animate

Uke chokes you from the front.

Your right hand extends up through the middle of the choke, brushing up past uke's face and then extends down uke's right arm. This movement of your arm is vertical with respect to you.

At the same time you are starting a step and a half pivot. By the "half pivot" part, you have placed your left arm loosely on uke's shoulder, while your right hand acts as a hook for uke's arm which has his weight and balance dependent on it. After you complete the step and a half pivot, you now let your right arm drop. You begin to turn in place and your left arm pushes into the small of uke's back and your right arm comes up for an irimi. Finally, you take a step and complete the irimi throw.

After the techniques we participated in a bit of light randori. Each student was allowed to pick a single defense against a right center punch. Even just one person coming in at a time at random can get a bit unnerving for beginners, but everyone had a fantastic time.

Try it this way...

2011-02-20T08:23:00.001-08:00

Today's blog entry is an excerpt from Ryu Mail Magazine - February 2011 that discusses a problem many Aikidoka face. What do you do when when you're shown many different ways to perform the same technique?

The Art of an Aiki Life

In this section this month, Ando Sensei talks about the meaning of obedience. The word he uses is sunao. This can be translated as obedient; dutiful; respectful; submissve; in other words someone who is not stubborn; willful or obstinate. This word has very positive connotations in Japan, especially when applied to a child, whereas in English the word may have slightly negative connotations. Certainly, when used to describe an adult it may suggest that the person is overly meek or submissive, ready to obey any command unquestioningly. In this instance, Ando Sensei is also using it in the context of being obedient to one's own best self.

He recalls that Shioda Sensei told his uchi deshi that the best way for them to learn aikido was to obey him unquestioningly. "If I tell you to eat shit, then you say 'yes sir!' and eat it." Ando Sensei thought to himself that he definitely wasn't going to eat any but Shioda Sensei had made his point about the importance of obedience.

The problem was deciding who to obey. At that time, the uchi deshi were not taught directly by Shioda Sensei but by their senior deshi. One deshi told him to do a technique in this way, while another told him to do it in another way - everyone was telling him something different. The only thing to do was listen and nod obediently at every opinion; try it once and then choose from among the various options. At the very least, the quantity of information you possess increases. If you aren't obedient in a situation like this and don't listen to what people are teaching you then you lose a little bit of information every time.

Brian Kaneshiro

2011-01-30T10:27:00.001-08:00

Last Tuesday Brian Kaneshiro passed his Yellow Belt test. His techniques were clean and energetic. And his Uke, Ernesto, looked very fierce.

Congratulations Brian

22nd Black Belt

2011-01-12T14:17:00.001-08:00

This last Saturday January 8th, 2011 Jeremy Johnston became the 22nd Black Belt to successfully pass the incredibly difficult test Yamashita Sensei has created.

Sensei Johann placed Jeremy on the spot right after the test by requesting an impromptu speech. Here is what was said:

"As many of you know, I've spent a lifetime in the martial arts. I started when I was very young. And several of the people who are here now and have known me for 25, almost 30 years, have seen my strugle through the martial arts. I am by no means a natural. I've struggled through every little bit of it.

About 16 to 17 years ago I had a major set back, I broke my hip. That's what brought me to Mits. I had seen Mits, actually through Soo Bahk Do. Master Duncan here and Mr. Greco were kind enough to work with me back then quite a bit and we knew Mits through Soo Bahk Do. He holds a second degree in Soo Bahk Do, of course It was called Tang So Do back then. But anyway, I saw how beautifully Mits moved and how it focused on the hip. And back then I was on my cane a couple times a year at least. And I dont even have a cane anymore. Aikido strengthened my hip. Aikido made me able to continue the martial arts, and I'm so glad I never ever stopped, because it formed this family that we have here.

And a few years back when the Dojo looked like it might go away, I said nooo. Couldn't have that. And so many of you guys, Andrew, Jay, Sean. All of you pitched in. We bult this home for ourselves. Everybody here chipped in and you are still chipping in by being here for us. You're the ones that keep this place, and my love for the martial arts going. So Thank You all!"

First class of 2011

2011-01-05T12:53:00.001-08:00

We had a great class! Everyone was energetic and eager to start the year off right. Sensei Larry, as usual, lead the class with grace. I can't thank him enough for all he does for us.

Just a reminder, there is a Black Belt Test this coming Saturday Jan 8. As a result the class will most likely be a short one to make room for the test.

The weather report says sunny skies and a high of 60°. Which is just about perfect for that much exercise.

Hope to see you all there.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T10:20:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

I'm posting baby New Year's picture to remind people of what he stands for. A sense of renewed spirit that 2011 will bring health, happiness and prosperity.

Let's all share that abundance together and with our friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.

Seasons Greetings

2010-12-22T09:44:00.001-08:00

We at the Sanbukan Dojo wish to extend Warm holiday wishes for health and happiness and a New Year filled with success!

Although the Dojo is officially closed, many students will be coming to the Dojo to work on various techniques, their next belt requirements, etc. Should you wish to join us on the mats, please contact Patrick Reed directly and he will open the doors for you (562) 500-6683.

Regular class schedule will resume on Tuesday January 4th

An email to Mits

2010-12-16T23:28:00.001-08:00

Hello from Tokyo!

I have changed paths in my life recently and I wanted to send my heartfelt thanks to Mits as one of the kindest and most inspirational teachers I have ever had the good fortune to spend time with.

A little background quickly- I moved to Tokyo in the summer of 2006 to come and train Aikido seriously, but in my quest to study at the highest level I saw a side of Aikido and people I used to trust that has turned me off of the art. There are many great teachers here, but after my experience my passion has been soured beyond repair. Leaving Aikido became the only satisfying option for me.

This however, is not an ending but a beginning. After some time away from training I have done a few classes with a second degree black belt in BJJ from Rickson Gracie's academy in Brazil. I am happy to be doing some martial arts again, the people at the club are kind and I want to thank Mits for introducing me to Jiu-jitsu and welcoming me to his home back in 1997? to share his teaching.

A lesson he shared with us during a seminar in Canada has always stuck with me. While explaining to us the benefit of not trying to hold a technique for too long if it is not working he relayed to us a story of a tribe of hunters who catch monkeys by placing rice in hollowed out coconuts. The coconuts have an opening just big enough for an empty hand to slip through, but once the hand closes to grab the rice it becomes trapped, once trapped the monkeys are easily finished off.(forgive my uninspired paraphrasing of the tale) This story stuck in my mind and I have held it for many years. This is a sign of a remarkable teacher, and one I spent too little time with. Of course this lesson was related, by sensei, to any type of situation that has negative consequences, not only grappling. From staying in any unhealthy situation too long, be it a job or a relationship.

This is a lesson that I have applied many times in many arenas of my life and I thought it appropriate to send a message to let sensei know
how much he is appreciated, from an old student and friend.

Thank you sir.

All the best,

Dave Stinson

Pot Luck Holiday Party Time

2010-12-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

That's right boys and girls, it's party time. This year's annual Pot Luck Holiday Party is coming this Saturday December 18th.

The following people have said what they plan to bring:

Cindy & Jeremy - Japanese Salad
Emanuel - Pizza
Alonso - Meat Dish
Bernardo - Oven Roasted Chicken
Pete - Un chingo da hambra
Jay - Veggie Platter & Beer Nuts
Larry - Dessert
Gilbert - Ham
Melvin - Curry Chicken
Martin - Empanadas
Misa - Soda & Pizza
Brian - Dessert (maybe Pie)

What are YOU bringing ? ? ?

The regular Saturday class will happen from 10:30AM - Approx. 12:30PM but then it's PARTY TIME!!!!

In other news:
Many people have asked, "When is Jeremy testing for Black Belt?" The date has been set for Saturday January 8, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T00:59:00.001-08:00

We at the dojo have so much to be thankful for. Not the least of which is our fantastic friends. We truly have a family there, and for that I am thankful beyond measure.

But today is the day everyone should be home with their real family, so the dojo will be closed.

Until I see you all again..

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

And I'll see you all this coming Saturday, so don't eat too much!

Belated updates and congratulations

2010-11-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

So many things have been happening at the Dojo lately, it's hard to keep up some times. We've had several new students join recently. Mia, Dane and Andrew all tested and there was even a reunion get together for the Spectrum Club Aikido Class. Rainer, Ron, Micheal, Ellen, Big Mike, Johann and of course Sensei Mits were all present and had a wonderful time over at Cozymel's

Sensei Johann, Big Jei and Jeremy all had our birthday's. And today is the sixth anniversary of when the Reverend Mits Yamashita presided over the wedding of...

Mr. and Mrs. Johnston

November 14th 2004

Mits Yamashita Aikido Demo at the USA World Championships

2010-09-18T01:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Andy Wilson we have some dynamic footage of Sensei Mits, performing a demonstration in Las Vegas back in the year 2000. This demo was fantastic. An excellent reminder of just how good our Sensei is. Thanks Andy!

BTW: Senseis' Larry and Johann should be commended as well. That was excellent Ukemi.

9-11

2010-09-11T09:36:00.001-07:00

Happy Labor Day

2010-09-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

We here at the Sanbukan Dojo would like to thank all those hard working Americans who paved the way for the fair and livable workplaces we all enjoy today. Without them we may still have had child labor, unequal pay for women and minorities, etc. Below is a little history lesson (Thanks to History.com) about Labor Day and why it's so important to remember this holiday. God Bless America!

Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events.

Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters. In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages. People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.

As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay. Many of these events turned violent during this period, including the infamous Haymarket Riot of 1886, in which several Chicago policemen and workers were killed. Others gave rise to longstanding traditions: On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history. The idea of a “workingmen’s holiday,” celebrated on the first Monday in September, caught on in other industrial centers across the country, and many states passed legislation recognizing it.

Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later, when a watershed moment in American labor history brought workers’ rights squarely into the public’s view. On May 11, 1894, employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago went on strike to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. On June 26, the American Railroad Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, called for a boycott of all Pullman railway cars, crippling railroad traffic nationwide. To break the strike, the federal government dispatched troops to Chicago, unleashing a wave of riots that resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen workers. In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

More than a century later, the true founder of Labor Day has yet to be identified. Many credit Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, while others have suggested that Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union, first proposed the holiday.

Labor Day is still celebrated in cities and towns across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays and other public gatherings. For many Americans, particularly children and young adults, it represents the end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school season.

1 Kyu - Patrick Reed

2010-08-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

Patrick Reed had a wonderful 3rd Brown Belt test last Saturday. For an old man he can still move. We all owe Patrick a lot for his dedication and commitment. I can honestly say, no one at the Dojo works harder. Way to go Patrick.

Patrick uploaded his test on YouTube in three parts, for those who missed it.

Promise Exercises
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQBbLfThg9Y

Main Body of the test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXfsj75sr2w

Kata and Randori
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv_hSWBAKEQ

Mia Reyes

2010-07-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

*•.,.•*•.,.•CONGRATULATIONS MIA•.,.•*•.,.•*

Our little Mia tested for, and passed her Yellow Belt. She did fantastic! As with many others before the one major tip: BREATHE!

You can see her here, breaking in her new belt, using Sensei Larry's arm. And then she jumped right into learning the Osoto Gari.

There is no stopping this girl!

Excerpts from the Ryu Mail Magazine - July Edition

2010-07-21T21:31:00.001-07:00

Meigen

「正しいから強い」

Tadashii kara tsuyoi

The following is written in one of Ando Sensei's books on the techniques of Yoshinkan Aikido:
"Strength in aikido does not come from physical power but from maintaining a correct posture. The strength which aikido seeks comes from rectitude."

The meigen "tadashii kara tsuyoi" is an expression of one of the fundamental principles of aikido. Correct posture is well-balanced with a perfectly straight back; that posture, perfect even in motion, is a thing to startle the eye with it's beauty. In it's perfect form, correct posture itself is center power. And, to recite Ueshiba Sensei, "breath power is rooted in center power." All strength in aikido is an exercise of center power.

Strength from rectitude includes a spiritual element. Spiritual rectitude gives a technique strength. We could say that if your spirit is righteous, your sword will be righteous too. Good, strong posture arises from a pure spirit. For many, the appeal of aikido lies in it's quest for spiritual rectitude and for victory over the self.

Conversely, though, we shouldn't place too much emphasis on 'being right'. Righteousness should come naturally, without thinking too much about it. If we are overly-conscious of our righteousness and seek only that, then our minds become narrow and we tend to become overly-critical of others. It becomes a contest over who is 'right'. Be careful not to fall victim to your own righteousness in this way!

Ando Shihan's tip this month: Really open your eyes and see.

During aikido practice, usually the teacher will demonstrate a technique to the students who will watch the demonstration and then repeatedly practise the technique. When watching, however, often we are only conscious of what we want to see. We are seeing through the filter of our own fixated ideas. This is almost the same as not seeing at all. The same is true when listening to the teacher's explanations.

Ando Sensei writes that he has had this experience. He sat in the Honbu Dojo with Shioda Sensei demonstrating a technique in front of his eyes and yet did not see or hear, even though Shioda Sensei was explaining in great detail about that technique. Why does he realise this now? Through trial and error, Ando Sensei writes, he has come to understand things better and in the instant that he has a breakthrough he will recall, "Ah! Shioda Sensei did teach us that!" At the time, however, his technique and consciousness weren't at a high enough level for what Shioda Sensei was saying to sink in. When he thinks back now, he wonders what he was seeing and hearing!

Aiki Laws

The aiki law that can be applied in your daily life this month is that tension is your friend. (In direct translation: 'tension is a treasure'.)

July is summer test season at Ryu Dojo. Many people get nervous before a test - in the worst cases sometimes even a week before! Most people tend to think that getting nervous is a bad thing. This is not the case. Tension is a very valuable thing - a treasure in fact. A feeling of tension is a sign of focus. In any sport a good 'play' is always accompanied by tension. Even spectators can feel that tension. It's how you use the tension that is important.

Try to recreate and use that tension in your daily training.
Testing in a place and time different to your usual trainng time and location and in front of a large audience means you are improving.
Praise yourself for feeling and dealing with tension or nervousness.
Try to see tension in a positive light.
When you see someone who is nervous before a test, think of this as an admirable thing.

Tension and nervousness are natural and necessary - without them, the human race couldn't survive!

COPYRIGHT © Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu All Rights Reserved

Fireworks and the Fourth of July

2010-07-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate the birth of our Nation and remember the courage and sacrifice made 234 years ago by men and women who came together to create a Nation out of the wilderness and one People from many. I invite you to take a moment during your day at the beach, your picnic or softball game to remember the true meaning of the holiday. I invite you to spend ten minutes with your family and read aloud the Declaration of Independence and to fly the Stars and Stripes proudly, with honor and respect. For your pleasure the entire Declaration is included below!

I’ve also included tips on where to watch fireworks locally and how to photograph them.

God Bless America!

Where can we watch FIREWORKS?

Independence Day and the firework season is here and nothing gives kids a bigger thrill than a great aerial display. We often go to Wilson Park here in Torrance (9pm), Torrance Beach Barge (9pm), Redondo Beach Pier (9:30pm) the Home Depot Center in Carson (after the Galaxy game), Queen Mary in Long Beach or to Knott’s Berry Farm or Disneyland just to see the big fireworks show there every summer night at 9:30pm.

Photography Tips:

To photograph fireworks you need a camera with MANUAL shutter speed, f-stop and focus control along with a tripod and remote release. Choose 100 or 200 iso (digital, slide film or print film). Pre-select your location before the festivities begin. Look for a location free from obstruction by trees, power lines or other objects which will block your view. It is also best to avoid street-lamps or other lights in the photo. Preset your camera and lens on the tripod to capture approximately the area of the sky where you envision the bursts to occur. Generally a medium telephoto lens (100mm) works best. Try it and see if you like it!

Manually focus to infinity, manually set the shutter speed to "bulb" or "B" and use your remote release. Set the camera so you may hold the shutter open for as long as you like (we often shoot 10-30 second exposures). Set the aperture manually to f-8 or f-11. You may "bracket" between 8 and 11 if you choose. Watch the fireworks and determine the exact location in the sky. Fine-tune your positioning. Get ready.... SHOOT! Hold the shutter open for one complete burst.... 8 to 12 seconds (press the remote release and hold...let go when your exposure is finished). Now hold the shutter open for two complete bursts. Hold the shutter open for 3 or 4 bursts. Experiment, have fun and enjoy shooting on the FOURTH of JULY!

As for family and friends, use a normal or slight wide angle lens (35 or 50mm). Get close so family and friends fill the entire frame. Use fill-in flash when you are less than ten feet from the subject to brighten the face and eliminate shadows. Have fun. Make great pictures. Share the holiday with those dear to you and make prints of your favorite to remember the day and share your love with the greatest gift of all… pictures!

The Declaration of Independence

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighboring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The 56 signatures on the Declaration:
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton
North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn
South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton
Massachusetts:
John Hancock
Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton
Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross
Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean
New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris
New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery
Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton

Stephanie's turning 40

2010-06-05T13:11:00.001-07:00

Come to the party!
Stephanie DeLange's 40th birthday party will be held on
Saturday June 19th
starting at 5PM

589 Walnut Ave
Long Beach, CA 90802
(213) 952-4284

There will be music & food but feel free to bring you favorite ______ : )

Thank You

2010-05-30T20:03:00.001-07:00

Many people at the Sanbukan Dojo, myself included, have served this great nation with pride. So we could never forget to say THANK YOU!, to those who are still out there keeping us safe. We love you all.

Mat Cleaning Day

2010-05-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone :). Jeremy and I will be at the dojo at 8:30am on Saturday May 29, 2010 to do some mat cleaning. We're starting early this time to try to have the mats dry and not disrupt the normal class.

Jeremy and I will bring the tea tree oil, rags, buckets and scrub brushes. So anyone who would like t...o help out may just want to bring an extra pair of shorts or pants in case they get wet. Thanks!

- Cindy

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone here at the Sanbukan Dojo wish to extend a loving hand to our Mothers. Without them, were would we be? To honor this special day, here is a little history.

The story of modern Mother's Day begins in the peace movement and as a day recognizing women's social action, as found on http://legacyproject.org/guides/mdhistory.html

In the United States, Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910), a Boston writer, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, first suggested a Mothers' Day in 1872. She saw it as a day dedicated to peace.

Howe was greatly distressed to see Europe plunged into the Franco-Prussian War so soon after her generation had suffered through the American Civil War. For several years she worked toward the recognition of a "Mothers' Day for Peace" on June 2. She organized meetings in Boston, MA as a rally for women, whom she believed bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else. Men showed little interest in her ideas, but she appealed to war mothers, the women who supported husbands and sons at war, pleading, "Why do not the mothers of mankind interfere in these matters to prevent the waste of that human life of which they alone bear and know the cost?"

Although her version of Mothers' Day never really caught on, Howe went on to head the American branch of the Woman's International Peace Association, which observed a day dedicated to peace.

Anna Jarvis and Her Mother

The official observance of Mother's Day in its present form is credited to Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) of Philadelphia, PA. She wanted to honor the memory of her mother, Mrs. Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis, who died in 1905. Before getting into the story, it's important to clear up two popular misconceptions. According to historical records provided by the curator at the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum near Grafton, WV, Anna Jarvis' mother was not, as is popularly believed, also named Anna. Her mother was simply Ann. Second, Anna Jarvis' name has no middle initial.

Mrs. Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis (sometimes referred to as "Mother Jarvis" to distinguish her from her daughter Anna) organized several "Mothers Day Work Clubs" in the 1850s in the West Virginia area (the name of the clubs was later changed to "Mothers Friendship Clubs"). Mrs. Jarvis lost eight children under the age of seven (she gave birth to a total of twelve children), and wanted to combat the poor health and sanitation conditions that existed in many areas and contributed to the high mortality rate of children. The social action brigades provided medicine for the poor, nursing care for the sick, and arranged help and proper medical care for those ill with tuberculosis.

At the beginning of the Civil War, Mrs. Jarvis called together four of her Clubs and asked them to make a pledge that friendship and goodwill would not be a victim of the conflict between the states. In a display of compassion, courage, and friendship, the members of these Clubs nursed soldiers from both sides and saved many lives.

After the Civil War, Mrs. Jarvis worked as a peacemaker encouraging families to set aside differences created by the polarization of the war. In 1868, she organized a "Mothers Friendship Day" to bring together families that had been divided by the conflict. Mrs. Jarvis spoke about the purpose of the day:

To revive the dormant filial love and gratitude we owe to those who gave us birth. To be a home tie for the absent. To obliterate family estrangement. To create a bond of brotherhood through the wearing of a floral badge. To make us better children by getting us closer to the hearts of our good mothers. To brighten the lives of good mothers. To have them know we appreciate them, though we do not show it as often as we ought... Mothers Day is to remind us of our duty before it is too late. This day is intended that we may make new resolutions for a more active thought to our dear mothers. By words, gifts, acts of affection, and in every way possible, give her pleasure, and make her heart glad every day, and constantly keep in memory Mothers Day.

If friends and family were to be reconnected, Mrs. Jarvis believed it had to be done by appealing to that love and respect that everyone has for their mother. With great skill and courage, she created a very emotional event, with many people embracing and in tears at the end. Several other Mothers Friendship Days were held thereafter.

Mrs. Jarvis' service to her community was not lost on her daughter, Anna. When her mother passed away, Anna was at her graveside and recalled something her mother often said:

I hope that someone, sometime, will found a Memorial Mothers Day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it.

Then and there, Anna made a promise to her mother:

The time and place is here and the someone is your daughter, and by the grace of God, you shall have that Mothers Day.

Up until her own death, Anna continually referred to her mother as the real originator of Mother's Day, despite the fact that it was Anna herself who worked tirelessly over several years to make it a national reality.

It began in 1907 when Anna had a small gathering of friends in her home to commemorate her mother's life. She announced the idea of a national day to honor mothers. In 1908, Anna persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, WV to celebrate Mother's Day on the anniversary of her mother's death, the second Sunday of May. It was to be a day to honor all mothers, and also a day to remember the work of peacemaking, reconciliation, and social action against poverty started by her mother. That same year, Mother's Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia.

The role of women was changing rapidly during this period. During the first two decades of the 1900s (often referred to as the Progressive Era), women were entering into community building and political activities. Like other women of the time, Anna did not denigrate the role of mother, wife, and homemaker, but expanded the role into the public arena. Women saw government as being "enlarged housekeeping" and used their skills to help improve it. The definition of motherhood at the time gave women a moral responsibility outside their immediate home. Women who participated in civil rights and welfare reform saw this work as essentially maternal in nature. Women worked to ease social ills; they became scholars and scientists; they fought for the rights of various groups of people; and they raised their voices to have the right to vote. Many of these reformers were mothers as well as activists, but their contributions as mothers were often overlooked. The creation of Mother's Day as a national holiday was to restore the status of mother as a cornerstone of the family and of the nation.

Anna and her supporters tirelessly wrote to ministers, business people, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day to honor all mothers. By 1911, Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made it official: Mother's Day would be a national holiday held each year on the second Sunday in May. He stated that mothers were "the greatest source of the country's strength and inspiration." He ordered the United States flag displayed on all public buildings to honor mothers. Unfortunately, many officials of the time turned the intent of the holiday away from women's activism and instead emphasized women's role in the home and family. The apostrophe was moved so that "Mothers' Day" as a day for organized social and political action by all mothers became "Mother's Day" a day for celebrating the private service of one's own particular mother.

Anna went on to incorporate herself as the Mother's Day International Association and turned her attention to persuading other nations to celebrate Mother's Day. Eventually, Mother's Day would be observed in over fifty countries.

It was Anna Jarvis who also began the custom of wearing a carnation on Mother's Day – colored if your mother is living, and white if she's not. It was intended to be a simple, inexpensive symbol of love and respect for the person who loved you before you even knew how to spell the word.

Unfortunately, the story of Anna Jarvis has a bittersweet ending. At first, people observed Mother's Day by attending church, writing letters to their mothers, and spending time together. As the years passed though, more people began buying cards, presents, and flowers. Anna felt that Mother's Day became much too commercialized. She was outraged when the price of carnations rose significantly and attacked florists as "profiteers." She filed a lawsuit to stop a 1923 Mother's Day festival and was even arrested for disturbing the peace at a war mothers' convention where women were selling carnations to raise money. Said Anna: "This is not what I intended. I wanted a day of sentiment, not profit."

Years later, in a care home, Anna told a reporter that she was sorry she had ever started Mother's Day. And yet, even though she had never had children herself, she was the mother of Mother's Day, and each Mother's Day her room would be filled with thousands of letters and cards from all over the world. One of them she prized highly, and hung on her wall. It read: "I am six years old and I love my mother very much. I am sending you this because you started Mother's Day." Carefully sewn to this letter from a little boy was a $1 bill.

Anna Jarvis died in 1948, at the age of 84.

Mother's Day is the legacy of Anna Jarvis and her mother Ann Jarvis. At the heart of the traditions around Mother's Day are themes of honoring mothers, compassion, peace, reconciliation, and social action.

Mother's Day Throughout the World

Today, Mother's Day is celebrated (officially and unofficially) in dozens of countries, although on different dates. In the United States, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Belgium, and Japan it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.

In Great Britain, Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. But Mother's Day is now observed in England as it is in North America, and the traditions associated with Mothering Sunday have been largely forgotten.

In Mexico, Mother's Day is always celebrated on May 10. When the holiday falls on a weekday, mothers take the day off from work and children stay home from school. Other countries that celebrate Mother's Day on May 10 include Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

In Spain and Portugal, Mother's Day is celebrated on December 8, which is also the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Mothers are honored along with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Other dates for Mother's Day celebrations: Norway – second Sunday in February; France – last Sunday in May; Sweden – last Sunday in May; South Africa – first Sunday in May.

An old friend

2010-04-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

One of our students from a while back emailed the other day, and I thought I'd share it with you all...

Dear Mits and other Sanbukan friends,

I wanted to share with you the good news that I passed my shodan test Saturday at the annual USAF Yudansha seminar at the Midwest Aikido Center in Chicago. Yamada (head of the USAF) and Zimmerman (from Toronto) judged the tests. My 13-year old son, who watched all the tests, said, "I liked the brawls best!" He also helpfully pointed out that I will need to buy one of those "man skirts" now... I will try to figure out how to properly compress my randori (brawl) video soon so it is possible to email.

I'm terribly sorry to read that Carol just passed away. I remember clearly the day she and her daughter started aikido at the old Ogden dojo. I recall her thin, thin wrists and her powerful nikajo and sankajo cranks--wow!

Charles E. Cunningham
Professor of Physics, Grinnell College

--------------------------------------
Here is a 40-second clip of the randori from my test--the brawl my son liked, in quicktime format (Now on the Sanbukan YouTube Channel). Thanks to Yoshinkan training with Mits, my test techniques tend to have more atemi than most. I hope Mits and the guys like it.

Charles E. Cunningham
Professor of Physics, Grinnell College

a death in the family

2010-04-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

We just learned a few days ago that one of our Black Belts, Carol Dressler passed away back in November of 2009 of Cancer. Sensei Carol, as I always called her, started with the Dojo back in approximately 1984.

Sensei Mits and Pete both said, "When she first showed up at the Dojo with her daughter, it didn't look like she would come back, and when she did, we didn't think she would last a week." She surprised everyone with her determination, drive and caring. Carol progressed through her Aikido training with nothing but smiles and nice words for everyone. Sensei Pete said, "I never heard her say a bad thing about anyone."

Carol's training in Aikido gave her frail body a type of strength rarely seen. "She was small, but exceptionally strong.", said Sensei Mits. "Most people don't know this, but Carol hurt her knee just 2 weeks before her Black Belt test", said Sensei Pete.

Carol was the 16th person to achive Black Belt under Sensei Mits, and only the 3rd woman. She will be greatly missed by us all.

Happy Birthday Sensei

2010-04-12T23:14:00.001-07:00

The party was a complete success. As usual the company was excellent and the food was outstanding. Sensei seemed genuinely touched by the gathering of his friends both from the Dojo and many from his classes at El Camino as well.

Thank You all for coming. And Thank You Sensei for giving all of us another fantastic year!!!

The group photo above, is courtesy of Jeffrey Nakamura. The following (as you may guess) come from Dane Crockford

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T16:43:00.001-07:00

From all of us at the Sanbukan Dojo.

Don't forget Sensei's Birthday party on Saturday.

Birthday time

2010-03-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

On Saturday April 10th we will be celebrating Sensei Mits' 6.8th birthday. The party will happen right after the class and will be Pot Luck.

Donations toward his gift will be greatly appriciated.

Happo-giri

2010-02-14T17:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day. I hope that everyone that reads this is spending time enjoying the company of those you love.

This last Saturday Sensei taught us Happo-giri, The eight directions cut.

In the practice of Aikidō, happo-giri (or happo-no-giri) is an exercise performed with the bokken, cutting in eight directions. Each cut is a simple strike from the top of the head straight down the centre line, with the bokken ending parallel to the floor at roughly the same height as the lower abdomen. The order of the strikes is north, south, east, west, southeast, northwest, southwest, northeast, finally returning - without performing a ninth cut - to the original position (north).

The main purpose of happo-giri is to teach how to control one's surroundings while maintaining proper stance or kamae, by moving around one's centre.

Weather or not here we come

2010-01-21T10:05:00.001-08:00

Local news reported heavy rain, thunder storms and even a tornado warning. But as if they were following the mail man's creed our students still make it to the Dojo. Could Aikido be more powerful than nature? Or maybe it's that Aikido teaches us how to walk within nature and come away unharmed.

Virgil Crank in 6 parts

2010-01-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

Patrick Reed posted some video of Sensei Crank he made at the party. Here are the links:

part 1 >
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-8HCKLvmfo

part 2 >
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9jsGv2EeQ0

part 3 >
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpmRZaAlZMc

part 4 >
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bey4Uh1wGeE

part 5 >
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amr_BZI_ZM8

part 6 >
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCv8eZK9_CM

An Eventful Visit

2010-01-03T16:38:00.001-08:00

The Potluck/New Years party was a huge success. Both the mats and our bellies were full. Sensei Crank surprised us all with his musical talents, as well as his excellent health and mobility at 74 years young. The stories of his life won't easily be forgotten by many of our students. We look forward to seeing him around the dojo in the days and years to come.

Happy New Year!

Sensei Mits Yamashita and his first aikido instructor Sensei Virgil Crank

Sensei Crank filled the room with part of his beautiful and varied repertoire

listening to Sensei Crank play

Sensei Mits couldn't help but dance

Gary seemed to be watching guitar technique

Sensei Crank teaches guitar professionally and is fantastic

If you'd like to take music lesson's from Sensei Crank please contact him at (714) 404-0224

Current Pot Luck List

2009-12-31T09:38:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. 2010... Wow, we really are living in the future.

Just so that everyone is on the same page, this is the list of what some people are bringing.

Elaine - Chicken Fried Rice
Gilbert - Plate of Ham
Cindy and Jeremy - Utensils and Mochi Ice Cream
Roeurn - Pork Egg Rolls
Jay - Chicken Caesar Salad & Veggie platter
Misa - Pie
Ernesto - "kookiez"
Rome - Pilipino noodles
Andrew - Main and a side
Pete - Pollo

That's all the people who have confirmed so far. To add what YOU'RE bringing to the list, email us at info@sanbukan.com

See you all Saturday!

Virgil Crank

2009-12-28T03:07:00.000-08:00

The other day I received notice that we will have a very special guest visit us at our Pot Luck party. Virgil Crank, Master Yamashita's old instructor, and the man who actually started the Sanbukan Dojo, before Sensei took it over.

From what Ive heard of Sensei Crank, he has had quite an interesting life. I can't wait to meet him this Saturday.

Virgil Crank

Happy Holidays

2009-12-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

The Sabukan Dojo wishes all of you a healthy and energetic Holiday Season and a proserous New Year!

*Don't forget about our Pot Luck Party on Saturday January 2nd!

Holiday break and feast

2009-12-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

2009 flew past us with amazing speed. I hardly know what to say other then, THANKS! Thanks to all of our wonderful students and of course to the Senseis', Mits, Larry, Johann, Pete, Bill etc. Without everyone coming together to learn from eachother, we wouldn't have this magical place.

As is tradition for our school, we will be shutting down the Dojo for a few days to allow you all to visit families and loved ones. Our last formal class of the year will be Saturday December 19th and we will resume classes on Saturday January 2nd.

Breaking with tradition, our annual Holiday Pot Luck Party will be held after the first class of the new year. On January 2nd 2010. So come prepared with your favorite foods and goodies. There will be a regular class on Saturday, but afterward, we'll peel back the mats and set out the buffet tablet.

See you all in class.

Love's Lost

2009-12-06T03:27:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Sensei told us all of the recent passing of Shirley Starr. Shirley was the beloved wife and friend to one of our oldest students, Jerry Starr.

For those of you who don't know Jerry, he was a Green Belt when I first started 12+ years ago. And in all the time he only took one test, to Second Green. Preferring instead to stay in the lower ranks and help new students learn the ropes, Myself included. He has always been a kind hearted and extremely generous old man.

Jerry stopped attending Aikido about 3 years ago to attend to his ailing wife, Shirley. We all owe alot to Jerry and we all feel for him in his time of loss.

Masahiko Kimura

2009-11-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

Here at the Sanbukan Dojo, we not only study Aikido we also practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Yamashita Sensei has been practicing since well before it was popular here in the US. His quote that, "Grappling is Aikido on the ground." Opened alot of peoples eyes to the similarity of the 2 sytles.

After last Saturday's class with Sensei Johann, I decided to research a little more about the Kimura Arm Lock. If you want to learn more about it, read below and follow the link from grapplearts.com

Elbow Lock
An elbow lock is a type of joint lock that hyperflexes or hyperrotates the elbow joint. An elbow lock is applied by forcing the arm beyond its normal range of elbow-wise movement, which can be done through a variety of ways. Typically, the body is controlled from moving by using a pinning hold, and the arm is then pulled, pushed or twisted.

Keylock
A keylock (also known as a bent armlock, figure-four armlock or ude-garami) involves holding the forearm and using it to twist the upper arm laterally or medially, similarly to turning a key in a keyhole. It is usually considered to be a shoulder lock since the primary pressure is often on the shoulder, but depending on how it is performed, significant pressure can also be applied to the elbow. It passes for a lock on the elbow in judo competitions, where only elbow locks are allowed. It can be applied from a multitude of positions, and it is the most common shoulder lock used as a submission hold in mixed martial arts competition. The keylock has several variations with their own names, for instance depending on in which direction the arm is rotated. The word "reverse" is sometimes added to signify medial rotation as in reverse keylock or reverse ude-garami, in which case the usage of just "keylock" indicates lateral rotation.

Figure Four Arm-lock/Americana (Ude-garami)
The figure four arm-lock (also known in the USA as the americana) is a term used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to specify the lateral keylock known in judo as ude-garami (arm entanglement). This lock is generally applied only from the mount or side control. The opponent's arm is pinned to the ground so that it is bent at the elbow, with the opponent's palm upwards. The wrist is grabbed with the opposite hand, and the arm on the same side is put under the opponents arm, gripping the attacker's wrist. This results in the necessary figure-four hold. While keeping the opponent's hand pinned to the ground, the attacker begins sliding his or her pinned arm down and parallel to his or her thigh while cranking the elbow upwards. This is referred to as 'painting'. The opponent will feel pressure on their elbow and/or shoulder. From some positions, such as kesa-gatame, it is possible to apply this technique with a leg instead of using two arms.

Kimura (Gyaku ude-garami)
The kimura lock (Reverse Ude Garami), applied on Hélio Gracie by Masahiko Kimura. The arm is twisted unusually far because Gracie refused to submit.Kimura (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), chicken wing/double wristlock (wrestling), or reverse keylock are terms used to specify a medial keylock known in judo as gyaku ude-garami (reverse arm entanglement) or simply as ude-garami. The application is similar to the americana, except that it is reversed. It needs some space behind the opponent to be effective, and can be applied from the side control or guard. Contrary to the americana, the opponent's wrist is grabbed with the hand on the same side, and the opposite arm is put behind the opponent's arm, again grabbing the attacker's wrist and forming a figure-four. By controlling the opponent's body and cranking the arm away from the attacker, pressure is put on the shoulder joint, and depending on the angle, also the elbow joint (in some variations the opponent's arm is brought behind their back, resulting in a finishing position resembling that of the hammerlock outlined below). The kimura was named after the judoka Masahiko Kimura, who used it to defeat one of the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hélio Gracie.

To learn more on how to apply the Kimura Arm Lock follow this link: http://www.grapplearts.com/Kimura-Article.htm

Kimura (top) applying the ude garami to defeat Helio Gracie in their match in Brazil in 1951.

Visitors Welcome

2009-11-28T15:40:00.001-08:00

Today we had a couple of guests visit our class. Peter (Emmanuel's cousin) and Cesar. Both did great for their first class. And even on a holiday weekend, we had 10 people on the mat.

Since the majority of our instructors were off visiting their families, we were led today by Sensei Johann. Our after-class grappling session was fantastic. We worked on a Kimura 4 corner arm lock, several offensive chokes and defense against a bear hug from a sprawl position.

gobble gooble

2009-11-26T09:43:00.001-08:00

We here at the Dojo are VERY thankful for all of our wonderful students and instructors. For obvious reasons there will be no class tonight. Hopefully everyone will be with their families, giving thanks and stuffing themselves with plenty of food. *CLASS WILL RESUME ON SATURDAY*

Being a "foodie", my wife found this article about the foods at "The first Thanksgiving". I found it an interesting read, and I hope you do too.
_______________________
Partakers of Our Plenty

by Kathleen A. Curtin, Food Historian

For most Americans, a “traditional” Thanksgiving meal includes a turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, and pumpkin pie (or sweet potato pie if you hail from the South.). While there are numerous regional and ethnic variations, this basic menu has not changed much in the last two hundred years. Nor is the standard menu much older than that. Our modern holiday fare bears little resemblance to the food eaten at the three-day 1621 harvest celebration at Plymouth Colony, the event now recalled as the “First Thanksgiving.”

The Wampanoag and Plymouth colonists often ate wild turkey, however it was not specifically mentioned in connection with that 1621 harvest celebration. Edward Winslow said only that four men went hunting and brought back large amounts of “fowl” – more likely from the scenario to be seasonal waterfowl such as ducks and geese. And what about the stuffing? Yes, the Wampanoag and English did occasionally stuff the birds and fish, typically with herbs, onions or oats (English only).

If cranberries were served at the harvest celebration, they appeared in Wampanoag dishes, or possibly to add tartness to an English sauce. It would be 50 years before an Englishman mentioned boiling this New England berry with sugar for a “Sauce to eat with …Meat.” In 1621 England, sugar was expensive; in 1621 New Plymouth, there may not have been any of this imported spice at all.

Potatoes, which had originated in South America, had not yet made their way into the diet of the Wampanoag in 1621 (though the Wampanoag did eat other local varieties of tubers). By 1621, potatoes, both sweet and white, had traveled across the Atlantic to Europe but they had not been generally adopted into the English diet. The sweet potato, originating in the Caribbean, was cultivated in Spain and imported into England. It was a rare dainty available to the wealthy, who believed it to be a potent aphrodisiac. The white potato was virtually unknown by the average early 17th-century Englishman. Only a few gentlemen botanists and gardeners were trying to grow this colonial oddity.

But surely there was pumpkin pie to celebrate the harvest? Pumpkin -- probably yes, but pie – probably not. Pumpkins and squashes were native to New England. Certain varieties had been introduced from the Americas into Europe by 1500 where they gained widespread acceptance (as had turkey, another New World native). In Plymouth, the specific American varieties were new to the colonists, but hardly exotic. However, the fledgling Plymouth Colony probably did not possess the ingredients to make piecrust (butter & wheat flour) nor an oven in which to bake it. The now-familiar custardy pumpkin pie, made with pureed pumpkin, was several generations away from invention. The earliest written recipes for pumpkin pie came after 1621, and those treated the pumpkin more like apples, slicing it and sometimes frying the slices before placing them in a crust. (There were no apples in 1621 Plymouth, either. Apples are not native to North America.)

The typical menu of Thanksgiving dinner is actually more than 200 years younger than that 1621 celebration and reflects both the holiday’s New England roots and a Victorian nostalgia for an imaginary time when hearth and home, family and community, were valued over progress and change. But while we have been able to work out which modern dishes were not available in 1621, just what was served is a tougher nut to crack. The only contemporary description of the event by Edward Winslow tells us that they had seasonal wild fowl and the venison brought by the Wampanoag and presented to key Englishmen. The same writer is eloquent about the bounty of his new home (items in bold were available in the early autumn).

Our bay is full of lobsters all the summer and affordeth variety of other fish; in September we can take a hogshead of eels in a night, with small labor, and can dig them out of their beds all the winter. We have mussels ... at our doors. Oysters we have none near, but we can have them brought by the Indians when we will; all the spring-time the earth sendeth forth naturally very good sallet herbs. Here are grapes, white and red, and very sweet and strong also. Strawberries, gooseberries, raspas, etc. Plums of tree sorts, with black and red, being almost as good as a damson; abundance of roses, white, red, and damask; single, but very sweet indeed… These things I thought good to let you understand, being the truth of things as near as I could experimentally take knowledge of, and that you might on our behalf give God thanks who hath dealt so favorably with us.1

Another source describing the colonial diet that autumn said “besides waterfowl, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides they had … since harvest, Indian corn.”2

Though not specifically mentioned as a food on the menu, corn was certainly part of the feasts. Remember that the harvest being celebrated was that of the colorful hard flint corn that the English often referred to as Indian corn. This corn was a staple for the Wampanoag and soon became a fixture in the cooking pots of New Plymouth. The English had acquired their first seed corn by helping themselves to a cache of corn from a Native storage pit on one of their initial explorations of Cape Cod. (They later paid the owners for this “borrowed” corn.) It is intriguing to imagine how the English colonists processed and prepared the novel corn for the first time in the fall of 1621. One colonist gave a hint of how his countrymen sought to describe and prepare a new grain in familiar, comforting terms: “Our Indian corn, even the coarsest, maketh as pleasant a meat as rice.”3 In other words, traditional English dishes of porridge and pancakes (and later bread) were adapted to be used with native corn.

In September and October, a variety of both dried and fresh vegetables were available. The produce from the gardens of New Plymouth is likely to have included what were then called “herbs:” parsnips, collards, carrots, parsley, turnips, spinach, cabbages, sage, thyme, marjoram and onions. Dried cultivated beans and dried wild blueberries may have been available as well as native cranberries, pumpkins, grapes and nuts. While many elements of the modern holiday menu are very different from the foods eaten in 1621, the bounty of the New England autumn was clearly the basis for both. The impulse to share hospitality with others and celebrate and give thanks for abundance transcends the menu. Edward Winslow’s final comment about the harvest of 1621, is a sentiment shared by many Americans on Thanksgiving Day: And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.4
NOTES:

1. Edward Winslow, “A Letter Sent from New England,” In A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth [Mourt’s Relation], Ed. Dwight B. Heath (New York: Corinth Books, 1963), p. 82.

Full class

2009-11-22T11:23:00.001-08:00

Yesterday's class was full of energetic students. It was good to see such a full class. And we had some returning people like Sensei Bill Shank and Elaine Khoo who joined us as well. We've missed you guys.

Yamashita Sensei had us working some more Koshi-waza (腰技): hip throwing techniques. He believes a strong hip throw is a good foil for many situations and should never be ignored.

The house is now warm!

2009-11-15T01:05:00.000-08:00

I took this picture with my iPhone just a few minutes ago. The firepit was once raging and wonderful. It's now a soft romantic glow that has served to keep us all warm during our conversations.

Thanks to all who came to the party! We had a great time.

Paraskevidekatriaphobia

2009-11-13T08:39:00.000-08:00

The irrational fear of Friday the 13th. But today holds nothing to fear, because it's really Big Jei's birthday!!! Jeifrem Hall is one of those students that really makes everyone who works with him happy. He's got some serious skills in the martial arts, and Aikido is just his latest step.

We're all glad you're with us Jei. Have a wonderful next year, with MANY more to come.

*~'`^`'~*-,._.,-*~'`^`'~*-,._.,-*~'`^`'~*
In other news Marcus Acosta (A Master of Soo Bahk Do, and student of ours) has passed his Orange Belt test, Rokkyū (六級). I hear he took it slow and steady, but performed beautifully. I'm sorry I missed it personally.

Congratulations Marcus!

*~'`^`'~*-,._.,-*~'`^`'~*-,._.,-*~'`^`'~*
And finally another reminder about Stephanie and Marisella's House Warming Party. For details see my last post.

Happy Paraskevidekatriaphobia'ing

House Warming Party

2009-11-07T16:53:00.001-08:00

Marisela and Stephanie would like to invite the students of the Sanbukan Dojo to their House Warming Party

Where:
La Casa de Paz y Harmonia
589 Walnut Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90802

Remember, this event will feature the Taco Fest from 6-8pm

When:
Next Saturday November 14th.

You can come anytime after 5. We recommend you park on 7th if can't find it elsewhere.

See you there!
Marisela and Stephanie

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T12:09:00.000-07:00

We here at the Sanbukan Dojo hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween!

Orange is the color of fall

2009-10-28T09:07:00.001-07:00

Last night were treated to another test. Patty was sucessfully rewarded her Orange Belt or Rokkyū (六級).

The test started off a bit wobbly but that is very common in the lower ranks. She did however do very well with the Osotogari (大外刈).

Well done Patty!

For those who are not familiar with the Osotogari:

In right-side Osotogari, tori (person performing the technique) steps next to uke (person taking the fall) with his left leg and reaps uke's right leg (at the back of the knee or below) with his right leg. Causing the uke to fall quickly backward and hard to the mat.

Up and over

2009-10-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

Today Sensei had us working on Koshi-waza (腰技): hip throwing techniques. He has developed a series of hip throws and reversals.

To say it was an energetic class would be an understatement.

3 or more

2009-10-22T22:22:00.001-07:00

Today's class really got the heart pumping. We worked primarily on Randori. Everyone did great, we tried to demonstrate how the simple techniques we teach beginners can be applied to many different attacks.

For those of you who don't know the definition of Randori:

Randori (乱取り) is a term used in Aikido to describe free-style practice or sparring, usually with multiple attackers. The term literally means "chaos taking" or "grasping freedom," implying a freedom from the structured practice of kata.

A nice early start

2009-10-17T19:14:00.001-07:00

It was nice to have so many students on the mat and ready to go right on time today. Sensei greeted the class with a smile and we had another great lesson.

Let's keep it up!

Better late then never...

2009-10-10T14:39:00.001-07:00

Never better late!

Sensei Mits gave the class a stern talking to this morning about people arriving late to class. The class times are:
Tuesday and Thursday 7:30pm
Saturday 10:30am

Too many people are strolling in about 1/2hr to an hour late. We will never turn you away, but please always try to be on time! Otherwise classes will be pushed back to a later time.

More time to play on the mats anyway, who can argue?

A gentle reminder

2009-10-10T11:20:00.001-07:00

Last Tuesday while doing our warm-up excerises we were reminded of the reasons we study this wonderful art. An art that teaches love against your aggressor. We all simply laughed it off and continued our study.

Always remember...

New Blog

2009-10-03T17:58:00.001-07:00

Well the old server decided it wasn't going to make it through the year. As a result the Sanbukan Dojo has moved to this new public blog. I have saved all the old entries for archival purposes but I have no intention of posting it. Its more for people asking things like, When did Gary test for Black Belt? That sort of thing.

So when one technique doesn't work, you just roll right into another. Just like in Aikido. I'm sure I'll post more current events on this one because it's more convienent to do it from my mobile.

Speaking of current events, Art and Dane both tested for Orange belt last Thursday and passed with ease. Way to go you guys!

See you at the Dojo