Yoshukai Karate: What it is and How I Started

In June of 2010, I was sitting in Joel Dover's Rules of Interpretation class, and the topic moved to martial arts.  As a kid, I studied Tang Soo Do, and I had gotten pretty good at it, but as so often happens, changes in interests turned into a loss of interest.  17 years later, I was about to start martial arts again.  I asked Joel about the cost, which he informed me would not be an issue.  That evening, I visited Athens Yoshukai Karate.

If the cost hadn't caught my attention immediately, the idea of the school would've made cost moot.  Athens Yoshukai is a branch dojo of the World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Association, and its main dojo is located as an addition to the head instructor's home.  I walked into the house expecting to see some sort of "garage dojo," which I had seen before.  What I found was a work in progress, and an impressive group of people.  I watched 90 minutes of class, and the old interest in the martial arts flooded back.  I recognized certain blocks, kicks, and strikes.  And when I got home, I told my girlfriend Blair that I was pumped to start studying when the dojo accepted new students later in the year.

Since AYK wants to make sure every student can get top quality training, we only accept new students at certain times of the year.  So, I had to wait until September, 2010 to start my training.  On my first day, I opened a door that would change a lot of things about my life and strengthen many others.  I'll tell you more about that on another day.  For right now, let me give you a little background on Yoshukai Karate.

Yoshukai Karate is an Okinawan hard-style martial art.  As a branch discipline of the more encompassing term Karate-Do (meaning "Empty-hand Way of Life"), Yoshukai Karate builds character as well as strength and technique. 

Yoshukai Karate was founded in 1963 by Grandmaster Katsuoh Yamamoto, pictured here.  Soke Yamamoto based his style of karate on Chito-Ryu Karate, which he learned directly from the art's founder, Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose.  Since then, Yoshukai has spread throughout the world and is known for its focus on traditional forms, weapons, and full-contact fighting.  More on all of this to come later!

Founded in the year 2000, the World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization is the only Yoshukai organization that is overseen by the world headquarters in Kitakyushu City, Japan with the blessing of Soke Yamamoto.



So, this is a very basic background on my beginnings with Yoshukai Karate.  In later posts, I'll describe the training process, ranking, weapons, and other assorted bits of Yoshukai info.  I'll also recount stories of Yoshukai events such as the WYKKO Summer Camp, and the WYKKO Traditional Tournament in Atlanta.

Relaunch

So, it's been a couple of years since I last wrote in this blog, and to be honest, that doesn't surprise me too much.  I ran out of things to write about, or at least things that I thought were funny and pithy enough to add to your list of internet time-sucks.  But, thankfully, now I have an entirely new topic to post about:  martial arts!

For the past 2 years, I have been studying Yoshukai Karate, Kyuki-Do, and Hapkido.  The study of martial arts has re-energized many of my interests, and it has allowed me to get into better shape while learning a new skill.  In addition to more posts about music and other random sundry topics, I'll take you into the fascinating world of martial arts and give you some stories of my involvement.

Why am I relaunching the blog after so long?  I'm glad you asked!  Partly, I've missed writing, and I'd like to get back into recording my adventures.  But, the main reason for thinking about it again is a conversation I had this week with my good friend Greer, recalling a blogging experience from our college days.  So, in short, I'd like something else besides pictures to keep as a memory of this fun time.  So, enjoy and feel free to ask questions--I'm definitely up for responding to any martial arts, music, or other random questions.

See you again soon!

Dear Hollywood...STOP.

Dear Hollywood,

STOP.

I mean it. Stop, please. I've personally had it up to my eyebrows with the "remake fever" that has gripped all of you in recent years.

Please, tell me, what happened to creativity in motion pictures? For those of you that don't know, I'm something of a movie freak. And by something, I mean wayoutthere, understatement of the century "something." I love movies. I haven't seen fewer than five movies in a week since I was 7 years old, perhaps younger.

And let me tell you, Hollywood...I am so disappointed in you.

In an age where CGI technology is starting to look pretty daggum real, where absolutely anything is possible in the movies, most of what I get from you is an endless series of remakes--remakes to classics, remakes to flops, remakes to movies that haven't even been out FIVE YEARS.

First example...Repo Men. Why make this movie? The concept was original and exciting when it was used in REPO: The Genetic Opera, and I was pretty amused by the whole thing. Now, it wasn't the best movie ever, and I understand that rock operas aren't for everyone, but why not try to find an original story to attach all that A-list star power to?

Second example...A Nightmare on Elm Street. I know that the CGI revolution, along with the cinema's returned interest to the horror genre after Saw shocked Sundance, brought a new age to horror flicks...but, why? The original Nightmare is an unqualified classic. Now, horror isn't for everyone, but I'll tell you this, Nightmare was one scary movie. And, one of the best things about it was that it was fairly low-budget. So, tell me again, why remake this movie? It will be a reimagining, but I don't buy the whole "introduce the concept to a new generation" thing. The sad thing is, I'm actually going to have to see this movie. If it is actually good, I'll eat a whole mess of crow about it, but to be honest with you, I doubt it.

Third example...The Karate Kid. Let me repeat that...THE KARATE KID! Why do this to us? That movie is a classic! And, it defined the entire careers of its two stars. Who are they going to get to play these roles? Will Smith's kid as Daniel, and Jackie Chan as Miyagi. Sorry to be a naysayer (no, I'm not), but Jackie Chan doesn't have the gravitas necessary to fill the iconic presence of that character.

More examples that have me fuming: Arthur, Romancing the Stone, Back to School, Meatballs, Metropolis (#@$%#@$%@!!!!!), Clash of the Titans, My Fair Lady (please, don't...please?), The Birds, Poltergeist, The Rocky Horror Picture Show...and about 45 more being filmed in 2010...unneccessarily.

Hollywood...do you want a suggestion? If you want to introduce a new audience to great movies...why not re-release classic movies in theatres? People will go to limited releases of great movies! It doesn't have to be a gigantic national release, but if you took the time to remaster excellent movies...PEOPLE WILL COME SEE THEM! What possible good does it do to the American cinema to rehash old plot lines and reshoot movies that were GREAT THE FIRST TIME.

Hollywood, STOP. I'm so &!)(*^&ing disappointed in you. Shape up.

Here ends the rant.

Disdainfullly yours,

Ben


(PS...The performance season is over, so...I'm back in the blogosphere.)

Across the Universe, A Mega Review

Is it even debatable that The Beatles have directly and indirectly affected the landscape of popular (western) music? Personally, I grew up in a house where the singer-songwriters of the 60s and 70s were always playing, but I also grew up with a healthy respect for The Beatles and their music.

It was a little bit of everything, really...from the youthful happiness of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" to the hardened angst of "Happiness is a Warm Gun"...to most everything in between.

Well, a generation that may not have a direct understanding of The Beatles' effect on our society get to see it in this stylized musical, Across the Universe. Set in Liverpool, New Jersey, and New York, the music of The Beatles provides the backdrop for a story of friendship, love, loss, war, art, and the Sixties.

At the center of this amiable, colorful story are Jude (Jim Sturgess), a Liverpudlian laborer turned artist, and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), an upper-class American girl turned radical activist, living in a love story wrapped in music. From the very beginning, the music of The Beatles augments their story, introducing new characters, developing the plot, and providing a meaningful look into the heart of what might otherwise be a fairly banal story.

Let's face it, we've seen it before. Disenchanted worker leaves for far-away land to find his father and himself. Boy meets guy. Guys become pals. Guy's sister meets boy. Boy and Girl fall in love in a somewhat roundabout way. During and following, they meet a varied group of artist friends...and then misunderstandings send things straight to Hell. And of course, misunderstandings are set aside, and Love Conquers All.

Sound formulaic enough? On one level, it is. Enter the music that changed popular music, and you now have a story that resonates.

For me, a quality that can transform a good story into a great one, besides innovation, is a stellar ensemble cast. Across the Universe delivers. The supporting cast shines with standout performances by Dana Fuchs and Martin Luther (no, not that one!) as the Janis Joplin/Jimi Hendrix-esque singer/guitarist who weave in and out of the story, singing fantastic Beatles tunes while creating several memorable moments. Even the cameos are magnificent! Funnyman Eddie Izzard turns in a trippy verson of "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite," and Joe Cocker, that legendary rock crooner with the sandpaper sound plays multiple New York street creatures during a memorable "Come Together" sequence.

But, of course, a great ensemble can only account for so much if the center of the cast is lacking. Fortunately, in this case, we need not worry. Jim Sturgess turns in a shockingly fine performance as Jude--I really had no idea how well this fellow could sing, and he really doesn't disappoint at any point of this movie. Evan Rachel Wood also turns in a strong performance, although her main charm lies in her "everygirl" appeal. She has a beautiful voice as well, but in contrast with Dana Fuchs soulful growl, it lacks a little body to it that would be fantastic. Don't get me wrong--it's appropriate and it really is very nice. The core ensemble is rounded out by Max (Joe Anderson), the preppy bad boy turned bohemian turned soldier turned Vietnam vet. He has another solid voice. Perhaps not quite as memorable as Sturgess (hey, a little something is lost without that British dialect in the Beatles' tunes) but nevertheless, quite skillful. His is a charming performance, but he breaks out into "memorable" with his rendering of the classic hit "Hey Jude."

Well, that was a mouthful. So, friends, it's pretty obvious that I want you to go out and see this movie. As a matter of fact, I want to know what you think of it! Today I was quite into the performances and have neglected to mention Julie Taymor's fantastic directing and choreography...but now I just did, so no worries! It really is a visually beautiful film, but to be honest, the music is what I'm all about.

So, Beatlemaniacs, turn it on and be transported...and non-Beatlemaniacs...I'm very sorry, but if this story resonates in you like it did in me, you won't be a non-Beatlemaniac for long!

The Best of the Status of Ben Dawkins

Here it is folks, a greatest hits post! For the past year or so, the status update has been one of my favorite outlets for my bizarre musings. As this blog is dedicated to just that, I thought I would post some of my favorites from days, weeks, and months past. Here are the criteria...I liked it, others liked it...and/or it sparked a lengthy discussion of some sort.

Here goes (starting from the most recent):

Ben Dawkins is doing what he does every Friday night: ridin' around in the Mirthmobile, singing "Bohemian Rhapsody." Party on!

Ben Dawkins was just shut down by a bunch of Teamsters. They didn't say why.

Do sumo wrestlers get to write off ice cream as a business expense?

"The greatest thing about Facebook is that you can quote someone and totally make up the source." --Franklin D. Roosevelt

Remember when Tom Cruise was scary because he was a vampire and not because he was Tom Cruise?

As a 10-year-old, Ben Dawkins learned an important lesson when he saw Back to the Future part 3 before seeing the other two films. Lesson 1: Start getting used to confusion. Lesson 2: Try to get info in the order which it was meant to be received. Lesson 3: Pie tins make great frisbees.

Seen *carved* into a restroom stall today..."Don't carve your initials into things that do not belong to you."

So, I saw a snuggie ad recently and wondered, "How long was it before the snuggie-clad family at the sporting event got beaten up by drunken hooligans?" I'm thinking...not very long.

(in Jerry Seinfeld voice) : "What's the deal with guys in capri pants?"

When I feel depressed by the state of the world, I give myself a boost by putting on my nicest suit, heading into a heavily populated area, and asking perfect strangers to do preposterous things for a Klondike bar.

Too much Ha Ha, pretty soon Boo Hoo!

In the first hour of the last day of his Twenty-Sixth year, a toilet tank exploded in Ben Dawkins's face. A fitting adieu for a pretty rough year.

Ben Dawkins?!?!?!?!!!!! The same Ben Dawkins who saved the world from the alien pirate ninja invasion?!?!?!!!

Ben Dawkins is teaching small children why pattycake is an elitist, elitist game designed to keep the working class in line. Faster, plebe! Make the cake faster! Sowing dissention, as per usual.

Ben Dawkins is going swimming in a wetsuit made out of the ShamWow. Don't dive in after me or you could get seriously injured in the empty pool. The ShamWow...You'll say "Wow" every time!

On this solemn occasion it is important to take a moment of silence, for the Beastie Boys fought, and perhaps died, for your right to party.

(I recently saw this on a customizable pet shop sign--on 3 separate lines--no spaces) Live Bait Pomeranians

"Give me ambiguity, or give me something else."

Ever notice no one ever calls to tell someone the good things he did last night while he was drunk? "Hey Ben, you got ripped last night and painted the orphanage!"

Ben Dawkins thinks it's amusing that Paul Newman could make salad dressing look cool. I don't think any of the current A-listers could do that. Would you buy "Matt Damon's Own" salad dressing? No. You'd steal his lunch money.

Ben Dawkins appreciates your right to ironic and somewhat hollow assembly, but please, don't waste tea.

Ben Dawkins is [this comment has been removed due to legal action by the Church of Scientology]

Ben Dawkins is brought to you by the letters W, T, and F.

Ben Dawkins wonders, "Wouldn't they be Thirtysomething Mutant Ninja Turtles by now?" That would bring a whole new element to the movies...

Ben Dawkins doesn't roll on Shabbas.

Ben Dawkins believes whenever you hear the words "We specialize in customer service!"--be prepared for some major league BS.

Ben Dawkins spelled out his last name to the valet at the Hyatt...the claim ticket read "Dawlginks." Hmmm....

Ben Dawkins is vexed, riled, irked, ticked, honked, and pissed.

Ben Dawkins wonders about the Peanuts gang...How (with the exception of school) did a group of six-year-olds go for so long with absolutely NO adult supervision?


And now, for the no. 1 track--Ben's flip response to the "25 random facts" meme:

1. Ben Dawkins can slam a revolving door.
2. Ben Dawkins counted to infinity...twice...yesterday.
3. Ben Dawkins can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.
4. Ben Dawkins knows the final digit of pi.
5. Ben Dawkins doesn't wear a watch. HE decides what time it is.
6. Ben Dawkins can win a game of connect four in three moves.
7. If you spell Ben Dawkins in Scrabble, you win. Forever.
7. When Ben Dawkins falls in water, Ben Dawkins doesn't get wet. Water gets Ben Dawkins.
8. Ben Dawkins is allowed to use the number 7 twice in lists. Try and stop him.
9. When taking the SAT, if you enter "Ben Dawkins" for every answer, you will get an 8000. If you do this for the GRE, you are awarded an instant phD in Awesome.
10. Ben Dawkins once ordered a Big Mac at Burger King...and got one.
11. It takes Ben Dawkins 20 minutes to watch 60 minutes.
12. Thousands of years ago Ben Dawkins came across a bear. It was so terrified that it fled north into the arctic. It was also so terrified that all of its decendents now have white hair.
13. Simply by pulling on both ends, Ben Dawkins can stretch diamonds back into coal.
14. Ben Dawkins did in fact, build Rome in a day.
15. Ben Dawkins is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
16. Ben Dawkins once went skydiving, but promised never to do it again. One Grand Canyon is enough.
17. Ben Dawkins can win at solitaire with only 18 cards.
18. When Ben Dawkins does division, there are no remainders.
19. To be or not to be? That is the question. The answer? Ben Dawkins.
20. The First rule of Ben Dawkins is: you do not talk about Ben Dawkins.
21. Ben Dawkins rinses his contact lenses in Tabasco sauce.
22. Godzilla is a Japanese rendition of Ben Dawkins' first visit to Tokyo.
23. Ben Dawkins once participated in the running of the bulls. He walked.
24. Only Ben Dawkins can prevent forest fires.
25. When Chuck Norris goes to sleep at night, he checks under his bed for Ben Dawkins.

Political Pet Peeve

Editor's Note: I am not going to make this a political rant of raw, epic anger. I promise. There is an issue that I feel very strongly about right now, and I thought I'd take a moment to address it. Please don't set fire to my house.

So, friends, it is a politically hot time right now. If we're being honest, it's been a politically hot time for about 8 years exactly (once this Friday rolls around). One thing that has gotten scary about the political landscape is the increasingly personal nature of the rhetoric--with both sides of the aisle demonizing one another and giving the general perspective to the American people that these differences are going to pull us apart.

I think this unnecessary drama needs to stop. Pronto.

America is filled with many people of differing backgrounds and opinions, and that is what I love about this country. We don't have to agree--in fact, it's great that we don't. Personally, I love it when an intelligent person disagrees with me. If we meet on a polite debating ground, we both come away having learned something. Even with differing perspectives, there are precious acres of common ground we must find together.

The politics of invective must end. I'm sorry, but I can not respect the views of those who have no apparent respect for others thoughts or their right to think them. That is not democracy. I'm actually in favor of partisan politics--political parties are good! A multiple-party system makes sure that the minority's opinion is always heard. And as a lifelong holder of minority opinions, I appreciate that.

However, there has to be a firm base-line of respect. There has to be.

So, my political pet peeve:

I don't care what your opinion of President Obama is. I really don't. He is our president, and we as Americans should respect the highest elected office a person can attain in this country. If you disagree with his policies or viewpoint, that is your undisputed right. But, please show respect for the office. Don't refer to him as Obama--it is disrespectful. Don't refer to him as "that man"...that is disrespectful and ridiculous. To be quite honest, I disagreed with most of President Bush's positions, and I was outright enraged by some of his actions. But, I referred to him as President Bush because I think the debate platform should have some class...especially in today's climate. I respect the office, and frankly, any person who attains this great office deserves my respect. It's a tremendous accomplishment, one worthy of respect.

Are you worried about what messages your children are being given at school and in the media? Fine...there's plenty out there to worry about. However, a child that is raised in a house where respect is a valued attribute learns to respect others. That is an important step in making our future better for those who are to follow.

And just to set the record straight, I am not a Communist, despite what some of you have said to my face. Ridiculous. I am an American, a Democrat, and a patriot. I love this country that allows me to reach the greatest of my potential, and I will defend her dignity against those who say she is dying. The debate may be full of invective, but God willing, our union will remain strong.

God bless you, and God Bless America.

Babies = Vegetables?

Okay, here's a little weird factoid that I felt the pressing need to share:

Like I've mentioned in an earlier post, a few of my friends are expecting little bundles of life in short order. Well, because of this, I have become much more acquainted with the modern prenatal process than I was before--ultrasounds, midwives, doulas, What to Expect when You're Expecting, the kabillion types of nausea expectant mothers deal with, and so on and so on.

Well, this post deals with one of the stranger ones, and my response.

Apparently, doctors describe the size of developing babies based on different beans and eventually vegetables to give a proper reference point to the expectant parents.

Now, people have mentioned it to me with great excitement..."the baby is the size of a kidney bean!" And, surprisingly (to me, and probably only me because I seem to be one of the few people who asks questions like these), there are no mentions of how surreal it is that OB-GYNs are using vegetation to describe human beings.

And now for my idea...drumroll please...

I think one odd-enough couple expecting a baby should take a series of "baby's first pictures" with the different beans and vegetables that the doctors are using to describe the relative size of the baby.

Think about it! In this age of instant photography, it would be a real piece of postmodern art! Dress up the little veggie, and stage posed pictures with big happy smiles...It would be damn funny!

Of course, every couple I've presented this idea to has looked at me like I was some sort of lunatic. No one seems to want to take baby pictures with a bunch of vegetables. Now, come on, imagine some sullen 16 or 17 year old coming across a little photo album entitled "Baby's First Pictures" and sees a bunch of pictures of the parents he thinks are chronically unhip smiling joyfully with a bunch of vegetables.

I like imagining things like that.

So, since people seem to think this idea is a little too wacky for them, I'm just going to have to wait until it's my turn to wait for a child to "hatch." Mark my words, (if I can convince the future mother of my children this is a good idea) there will be vegetable baby pictures.

And you won't be at all surprised that my grin will be quite genuine!