Vince Morris 1 DAY Seminar - November 8th!
- WHO: Vince Morris from Nottingham, England! Morris Sensei - 8th Dan and Chief
Instructor Kissaki-Kai Karate-do International! Morris Sensei has over 40
years experience in Judo and Karate training. A long-time student of Shiro
Asano , Chief Instructor of the SKIF(International Shotokan Karate
Federation), Morris Sensei was a constant member of the Honbu British &
European Championship-winning ‘A’ team and the SKI European squad in both
Kumite and Kata.
- WHAT:One Day Hands-On Direct Instruction Seminar covering Pressure Points, Nerve
Strikes,Self - Defense Techniques & Close Combat
- WHEN:Saturday November 8th ~ 11:00AM-2:00PM
- WHERE:Bassai Karate Academy,490 Quarterline, Newaygo, Michigan, 49337
For more information or to register call: 231-652-2556 or
Email address: bassai@riverview.net or www.bassaikarate.com
- PARTICIPATION EXPIENCE:Kissaki-Kai Karate-do Members: $65.00 and Kissaki-Kai Karate-do on-Members: $75.00
On Saturday, March 22, the Muskegon Karate Association attended the Western Michigan Karate Championship held in Holland Michigan by R. Thomas Fabiano. Here are our results:
Adults
- Black Belt Grand Champion of tournament – Craig Holmes – Winner!
- Black Belt Seniors – Craig Holmes – 3rd place
- Black Belt– Craig Holmes – 1st place
- Black Belt Middle Weight – Rick Becker – 4th place
- Tim Linck – 1st place in kata & 4th place in Kumite in the 6&7 year old division
- Sidney Linck – 2nd place kata in the 8&9 year old division
- Logan Becker – 4th place kata out of 15 candidates
- David Holmes - 2nd place Advanced sparring (he volunteered to move up and fought Brown belts)
- MKA's 5th page
- Randal G. Hassell's Seminar
Children
We may be a very small club (maybe 20 on a good day) but we do GREAT! These children have done a terrific job which makes a Sensei proud! Our goal in attending these tournaments is to have fun and make new friends and anything else is frosting on the cake! OMEDETOU GOZAIIMASU! (Congratulations) to all my students for such a GREAT job. Thank you, Chris Linck, for taking these wonderful pictures:
Here are some pictures from last year:
"Sensei James Copeland Seminar - April 19!"
Jim Copeland received his 5th Dan through the International Society for Okinawan/Japanese Karate Do, in 1994. He began his karate journey as a college student, training in Japanese Goju, back in the 60's while a student at the University of Tulsa. He began his training in Shotokan with Mr. Sugiyama in the winter of 1965 and became an instructor under Sugiyama in the late 60's. He has taught at two of the Sugiyama Dojos and at several of his own dojos and clubs over the years since then. Dr. Copeland is part of the founding membership of the International Seito Karate Kenyukai,(a karate research and educational organization) that has member instructors in the U.S., the U.K., Africa and Asia. He and his club are the American affiliate of the Shingitai Karate Schools, in Kent England, of which Malcolm Bates is the founder. Copeland is affiliated with several American and International Karate Organizations and has been teaching karate since 1968. Copeland Sensei held his workshop in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, April 19th. Our first class was for the children, and we had 6 of the little guys in attendance (5 boys and 1 girl). These were very skilled and disciplined ....all had a very good attitude. We covered both Heian Shodan and Heian Nidan, with emphasis on form and timing of the techniques within the katas. In addition, we covered simple self-defense techniques, as well as free-sparring techniques suitable for children. After this class, they were off to a tournament in a near-by town. The adult class began about 10:30. Copeland Sensei covered the Katas: Chinte, Jion, and the Goju Kata, Tensho, and along with Tensho, some of the bunkai, including push-hands practice to develop more sensitivity to an opponent's movements. Copeland Sensei also covered some of the block-counter drills that he learned from Sugiyama-sensei back in the late 1960's. In addition, we reviewed some of the bunkai from all three of the katas we practiced. Copeland Sensei thought this was a very attentive group of students which ranged from 6th Kyu up into the Dan ranks. There was two Black Belt Instructors from the Muskegon Taekwondo Center school present with us for the seminar. The Muskegon Karate Association is one of my favorites club which I have had the opportunity to work with over the past 20 years, Copeland Sensei stated,and I hope they continue to grow.
Saturday, November 4, 2006 at the Bassai Karate Academy in Newaygo a GREAT seminar was taught by Vince Morris Sensei. *”Morris Sensei has over 40 years experience in Judo and Karate training. A long-time student of Shiro Asano 8th Dan, chief instructor of the SKIF (International Shotokan Karate Federation), he was a constant member of the Honbu British & European Championship-winning ‘A’ team and the SKI European squad in both Kumite and Kata. For many years Morris Sensei had been interested in researching the origins of modern techniques and in the applications of the Kata. In his first book, 'The Karate-Do Manual' published in 1979, we see the use of the phrase Kyusho-Jutsu (Vital Point techniques) which signified a shift of focus away from the relatively 'new' sports oriented style of karate to a deeper study of the original concepts and practical effectiveness of traditional karate.
Kissaki-Kai Karate-Do was formed to promote and research a karate method which reflected a more genuine and complete art. Its success can be judged by the numbers of excellent karate-ka who have 'paid their dues' in the current modern systems but who have now come over to Kissaki-Kai and found a renewed vigor in training in a system that promotes the original methods and values while also maintaining modern sporting excellence. Morris Sensei is the author of 14 books and numerous training videos. He regularly presents seminars throughout the world to martial artists with varying backgrounds. In addition, the core techniques and principles of Kissaki-Kai Karate-do lay the framework for a comprehensive training program developed for the Police Academy in Antwerp Belgium, where he has received a citation for his professionalism and amazing skills.” Students from all over Michigan came to learn from Morris Sensei. There were representative students from both the Japanese Shotokan as well as from the Korean Tae Kwon Do styles of martial arts. All working and learning together as one student body under the careful eye of Morris Sensei. Morris Sensei took us thru a short history of kata & then right into Kissaki-Kai technicnics. As we went thru the drills, Morris Sensei, explained into more detail of the "Bunkai" of the kata’s we all familiar with. All in all, it was a not only GREAT learning experience but a wonderful time shared by all. The M.K.A. would like to express it's gratitude to Jerry Bomay, (Chief instructor of the Bassai Karate Academy), the members of the Bassai Karate Academy, for sponsoring such a great seminar with Morris Sensei. Here are some pictures from this seminar. Phil Oakes Sensei taking us thru warm ups 
Jerry Bomay introducing Morris Sensei
Morris Sensei lecturing
Training! 
Take it easy....Ray
Tense your face...Phil!! Another one bites the dust!
Make me bite my tounge!!
Some GREAT participants!
Top row, Left to right: Travis Barkalow - Bassai Karate Academy Ryan Lilibridge - Muskegon Karate Association Ray Van Buskirk - Muskegon Karate Association Master Scott Baker - Tae Kwon Do Center
Bottom row, Left to right: Chris Hollowell - Muskegon Karate Association Master Greg Powell - Tae Kwon Do Center
Till next time!
On Thursday, March 18th the WZZM 13-TV, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sports crew came to visit the M.K.A. dojo. The reason for the visit was for their "Real Life Real People Sports" feature. They were interested on how a disabled person could teach karate from a wheelchair. The host was Henry Wofford, WZZM 13,Sports Director and his cameraman Jim Sutten. I taught my class like I normally do with Jim taking video shots from different angles, while Henry was taking notes in the background. After a bit, they took me to the side for a one on one interview with Henry Wofford, while Rick Becker Sensei took over class. Afterwards, we ended class and had our pictures taken with Henry Wofford and Jim Sutten. This was a Great time held by all, I would like to express my personal Thanks to WZZM 13- TV management & staff, Sports Director Henry Wofford, Camera person Jim Sutten, all my students past and present, and Len Barringer for such a GREAT JOB! This piece was aired on Thursday March 25 on WZZM 13 6p.m. news report. WZZM 13 TV covers the major part of western Michigan for their coverage area. Here are some Photos that Len Barringer took during the our time with Henry and Jim:
The night of October 14th was really special! Mr. Monte Begthol (International Master Tae Kwon Do Instructor,and the Founder/Head instructor for "West Michigan Tae Kwon Do Association")& Mr. Carl Stolberg International Master Tae Kwon Do Instructor and the Head Instructor for "Tae Kwon Do Center) was at the M.K.A. dojo when I arrived. I was very surprized and happy to see them! We talked for a while & they watched up to about 8:00p.m. Then both of them asked myself & my students to come up to them. They then presented me with a very beautiful "Martial Arts Spirit Award" This plaque a darken wood with Gold engraving. It states "MARTIAL ARTS SPIRIT AWARD ...Awarded To....FRANK THOMAS...For his outstanding Achievement And His Dedicated Service. In Teaching Honor,Respect, Self Confidence,And Discipline To His Students And to The Community" it was engraved with their titles "Grand Master C. Stolberg" Grand Master M. Beghtol" I accepted this award with tears of humility in my eyes & with much pride to know such great men in the Field of Martial Arts but more importantly in my life. Who would ever think that such great men of a different system would go out of their way to give me recognition for what I believe in very strongly. Thank - You, once again, ~Deep Bow~ See Pictures below: This picture was taken at a Birthday Party to honor Master Monte Beghtol.
Carl Stolberg & Monte Beghtol Spirit to teach Tuesday, September 23, 2003 By Mike Mattson 
FF WRITER Step into Frank Thomas' shotokan karate class -- if you dare. Students from all walks of life attend on Tuesday and Thursday nights in the North Muskegon High School cafeteria. They're dressed in a karate gi ready to learn new techniques, practice old ones and take whatever Thomas dishes out. At the head of the class you'll find Thomas, who instructs one of the most demanding of all karate styles from his motorized wheelchair. Talking in Japanese and English, Thomas leaves quite an impression. "Some days you love him and some days you hate him," says 17-year -old North Muskegon senior Chris Hollowell. "He's brought everybody to tears at least once. "It's not an ordinary class for people. It's not what you see on TV. You don't just wander in here, get better and go home." Old-school teacher · He’s been trained in Japanese karate for more than 30 years. · He trained under a Japanese instructor in Chicago for 10 years and had to learn the language to survive. · He opened the Muskegon Karate Association in 1981 and has hosted a Japanese tourney in Muskegon. · Eight of his students have earned prestigious black belts, including four since he began teaching from a wheelchair about six years ago. · He's a registered fourth degree black belt, who recently penned a 106-page thesis on "How to Teach Karate from a Wheelchair." Thomas has cerebral palsy and credits karate for helping him get through other adversity -- divorce, spinal injury and loss of a job. "If not for my training, I wouldn't have made it through therapy," the Grand Haven native said about his spinal operation. Karate and Frank Thomas have been joined for a long time. He started after his father wouldn't let him play sports. "When I got a job, I got into the roughest sport I could," Thomas said. "Dad said I'd never make it. I've done a lot." Thomas has a way of connecting with his students, who have endured his demanding style of teaching karate. "Frank understands the physics and dynamics behind it," said North Muskegon's Mei Ling Clemens, a research engineer at Howmet. "You create a punch because you're using this set of muscles. He's able to translate it verbally." Jerry Bomay, owner of Newaygo's Bassai Karate Academy, has been a close friend of Thomas for years. The two share a passion for karate, but Bomay thinks Thomas has a true gift for teaching it. Hollowell has been a student under Thomas for four years and has already earned a black belt. Obviously, he's hooked. "If you wanted to quit, you can't," said Hollowell, who also is a North Muskegon football player. "It's so much a part of you." Students pay a modest $40 a month for the shotokan class, which meets for five hours per week. They must keep a handbook; take tests, do reports and practice on weekends. "It's more than punching and kicking," Thomas said. "We go into the history of karate and why we do things. I produce a good product." Thomas has six students in his current class. He won't accept anybody under 10 years old. Students don't use facemasks or gloves in their sessions. Thomas wants the training to be as realistic as possible. "That's how we know if we're doing it right," he said. "You practice all the time hitting bags, pulling punches. We have contact. It's not excessive like bloody noses or broken ribs. If you ever have to use it, they're not going to win." Thomas also conducts classes at the beach so students can work on resistance training in waist-high water. In the winter, he conducts sessions in the snow. "As long as you keep moving, you won't freeze," he said. Thomas said the Muskegon Karate Association is a non-profit organization that uses inexpensive items like inner tubes, broom handles, weights and belts during training. "I feel bad if I don't do it," Hollowell said. "It's become a way of life." Thomas' classes are a mix of serious intense work, along with light amusing moments. Last week, he asked three students to take a break and was upset when they sat on chairs. "It's Japanese and we're on the floor," he said. "Next time, we'll do 20 knuckle pushups." As class winds down, Thomas appears satisfied with his students' effort. "What did you learn tonight?" he asks each one of them. And later, he says, "Go home, enjoy your weekend, thank you very much." You sense these students are more than bodies in his class. They are the same ones who pick him up for class each week because he can't drive a vehicle anymore. "These students are family to me," a teary-eyed Thomas admits. "Karate is my life. It's me." Clemens said Thomas is an inspiration to her and the other students. "One of the things about karate is you have to have the karate spirit," she said. "In life, if you get in a tough situation, you can't give up. Frank is in a chair and he's living the karate spirit. That's the most impressive part to me." 
Preface: Groenewold Sensei contacted me from Japan. He asked if I would be willing to read his book and do a review on it. I agreed, Groenewold Sensei sent the book, and below is my review. Book Title:"Karate the Japanese Way" Author: Mark Groenewold Reviewer: Frank Thomas, Head Instructor of the "Muskegon Karate Association" Date: February 24, 2003 “Karate the Japanese Way” written by Mark Groenewold is truly a wonderful book. Groenewold Sensei has torn asunder concepts of what Western Karate practitioners conceive how Karate is taught in Japan. Mark has given us, best described in his own words, an “unadulterated perspective of what karate is like in Japan, how the Japanese train, and what are the key elements of karate from a Japanese perspective.” Not many of us “Dans” have ever trained in Japan, so we repeat what we have been taught by our American/Japanese Sensei’s here in America. Not realizing that they may be modified due to the fact we are not a Japanese culture but Western (Question: is that the reason for repeating the Dojo Kun for adults???). So we repeat the customs of what were taught under the guise of “Well, that’s how they do it in Japan.” Guess what! We are very wrong on some of our concepts and that is not how they do it! Groenewold Sensei takes through a tour of Karate in Japan chapter by chapter. Answering many questions we might have about types of dojos, etiquette, types of instructors and so many other topics. By interweaving his own experiences through out the book makes the reading not only fun but very interesting. To be honest with you all, I am so glad my Shodan testing was nothing like Groenewold Sensei’s. Please, do not misconstrue my previous statement. My exam was very demanding and grueling but it was not insane. What am I talking about…. well, buy this book and find out! I recommend this book to one and all. No matter what your rank is, one will learn from it. So, get off your duff and go to Marks Web Site http://www.karatethejapaneseway.com/ and find the details of ordering your copy because you are not having mine! Frank Thomas Muskegon Karate Association Muskegon, Michigan