Matt Barnes' Kempo Page

Some fellow named Julian has put a video of himself on Myspace doing Hansuki. I'm pretty sure he's USSD.

A new organization has been formed to address rank promotion issues for 'black sheep'. Their bylaws essentially forbid any money changing hands, thus precluding the commercialization for Rank. Is it time for something like this in Kempo? What kind of standards could be used?

From their site:

Official Announcement - The Kajukenbo Hui

January 9th, 2008

To the Kajukenbo Ohana and its Extended Family:

Hui: (n) club, organization (Hawaiian)

I would like to take the time to announce the creation of an independent ranking organization founded on the
principles of equality and democratic self-regulation - The Kajukenbo Hui. The Kajukenbo Hui has been created with the intent of giving those that do not have a way by which to gain recognition for their efforts a means in which to do so.

The Hui will promote Kajukenbo black belt ranks based on a criteria agreed on by the members without regard to branch, lineage, or politics. The Hui will provide these promotions of rank without accepting any payment or oath of loyalty. The Hui will recognize the orphans, black sheep and the outcast of the Ohana and award them for their accomplishments. The Hui believe that the recognition and promotion of rank should be based on your efforts in promoting the mind, body, and spirit of Kajukenbo.

The Hui will accept Kajukenbo black belt ranks of first degree and above as members. You are not automatically a member and must fill out an application form either online or by mail. There are no fees associated with becoming a member nor will you be asked to contribute anything other than your studied vote during elections.

Our goal is not to take. Our goal is to give.

Yours in the Martial Way,

Dan Tyrrell - HEO

www.kajukenbohui.com
info@kajukenbohui.com

cc: Sijo Emperado
__________________

After all the arguing about the effectiveness of groin kicks being suspect, especially against trained fighters, this happens. Thanks to John Bishop and the Kajukenbo Cafe for the link to the story.

Stephen Bonk ('Kosho') from the Shaolin Kempo Training Center in Orange, MA - http://www.shaolinkempotraining.com/ sent in a kicking form taught there. It's now in the 'other forms' section.

I realized that I didn't have this one up yet either. I found some youtube videos, so they will have to do until I can do a proper write-up. I gave them their own page in the black belt section for now, but I may move it to the 'other' section, as some schools teach it at brown belt.

At long last I've finally done a writeup for Statue of the Crane. There is a page with video in the new 'Other Kata' section. I'll try to get to other ones (heian nidan / pinan nidan, circle of the tiger, etc.) soon. Also, weapons forms too.

In my haste I forgot to add, Kata 1-4 have videos as well. I forgot to do 5 kata that day (I just set up a camera and did a quick run through of a lot of forms) so it's not included. I have footage from another day, but need to find it.

Coming soon - Statue of the Crane. I've got video and just finished the write-up. I think I'll make an 'Other Kata' category.

Ken Warner got right back to me. Apparently he had sent me a heads up email regarding the hosting change, but I missed it. Problem solved, thanks again to Ken Warner for the videos. There may be some 'fine tuning' going on, but they should be all set now.

A thoughtful reader has brought it to my attention that the evolution karate videos are all down. I'll contact Ken Warner and see if it is a temporary or permanent issue. Thanks for your patience.

On a separate wavelength, the Pinans now do have videos. It's just old footage of me, but it will have to do for now. Let me know what you think.

My old friends at Masters Self Defense Centers have really updated their site. As an added bonus, they have added some video clips. Bob Nohelty can be seen doing four and five pinan on their blackbelt class page, Jim Bryant can be seen doing 1, 2 and 3 kata on the Franklin Recreation page, and Kevin Carmichael performs 6 kata, combination 14, and some other techniques (including 39 and 46) on their Braintree school page.

I don't have any affiliation with Masters Centers at this point, but I wanted to point out the new videos.

It's certainly a happy one for me. I just finished student teaching before Christmas, and I have completed my Post-baccalaureate program at Bridgewater State College. What's that mean?

• I'm done with school for now. (Yay!)

• My teaching license moves up to the next level (MA Initial teaching license in Physical Education, 5-12).

• I have a whole lot more free time on my hands.

• The website will undergo some serious updating.

• I need to find a real job. (Yikes! Well, at least I'm highly qualified...)

So, stay tuned for updates, and wish me luck.