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TOURNAMENT AND SHIAI TALK

Let me begin by setting the record straight.  We are not going to Kelly Markum’s tournament due mostly to a scheduling problem. It is anything but personal or anti-I.I.K.A.  We received first and accepted, an invitation from Phil Little to his Shiai last Saturday in Knoxville.  We got Kelly’s invitation much later.  To attend would have involved going a long way two weekends in a row. It was not only a time thing, but a money thing as well. When I sent my letter of resignation to the I.I.K.A board I clearly emphasized that we would be willing to attend any I.I.K.A tournament that we were "invited" to. We received no invitation to the one in Maryville. We had planned not to support that one anyhow so there was no problem. If invited, and it works out, we will attend Kelly’s tournament next year (as we have for the last three). It is a terrific tournament and Kelly is a great host. We have a great deal of respect for Kelly and all his people. We consider them our friends. We regret the circumstances, but circumstances dictated the outcome. We wish Kelly's Hero's a successful tournament. 

Congratulations to: Willie Wilson and Melbert Lee on their promotion to Hachi (8th)Dan. These were well deserved and a fitting upward move for two terrific men and masters. 

Congratulations to: Butch Hill and James Ogles students for winning first and second place in their division at the Pancration Tournament in March. Butch also got a nice mention in the story written about the tournament.

The U.S.I.K.A Shiai in Knoxville

Last Saturday (April 27th) thirty-five Red Dragons and their families, attended the U.S.I.K.A Shiai in Knoxville. It was well attended and well organized. Some of the highlights included: Masters Wilson and Lee, receiving a special recognition and appreciation award. They also brought some very good competitors. Also attending were Gary and Rick Long; sons of Master Harold Long. 

They brought a certain presence to the event that was unmistakable. It was the kind of day you want for your students and the kind of people you want your students to get to know. Phil Little has surrounded himself with strong versatile, highly opinionated and motivated leaders. Their student’s skill level reflects the collective training that is available from each dojo sensei, not to mention the board members "hands on" approach with the members. Much thanks to Sensei's; Pete Keko and Allen Owens for being part of my judges team.
 
These guys were a joy to work with and are very good judges. They were decisive, accurate, confident and really hustled. I can't remember working with any better. Allen, without back and shoulder problems, would have continued his tournament wins for some time. I hope he stays around for a long time. He has a lot to offer students. Pete is a young marvel. He is so well rounded that it seems unfair. To his credit, with all that talent, he works his tail off, and is as good a teacher as he is everything else. He is in the right group to continue to develop those super-star talents of his. Being his student would also be a pretty good place to be. In his approach to things he somewhat reminds me of one of my personal favorites, Tony Williams. Both are young, multitalented, hard training, leaders and participants. They are knowledgeable beyond their years and are two good reasons why the future of Isshin-ryu is strong.

I also want to commend Doyle Seiber for not only his own participation but also that of his students. His group is well trained, aggressive, respectful and are a direct reflection of Doyle, not to mention Jerry Lewis and Brandon Baird.  Prior to the Shiai, I made some promotions (see details in Dojo News). 
   
The most important being Scott Harmon and Jacob Gallman, to Sho-dan and junior Sho-dan respectively. Please take time to read about these two exceptional students. Last and not least for me anyhow, I was given the first annual Palmetto Isshin-ryu award from the U.S.I.K.A. 

It was an unexpected honor and one I pledged to live up to. I want to thank Master Little and his fine board members, of whom I hold in respect and the highest of esteem, for a most memorable day of Isshin-ryu fun and friendship. Please invite us again.

      Denny Shaffer, Ku-Dan