Kyoshi Muhammad and Shihan Carlos visit IKC in Oceanside, NY

 
 
 
 

20 years later a former student reunites with her 1st Sensei

1985, 1987, 1989, 2008

Miyazaki Karate-Do O.B. Kai

The Miyazaki Karate-Do O.B. Kai was a group created by Master Miyazaki to help past, present and future members understand the traditions and practice of the art of Karate.

The O.B. Kai was founded on August 17, 2008 to gather students who have followed Master Miyazaki's way for at least three years, attained brown belt in one of his dojos, or older members who desired to maintain their connection to Master Miyazaki.

I had the pleasure and honor to be invited at the 1st gathering of the Miyazaki Karate-Do O.B. Kai. http://miyazakiobkai.org/ which was held on Sunday-Nov 15, 2008 at Dante's Restaurant in Queens, NY.

Having studied with Sensei Miyazaki from 1973-1977, he was instrumental in laying a foundation in the martial arts that has and continues to be a part of my way of life.

Here are just a few images of the reunion of old friends and the association of new one.

All the best to him and his students. Oss

The Legacy and the Future

Much that is old has been lost. Much that is new is simply rediscovered. The need to preserve our heritage and to encourage future developement in the martial arts led to the founding, in 1981, of the Densetsu KuKen Karate-Do Kyokai. As the leaders of a small, private group Soke Alamo and Shihan Varon were free to teach a hard-core traditional style without the burdens of running a commercial dojo or the constraints of a larger political organization.

The foundation of our style is based on the teachings of O'Sensei Tadashi Sukio, one of the last proponents of the Nippon Kuken Do. This was a hard, combat oriented system which was passed on to Soke Alamo in the late 1970's. Also in that period, Soke Alamo and Shihan Varon, both at that time sankyu (Brown belt) students of O'Sensei Richard Lenchus, continued to hone their devastatingly effective technique.

As both Sensei's Alamo and Varon began teaching independently of the Legend association, more students were drawn to the uncompromising high standards of the style. The location of the Dojo would change from dance studios to garages to restaurant rental space, but the spirit and the solid heart of the teaching was always unaltered.

The Curriculum

As a traditional style, the Densetsu Kyokai builds on the solid foundation of basics, uses kata (forms) to teach mobility, agility and the "flow" of technique, and uses sparring (kumite) both pre-arranged and free-style to build spirit and practical application of technique. A student advancing through the ranks will find that they are continually re-evaluating technique and using kata to explore deeply into the many levels of meaning behind each technique.

The Densetsu ranking sysyem:

WHITE Shichi Kyu Taikyoku Shodan, Nidan, Sandan
YELLOW Roku Kyu Heian Shodan, Nidan
GREEN Go Kyu Heian Sandan, Yondan
PURPLE Yon Kyu Heian Godan, Tekki Shodan
BROWN 3 San Kyu Tekki Nidan
BROWN 2 Ni Kyu Tekki Sandan, Bassai
BROWN 1 Ikkyu Hangetsu, Kanku
BLACK Shodan Empi, Jutte

The remaining kata, Jion and Gankaku, are taught at Nidan level. Further study of other katas is acceptable but not required. Students are always encouraged to seek out and explore new ideas and incorporate them into their own repetoire. Due to the high standards of the association, there is typically a year or more between promotion examinations. In addition to the physical aspects of the Art, a student is required to have a firm grounding in Japanese terminology for the techniques appropriate to their level, as well as an understanding of the history and philosophy behind this and other Martial Arts. This is in keeping with the concept of "Ken Zen Ichi", that a student should be a well-rounded person, not a mere brawler. The courtesy, discipline, respect and dedication necessary for an understanding of the Art are aspects of character which carry over into everyday life

Soke Raymond P. Alamo-Founder, Shihan Carlos Varon-Co Founder

The Traditional Way

Soke Raymond Alamo

Shihan Carlos Varon

The greatest victory is to win without fighting. All ancient martial arts prepared the practitioner to survive a life or death struggle. The lessons were gained at high cost, in blood and pain, in supreme effort of mind and body. And yet, very few now alive will ever face that kind of challenge. What then, is the purpose of the martial arts in modern times?

Through rigorous training, the body is developed and strengthened. The mind gains new knowledge, new insights and new perspectives. And most importantly, the spirit is forged and tempered to a high level, where any problem in life can be faced calmly and overcome. Learning to fight effectively is almost a side benefit.

Happy New Year!

May the year 2008 be a turn-around year for many of us.
I would like to wish you all the best of health and happiness that the year can give us. Once my recovery is fully over, I hope to reoonnect and resume the friendships and ties we had in 2007. Life is too short..let us move on to bigger and better things for all.



Shihan Carlos Varon

Martial Force On Line Interview with George Bonet

Kudos to George Bonet and his recent interview in the online magazine: Martial Force.
Here is the interview in its' original presentation. Enjoy...Shihan Varon
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Presented by Shihan Eddie Morales

Martialforce.com

Online Magazine

Martialforce: When did you begin your Martial arts training and with whom?

Shihan G.Bonet: Spring of 1977 at the “House of the Legend” Shotokan Karate School in Brooklyn, under the guidance of Hanshi Bernard “Frenchy” Scarda, Shihan Carlos “Ram” Varon, Shihan Carmel “Babe” Sorrento and later on the Founder of the Legend Grand Master Rick Lenchus.



I continued training within their organization, and later met and trained with Hanshi George Bradley, and Shuzeki Shihan Eddie Morales of the Divine Strength Goju-Ryu Academy of Martial Science Shuryoku kai kan of which I currently Head the NY Region as the senior.

Along the way I met many Grand Masters who through patience and guidance continued to train me and allow me into their families. Their names are Prof. Frank “Pop” Edwards Sr., and Prof. Frank “Cowboy” Edwards Jr. –Bronxdale Vee-Jitsu, Prof. Danny Torres- DanTor-Ryu, Prof. Ruben Torres, Shihan Joseph Craig (My Senior Brother and Friend), Shihan Anthony Marquez, Master Clay Allison, Chief Grand Master Rico Guy, Great Grand Master Aaron Banks, and the late and great Professor F. Visatacion, whom I was very fond of.

The one that made it possible for me to meet and train with the names above is my true friend and mentor that has trained and allowed me into his family Professor Jose Velez, of the Jukido-Kai Ryu School of Modern Vee Jitsu and Karate-Do. Prof. Velez has had a profound influence in my martial and personal life. I am forever in his debt and he is always close in my heart, along with Shuzeki Shihan Eddie Morales—Thank you both for instilling in me this Budo spirit that continually improves who I am.

Martialforce: Are you currently training and teaching?

Shihan G.Bonet: I continue to train with Professor Jose Velez and his senior group, Shihan Frank Grajales in NY, Kyoshi Torey Overstreet when in Texas.

Since moving back to NY from PA. , I have been teaching at the Local Community Center, and offering classes to the Boy Scouts of America, UCP, and local Law Enforcement Agencies, and Emergency Response Teams, on basic self defense, and rendering first aid.

Martialforce: What motivates you to continue your training?

Shihan G.Bonet: You can never stop training; this is what martial arts are all about. Mastering and merging the Mind, Body, Spirit, It’s a way of life.

I continue to train on my basics, which are the foundation. I continue to look to my students as my teachers in the sense that you learn from every experience.

Every day brings a new experience, and another reason to continue to train. I wake up every day with the “I can” make a positive difference in someone’s life” attitude and maybe save someones life.

You have one life, so it’s best to always help someone. That is what you taught me Shuzeki Shihan Eddie Morales, I thank you.

Martialforce: What does your training consist of?

Shihan G.Bonet: I concentrate on the Spiritual aspects, the tradition, and the history of the ones that went through so much to leave their legacy to us. More and more books are coming about laying down the true history and development. The Internet has made an impact on the martial arts with easy access to the past history.

Aside from that, keep true to the basics, and always visit the mat. The mat will not lie to you. Meditate on ways to improve, and expand on your knowledge.

Martialforce: How do you feel about tournament competition?

Shihan G.Bonet: During the 80’s, I competed as a Teenager, Winning consecutive City-State, and National Championships while competing in the AAU, and some open tourney’s. Local Classics, and of course the Ying-Yee Cup.

As a child and then as a teenager, rules of engagement, respect, and Team spirit all help activate Leadership skills that come in handy as life long tools when life offers you different obstacles. Everyone should compete at one time or another, it brings you closer to the people in the arts, and you gain so much experience as a result.

For me personally I think Amateur and Open competition are a good experience. Honing your skills for a true martial arts event, leads no room for errors. In the end, it’s a way of life, and the way you choose to live is up to you.

Martialforce: Would you recommend cross training reference weights and running for the martial artist?

Shihan G.Bonet: Yes, I would recommend anything that will inspire you to train more, and get the best out of what is available to you; there are no perfect systems.

Martialforce: Were you born in New York City?

Shihan G.Bonet: Yes, I was born and grew up in Brooklyn New York

Martialforce: What are your thoughts on cross training in various styles of martial arts?

Shihan G.Bonet: You can never forget Tradition but cross training has always been a practice of martial artist around the world. It’s now a common placed practice to train in karate and in addition also practice weapons or another system.

Martialforce: What would you say are the benefits of training in Karate besides the self-defense aspect?

Shihan G.Bonet: Take away the punches, kicks, blocks and you still have great health benefits. The “Kata” or dance trains your entire body in an aerobic and anaerobic fashion.

Martialforce: What are your thought on the U.F.C. and mixed martial arts?

Shihan G.Bonet: I believe there are some limits to the brutality, especially for our youth, but as entertainment and as a sport for adults, I think it has its place.

Remember the 1970’s Chinatown Tourney’s, they were just as brutal, but private.

The UFC has promoted some excellent martial artist and the excitement surrounding the sport is phenomenal. The martial arts are a living and breathing phenomenon that will continue to evolve long after this generation. If in the end it’s good for our youth and it instills the desire to succeed in life, then let it be.

Martialforce: Who would you say influenced you the most in the beginning?

Shihan G.Bonet: I’m sure everyone says Bruce Lee and Yes, I saw the movies, and bought the posters, but to be more realistic and not taking anything away from master Bruce Lee, the person that influenced me and continues to influence me is my father. He would ask me if I wanted to take boxing, and when I finally said yes…there were no Boxing classes available, but there was a Karate class, and so those were my beginnings.

I should also give credit to Federico Dijols who is still my dojo brother, and my cousin Luis Santiago

Martialforce: Who are some of the people you've trained with?

Shihan G.Bonet: The list above should be sufficient, but to name a couple of more. Master Rachel Rivera, Prof. Barroso, Prof. David James, Ron (You know who), Ron (Shadow), Twin Dragons (GA), Mr. L. Choi., My father Justo Bonet, James Tsu, the list goes on and on. There were so many friends that I found in my journey. I thank each of them for allowing me the opportunity to know and pass through their doors.

Martialforce: So what are the main differences between the hard system's and soft systems?

Shihan G.Bonet: Well, aside from the rate of speed, every hard system has a soft movement, and every soft system will have some hard techniques. The physics are different but the mechanics will remain the same…Hard or Soft.

Martialforce: What age do you recommended beginning Martial arts?

Shihan G.Bonet: I think children are best introduced at the age of 6. By that time a child understands rules that come from someone else other than a parent, and they can also freely discuss their experience with their parents.

It’s always recommended that parents remain involved, at one level or another. Once the child starts progressing they are pretty good at knowing if this is something they will choose to do.

Martialforce: What is your view on martial arts movie actors/actresses?

Shihan G.Bonet: I think they all do their job to entertain and keep the action meter going.

To end, I owe a lifetime of thank you and deep appreciation to Shuzeki Shihan Eddie Morales for taking the time to teach, train me, and instill the Warrior Ways deep in my being.

I bow to you…

Karate Halloween Party & Demo in LI

Getting ready for the festivities to begin.

Hmm? And who could he be?

And let the games begin........

Respect, honor, courtesy and tradition. Never forget the basics.

The princess defends the dojo!

We are all beginners....

Now how do we do this again?

The Samurai prepares to attack and then...........

Easily deflected by the Okinawan farmer and .....ouch!!!!!!!!!!

Its ok kid! You can do this! Piece of cake!

Yes! I do intend to hit you! That is why this is called "martial arts"

And a great time was had by all! Thank-You Sensei Edel for allowing us the use of the dojo. Thank-You Sensei Steve for providing the drink and food! Sensei Keith for bringing the music player and thank-you all for coming down and having a great time. Looking forward to next years' party/demo! Shihan Varon