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Board Members: Phil McElroy, Jim McDonald, David Gabbard, Kelly Markham, Carol Burris, Jerry Smith, Mike Lewis, Don Bordinger, Sandra Strong Honorary Board Members: Maurice Msarsa, Bruce Guillaume |
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Release Date: Friday February 13, 2009 | |
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Instructors and students from 5 Nashville areas schools went to Springfield, TN on Saturday, January 31 as part of the IIKA’s dojo visitation program.
The Dan ranks in attendance were: IIKA Board Member- Jim McDonald Nashville Dojo - Jeff Sanders Lebanon Dojo - Tony Williams, Lacey Katchmark Reed’s Karate - Darrin Reed Portland Dojo -Jeff Lusk Smyrna Dojo – Steven Metzgar Springfield Dojo – Lee Sweeten, Joey McNatt, Buddy Kasinger, Jesse Kasinger  After a group picture was taken and a quick warm up, the action was non-stop for the next two hours. The group divided to work on kata and sparring. Master Sanders and Mr. Reed worked with Mr. McNatt and a group of kyu ranks on kata. Instruction was given to the newer students on the importance of running kata as well as ways to practice kata. This group finished by running all the empty hand Katas and compared them to find differences among the schools. The good news is the differences were very limited. Master McDonald and Master Williams worked on sparring with the rest of the group. Sparring started with a get-to-know you round. After spending some time fighting someone we’ve never fought before, Master McDonald started breaking down the different match-ups. Seven of the fighters were over 6’ tall, three over 6’5”; we focused on how taller people should fight and how to fight taller people. Next the black belts paired up with the lower ranks to focus on one weakness. Each pair was given the opportunity to share with the larger group. Then we had the opportunity for more sparring, working on the suggestions by the group. Then we had a little competition to add to the fun. Master Williams and Mr. Reed were team captains and everyone was divided to one of the teams. The competition was fun and everyone got the chance to watch some good match-ups. The day finished with some 2 on 1, 2 on 2 and 3 on 3 fighting. Overall, no one was hurt, new friendships were made, knowledge and experience was shared and everyone walked away a little better than when they came in. It was a great day.  I want to personally thank the IIKA for starting the dojo visitation program. We had a great time and appreciate all the knowledge and experience that was freely given to us. We have plenty to work on and look forward to sharing what we’ve learned with others. Article Submitted By, Lee Sweeten Head Instructor, Springfield School of Karate, a ministry of South Haven Baptist Church 116 Academy Drive, Springfield TN 37172 Lee_Sweeten@hotmail.com |