Being a Reputable School

Part of being a reputable school means being part of a registered national or international organization. Some students acquire a few weeks’ or even a few months’ training in a martial arts and feel qualified to call themselves a black belt or refer to themselves as certified in self-defense, when, in fact, they lack the fundamental skills or knowledge to teach the basics. As a result, these people become a danger to themselves and to others they may try to teach. Still others may reach black belt level and cease to be affiliated with the organization that promoted them to black belt. This more commonly occurs when the act of reaching black belt level is the end-goal. However, teachers and those aspiring to teach prove character by exhibiting the loyalty to maintain affiliation with their organization and continue their training.

Regardless of style, reaching black belt means the basics have been learned and having a black belt in two styles means one has learned the basics again. To really master a style means learning in-depth the techniques, the katas, and acquiring the understanding associated with the moves that help the practitioner instinctively react without having to remember.

I once had a student from another local school join our class. This person claimed two years of study and had reached the level of brown belt (one level below black). After observing this student over the course of a few classes, I wondered exactly what they had learned at the other school. After I was satisfied they had learned how to block, I allowed them to spar with some of my students. Almost immediately, it became painfully obvious their so-called training was almost nonexistent. Other students in my class reassured me that this young man had, indeed, studied at the other school for two years. Either he found our class too difficult, or, being embarrassed by his lack of ability, he did not stick around for many more classes.

I am always a little skeptical when I hear or read about someone who has started their own style, even after 30 years of teaching or competing. I find myself asking why that person left the organization that taught them everything they know? Twenty or thirty years of studying different styles may justify creating one’s own style, but priority should first be given to gaining full proficiency or learn all there is to learn about one traditional style first.

Even after becoming an instructor, I kept studying from my teacher and later, his teacher, (who happened to be the highest ranking occidental in the world). Soon after opening my first school, I had a gentleman come in my dojo claiming to be a black belt from another style. He quickly made it known that wanted to fight me. I granted his request after he participated in a couple of my classes. As I recall, he had the ability of a beginner in our style and soon became discouraged because I blocked all his punches and kicks, and he couldn’t touch me. While our exchange remained friendly, he didn’t come back.

If you are searching for a good school. It is not a good idea to go in a school and ask a black belt and especially the instructor to fight regardless of how good you think you may be. First of all it is an insult, secondly, this person has trained years to defend himself or herself.

When a student experiences dismissal from an organization, this generally means they have not adhered to the regulations governing the fairness of federation members, clearly demonstrating in the process they have not learned what it means to be a black belt. Sadly, there are those few in our organization who have lost their black belt rank and no longer have the right to wear one and be affiliated in any manner with that organization. Frankly, people who continue practicing martial arts without a reputable organization’s backing are essentially no better that a street fighter.

In choosing a style, it is important for the new student to understand the importance of joining a school that is part of a reputable, certified organization. Multiple schools teaching the same style located within a geographic region is another indicator of potential soundness. Still, it pays to do your homework and plenty of research. Read about the style on the internet. Check out their website. Talk to current and past students. Find out how long have they been in business. Do they teach what you want to learn? The higher the instructor’s degree of black belt is an excellent indicator of knowledge, expertise and proficiency. However, beware the 10th degree black belt, and the instructor calling himself a “master“. There are no real masters of the traditional styles anymore; only those that have started their own style. Beware of a school that promises a black belt in two years or less. Most schools require a minimum of three to five years of study to attain a black belt. As a street fighter you learn from one person, being part of an organization you learn from hundreds of instructors that have passed along their skill and teachings in a positive manner.

Good luck in your search as you embark on the rewarding study of the martial arts.

Block Your Words!

We should get a kick out of karate and block what we say. Recently, I have read posts from various people on Facebook, that were quite embarrassing to read. Remember everyone you have as friends see these! In karate class I say that we must never use four-letter words. Mostly, I refer to the word CAN’T. As the founder of our style always said, “…the difference between the possible and the impossible is one’s will”. One should always TRY, therefore, CAN’T should not be in our vocabulary as karate ka. But this goes beyond karate. Rather it is reading posts on Facebook that is sometimes shocking.

The use of curse words is a reflection on you as a person. They don’t make you bigger, stronger, or more important, but just the opposite. Their use, like a wall-falling-on-you, makes your smaller and reflects on you as a person, reflects on your family, your friends, and worst of all your character. Late in life I have learned this. That is why I would now implore anyone to control your thoughts especially on the internet and refrain from four-letter words in your writing. Rather, be positive and create an atmosphere of encouragement. It is said, that a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.

Black belts and all students in the Pulaski Karate Center are held to a higher standard and I would never expect any student to verbalize a four-letter word much less write one in private or in a public place like the internet or anywhere someone may read them. Negative remarks and words are a disgrace to you, your family, your teachers, and your friends. If we can block a punch, then we can block what we say.

Jerry Hughey, Sensei

"Sisters Kicking High"

A new year is upon us with new challenges. Our annual Wado tournament is March 20th at Columbia State College. Promotion exams will be in January. Regardless if you are participant, I encourage everyone to prepare for these events. Let's start the year off with a Kick like no other. Let this be your year to "Kick High" by aiming for higher goals.

Promote our school to your friends and family. Karate is a family oriented activity that produces positive results.

A Taste of Giles County

Well another demonstration is behind us and what a day it was. Pushing 100 degrees everyone demonstrating Wado Ryu karate put on a fantastic performance of skill and self control. Spectators had no idea the control that these people were exhibiting or the pain they were enduring. The mat and concrete were almost too hot to touch, and these karate-ka endured it with bare feet without complaint. That is a great characteristic of true karate people.

Hopefully, we attracted some new interest in karate and gave people a greater understanding into the true nature of karate.

Feel free to comment or submit suggestions on what you would like to see in our next demonstration.

"A Taste of Giles County" - Demonstration

Come see us June 20th on the Pulaski Square. Starting at 12:00 noon students will demonstrate Wado karate and self-defense techniques that has made our style one of the major martial art organizations in the world.

Techniques will include blocks, punches, and kicks. No move in karate is wasted. Each move is devised to be extremely effective without unnecessary motion. For example, the technique in making a simple middle block, (called Soto Uke), not only block once, which is visibly evident, but not so evident is another block and a striking technique.

We will demonstrate sparring for self-defense and for sport competition. Katas, prearranged fighting techniques, that increase in difficulty as the student progresses. Katas teach balance, coordination, and defensive techniques that the student can continue learning at home.

Also, we will show skits or scenarios in "what-if" situations. In other words, what if a stranger grabs your arm… or what if someone tries to force you in a car unwillingly… or what if you are attacked by someone larger and stronger than yourself …

Hopefully, this year will not be a repeat of last year and the rain will hold off until after we finish. Although, rain does help keep us cool during a workout.

Come see the booths, enjoy the food and music while at the Taste of Giles County with us, See you there!

Jerry Hughey

Getting Started

Welcome! We are getting started with a different means of communication. Our school and students just finished a fund raising event for St Jude Children's Hospital. Although, we publicized it throughout the county, in the paper, with banners, on public internet sites and the local radio, we had fewer people than I would have hoped. Regardless, we made over $1300 for St Jude and that is a real accomplishment for our first year. Everyone that has pledge envelops should get them in as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone for making this event a success.

The event was almost without incident. Matthew chipped a bone in his hand while trying to break an unbreakable board. A good rule of thumb for everyone to remember..."if it doesn't break the first time, don't try the same thing again." We can always be reassured that boards will never attack us.

I will try to post something each week. It may be something special about our students, our style, a kata, or general information about our center. Keep visiting our site http://www.pulaskikaratecenter.com/ for pictures and postings. Let us know your thoughts on this years event and your recommendations to attract more people next year.

Invite your friends and their friends to our demonstration on the Pulaski square, "A Taste of Giles County" Saturday June 20th.

Jerry Hughey
Sensei, 5th Dan