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THE ICA STEPS IT
UP A NOTCH,

     

FOR THE HAROLD LONG FOUNDATION

   The week-end found me attending both the Harold Long Foundation and Isshin-ryu Cross Training Alliance board meetings.  Both were productive and reflected a lot of progress in short period of time.
 

   The HLF, thanks to the success of the ICA, was able to purchase almost all the showcases and demonstration material it needed for a great start. More is needed but so much has already been accomplished. It was gratifying to see the interest and people the HLF display attracted at the Hall of Fame. It was the 30^th year of the HOF. As Mr. Long was the originator and architect, it was very important to be able to represent him in this way.
 

   Debbie Honeycutt is our new HLF and ICA secretary. She had both meetings organized and gave us an informational track to run on. We had been more or less running it by the seat of our pants. It is too big to do that now and we needed Debbie to organize us. We gave her all member transactions and moved the deposits and financial transactions to her also at a Johnson City POB address.  Financial responsibility and accountability is a must when receiving donations from trusting supporters.
 

   The ICA meeting was attended by all senior board and development board members, on Saturday morning, at the Steel Hand Dojo. It was for the purpose of critiquing what we have been offering in cross-training and how we can improve the Jams. Many good suggestions were made as everyone contributed. Although we felt we had been offering the best training available by the best Masters we could find, we can still do more. We decided to keep the format the same, but with some training competition every Jam. This will initially involve training you in every conceivable way we can, on how to fight from every position, angle and circumstance. This includes standing up, in a clinch, laying down and having a trained answer for everything that is thrown at you. The three phases of instruction will be stand up kick boxing (not point kumite), clinch fighting, jujitsu/grappling and a combination of all. We are going to connect all the dots for you. We will not teach you many different techniques without any continuity or transition. We will work with you regardless of whether you are a novice or elite. All will receive a day of training that is germane to your level of competence. We are also going to open it up to kids. We think they will love it and they are our future.
 

   One thing we realize, is how hard it is for a sensei who has no real formal training in one or more of the disciplines, to continue the activities once you return to your dojo. We plan to make ourselves available to you for additional training and have a day just for you. More and more dojo sensei’s are checking their ego’s at the door and availing this training to themselves and their students. For this commitment you need support. We are going to fix that. On the ICA page, all senior and development board instructors have their email address for your convenience in contacting them. From kata, to weapons, to basic street defense, to mma training, we have people who can deliver the information you need. We are also branching out to other states and regions. If you are interested in being a part of the fastest growing training group in the country, just get in touch with me. If you want a one time seminar in your area and do not care to become a member of the ICA, then just pass the hat for the HLF and we will come to your area. We will need a minimum of thirty participants for 25.00 per person. Not bad for a seminar that will super charge you, your students and their training.
 

   We are not political and are not interested in becoming an association. We are only interested in cooperating with all associations and any and all individuals, for additional training. We do promote people under appropriate circumstances. But this is not the reason for what we do. We do not over step our bounds by promoting anyone else’s people. We also are not interested in opportunist who troll every organization trying to get (buy), another rank. Our senior board is a savvy bunch of experienced martial artists and know who and what they are looking at.
 

   Our current membership/donation price is 25.00 twice a year. Once in October, once in May. You receive three jams a year, February, May, August and our grand finale competition Shiai in October. You will also receive a HLF and ICA patch and membership card for each renewal. Your patches and card will be mailed to you. You can pay at the October 24^th “Jam”, pay on line, or send a check to our P.O. Box. Credit card and pay pal is on the ICA and HLF page on this site. Along with the P.O. Box address.
 

   Pay the fifty dollars up front and receive an ICA tee shirt. You must enclose or send your address. It will be mailed to you. Any sensei who enrolls more than ten people from his or her dojo will receive a hoody, (pull over or zipper). Again, send an address. Joining between the October and May date, will have a pro rata adjustment of 2.00 per month left. However, you will have to pay the 25.00 also in advance for the next half year. The use of this money is for the express purpose of financing the HLF, and is always treated as a donation. We need to keep it simple and still ask a fair but small amount for what you will be receiving. You may pay your Dues at the October Jam. Any Membership payment questions should be directed to Debbie Honeycutt:

Debbie Honeycutt
124 Valley Point
Grey, Tn 37615
debbie_honeycutt@comcast.net

   Our next Jam is October 24^th for both adults and kids. It promises to be the best and most fun “Jam” we have ever had. We have planned a day for you that will have you leaving with more confidence than you came in with. This is our pledge to you.

“TRAIN FOR REALITY”    THE  “ICA WAY”.

PS: Don’t forget ICA Member, Sensei Chuck Reynolds Tournament September the 19^th. It is in Powell, Tennessee and has the reputation for being well run and fair. Contact Sensei Reynolds at: Wks1@citlink.net