Bushido Series Seminar

June 4^th & 5^th, 2005

Ki Mind and Body

Milwaukee, WI

Master Yamashita conducted the annual June Bushido Series Seminar sponsored by Phil Sauer and Ki Mind and Body, held at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Engelmann Gym in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Students packed Engelmann Gym to share their passion for karate and continue to learn from Master Yamashita.  Many instructors from dojos across the United States brought students to Milwaukee to attend the seminar:

Florida-              Bud Shafer

Michigan-           Rags Avery

David Bloem

Indiana-             Jerry Wroblewski

John Sorg

                                                Brice Hosterman

                                                Wendy & Darryl Smith

Connecticut-       Patrick Callan

Colorado-           John Tomasini

Green Bay, WI-   Paul Harris

Hales Corners, WI-      Denise Bright

Milwaukee, WI-   Phil Sauer

Spirit and energy could be felt all around by the participants of the seminar as they focused their attention to Master Yamashita.  He began the seminar on Saturday by speaking on the spirit that connects all students of karate; the spirit that does not need to be seen or heard.  It is felt and continues to drive students in their day to day lives.  Spirit and character are what is needed to be a martial artist, not physical capability.  Master Yamashita went on to review and refine the basics of the kihons.  He said without a solid foundation and set of basic skills, you have nothing to grow on. 

        The rest of the morning consisted of basic tonfa techniques including blocking, punching, and striking.  Master Yamashita then guided the students in a tonfa kata called Tonfa Dai Ichi.  He broke the students into three groups to breakdown the steps of the kata and refine the tonfa techniques.  Saturday afternoon consisted of basic nunchuck techniques including striking and blocking.

Black belt testing was held during lunch.  Promotions were in both Kobudo and Shorin-Ryu.  Congratulations to the following students who earned promotions:

Ed Taylor (3^rd Dan)              Brian Lentz

Jason Johnson (2^nd Dan)       Rags Avery

David Quinnan (2^nd Dan)      Rags Avery

Larry Boyer (1^st Dan)            Phil Sauer

Mikhail Mukhin (1^st Dan)       Phil Sauer

Jerry Wroblewski

Jerry Wroblewski

Phil Oaks (1^st Dan Kobudo)   Dave Bloem

        Saturday evening was a time for socializing.  Dinner was held at Turner’s restaurant in downtown Milwaukee.  Seminar participants enjoyed fantastic food and sparkling conversation and the newly promoted students received their certificates.  After dinner, many of them went to the first official summer festival of Milwaukee in the downtown area, Riversplash.  Everyone enjoyed the 7 stages of music, food, fireworks, and Milwaukee nightlife. 

        Sunday’s seminar consisted of a dynamic and intense Suikendo (The Way of the Water Fist) workout.  Once again, Master Yamashita began the workout with the basics of punching, blocking, and positioning one’s body to create maximum power through movement and control.  Participants then chose partners to implement these techniques and practice focus and control.  A few of the black belts gave demonstrations to the participants showing the precision and flow of energy that is generated through Suikendo.  The seminar concluded with punching and kicking combinations using focus pads. 

        It was a great seminar weekend packed full of study and enlightenment through the guidance of Master Yamashita.