Sensei Thomas wins Spirit of Isshin-Ryu Award - Texas ...

Four show they have what it takes — to make sho dan

By LAURA MURRAY Ni Dan

Kyoshi’s Corner……...…….….2

IHOF Tournament.…………….3

New Sho Dans……………....8-9

Know Your Black Belts……...11

Senseis’ Corner……..……......12

Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai Perfecting Character Since 1991

TIKK NEWS Summer 2012

Inside

Sensei Thomas wins Spirit of Isshin-Ryu Award

(See GASSHUKU, page 6)

“We must care about others &

take charge of ourselves in 2012”

New Sho Dans Jim Wallander, Dianne Van Winkle, Jovi Espinosa and Erick Soto enjoy a moment after the Spring Shiai.

By TINA PALOS Yon Dan

(See THOMAS, Page 4)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Following are excerpts from

the nomination submitted to the Isshin-Ryu Hall of

Fame for the Spirit of Isshin-Ryu Award that

Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai Sensei Tommy Tho-

mas won July 27 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

S ensei Tommy Thomas truly exemplifies the spirit

of Isshinryu “One Heart Way” in all he does, both

in and out of the dojo.

Over the years, he has been tested in mind, body

and spirit, yet shows his heart by continuing to stay

the path, never showing weakness and never wavering

in his attitude and spirit.

At 65 years of age, Sensei Thomas has dealt with

many challenges in his life, which included being in a

war, family issues, professional challenges and severe

health problems. Through it all, he continues to dem-

T he power of a positive win-

ning attitude became all the

more clear for four ik kyus as they

worked their way through the

week before the Gasshuku held

April 13-15 at Camp Summit.

NEW STUDENTS

You must:

September 4 .....................Sensei Tina Palos’ Birthday

September 7 ................. Mr. Steve Gellman’s Birthday

September 21 ................. Sensei Tony Palos’ Birthday

September 22 ................ Mr. Joey Marcella’s Birthday

October 6 ...................... Ms. Taylor Casale’s Birthday

October 7 ................... Mrs. Margaret Myers’ Birthday

October 10 ............ Mr. Michael Strickland’s Birthday

October 15 ........ Renshi Shihan Kristensen’s Birthday

November 21 ..... Mrs. Dianne Van Winkle’s Birthday

November 28 .................... Mr. Glenn Gibb’s Birthday

December 1................. Winter Shiai, Lewisville VFW

TIKK NEWS is published periodically by karateka of Texas Isshin-ryu Karate Kai, established in 1991, and is distributed to stu-

dents at all the school’s dojos and to others interested in TIKK activities.

Publisher

Kyoshi Shihan Robert Kristensen Editor

Ni Dan Laura Murray

Coppell Dojo (Main) 1203 Crestside, Suite 230, Coppell, TX 75019

(817)491-1130 Visit us on the web: www.txikk.com

Aubrey

All About Fitness (940)390-0192

TIKK NEWS

KYOSHI’S corner

TIKK NEWS sUMMER 2012

Denton

Brickhouse Gym & Denia Recreation Center (940)390-0192 Flower Mound

Flower Mound Community Church (817)491-1130

Granbury YMCA

(214)923-1924 Plano

University of Gymnastics (469)688-4732

Waco Baylor University (214)226-6734

Affliliated School located in Nevada

Calendar

April 19 ................................. Kaleigh Crabtree, Plano

April 23 ....................................... Kaden Kent, Denton

April 26 ........................................ Ryan Huynh, Plano

April 26 ................................. Haley Armstrong, Plano

April 26 ....................................... Ethan Huynh, Plano

April 27 .................................. Robert Pfeiffer, Denton

April 27 ................................ Andrew Pfeiffer, Denton

April 27 .................................... Mark Pfeiffer, Denton

May 1 ........................................ Russell Tarver, Denia

May 1 ....................................... Charles Tarver, Denia

May 1 ............................ Harvey Reed, Flower Mound

June 2 ....................................... Rachel Tanel, Coppell

June 5 ....................................... Toby Hawkins, Denia

June 5 .................................... Charlie Hawkins, Denia

June 5 ..................................... Michael Delano, Denia

June 5 .................................... Nicholas Delano, Denia

June 5 ......................................... Eliza Belcher, Denia

June 5 .............................................. Blake Day, Denia

June 14 ......................................... Brody Tritt, Denton

June 14 ................................. Siddhartha Shah, Denton

June 14 ................................... Abhishek Shah, Denton

July 3 ...................................... Mason Schaefer, Denia

July 3 ....................................... Dylan Schaefer, Denia

July 9 .......................................... Cody Lynch, Aubrey

July 20 .......................... Megan Pigott, Flower Mound

July 20 ............................ Lydia Pigott, Flower Mound

July 30 ................................... Jackson Dyer, Granbury

July 31 ................................... Kate McAhren, Coppell

July 31 .............................Matthew McAhren, Coppell

W alk the walk before you can talk the talk. Say

well is good, do well is better. We must try to

perfect ourselves before we can help others.

Bruce Lee wrote: “Knowing is not enough, you

must apply. Willing is not enough, you must do.”

Train hard, but do not overdue. Train in a way so

you can train another day. Do the walking before the

talking. No Jawjitsu.

—Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen

Plan Now To Attend 2013 IWKA July 11—13

www.iwka2013worldtournament.com

SUMMER 2012 TIKK NEWS

By KELLI KLEPPINGER Ik Kyu

(See IHOF, Next Page )

TIKK brings home gold as 18 compete in IHOF tournament

W hat a weekend we had!

Where, you ask? At the

2012 Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame

Awards Banquet and Karate

Tournament, of course.

Competitors from across the

country converged on Chatta-

nooga, Tenn. for the annual event,

which was held July 27-28. Texas

Isshinryu Karate Kai was repre-

sented by a contingent of 18 com-

petitors and returned to Texas

with 22 trophies.

Activities began Friday af-

ternoon with a series of 30-minute

seminars presented by this year’s

Hall of Fame inductees.

Kyoshi Marvin Carmona

presented a 25-step hand drill that

when practiced consistently will

help the student develop hand

speed. He demonstrated the drill

in approximately five seconds.

Kyoshi Tim Cunningham

taught defense against grabs in

which seminar attendees learned

how to get out of and counter a

grab to the upper arm either from

the front or back.

Kyoshi Cindy Ingram took

the basic Seisan block and gave

different bunkai or applications

for the block. Kyoshi Scott

Klinger gave a lesson on defenses

against kicks in which he taught

ways to trap the leg as the kick

was coming in.

Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen

presented "Practical Applications

for Self-Defense" taken from the

mixed martial art of Isshinryu to

the men. The women of Isshinryu

learned how to find their center,

10 defenses against a straight for-

ward punch and how to find the

best self defense technique from

Masters Carol Womack, Judy

Rigby and Carol Burris.

O’Sensei Kichiro Shima-

buku, Master Joseph Jennings,

and Sensei Tsuyoshi Uechi were

inducted into the Isshin-Ryu Hall

of Fame, but did not attend be-

cause of personal conflicts.

Friday evening was the Ban-

quet and Awards Ceremony.

Awards for competitor of the

year, karateka of the year and

instructor of the year, among oth-

ers, were presented.

This year was special for

TIKK as Sensei Tommy Thomas

was awarded The Spirit of Isshin-

Ryu Award. Those who know

him know of his dedication and

love for Isshinryu. Ever humble,

he was seen after receiving the

award with a huge smile across

his face.

Kyoshi Marvin Carmona

and Kyoshi Scott Klinger, friends

of Kyoshi Kristensen and TIKK,

were inducted into the Hall of

Fame with heartfelt introductions

given by Kyoshi Kristensen. Their

acceptance speeches were equally

as moving.

Saturday morning arrived,

with nerves and anticipation thick

in the air. We gathered in the

arena and began warming up for

the day of competition ahead, all

the while keeping an eye out for

anyone who might be our compe-

tition.

After the benediction, and a

touching rendition of the "Star

Eighteen Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai competitors bring home 22 trophies from the IHOF tournament.

TIKK NEWS sUMMER 2012

(From Page 1)

(From Page 3)

IHOF...

Spangled Banner," we bowed in

and the competition began.

Each student had their mo-

ments in the spotlight, gave it

their all and received their scores.

For many of the 18 TIKK stu-

dents this meant being awarded a

first, second, third or fourth place

trophy.

Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen,

Renshi Shihan Kristensen and

Sensei Susan Harris helped to

judge the competition. Competi-

tors from TIKK included both

black belts and kyus.

Black Belt Divisions

Weapons Kata Kumite

Tony Palos 2 2 —

Tina Palos 3 2 2

Kent Kirkpatrick

— 2 —

Margaret Myers

3 1 —

Chuck Blommaert

— 4 —

Joey Marcella — 3 —

Jim Wallander — 4 —

onstrate love, patience, kindness, integrity, honor,

loyalty and a quiet courage.

He never makes a big show of his problems,

never complains or is negative in any way. He contin-

ues to show consistency, commitment and dedication

to excellence in all he does, personally, professionally

and in karate.

Sensei Thomas has been happily married for

more than 45 years to Debbie, and has always shown

commitment and dedication to his wife even through

life’s ups and downs.

Sensei Thomas, who also has a son and daugh-

ter, is the first to admit that being a parent is not easy.

Despite his best efforts in raising kids, he had to help

his children deal with personal struggles including

relationship issues, job problems, drug addictions and

legal issues.

Nevertheless, he was always there for his kids.

Sometimes he would have to miss class or leave early

to take care of a situation, but he continued to show

love and patience.

His dedication and commitment to his family has

resulted in both his son and daughter doing much bet-

ter and on the road to leading successful lives.

Sensei Thomas is a Vietnam veteran. He volun-

teered for the Army, serving from 1967-1970 in the 1st

Calvary, 7th Battalion, Custer Outfit as a machine gun-

ner. He was blown up twice and received two Purple

Hearts for his sacrifice to his country.

As with all Vietnam veterans, he had to deal

with consequences of being in that war. Mentally and

physically, he continues to deal with health problems

related to his service. Some of the health issues in-

clude shrapnel working itself out of his body, assorted

aches and pains and mental distress.

Kyu Rank Divisions

Kata Kumite

Kelli Kleppinger 1 1

Albert Solaris 1 3

Steve Sumners 3 —

Andrew Freeman 3 3

Fabricio Velez 3 4

Grace Kennedy 1 3

Also competing were black

belts Tommy Thomas, Steve Gell-

man, Kyle Murray, Mike Harper

and Mark Hendrix.

The tournament concluded

and we retired for a couple of

hours rest before gathering at the

Southern Bell, a paddlewheel boat

on the river, for dinner and danc-

ing. We enjoyed a sumptuous

dinner of prime rib and shrimp

creole with creamy cheesecake

for dessert.

A live band played a variety

of music and TIKK and its friends

rocked the dance floor. A walk on

the deck to enjoy the view, then it

was time to join the IHOF after

party for more dancing and cama-

raderie.

As this year’s events con-

cluded, we bid farewell to friends

old and new and vowed to see

each other again at next year’s

tournament, which will be held

July 26-27 at the Gatlinburg Con-

vention Center in Gatlinburg,

Tenn.

Hope to see you there.

TIKK Ni Dan Margaret Myers won first place in kata and competed for grand champion.

Thomas...

(See THOMAS, next page)


He also deals with diabetes and high blood pres-

sure and had a near fatal heart attack in 2004 and pros-

tate cancer in 2011. He required 50 radiation treat-

ments last year for the cancer and is still working on

getting back to full strength. Through all the health

problems, doctor appointments and radiation, Sensei

Thomas has continued to take care of his family, go to

work and come to karate class.

Even if he cannot work hard physically, he is

dedicated to continuing his training and doing the best

he can. He always has a positive attitude and spirit,

never complaining, but displaying courage and com-

mitment.

Sensei Thomas has worked for the Bureau of

Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth since 1990. He

was one of the first 26 people hired while the building

was still under construction and retired with distin-

guished honors in June.

He also has volunteered to be the Union Repre-

sentative to the Teamsters Local IC since 1995. Dur-

ing his career there, he continued to work the second

shift, and many times put in overtime or worked dou-

ble shifts. He is known for his work ethic; his attitude

and spirit make him stand out from everyone around

him.

Sensei Thomas has a very strong faith in God to

which he credits with helping guide him through the

tough times. He has been a member of Galilee Mis-

sion Baptist Church in Sanger since 2000. In addition

to volunteering to help with many church functions,

he also serves as president of Galilee Ushers.

Besides his faith, Sensei Thomas credits the mar-

tial arts with helping him get through life’s many chal-

lenges. From a very young age, he always had a desire

to study karate and become a black belt.

He started his martial arts training in Shorinryu

in 1972 in Illinois where he trained for a couple of

years before having to stop due to his work schedule.

In 1985, he moved to North Carolina and began

training in Taekwondo. He trained for three years be-

fore moving to Texas.

Sensei Thomas started his training in Isshinryu

karate in 1995 at TIKK at the age of 48, and was

happy to finally be able to pursue his longtime dream

of becoming a black belt.

He earned his sho dan in 2000 at the age of 53,

then ni dan in 2003, san dan in 2006 and the rank of

yon dan in 2010. Sensei Thomas also is a top competi-

tor in local tournaments, as well as in the Isshinryu

World Karate Association and Isshin-Ryu Hall of

Fame tournaments.

Throughout the past 17 years as an Isshinryu

student, from white belt to present, Sensei Thomas has

always been eager to learn, and worked very hard to

improve his karate skills. He has stayed humble and

polite in attitude and believes in learning from every-

one—young and old, white belts to Kyoshi Kris-

tensen.

“Never be too full of yourself to learn,” Sensei

Thomas says. He believes a student should focus on

training, improving skills and should not worry about

rank.

“Work on the little things and before you know,

you look around and you are at the next level,” he

says.

As an instructor, Sensei Thomas loves to work

with students on the fundamentals and getting them to

practice a skill over and over. “A student should be

able to take what you taught them and put it into real-

ity,” he says.

Both as a student and an instructor, Sensei Tho-

mas is always consistent in class, committed to learn-

ing and improving and dedicated to Isshinryu.

Sensei Thomas even thinks of competition as a

learning experience. When he goes to a tournament

and does not take first, he sees it as an opportunity to

search himself and figure out what can be improved.

Sensei Thomas has never made excuses for not

winning or complained of the outcome. He is also

humble and polite in congratulating the winners, and

has never shown a negative attitude toward anyone.

He also makes it a point to encourage students at

a tournament, whether they win or lose, and show

them how to use the experience in a positive way to

become better.

In traditional martial arts there is the saying,

“The ultimate aim in the art of karate lies not in vic-

tory or defeat, but in the perfection of one’s charac-

ter.”

As a husband, father, patriot, employee, church

member and Isshinryu practitioner, Sensei Thomas

has worked to perfect his character. In all areas of his

life he consistently shows honor, loyalty, love, pa-

tience, kindness, courtesy and courage, regardless of

circumstances or challenges.

His work ethic, honesty, integrity, dedication and

attitude and spirit are an example and inspiration to all

who are fortunate to know him. Sensei Tommy Tho-

mas’ life truly exemplifies the Spirit of Isshinryu

“One Heart Way.”

Thomas...

(From Page 4)

(From Page 1)

Gasshuku...

PAGE 6 TIKK NEWS SUMMER 2012

Gasshuku 2012: “The Power of A Positive Winning Attitude”

The four ik kyus knew they

had to do whatever it takes to

reach their goal of joining Texas

Isshinryu Karate Kai's black belt

ranks.

The Gasshuku's theme this

year, "The Power of a Positive

Winning Attitude," rang true for

Jim Wallander, Dianne Van Win-

kle, Jovi Espinosa and Erick Soto

as they all earned their sho dans

after a full week of intensive test-

ing and anywhere from six to 10

years of training.

Mr. Soto of TIKK-affiliated

Nevada Isshinryu Karate Kai trav-

eled from Reno to be tested after

he attended Gasshukus in the past.

Sixty-one TIKK students

and other visitors including the

always inspiring Renshi Sensei

Karl Sidnam from Scranton, Pa.

attended the 15th annual

Gasshuku and 119 TIKK students

turned out for the Spring Shiai.

In addition to the sho dan

promotions, Mrs. Jennifer Wied-

erkehr and Mrs. Tracy Dickey

moved up to second degree black

belts with promotions to ni dan.

Robert Casale was promoted

to ik kyu, last rank before black

belt, while Adam Wallander, L.B.

Herbert, Aisha Espinosa and

David Van Winkle made ni kyu.

Joining the brown belt ranks

as san kyus were Steve Sumners,

Deanna Rupp and Grant Dennis.

Earning purple belts were

Grace Kennedy, Andrew Freeman

and Fabricio Velez. Talha Akram

made blue belt.

New green belts were Chris-

tian Lopez, Alfonso Ortiz, Robert

Duteil Jr., Kiana Casebeer, Jorge

Lopez and Samuel Marich.

Moving to yellow belt were

Neha Rajkumar, Kelly Belcher,

Caitlin Vessel, Adam Ahsanullah,

Jack Fleming, Ruben Williamson

IV, Dillon Roger Howard, Dru

Ochenski, Jeremiah Bessa, Luke

Miller, Jeremy Stark, Lynda

Marcella and Ruben Williamson

III.

Herbert and Robert Casale

were named "Outstanding

Karateka" at the Gasshuku.

Renshi Karl Sidnam, above, works with Jordan Tucker while, above right, new Ni Dans Jennifer Wiederkehr and Tracy Dickey admire their new black pants. Below left, Alexandra Vasquez performs at the shiai while, below right, Master Pand-abuku, “13th Dan!,” makes another appearance at Gasshuku skit night.

sUMMER 2012 TIKK NEWS

Gasshuku 2012: “The Power of A Positive Winning Attitude”

Then Ik Kyu Jovi Espinosa, left, runs audio-visual at Gasshuku skit night while Mr. Hutchison, below, helps Ms. Casale to take part in figure-eight drills de-spite being in a wheel chair. Mr. Blommaert leads.

TIKK NEWS SUMMER 2012

By DIANNE VAN WINKLE Sho Dan

S ometimes you think, 'I can do

this.' Sometimes you think,

'Why am I doing this?' Some-

times you think, 'I can't do this.'

Then you think, 'I want to do

this. I can do this. This is amaz-

ing. My karate family is amaz-

ing. My instructors are unique,

strong and simply amazing.'

I often get questions

about my karate that are wrapped

in disbelief, maybe awe. And of-

ten, burning curiosity. It is a great

joy to answer them without boast-

ing, with excitement and with a

little mystery.

I started my great karate

adventure because it was some-

thing that always fascinated me. I

wanted to learn how to respond to

an adverse situation in an effec-

tive manner. I wanted to have a

little something tucked away in

my 'little toolbox' just in case.

Being a mother of three, that

momma bear protection instinct

(moms know exactly what I am

talking about) is fierce.

I am not a big person, but

my concern is huge for my safety

and for that of my family. Did I

have the know-how and the skills

to react in an effective manner?

Probably not—especially

since many movies show us how

to be helpless. I do believe that

through my consistent training,

support of my karate family and

incredibly enthusiastic instructors,

now I know some 'tools' that

might just come out should they

be needed.

Note that I hope I never need

to use these tools, except, of

course, in the dojo while training

(special note...black belt test-

ing!).

Karate journey turns simply ‘amazing’ for new black belt

I truly believe that the key

to learning this art and improving

oneself is what we have all heard

time and time again—consistency

and focus.

Is it easy? No. Is it to be

taken lightly? No. Will it stick

with you, grow you mentally and

physically? YES! Will you gain

confidence? YES! Will you be

part of a group of people that you

truly care about and you con-

sider your 'family'? YES!

For those with kids that

train with you and for those with

kids under 16 that train: consis-

tency and focus become bigger

than a bread-box and infinitely

more challenging to manage.

Shuttling kids, juggling

work and managing conflicting

schedules with too many activi-

ties and not enough of you to go

around, will influence your train-

ing.

Can it be done? Certainly—

with a little creativity and dedica-

tion to stay the path as best you

can. Remember that karate fam-

ily? It will be there for you and

with you as long as you have the

commitment and passion to want

to learn and train.

I have enjoyed my amazing

journey and continue to enjoy it

as a new sho dan. You can,

too. The next time someone asks

you about your karate...answer

without boasting, with excitement

and a little mystery.

Maybe they will want to

know more about karate. Enough

perhaps to want to give it a try—

enough to become a part of some-

thing amazing!

Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen awards Dianne Van Winkle her black belt at the Spring Shiai after the Gasshuku and a week of testing.

By JIM WALLANDER Sho Dan


I was honored to be asked to test for black belt ear-

lier in March, and was quite thrilled to be through

the testing on April 15. Now I have a great reason to

anticipate that day each year; instead of the drudgery

of taxes, it is also my black belt anniversary.

When preparing for testing, one of the things

Mrs. (Dianne) Van Winkle, Mr. (Jovi) Espinosa and I

focused on was…staying focused on what we were

doing at the moment.

I have a good friend who is a sports psycholo-

gist, and he

works with

professional

and college

f o o t b a l l

teams: the

Green Bay

Packers, the

Philadelphia

Eagles, the

University of

Alabama and

the Univer-

sity of Ar-

kansas.

D r .

Kevin Elko

has helped

the teams he

has worked

with win a

total of 18

c h a m p i o n -

ships, includ-

ing Super

Bowls and

college na-

tional titles. He has a saying for his teams and the

players on them: “See a little, see a lot. See a lot, see

nothing.”

For example, he teaches the wide receivers to

focus on getting open by just two or three steps and

then to look for and catch the X. The end of a football

looks like an X—look for the X and catch the X.

That’s it. Think of nothing else during the game.

Kyoshi (Shihan Kristensen) teaches us that the

small things make the big things happen. Catching the

X helps a team win the game—small thing makes the

big thing happen.

If the receiver is distracted by the fans, or think-

ing of how many people on TV are watching, or what

he is going be eating with his girlfriend or wife (but

not both) after the game, he may miss the catch. And

they may lose the game.

This is what Elko means by “see a lot, see noth-

ing.” We call seeing a lot in our minds distractions.

And distractions can be very costly.

Staying focused during testing on the one thing

you are doing at the moment, and nothing else, makes

the big thing of completing testing happen. Being dis-

tracted by worrying about work, or having enough

energy, or any

other thing

you can think

of will make

the testing

much more

difficult.

L e t ’ s

face it. Life is

a test for each

of us. One

small or big

test after an-

other.

The past

few years

have been

very testing

for many of us

in the U.S. and

the kai. Many

of us have

been tested by

work or unem-

p l o y m e n t ,

family issues,

money issues,

concerns for children, health-related issues.

How can we keep going when at times we feel

completely burdened by all that life can throw at us?

See a little, see a lot. Do the one thing you need

to do in that moment, and once done, then move on.

We can only do one thing at a time anyway—so why

worry about what’s next?

Make today your masterpiece—see a little, see a

lot. Because the little things make the big things hap-

pen.

Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen awards Ik Kyu Jim Wallander his black belt as Jim’s son, junior black belt Allan Wallander and others look on.

See a little, see a lot key for success in karate, life


By MIKE HARPER Ni Dan

T here are times in the course of our training that

we may think we remember more and have ac-

complished more than our teachers recognize.

As a result, we think we’re ready to be shown

more and certainly we’re ready to set the world of

karate on fire. In fact, we’re sure it’s time to jump

from white belt to green belt or maybe even weapons.

I see this more with juniors than with adults who

have learned in life to be careful what they wish

for. Juniors, please remember that you did not learn to

swim the first time you jumped into the

pool. Learning to swim and not being afraid of the

water takes time and patience. Those who taught you

to swim knew that; they taught a little at a time to help

you pick up the techniques.

The same is true in karate. Memorizing some-

thing is not the same as spending enough time with it

until it becomes second nature. An example is basics,

which are the foundation to our karate. That is why

Kyoshi Shihan Kristensen spends time every workout

on basics.

Trust your teachers to move you along at the

proper pace on your journey in karate. Do not ask for

more kata than you have been shown. That implies

that you know more about karate than your teachers.

Not a good thing.

Demonstrate you remember what you have been

shown and you can do the correct moves the kata or

drills require. Doing Pinan I and II well is more im-

pressive than doing Seisan poorly because you were

promoted to quickly.

Keep in mind the wise saying: “Continue your

training with patience.”

And make patience a virtue.

Making patience a virtue leads to strong foundation

64 Candles Before the evening was fin-

ished, 64 Texas Isshinryu Ka-rate Kai students turned out to celebrate Kyoshi Shihan Kris-

tensen’s 64th birthday at a spe-cial work-out/party July 19.

Above right, Kyoshi shows one of the gifts he received—a

painting of himself breaking eight cement blocks when he

made hachi dan in 2008.

Birth date and place: May 18,

1969 in Pauls Valley, Okla.

Occupation: Realtor.

Family: Husband, five kids.

I live in: Flower Mound.

My favorite pastime or

hobby besides karate is:

worldwide marriage encounter

and deepening my relationship

with God.

The three words people use

to describe me are: enthusias-

tic, dependable, fun.

The two people I’d most like

to meet are: The Pope.

I wish I knew how to: cook

more varied menus from

scratch.

I’m most proud of: my fam-

ily.

My favorite restaurant is: Agave Azul.

I’m happiest when: I’m

swimming with my family and

have nowhere to rush off to.

The best vacation I’ve ever had

was when: my husband and I

went on our honeymoon in Maui.

My goal in life this year is to: become closer to God and help

promote healthy, happy mar-

riages.

Mrs. Jennifer Wiederkehr

KNOW YOUR BLACK BELTS


KARATE

Rank: Ni Dan.

I first started doing karate: in March 2002 in Isshinryu.

I first started doing karate

because: I thought it would be

good to be able to defend my-

self should the occasion arise.

The thing that has kept me

doing karate has been: my

enjoyment of the physical and

mental component. I just love

it!

I achieved my sho dan on: March 29, 2009.

My favorite kata is: I like

them all.

My favorite karate drill is: difficult to say...I like most of

them.

My least favorite karate drill/

exercise is: sticky hands.

The one thing Shihan has

taught me that has had the

most impact on my life is: you

can do anything if your heart is in

it.

To me, karate is: when mental

and physical come together to

create something powerful and

effective which can be harnessed

or unleashed at any given time.

My most memorable karate

experience is: black belt testing.

My goal in karate this year is: devote more time to improving

weapons katas.

PERSONAL

Nickname: Jen.

Fabulous Fourth TIKK students celebrate in the Coppell parade.

F irst, I would like to thank the Kai for nominating

me for the Spirit of Isshin-Ryu Award. I never

thought I would be nominated for such a prestigious

award, let alone win it.

It was a great honor to have Kyoshi (Shihan

Kristensen) present

the award to me. That

made my night along

with the s tand-

ing ovation I received

from everyone at the

banquet. I give all

praises to God for this

blessing. Besides my

faith, I credit Kyoshi

for helping me to get

through some of life’s

challenges.

There is a saying in martial arts: “The ultimate

aim in the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but

in the perfection of one’s character.”

This is something we should all strive for.

—Sensei Tommy Thomas


Senseis’ corner

T he Olympics were on. You may have been inter-

ested or you may not have. Either way, it was

hard to miss the stories—stories of tough, difficult

work to fulfill a dream. It seems all the athletes some

time ago set a goal and started working toward that

goal. Included in that goal is to be better and stronger.

This is like in karate, where we can get better

and stronger each day, as we work toward our goals.

Maybe it is a short-term goal of learning a new kata or

technique that gets us on our way to a long-term goal

of maybe becoming a black belt.

Either way, the goals keeps us focused while we

work to fulfill our dreams. What are your goals?

—Sensei Carol Gue

L ife is short. Enjoy each and every moment. Give

your 200 percent in everything you do and life

will give back. You also will leave your mark with

others. Take the high road and don't sweat the small

stuff; it takes too much energy and it usually turns out

positive in the end, anyway. Be patient with yourself

in your training—with consistency you will grow and

get better. These things I work hard every day to

achieve and stay the path.

—Sensei Susan Harris

H ere are two great inspirational sayings I have

recently run across that I thought would be

good:

“The First to Apologize is the Bravest

The First to Forgive is the Strongest

The first to Forget is the Happiest.”

“There is no remote in life so get up and change

it yourself.”

Also here is a recipe people might like called

“Coffee Cup Muffin.”

Using a coffee cup, first put in 1 teaspoon coco-

nut oil and then add the remaining ingredients: 1/4 cup

ground flax seed, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 tea-

spoons cinnamon, 1 egg and 1 packet Stevia.

Mix together all ingredients and microwave for

50-55 seconds. Turn upside down and out comes the

muffin.

—Sensei Jeannie Rupp

C ongratulations to all who went to the 2012 IHOF

(Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame) tournament! Say well

is good, do well is better.

Special congrats to Sensei (Tommy) Thomas and

also to Mrs. (Margaret) Myers—the only black belt to

compete for Grand Champion.

I encourage everyone to plan now for the 2013

IWKA (Isshinryu World Karate Association.) A little

dedication and sacrifice of time, money and effort is

always rewarded many times over with the benefits of

being part of the big Isshinryu picture. And we always

have fun.

—Sensei Tina Palos

I n life as well as in karate training, you're going to

have peaks and valleys. You can't control what life

throws at you; you can only control how you are go-

ing to react to it. “You can't control the wind, but you

can adjust the sails.” Don't give up! Stay consis-

tent...not just in the dojo, but in everyday life. The

only thing in life that is constant is change. That is the

true test of character.

—Sensei Tony Palos

K eep a beginner’s mind is my wish for the new

sho dans and all black belts. It is harder than it

looks; it will keep your karate fresh and will keep you

excited.

—Renshi Shihan Kristensen

Sensei Thomas wins Spirit of Isshin-Ryu Award - Texas ...

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