IIKA Newsletter Chairman: JC Burris President: Tommy True 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 Subject: Relay For Life Martial Arts Demonstration Release Date: Sunday May 24, 2009 On Saturday, May 16, the Roane School of Karate in Harriman presented a martial arts demonstration at the conclusion of Roane County’s Relay for Life Cancer Walk. The event was sponsored by the American Cancer Society and held at Roane State Community College in Harriman over a two-day period. Mr. True’s Head Instructor, Ridge Richardson, led the demonstration with assistance from one of the dojo’s other instructors, Mr. Ed Turnington, San-Dan. Student participants included Kacy Aslinger, Sydney Parks, Noah Gouge and Wes Parks. The demonstration consisted of sparring between Kacy Aslinger and Sydney Parks; Kata run by Mr. Turnington, Wes Parks and Noah Gouge; Weapons Bo Kata run by Mr. Richardson and self-defense techniques performed by Mr. Richardson and Mr. Turnington. Additionally, tips were given to all those in attendance regarding awareness and safety issues. While the empty-hand Kata and Bo Kata were demonstrated as part of traditional Isshinryu practice, explanation of both were provided in the context of how they applied to real-life street self-defense. Moves from each of the various Katas performed were taken and used in the demonstration to show their application on the street, as was the Bo. As one female on-looker exclaimed, “That’s really great, but I don’t usually carry a big, ol’ stick with me everywhere I go!” When she learned that the big, ol’ stick could just as easily be a broom stick, mop handle, length of pipe, etc., she began to appreciate the Bo in a new light. The demonstration lasted about an hour and involved a lot of interaction with the audience. At the conclusion, self-defense questions were taken from the audience, many of which came from women and centered on knife confrontations. Great care was given to explain the critical nature of confronting a weapon along with the mind-set necessary to survive such an attack. Mr. Richardson and Mr. Turnington demonstrated various knife-defense techniques and cautioned that, to become proficient, much time and training is necessary. Even then, the emphasis was on “surviving” the attack. All-in-all, it was a great day where everyone had fun and learned something about self-defense they didn’t know at the start of the demonstration. It was also a wonderful format to participate in a worthwhile civic event, give back to the community, introduce people to Isshinryu Karate, and showcase our dojo. Due to hard work on the part of many, many dedicated volunteers and supporters; the event raised over $48,000 for the American Cancer Society in Roane County. Events like this are tremendous opportunities to give back to our respective communities. If your dojo is already involved in community outreach, we applaud your civic mindedness. If you have yet to participate in anything we would like to encourage you to find a cause you can readily support and get involved. It’s good for the organization you support, good for your community and good for you. We have been asked back for next year and we are looking forward to doing our part to enhance an already great event. Article submitted by, Roane School of Isshinryu Karate