ABI Dojo Focus - American Budokai International

In This Issue
ABI Dojo Focus pg 1
Focus Article Keeping Ego in Check pg 2
Meaning of O’Sensei pg 3
PAMAI pg 4
Use Your Head In Self-Defense pg 5
News Front pg 6
Tai Chi Health Benefits pg 7
O’Sensei’s Corner pg 8
Passing of an ABI International Rep pg 9
Organizational info pg 10
ABI Dojo Focus:
Fishhawk Martial Arts Academy
Fishhawk Martial Arts Academy is a premiere martial arts training facility in central Florida
that offers world class instruction in the traditional arts of Mushin no Shin Aikijujutsu Do,
Tai Chi Chuan, and Zen meditation. Shihan James R. Jones (Dojo Cho) and his staff specialize
in guiding individuals to attain fulfillment of their goals through the study and practice of
Aikijujutsu, combat self-defense, and mental, spiritual and physical fitness. They equip each
student with the tools needed to address every situation, whether you are being attacked,
overwhelmed by stress or just seeking self-enlightenment. FHMAA has been in operation
since 2009 and an ABI affiliated Dojo since 2010.
Fishhawk Martial Arts
Academy
15272 Fishhawk Blvd
Lithia, FL 33547
(813) 315-9394
FEATURE ARTICLE:
There is an old Zen saying that goes “My
greatest stumbling block is my ego.”
Let’s be honest, we all have one but
some are better at keeping it in check
than others. The martial arts have their
fair share individuals who are ruled by
theirs yet ironically, one of the first
lessons we were taught as beginners in
the traditional arts was to contain one’s
ego. If we got cocky in the dojo with
our newly acquired spinning back kick,
our seniors were there to humble us
right down, and quickly so. We were
reminded constantly of the lessons of
humility, loyalty, respect, obedience,
courtesy, generosity and honorable
conduct.
There is a basic tenet of human
behavior known as The Categorical
Imperative, which states fundamentally,
that if what I am about to do is
absolutely correct, so correct in fact,
that it should set the standard for
human behavior everywhere, then I
should go ahead and do it. Of course
I’m over simplifying a bit, but if I
absolutely set the best example possible
at all times, everyone should do as I do
and it would in theory, make the world
a better place. If however, in our
hearts we know we haven’t set the best
possible example or made the wisest
choice, and we wouldn’t wish for
everyone to follow our lead, then we
should refrain from taking that
particular action. To understand The
Categorical Imperative is to understand
the difference between honor and
dishonor. Honor can be defined as
knowing the difference between right
and wrong and then choosing right
every time.
Dishonor therefore can be defined as
knowing the difference between right
and wrong and yet, for whatever the
reason, choosing wrong.
Shihan Don McIntosh, my dear friend,
brother and mentor used a term years
ago during one of our myriad
philosophical exchanges concerning
making wise choices in life. Someone
we both had known for many years,
always seemed to make the worst
possible choices, which Don summed up
very simply as a syndrome known as
having a “busted chooser.” I asked him
if that could be fixed, and again in
classic simplified “Don-speak”, he said
our friend might just simply “choose
again.”
We’ve all heard that old adage that
there are no mistakes in life, only
lessons. Well whenever something
doesn’t go as we wish it might have,
perhaps we should ask ourselves, “What
was the lesson?” And we might keep in
mind the second part of that old adage:
“Lessons are repeated until they are
learned.” At one time or another we’ve
all struggled with making the right
choice. Perhaps we took the less than
honorable path and made the wrong
choice knowingly and the repercussions
of that choice came back on us like a
boomerang. We were operating with a
“busted chooser” at the moment that
we made the incorrect choice and as a
result hopefully, we decided the next
time we would do the right thing…and
that is, to make the honorable choice.
We had simply made the choice right
then and there to choose again.
Classical Meaning - MU
When discussing Zen Buddhism, one
often encounters the character for
emptiness, mu, in expressions such as
"no self," "no ego," "no holiness," and
"no permanence." It is through the actual
experience of mu — which means
transcending affirmation and negation,
being and nonbeing — that satori or
spiritual awakening occurs and one can
finally come to realize the essential spirit
of Zen. Gaining some intellectual
understanding is merely a first step in
knowing about Zen; to enter into and
deepen that understanding, one must
experience mu for oneself. The teaching
of mu is a matter of examining the
essential question of whom and what we
really are, of being pure at heart, and of
no longer being confused by what
confronts us. In Japan this teaching has
given birth to an art and culture of mu.
Ink paintings, calligraphy, dry gardens,
the Way of Tea, no drama, and the like
all invoke an intuitive, awesome beauty
and sheer simplicity. Among monks who
have penetrated this Zen spirit, some
have created numerous outstanding
masterpieces. Even today, this Zen spirit
continues to flow through Japan's artistic
culture.
Honoring O’Sensei Roensch
ABI holds several sanctioned seminars
The term “O’Sensei” means a venerable or great teacher and is rarely
each year from Europe to Hollywood, FL.
used. Now don’t get confused with the term "Osu Sensei". That is an
This year at the Fallen Warriors Training
acknowledgment, such as, "Yes Sensei", "I understand Sensei," "Okay
Seminar, ABI members participated in
Sensei", "I get it Sensei," or "Hello Sensei."
something very different.
An added
benefit to this year’s training experience
With "O'Sensei" it is a common misconception that the character for
was to have been honored with the
"O" is just the alternate pronunciation for the character "Dai," as in
privilege of witnessing a remarkable
"Dai Sensei," which means "big Sensei." But this is not the case. The
event, the advancement of the ABI
character for "O" (in O'Sensei) is another pronunciation for the
founder
character meaning "Okina" which means "old man," or "venerable."
An old Japanese dictionary (gakken kanwa daijiten) says that it is a
way of giving respect to an older man. In Japan it is used to follow a
name, acting as a suffix. This is the same with such terms "san" and
"Sensei." They follow a name.
In the west, however, most people do not say a name followed by a
suffix, but instead lead with it. Thus we hear "Sensei" followed by a
name and the use of "O'Sensei." The term, however, is rarely used. It
is most often associated with the founder of aikido Morihei Ueshiba,
but Ueshiba actually copied it from his teacher Sogaku Takeda from
Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu.
Now Shintoyoshin-kai can be added to the list of traditional Japanese
martial art styles that have the distinct honor of having the great or
venerable teacher as the head of the organization.
to
blackbelt).
Ju-dan
(10th
degree
A board of internationally
and nationally certified 10th degree black
belts
confirmed
the
lifelong
contributions that Steven Roensch has
given to the martial arts and authorized
the awarding of the grade of Ju-dan. In
addition to now being advanced to one
of the highest ranks within the martial
arts, he was also granted the title of
“O’Sensei”.
Don’t put it off
until tomorrow
Honoring the Fallen Warriors
Every year ABI holds a seminar in
Founded in 1980, The first PAMAI conference offered instruction in basic first
aid, CPR, fundamentals of exercise science, anatomy & physiology, public
speaking and close quarters combat.
Now, nearly forty years since its inception, the annual PAMAI conference has
become the "think tank" for American Budokai International member instructors,
and the "continued education" for certified instructors. Several of the PAMAI
instructors host seminar in their respective regions, as well as travel extensively
teaching throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.
PAMAI is focused on the professionalization of Martial Arts leaders throughout
the ABI network.
Hollywood, Florida called the Fallen Warriors
Training Seminar. We do so to honor all of
our deceased martial arts brothers and
sisters, of which there are sadly, way too
many. Each year, at the beginning of the
training day, Hanshi reads off the roll call of
those teachers and fellow warriors who are
no longer with us, after which all in
attendance may speak the name or names of
anyone they too have lost. At the completion
The 33rd Annual Professional Association of Martial Arts Instructors National
Training Conference was held in Hollywood, Florida on February 22nd and 23rd at
Professor Rey Perez’ Iron Warriors Training Center. Instructors from all styles and
backgrounds trained in combatives, martial sciences, sports medicine and kyushojitsu and enjoyed an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.
At the culmination of the National Training Conference, attendees were recertified as sanctioned instructors through American Budokai International and
received a completion of training certificate. This annual event is part of the ABI
professional training and education program to ensure instructors across the
martial arts community maintain a high standard of proficiency.
of the day’s training, many of us in
attendance meet for dinner and fellowship
and tell stories or laugh about the many
wonderful experiences we had with those
passed.
After one seminar we were
lamenting about how we all wished we could
have told them more often, how important
they were to us, how grateful we were for all
they taught us, and especially that we loved
them. I’m convinced that where they are
now they all know that, but there’s a great
Several instructors that attended the conference were honored with
promotions, the awarding of title and other accolades:
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th
Hanshi Glenn Mehlman, 9 dan was awarded the title of Hanshi recently
from Hanshi Larry Pizzi and received the ABI Certificate of Title for same.
John Varnell, 6th dan, was awarded the title of Shihan.
James Jones received his 6th dan and the title of Shihan in Mushin no
Shin Aiki-Jiu-Jitsu.
James Smith tested for and received Yondan in Shintoyoshinkai.
Jason Rock received Nidan in Mushin no Shin Aiki-Jiu-Jitsu.
Ryan Perez received the Outstanding Instructor Award.
Michael Leon tested for and received Nidan in Shintoyoshinkai.
Michael King and Roger Deane received Shodan in Shintoyoshinkai.
Terrence Etienne received Shodan in Shuri-ryu.
Aidan O’Reilly and Patrick Greene received Jr. Shodan in Shuri-ryu.
lesson here: LET’S NOT WAIT UNTIL THEY
ARE GONE TO HONOR THEM – LET’S DO IT
WHILE THEY ARE STILL HERE! We just never
know when a friend or loved one may be
taken from us unexpectedly. So pick up the
phone once in a while and tell someone you
care about how much you appreciate them
or send a card as a reminder of just how
important they are in your life. Texting can
be a bit impersonal but even that is better
than nothing. Reach out today. You’ll make
their day and yours, a lot brighter.
American Budokai International
was represented by Shihan Tamas Torok
(chief instructor for Shintoyoshin-kai
combat jiujitsu) at the 3rd annual
International Martial Arts training camp
in Tokai, Hungary.
This overseas training seminar is one of
the most popular international martial
arts camps in Europe and is hosted by
one of our International
Representatives from Hungary, Sensei
Janos Laub (4th Dan), with his European
organization (Shindokai-Kan Karate),
under the tutelage of his internationally
esteemed teacher, Kancho Richard
Geilles (8th Dan).
More than 70 students from across four
different European countries (Hungary,
France, Poland and Romania) attended
the training.
During the training camp, Shihan Torok
introduce some of Shintoyoshin-kai’s
Ukemi (Break Falling) and Katame waza
(Ground Techniques) and introduced
several martial arts organizations to ABI.
Shihan Torok found similarities amongst
Shintoyoshin-kai’s and Shindokai-Kan’s
styles, which allowed for the specialties
of our unique fighting styles to be
explored. There is a definite and
growing connection between
Shintoyoshin-kai Combat Jiu-jitsu and
Shindokai-Kan Karate. This is all leading
to additional members from the
European community to join our
organization.
At the end of the seminar, Shihan
Torok had the pleasure of presenting
Kancho and Sensei Laub with the ABI
association certificate of membership.
ABI would like to specifically
thank the president of the
Shindokai-Kan Hungary
organization, Sensei Peter
Kishalmi (4th Dan), and to all
participants of the 3rd annual
international martial arts
training camp for the
professional and warm
hospitality that was given to our
organization.
Shindokai-Kan Karate
The style of Shindokai-Kan Karate
came from and based on
Kyokoshinkai Karate. Kancho Gilles,
the founder of the style, created a
very unique full-contact fighting
system, which by today, it gained a
huge popularity all around the
world. It is a full-contact fight style
(in close quarter distance), with a
combination of “clench”, possible
take-downs and ground techniques.
News Front
Shintoyoshin-Kai Jiu Jitsu
Trivia
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O’Sensei Robert Bowles, style head for Shuri-ryu karatedo visited
Sarasota recently, to teach a seminar at Kyoshi Donna Judge’s
Suncoast Karate Dojo. I had the pleasure of attending along with
sempai, Professor Rey Perez. We enjoyed working on Shuri-ryu waza
and kobudo with O’Sensei as well as spending some quality time with
him and Mrs. Bowles off the mat. We’re looking forward to the
Bowles next visit to Sarasota.
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Shihan Tamas Torok represented American Budokai International this
summer by teaching Shintoyoshin Jiu Jitsu at an international martial
arts seminar in Hungary.
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Students of Fish Hawk Martial Arts Academy (FHMAA) in Lithia, under
the tutelage of Shihan James Jones, will be testing for their first rank
in Shintoyoshin Jiu-Jitsu. Several members of the adult class have
been cross training in Shintoyoshin as well as their primary style of
Mushin no Shin Aiki Jujutsu Do.
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Tom Hardy (FHMAA) has re-designed our ABI eagle and Katana logo to
include even greater detail than it contained before. Check it out and
thanks to Tom it’s a huge improvement!
What is the first power we
must develop?
The power of observation
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What is the first skill we must
have?
The skill of listening
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Martial arts begin and end
with what?
Courtesy
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What are the seven areas of
proficiency in Shintoyoshin
Kai:
Nage - Throws
Waza – Techniques
Kensetsu Waza – Joint Locking
Techniques
Kimenokata – Forms of Selfdefense
Katamae Waza – Ground
Techniques
Jime Waza – Chokes
Kaeshu Waza – Countering
Techniques
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Tools of Blocking:
Hands, forearms, elbows, shoulders
Feet, shins, knees, thighs

What are the 4 areas of
Kimenokata?
Stop, Shock, Take down, Control
Tai Chi Concepts
You don't need to subscribe to or
learn much about tai chi's roots in
Chinese philosophy to enjoy its
health benefits, but these concepts
can help make sense of its
approach:
Tai chi is often described as "meditation in
motion," but it might well be called
"medication in motion." There is growing
evidence that this mind-body practice, which
originated in China as a martial art, has value in
treating or preventing many health problems.
And you can get started even if you aren't in top
shape or the best of health.
In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go
without pausing through a series of motions
named for animal actions — for example, "white
crane spreads its wings" — or martial arts moves,
such as "box both ears." As you move, you
breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your
attention — as in some kinds of meditation — on
your bodily sensations. Tai chi differs from other
types of exercise in several respects. The
movements are usually circular and never forced,
the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the
joints are not fully extended or bent, and
connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi can
be easily adapted for anyone, from the fit to
people confined to wheelchairs or recovering
from surgery. "A growing body of carefully
conducted research is building a compelling case
for tai chi as an adjunct to standard medical
treatment for the prevention and rehabilitation
of many conditions commonly associated with
age," says Peter M. Wayne, assistant professor of
medicine at Harvard Medical School and director
of the Tai Chi and Mind-Body Research Program
at Harvard Medical School's Osher Research
Center. An adjunct therapy is one that's used
together with primary medical treatments, either
to address a disease itself or its primary
symptoms, or, more generally, to improve a
patient's functioning and quality of life.
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Qi — an energy force thought
to flow through the body; tai
chi is said to unblock and
encourage the proper flow of
qi.
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Yin and yang — opposing
elements thought to make up
the universe that need to be
kept in harmony. Tai chi is said
to promote this balance.
Tai Chi for medical conditions
When combined with standard treatment, tai chi appears to be helpful for several medical
conditions. For example:
Arthritis. In a 40-person study at Tufts University, presented in October 2008 at a meeting of
the American College of Rheumatology, an hour of tai chi twice a week for 12 weeks reduced
pain and improved mood and physical functioning more than standard stretching exercises in
people with severe knee osteoarthritis. According to a Korean study published in December
2008 in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, eight weeks of tai chi
classes followed by eight weeks of home practice significantly improved flexibility and
slowed the disease process in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, a painful and debilitating
inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the spine.
Low bone density. A review of six controlled studies by Dr. Wayne and other Harvard
researchers indicates that tai chi may be a safe and effective way to maintain bone density in
postmenopausal women. A controlled study of tai chi in women with osteopenia (diminished
bone density not as severe as osteoporosis) is under way at the Osher Research Center and
Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Breast cancer. Tai chi has shown potential for improving quality of life and functional
capacity (the physical ability to carry out normal daily activities, such as work or exercise) in
women suffering from breast cancer or the side effects of breast cancer treatment. For
example, a 2008 study at the University of Rochester, published in Medicine and Sport
Science, found that quality of life and functional capacity (including aerobic capacity,
muscular strength, and flexibility) improved in women with breast cancer who did 12 weeks
of tai chi, while declining in a control group that received only supportive therapy.
Heart disease. A 53-person study at National Taiwan University found that a year of tai chi
significantly boosted exercise capacity, lowered blood pressure, and improved levels of
cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and C-reactive protein in people at high risk for heart
disease. The study, which was published in the September 2008 Journal of Alternative and
Complementary Medicine, found no improvement in a control group that did not practice tai
chi.
Hypertension. In a review of 26 studies in English or Chinese published in Preventive
Cardiology (Spring 2008), they reported that in 85% of trials, tai chi lowered blood pressure
— with improvements ranging from 3 to 32 mm Hg in systolic pressure and from 2 to 18 mm
Hg in diastolic pressure.
Sleep problems. In a University of California, Los Angeles, study of 112 healthy older adults
with moderate sleep complaints, 16 weeks of tai chi improved the quality and duration of
sleep significantly more than standard sleep education. The study was published in the July
2008 issue of the journal Sleep.
O’Sensei’s Corner
As teachers, our most important tool is our voice. Every time we speak, we have the
responsibility of making ourselves clearly understood. That isn’t always easy as we
know. Every time we speak, there are four very important considerations:

What I said

What I meant to say

What you heard

How you took it
Communication is an art form. It is also a learned skill. For some, it comes quite
naturally yet for others it can be somewhat of a struggle. Three assets of an effective
speaker are:
•
Knowledge of the subject
•
Ability to communicate the message
•
The personality to make it interesting
Sometimes, no matter how eloquent a speaker we might be, and no matter how
captive the audience, we won’t always get our message across to everyone
present. That’s because there are three categories of listeners.
1.
Active Listener (highest retention rate) – Wants to be present and wants to
hear everything that is said. A highly motivated martial arts practitioner at a
seminar, a police officer or military personnel at a briefing, or you at a movie
you’ve been waiting months to see are all examples of “active” type listeners.
2.
Distracted Listener (moderate retention rate) – Has to be there but is
processing other information. Like a bored high school student during last
period who is tired, hungry and thinking about the party he’s going to Friday
night with his girlfriend. Another example might be a husband who is trying to
watch the final two minutes of the Super Bowl (with the score tied) while his
wife is talking about the upcoming sale at a local retail store.
3.
Disconnected Listener (lowest retention rate) – Doesn’t want to be present
and doesn’t care what is being said. A woman on a blind date that is going
badly, listening to her date talk about his ex-wife and her crooked lawyer. Or
perhaps the little old lady sitting beside you on a long flight talking about her
nine grandchildren while you’re trying desperately to finish the overdue
reports for your boss on your laptop.
I’d like to tell you that I am always a type 1
listener but that would probably be
inaccurate. I hope I am in that category more
than I am in the other ones but honestly, we
fall into different categories at different times,
depending on where our focus is at the
moment. When our focus is on one thing it is
extremely hard to redirect a portion of it to
something else. Imagine listening to two
people speaking at the same time and then
afterward trying to reiterate what was said by
both. It would be nearly impossible to recount
the information. Next time you communicate,
try do differentiate the listener. Oh, and to be
fair, next time someone is speaking to you,
think about which type of listener you are at
the moment.
O’Sensei Steven J Roensch
It is with great sadness that American Budokai International announces that our
International Representative from Thailand, Jeffrey C. Moldovan of "TLM's Fighting
Chance Combat Systems", unexpectedly pasted away on the morning of August 22nd
2013, in Caracas, Venezuela during one of his scheduled international seminars.
He was not only a friend for many, but also a teacher, a mentor, and a great asset for
the Martial Arts community. He will be greatly missed.
Jeffrey C. Moldovan
Self Defense Instructor / TLM Fighting Chance Training System
(1953 - 2013)
Chief Instructors for
Shintoyoshinkai
O’Sensei Steven Roensch, Judan
Professor Rey Perez, Hachidan
Kyoshi George Sheridan,
Hachidan
Shihan Mike Hernandez,
Rokudan
ABI Affiliated Dojos
Shihan Tamas Torok, Rokudan
United States
Iron-Warriors Training Center, Hollywood, FL
International
Representatives of ABI
The Martial Arts Center, Atlanta, GA
Fishhawk Martial Arts Academy, Lithia, FL
Sensei Phillip Hilzinger,
Australia
Jacksonville State University Judo/Jiu-jitsu Club, Jacksonville, FL
Miami Beach Martial Arts, Miami, FL
Park Avenue Martial Arts, Winter Park, FL
Jeffrey C. Moldovan
Shihan Bernd Kittel, Rokudan Germany
Florida Karate Center, Naples, FL
Miklos Varga,System
Shichidan–
Self Defense Instructor / TLM Fighting ChanceDr.Training
Florida Academy of Pembroke Pines. Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Taiseikan Martial Arts Academy, Miami FL
Christian Karate Association of Dothan, Dothan, Al
(1953 - 2013)
Hungary
Sensei Janos Laub, Sandan,
Hungary
North Georgia Karate Academy, Calhoun, GA
Crabapple Martial Arts Academy. Rosewell, GA
Sensei Roman Garcia Paredes,
Rokudan– Peru
Sheridan’s Martial Arts Center, Muncie, IN
Bushido-kai Karate and Jiu-jitsu, Ft. Wayne, IN
Sensei Roman Anthony Garcia
Christama, Sandan– Peru
Columbia School of Karatedo, Columbia, SC
Thailand
TLM’s Fighting Chance Defensive Tactics, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chief Instructor Jeff Moldovan,
TLM’s Fighting Chance
Defensive Tactics - Thailand
Peru
Escuela De Karate Okinawa, Tarapoto
American Budokai International
Germany
K.C. Bushido, Radolfzell, GE
Hungary
6517 Lincoln Road
Bradenton Florida
34203
(941)525-3506
Tatami Centrum, Kecskemet, Hungary
www.americanbudokaiinternational.com