Mid-America Karate
Greer Golden, Chief Instructor
Martin Vaughan, Assistant Instructor
James M. Nelson, Executive Director
9192 Norbury Dr., Swartz Creek, MI 48473-1167
PHONE 810-635-7841 FAX 810-635-2189 CELL 810-252-7696
E-Mail: MidAmericaRegion@aol.com
http.//members.aol com/cldwdiver/sckc.htm
2nd Quarter 2008

SPRING HIGHLIGHTS

Spring Camp Challenges Mid-America Karateka
This year we were honored to have Gregory Hoplamazian, Tatsuun Ryu, Kim Weber and Jim Nelson as our guest instructors at spring camp. It was held on the campus of The Ohio State University, on April 12-13, 2008. Forty-four karateka from eleven different dojos were in attendance. Three different secessions were held in the RPAC building; two on Saturday, and one on Sunday morning. The training was challenging, but at the same time, fun! Each instructor introduced us to some new drills which were designed to help with our timing, footwork, distance, and reaction training. A summary of each instructor’s drills and workouts are found in this quarter’s Monitor.

Use of Body Mass: Distance and Reaction
By Tatsuun (Li) Ryu

First of all, thank you for giving me a chance to summarize the drills I taught at the 2008 Spring Camp. Before I go ahead with technical details, I would like to share a phrase, which Sensei Yaguchi always says to his students;
“Don’t just swing your arms and legs, use your whole body. You need to develop techniques that give your opponent(s) more than bruises. A strong technique is the one to disarm or abolish your opponent(s)’ spirit in one moment so that you can avoid further development of serious trouble. Do not give them more reasons to hurt you, or reasons to become more aggressive and hostile. And if you were lucky, you could have one chance to act on. Think about it. “

In this article, I’d like to not only describe what trainings we did, but also why we did them.

Developing Distance
In the first drill, there were two lines staggered as targets. The first person in line executes a one-step technique against the first target, then moves through the line one target at a time. Stop when the first person comes back to his original position. (see a picture of the drill on page 2) The main focus of this exercise is to develop coverage of your distance in one technique. It is very critical for each individual to push the limit and launch for distance. Try to get out of your comfort zone. This teaches how to utilize your entire body to thrust forward. Without built-up momentum of your body mass, it is very difficult to reach maximum distance. If you weren’t out of breath by the time you reached at the end of line, you weren’t trying hard enough. Try spreading distance between the lines.

Improving Reaction
This exercise involves quick weight shift and fast directional change with a moving target. We had one line split in the middle, and a person located in between. The person at the front of one line initiates a technique. In response, the person in the middle blocks the technique and counter-attacks. The person in the middle quickly turns his body 180 degrees, and does the same block-and-counter against the next person. This exercise ends when the first attacker comes back to his original position. This is very good drill to improve your reaction at a fast pace.
The key point is to carry out your block and counter techniques COMPLETELY. Do not throw a halfway technique just because you need to move quicker. Make sure your hip is fully rotated, your arm is fully extended, and your posture is straight.

Moving with Center of Gravity
We also did a short training on Sunday morning about how to move your center of gravity. In this, we had a group of four doing one-step-sparring. This drill was different than regular one-step because the two people sparring had belts around their hips that were held by the other two people. On the defense-side, the other person is pulling the belt to control the balance and body-shifting of the two people sparring. It’s important that the people holding the belts maintain adequate tension in the opposite direction of the attack. This training teaches you how to move your center of gravity. The key is to maintain your posture. It has a tendency to cause you to go with your head and shoulders first. Try to move with your center of gravity first. You will notice how easy it is to move the center of gravity when there is no tension.

Last Thoughts
As my last comments regarding the use of entire body mass; if you have heavier body mass, use it to your advantage; if you are lighter person, use it to optimize your strength. Remember that techniques with only arms and legs could cause you more harm in a real situation. Be smart and optimize your body weight!

Back Stance and the Importance of Weight Distribution
By Kim Weber

My class focus was on back stance and the importance of weight distribution for front leg kicking. Class began with a warm up practicing three stances (front stance, kibadachi, back stance) and establishing the correct weight distribution for each stance. Our second preparatory drill was meant to highlight how to use core muscles of the torso to aid in kicking. Then we performed Heian Shodan twice; once with all the moves performed from a back stance; and once again from a back stance with the addition of a front leg front kick after to each move in the kata. Next, time was spent on a partner sparring drill designedto practice transferring your weight from a back stance, to a front stance, and back to a back stance. During the recap, I added a variety of the above partner drill, by having one partner attack, and having the defender keep the stances the same, but changing the arm techniques used.

Drills to Help Develop Both Speed of Movement, and Fast-Twitch Muscles
By Greg Hoplamazian

Facing a partner in jiyu-kamae (free fighting position), one person is the attacker (A) and one person is the defender (D). A will be left foot forward, D will be right foot forward. D will have his/her front hand held up tightly to the front shoulder, such that the back of the wrist is as close at possible to the shoulder. The object is for A to shift in making kizami-zuki and hit D's palm before D can move out of the way. D can not move his/her hand, but must move the entire body by shifting backward, rotating to the side, or dropping down in stance as the punch comes it. Speed and relaxation are important for the attacker, and quick reactions are important for the defender. Do this for ten repetitions, then switch who is the attacker and defender. Switch legs and repeat.

Facing a partner again in jiyu-kamae, one person is the attacker (A) and one is the defender (D). Both karateka should be left leg forward, in gyaku-zuki range. D will wait for A to make gyaku-zuki chudan, and will try to beat A to the punch (arrive at the target first). Both karateka will drive their front foot in (to front stance position) as they punch and pull it back (to jiyu-kamae position) as they retract in order to practice proper hip rotation and use of their body mass. Do this for ten repetitions, then switch who is the attacker and defender. Switch legs and repeat.

Facing a partner in zenkutsu-dachi (front stance) one person is the attacker (A) and one is the defender (D). Both karateka will have their left leg forward. A will step forward in zenkutsu-dachi and try to touch/step on D's front foot. D will try to move his/her front foot out of the way as quickly as possible by stepping backward in zenkutsu-dachi. This will be repeated until there is no more room to step back, and then the karateka will
switch roles.

These three drills are designed to work on speed of movement, specifically the speed of a movement's initiation. Next, apply this feeling to the kata you are currently working on. Make each movement fast and precise from the start. Do not build up speed slowly over the course of each movement. Try to move your body at 100% speed within the first inch that you move, making each kata technique one smooth and quick movement.

Using Empi Uchi in Iipon Kumite and Self-Defense
By Jim Nelson

Empi Uchi is a very versatile technique, and may be employed in both Iipon Kumite (one step sparring) and in self-defense. Plus, it may be used in any direction whether it be to the front, back, or to either side. It usually works best in close combat situations, but may also be used when attacked from a distance.

One of the ways empi-uchi may be used in self-defense is against a two handed choke from the front. The defender steps to the left into zenkutsu-dachi while at the same time grabbing his opponent’s right wrist with his left hand. He swings his right arm in a tall arc over the top of his opponent’s arms and hands, trapping them with his left hand and right armpit. He then controls his opponent’s right hand with his left hand and executes a gyaku mawashi empi-uchi (reverse roundhouse elbow strike) with his right elbow to the side of his opponent’s head.

In addition, it can also be a very effective counter attack in ippon kumite. For example, if the opponent is attacking chudan (stomach), the defender pivots at a 45º angle into kiba-dachi while blocking using a soto-uke (middle) block, and then he shifts in (Yoriashi) and using the same arm, performs yoko empi-uchi as a counter attack. Distance from the attacker would determine how much of a shift is needed by the defender.

In conclusion, use of empi-uchi is an excellent all around waza, and may be used by the beginner, intermediate, or advanced karateka, as well as, women, children, and the elderly. It is a technique which may be used in close combat situations, and is very versatile in its application. In addition, it can be used quite effectively as a defense after only a few months of practice.

Annual Regional Business Meeting Well Attended
The Region’s annual business meeting was held on May 4, 2008. In the Delaware Hotel dinning room.
The meeting was chaired by new President James Oberschlake (Brown County). Sensei Martin Vaughan brought a message from Sensei Golden in his absence. Sensei Golden believes our region has made tremendous strides in the technical level that we are demonstrating, but we need to continue working. We are still behind the national level and we need to encourage all our members to attend national events (Master Camp, ISKF National tournament), as well as our regional events (Regional trainings, the Regional tournament, camps, etc.) so that they can experience different levels of karate abilities.
Instructors are/should self-study “Where we want to be?,” and “How we can produce those kind of students?”.

Committee Reports
Team Gear by Jeff Weber
New items are being included; youth sizes available for most items; orders are placed twice a year: April 1, due date with delivery at Regionals in May, and September 20, due date with delivery in time for Nationals; forms, information and pictures are available on line; payment can be made by check or PayPal™. Once an order is filled, the individual or his/her representative must be present at the next regional event to pick up the item(s)-Jeff will not track them down or bring the item(s) to multiple events for delivery.

Golf Scramble by Kim Weber and James Oberschlake
It will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2008, at the Friendly Meadows Golf Course in Hamersville, Ohio; the first tee time is about 11:25 AM. It is a fundraiser to support the Mid-America competitors attending the National tournament and the Region in general. Last year’s golfers were very pleased with the organization of the event and the goody bags and prizes. There will be a regional training Friday evening before the event. We’d like to have Thirty-two 4-wo/man teams this year, at $75/person or $280/foursome. Hole sponsorships are $100.00 each, information is available on-line. Roma Ritchie is in charge of the food again, and will take donations of money or food; she has put together a list of what is needed. We need a lot of donated items for the goody bags, silent auction and door prizes, as well as hole sponsors. Each club is being asked to make a financial donation. Donations of items can be brought to any regional event, or can be given or mailed to Kim Weber. Financial donations should be mailed or given to Jim Nelson. Last year there were 22 teams and we made about $4,000 profit, all of which was used to support the Region.

A motion was made by Jim Nelson: “For individual participants to be compensated for attending the ISKF National Tournament, the individual or his/her club must help with the golf outing in some way; either financially or by donating his/her time and energy as a volunteer.” The motion was passed unanimously.

Not-For-Profit-Status
This was denied by the IRS, due to the fact that the Mid- America Karate Region is a LLC and not a corporation. Tony Sammons from Kentucky, is currently working to incorporate us as a “foreign company” in Ohio. Through his contacts, he was able to get a filing extension and is keeping us from having to pay the fee again. He is doing this pro bono.

New Business
Software
The Board voted to purchase new software, Adobe Writer Pro, so that all the necessary forms used for camps, clinics, and test my filled in using a computer. Most of these may be found on the Region’s web site. midamericaiskf.com

Technical Committee
Sensei Vaughan recommended that an ad hoc Technical Committee be established for the Region, consisting of Sensei Golden in an advisory capacity and three of our most active senior members. His recommendation was accepted by the Board.

Testing
Many clubs are performing their own kyu tests, without being qualified to do so. This was a “temporary” setup that was never stopped. Mid-America is the only region allowing non- qualified persons to run kyu tests. Sensei Vaughan recommended that we start doing kyu tests within the various Mid-America districts. The Technical Committee will look into this issues.

MASTER CAMP 2008
By Kim Weber
The 42nd annual Master Camp was held June 6th -13th at Camp Green Lane, PA. This camp also marked the ISKF’s first year of independence, and had a theme of "Tekki ni yotte tenka seyo" or "Move according to your opponent". Instructors included top ranked Shotokan Masters from around the world.

Each instructor had different, yet very effective teaching styles. Sensei Okazaki, chairman of the ISKF, hosted the camp and instructed the first training. He stressed the importance of training the basics and how important it is to train daily.

Another talented ISKF instructor, Sensei Yaguchi, also challenged everyone with his classes. One of the highlights of his classes was his instruction of kata where he taught bunkai (application) and the finer points of the techniques in the katas.

This was the second year Sensei Kanazawa, chairman of the SKIF (Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation), has taught at Master Camp. He began his first class, by having us practice how to perform seiza correctly. Sensei Kanazawa is passionate about having harmony, in karate and in life.

The fourth master in attendance was Sensei Miura, the chief instructor of SKIF Italy. This was Sensei Miura’s first time teaching at Master Camp, and was very well liked among the campers. He wowed the students with his physical ability, including his ability to effectively block and attack with minimal arm movement. He reminds me of what Masters Funakoshi and Nakayama could have been like. I have included notes from one of his classes at the end of this article.

In addition to receiving instruction from the above masters, there were optional classes taught daily by other highly qualified instructors at camp. For instance, this year we had the opportunity to train under Sensei Cathy Cline (one of the highlights of camp for me). She is the highest ranked female in the ISKF, at shichidan (7th dan). Sensei Cline gave great instruction, both from the student aspect to the instructor.

Master Camp includes classes for all levels. Kyu ranks probably get the most for their money, based on the student to instructor ratio. There are also classes for instructor trainees. There is no extra fee for these classes, which is an added value for those in the trainee program.

Master Camp brings karate-ka from all over the world. Besides the great training experience, it is also the opportunity for eligible students to take a variety of tests. Dan exams were conducted, from nidan (2nd dan) thru hachidan (8th dan). There were also exams offered to become qualified as an instructor, examiner and/or judge for the ISKF.

Being able to stay at camp for an entire week was such a joy, despite the 95 degree weather almost everyday. The hot weather finally broke on Tuesday night due to a passing thunderstorm. This storm knocked out the power overnight and most of the next day. Lack of electric also had an impact on the water pump, which left us without water for most of Wednesday too. Campers seemed to take all of these minor issues in stride.

The camaraderie between everyone at camp is always amazing. Master Camp is magical that way. It is like we wish the world around us would be.

Master Camp Training
By Kim Weber
Sunday, June 8, 2008, AM training: Sensei Miura, SKIF Italy
This class seemed to be about coordinating your body with your techniques.
Class began with Sensei Miura choosing a student from the crowd and having them perform oi zuki chudan (step in punch stomach level). He had us watch as he explained that the student was landing their foot, then their hand. Next, he had the same student stand up in shizen-tai, and Sensei mimicked the student’s technique (landing the foot then hand), using the student as the target. The student was able to maintain his position, without falling backwards. Then Sensei performed another oi zuki, this time landing the foot and hand at the same time; this technique knocked the student backwards. Sensei repeated this demonstration a few times, so we could see the difference. He explained once you tense your legs, you have used over half of your ability to make power. At that point you are only left with your arm strength to make the punch.

We performed a similar drill with a partner so we could experience this idea for ourselves.

Person One: Stand in shizen-tai.
Person Two: Start in front stance; counter punch position.
Use your opposite hand to grab your punching arm, at the elbow (to keep the elbow locked).

1. Step in oi zuki chudan. Keep punching arm straight (elbow locked). Perform at slow to half speed.
When Sensei Miura demonstrated it slowly, you could see that there was a slight hip rotation as he stepped. After his knees brushed his hip looked slightly hanmi (half facing), then his hips rotated toward shomen (front facing) at the same time his foot and hand landed.

Next, Sensei Miura discussed the physics of a middle block. He explained that you should not use only your arm power, by swinging outside to inside, because then you are relying on just arm strength. You don't want to have your life depend on arm strength alone, you want to use physics. The correct way is to use your body, with quick hip rotation, to create the blocking action. He demonstrated this point by having another student attack him quickly with oi zuki chudan. From a free style type stance, Sensei Miura rotated his hip, as the middle block worked as an extension of his body rotation. There was not a big wind up motion. He was able to easily block the student on every attempt, and often would turn the attacker’s energy against them by allowing his middle block to turn into a short punch to the student’s chin. This had to have had an effect mentally on the student attacking, because the stronger and more aggressive he attacked, the more likely it was to get his own energy turned back towards him.

We practiced this middle block concept with a partner.

Person One: Start with left leg forward, free style stance.

1. Oi zuki chudan. No speed.

Person Two: Start with left leg forward, free style stance. Make sure to have arms in free style position.

1. Middle block. Retain free style stance. Rotate hips to make the block. The blocking arm doesn't move independently. Do not add a wind up or ready position for the block. Move the body as one unit.

We worked on this drill for a large portion of the class. You could add the short punch, or add a counter punch when desired.
We also performed a drill to practice our balance while rotating. I wondered at the time if we would have worked this drill with a partner if we had had time.
Start with left leg forward, front stance.

1. Oi zuki chudan.
2. Step back, front stance; rising block.
3. Rotate clockwise 360 degrees, pivoting on your left foot into front stance; counter punch.

Repeat this drill with right leg forward (on step 3 - rotate counter clockwise). You will notice the rising block arm is the same arm used to counter punch. Sensei suggested we strongly swing the rising block arm as we rotate, which created a quicker rotation.
Note: We did turn this into a partner drill when we returned home and taught the class at our dojo.

Class ended with Sensei Miura talking about training as you age. Young students should be diligent at working basic techniques. With a young body, one still has lots of muscle power, and it is okay that they use muscle strength with their movements. For the over 40 crowd, muscle power will start to deteriorate, so it is more important to use the physics to make your techniques just as effective as when you were younger.

The Brewing Storm
A haiku
by Jim Nelson

A lark sings sweetly.

As storm clouds start to gather.

Winds will surely blow.

The ISKF/JKA Instructor Program
By Dr. Martin Vaughan
The formation of an official instructor training program in the United States was a natural outcome of the Japanese instructors who helped organize the instructor training program at the JKA headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Mr. H. Nishiyama and T. Okazaki under the supervision of Master M. Nakayama helped design and implement the first instructor class with notable graduates such as H. Kanazawa, T. Mikami, and Y. Yaguchi. In an attempt to duplicate the experience here Mr. Nishiyama formed a full time instructor training program in Los Angeles, California in the late 1960’s. This program faithfully duplicated the program at the JKA headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. This one year program included rigorous training, teaching, and academic study and was recognized and certified by the JKA. Among the graduates of this first program outside of Japan were our own Mr. Golden and Mr. James Field. A similar program was started in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the early 1970’s by Mr. Okazaki. Mr. Ronald Johnson and Gerald Evans were the first graduates of this program. However, it became increasingly difficult to support individuals in a full time program, so in addition, Mr. Okazaki began a part-time instructor training program. This program contained the same academic requirements, as well as, a teaching component, spread over three years (or longer). Training/instructor education was once a month, with the exception of summer months, at the headquarters dojo in Philadelphia. As the need for qualified instructors increased instructor training programs were established at the ISKF regional headquarters of each master in the U.S. including regional training as well as, required trainings at Master Camp held every year outside of Philadelphia. The part-time instructor class soon became the rule rather than the exception. Many instructors throughout the U.S. became involved in the program. This provided them with education and training to improve and standardize instruction across the country.

To enter the program an individual must be at least 22 years of age and hold the rank of nidan. There is an initiation fee of $100 and an annual fee of $80. The trainee must attend all of 32 different technical training sessions held regionally and at Master Camp. The trainings last approximately 2 hours and consist of physical training in a particular aspect of kihon, kata and kumite as well as an opportunity to instruct the class of peers under the eye of the instructing sensei. The trainee must achieve the rank of san dan and earn a judges qualification of “D” level. The trainee must complete the 43 technical papers on a range of subjects from the history of Karate to physiology and biomechanics to psychological aspects of teaching and training. However, the instruction and trainings proved to be the least challenging aspect of the program unlike the original programs in Japan and Los Angeles. The requirement of writing on 43 technical papers on a variety of karate training related subjects proved to be the most challenging aspect of the program. Few individuals actually completed this requirement and therefore did not become official instructors.

All the requirements must be completed and the papers submitted to ISKF headquarters prior to qualifying for the instructor’s exam at Master Camp. The exam consists of two parts; a written examination and a practical examination. The written exam consists of questions that address methods of teaching common subjects or problems encountered by instructors. The practical exam usually requires the examinee to perform a kata of the examining board’s choice followed by instruction of a kyu rank student. The subject is chosen by a member of the examining board and is appropriate for the level of the kyu rank student. Following the brief period of instruction the examining board then may ask follow-up questions. If the trainee is successful s/he will receive a “D” level instructor qualification (“D” level is the entry level, through “A”, the most advanced qualification). The ISKF then issues successful trainees a License Qualification, at a fee of $40 per year for each type of qualification (judge, instructor and/or examiner).

Becoming an official ISKF instructor is not impossible, but it does require dedication, sacrifice and lots of hard work. It is not for everyone, nor should it be. This program although open to all, is intended for those who desire this level of technical knowledge and are willing to accept the responsibility, suffer the setbacks and humiliation to see the program to completion. I never dreamed of being an official instructor, but my circumstances have afforded me the opportunity and I took it. To begin to approach my instructor’s (Mr. Golden and Okazaki Sensei) level of expertise is daunting but, I try my best as a tribute to them. I hope many of you will have the opportunity that I have had and will make the best of it for your students and future generations of students.

Mid-America Club Profile
Indiana ISKF
The West District YMCA Karate Club (Indiana ISKF), is located at Ben Davis High School, Girl’s School Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, It was founded in 2002, by Dr. Martin Vaughan.

Currently, there are thirty-five students in the club, five men, three women, and twenty-seven youth. Practice is every Monday and Wednesday night. Youth ages six to nine practice from 6:35 to 7:20 PM, and youth ages ten to seventeen practice with the adults from 7:30 to 8:15 PM. They also practice some Saturdays from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. The cost for training is $80.00 for an eight week session.
There are two other instructors who assist Dr. Vaughan; Rich Merrifield and Sam Utley. Rich is an Air Force veteran of 12 years where he served as a flight engineer. He works for a company called Mail Terminal Services (a subsidiary of DHL) where he is a Senior Operations Manager. Rich enjoys playing golf and bowling. He has 2 sons Joshua and Joseph that also train. Sam is fourteen and a student at Ben Davis Middle School, where he is an outstanding student and a member of the golf team. Sam is Sensei Vaughan’s secret weapon. The children love him, and Sensei Vaughan is sure that most of his junior student’s retention is due to Sam.

Dr. Vaughan was born on September 26, 1954, and grew up in Pomeroy, Ohio a small river town about 30 miles south of Athens. He attended Ohio University and began his karate training with Mr. Golden in the fall of 1972. While at OU, he taught physical education classes and eventually began instructing the Ohio University Karate Club in the late 1970’s. During this time he had the good fortune to come into contact with many quality karate-ka, Glenn Rosenthal (who posed with Robin Rielly in his book Karate Training), Tim Olstrom (instructor at Shawnee State Club, who he learned a great deal from especially during one hot summer in Athens), Bruce Green (now living and training in Boulder, Colorado), Larry Rothenberg (instructor of Cleveland Shotokan), and his team mates Chris Elsasser and Howard Beebe (instructor of Athens Shotokan).

He spent most of my time in the labs of Porter Hall or in the gym training next door. Somehow he graduated (his words) with a B.S. and M.S. in Botany. He was accepted into a Ph.D. program at Indiana State University and spent six years there studying physiology and training on his own or with a small Tae Kwon Do club. After graduation he accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a lab in Stoneville, Mississippi.

Here he began training with a large club with many high ranking black belts, including his friends Jerry Kattawar and Bill Staten (both official JKA instructors). After three years he accepted a position of Assistant Professor of Biology at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York where he taught general biology and plant physiology. He began training with an ISKF club at the University of Rochester and soon took over the instructing duties. It was during this time that he became an ISKF instructor trainee and completed the program in 1996 as a level “D” instructor and in 1997 a “D” level examiner (He was already a “B” level judge). It was also during this time that he traveled to his first Pan American Championship (since the one in which he competed in 1978) and his first World Shoto Cup Tournament.

In 1999, he and his family moved to the Indianapolis area where he became a member of the Mid- America region. Sensei Vaughan gradually began helping Mr. Golden with instruction and examining duties and later served as Mid- America’s first President. His goal for the region is to achieve a level of technical ability that is on par with the other larger ISKF regions.

He was always interested in karate, but never had a chance to study until he completely messed up his first quarter freshman schedule. So on the first day of classes he was scrambling to find something to take. He saw a karate class and thought “Why not?” and hasn’t looked back since. That was thirty-years ago; he has been an instructor for thirty years. The most important lesson he learned in karate: “If you work hard and apply yourself you can achieve anything.” He learned this in the karate dojo, but has applied it to his professional life as well. It is not only a karate lesson, it is a life lesson.

Sensei Vaughan has also trained at three of the four JKA headquarters dojos in Tokyo as well as other cities in Japan. He has also trained in Paris (France), Jamaica, Mexico City (Mexico), and Canada. The most unusual training was in Barbados in an open air dojo with cattle grazing just outside the dojo.

His favorite type of training is kata, but he also loves to hit, so his self training always involves kata and hitting something. He practices all the kata, but his current favorite is Jitte. He usually hits a Wave bag in his garage and not his students (“No matter what they say.”).
Besides teaching karate, Dr. Vaughan is also a Lecturer in Biology. He teaches non-majors biology, majors biology, physiology lab and some graduate physiology lectures.

Sensei Vaughan is married to Jeanette Vaughan, and has one son Edward (Eddy) eleven, and a beautiful daughter, Erin, age five. He had a lot of interests before he started his family. For example, he used to like to run, bike, swim, play golf and softball, read, etc.; however, he doesn’t have much time for that anymore.

2008 Calendar

August 1-2, 2008
Regional Clinic and Golf Outing
Hamersville, OH

September 13-14, 2008
Fall Camp
Columbus, OH

October 10-12, 2008
ISKF World Shoto Cup
Toronto, Canada

November 15-16, 2008
ISKF National Championships
Los Angeles, CA

December 13, 2008
Dan Exam and Clinic
Delaware, OH

Editors Note
If you would like to make a contribution to next quarter’s newsletter, please forward it to regional headquarters for printing by July 28, 2005. Thanks to all those who helped with this newsletter. Jim Nelson