Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai - GKK

December 2013 Newsletter
Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai
www.goju.com
_____________________________________________________________
Did You Know?
by Rich Stamper
Did you know that the GKK has wholesale accounts with both Century Martial Arts
and Asian World of Martial Arts? We get thirty to forty percent off the retail price
from both companies and an additional five percent off for orders over $250. Also,
special offers on student uniforms (very light weight) occur from time to time. No
discount on shipping cost. Contact HQ for more information.
Yamakura Shihan Visit to Israel July 2013
by Nimrod Astel – GKK Israel
On the last week of July 2013, we hosted Yamakura Shihan for our annual Gasshuku. Shihan arrived to Tel Aviv Israel
on a Saturday afternoon and classes started on the following day. In our dojo we have 4 groups for kids (separated on
account of age and professional level) and 1 adults group.
On Sunday, July 28, we have had an afternoon workout in our local Park. Parents and families were invited as well.
Promotions were held to all the ones who could not join us for our intensive training camp. Our Instructors Chen Niv
Sensei and Shraga Lapides Sensei worked respectively with their groups and gave Shihan a chance to assess their level of
instruction.
After our park session was finished, Yamakura Shihan
worked with our black belts and with the 3 members of our dojo
who were sho dan candidates. Shihan assessed their work on
kata and gave each one guidelines to work with.
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On Tuesday morning we all drove up north for a two days
training camp. We all stayed together in an inn on the coast of the
Mediterranean and had a great social time as well.
Classes began on Tuesday noon. Class was directed by Shihan
and open to all ranks, starting from kihon, to kata, to yakusoku
kumite, our school ippon kumite and kata bunkai.
On the following day we started with an early morning Sanchin
and Tensho class directed by Shihan, focusing on the energetic
aspects of the kata. Soon after, a self defense combat survival class
was conducted by me, emphasizing dynamic and aggressive work
against multiple and armed attackers.
After lunch we continued to formal
promotions where testing for all ranks
were performed.
All Kyu ranks - adults and kids alike
did very well. Also, I'm very proud to
report on the following new Dan ranks:
Mrs. Efrat Feldman
Sho Dan
Mrs. Mali Kanias
Sho Dan
Mr. Lior Yeshayahu
Sho Dan
Mr. Shraga Lapides
Ni Dan
Mr. David Halperin
Ni Dan
Thanks to Mr. David Halperin one of our dojo
senior members, we have had the opportunity to
introduce Shihan Yamakura to two important
figures in Israel; Mr. Eyal Nir Sensei who heads
the Traditional Karate Federation in Israel and
Mr. Denis Hanover founder of the "Hisardut"
(survival in Hebrew) fighting system.
Shihan's visit was an extraordinary experience
for all of us. We all learned a lot and had a great
time doing so. This time with Shihan enabled us
to deepen our knowledge and understanding of
the art as well as to strengthen our bond with the
organization. We are all grateful to Yamakura
Shihan for flying half way across the world to
teach and to guide us. Also, we wish to extend
our sincere gratitude to Stamper Kyoshi and
Myers Renshi for assisting us in the preparations
of Shihan's visit .
A special thank you and appreciation from me goes to my assistants Mr. Chen Niv and Mr. Shraga Lapides who
contributed greatly to the success of this visit, as well as to all of our dojo members who worked so hard and to their
families for their continuous support.
Looking forward to Shihan's return in the coming summer…
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GKK Canada Tournament
by John Roath
On October 26, 2013, we had a house tournament at the Windsor YMCA, Canada. It was a well attended event for a
Sunday morning with almost 40 participants and representation from all the local clubs. For me it was a great experience as
I'm sure it was for everyone else. The event flowed smoothly. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, while exhibiting
good sportsmanship and having fun. All participants received a medal, but results were tabulated as attached.
Many thanks to all that were there, but especially to Pirrone Sensei for making the event happen, to Fina Pirrone who
ran the table without a hitch and to the other volunteers who helped make this a great experience for everyone.
Kumite
Emerson MacKenzie
Mya Robinson
Morgan Robinson
Melissa Wang
Silvana Lopez
Laurie Mulcaster
Hailey Boyko
Madison Boyko
Emily Belisle
Jack Coonan
Cole Bell
Sean Gagnier
Kevin Wang
Kyle Brundrit
Adedapo Adenitan
Matthew Potter
Sean Cerkauskas
Joe Coonan
Nikolas Massad
Jachob Dan
Hunter Alaers
Levi Taba
DJ Mulcaster
Mark Potter
Jaden Taba
Jeremy Frissen
Evan Brundritt
Omar Abualkhair
Daniel XIE
Joshua Sharpe
Abdullah Abdullah
Adam Potter
Nathan Wentzlaff
Age
6
7
9
10
12
41
7
10
7
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
15
36
6
8
9
10
12
13
6
8
8
9
9
9
10
14
15
Place
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Club
Amherstburg
Leamington
Leamingtom
Windsor
Windsor
Lakeshore
Amherstburg
Amherstburg
Adie Nox
Amherstburg
Leamington
Windsor
Windsor
Amherstburg
Windsor
Amherstburg
Windsor
Amherstburg
Leamington
Windsor
Leamington
Windsor
Lakeshore
Amherstburg
Windsor
Leamington
Amherstburg
Windsor
Windsor
Leamington
Windsor
Amherstburg
Amherstburg
3
Kata
Melissa Wang
Silvana Lopez
Haliey Boyko
Susan Adenitan
Madison Boyko
Kelly Frasser
Jachob Dan
Daniel XIE
Adedapo Adenitan
Adam Potter
Adedamola Adenitan
Jaden Taba
Omar Abualkhair
Abdullah Abdullah
Sean Cerkauskas
Nathan Wentzlaff
Kevin Wang
Levi Taba
Kyle Brundritt
Matthew Potter
Mark Potter
Ryan Wentzlaff
Joe Coonan
Age
10
12
7
8
10
11
8
9
12
14
14
6
9
10
15
15
9
10
11
13
13
17
36
Place
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Club
Windsor
Windsor
Amherstburg
Windsor
Amherstburg
Amherstburg
Windsor
Windsor
Windsor
Amherstburg
Windsor
Windsor
Windsor
Windsor
Windsor
Windsor
Windsor
Windsor
Amherstburg
Amherstburg
Amherstburg
Amherstburg
Amherstburg
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Editor's Note; I received the two following Summaries and Goals around the middle of this year and intended to slip
segments in over several issue in our "GKK Around the World" series. Since this is the last issue for 2013, the entire
summaries are included here.
International 2012 Summary and 2013 Goals
by Ed Myers
Argentina
Total Students: 20
Chief Instructor: Gustavo Muñoz
Total school: 21
Year 2012 Summary
1. All along the year we held special classes for dan and 1st, 2nd and 3rd kyu students, on a bimonthly basis. The objective
of these classes is to get a better chance to practice specific details that cannot be covered on a general class.
2. In April, we were invited to participate in IOGKF´s Gasshuku that was held in Argentina. (Goju Ryu organization led by
Sensei MorioHigaonna). In this opportunity a group of our students attended the seminar that was led Sensei Tetsuji
Nakamura. At the end of the program we feel that we were able to grab the concepts and techniques that will help us enrich
our knowledge of this beautiful style
3. To keep promoting karate and the growth of GKK Argentina, we started contacting older black belts who were not
practising regularly in any organization. Basically, it is a group of experienced karateka that are really “Old Glories” in our
local karate history, (some with not less than 25 years of experience) that have been invited to practise with us on a regular
basis. What we are seeing is that they are gradually getting involved with our school, something that enriches our classes,
and we hope, in the future, will lead to new enrolments.
On the other hand, due to the progress made by my most advanced students, and also with regards to the possibility of
including higher rank karateka from other schools, I would like to know what would be the procedure for rank advancement
from shodan and over.
Armenia
No Report as of 5/17/13
Canada
Number of Programs, All in Province of Ontario
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
8:
Hombu Dojo (LaSalle)
Zettai No Kodo Dojo (ZNK) (Windsor)
Hankatsuru Dojo (Windsor)
Shinkan Dojo (Leamington)
Amherstburg Dojo (Amherstburg)
Lakeshore Dojo (Lakeshore Dojo)
Windsor Y (Windsor)
AdieKnox Dojo (Windsor)
2012 Accomplishments
This year was a very challenging year that saw most of our members being affected at many levels. Some emotionally,
some economically with livelihoods and families all affected. The GKK here is still maintaining some level of regularity in
being able to supply to the community at large programs that are stable and consistent.
1. Black Belt promotion to take place in 2012
Held over to 2013
2. Create and produce certificate design
On going
3. Create and Produce name stamps, seals
On going
4. Revisit organizational Canadian government guidelines and mandatory policy
On going
5. View social media communication technology, (Facebook, etc)
On going
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6.
Produce GKK Art for membership (marble kanji , etc.)
On going
7. Greater participation in regional, national, international events (seminars, tournaments and clinics)
Traveled BC for Uchiage Sensei 39 Anniversary Tournament
Traveled to BC for Karate Canada National Championships
Traveled to Toronto to attend Numerous Regional Tournaments
Traveled to Paris France to attend WKF tournament
8. Host official GKK events (seminars, clinics, travel to areas)
Held 3 Yamakura Shihan Clinics
Held two Skill Development Clinics
9. Host regional tournament for membership
Held one in house dojo tournament
10. Review a Japan trip
On going
11. Update 30th anniversary GKK in Canada Celebration (committee)
Begin final phase
The 2013 Goals will be as above but with greater development
Chile
Working to build dojo numbers.
Germany
Winter course on 01-21-2012; This Saturday was all about self-defense. In the morning it was the younger karatekas' turn
and in the afternoon the one of the older ones to find out and see how effective self-defense in karate can be. Everyone
including the trainers had lots of fun. Also the parents of which some were watching the course for a long time were excited
about how easy and playful it can be to learn how to identify and master dangerous situations.
08-10. June 2012 - 3 day course in Regen; Lots of practice units but also a lot of time for fun! In Regen exercises with
partner, kumite and kata were part of the program.
Karate tournament in Wörth on 14th of July 2012; The children gave their best and despite nervousness had great success
and showed great effort.
Sept. 2012: Karate practice for children including overnight stay at the dojo. This training camp has become kind of a
tradition. A karate weekend with everything that belongs to it, practice, playing, having fun. It started of with some hours of
workout, concentration and effort were needed. After that there was a barbecue and time for some games. There also was a
night hike followed by watching the movie Kung Fu Panda 2 – part one of these movies had been watched the previous
year. After that there was another highlight: staying overnight with bedroll and mats in the dojo. On Sunday morning there
was a last common breakfast before the children were picked up by their parents. Apart from that the following courses
have been visited:
03-31-2012 – Trainer meeting in Ingolstadt; communication about new training methods
28+29th of April 2012 – Goju-Ryu course by VFL Landshut
06-30-2012 – Goju-Ryu course in Munich by TSV Neuried; Topics: Tensho und Sanchin
10-20-2012 – Karate course in Ingolstadt ; course about different styles of karate: Shotokan-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Goju-Ryu,
Kempo-Karate, Wado-Ryu und Tang Soo-Do
India Bhadresh Dave
Total Number of dojo :
Mumbai Area (Maharashtra State)
Surat Area (Gujarat State)
Navsari Area (Gujarat State)
3 Classes (Inst. in-charge : Sensei Bhadresh Dave)
6 Classes (Inst. in-charge : Sensei Satya Dave)
2 Classes (Inst. in-charge : Sensei Percy Surty)
Total number of kyu
153
Total number of dan
48
Total
201
Summary of 2012:
Last year we held 2 exams for kyu level & 1 exam in Feb 13 for dan level, (10 students received shodan in Mumbai).
Bhadresh Sensei personally gave two seminars on self defense for females in corporate companies in Mumbai.
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In Surat (Gujarat State) we held one kata, push ups & rope skipping competition (for kids) in the month of Sep 2012.
Satya Dave held three camps on self defense for NCC Cadets & one camp on self defense for Civil Defense Cadets, & also
arranged four camps on self defense in School.
In the month of March we held dan exam in Surat. Fourteen students from Surat City & Eight students from Navsari
City total 22 students received shodan.
Like every year we held Gasshuku Training camp in the month of December 2012 at Bordi village, in that also we held
kata, push ups & rope skipping competition. 144 Students attended this camp.
There was special training camp on kobudo in Mumbai, our three students Mr. Satya Dave, Mr. Dhaval Adhvaryu & Mr.
Aziz Zaveri attend the camp & received shodan certificate in sword fighting.
Plan for 2013 :
Plan for Surat Dojo enclosed .
For Mumbai:
Kyu and dan Exams
Gasshuku Training Camp in Dec 2013 for all dojos.
Special technical sessions like advanced katas
Inter dojo competitions (kata and kumite)
India Vipool Dasani
The AIKF tournament was held in the month of August where 4 children participated. It was restricted to limited entries
as it was a national event. We did not get any medals but the children gave their best.
Conducted KYU gradations in the month of August all the dojos across INDIA .
In the month of December we had the Mini Olympic State tournament .This report I have sent to you and it has been
printed in the news letter.
Kumite under 14yrs.
Ms. Karishma Kudalkar
Gold
Kata under 9yrs.
Ms Palak Vipool Dasani
Bronze
Kata under 8yrs.
Ms.Benaifer Zubin Sanjana
Gold
Kata under 8yrs.
Ms. Aaisha Lath
Bronze
We also conducted an outdoor karate camp 150km away from Mumbai where 36 students attended it. I stressed more on
kata ,shiai and partner training. Conducted 3 sessions in a day of which 2 hrsie; one session was only for katas .this camp
was held from 22nd to 25th Dec.
On 2nd march we conducted senior dan gradations and on 16th march we had shodan gradations.
We had our kyu gradations for all dojos across India in March.
Recently we participated in the Mayors Cup Karate Tournament and received 7 medals. The tournament was held on 9th
and 10th March .the names are in the report sent to you .
Shiai kumite
Riddish Chhaya
Silver Kumite
- 75kg Category
Age Under 25yrs
Sanket Mehta
Bronze Kumite - 80 kg Category
Age Under 25yrs
Karishma Kudalkar
Bronze Kumite - 32 kg Category
Age Under 13 yrs
Alishma Bharadwaj
Bronze Kumite +32 kg Category
Age Under 9 yrs
Disha Kharote
Bronze Kumite -32 kg Category
Age Under 9 yrs
Kata
Palak Dasani
Bronze
Under 9 yrs
Aaisha Lath
Bronze
Under 7 yrs
I assure that I will always put my best efforts to promote GKK in India and as I am very active with MKA and AIKF.
My students are always participating in tournaments round the year and this helps to promote GKK here in INDIA. I am
now a very active member of MKA and AIKF .
In the month of April 13 state karate tournament for under 14yrs age.
Israel; Nimrod Z. Astel, Aum Dojo, GKK Israel
Summary for 2012
During 2012 we have reached just over 70 active members, training in 5 separate Karate groups:
Pre karate – ages 4-6
Kids Karate Group 1 – ages 6-8
Kids Karate Group 2 – ages 8-11
Kids Karate Group 8 – ages 11 and up
Adults – over 25 years of age
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We are now a team of 4 active karate instructors. Additionally, Mr. David Halperin of our school also completed
Instructor's official training, graduated and is now ready to begin his dojo instructor's internship.
The adults group is making great progress and showing serious devotion.
During the last year 2 members of this group were promoted to black belts, 4 members were promoted to san kyu and
above, 5 made progress to and within green belt and 1 progressed within white.
During the passing year we have had 3 Park Gasshuku– all about 4 hours workout + promotions…
Our main event of the year was our Annual Overnight Gasshuku held on the last week of May (which included the black
belts promotions).
The Kids groups are showing serious work and making excellent progress as well. We now have 5 kids in 6 kyu and
above, all training over 6 years with us.
Our goals for the year 2013 :
1.
Open additional supplementary and complementary classes – Yoga, Chi Gong, combat fitness – Partly done and a
work in progress
2.
Open black belts class – By June 2013
3.
Yamakura Shihan Visit and Annual Promotions and Gasshuku – End of July 2013. Expecting that 3 of our adult
students will take their black belt testing and to promote 1 of our karateka to Kyu 1.
4.
Open a new youth group ages 13-18 on Sep 2013
May these be successful and blessed times for us all.
Panama; GKK Panama Annual Report
In the year 2012, we focused on our training. We changed the warm up exercises so that students could learn other ways
to work on their physical endurance. There was an emphasis on cardio and short repetition of exercises. We moved quickly
from one drill to another similar to what you would do in a cross fit session. The purpose was to improve our long term
resistance and speed. We also included 5 to 10 minutes of hojo undo. We mostly use the Chi – Ishi (Power Stones) in a
series of routine exercises as well as the Nigiri – Game (Gripping Jars). We have increased the drills to practice kicks in
order to improve balance. Kata training focuses on Kihon Kata and Uke No Kata. This part of the training takes close to
60% of the whole session. We took a closer look on how we were doing kata especially those particular to the GKK. Jodan
one steps were reviewed periodically. Chudan ones steps were practiced from brown belts up. Kumite was limited to
shadow boxing drills and pre-arranged techniques.
Sri Lanka D.K Withanage
Built a new dojo to train students and conduct karate tournaments of GKK SL branch. "The Karate Center" of GKK Sri
Lanka Head Quarters.
Four students won National Championships held by Sri-Lanka Karate-Do Federation.
G.A.H. Jeewanthi Perera
G.A.M. Dilshan Perera
G.A.Y Sandawanthi
M. Sasika Sandamali
Kata-Bronze
Kata-Gold, Kumite-Gold
Kata-Bronze
Kumite-Silver (membership form to be forwarded)
2013 / 2014 goal is to conduct a training camp in Colombo with a sensei from the GKK International Association
2013 USA Director's Report
Dwight Scales, USA Director
Membership: We currently have 13 dojos registered with the GKK. They include dojos in Maine, Pennsylvania, New
York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Washington State.
Our membership is made up of 84 dan rank members and 101 kyu rank members.
The dan rank numbers reflect some independent members, i.e. not belonging to a particular dojo but still affiliated with the
GKK.
Growth: I'm aware of one new dojo this year, Mr. John Henderson.
Short term, Long term Goals: Currently we are working on updating our promotion records. They are out of date;
especially concerning our dan ranks. Our plans are to make sure that those who have enough time in for promotion are
offered the chance to advance.
Personal contact will be made with each dojo, address their needs/concerns, and make every effort to see that they are
met; that includes visits by Yamakura Shihan.
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Mr. Bill Handren Promotion
by Rich Stamper
It is my pleasure to announce that as a result of a recent evaluation Mr. Bill Handren was promoted to go-dan in GojuRyu Karate-Do.
As is typical for promotions, Mr. Bill was assessed on technical skill, physical ability, general knowledge, length of time
in, and overall attitude. A significant requirement at this level, however, is meaningful contribution to the organization. Mr.
Bill has served the GKK as Newsletter Editor for about eight years and has elevated our Newsletter to a level of quality
never before attained. Congratulations to Mr. Bill Handren on this well deserved recognition.
Thanks for the Memories
1969
Shindo - Kan Dojo
Toledo, Ohio
Photo courtesy of Jack Colemen
Rare old Photo.. Jack Coleman Jr. and brother Tim in class at the “Shindo-Kan” Jack was the youngest person to receive
“Shodan”, first degree Black Belt in U.S. in the All Japan Karate-Do Assoc. at that time. Rich Stamper in black karate gi,
back row. Derrick Diggs, Police Chief of Toledo, Ohio shown in back row on end next to Rich ...
Thanks for your Newsletter Contributions
from Newsletter Editor
Thanks to all of our members who contributed to this years issues. Your help is greatly appreciated.
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The Point © by Bill Handren
Sparkles
"No matter how big and bad you think you are, when a child hands you a toy telephone....you answer it"
I
mentally prepare myself. The first ten reps I will use the associative method for dealing with the stress. Meet it head
on, ears laid back, welcoming the slow torture, identifying with it, letting it have its way with me, laughing in its face.
But the next ten will require a different tact; Disassociative. Gung ho only lasts so long. After awhile the mind must
go to a happy place, so mental distance from the effort is better. I drop under the bar, look down at my feet and then I see it.
Another sparkle. My resolve melts as I smile. So much for meeting things head on. Grinning and grunting just don't fit
well together.
My granddaughter is single handedly keeping the sparkle manufacturer in business. In case you don't know, sparkles,
also called glitter, are minute specks about the size of a grain of salt. They come in assorted colors and reflect light.
Combine them with glue, cardboard boxes and decorations for hours of entertainment making crafts.
She isn't allowed sparkles at her house. They are a nightmare to vacuum up. Things are different at my house. They
serve as little sparkly reminders of the fun we have. But the sparkling has
gotten a bit out of hand. She now makes pretend desserts which consist of
sparkles, shaving cream, and colored toppings made from bath color
tablets. They actually look edible. Fortunately, I have sink screens which
catch most of the sparkles as I clean up the toy dishes. I once heard ladies
love a man who does the dishes. It seems true.
The phone rings and I let her answer it. "No!!!!! I don't want to go.
Let me stay another hour. Pleeeease. I don't have to ask... I am always
welcome." She hands me the phone; "Here's Mom." "Is it OK?" my
daughter asks. Silly question. The hour becomes two. More
improvisation. More fun.
The only approval I want comes from a little girl who barely weighs
fifty pounds. I guess it is about perspective. I may die tonight and I want my last thought to be "I didn't waste this day."
That I spent it with someone special and these moments will be remembered by a young woman far into the future. Maybe
as she tries cleaning up sparkles from her little girl. Every father should live long enough to hear his daughter complain
about the mess her child makes. "Revenge is a dish best served by a grandchild", to paraphrase The Wrath of Khan.
Yet for many, approval of their peers is foremost. The next dan grade. The grand poobah title. Employee of the Month.
No one remembers who won the Best Actor Oscar in 1997. Or who hit the most home runs in 2001. Yet a child will
always remember a good time they had with a parent or grandparent. And sometimes being forever remembered by
someone special is far more gratifying than being briefly famous to many.
I figured out my priorities by asking, "If I knew this was my last day on earth, how would I spend it?" The answer was
easy. I'd spend the day with my girls. It doesn't matter how, just as long as I am with them. Once priorities are established,
life falls into place. No decisions of real importance are left, just mundane choices - busy work. View each day as the last. I
phone every day to find out if my daughter and granddaughter want to do something. If I'm told no, my day has been
cleared. It is out of my hands.
I was in the delivery room the day my daughter was born. I knew at that moment why I was put on earth. And the day
my granddaughter was born I received my reward for doing the toughest jobs a man will ever face - being a good father and
decent man. I don't have to raise my granddaughter, that is her mom's job. I get to enjoy and spoil.
I am hardcore about training. Injuries can be worked around. Make the time to train. But I allow one interruption, one
excuse to stop or suspend a workout. It is easy to make up for a lost workout but impossible to go back and relive a play
day.
Someday she will move away. Maybe off to school or a career. The song lyric, "But I'd trade all of my tomorrows for
one single yesterday," may become my anthem as I drift into the world of the old and forgotten. So the best anyone can do
is to make the most of the nows and not give the unimportant things your time.
The biggest holiday of the year is this month. Millions of people buying gifts that don't matter. Toys which will be
garage sale items in a year. I hope I don't end up that way. Set aside and forgotten.
At least I will be easy to identify...... I will be the one who sparkles.
M. Yamakura
Ed Myers
Dwight Scales
Greg Dodge
Deb Crawford
Bill Handren
Chairman
CEO
USA Director
GKK Marketing Director
USA Business Manager
Newsletter Editor
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