~ A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ~

OSS!! Welcome one and all to the "1st" edition of the official SKJF Newsletter - "OSS!! - Online." Insofar as the world of communication seems to have evolved into an electronic format, it has been decided that the regular OSS!! - Newsletter shall also become electronic. Like the "hard copy" version of "OSS!!" which were mailed out bi-annually, "OSS!!-Online" is always available for updates as needed. In this way, the mission of the SKJF can be seen worldwide on any computer screen and not limited to those issues delivered to a regular "paper" mailbox. Beyond convenience, you can also print the OSS!! - Newsletter to be posted in your Dojo and shared by all who do not yet have access to a computer.

I know that for many of you, the SKJF has been somewhat quiet recently and I can certainly understand any misgivings about the lack of communication coming to you directly from my office, however please note that I (like yourselves) have had to deal with personal and professional issues that have unfortunately begged for my attention. As the late/great Shotokan Karatedo Sensei - OSAMU OZAWA told me a few years ago - "In all things you must put them the proper perspective: Family First, Job Second & Karate Third." I have given this valuable advise great consideration and certainly hope that you will all do the same.

Many of you are perhaps wondering about what is "NEW" in general and what is so "NEW" with the "NEW SKJF" in particular. As Funakoshi Sensei told us so many years ago - "The old and the new, this is a matter of time." Quite frankly and quite simply, it is "about time that both the old and the new matter." In other words, the SKJF has taken on a NEW mission and been launched into a NEW direction in order to make better sense of the OLD ways and better understand the OLD days. Not only is this "Shu-Ha-Ri" but what can best be called - ShotoJuku.

ShotoJuku is literally translated as "The Private School of Pine Waves." Of course Shoto "Pine Waves" is the pen name of our master - Gichin Funakoshi. Juku literally means "Private School", yet can figuratively come to mean the "special instruction" outside of the realm of a singular meaning or "way" (DO). The philosophy of ShotoJuku is both broader and deeper in meaning than any singular thought, group or organization can provide. ShotoJuku holds true to ALL of Funakoshi's Shotokan Ryu-Ha and not focused on any one singular goal or individual agenda.

It seems to me that for most Shotokan organizations today, you must conform to exactly what they believe in or risk being thrown out. Being part of a unified group is fine just as long as you agree completely with each and every aspect of the groups total point of view. But what if you don't? Where can you go and more importantly, who can you represent (and be represented by) without fear of being ostracized or punished?

During the same time period that Kusanku was introducing his own kata to the people of Okinawa (later called Koshukun and eventually Kanku-Dai) the people of the 13 original colonies were looking for their own individual freedom and liberty. This would take great courage and numerous sacrifices. Yet through it all, the "home of the free and the land of the brave" the United States of America became the one and only place on earth to establish liberty and freedom to all without fear of ostracism or punishment.

The SKJF is in a very real sense promoting these very same ideals through its very own "USA" ( a kind of Unified Shotokan Alumni) better known to us as ShotoJuku. This is what Funakoshi truly wanted!!

When the Nihon Karate Kyokai (JKA) was born, it was supposed to represent Karate of and for Japan. Politics (as usual) got involved and what was to be an umbrella association for all became a singular group. In the Shoto-Ryu system, some individuals splintered into different "shoto-groups" however they too were seen more as ronin separtists and shunned from any of the larger and more powerful "big brother" groups.

Eventually, even "big brother" seems to have been split into many sibling groups. Some are more like identical twins while others are more like fraternal twins. Still some other are viewed as "red headed" step children. This must all end right now!!

"The old and the new - this is a matter of time"

It is truly time for the OLD to become NEW again. If you are still wondering what ShotoJuku is all about then go back to the beginning and read this again. For those who truly understand, welcome back or welcome aboard! OSS!!

~ O'Sensei Brian R. Fey - Executive Director ~

(News articles & updates coming soon!!)

The upcoming SKJF Summer Seminar has been scheduled in spectacular Tampa Bay, Florida during the weekend of July 11th-13th 2003. This seminar will be a first of its kind. Not only will Shotokan Karatedo be studied but ShotoJuku Kobudo will also be explored. Both Bo & Sai will be the featured weapons of this fantastic seminar.

The seminar kicks off on Friday evening, 7/11 with a special 3 hour Karatedo & Kobudo class. Training will resume on Saturday, 7/12 with continued classes on both Karatedo & Kobudo. The days training will conclude with a special Yudansha examination for all who qualify. The weekend will round out with training on Sunday, 7/13.

Please send for registration and hotel information today. Send e-mail requests to: ShotoJuku88@aol.com

If you have any news and information that you would like to share please be sure to send it in directly for publication. Please send to: ShotoJuku88@aol.com

OSS!!

- KARATE SKILLS IN DAILY LIFE -

It finally happened to me this week: I took my first spill on the wintry ice. I had parked by the bank and walked around the car to head across the parking lot, placing each footstep on what looked like safe walking. Then, I suddenly found myself doing that little dance one does, trying to keep my feet underneath me. In a momentary flash, I told myself, "Hey, I'm going to twist an ankle or something if I fight this. I'm in a good position, so just go ahead and take the fall!" So I tucked my chin, took a side fall, and slapped the pavement hard with my flipper (forearm & palm). It was a perfect breakfall, and 2 seconds later I was plodding along again across the parking lot. My only disappointment was that no one was around to see my stunning performance (the breakfall that is, not the dance).

This is an example of how we use our practiced skills in daily life to keep us safe from harm. I shared this story with our Intermediate Youth class this week, and then we practiced some side falls on the wooden dojo floor. 10-year old Tommy McEwen told the class an even better story about something that recently happened to him. One day, Tommy was reaching up toward the high shelf in his closet where he keeps his board games, to pull one game out of the stack. Unexpectedly, a heavy puzzle box slipped off the shelf and zoomed downward, aiming straight for his head. Without a thought, Tommy immediately reacted with an age uke (rising block). His timing was just right and his block deflected the box safely away from his head. Unfortunately, the lid came off the box as it tumbled harmlessly to the floor, so Tommy had 750 jigsaw puzzle pieces to pick up afterward! But that didn't bother him, because he knew he had saved himself from certain injury.

These episodes illustrate the importance of practicing well and being prepared to use your karate skills defensively in daily life.

Justin A. Tubiolo, SKJF Sandan

Chief Instructor, Bay View Karate, Penfield, N.Y.

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Prayers, Best Wishes & USA Pride go along with SKJF Sensei & Godan Matt Michaelson. Sensei Michaelson, a West Point - USMA graduate and Major in the United States Army has received orders for deployment due to the events in the middle east. Please remember Sensei Michaelson and his family in your prayers and dedicate your continued practice towards his safe return. OSS!!

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