Gokenkan 剛拳館

This past weekend, was a busy one.  On Saturday we went to the Kobayashi Nationals, the boys and I helped judge and Alec and Nick Competed. Nick didn't do so well, but Alec won the 15-17 Black Belt division. His competitor in the finals was an undefeated State and National Champion (well until then).
 
On Sunday we attended Mr. Keeney's Judan promotion ceremoney. It was great to see some of the old Komakai yudansha that no longer train in Karate.
 
coming up:
 
On Friday we will be going to the Marion Komakai for Kumite, followed by I think Donnie Michaels in Kokomo on Sunday.
 
we will be going to the USKK Grand Nationals in Peoria, IL the 18th - 20th.
 
In July the Black Belt Gasshuku will be on the 10th and 11th - So don't forget.
 
MJ

I asked my father the other day - "Sensei, do you know what the sound of one
hand clapping is?" He took his right hand and smacked me up-side the head and
said there you go. Not sure that was exactly what the old masters meant, but
those are the types of lessons I grew up with.

MJ

One day, someone showed me a glass of water that was half full. And he said, "Is
it half full or half empty?" So I drank the water. No more problem.

MJ

Seniors are generally considered those members ranked Sankyu (Brown
belt) or higher, although, anyone of higher rank is a Sempai.

Being a Sempai is an important role within the Dojo. A Sempai is a
position of trust, honor, and responsibility.

Sempai should teach students how to bow, tie their obi, proper
etiquette, and assist the Sensei with instruction.

Sempai should ensure that the Dojo remains clean.

Sempai should always be encouraging and helpful and should never
criticize or tear down their Kohai (juniors).

Sempai should train frequently and harder than other students, thus
setting an example.

Sempai should have the class lined up properly and ready for training
when the Sensei steps onto the floor.

Sempai should be positive, kind, and display respect, thus showing
proper budo.

Sempai should maintain dojo discipline and correct violations of
etiquette or policy by taking one aside and instructing him gently
and with respect. Never embarrass anyone.

Always research any question that a Kohai asks. When unsure of the
correct answer a Sempai should never guess and should refer the
question to Sensei.

Sempai should learn the names of all students.

Hello and welcome to my blog page.  I have been using Yahoo groups, but think that this may be a sutible substitute and will give blogging a try. Here I will discuss Okinawan Karate-do and my thoughts on the subject, in addition I will also post up coming events for the Gokenkan dojo, IGKA USA and OGKK.  I am sure that most people who will arrive at this page will be my students, or students of my students, but for those of you that are not, let me introduce myself.

 

My name is Mike Jones. I am the Owner/ Chief Instructor of the Gokenkan Dojo located in Swayzee, Indiana. I am the Indiana Shibu-cho for the Okinawa Gojuryu Karate-do Kyokai and the USA Chief Instructor / President for the International Gojuryu Karate Association. I started my Gojuryu karate-do training under the guidence of my father in 1977. I have continued to train ever since and have trained under some highly respected karate-ka. Please see my webpage for more information http://www.gokenkan.com

 

MJ