TIKK dominates world tourney, wins 49 trophies

Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai Perfecting Character Since 1991

TIKK NEWS Summer 2005

Former Air Force serviceman Sensei Don Ishmael honors the armed forces during the Spirit of Coppell 4th of July Parade. TIKK won first place for “Most Spirited Group.”

Shihan Kristensen inducted into Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame

Inside

Shihan’s Corner……………….2

Demo Team………….…….…..3

Spring Shiai……...……….……8

Gasshuku…………………......10

Senseis’ Corner…….....……...11

(See PARADE, page 4 for more pictures)

(See SHIHAN, back page)

By SENSEI DON ISHMAEL Yon Dan

TIKK wins“Most Spirited Group”

A team of 37 Texas Isshinryu

Karate Kai students domi-

nated the world championship

tournament in Akron, Ohio June

25 by bringing home 49 trophies.

The tournament, sponsored

by the Isshinryu World Karate

Association and hosted by Isshin-

ryu Karate Academy of Cuyahoga

Falls, Ohio, attracted more than

570 competitors from around the

world.

TIKK won 21 first place

trophies, 13 second place trophies

and 15 third place trophies.

TIKK’s junior demo team

’N Focus won third place for syn-

chronized kata. Team members

(See WORLD, page 6)

O n August 5, 2005, in Gatlin-

burg, Tennessee there was

an induction into the Isshin-Ryu

Hall Of Fame. This year

there were seven

Isshinryu karate

ka chosen for this

honor bringing

the total members

of the Hall Of

Fame to 67 since

its founding in

1980. There are

members from

every part of the United States, as

well as various countries through-

out the world. Among just a few

of the members are O’Sensei Ta-

tsuo Shimabuku, founder of Is-

shinryu, Hanshi Don Nagle, who

was the first American to bring

Isshinryu to the

U.S., Masters

Harold Long and

Steve Armstrong,

who also were

among the first to

teach Isshinryu in

the U.S. But what is

interesting is the

karate ka who

were inducted Shihan Robert Kristensen gives his acceptance speech.

over the years, and what they

have in common with the students

and teachers at Texas Isshinryu

Karate Kai. *Shihan Nagle (1938-1999)

inducted in 1983, was Shihan

Dale Jenkins' sensei.

*Shihan Jenkins (1946-

1984) inducted in 1990, was Kyo-

September 3……...Western Days Parade, Lewisville

September 4…….……......Mr. Tony Palos’ Birthday

September 7…………Mr.. Steve Gelman’s Birthday

September 14……...….Mrs. Crystal Asel’s Birthday

September 21………….....Mrs. Tina Palos’ Birthday

September 29…………......Mr. Trey Asel’s Birthday

October 10………..Sensei Debbie Garrett’s Birthday

October 15……..Sensei Maria Kristensen’s Birthday

December 10……….….Winter Shiai, Location TBA

Page 2 TIKK NEWS SUMMER 200 5

Shihan’s corner

TIKK NEWS

Denton Brickhouse Gym (940)390-0192

Flower Mound

Flower Mound Community Church (972)315-1358

Haslet

First Baptist Church of Haslet (972)315-1358

Richardson Dance, Etc.

(469)387-1463

TIKK NEWS is published periodically by karate ka of Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai, established in 1991, and is distributed to students at all the school’s dojos and to others interested in TIKK activities.

Publisher Shihan Robert Kristensen

Editor Ni Dan Matt Evans Assistant Editor

San Kyu Laura Murray

Coppell Dojo (Main) 1203 Crestside, Suite 230, Coppell, TX 75019

(972)315-1358 Visit us on the web: www.txikk.com

Postive Thinking...

Calendar

I f you think you can, you can.

Can’t does not live in our dojos.

Enough Said!

—Shihan Kristensen

NEW STUDENTS

May 2……….….Dianne Van Winkle, Flower Mound

May 2……….…...David Van Winkle, Flower Mound

May 31……………...….Joshua Chowdhury, Coppell

June 1………..…...……….Mark McLaughlin, Haslet

June 1…………...………..Aaron McLaughlin, Haslet

June 1………………..………….Tracy Beck, Denton

June 1……………..………….…..Kaci Beck, Denton

June 7…………….....………Nathan Ziegler, Coppell

June 8………………....Diane Turner, Flower Mound

June 13………..………..Gwen Redd, Flower Mound

June 18…………...……...…...Rafferty Wyatt, Haslet

June 18………………….…Chancellor Wyatt, Haslet

June 21……………………...…..….Toi Mai, Coppell

SUMMER 2005 TIKK NEWS Page 3

‘N Focus

T ryouts for

Texas Isshin-

ryu Karate Kai’s

junior demo team

‘N Focus will be

held soon, after a

successful inau-

gural year.

More infor-

mation on the

tryouts will be

announced at a

later date.

The team

performed nine

demos during the first full year

and competed in the Isshinryu

World Karate Association cham-

pionship tournament, placing

third in synchronized kata – a feat

that was remarkable since the

group was one of the youngest

competing with most teams hav-

ing adults or older teen-agers.

The first year of demo team

was full of surprises, said Sho

Dan Jeff Kelley, who co-directs

team activities with Sensei Deb-

bie Garrett. The team had some

difficulty in getting demos, but

most of the demos were excellent

venues, he said.

“I learned just how enjoy-

able working with these kids can

be,” Mr. Kelley said. “I have be-

come very attached and interested

in each of the demo team mem-

bers’ karate and non-karate lives.”

Sensei Garrett said she

learned how much work and dedi-

cation is needed to take a diverse

group of kids and bring them to-

gether in a demo that was exciting

and fun to watch and participate

in. “It also was surprising how

dedicated the kids were at making

the demos look and feel real.

“We were blessed to have

the group of kids involved in the

demo team that

we did. They all

worked very hard

over the year and

made highly visi-

ble improvements

in their technique

and attitude.”

Mr. Kelley

hopes to add even

more excitement

to the demos in

the coming year

with “lots of

simulated contact,

more throws…lots more action,

maybe even some breaking for the

audience.”

Simply put, Sensei Garrett

said, “We can do more and we

can do better.”

Plans for the coming year

include expanding on the current

demo and keeping it fun for both

team members and Mr. Kelley

and Sensei Garrett.

Potential members and their

parents need to be aware of the

commitment and dedication it

takes to be on the team, Sensei

Garrett said.

Allan Wallander, Daniel Midkiff, Perry Lopez, Carson Dickey, Jo-hannes Kroll, Shane Murray and Jack Pergantis perform at the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival May 1 before a large crowd.

Perry Lopez, second from left, takes care of Allan Wallander, left and Johannes Kroll, right, while Jack Pergantis contemplates his move.

Sensei Susan Harris takes down Sensei Debbie Garrett while black belts Jeff Kelley, left, and Tony Palos, right, get ready for the next move.

Demo team finishes first year; tryout plans underway

Page 4 TIKK NEWS SUMMER 2005

A s a warm-up to the world

championships in June, a

group of 23 Texas Isshinryu Ka-

rate Kai students won 32 trophies

in the Lone Star Karate Champi-

onships on April 30.

The tournament, held in The

Colony, was sanctioned by the

United States Karate Alliance and

organized by Master Juan’s Ka-

rate Academy.

Black belts Tina Palos and

Tony Palos placed second and

third in weapons, respectively.

Other TIKK results include:

Kata Kumite

Don Ishmael 1st 3rd

Tommy Thomas 2nd 3rd

Tony Palos 3rd 3rd

Tina Palos 2nd 2nd

Jim Fairhurst 1st 2nd

Cathy Fairhurst 1st ---

Whitney Fairhurst

3rd 2nd

Alan Willis --- 3rd

Kata Kumite

Greg Midkiff 3rd ---

Johannes Kroll 3rd 3rd

Daniel Midkiff --- 3rd

Perry Lopez 1st ---

Andrew Black 2nd 3rd

Carson Dickey 1st ---

Tracy Dickey 3rd 2nd

Paula Reynolds --- 3rd

Kendall Kirkpatrick

1st 3rd

Dwayne Miller 3rd 2nd

Garrick Chavez 2nd ---

Spirit of Coppell Parade...

TIKK students win 32 trophies at local karate tournament

1st Place

“Most Spirited Group”

4th Of

July

SUMMER 2005 TIKK NEWS Page 5

K arate training goes beyond

the physical and mental con-

ditioning of the body in the dojo.

The training we receive makes us

all stronger individuals. This, in

turn, is applied to our daily lives.

When we are faced with difficult

times, our training helps keep us

focused to reach a resolution to

our problems.

Shihan Kristensen is always

telling us important information

even if we don’t understand it or

use it right then. It was all those

days of training and little quotes

that helped me through some dif-

ficult years. For those who don’t

know me, now might be a good

time to introduce myself.

My name is Michael Strick-

land and I began my training in

Taekwondo when I was 10. After

a year I felt I was missing some-

thing more structured and practi-

cal. It wasn’t until I was 17 that I

was introduced to Isshinryu by an

organization called the Arizona

Karate Kickboxing Association

that had a satellite dojo in Gar-

land, Texas.

I immediately loved the

close-in fighting and quick mov-

ing stances. I trained for two years

(1993-1995), reaching blue belt. I

felt I was being held back because

our instructor would not do pro-

motions unless several students

were ready.

I began searching again and

found Shihan Kristensen in Cop-

pell. I liked how the dojo was run

and Shihan always would say,

“You make the belt.”

Unfortunately, after a year

and a half with Shihan, my work

got in the way when I was pro-

moted to a manager for the South-

land Corp. and I began working

Monday through Saturday with an

average of 10 to 12 hours a day.

Two years later, I decided to

finish my Bachelor’s degree at

University of North Texas and

resume my Isshinryu training.

It was about six months,

things were going pretty well and

then I suffered a serious car acci-

dent plowing myself into the

steering column (no air bags on

this ‘87 Dodge truck.) It left my

neck injured and after eight

months I was feeling better until I

Experience proves karate training goes beyond dojo tried a front roll fall and set my-

self back on the road to recovery.

This is when I met my wife

to be and got married. I felt better

and was about to re-enter the dojo

when my wife’s father fell and

broke his neck and required 24-

hour care.

I gave up all my interest to

take care of her father by taking a

job that worked me Monday

through Saturday again, and I am

not even going to mention the

horrible hours. My wife’s father

passed away recently and that is

why I am writing this.

It was during those hard

times that I would think back to

Shihan’s short lectures in class. I

didn’t see how they applied nec-

essarily at the time, but later,

when in time of need, there they

were for me.

So even if you can’t be in

the dojo, the dojo is with you. The

training you get will always be

with you and it will be a life-

changing experience.

—Michael Strickland

San Kyu

Locks of Love… Karen Cole, right, gives Ni Dan Tony Palos a haircut with the help of Shihan Kristensen.

Mr. Palos has 13 inches of hair for Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hair pros-thetics to financially disadvantaged children suf-fering from long-term medical hair loss.

Page 6 TIKK NEWS SUMMER 2005

(From Page 1)

World...

competing at the world championship included

Johannes Kroll, Allan Wallander, Daniel Midkiff,

Carson Dickey and Jack Pergantis.

Individual tournament results include:

Black Belt Divisions

Kata Kumite Weapons

Don Ishmael 1st --- 1st

Debbie Garrett 2nd --- 1st

Susan Harris 1st 2nd 1st

Tommy Thomas --- 1st ---

Matt Evans 1st 1st 1st

Tony Palos 1st --- 1st

Carol Gue 3rd 2nd ---

Tina Palos --- --- 3rd

Byron Richter 3rd --- ---

Advanced Divisions

Kata Kumite

Mike Cohen 1st 1st

Jim Fairhurst 1st ---

Cathy Fairhurst 3rd ---

Kent Kirkpatrick--- 1st

Tyler Murray 2nd ---

Whitney

Fairhurst 3rd 2nd

Mike Harper --- 2nd

Margaret Myers 1st 2nd

Intermediate Divisions

Kata Kumite

Laura Murray 2nd ---

Glenn Gibbs 2nd ---

Garrett Molsbee 2nd 3rd

Steve Kroll --- 3rd

Greg Midkiff 1st ---

Shane Murray 2nd 2nd

Allan Wallander 1st 3rd

Daniel Midkiff 3rd ---

Jim Wallander --- 2nd

Carson Dickey 1st 1st

Tracy Dickey 1st 3rd

Other TIKK students com-

peting in the world champion-

ships were: Sensei Chuck May-

nard, Steve Gellman, Kyle

Murray, Mark Hendrix, Alan

Willis, Cody Davenport and Tim

Hendrix.

A team of 37 TIKK students competed in the world champion-ships. In front is Hanshi William Duessel and Shihan Robert Kristensen. Bot-tom left is Mr. Tommy Thomas. Below on left is Glenn Gibbs and below right is Sensei Susan Harris.

SUMMER 2005 TIKK NEWS PAGE 7

Above, Margaret Myers, left, kumites while Sensei Don Ismael in middle left photo competes in weapons. Bottom center is junior demo team members Jack Pergantis, Carson Dickey, Daniel Mid-

kiff, Johannes Kroll and Allan Wallander doing synchronized kata. Mr. Matt Evans, bottom photo, does his kata, while Mr. Tony Palos performs his kata in the lower right photo.

Spring Shiai & Gasshuku

Record turn-out watches TIKK gain another sensei

By LAURA MURRAY San Kyu

PAGE 8 TIKK NEWS SUMMER 2005

I t was a different kind of

Gasshuku.

Of course, each Gasshuku

has its own flavor that makes it

special.

Shihan Robert Kristensen

told Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai

students to “Expect Nothing, Be

Ready for Anything.” He wanted

to take the routine out of the

Gasshuku (at least for those who

have been to several), but defi-

nitely not the Gasshuku out of the

routine.

There aren’t any stories to

tell about the weather. No tornado

warnings or freezing tempera-

tures. It was beautiful.

There aren’t any stories to

tell about a kyu rank being tested

for Sho Dan. There weren’t any.

This Gasshuku (April 15-

17) was only the second in eight

years in which someone did not

test for black belt. The 2002

Gasshuku also did not bring an-

other Sho Dan to the TIKK ranks,

but only because Mr. Tony Palos

was injured and not able to con-

tinue testing until summer.

Shihan tried to change the

schedule up some, making Friday

night a complete tournament

night instead of dividing kata and

kumite between Friday and Satur-

day nights.

But probably the one activ-

ity that stands out the most, the

one that makes this Gasshuku

different was when each and

every person got to look at each

and every person in the eye and

shake his or her hand. Everyone

got a chance to connect – how-

ever, briefly it was – with the

other 60 people attending the

Gasshuku.

For some, just the mere eye-

to-eye contact brought tears, with

San Dan Susan Harris smashes three blocks.

Ni Dan Tony Palos shutos two blocks.

San Kyu Mark Hendrix busts a board.

(See SHIAI, next page)

Susan Harris was promoted to San

Dan after training for more than 10

years with Shihan.

Sensei Harris joins Yon Dans

Maria Kristensen, Don Ishmael

and Debbie Garrett and San Dan

Don Bizzell in carrying the pres-

tigious sensei title. Sensei Adam

Masur recently moved back to the

East coast with his family and Sen-

sei Vince Olivier is no longer ac-

tive with TIKK.

Sho Dan Tony Palos earned

his Ni Dan rank after smashing

through two blocks.

Cole Richter became only the

second junior in TIKK history to

become an Ik Kyu, the highest

rank in brown belt. He follows

brother Mr. Byron Richter, who

earned his Sho Dan Ho in April

2004. Tyler Murray also moved up

people remembering just how

much someone meant to them.

For others, it was that sincere

glance that made them know that

they were exactly where they

should be – that this is one special

group.

Following the very emo-

tional hand-shaking and Sunday

morning work-out, a record 135

students gathered for the shiai.

While the number was high, Shi-

han still hopes that one day he’ll

have 100 percent participation

from his 170 TIKK students.

Several pre-school-aged

students attending their first shiai

got to see their teacher stomp

through three cinder blocks and

become a sensei when Ni Dan

SUMMER 2005 TIKK NEWS Page 9

the with his promotion to Ni Kyu.

Beefing up and rounding out

the 15-member brown belt ranks

include Mark Hendrix, Laura

Murray, Glenn Gibbs and Marga-

ret Myers, all of whom were pro-

moted to San Kyu.

Since the shiai, former

TIKK San Kyus Michael Strick-

land and Erin Garrett have re-

sumed their training, bringing the

brown belt ranks to 17.

Belt changes include:

Purple belt with a solid black

stripe: Jacob Cobb

Alan Willis

Garrett Molsbee

Purple belt:

Steve Kroll

Anthony Petrusky

Dan Melendez

Greg Midkiff

Larry Rupp

Jennifer Wiederkehr

Green belt with a solid black

stripe:

Tony Cacheria

Jim Wallander

Tina Mootz

David Mootz

Green belt

Paula Sue Reynolds

Peter Gonzales

Miranda Banales

Teresa Hulsey

Juan Cantu

Alexander Fitzgerald

Miguel Cantu

Gerardo Cantu

Yellow/Green belt :

Steve Pergantis

Yellow belt:

Jessica Keeton

Austin Gillham

Brian Gomez

Jaime Deleon

Jared Dickoff

Garrick Chavez

Adam Gomez

Matthew Mills

Jaime Deleon was chosen

outstanding Gasshuku participant.

Shiai...

Above, Shihan and TIKK karate ka at the shiai. Below, Sho Dan Ho Byron Richter congratulates brother Cole on making Ik Kyu while Ni Dan Tony Palos bows to Paula Reynolds as she makes green belt.

(From Page 8)

We had two big bad wolfs, and six little piggies,

Guys multi-tasking smoking fake ciggies. Willy and Waylon, pickin’ their strings,

Rotating palms blowing whistler things. Some funny things walking into a bar,

Some post-kumpai students going home in a car. But it wasn’t all laughs and joking around,

We spent much time with our face in the ground. We got sweaty and dirty, we got battered and bruised,

We got shown so much stuff, we got really confused. Our cup is now full, full of many new things,

A new look at life, is what the Gasshuku brings. This was the Gasshuku of 2005,

We were all born, to be alive.

—Jim Fairhurst

Ik Kyu

A pril 15th, before sun-up

We arrive at the Gasshuku, with an empty cup. The pushup ladder, now that’s always fun,

With a boom-shak-a-lak-a during the run. We’re given some insight to Rule number 9,

And the reason we stand where we do in our line. First we learn walking, then learn to crawl,

Then we learn running, but that is not all. We may learn to crawl before learning to walk,

But we also should listen before starting to talk. From unloading the trucks to the final kumpai

I look back at the weekend, and how it flew by. Each year it gets quicker, or so it appears,

Filled with good feelings and maybe some tears. We sang and we danced and told some jokes,

We toasted marshmallows and drank some cokes.

Gasshuku brings fellowship for first-timer

By BENJAMIN COLLINS Yellow Belt

M y favorite part of the Gasshuku was when we

all shook hands. The Gasshuku’s fellowship

was so, so wonderful…Shihan is really a blessed man.

You may remember me saying at the kumpai that I

did not want to talk about the Gasshuku and then eve-

ryone laughed. I actually said that in a most serious

way, but I guess it turned out funny. It was not like I

was too tired to talk about it. I wanted to talk, but if I

started to talk about my favorite part, I’d start to cry,

and I did not want to cry that very moment.

After the shiai when I went up to my aunt and

mom, I said something like “oh yeah, it was too good

to be true, there’s too much to say. We had a very

funny time and then the next day we aa-aaa-l-l…”

Then I started to weep silently at the thought of shak-

ing hands because it was sooo kind. It really is emo-

tional.

After we left Camp Summit, I cried my eyes out.

I told my parents that the Gasshuku was “passionate

and magical.” It really is something that could be-

come a book, I’d say. I’m actually a very shy person,

but when I get to know somebody, I really like to talk

a lot. I really, really want get to know the whole kai

even though I don’t have the guts. But when we all

Gasshuku 2005

Page 10 TIKK NEWS sUMMER 2005

shook hands it was one step for me, and it really was

pretty much a dream come true.

At one point when I was talking to Mrs. Palos

about it and I said something like “well, it’s all over, I

guess. Do you know what? Being here was almost

like…like…like…” I was happy-sad once more, and

then I went on saying “like being adopted into a new

family.” Mrs. Palos totally understood.

The exercises were the most dreadfully difficult

I’ve ever gone through in my life! I almost planned

not to go back next year. It gave me the feeling that

my strength was at total zero! It was the achiest and

weakest I’ve ever seen myself. Maybe I even had, just

once, the thought of myself dying away, but I did sur-

vive. I really actually liked the exercises, such as part-

nering up with new people and doing things I haven’t

done in my own dojo. I really liked the Gasshuku

tournament even though I did not win anything. The

food was not really that good, but I had no appetite

since I was sick. The beds at night were actually

promising when you were extra exhausted, but proved

to be very uncomfortable and hot in the middle of the

night. Actually my cold sometimes got the best of me,

but totally took over the day after the shiai.

So the whole Gasshuku was pure torture some-

times, but at the end proved to be a come-back-next-

year thing with its God-blessed shaking hands fellow-

ship.

W OW, SENSEI...Anything is possible through

self-discipline and consistency. You must be

consistent with everything in life to experience

change and growth.

Being a healthy, loving parent. Being emotion-

ally present with your spouse. Giving enough time for

yourself. Prioritizing

these things would

be first giving

enough time and

effort for yourself,

and then you have

more of yourself to

give to others.

If perfecting

your character through karate is your goal, you need

consistency to grow. You must come to class to learn

if you want to grow in your training. Becoming Sen-

sei on April 17 this year took 10 years of giving my-

self time to obtain my goals, which took self-

discipline and consistency. Give yourself the gift of

time and everyone in your life will benefit.

—Sensei Harris

I n class we learn that karate is for self defense

only...

Self Defense = Self Discipline

Self Control

Self Esteem

—Sensei Garrett

SUMMER 2005 TIKK NEWS Page 11

Senseis’ corner

F ellow TIKK Karate Ka, I would like to begin this area of the newsletter

with a very heartfelt, sincere, and deepest rei to my

sensei...Kyoshi Sensei Kristensen. Kyoshi was inducted into the International Is-

shinryu Karate Association Hall Of Fame. I was so

pleased, as well as honored to be there with him, as

well as with all of the others who attended. It was a

once in a lifetime event. And as I've said in the past,

“you are only first...once.” Some of you know, and others do not, that Kyo-

shi Sensei Kristensen’s first Isshinryu sensei was also

inducted into the same Hall Of Fame. Shihan Jenkins, 1946-1984, was inducted in

1990 to the Hall Of Fame. Shihan Jenkins had 140

black belts under his direction, of which Kyoshi Sen-

sei Kristensen was one. But, of all the various black belts whom Shihan

Jenkins taught, no matter what rank they attained, no

matter where they were/are...Kyoshi Sensei Kris-

tensen is the first of Shihan Jenkins’s students to be

inducted to this Hall Of Fame. I think that's a Black Belt Test question...what do

you think?

There is also another part to this event...Kyoshi

Sensei Kristensen’s current sensei was also inducted

to the same Hall Of Fame in 2000. Hanshi Duessel

(9th Dan), is the highest ranking student of Soke' Shi-

mabuku Kichiro (10th Dan). Hanshi Duessel has been

to the dojo here in Texas many times over the years,

giving seminars, on all aspects of Isshinryu karate. His

knowledge is such that Soke’ Shimabuku has named

him “Mr. Isshinryu.” So, whenever you are in class with Kyoshi, just

remember that the knowledge, training, the art of Is-

shinryu karate itself is being taught by a sensei, who I

believe to be one of the “Greats” that will truly be

spoken about as long as the art of Isshinryu karate is

taught, as well as trained in. I am very blessed, and lucky to have not only

great students, black belts with whom I train with, that

are second-to-none in the art, but a person who I know

is truly a sensei...in the greatest meaning of the title. Thank You...Kyoshi Sensei Kristensen. I’m hon-

ored to call you...Sensei...My Teacher. With Deepest Respect,

Lowest Rei, —Sensei Ishmael

T ime flies. The steady march of time never fails to

amaze me. Everything else comes and goes, is

fast or slow, but time marches on unstoppable. When

you think things are bad, or tough, do not worry for

time marches on until they are good again. When

things are good, enjoy them for this time passes, too.

“So much to do so little time” we have all felt

it. However, our karate teaches us that little by little,

step by step, we can do anything. A little time spent

accomplishing your goals will add up to great things,

as time marches on.

—Sensei Bizzell

Page 12 TIKK NEWS SUMMER 2005

SponsorS

TIKK NeWS Wishes to Thank

Clay Cooley

Of Clay Cooley Isuzu I-35 & Walnut Hill

(214)357-5700

For Supporting The Newsletter

TIKK

&

TIKK NEWS Thank

Karen Cole

Of K&C Productions

(972)724-0085

For Outstanding

Photography Contributions

shi Robert Kristensen’s sensei.

*Hanshi William Duessel

inducted in 2000 is Kyoshi Kris-

ten’s current sensei. *Sensei James Chapman

(1938-1971) inducted in 1989,

was Sensei Raymond Gallegos'

sensei.

*Sensei Gallegos (1928-

2004) was Sensei Don Ishmael’s

sensei.

*Kyoshi John Lennox (1918

-1998) inducted in 1999, was Sen-

sei Garrett’s sensei. Karate ka who were in-

ducted along with Kyoshi Shihan

were: Kyoshi Chester Holubecki,

Kyoshi Scott Shamblin, Hanshi

Steve Young, Kyoshi Jerry Smith,

Kyoshi Reese Rigby and Hanshi

Dennis Wright. During the induction, many

of the inductees had speeches

prepared and read them. But, the one that I thought

was interesting, as well as from

the heart was Kyoshi Sensei Kris-

tensen’s acceptance speech. He

told about walking into the U.S.O.

area, and thanking the various

military men and women there,

for their service to our country.

He spoke about Shihan Jen-

kins...with tears in his eyes.

And...with a little lump in his

throat...and tears also in his eyes...

he thanked his wife...Sempai

Maria Kristensen. He was given a standing

ovation... “You are only...first...once.”

time for me because I get to see how much the indi-

vidual students have progressed. And, sometimes,

there are lots of changes in the students.

Thank you for taking time to care for me and

thank you for encouraging me. Shihan, please tell

your students that I had a wonderful time. Please

thank them for helping me feel at home. I am looking

forward to seeing many of you in Ohio.

Arigato Goziamasta,

—Sensei Maynard

Thank you for helping me with my training

Shihan... (From Page 1)

I t is nice to travel 1700 miles and be with people

who make you feel so comfortable it is as though

you never left home. Whether I was helping someone

with math, reminiscing with Shihan Kristensen about

times we shared in New Jersey, stumbling through Bo

-Bo Kumite, reviewing weapons kata, acting silly on

the stage, doing pushups in the dirt or sharing the joy

of making rank with students that I barely know, I had

a great time.

The Gasshuku is a lot of work, but it is a fun