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: Jerry Lewis Workout Summary Release Date: Sunday June 28, 2009 What can be said other than, “…another great Saturday seminar!” Whether attendees had an interest in competitive fighting or street survival – it was all covered during the day and there was something for everyone! This time, Mr. True and Mr. McDonald were guests of Jerry Lewis and his dojo in Halls. Mr. Lewis invited Mr. True and Mr. McDonald as part of the IIKA’s Dojo Visitation Program that began in January of this year. The day began with Mr. McDonald explaining and demonstrating various fighting skills designed to block an opponent’s move, all-the-while keeping you in the correct position to execute follow-up techniques. Proximity to your opponent and movement were central issues Mr. McDonald focused on in helping everyone to understand motion and body flow. His examples would be useful not only in the ring for Kumite but on the street for self-defense. He spent a lot of time working with those in attendance on understanding the importance of body mechanics, i.e., energy direction once movement (flow) begins. While Mr. McDonald made it look easy, in reality, it is one of the “little pieces of information” that can change an entire perspective on how one sets-up to fight in the execution of a technique. After Mr. McDonald concluded his portion of the workout, Mr. True took over to talk about and demonstrate what he likes most…power blocks, power punches and power kicks. Whether working to deliver power in the ring or on the street, Mr. True worked with everyone to help us better understand proper set-up in the delivery of power. While, on the surface, it seems like a subject we are all familiar with, delivering power, especially on the move, is quite another story. Being able to “ground yourself”, apply the necessary rotation, achieve the right amount of extension, simultaneously hit your target, AND deliver power sufficient to stop someone…all while moving…all with one blow…all while you are receiving a blow – is a skill only developed over years and years…and years of training to execute power. The day concluded with each of the Black Belts explaining and demonstrating their favorite technique, whether competitive or street in nature. There was a great exchange of information and absolutely everyone benefited from being there. It was particularly interesting to see the subtle, and sometimes large, differences others incorporate into a technique to make it effective for them. On behalf of the IIKA, we would like to thank everyone who attended the workout over Memorial Weekend and express our appreciation to our host, Mr. Lewis. As always, it was a time of great fellowship and fun, coupled with bruises and sweat, as well as information necessary to make us better Isshinryu practitioners. Article submitted by, IIKA Staff