Everyone's Blog Posts - Goju-Shorei Systems2024-03-19T05:18:26Zhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?xn_auth=noJIU JITSU SEMINARtag:gojushorei.ning.com,2019-08-23:4710891:BlogPost:344012019-08-23T21:30:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Plus an instructors seminar on Sunday!</strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Dacula Family Sports, Dacula, Georgia</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>770 237-2121</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>bobby@daculafamilysports.com…</strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Plus an instructors seminar on Sunday!</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Dacula Family Sports, Dacula, Georgia</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>770 237-2121</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>bobby@daculafamilysports.com</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3444326292?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3444326292?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>A JUJITSU LESSONtag:gojushorei.ning.com,2019-03-27:4710891:BlogPost:338012019-03-27T21:30:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1683108978?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1683830419?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1683830419?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a> <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1683108978?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>I watched a jujitsu class last night taught by an amazing, high ranking, high caliber…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1683108978?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1683830419?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1683830419?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1683108978?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p>
<p>I watched a jujitsu class last night taught by an amazing, high ranking, high caliber instructor.</p>
<p>He worked on blending, entering, uprooting and some of the release arts. He stressed the importance of body speed because it adds power to the counter attacks, whether they are strikes, takedowns or throws.</p>
<p>Master Tourin is quite tall and in the 200 pound range, but he moves like a cat. His counter attacks were executed with no effort but with such power that the ukes were overwhelmed.</p>
<p>His releases from grabs, mixed with body movement, put the attacker in a position where any counter against Master Tourin was impossible.</p>
<p>The impressive thing to me was how gentle Master Tourin was to his ukes when doing throws, takedowns, hits or joint attacks. The sign of a true Master is displaying that kind of control.</p>
<p>Equally impressive was how he took some Goju-Shorei Karate techniques and perfectly blended jujitsu into them. Which is a great argument for learning jujitsu no matter what the foundation art is.</p>
<p>I was amazed at how many times I saw kata bunkai (applications) in what Master Tourin was teaching. Reinforcing my belief that there are hundreds of self defense techniques buried within all katas, if you know and understand them.</p>
<p>As an aside, Master Tourin drove 40 miles out of his way to teach this class to 2 students.</p>
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<p></p>We Lost Another Onetag:gojushorei.ning.com,2019-03-14:4710891:BlogPost:337102019-03-14T00:00:42.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1410587094?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1410587094?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Lee Tau was a wonderful martial artist, father, minister and soldier. He never met a stranger and I never saw him display anger. Lee, you've fought the good fight, now you can rest.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1410587094?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1410587094?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Lee Tau was a wonderful martial artist, father, minister and soldier. He never met a stranger and I never saw him display anger. Lee, you've fought the good fight, now you can rest.</p>Joint Lock Flowtag:gojushorei.ning.com,2019-02-27:4710891:BlogPost:336152019-02-27T02:43:54.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O9NWoE5XWNA?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><embed wmode="opaque" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O9NWoE5XWNA?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="false"></embed> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param></object>
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</p>Goju-Shorei Jujitsu - Level 2tag:gojushorei.ning.com,2019-02-20:4710891:BlogPost:334152019-02-20T19:53:24.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p>Master Andy Tourin is one of the best Jujitsu teachers you will ever have the honor to learn from.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EIDeXAGEgRQ?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p>
<p>Master Andy Tourin is one of the best Jujitsu teachers you will ever have the honor to learn from.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EIDeXAGEgRQ?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p>Cocobolo Training Knifetag:gojushorei.ning.com,2019-02-10:4710891:BlogPost:336032019-02-10T01:00:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Signed 12" cocobolo training knife with turquoise inlay. $60 plus S&H. If you think that is a lot of money, take a look at the cost of raw, unfinished cocobolo.…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1015772143?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1015772143?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Signed 12" cocobolo training knife with turquoise inlay. $60 plus S&H. If you think that is a lot of money, take a look at the cost of raw, unfinished cocobolo.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1015772143?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1015772143?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1015827669?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1015827669?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1015834265?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1015834265?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>Goju-Shorei Samurai Awardtag:gojushorei.ning.com,2019-01-23:4710891:BlogPost:335022019-01-23T21:30:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/863532581?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/863532581?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>This was the first ever Samurai Award. It was presented to Master George Fujii for his unwavering community support via his long occurring free self-defense classes and free classes to the special needs population.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What does the hook and title mean?</span> The Hawaiian hook is a symbol of caring…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/863532581?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/863532581?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>This was the first ever Samurai Award. It was presented to Master George Fujii for his unwavering community support via his long occurring free self-defense classes and free classes to the special needs population.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What does the hook and title mean?</span> The Hawaiian hook is a symbol of caring for and feeding the local community. Samurai, translated, means 'to serve'. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How does a martial arts school qualify?</span> They must have been offering free service for some time to their local community. The schools <span style="text-decoration: underline;">can not</span> be affiliated with Goju-Shorei.</p>
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<p> </p>Friends in Alaskatag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-12-01:4710891:BlogPost:328532018-12-01T17:41:25.000ZRoss Briggshttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/RossBriggs
I spoke yesterday and again this morning with our friends and family in Alaska. Master Terry Adlawan ans his wife Sussie are both safe and have been reunited in Anchorage. We pray the remain so. Mahalo.
I spoke yesterday and again this morning with our friends and family in Alaska. Master Terry Adlawan ans his wife Sussie are both safe and have been reunited in Anchorage. We pray the remain so. Mahalo.New Goju-Shorei Karate Black Belt Jake Passastag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-11-04:4710891:BlogPost:323972018-11-04T22:30:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441676?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441676?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jake Passas is now a Black Belt in Goju-Shorei Karate.</span></p>
<p><br></br> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Standing left to right:</strong> Sensei Denise Ramsey, Sensei Dani Kooyman, Soke Larry Kooyman, Master Ken Mammen, Master Andy Tourin, Sensei William Chappel, Sensei Jake Passas, Sensei Marta Azzam, myself, Master…</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441676?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441676?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jake Passas is now a Black Belt in Goju-Shorei Karate.</span></p>
<p><br/> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Standing left to right:</strong> Sensei Denise Ramsey, Sensei Dani Kooyman, Soke Larry Kooyman, Master Ken Mammen, Master Andy Tourin, Sensei William Chappel, Sensei Jake Passas, Sensei Marta Azzam, myself, Master Jeff Denton, Sensei Martin Amba, Master John Atkinson, Sensei Patti Oji, Master Luke Freeman, Sensei MJ Amba.</span></p>
<p><br/> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Kneeling left to right:</strong> Master Mark Ramsey, Sensei Cesar Schinzing, Sensei John Mayes.</span></p>
<p><br/> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">An impressive panel for an impressive young man.</span></p>Retirement Partytag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-09-11:4710891:BlogPost:321202018-09-11T02:00:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806444756?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806444756?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>47 years in the martial arts is enough so I'm retiring. There are 13 different styles in this photo and over 1,000 years of experience. We had 100 plus at this soirée hosted by John Mayes at his hanger in Carson City, Nevada.</p>
<p>I am so blessed and honored by everyone that showed up, ate and talked story. Thank you dear, dear friends.</p>
<p>Much to my…</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806444756?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806444756?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>47 years in the martial arts is enough so I'm retiring. There are 13 different styles in this photo and over 1,000 years of experience. We had 100 plus at this soirée hosted by John Mayes at his hanger in Carson City, Nevada.</p>
<p>I am so blessed and honored by everyone that showed up, ate and talked story. Thank you dear, dear friends.</p>
<p>Much to my surprise I was awarded a 10th degree by ATAMA (American Teachers Association of the Martial Arts).</p>
<p>I can't thank everyone enough for their support, encouragement, and love.</p>
<p>God Bless All. </p>
<p></p>Champions Martial Arts - Colorado Springstag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-08-26:4710891:BlogPost:320202018-08-26T22:30:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806458797?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806458797?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> I have been doing seminars at this school for 12 years and I love the owner, Todd Bradley, beyond measure because of the quality of his students and steadfastness of his standards.</p>
<p>I taught a 2 hour class on healing Friday - with the awesome help of Mary Ann. Saturday I taught martial arts for 4 hours concentrating on the 6 knuckles of Goju-Shorei and the Roku Empi (6…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806458797?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806458797?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a>I have been doing seminars at this school for 12 years and I love the owner, Todd Bradley, beyond measure because of the quality of his students and steadfastness of his standards.</p>
<p>I taught a 2 hour class on healing Friday - with the awesome help of Mary Ann. Saturday I taught martial arts for 4 hours concentrating on the 6 knuckles of Goju-Shorei and the Roku Empi (6 elbows) kata.</p>
<p>Colorado Springs have 5 military bases in the area so Todd's school has a lot of military students, both active and retired. PTSD is a common ailment of the population and we have been able to treat successfully this terrible side effect of war. We were able to continue this successful treatment at the Friday healing class.</p>
<p>This is the last martial arts seminar I will do before my retirement in September. But it is not the end of the friendship with Champions Martial Arts. </p>
<p></p>You Do Make A Differencetag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-08-20:4710891:BlogPost:319122018-08-20T23:00:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806458693?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806458693?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="550"></img></a></p>
<p>If we teach martial arts we always hope that we will have a positive, lasting effect on our students. Seldom do we get confirmation that we made any difference to them, so I was thrilled when I got such confirmation twice within a week.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p>Mary Ann and I went to a Carson City restaurant mid-afternoon. There were only two other tables…</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806458693?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="550" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806458693?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="550" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>If we teach martial arts we always hope that we will have a positive, lasting effect on our students. Seldom do we get confirmation that we made any difference to them, so I was thrilled when I got such confirmation twice within a week.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p>Mary Ann and I went to a Carson City restaurant mid-afternoon. There were only two other tables occupied when we sat down, and at one of the tables this tall, tatted, muscular guy kept staring at me. I was wondering if desert was going to be a knuckle sandwich when he got up from his table and started walking towards us.</p>
<p>“Excuse me,” he said, “did you used to teach karate in Dayton, Nevada?”<span> </span></p>
<p>“Yes I did” I replied as I stood up.</p>
<p>“I was your student when I was a freshman in high school, and I sure wish we hadn’t moved away.”</p>
<p>He then introduced his wife and his young son to us and we had a very pleasant chat about the martial arts and how much he had enjoyed himself in class those many years ago.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had family in town so we went to our favorite restaurant in Minden (The Overland). As we were eating, a voice said, “Excuse me Master McNeill but I wanted to say hello before we left.” I turned and saw Dorian who I had not seen in years.</p>
<p>She said, “I also wanted to thank you for fixing my son’s scoliosis when he was little because now he is a physical therapist”, pointing to a young strapping adult sitting with her husband. She also thanked me for treating her broken ribs years ago.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was great to be told that I had, in some small way, made a difference to at least 3 people and I can only assume to several other people.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So if you teach martial arts classes know for certain you are making an impression on your students that will last them all their lives, even if they never get a chance to tell you. <span> </span></p>Hickory Canes Neededtag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-08-09:4710891:BlogPost:321042018-08-09T22:00:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p>I am in need of unfinished hickory canes 36 to 38 inches long. If anyone knows of a company that makes raw, unfinished hickory canes please let me know.</p>
<p>I am in need of unfinished hickory canes 36 to 38 inches long. If anyone knows of a company that makes raw, unfinished hickory canes please let me know.</p>Goju-Shorei Kata Blockstag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-07-05:4710891:BlogPost:312012018-07-05T22:46:35.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nzY3Y0s14Eg?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nzY3Y0s14Eg?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p>TIME IN GRADEtag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-06-01:4710891:BlogPost:309422018-06-01T02:48:20.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441855?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441855?profile=original" width="394"></img></a></p>
<p>Most, if not all, martial arts systems have some kind of time requirement for grading to the next belt. At the lower levels (kyu) it might be just a couple of months before the student is allowed to test again. </p>
<p>At black belt (dan) the time between tests is measured in years. A typical time in grade is; 2 years between first and second degree, 3 years between…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441855?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441855?profile=original" width="394" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Most, if not all, martial arts systems have some kind of time requirement for grading to the next belt. At the lower levels (kyu) it might be just a couple of months before the student is allowed to test again. </p>
<p>At black belt (dan) the time between tests is measured in years. A typical time in grade is; 2 years between first and second degree, 3 years between second and third degree, 4 years between third and forth degree, etc. So if a person achieved their 1<sup>st</sup>degree black belt at 18 they couldn’t test for their 4<sup>th</sup>degree until they were 27. </p>
<p>There are of course exceptions; a person may be promoted because of their contribution to the martial arts, new organizational responsibilities, new teaching assignments, or exceptional talent.</p>
<p>What is the reason for time in grade?</p>
<ol>
<li>It takes a certain period of time to fully hone the techniques, basics and katas of the curriculum of the new rank, as well as maintaining the skills of all of the previous ranks. As the student moves up in rank they have more to learn and more to perfect. The student should be working very hard to become more skilled at all levels during the time in grade, and not just coasting until it is time for the next test.</li>
<li>It takes time, a lot of time, to become a good teacher. The higher the rank the more skill that is required to teach the higher level students. I strongly believe this is the most important reason for time in grade.</li>
</ol>
<p>Use the time in grade to explore, polish and sharpen every aspect of your art.</p>The UBBT and metag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-04-09:4710891:BlogPost:309352018-04-09T17:34:14.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441541?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441541?profile=original" width="275"></img></a></p>
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<p>In the early 2000s Tom Callos and I were talking at a coffee shop in Reno when he mentioned something he was thinking of doing. He called it the Ultimate Black Belt Test, and when he explained what it consisted of I told him he was crazy, because no one in their right mind would do such outrageous things over a year. </p>
<p>Fast forward a few years. In…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441541?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806441541?profile=original" width="275" class="align-left"/></a></p>
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<p>In the early 2000s Tom Callos and I were talking at a coffee shop in Reno when he mentioned something he was thinking of doing. He called it the Ultimate Black Belt Test, and when he explained what it consisted of I told him he was crazy, because no one in their right mind would do such outrageous things over a year. </p>
<p>Fast forward a few years. In November of 2004 I had just returned from Nashville after 3 months of chemo and radiation treatments. Tom called me and insisted that I join the UBBT and play full out. At that point I could not do even one push-up and he was insisting I do 52,000 over the next 12 months. Putting common sense aside I agreed. Seven months later I did 2005 push-ups over the July 4<sup>th</sup> holiday. </p>
<p>I know for certain I would not have had that kind of recovery if it wasn’t for the UBBT. I also know for certain I would not have met, and learned from, so many wonderful and talented martial artists. And most of the people I met through the UBBT are now dear friends. </p>
<p>If any of the 2018 UBBT participants are questioning their decision to join, or are dismayed at the commitment required to complete this challenge, hang in there. You can’t possibly know the benefits that can come your way if you stick with this audacious idea.</p>
<p></p>PTSD and Martial Artstag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-03-19:4710891:BlogPost:309312018-03-19T20:27:48.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p>I strongly believe this curative effect would apply to all martial arts.</p>
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<p>I strongly believe this curative effect would apply to all martial arts.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wEE7ULVQbcY?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p>Master Dan McCuskeytag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-02-20:4710891:BlogPost:311142018-02-20T20:36:45.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806457786?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806457786?profile=original" width="320"></img></a></p>
<p>This is a picture of Master McCuskey teaching pressure point theory and application at my dojo decades ago.</p>
<p>Dan had a heart attack late last week and passed away last night.</p>
<p>He introduced me to pressure point in the 80s by knocking me out with a Lung 1 & 2 strike. I was sold before my butt hit the ground. He was generous with his knowledge and time…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806457786?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806457786?profile=original" width="320" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>This is a picture of Master McCuskey teaching pressure point theory and application at my dojo decades ago.</p>
<p>Dan had a heart attack late last week and passed away last night.</p>
<p>He introduced me to pressure point in the 80s by knocking me out with a Lung 1 & 2 strike. I was sold before my butt hit the ground. He was generous with his knowledge and time in spreading the word on <span>Ryukyu kempo karate.</span></p>
<p><span>He was always so kind to myself and the students of Goju-Shorei and he will be missed deeply.</span></p>HERDING BUTTERFLIEStag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-02-18:4710891:BlogPost:307232018-02-18T02:13:01.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442620?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442620?profile=original" width="273"></img></a></p>
<p>Learning a martial art from scratch – basics, concepts, forms and vocabulary - is hard. But not as hard as herding butterflies.</p>
<p>Testing for any rank requires a trust in the process, a high level of conditioning and overcoming nerves and doubt. It is hard, but not as hard as herding butterflies.</p>
<p>Coming to a martial arts class when you are sore or tired is…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442620?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442620?profile=original" width="273" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Learning a martial art from scratch – basics, concepts, forms and vocabulary - is hard. But not as hard as herding butterflies.</p>
<p>Testing for any rank requires a trust in the process, a high level of conditioning and overcoming nerves and doubt. It is hard, but not as hard as herding butterflies.</p>
<p>Coming to a martial arts class when you are sore or tired is hard, but not as hard as herding butterflies. </p>
<p>Teaching a class of beginning students night after night is exhausting and hard, but not as hard as herding butterflies.</p>
<p>Signing up for a year long process that will push you beyond any limit you could imagine takes courage and a deep belief in yourself and your maturity. As any UBBT (Ultimate Black Belt Test) participant will attest, this is very hard, but not as hard as herding butterflies. </p>
<p>No matter how hard you think something is, rest assured, it is not as hard as the impossible task of herding butterflies. Everything becomes easy by comparison.</p>Seminar in New Jerseytag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-02-13:4710891:BlogPost:309162018-02-13T16:28:22.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442394?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442394?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442394?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442394?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>Model A Teacher To Be A Teachertag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-01-25:4710891:BlogPost:307192018-01-25T18:30:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442148?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442148?profile=original" width="260"></img></a></p>
<p>If you are in the martial arts you should aspire to be a good martial arts teacher. We look to other martial artists for inspiration, examples and guidance. If we are inspired by our own martial arts instructor then our style of instruction will probably be a close copy.</p>
<p>But I think we should also look back to our teachers we had in grades 1 through 12. We all…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442148?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442148?profile=original" class="align-full" width="260"/></a></p>
<p>If you are in the martial arts you should aspire to be a good martial arts teacher. We look to other martial artists for inspiration, examples and guidance. If we are inspired by our own martial arts instructor then our style of instruction will probably be a close copy.</p>
<p>But I think we should also look back to our teachers we had in grades 1 through 12. We all have at least one teacher that we admired and who inspired us. In grade school I had Mrs. Fike and Mrs. Campbell, and they couldn't have been more different in age, size and energy. What they did have in common was their accessibility, caring, and expectation that all their students would do their best. To disappoint either one of them would have been unbearable.</p>
<p>I encourage everyone to remember that exceptional primary teacher, define what made them stand out, then copy their example. Teaching is hard, but it can be made easier if we stand on the shoulders of the ones that have inspired us.</p>
<p> </p>UBBT Reminder From 2008tag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-01-16:4710891:BlogPost:307142018-01-16T16:40:52.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><span>This video is to remind the UBBT alumni of the connections and reconnections that this challenge has afforded us.</span><br/><span>To the newbies, this is an example of the wonderful memories you can create with the 2018 UBBT Team.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/9CMkQimqqbk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://youtu.be/9CMkQimqqbk</a></p>
<p><span>This video is to remind the UBBT alumni of the connections and reconnections that this challenge has afforded us.</span><br/><span>To the newbies, this is an example of the wonderful memories you can create with the 2018 UBBT Team.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/9CMkQimqqbk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://youtu.be/9CMkQimqqbk</a></p>New Karate Yellow Belttag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-01-15:4710891:BlogPost:307092018-01-15T00:30:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442340?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442340?profile=original" width="640"></img></a></p>
<p>Black belt Patti Oji has earned her yellow belt in Goju-Shorei Karate. Traveling once a month from the Bay Area for 2 years, Patti has been diligent and consistent in her studies.</p>
<p>Sensei John Mayes, on the left, was in charge of the test, supported by Sensei Marta Azzam and uke Jake…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442340?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442340?profile=original" width="640" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Black belt Patti Oji has earned her yellow belt in Goju-Shorei Karate. Traveling once a month from the Bay Area for 2 years, Patti has been diligent and consistent in her studies.</p>
<p>Sensei John Mayes, on the left, was in charge of the test, supported by Sensei Marta Azzam and uke Jake Passas.</p>SWAN SONGtag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-01-10:4710891:BlogPost:309042018-01-10T05:00:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442606?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442606?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350"></img></a></p>
<p>2018 will mark 47 years devoted to Goju-Shorei, and the last year I will be involved. In September, at the black belt test of Family First Martial Arts students in Nashville, I will formally turn over the System to Master Larry Kooyman. I do so with full confidence in his abilities to continue the growth of Goju-Shorei.</p>
<p>And this will be the last time I…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442606?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442606?profile=RESIZE_480x480" class="align-full" width="350"/></a></p>
<p>2018 will mark 47 years devoted to Goju-Shorei, and the last year I will be involved. In September, at the black belt test of Family First Martial Arts students in Nashville, I will formally turn over the System to Master Larry Kooyman. I do so with full confidence in his abilities to continue the growth of Goju-Shorei.</p>
<p>And this will be the last time I participate in the <strong>U</strong>ltimate <strong>B</strong>lack <strong>B</strong>elt <strong>T</strong>est. My role will be as cheer leader to the participants, although I will be tackling the requirements of fitness and health.</p>
<p>The UBBT is and has been an adventure that is unmatched in the martial arts field. 12 months of some crazy stuff; 52,000 pushups and sit-ups, endless katas, sleeping on floors in Alabama California and Hawaii for days on end, meeting and befriending some of the most amazing people on the planet, and finally, pushing beyond self-imposed limits.</p>
<p>Goju-Shorei and the UBBT have been good for me and good to me. While I will miss these organizations I plan on staying in touch with all the dear friends that have come from them.</p>
<p>I will be using this site to fulfill the UBBT journaling requirements. Please bear with me. </p>The 1,000 Challengetag:gojushorei.ning.com,2018-01-02:4710891:BlogPost:309022018-01-02T01:00:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442553?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442553?profile=original" width="640" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Another 1,000 Challenge celebrated with everyone exceeding 1,000 reps. The tradition continues.</p>
<p>Left to Right; Joselio Ramirez, Tim Taylor, Marta Azzam, Ken Mammen, John Mayes, William Chappell, Dave McNeill, Jake Passas, kneeling Pete Bowie. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442553?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442553?profile=original" width="640" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Another 1,000 Challenge celebrated with everyone exceeding 1,000 reps. The tradition continues.</p>
<p>Left to Right; Joselio Ramirez, Tim Taylor, Marta Azzam, Ken Mammen, John Mayes, William Chappell, Dave McNeill, Jake Passas, kneeling Pete Bowie. </p>Nice Blocking Drilltag:gojushorei.ning.com,2017-12-30:4710891:BlogPost:307022017-12-30T16:16:45.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dpE2JqmnYj8?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dpE2JqmnYj8?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p>STUDENT vs TEACHERtag:gojushorei.ning.com,2017-12-24:4710891:BlogPost:304062017-12-24T15:55:16.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442280?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442280?profile=original" width="421" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442280?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442280?profile=original" width="421" class="align-full"/></a></p>Goju-Shorei 1,000 New Year's Day Challenge. We've been doing this since we started our dojo 6 years ago. Who's with us?tag:gojushorei.ning.com,2017-12-20:4710891:BlogPost:306012017-12-20T20:51:54.000ZMartin Ambahttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/MartinAmba553
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442100?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442100?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442100?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442100?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="750"/></a></p>Master Ross Briggstag:gojushorei.ning.com,2017-11-25:4710891:BlogPost:295062017-11-25T17:30:00.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p>Master Ross Briggs has been promoted to 6th Dan in Goju-Shorei Karate.</p>
<p>He has been with Goju-Shorei for over 40 years.…<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442331?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442369?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442369?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="515"></img></a></p>
<p>Master Ross Briggs has been promoted to 6th Dan in Goju-Shorei Karate.</p>
<p>He has been with Goju-Shorei for over 40 years.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442331?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442369?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="515" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442369?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="515" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2806442331?profile=original" target="_self"><br/></a> </p>EMBRACE THE SUCKtag:gojushorei.ning.com,2017-11-25:4710891:BlogPost:296082017-11-25T16:07:18.000ZDave McNeillhttp://gojushorei.ning.com/profile/DaveMcNeill
<p>Please excuse the language but the message is too important not to share.</p>
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<p>Please excuse the language but the message is too important not to share.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_J_bOqPhuZA?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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