Author Archives: Bill Viola

About Bill Viola

About the author: Bill Viola Jr. is Amazon best-selling author and creator of the award-winning Sensei Says® life skills curriculum. He experienced the "Golden Era" of MMA firsthand as his father, Bill Sr., is credited as the co-creator of the sport of mixed martial arts in 1979. His book Godfathers of MMA inspired the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME film Tough Guys where he acted as a producer alongside an Academy Award accredited team. The Viola family owns and operates Allegheny Shotokan Karate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania now celebrating their 50-year anniversary (1969-2019). He is currently the President of Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp.

WKC National Karate Champions

wkc team usa karate

WKC National Champions – Karate

The World Karate and Kickboxing Commission (WKC) hosted the 2023 National Championships June, 2-3 in Detroit, Michigan.  The North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania based Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo sent their best athletes to represent Western Pennsylvania. The Team qualified regionally to attend by winning the annual Christmas Kumite.  

Competitors who medal (top 4) in their divisions earn a sport on Team USA.  Sensei Viola’s “Team Kumite” qualified 17 members, making them the largest group form a single dojo to make the United States Team.

wkc usa karate team

The US Team is comprised of elite athletes from across the country who win the National Team trials and earn a position to represent the United States at the World Championships.  Last year, Gabby Viola and Riley Evans medaled in in Killarney, Ireland at the 2022 World Championships.  This year, the event moves back to the United States and Orlando Florida in October.   Sensei (coach) Bill Viola Jr. said, “It was very expensive to travel to Europe, so I am excited that more students will get a chance to travel to Florida.  I know next year will be in Germany, so we need to defend home turf this year.” 

Top honors went to Gabby Viola and Xander Eddy. Both are former World Champions who had a rare clean sweep at nationals.  Gabby winning 5 gold medals, and Xander winning 4 Gold medals. 

Medaling for Team USA representing Western Pennsylvania:

Pictured Left to right

  1. Cameron Klos
  2. Katelyn Regina
  3. Lucy Lokay
  4. Sammy Pietrzyk
  5. Xander Eddy
  6. Gabby Viola
  7. Bella Guardado
  8. Aidan Johnson
  9. Flora Bilott
  10. Riley Evans
  11. Noelle Kravetz
  12. Becca Nowalk
  13. Dryce Davis
  14. Alexa Daly
  15. Zoey Bostard
  16. Austin Hladek
  17. Daniel Barrett
  18. Remmington Whatule

All the competitors are a apart of “Team Kumite” and all-star travel team that trains at the Viola Karate Dojo.  The team will next compete locally at the annual “Summer Shiai” hosted by Sensei Bill Viola at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.

 For more information visit www.alleghenyshotokan.com  

.

WKC Ireland

gabby viola

World Karate and Kickboxing Commission WKC – Ireland 2022

The World Karate and Kickboxing Commission (WKC) hosted the 2022 World Championships October, 9th -14th in Killarney, Ireland.  The weeklong event hosted the world’s best in WKC Tatami-style martial arts competition.  North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania based Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo sent three athletes to Europe for the championships.

Team USA is comprised of elite athletes from across the country who won the National Team trials in Detroit this past June.  Gabby Viola (12-years-old), Riley Evans (14-year old) and Daniel Barrett (17-years old) from Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo earned positions to represent the United States at the World Championships. 

Sensei (coach) Bill Viola Jr. said, “I’m beyond proud of them for just stepping on the mat and representing both American and Western PA.  It is such an honor to bring medals home to North Huntingdon.” 

The team traveled to London, England for a cultural experience, before arriving in Ireland for the week long tournament.  Eighteen countries sent their best competitors to Killarney, Ireland for the WKC World Championships, an event which is hosted by a different country annually.  

Gabby Viola, who won the World Title in 2021, said, “This year was the toughest competition she’s faced at the WKC.  I was very impressed with the British fighters.  They earned my respect.  I’m proud to bring home medals in both my categories.”  Riley Evans agrees, she actually exchanged her team USA uniform with a competitor from England as a keepsake and sign of camaraderie.  Daniel Barrett wasn’t able to garner a medal, but cherished the experience, “I’ve never been overseas, so beyond the competition this is something I’ll always remember.”  Barrett lost in sudden victory overtime to Canada in the quarter finals. 

        

Medaling for Team USA

  • 12-year old Gabby Viola, Silver 🥈 (classical kata) Bronze 🥉 (female -40kg sparring)
  • 14-year old Riley Evans, Silver 🥈 (-45kg continuous sparring), 🥉 Bronze Medal (-45kg sparring). 

Gabby is a 6th grader at Hillcrest Intermediate School.

Riley is a 9th grader at Christian Academy.

The girls are a apart of “Team Kumite” and all-star travel team that trains at the Viola Karate Dojo.  The team will next compete locally at the annual “Christmas Kumite” hosted by Sensei Bill Viola.  It is the qualifier and first step to attend Detroit in 2023.  The squad has every intention of making the US Team again and representing American next year.

For more information visit www.alleghenyshotokan.com or our sister program www.norwinninjas.com

Modern MMA

modern mma

Modern MMA created in Pittsburgh, PA – Tough Guys


KDKA FAN N’ATION 

‘The Battle Of The Tough Guys:’ Tracing modern-day MMA back to its roots in Pittsburgh

BY PATRICK DAMP

AUGUST 28, 2022 / 1:19 PM / CBS PITTSBURGH

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – “The octagon” “Ultimate Fighting” and “MMA” are all now very much part of the sports lexicon.

It wasn’t always that way and modern-day mixed martial arts can trace its roots partially back to right here in Pittsburgh.

Let’s go back to the New Kensington Holiday Inn ballroom on March 20, 1980 – that’s when the first MMA tournament on record took place.

“We didn’t know it was a story, but we knew we had lightning in a bottle,” said Bill Viola Sr., a co-found of the Battle of the Tough Guys. “We had just a whole bunch of crazy people. No one had ever seen this before.”

At the time, Viola and his partner Frank Caliguri were promoting karate events the old-fashioned way: pounding the pavement, putting up fliers, getting the word out in bars, and bending the ears of anyone who would listen.

“Everybody knew someone who could beat someone up on your poster,” Viola laughed. “Well, Frank and me were discussing, ‘I’m getting tired of hearing it, I can beat this guy up, he can beat this guy up’ we thought – we got all these crazy people in these bars think they’re so tough, why don’t we get a contest together where they can fight on the ground, they grapple, they can box, they can use karate, and we’ll have rules and regulations to control it.”

However, as good as the idea was, like so many things, branding is key.

They didn’t have a name!

That is…until they did.

“We thought since Pittsburgh is such a tough steel city, ‘tough guy’ would just kind of fit in,” Viola recalled.

From there, The Battle of the Tough Guys was born.

“Bill and Frank were very thoughtful and clear about what they were building towards,” said Anne Madarasz, director of the Western PA Sports Museum. “This was not a fly-by-night operation, they had a written set of rules and regulations, and they knew what you needed to have in place to look out for the best future of the sport and the best future of the people that are participating in it.”

Just as Anne said, it might not have been a fly-by-night operation, but it was a one-night sensation.

“The enthusiasm, the crowd, all the people, all the excitement they loved it,” said Viola. “We were selling out events.”

The popularity was obvious, and the excitement was palpable, but like so many new and exciting ventures, there were imitators. 

This led to a splintering as many more similar events began to pop up but nothing compared to what Bill and Frank brought to the table.

Then…tragedy struck.

“We did Johnstown very successfully, no one [got] hurt,” Viola recalled. “Then boxing came in, they were called “Tough Man” they had no weight classes, they put a 175-pounder against a 200-some-pounder, we had weight classes, rules, they were boxing, we were combined martial arts, we had nothing to do with them.”

The 23-year-old Ronald Miller, an unemployed construction worker was killed after taking part in two fights that led to head injuries sustained in the fights.

Miller’s death led to action from the Pennsylvania State Legislature.

The sport was banned in the commonwealth.

“Sure, we were very, very letdown, we were depressed, it was like we invented the TV and we’re never allowed to turn it on,” Viola said.

However, what took place in the 1980s laid the groundwork for what is now the modern UFC. For that, many trace it back to Frank Viola Sr. and Frank Caliguri.

“We were way ahead of where the UFC was in 1993 back in 1980.”

Read all about it in the Amazon Best Seller Tough Guys, By Bill Viola Jr.

WKC Gold🥇

Pittsburgh area Team Kumite headquartered at Allegheny Shotokan Karate Dojo earns World Titles.

SAINT VINCENT STUDENT KICKS HIS WAY TO A WORLD KARATE TITLE

The World Karate and Kickboxing Commission (WKC) hosted the 2021 World Championships November, 23rd-30th in Orlando, Florida. The weeklong event hosted the world’s best in WKC Tatami-style martial arts competition. Pittsburgh based Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo earned over 20 medals, including top honors from 20-year-old St. Vincent student Cameron Klos, who was recognized as the overall “Grand Champion.”

WKC Gold medal Gabby Viola


Team USA is comprised of 300 athletes from across the country who won the National Team trials in Detroit this past June. Twelve members from Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo earned positions to represent the United States at the World Championships. Of that group, ten students advanced to the medal rounds and stood on the podium. Sensei (coach) Bill Viola Jr. said, “It is so amazing to see our athletes represent Western PA on an international level. When they play the star spangled banner for one our students, it’s a special moment. Cameron is leading by example.”

Medaling for Team USA representing Western Pennsylvania
 11-year old Gabby Viola, Gold (female -40kg sparring) Bronze (classical kata)
 12-year-old Xander Eddy, Gold (male -40kg kickboxing) Gold (classical kata) Gold (Traditional Kata) Bronze (male -40kg sparring)
 12-year-old Zoey Bostard Bronze (50+kg sparring) Bronze (50+kg kickboxing)
 12-year-old Rayden Galley Finalist (50+kg sparring and kata)
 14-year-old Riley Evans Bronze (-45kg sparring) Bronze (-45kg kickboxing)
 14-year-old Sammy Pietrzyk, Gold (55+kg female kickboxing team) Gold (55+kg female sparring) Gold
(female team sparring)
 14-year old Kaleb Knock Silver (-55 kg kickboxing) Bronze (-55kg sparring) Bronze (traditional kata)
 15-year-old Austin Hladek, Gold (classical Kata), Gold (traditional Kata), Gold (Weapons), Bronze
(sparring)
 15-year-old Lucy Lokay Bronze (65kg sparring)
 18-year-old Gavin Hladek Finalist (kata & weapons)
 19-year-old Luke Lokay Silver (75kg sparring)
 20-year-old, Cameron Klos, Gold (traditional kata), Silver (classical kata), Silver (synchronized forms),
Bronze (-85 KG sparring) Gold 18+ overall Forms/Weapons Grand Champion

The highlight of the week was Cameron Klos earning top honors in the Adult Black Belt Overall Finals. Klos earned a spot to compete by winning gold for his traditional kata (pattern) during elimination rounds. The finals pitted gold medal winners and elite athletes in various disciplines to determine the “best of the best.” The final four international champions represented Canada, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Klos for the United States. In the end, Klos was named Grand Champion of the WKC.

WKC cameron klos


Senator Kim Ward presented Cameron with a proclamation for his victory upon his return to Pittsburgh. He will perform for the County Commissioners at the Greensburg Courthouse of December 16th.

Klos, a Cyber Security major at St. Vincent College, holds a 4.0 GPA. Sensei Viola Jr. says, “It takes a special kind of work ethic to juggle an international karate schedule and remain at the top of his class in college. Cameron personifies dedication. His is earning a ‘black belt in life’.”

The 2022 WKC World Championships will be held in Dublin, Ireland. The team will be fundraising throughout the year to attend and defend their titles. For more information visit www.alleghenyshotokan.com


Olympic Glory

ariel torres olympics

Olympic Aspirations Hit Home in North Huntingdon 🥇🥋

Karate made its Olympic debut last week in Tokyo, Japan the birthplace of the sport, but for one local dojo it’s been a long time coming.  Students filled the parking lot of Allegheny Shotokan “Viola Karate” in North Huntingdon to watch the games live on a 20 ft. screen like a drive-in movie theater. While Judo and Tae Kwon Do have been part of the Olympic program for years, this the first time in history for karate.    The event was special for Bill Viola Jr. and his father Bill Viola Sr. who have been dreaming of an Olympic berth since the 1980s.  Viola Sr. helped spearhead the grassroots Olympic movement in Pennsylvania decades before.  Viola Jr. said, “It’s taken over 40 years for Karate to make its way to the Games, and we’ve been cheering every step of the way.” 

The Viola’s have been instrumental in the sports development and were part of a big push to get karate included in the Pan-American Games in 1999.  Doug Selchan, a member of Team USA, began his training with Sensei Viola and was able to win a Gold Medal at karate’s PAN-AM debut in Winnipeg, Canada. Sensei George E. Anderson was responsible for getting the Olympic Karate movement started in the United States, and he enlisted Sensei Viola to oversee Pennsylvania and help coordinate national events for USA Karate. The USA Karate Federation (USAKF) was the National Governing Body for Karate from 1985-1995 in the United States and member of the US Olympic Committee.  In 1986 Viola was appointed Regional Administrator for the USA Karate Federation and promoted the Allegheny Mountain Championships, a qualifier for the USA National Championships.  In 1992 Viola hosted the USA Karate Junior Olympics at the University of Pittsburgh Field House.  Viola’s tournament experience lead him to be named to the USA Karate Organizing Committee, responsible for coordination of the USA Karate National Championships.  Today that group has transformed into the USA-National Karate Federation (USANKF) under the banner of the World Karate Federation (WKF) which oversees Olympic karate.  On March 9, 2019 Viola Sr. was inducted into the USA Karate Hall of Fame as a “Pioneer of USA Karate” specifically for his contributions to the Olympic karate movement.

George Anderson (President of USA Karate with Sensei Bill Viola Sr.

Viola Jr. was a multiple time USA Karate National Champion and Team USA Member.  He has since passed the torch to his students, namely his daughter Gabby.  At just 10-years-old, she is highly accomplished already winning Gold at the WKC National Championships and earning a spot on WKC Team USA.  She has been recognized as a 5x State Champion and currently ranked #2 in North America by North American Karate Association (NASKA). This month Black Belt Magazine published her as “Top 5 Female” competitors in the country.  At the 2021 US Open in Florida she was awarded Competitor of the Year” by Point Fighter Live.  The honor, dubbed as a “Power Award” was voted on by coaches, competitors, and promoters from across North America.  After a nationwide poll, Viola not only won her category (edging out a talented competitor from El Paso, Texas) but was the highest vote getter of the show.  However, her biggest inspiration is training with the best athletes in the world, including the first Olympic champion in karate history.  Six-time defending European Champion Sandra Sánchez of Spain became the first-ever Gold Medalist in the sport on August 5th 2021.  Gabby has had the rare opportunity train with Sandra, and that experience has left a lasting impact.  She even named her special edition Olympic Barbie “Sandra,” touting it as she claimed Olympic glory. 

Olympic Gold Medalist Sandra Sanchez with Gabby Viola

As for the United States, they won their first-ever and “only” karate medal of the games when Ariel Torres secured bronze for Team USA in kata.  Torres, from Hialeah Florida, works with 20-year-old Viola Karate student Cameron Klos.  Torres is like a big brother to Cameron, mentoring him in the ways of International Competition.  Klos a student at Saint Vincent University, is a 2020 North American Sport Karate (NASKA) World Champion, WKC Team USA Member, and Kumite Classic Champion.  He travels to train with Ariel and studies remotely via Zoom weekly with him for private lessons. Ariel is preparing Cameron for a bid to make the USA Karate National Team. The same team Ariel represents and competed for in the Olympics.    

Sensei Cameron Klos with Olympic Bronze Medalist Ariel Torres

Sensei Bill Viola Sr. says, “I’ve trained thousands of students, many who have had Olympic aspirations and skill.  It was satisfying to see the Olympics on television, knowing my students have personal connections to these champions.  I know all the hard work has finally paid off.”  Viola Karate has been serving Western Pennsylvania since 1969 and is a member of the USA-NKF under the auspices of the United States Olympic Committee.  Their sister program is the award-winning Norwin Ninjas.  

Bill Viola Sr. and Jr. Honored in Chuck Norris Book

chuck
bill viola sr bill viola jr chuck norris book

Father and son will be honored together for their contributions to karate in a virtual awards ceremony Saturday.

Bill Viola Sr. and Bill Viola Jr. are inductees into the 2020 American Martial Arts Alliance’s Who’s Who Legends Hall of Honors with martial arts legend Chuck Norris.

They also are featured in the 2020 edition of the Chuck Norris Who’s Who in the Martial Arts Masters & Pioneers biography book that celebrates the history and tradition of many of the arts’ top names.

“It’s a huge accomplishment for an individual, but having us both recognized as pioneers is something special,” Viola Sr. said. “Karate is our way of life.”

Viola Sr., one of the most recognizable names in the karate industry, was honored by Allegheny County on Sept. 23 with “Sensei Viola Day” to mark the 50-year anniversary of him founding Allegheny Shotokan Karate in North Huntingdon.

Recognized as a founding father of modern mixed martial arts, the USA Karate Hall of Fame member’s life is the subject of the books “Godfathers of MMA” and “Tough Guys,” which inspired the Showtime “Tough Guys” film in 2017.

The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh opened an exhibit in 2011 on the roots of mixed martial arts that included memorabilia from Viola Sr., fellow area promoter Frank Caliguri, a Lower Burrell resident, and others in the sport.

Caliguri was recognized by the AMAA Foundation in June as a Hall of Honor award recipient and also is included in the Who’s Who book.

Sensei Bill Viola Jr. wears many hats in the martial arts world: author, instructor, international competition champion and fitness promoter.

A producer on the “Tough Guys” film, Viola Jr. is set to release a book series, “Common Sensei,” in 2021 that shares his perspective on how one can do various things to have a rich and meaningful life experience.

A USA Karate national champion, he was recognized by Arnold Schwarzenegger as a world champion in 1998.

“This is the first time we’ve been honored and featured together in the same book as father-son pioneers,” said Viola Jr., the founder of the Norwin Ninjas martial arts program and the annual Kumite Classic and Pittsburgh Fitness Expo, the region’s largest multisport event.

“We both have our individual accomplishments. I have always been inspired to follow in my dad’s footsteps and do some of the great things he has done. This just came to pass where we were able to be honored collectively, and that’s what makes this so special.”

The coronavirus pandemic changed the Who’s Who ceremony and conference to an online virtual presentation. It will be the official public release of the book.

The conference will feature online seminars and martial arts demonstrations in addition to honoring Norris and the Violas.

“The pandemic has changed the structure of everything in life,” Viola Jr. said.

“So instead of being able to travel down to Texas for the physical presentation, we’re going to do a virtual book launch and roundtable-type discussions with pioneers and other people in the industry. That’s the best solution we can come up with given the current state of affairs.”

The event also will be an opportunity to raise money for The Kickstart Kids, Norris’ in-school character development program that uses karate to teach life lessons and values to students in middle school and high school.

Norris started the program in 1990 with the help of then-President George H.W. Bush.

“It is such a great nonprofit that is helping a lot of kids throughout the country,” Viola Jr. said.

The virtual conference is an all-day event, and the Hall of Honors ceremony will be at 6 p.m. All of the day’s festivities can be viewed at whoswhointhemartialarts.com.

“It still will be a great chance to get the book out to the public and have fans and martial artists alike be able to tune in and be a part of the celebration,” Viola Jr. said.

Michael Love is a Tribune-Review staff writer. 

Tribune Review

For more information on the Chuck Norris Hall of Honors visit Kumite Classic

Soke Pokey

Fake Masters in the Martial Arts Exposed

Disclaimer:  I struggled, going back and forth, about publishing this piece because its taboo to question authority in the martial arts industry. While I am not targeting anyone in particular, I’m confident most readers will immediately relate with the trend.  In the words of Honest Abe, “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow.  The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” — so be careful the shade you throw.

This article was originally published in Shotokan Magazine, By Bill Viola Jr.

The Sōke Pokey 宗家

You put your right punch in, you put your left kick out, you put your right block in, and shake it all about…

Ah, the classic participation dance where being a Sensei just isn’t enough.  This is a lighthearted look at the thousands of Great Glorious Grand Masters, Supreme Grand Masters, Eternal Masters, Ultimate Masters, Sultans, Luminaries, Grand Poohbahs, and Sōke who seem to rival the omnipotent. The self-proclaimed Mega Master can be found in every state, city, and neighborhood across America, just let your fingers do the walking (or nowadays google ‘em). The results will make you go hmmm: “Master “XYZ” from Podunk, Iowa is the undisputed undefeated world champion” (even though they’ve never fought outside their zip code). A similar story repeats in the next county, and the next and the next — it’s mind boggling. To mythbusters, the martial arts industry has become a circus chock-full of showman touting clown credentials like PhDs of martial science, and while Doctor is reserved for academia, the truth is there is no regulation of martial arts, so we rely on the honor system.  *Google provided 7,230,000 results for “PhD martial arts,” offering a plethora of scams and diploma mills to choose from:

soke pokey phd
😞🤦😮

I’ve been studying Shotokan karate-do my entire life (40+ years) under the watchful eye of my father (Bill Viola Sr.), who’s dedicated a lifetime of service long before me, so I feel confident sharing my observations. I’m forever a student of the “martial way” and by no means an expert in Japanese nomenclature, but I studied 3 years of Japanese language in high school and 2 additional years in college, so I’m well-versed.  Sadly, I’ve seen far too many egos inflated simply by perusing a Japanese/English dictionary and thesaurus.   The psychological warfare of “one upping” the instructor next door is a game I call the Sōke Pokey.  First, instructors spin the wheel of fortune in search of an exotic sounding prefix. Popular honorifics include Kyoshi and Hanshi, but sometimes those are just too plain Jane.  How about Kancho, Kaicho, Shidoshi, Shoshum or Meijin? Those sound a little more obscure and mystical.  You get the idea.  Next, said bogus promotion is christened under the banner of a cyber roundtable who legitimize the rank (for 3 installments of $199.99). I know that may seem a bit snarky, but it’s just too easy with all the nonsense online.   You can almost hear the “as seen on TV” voice say, “But wait there’s more!  You get an embroidered dragon patch and certificate with assorted random hanko at no extra charge.” It’s obnoxiously oversized, so it’s perfect for a profile pic.  For a little extra coin, they will throw in a hall of fame honor where Bruce Lee is a member. Authenticity guaranteed—notarized on parchment paper from an ancient Buddhist temple.  These head honcho with 13th degree barber shop belts in muckety muck are the essence of capitalism and the contradiction of budo. It’s ok to chuckle, we all know the type.  FYI: hancho (班長) is Japanese term now part of American Jargon meaning, “squad leader.”

soke pokey
Soke Pokey: “Look everyone, I just was honored as 12th degree”

Not all egomaniacs are selling snake oil, some are actually very good at fighting, but once injected, narcissistic bujutsu can be deadly. Think Cobra Kai, “fear does not exist in this dojo.”The antivenom is budo, but some posers hide under its guise. Beware of the charlatan preaching humility; there is a profound philosophical difference between a martial artist and a martial wayist.  It may be cliché, but actions do speak louder than words, unless you’re an unsuspecting white belt who doesn’t know any better.  Newbies often get swept up in the cult. I’m not saying you can’t be proud of your dojo’s accomplishments, you should be, just don’t fabricate them. My father taught me that, “Character is a commodity you can’t buy, you can only build it—authentic budo is priceless.”

There are far too many self-promoted gurus who exaggerate to the nth degree. What may have started as a “white” belt sized stretch can quickly escalate to “black” belt levels of hyperreality. Most often the offenders share the same M.O.: out of shape, brash and boastful. You might overhear tales of a shaolin monk that blessed them with holy water or how their system is far too lethal for competition.  Their ensemble includes a tattered Crayola inspired obi that Liberace would be proud of, and a uniform bedazzled with patches and chevrons signifying eminence, but nobody has actually seen them do anything—ever. Are these kuchi bushi (mouth warriors) lost in delusions of grandeur?  Each case is different, but many have lineage that is hazy at best.  There are always exceptions to the rule, but if it walks and talks like a duck, well…

Some are harmless, while others harmful. I do believe there are innocent casualties of this vicious cycle, byproducts of second or third generations of blasphemy. Alas, Funakoshi Sensei must be rolling over in his grave.  The father of modern karate never really bothered with rank himself; instead progression was dignified through a journey of self-perfection. I’m not saying modern kyu/dan ranking is wrong (we use it), I am emphasizing it shouldn’t be the bane or your existence. Hierarchy is necessary for the success of commercial karate schools and is beneficial when kept in perspective. There are certainly qualified Grand Masters and 10th degree black belts who deserve this rank, but they are far and few between. Not every McDojo headmaster is qualified.

All Japanese arts, be it ikebana (flower arrangements) or tea ceremonies, are highly structured and regimented so it’s no surprise karate followed this pattern. However, belts, uniforms, and degrees are a modern phenomenon that didn’t exist in feudal Japan.  Its history really began with the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai 大日本武徳会 (Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society) established in 1895 in Kyoto (under the authority of the Japanese Government).

Its purpose was noble; solidify and standardize all disciplines, and it worked for a time. At the turn of the 20th century the Butoku-kai tested the water by issuing titles of Hanshi and Kyoshi to several kendo experts. (Prior, menkyo or secret scrolls were common). These licenses are not, I repeat, not spoken titles (only used in written format).  In layman terms, my brother in-law Tim is a Master Plumber, but I don’t greet him as, “Master Tim,” although he might get a kick out of that. The only place I see it is on his resume. In Japan, using “Master” in the first person is a breach of etiquette.  Yes, you have earned that rank, but it’s impolite and ignorant to broadcast it. Sensei is the polite accepted title when speaking of lawyers, teachers, doctors or martial arts masters.  Sadly, for insecure karate-ka, that isn’t very sexy.  Speaking of etiquette, don’t forget the physical act of rei (bowing) is literally pushing down ego (the core value of budo).

The initial disciplines of the Butoku-ka were Jujutsu, Judo and Kendo.  Kano Jigoro (the founder of Judo) had already adapted the kyu/dan system (1883) however it was not a new invention as some like to romanticize, it was modified from the ancient Japanese board game Go.  Later a black sash would accompany the dan rank followed by the judogi and iconic kuro-obi (black belt) circa 1907. Why did Kano choose white/black? Other Japanese athletic departments such as swimming used a black ribbon to designate advanced competitors.  There is no conclusive evidence, but I also believe the influence of Taoism (yin and yang) is a plausible reason for black belt and white dogi contrast. The urban legend of a white obi soiled through blood and sweat as means to reach black color is nonsense.  Japanese culture has a propensity for cleanliness.

When Itosu Anko, passed away, Funakoshi picked up his mentors torch and followed Kano’s lead.  On April 12, 1924, he awarded the first karate dan rankings to seven of his students, acquiescent to Butoku-kai standards. At the time, Funakoshi himself held no rank, although he eventually accepted the title of Kyoshi in 1943 and he never promoted anyone above 5th dan (including himself). Direct disciples such as Oshima Tsutomu (awarded 5th dan by Funakoshi in 1957) set Godan as the ceiling, never to be surpassed.  Others such as Nakayama Masatoshi rose to 9th dan (10th posthumously).  Both karate-ka were pioneers with different ideology in terms of relative ranking, so splinters among the core were inevitable (many of Funakoshi’s students established their own organizations, styles, and associations).  *Colored belts would not become in vogue until Kawaishi Mikonosuke (Judo) popularized the concept throughout Europe in 1930s as a visual reward system to correspond with Kyu ranks.

Funakoshi and Kano were educators and understood the political clout and power the butokai wielded.  If they wanted their respective arts to flourish, they had to play nice in the sandbox and follow government “suggestions.”  By the 1930’s karate gained recognition after meeting certain criteria, conformities that had been in motion for years due to Japanese nationalism:  Karate had to be written as “empty hand” (Japanese), karate had to adopt a standard dogi and kyu/dan rank system, and karate had to development a sport aspect  (competition).

Funakoshi / Kano

From the beginning, there were mixed emotions on rank.  One of Funakoshi’s contemporaries, Chojun Miyagi (Goju-Ryu founder) said, “I believe once dan ranks in karate are awarded, it will inevitably lead to trouble. The ranking system will lead to discrimination within karate and karate-ka will be judged by their rank and not their character. It will create ‘inferior’ and ‘superior’ strata within the karate community and will lead to discrimination between people.” Wow, prophetic. Incidentally, the character “Mr. Miyagi” of Karate Kid fame was inspired by the aforementioned Master. Robert Mark Kamen, co-creator of the movie, was a Goju-ryu student which explains the philosophy behind this famous exchange:

  • Daniel LaRusso: Hey, what kind of belt do you have?
  • Mr. Miyagi: Canvas. J.C. Penny. Three ninety-eight. You like. [laughs]
  • Daniel LaRusso: No, I meant…
  • Mr. Miyagi: In Okinawa, belt mean no need rope to hold up pants. [laughs; then, seriously] Daniel-san, karate here. [taps his head] Karate here. [taps his heart] Karate never here. [points to his belt] Understand?
  • Daniel LaRusso: I think so.   

The real deal, Grand Master Demura Fumio (Shito-ryu), was Pat Morita’s stuntman for the film.

Enter WWII. 

At the end of war, General MacArthur dissolved all military related organizations in Japan, including Dai Nippon Butokukai. In one fell swoop, the flood gates opened, and during the early 1950’s, associations formed left and right by the dojos in each style, each with authority to rank.  Big brother could no longer oversee or regulate the industry, and a “title” wave soon to hit the US shores. It was a sea of chaos that Robert Trias and Nakayama Masatoshi tried to regulate. The USKA (United States Karate Association) and JKA (Japan Karate Association) kept things in check, but with no true governing body, it was still the Wild West.  Have you ever see the movie Catch Me If You Can with Leo DiCaprio?  Con men of his image were common in the martial arts field as it was a lucrative business opportunity. Decades and thousands of associations later, there is still no honor among thieves.

Sōke Cocktail 🍹

Directions:  Shake pride, greed, and ignorance over ice cold ego and stir. Just add students.  Sōke (宗家), not to be confused with Sake (although it helps to have a sip or two when encountering grandstanders) is commonly referred to as head of a family or house in Japan.  In America, the title is controversial and raises red flags.  The pseudo Sōke starter kit typically includes a resume full of multi-10th degree black belts, 15+ hall of fame inductions, and a VHS series of secret waza to supplement the new style they have created.  Mind you, I know certain individuals who deserve this moniker, but then again you don’t hear them bragging or selling memberships, so this isn’t their concern.  Or is it?  The damage done by counterfeit karate-ka is crippling the arts with fiction.

Sōke is synonymous with the term iemoto (family foundation) of a traditional Japanese art. In Japan, this title is rarely used and only applicable to very old martial arts (koryu).  The fact remains karate is NOT an old discipline, so why do we have soooo many Sōke in America?  Rock beats scissors of course. It’s just another rung on the vanity ladder to prove who’s top dog.   They’ve punched their ticket into the Supreme Eternal Grand Master Poohbah club; one part boasting, two parts marketing—all status.  With 300+ million Americans to target, it’s not hard to find naïve students who will follow a master in BS.

Without going into a dissertation, Sōke originally had no connection with martial arts at all. Sōke was a quasi-political title often held by the head of the family while the successor (Sōke) was responsible for the “secret transmissions” of the clan. Basically Sōke is heir from generation to generation. Over time, Sōke also included the rights to familial items such as art, plays, and poetry etc. Like the Rockefellers or Carnegie’s, the Japanese upper class aristocrats held court like a corporation.  If you’re not familiar, tune into the HBO series Succession, some American Sōke would fit right in. All kidding aside, an exuberant number of martial artists claim to have “inherited” these highly guarded ancient teachings despite not being of Japanese descent or a direct family member. That’s right, all the secrets have been willed to Sōke Joe Sixpack of Ohio.  Seems a bit absurd, right?

Others, who can’t verify credentials, find the Shodai Sōke route as the path of least resistanceAdding the Shodai (first generation) to the title is a quicker way to reach Sōke stardom. It’s madness; someone makes up a system, rearranges some kanji and poof, a new style is born. A bit pretentious don’t you think? Worse yet, 20-somethings are getting in on the action. Why not, nobody can stop them from the make believe, it’s as if we are stuck watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Sōke Pokey practitioners swiftly move round and round, in and out of hypocrisy where respect is demanded, worship appreciated and blind loyalty required. The music is loud—so loud they become tone deaf. It echoes, “You put your ego in, you pull your credibility out, you put your arrogance in and you shake it all about.” As the volume reaches dangerous decibel levels, it’s too much for some to bear; others double down.

Pseudo Sōke are eager to defend themselves.  The go-to for damage control is cross-training.  It’s not uncommon to dabble in multiple styles (an admirable path) earning several 1st and 2nd degree black belts in various arts. Problems arise when those ranks seem to rise exponentially by some illogical compound formula.  Regardless, a collective effort is still master of none. Mixing a few disciplines together is just that, mixed martial arts, not a revolutionary ryu. Unless you’ve had some divine intervention, all “contemporary” hybrid systems fall under the MMA umbrella today. Through my own interpretation and innovation, I teach a unique brand of Shotokan.  I’ve incorporated elements of kyokushin, capoeira, tegumi, kickboxing, BJJ, and kicking techniques from various Korean arts.  It works for me, but at the end of the day my root is Shotokan and my title is Sensei.  It is not a newfangled style, just a creative curriculum inspired by Shuhari (Obey, digress, and separate). Shuhari is commonly known as three stages of mastery .  First we learn from tradition, then we break from tradition so we can transcend.

I love Jesse Enkamp’s cooking analogy, so I’ll share:

  • At first, you follow the recipe exactly (Shu).
  • But when you’ve memorized the recipe, you don’t use it anymore (Ha).
  • Eventually, you start freestyling, substituting ingredients according to your own taste, creativity and feeling (Ri).

Voila, you are a Master Chef; but you didn’t invent cooking.  This is why we have a Sōke epidemic. Philosophically speaking we are encouraged to evolve, but many misinterpret and don’t grasp that combing or modifying traditional techniques isn’t the exception, it’s the norm.  We are not in feudal Japan, and Sōke does not mean founder. Unfortunately, it’s grossly and loosely used as propaganda, and Westerners continue to exploit the semantics.  If you want to be remembered as a “creator” we already have an appropriate English term, “founder.” I suppose using the esoteric Japanese title gives the users an ordained feeling, but it’s unwarranted in most circumstances.

Honestly, being a Sōke in America today is kind of like being rich in Monopoly:  Do not pass go, do not collect $200—go directly to jail. Seriously, I am NOT saying all Sōke are fake, the term exists for a reason (some have legitimate lineage). What I am saying is that very few men or women belong in the same conversation as Funakoshi or Kano.  If you fancy yourself in the same breath, then we can agree to disagree. For the small percentage of genuine Sōke or Grand Masters, thank you for your contributions.  Legends of the game like Kanazawa Sōke (Shotokan) or Grand Master Ochiai Hidehiko (Washin-ryu) are examples and rightful members of the fraternity. While imposters continue to ride their coattails, it is flattery we can all do without.

As American karate slides down the slippery slope of sokeship, please ingest the rhetoric with grain of salt.  Make no mistake, this is not an isolated “karate” problem, it’s widespread: tae kwon do, tang soo do, kung fu, etc.  In the end, I’m reminded of a Pastor who fooled his flock.  Television evangelist Jimmy Swaggart didn’t do Christianity any favors with his antics, and many Masters tarnish martial arts in the same vein. There will always be those who desire to be a “personality” rather than a “servant.”  Even if remorseful, the collateral damage is done, however those hypocrites don’t represent the majority! Despite the heretics, my religious faith hasn’t wavered and neither has my conviction to be a Sensei.  Martial-vanity is an easy rabbit hole to fall into, but it’s an alternate state of mind (conscious or subconscious).

Confucius said, “Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.” As a budoka, I want to influence, not impose; earn, not demand; and lead, not command my students.   I will continue to count my blessings and not the amount of stripes on my belt.  Rank does not define me, the integrity of my dojo does.  Although I’ve technically earned a master title, being a Sensei is all I ever wanted.  An average teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior teacher demonstrates, but a Sensei inspires.

If my point of view made you question some of your steps, maybe it’s time to change the choreography of your dance.  It’s not too late to turn yourself around—budo, that’s what it’s all about.

Sincerely,

Just a CommonSensei

PS, it’s pronounced “so-kay” not “so-key” if you insist on moving forward.   It’s not surprising because the most mispronounced word in Japanese history is Karate.  We are all guilty of calling it “kuh-rah-dee” but it’s pronounced “kah-rah-tay.” It’s mispronunciation is pretty much accepted as colloquial slang at this point. #sokepokey

Read my previous article:  “Martial Wayist”

About the author: Bill Viola Jr. is Amazon best-selling author and creator of the award-winning Sensei Says® life skills curriculum. He experienced the “Golden Era” of MMA firsthand as his father, Bill Sr., is credited as the co-creator of the sport of mixed martial arts in 1979. His book Godfathers of MMA inspired the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME film Tough Guys where he acted as a producer alongside an Academy Award accredited team.  The Viola family owns and operates Allegheny Shotokan Karate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania now celebrating their 50-year anniversary (1969-2019). He is currently the President of Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp.

bill@kumiteclassic.com • Connect LinkedIn

Fighter – Gabby Viola 👊 🥋

gabby viola karate kid

In the words of Christina Aguilera,

” ‘Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter “

Gabby Viola Video Highlights – “Fighter”

Gabby listens to this song 🎵, and it speaks to her 💗 reminding her to always keep her hands up! She still has good and bad days, but when the disease attacks, I remind her that she’s a fighter It seems scary, but deep down she has the fortitude of a hundred kids.  She proved it to me and all the bystanders that day in Detroit…

Let me share.  Life isn’t fair, the sooner you accept that the better.  In 2018, completely out of the blue, my daughter Gabby was diagnosed with bowel disease, an incurable inflammatory form of colitis😥.  Without too much detail you’d never know she is sick on the outside, but on the inside, it is killing her: severe bleeding, dehydration, abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, inflammation of joints, skin and eyes, and a swelling colon just off the top of my head.  She was only seven years old; no family history of the illness!  Why oh why?!  Long story short, we continue to do what we have to do: Specialists, naturopathic and holistic experts, trials, infusions, diets, meds, steroids, tests, and therapy — the works.  All you can do is pray 🙏🏻 for remission.

She’s Got Guts! Intestinal Fortitude

In the meantime, she wanted to continue karate. It was her sanctuary, and her doctor gave it the. In July 2019, she attended the World Karate Commission Team Trials in Detroit, Michigan. Top placement earned a spot on “Team USA” to compete at the World Championships. Gabby and her teammates bled for this opportunity. She was one of the youngest competitors to enter and still only a brown belt, in a division dominated by seasoned black belts.  The selection process is based on multiple rounds of competition.  Day 1, she stumbled.  The look of disappointment on her face broke my heart into a million pieces, but I couldn’t show it.  Her little lip quivering, trying to hold back tears, I consoled her the only way I knew how.  I said, “It’s time to unleash tora .”  “Win or lose, show everyone your tiger spirit.”🐯

We had something special up our sleeve, a symbol of her destiny.  That weekend, I brought a 55+ year old brown belt with me.  It was tattered and way too long, but it was magical. It was the same belt my father wore, that I wore, that my sister Addie wore, and now Gabby.  She knew the history behind the belt, and I told her she just needed to add her own sweat to it.  In that moment, she showed “tora no me,” the “eye of the tiger.”  It was a complete 360.  She took the mat with a passion and fervor I’ve never seen.  She absolutely nailed her kata, flipped the script, and catapulted to GOLD🥇. In that moment, not a single individual victory or title I’ve experienced could compete with the pride I felt. 

Understanding inflammatory type diseases🔥:  Inflammation is the body’s response to fighting off harmful things.  It could be an injury, infection, or something toxic.  In Gabby’s case, she is always on 

Her body is confused. This is called IBD or (Inflammatory bowel disease) 🔥 not to be confused with the very common IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) which is not an inflammatory condition/disease.  IBD is an umbrella covering both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.  Both Crohn’s and colitis are characterized by chronic inflammation of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.  IBD is a “ninja” of sorts, because the symptoms often stealth like to the outside world.  Patients often look totally normal to friends and family, but behind the scenes they are struggling with abdominal pain, fatigue, rectal bleeding, bloody stools, and persistent uncontrollable trips to the bathroom. Its cause is unknown, but Doctors do know it’s the result of a defective immune system.  Essentially Gabby’s immune system is attacking itself causing the inflammation 

While there is no cure, we search for ways to help her live a comfortable life, and hold on to hope that a cure will be discovered in her lifetime. 

For those that are close to my family, you already know how this situation dramatically changed our lives. For twenty years I promoted the Kumite Classic (one of the largest and most prestigious independent tournaments in North America). The expo was a 24/7 – 365 type operation. Despite the kumite being apart of my identity, it does NOT define me. As they say, “family first” and I have retired from the Kumite Classic until Gabby is in remission. Someday, I hope to pass the torch 🕯️ to her, and she can reignite 🔥! I enjoy coaching my team, teaching, and traveling when she is %. It’s a new chapter in a long book!

ibd gabby viola
Gabby’s story was a featured front page article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Today, Gabby is receiving biologic infusions at UPMC Children’s hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Her Doctors are kind, compassionate, and very knowledgeable. The infusions are typically 3-4 hour procedures (she has to miss school for each treatment). It is taxing on her body and mind.

IBD Advocate & Lobbyist

However, insurance doesn’t make it easy on these patients. The amount of red tape and outrageous medical bills is both frustrating and sad . According to The National Center of Biotechnology (NCBI), the yearly cost of her current medicine is $25,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on the frequency needed . Big Pharm 💊 💉  should be ashamed. The polices and regulations need to change! As a result we choose to “fight” and get involved. Gabby has been asked to join a national effort to raise awareness for the disease. Beginning this May, she will be lobbying on behalf of patients (like herself) who suffer lack of access to certain treatment. She will be sharing her story as an advocate of IBD research, trying to convince Washington to support her cause. She hopes to be part of the solution and be a small part of one day finding a cure for IBD. She will be attending the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s “Day on the Hill” to meet with different Senators an Congressmen to plead with them to do more! Her trip will be mulitple meetings with legislators about policies impacting the IBD community. The event includes forums hosted by the National Council of College Leaders for parents and pediatric patients, informative advocacy training briefings, and a reception on Capitol Hill .

As a family, we have made the decision use this terrible diagnosis as a powerful teaching moment. We look for anyway to change a negative  into a positive . So we tackle this disease, the way we train at the dojo. with relentless determination! She promises to fight  everyday, and I know she will inspire and empower other’s to do the same. This disease will not stop her from reaching her dreams, goals, and aspirations. There are be setbacks, but without them there are no comebacks.

Over the years, we have had to make multiple emergency stops to local hospitals, urgent cares, and medical facilities. Recently she was hospitalized at the 2019 US Open ISKA World Championships and admitted into Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital after nearly passing out. She was in a flare  and her body was attacked. Unfortunately, she was unable to perform to her standards the next couple months, and fell short of winning WKC Worlds. She could either spiral into self-doubt and depression, or double down on her training. I’m proud to announce she back to her winning ways taking 1st place  at NASKA’s 6-A COMPETE Internationals. The place really doesn’t matter, its continuing to “suit up,” time and time again, when other’s say “hang it up.” This journey will always have ups and downs  but we fail forward . No matter how difficult the challenge, we continue to inch forward . We call is Kaizen (改善) continual self-improvement! 1% every day… Its our “Violosophy.”

The People’s Champ 

gabby viola karate

Often times people associate martial arts as a rough-and-tumble sport dominated by male competitors, but Gabby Viola is shattering the stereotype.  9-year-old Gabby was recently honored by the national karate media and their peers with nationwide “People’s Choice Awards.”  Point Fighter Live is one the most popular media outlets in North America for the sport and recognized the top athletes.

Gabby Viola was nominated as “Competitor of the Year” by Point Fighter Live.  The honor, dubbed as a “Power Award” was voted on by coaches, competitors, and promoters from across North America.  After a nationwide poll, Viola not only won her category (edging out a talented competitor from El Paso, Texas) but was the highest vote total of the show. The physical award will be presented this April in Warwick, Rhode Island at the Ocean State Grand Nationals.

Gabby is a third generation Viola to win national honors.  She’s following in her Dad Bill Jr. and Grandfather Bill Sr.’s footsteps. She began her training as a toddler and has been a national champion since she debuted at the 2013 Kumite Classic.  She’s a member of Team USA, and defending Gold Medalist from the WKC Nationals Championships.  Gabby is an inspiration to other girls battling  bowel disease.  At 7-years-old, she was diagnosed with chronic inflammation and ulcerative colitis.  While there is no cure for the condition, she is fighting for remission every day and proving that nothing can stop her karate dreams.  She is currently treated with infusions at UPMC Children’s hospital and will travel to the Washington, DC this May to meet with the Senate and Congress about funding new research to find a cure.  

When asked about the recognition Gabby said, “I’m really happy.  I hope this helps get me to Japan!” She’s on a mission to fund raise to watch her Idol Sandra Sanchez from Spain compete for a gold medal  at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.  Gabby had the opportunity to train with Sanchez in Orlando, Florida this past July. When she’s not competing, she loves playing piano, dance, and teaching her 2-year-old brother karate. 

Throughout the long season, Gabby traveled to Illinois, California, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey and Canada to compete.  The honors are based on an entire year’s body of work.  

Gabby is a member of Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo which recently celebrated its 50-Year Anniversary.  The Dojo was honored with a proclamation from County Executive Rich Fitzgerald who recognized “Sensei Viola Day” on September 23rd 2019 for the Pittsburgh region.  Sensei Bill Viola Sr. has 4 daughters, all of whom have earned their black belts.  His Granddaughter Gabby and all the up and coming Senpai and Sensei (Lucy, Sammy, Taylor, Zoey, Haley, Abby, Riley) carry on the tradition of strong inspiring ladies from the dojo!

gabby viola karate

The team is gearing up for the 2020 WKC World Championships held in Madrid, Spain and fundraising to visit Tokyo, Japan and attend the 2020 Olympics .  For more information visit www.alleghenyshotokan.com  

# # #

Gabby began training at just 2-years-old and was the inspiration of the Nursery Ninjas program at Allegheny Shotokan Karate. She made her competition debut at the 2013 Kumite Classic and has since competed in over 100 tournaments across North America. In 2015 she won her first Grand Champion, and later that year was the youngest competitor at the World Games. She is a multiple time PKRA State Champion, USKA National Champion, WKC National Champion, and consistent champion on the NASKA World Tour. She is a 3rd generation Viola to carry on the family legacy. Gabby is committed to community service, and has been a top fundraiser to “Kick Parkinson’s Disease” a charity her father helped establish in memory of their Grandmother.

We would also like to extend this positive energy out to our Allegheny Shotokan dojo brothers who also suffer from GI complications: Sensei Conor Burns, Sensei Dave Zezza, and Senpai Mike Pietrzyk

A few highlights:

World Games

Super Grands

Viola Legacy

#IBD #inflammatorybowel #UlcerativeColitis #UC #colitis #crohnsdisease #crohns #indeterminateboweldisease #Inflammatoryboweldisease

Vocab

WHITE BELT:

JapanesePronouceLiteral Common useKanji
chōchōcho chobutterflybutterfly蝶々
Dojodoe joeWay PlaceKarate school道場
Gigeeuniformuniform
Haihiyesyesはい
Hebiheb beesnakesnake
Kamaeteka may e tayposturelow block ready構え手
Karateka raw tayempty handjapanese self-defense空手
Kiaikey eyespirit shoutyell気合
Obioh beesashbelt
Onakaoh na kastomachstomachお腹
Otearaioh tay ryerestroomrestroom御手洗い
Reirayrespectbow
Senseisen sayone born beforeteacher先生
Shizukashe zoo kaquietquiet静か
Tetayhandhand
Tomodachitoe moe da chifriendfriend友達
torator rah tigertiger
shiroshear roewhitewhite

YELLOW BELT:

JapanesePronouceLiteral Common useKanji
ashiawe shefoot/legfoot/legs
domodoe moethanksthanksどうも
Heianhey onpeacepeace平安
Katakah-tahformimaginary fight
kiba dachikey bah dachhorse stanceknees bent stance騎馬立
koshikoe shehipships
kubiku beeneckneck
mizume zoowaterwater
shirishear reerear portionbutt尻 
shodanshow dawnbeginning level1st kata or Heain 1初段
gyaku zukigya-koo zoo-keyreverse thrustreverse punch 逆突
Yameyah mayquitstop辞めます
Hajimehah-jee-maybeginningstartはじめ
yokoyoh-kohsidesideways
maemy-eh frontfront
yukayou kafloorfloor
Tenjouten joesky, heavenceiling天井
kiirokey ear rowyellowyellow黄色 

BLUE BELT

JapanesePronouceLiteral Common useKanji
atamaah-tah-mahheadhead
Funakoshifoo na koo sheFunakoshiFounder of shotokan船越 義珍
hidari hee-dah-reeleftleft
hikitehee key taypull handreaction arm引手
hizahee zakneeknee
tora no metore rah no maytiger’s eyeeye of the tiger虎の目
Kumitekuw me taygrappling handssparring組手
migimee geerightright
shutoshoe-towknife handopen hand block手刀
tatamita tom meefold, pilemat
tetsuitet tue eeeiron hammerhammer fist鉄槌
tobitoe beeflyingjump
kihonkey-honfundamentalsbasics基本
shihanshe hawnmasterteacher of teachers 師範
kenkenfistfist
senpaisen pieearlier colleaguesenior student先輩
kudasaiku da sighpleasepleaseください
orenjior ren geeorangeorangeオレンジ

GREEN BELT

JapanesePronouceLiteral Common useKanji
dachi/tachi dah-cheestandstance立ち
geri/kerigeh-reekickkick
kokyu koh-Qbreathingbreathing呼吸
konnichiwacoe knee chi wahellohello (mid-day)こんにちわ
urakenoo-ra-kenbackside fistback fist裏拳
oi zukioy-zoo-keychase, followstepping punch追突
sayanarasign ya naragoodbyegood byeさよなら
shihanshe-hanexpert/mastermaster師範
Seizasay-zahkneelSamurai position正座
Shotokanshow toe conhouse of shoto (whistling pines)name Funakoshi’s style松涛館
ukeeww-kayreceiveblock
yoiyoi and double yoipreperationget ready用意
nukitenew-key-taypenetration handspear貫手
yoko geri yoh-ko garyside kickside kick横 蹴
mae gerimy-ehh garyfront kickfront kick前蹴
ichi-banitchy bon#1first place一番
tatte tot tay stand upstand up立て
ao(i)owlblueblue

PURPLE BELT

JapanesePronouceLiteral Common useKanji
age ukeah-gay oo-kayrising blockrising block上げ受け
arigato gozimasuair re got toe go zie mausthank thank youthank you very muchありがと ございます
ju-ichi – ni ju jew itch – knee jew #11-#20counting 11-20十 一 and 二十
dodoepaththe way
harahar rahbellyenergy field in abdomen
kokotsu dachi koe-koo-tsu dah-cheeback bend stanceback stance 後屈立
enkeiN keyround shapecartwheel円形
mawashi gerimah-wah-she  garyturn kickroundhouse kick回し蹴り
mawattemah-wah-tayspin or aroundturn回まわって
mokuso moh-koo-sohsilent thinkingfocus / clear mind黙想 
musubi dachimoo-sue-be dah-cheeknotv-bow 結び立
nagenaw gaycast or throwthrow
Otagai oh ta guymutualface each other show respectお互い
shomenshow men front of the headfront of the room正面
uchieww-cheehitstrike
zenkutsu dachizen-koo-tsue Front bend Stancefront stance前足
shizen taishih-zen-tienatural stancefocus/ready position自然
midorime door re greengreen

BROWN BELT

JapanesePronouceLiteral Common useKanji
bu  boowar/militarymartial
bushidoboo she doewarrior way (samurai)way of the warrior武士道
jodanjoe dawnupper level/degree/stagehigh level上段
chudanchew dawnmiddlemiddle level中段
gedangay dawnlower columnlower level下段
ashi baraiahh she ba rightrippingsweep足払
go no sengo no senafter the priorblock and counter後の先
sen no sensen no sneprior to priortiming (be faster)先 の 先
sen sen no sensen sen no senprior to prior to priortake initiative先 先 の 先 
keagekay ah-gayrisingsnap [kick]蹴上
kekmoikay-ko-meeriserthrust [kick]蹴込 
Ryu Kyurue Qchain of Okinawan islandswhere karate grew up琉球諸島
tegumitay goo mehands crossing/engagedwrestling/grappling 手組
urshiro geriewe-she-rowback kickback kick 後蹴
zanshinzawn shinremaining mindtotal awareness/fearless残心
mushinmoo shinno mindno fear無心
embusenem boo senMilitary performance lineinvisible line (spot kata begins)演武線
murasakimur ra sa keypurplepurple
JapanesePronouceLiteral Common useKanji
bujutsuboo jit sueMartial technique/methodmartial art/science (parent of budo)武術
budoboo doeMartial waymartial way (modern 17th century+)武道
bugeiboo gayMartial performanceart of war武芸
ikken hissatsuee ken he sause sueone fist certain deathkill with one blow一拳必殺
Itosuee toe sueFunakoshi’s teacherShuri-te master糸洲 安恒
kanjicon GHanlogographic characters漢字
kimekey maydecision or commitmentfocus/tense at right moment of move決め
kuzushiku zoo shedestroy or demolishunbalance崩し
oyooh yoapply (extracted kata techiques)application of bunkai応用
pinanpee nonpeacefulOkinawan peace or safe平安
tokui toe-kuWEEpride or triumph (your best)free kata 得意
tai sabakitie sa ba keybody movmentdefensive movement体捌き
tamashiitama sheesoulindomitable spirit
wazawaa zaaskilltechnique 技
bunkaiBoon-kaianalysis/disassemblybreak it down分解
dandawnleveldegree
kyuQstepgrade or level
chairocha ear rowbrownbrown茶色
     
senteisen tayselectionkatas required on test選定

Test

Test Etiquette / Information:

Students are eligible to test every 4-months. You will be sent a link (via email) ahead of time to pay for the exam. You current membership dues must be up to date and your account in good standing to test. If you pay for your test and miss it, you can take it the following month at no extra charge.

Each test follows a set of: VOCAB

Etiquette:  Full gi, never any t-shirts: clean/ironed, Water is permitted (always raise hand), you must pre-pay before the test takes place, if you miss your scheduled test, you can schedule a private test if an examiner is available (with an additional fee based on private lesson rate) or test the following month at no extra charge with the group. 

We use the Japanese Kyu/Dan ranking system.  Kyu are “levels” for under belts (white-brown) and Dan are degrees of black belt.

Kyu ranks move downward ⇩ meaning the lower # is best, while Dan ranks move upward ⇧ while high # is best.  Example 1-Kyu brown belt (5 tips) is ready for pre-black belt test. *remember a black belt is not an expert.  Shodan means “beginning” degree.  It is a major milestone like graduating high school, but then you must start college and move up the Dan ladder. 

In our dojo kids <13 are “Jr. Black Belts.”  They move to full Shodan status at age 14.   An exam at our dojo is influenced by a number of factors that are not cut/dry including:    

  1. Minimum requirements (kihon/kata)
  2. Technique (Martial Arts)
  3. Character Development (Martial Way)
  4. Vocab/History
  5. Class Attendance
  6. Intensity / Effort
  7. Abilities/Disabilities
  8. Maturity
  9. Private Lessons
  10. Kumite (sparring) in-class evaluation *required at intermediate level to advance

*Minimum requirements: Learning higher kata is admirable, but not at the expense of your requirements.  Knowing a more advanced kata does not make you eligible for the belt it coincides with, they are considered bonus. We have time requirements between levels, not just memorization. Kata is only “one” of the factors.

You must meet maintain your basics (foundation), and still focus on the “short list” of kihon and kata specific to your rank. That list often determines if a retest is needed. Previous martial arts experience, Private lessons, kata class, and Saturday class can accelerate advancement as can high level proficiency in kumite (Shihan’s discretion).  

The journey from White→Yellow→Orange→ Blue (novice ranks) can be very different for an adult/teenager compared to a Ninja.  Rapid advancement, skipping stripes can occur; however it’s not the norm.  While you may know all the “technical” material for a certain level, remember the process is a marathon not a sprint. 

Every test level advanced is considered a ½ point (stripe) as normal progression.  If you jump from white to yellow, that is a full 1-point (skipping the yellow stripe in the process).  Jumping a full point is the maximum Shihan allows on any single test, no matter how much material you know. *exception, students who join with previous martial arts training.

*Also we don’t straddle stripes (if you have a yellow stripe, you won’t pass to an orange stripe) earning the “solid” belt is the goal.  The development of our system takes adequate time for maturity and character development (time served).  Never compare your progress with your line mate. Your journey is “individual” you versus yourself.  Students with limitations or who may suffer from a disability either (physical or mental), chronic injuries or disease also play a part in the subjective outcome of a test.  This is where heart, attitude and determination come into play.  Courage/Determination (or as Sensei likes to   call it “will over skill”) is a vital characteristic to consider. This can outshine the technical aspect of a test in some cases.  Personal development is just that, personal.

Intro-Ninjas: We do not work on kata in the intro class. This is typical training in our novice class after you earn a stripe for basics. If you wish to attempt to earn a yellow belt as an “intro student” “optional” private lessons is the only way to do so. An intro Ninja can earn a yellow belt if they learn the entire Heian #1 (first kata).  This kata isn’t taught during intro class and isn’t required for the white belt with yellow stripe, which most ninjas earn first.   

Line up by Rank:  In our Ninja classes, the higher belts line up in the front line in order by colors ascendingly.  There is no specific assigned order within a color for Ninjas.  Once a student moves into the Intermediate or adult class, they must line up individually by “rank” based on the performance of their test.  Those in a group who score “highest” are called out “last” when given results (or the leader of that group).  This position in line can flip flop based on each test.

*something to consider:  Students who enjoy tournaments please factor that your belt or kata can determine your division: Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced.   I always encourage students to move “up” to challenge themselves, but make sure you are ready.  Just because you can perform kata #4, you must ask yourself is it at an intermediate or advanced level? If you wish to perform kata #4, you must move from novice division to intermediate or advanced at tournaments.  Sometimes staying the course is better than jumping ahead so you can gain experience. This is a good conversation to have with Sensei.

Intermediate (Blue green) and advanced (purple brown) incorporate 2 tips on the obi.  Example: If you are a solid green belt and score a “full point,” you could in theory earn 2 tips at once (however jumps at blue, green, purple become increasingly difficult). *exception: students with previous experience, this is open to Shihan discretion. Brown belts do not skip tips.  Each tip is critical in the learning process

*If a student shows dynamic skill or maturity an expedited test can occur (less than the standard 4-month period).  These are rare and nominated by a high ranking black belt.  It is never polite to ask, this will happen organically if necessary.

*Perspective: Sensei Bill Jr. and Gabby never skipped any stripes or belts.  They have earned each level in in succession. So always expect to just take one step at a time J  

Pass/Fail/Retest:  Nearly every test, a few students don’t pass or need a retest.  This is normal and part of the learning curve.  It is also reminder that you need to “earn” each step and can be a wakeup call.  We want each student to exceed their own “potential,” so every student is evaluated differently.    

Pass: Self-explanatory. Results typically given 1-week from the test at the end of class

Fail: Did not meet minimum requirements, must wait for an upcoming test. (Discussion with sensei to determine the amount of time needed to prepare)

Retest: In some cases the majority of the test is passed, but a single area needs improvement.  An immediate retest can occur within 2 weeks, after consultation with the examiner. Sometimes a single private lesson on the trouble area can do the trick.  There is no fee associated with this, and rank is promoted immediately after the retest session.