Shihan-dai

Five New Shihan-dai!

The achievement of a fifth-degree black belt, known in karate as the rank of Godan, is extraordinary on its own; for five members of the same school to achieve such an elite rank is unheard of.  But that is exactly what transpired on Saturday, November 6, 2021 when five sensei’s, who embarked on their martial arts journey nearly 20 years ago,  reached a level which few ever do, Shihan-Dai.

Shihan-dai can be translated to “assistant professor” or one who can instruct in place of the master.

In testing for this esteemed rank, each of these individuals proved their ability to uphold this position with a unique challenge.  The candidates were tasked with learning a kata outside of the Budokai system, presenting its lineage, style, performing it, teaching the kata and its underlying application (known as “bunkai”) to the other candidates and seniors in attendance.  Additionally, their knowledge and mastery of the Budokai system was required as well.  No small task!

Shihan-dai William Augustine presented on Naihanchi Kata (Tekki).  The kata is considered one of the oldest kata.  On its surface, the kata may seem simple but it is meant for close-range grappling and strong striking.  It takes years of study to aptly apply power to this kata.  Interestingly most styles incorporate Sanchin Kata or Naihanchi but not both.  US Budokai students practice Sanchin kata.

Shihan-dai Nicole McKay instructed the group on Jion Kata.  “Jion” meaning “temple sound” goes back to the Buddhist temple of Jion-Ji.  The tai sabaki (body movement) employed in the Wado-ryu version of this form, which continues to be practiced by many styles today, seeks efficiency of movement and to ride, flow or dodge an attack rather than meeting it head-on.

Shihan-dai Tanya Rautine brought to us, Paiku.  Paiku is one of the 8 kata of the Ryuei Ryu system.  The style was hidden from the world due to family tradition until 1971.  A relatively unknown system, its foremost practitioner, Tsuguo Sakumoto held the World Karate Federation Championship from 1984-1988 in his late thirties.   Performance video of Sakumoto Sensei can be seen here: Paiku This is a beautiful kata and one which Shihan-dai Tanya has brought to the US Budokai competition team to add to its repertoire.

Shihan-dai Frank Esposito chose Hangetsu Kata, from the Shotokan system, a variation of Seisan, an old kata with a deep lineage.  “Hangetsu” means half-moon and is called such for its crescent-like steps and hand movements.  Hangetsu is very effective for close-in attacks and unbalancing an attacker.  Hangestu uses breathing and breath control much like our Sanchin kata.

Shihan-dai Dan Chouiniere resurrected Bassai-dai for us.  There was a short time when this kata was part of the Budokai curriculum!  Like many kata it can trace its roots back to China and is practiced in many variations today.  Insofar as the kata is practiced with such a variety, so then are its applications whether gross movements or finer more subtle movement – it encourages the student to seek a deeper understanding when comparing.  Shihan-dai aptly pointed out that the longer one studies the more the windows of understanding open and the gifted practitioner learns to improvise and create his own “music” of application.

To have these five martial artists join the elite ranks at US Budokai is an incredible honor and we congratulate them with great pride and thank them for their long-standing dedication.  When you see them, please congratulate them and don’t forget the new title “Shihan-dai”!

We now have twelve members of our dojo ranked at 5th-degree black belt or above.  This speaks so highly of the organization built by Hanshi Russ Jarem, and the depth of knowledge US Budokai has to offer.  OSU!

Congrats Shihan-dai
Congratulations Shihan-dai

_______________________________________________________________

Russ Jarem

Hanshi Russ Jarem, 8th-degree black belt

Susan Warzek

Kyoshi Susan Warzek, 7th-degree black belt

USBKA-CP.com & US BUDOKAI KARATE of Clifton Park have been repeatedly selected as the communities’ #1 Martial Arts School!

Established in 1980 by Master Instructor, Hanshi Russ Jarem an 8th degree Black Belt, US Budokai Karate has helped hundreds of students develop the skills necessary for a successful life.  Students at US Budokai Karate receive instruction from the most experienced martial artists in the area.

Classes are offered for pre-school children ages 4-6 and elementary-age kids ages 7 and up.  These programs are designed to help children develop the skills needed for success in school and later in life.

US Budokai Karate Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay in shape), or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.  A place to leave the stress behind and to your develop mind, body, and spirit.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours or the day, 7 days a week at RenshiSue@usbka-cp.com or call directly at 518-383-0484. You can also visit our website at USBKA-CP.com

The US Budokai Karate is centrally located in Clifton Park New York and serves the greater Capital District Area.  US Budokai Karate  215 Guideboard Road, Suite 5, Clifton Park, NY  12065.

 

OCTOBER 2021 KYU PROMOTIONAL & GRADUATION!

OCTOBER 2021 KYU PROMOTIONAL & GRADUATION!

Congratulations candidates on your successful advancement!!

Our first Kyu Graduation Ceremony (since COVID) will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 6 pm!!  GRADUATES MAY INVITE TWO GUESTS to attend the ceremony.  Space is extremely limited.

IF YOU DO NOT PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE RSVP YOUR REGRETS TO BUDOKAIOFFICE@GMAIL.COM

Students unable to attend Graduation will receive their belts in class the following week.

This event is at Chrome Food & Spirits in the rear of the building/banquet entrance.  405 Hudson River Road, Waterford, NY. 

Unfortunately due to renewed COVID restrictions at public schools were are unable to host this event at Waterford-Halfmoon School as originally planned.  Thank you for your understanding.

Students, please wear your uniform!! We are excited for you to demonstrate your skills and Budokai spirit for your family and friends before receiving your new belt from Hanshi Jarem!

See you there!!

____________________________________________

Russ Jarem

Hanshi Russ Jarem, 8th-degree black belt

Susan Warzek

Kyoshi Susan Warzek, 7th-degree black belt

USBKA-CP.com & US BUDOKAI KARATE of Clifton Park have been repeatedly selected as the communities’ #1 Martial Arts School!

Established in 1980 by Master Instructor, Hanshi Russ Jarem an 8th degree Black Belt, US Budokai Karate and for pre-school children ages, 4-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up are designed to develop the skills needed for a successful in school and later in life.

US Budokai Karate Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay in shape), or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.  A place to develop mind, body, and spirit.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours or the day, 7 days a week at RenshiSue@usbka-cp.com or call directly at 518-383-0484. You can also visit our website at USBKA-CP.com

The US Budokai Karate is centrally located in the Capital District Area in Saratoga County, New York at 215 Guideboard Road, Clifton Park, NY  12065.

 

Referral Gift Card!

Earn a Referral Gift Card!!

Referral Gift Card Program!!

Members and Families, did you know that for every new member referral you make to U.S. Budokai Karate we gift you a Budokai Pro-Shop Gift Card?!

The $25 Referral Gift Card can be used towards any merchandise in our pro-shop or catalogs!  You can check out selections online at CENTURY MARTIAL ARTS and KWON USA  and then place your order with budokaioffice@gmail.com!! We provide a full selection of traditional uniforms, sparring gear, training equipment, and traditional weapons!!

Just email us your order and we will save you the shipping!! *

Share your excitement about US Budokai with your friends and family and get big savings on the gear you need!!

*some exceptions with Century Wavemaster and other oversized equipment do apply.

_____________________________________________________

Russ Jarem

Hanshi Russ Jarem, 8th degree black belt

Susan Warzek

Kyoshi Susan Warzek, 7th degree black belt

USBKA-CP.com & US BUDOKAI KARATE of Clifton Park have been repeatedly selected as the communities’ #1 Martial Arts School!

Established in 1980 by Master Instructor, Hanshi Russ Jarem an 8th degree Black Belt, US Budokai Karate and for pre-school children ages 4-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up are designed to develop the skills needed for a successful in school and later in life.

US Budokai Karate Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay in shape) or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.  A place to develop mind, body and spirit.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours or the day, 7 days a week at RenshiSue@usbka-cp.com or call directly at 518-383-0484. You can also visit our website at USBKA-CP.com

The US Budokai Karate is centrally located in the Capital District Area in Saratoga County, New York at 215 Guideboard Road, Clifton Park, NY  12065.

 

Stripes!

NEW BELT STRIPING POLICY AND UPCOMING KYU TESTING!

What is belt striping?  Kyu (colored belt) ranked students must earn “stripes” for various skills and knowledge on their way  to the next belt rank.  Beginning with the October 2021 Kyu Testing, students will need to earn FOUR STRIPES (instead of three) to be eligible to test for the next rank.

The colored stripes designate specific rank requirements:

WHITE STRIPE = SELF-DEFENSE
RED STRIPE = KATA
BLUE STRIPE = SPARRING DRILLS & SKILLS
BLACK STRIPE = READY TO TEST!!

The reassignment of the blue stripe puts added emphasis on sparring skills for the students and adds the new black stripe to indicate readiness to test.

STRIPES ARE READY … ARE YOU?!

Save the dates:  The next Kyu Promotional Exams will be held tentatively on Wednesday, October 20th.  We are coordinating an off-site Kyu Graduation ceremony for parents and family members to attend the following Friday (October 29th) at the Waterford-Halfmoon School Auditorium!! (Waterford-Halfmoon School) Once the dates are confirmed, additional details will follow.  In addition to the Kyu Graduation Ceremony we are planning several exciting demonstrations so make sure you save the date!!

 

Russ Jarem

Hanshi Russ Jarem, 8th degree black belt

Susan Warzek

Kyoshi Susan Warzek, 7th degree black belt

USBKA-CP.com & US BUDOKAI KARATE of Clifton Park have been repeatedly selected as the communities’ #1 Martial Arts School!

Established in 1980 by Master Instructor, Hanshi Russ Jarem an 8th degree Black Belt, US Budokai Karate and for pre-school children ages 4-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up are designed to develop the skills needed for a successful in school and later in life.

US Budokai Karate Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay in shape) or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.  A place to develop your mind, body and spirit.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours or the day, 7 days a week at RenshiSue@usbka-cp.com or call directly at 518-383-0484. You can also visit our website at USBKA-CP.com

The US Budokai Karate is centrally located in the Capital District Area in Saratoga County, New York at 215 Guideboard Road, Clifton Park, NY  12065.