GRADING 2008

GRADING 2008

Chelsea Espina

Chelsea Espina, Sensei

Chelsea is a very experienced and well seasoned athlete. Chelsea is an accomplished competitor with multitudes of medals and trophies to her credit. She excels in both kata and kumite and is undoubtedly a rising star in Team Sansei. She is an exceptional young karate-ka. Her skills are extremely sharp, and she possesses potential for greatness.

Frank Payne, Sensei

Frank Payne, Sensei

Frank Payne, Sensei is the head instructor of Bushido Florida Dojo, A very good friend to the "World Sansei" Koryu Gojukai Karatedo Organization . He Teaches Kodokan Judo and Yoshitsune Jiu-Jitsu. He has studied the Japanese martial arts for over fifty years, starting at the age of 12 in 1953. He holds Rokudan (Sixth Degree Black Belt) rank in Kodokan Judo and is a Certified Master Examiner for the United States Judo Association. He also holds Renshi Rokudan Shihan rank in Yoshitsune Jiu-Jitsu via the International Federation of Jujutsuans, and Rokudan rank in American Martial Arts Jujitsu via the United States Judo Association. He has been the head instructor of Bushido Florida Dojo since 1973. As a judo instructor he has brought many students from white belt beginner status to various levels of black belt rank, taken many students to tournaments where they have won trophies and gained confidence in shiai at local and higher level tournaments. Over the years, he has taught public school students, college students, business people, doctors, lawyers, airline pilots, teachers, and other professional people, and even taught both the hearing impaired and the vision impaired. As a self-defense instructor, with Yoshitsune Jiu-Jitsu, he has taught many of these same people, and also prison guards, army rangers, and police officers. He has hosted, and taught international seminars in both Kodokan Judo and Yoshitsune Jiu-Jitsu, studied and taught in both judo and jiu-jitsu in training camps and on international training tours. He has had articles published in such martial arts magazines as Karate International and Bugeisha magazines. In 1988 he was featured in Who's Who in the Martial Arts Elite, and in 1994 he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

"WORLD SANSEI" THE BAMBOO DOJO

THE BAMBOO DOJO

Goals

Your Goals

In preparing to get to your goal, you need to know what your purpose is, and set out on a journey to reach your fullest potential with passion. By getting to know yourself authentically and thoroughly here are some things to consider:
· Confront positive and negative emotions of the past and present.
· Begin to discover what is behind those feelings.
· Chart your course.
· What is your passion. What are the things that make you joyful and fulfilled in life
· Meditate. You will bring calmness and stillness and the ability to discover and create with your mind, the life you desire.
· Consult with others you trust. Ask them how they view you. Ask them to tell you the strengths or talents they see in you. Remember that we all have areas of opportunity, so don't forget to get to those as well!
· Listen to the life stories and experiences of others. Reading and/ or listening to books will inspire you and provide affirmation.
· Set specific goals and create an action plan.
· Define what success and failure look like to you. We all have our definition based upon where we are or what our authentic self desires.
· Maintain your health by eating well, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, checking your stress factors and reshaping your thoughts.
· Enjoy the miraculous gift of life each moment and truly live in it! Then, and only then can you begin to have FUN!
· Remember that without a purpose, we drift along in life, totally devoid of any passion, goals and purpose. We only merely exist when we fail to live! Put yourself in the realm of the Universe and have an open mind. Observe the world around you and decide to act!

Arturo Espina, Sensei

Arturo Espina, Sensei

Arturo Espina, Sensei is a coach that has mastered his craft. He knows how to simultaneously mold a group of individuals to think, act and perform as one collective unit; He has proven to be an effective Sensei and coach understanding how to communicate with the team in a way that gets results. He serves as a guide, inspiring and empowering the athlete to realize and develop his or her potential. Athletes need to adhere to a reasonable set of rules both on and off the competitive floor, Espina, Sensei understands his responsibilities for the discipline of the team. He is an effective Sensei that clearly states the code of conduct up front and adheres to it. He is an effectively is listener with a compassionate ear. He welcomes the team’s comments, questions and input. Besides being strongly committed to the sport and success Espina, Sensei displays a clear commitment to looking out for the best interest of the individual players. At the Florida International University Karate Program he was extremely helpful in teaching and motivating its members.

Attitude

Attitude

" When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to discover they are not it!"

The longer I live, the more i realize the impact of attitude on my life. Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break you. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act a certain way. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it, and so it is with you, we are in charge of our attitude.

"You Should"nt step on people to get ahead but you can step over them if they're in the way!"

Devon Dolam, Sensei

Devon Dolam, Sensei

Devon Dolam, Sensei has distinguished himself as an excellent instructor, leader, teacher, and student. He affects students’ lives both physically and mentally. Sensei Dolam, has established his reputation outside the dojo, expediting seminars in tactical defense for local law enforcement as well as community outreach seminars in women's self defense. He is also well known for his unique ability in teaching and motivating young children to excel to their highest potential. He is an accomplished fighter and tactician. He is a full time law enforcement officer and highly educated man of distinction.

Marco Herzog, Sensei

Marco Herzog, Sensei

Marco Herzozg, Sensei's dedication, knowledge, and teaching style have served to inspire his students to be the best that they can be.

His dedication and perseverance are to be commended; he not only represents the knowledge he has gained in the Arts but also his many years of hard work and sacrifice. He is an exceptional Sensei and will go on to achieve much success throughout his life. He is a veteran seasoned Pilot and Sensei. He is an energetic and loving teacher. He trains hard with his students. He does not just stand up and teach, then sit back.

He loves to feel how his students are doing, so he can help them.

By being an active participant, he is better able to understand their progress and has the fun of training them too.

Javier Ortiz, Sensei

Javier Ortiz, Sensei

Javier Ortiz, Sensei has numerous accomplishments in Karate and teaches the sport he got involved in as young man. He is a conscientious and dedicated professional, as well as motivating competitor, instructor and coach. Sensei Javier has served as a Sansei Team member representing his country Puerto Rico, and has won many local and national championships. Sensei Javier is committed to training students of all ages, levels and abilities in order to maximize ones fullest potential. Sensei Javier is also highly recognized, for his naturally athletic ability and being a quick, dedicated learner which has aided him over the years in his practice of karate.

Alex Odio, Sensei

Alex Odio, Sensei

Delimar Melendez, Sensei

Delimar Melendez, Sensei

Jesse Ortiz, sensei

Jesse Ortiz, Sensei

Mike Perez, Sensei

Mike Perez, Sensei

Mike Perez, Sensei is a graduate of Florida International University Karate program. He has always been the type of Sensei who sets high standards for himself, and then goes on to meet them. He tackles his Karate and education with characteristic focus and inner strength. He is a gifted teacher and educator.

Sandra Paniagua, Sensei

Sandra Paniagua, Sensei

Sandra Paniagua, Sensei is a graduate from Florida International University Karate program. She is a very determined young lady. She approaches life with responsibility, empathy and ambition. She has always approached her studies with remarkable discipline. Her professional interests are as varied as her background; she wanted to become and lawyer and did just that. Sandra applied the same determination to excel in Karate. She is an excellent practitioner.

Charley Gonzalez, Sensei

Charley Gonzalez, Sensei

Bridging Heaven & Earth
(The Body, Mind & Spirit)

Charley Gonzalez, Sensei , is an extraordinary spiritual Sensei, healer and Teacher. The fisrt Black Belt directly under Manny Saavedra, Kaicho in the State of Florida.
Dr. Charley Gonzalez is a prominent leader in the chiropractic
Profession. After graduating from Logan College of Chiropractic
he began his private practice, helping thousands of patients
from his offices in Miami, Florida. Part of the reason for Gonzalez, Sensei’s status as a respected chiropractic leader and Sensei is his unfaltering dedication to the welfare of his patients and his students, and to the personal charisma that makes every encounter with him an event to be remembered.

Jimmy Valentin, Sensei

Jimmy Valentin, Sensei

There are countless words to describe Jimmy Valentin, Sensei , among them husband, father, son, brother, Sensei, leader, diplomat, friend. He is a unique Sensei, friend and student that bases his friendship on mutual respect and loyalty. He garnered the respect of everyone he ever met, He focuses on the importance of discipline, self-respect, respect for others, the value and importance of an education, good grades and a great attitude.

Ricky Adames, Sensei

Ricky Adames, Sensei

It is commonly acknowledged that to transmit knowledge is to influence eternity“Those who learn from us in turn will teach. In the transmission of knowledge, generations are woven into an historical fabric that connects us all. This is teaching as a great cosmic quilting bee.

Sen is a Japanese term that means before, or ahead. Sei means life, birth or living. Therefore, the sensei is a teacher. They are born before, therefore they are thought to have knowledge that inexperienced people do not. Therefore I broadly understand a sensei to be "one who has gone before". In the karate environment, a Sensei is seen to be a "teacher" or an "instructor", and therefore the term implies many years’ experience, and the achievement of high order of Karate skills and knowledge. Further it implies the ability to teach others, and contribute to their development. Sensei Adames is an "extra-ordinary" person, and is seen by others to be "different" and "more advanced" in crucial areas of human life. In the dojo environment Sensei Adames is a leader. Throughout history there have been numerous attempts to clearly identify "what is leadership". Sensei Adames has a good understanding of teaching principles. Sensei Adames is a human being who tries at all times to "do his best" for others. He is concerned about other’s needs and concerns. He is a great counselor and helps people work through problems. Sensei Adames understands and applies modern bio-mechanical and human performance principles to ensure a safe training environment. Sensei Adames is up to date, and maintains qualifications and expertise in all teaching skills and effective management practices. He is an effective Sensei with impeccable human relations skills, and has the ability to "lead" others. He is able to develop and maintain harmonious and effective relationships. In dealing with others and making decisions, Sensei Adames is seen to be fair to everybody. Fairness is defined by other people, not the Sensei, so the Sensei is alert to the feelings of other people. Sensei Adames instills, and develops others confidence in themselves.

Guillermo Pidal, Sensei

Guillermo Pidal, Sensei

Honor. Respect Integrity and Discipline, These words are tossed around so frequently these days that they've nearly lost their meaning. Guillermo Pidal, Sensei put these values into action on a daily basis. Guillermo Pidal, Sensei constantly demonstrates all of the values he encourages his students to follow. No matter whom he's working with, he is able to present the lesson in such a way that it's easily understood. His patience and encouragement are incredible, and both children and adults appreciate his positive approach. It's easy to tell that Pidal, Sensei cares deeply about Karate Do; it's also clear that he cares about all the members of the organization. He is one of my very first students in Florida, with me since the age of 11. He is an outstanding practitioner and has participated in many events.

Gina Rodriguez, Sensei

Gina Rodriguez, Sensei

Inspired by her search for health and wellness, Gina has undergone training in the teaching of special needs children, Giving her very unique approach to health, wellness and Karate. Her wide background in Karate Education, has lead her to work confidently with individuals whose physical capabilities range from top-end athletes, to those with special needs..Most importantly, Gina is passionate about helping her Students change the way they feel and think. Her goal is to guide those who are looking for balance, in both their bodies and in their minds. Gina, combines her physical training with positive thought and compassion. “My goal is to establish a place where we can blend of both movement and thought, reinforcing the mind/body connection, while bringing each of us closer to optimal health”.

Teaching Concepts

Teaching Concepts

Throughout my evolution Goju-Ryu has become an art of expression through technique and movement on the personal level. I believe a good Sensei assesses your qualities and finds the best, I believe that we as Sensei’s can have a profound influence on our student’s self-concept and outlook on life. Karate to me is and education and I try to convey useful lessons of living through lectures and movement. Teaching is an art of communication.
The important thing is not what a Sensei knows, but what his students know; not what he can do, but what they can do.

The definition of teaching is to present material in a competent manner, which causes the desired learning to occur. The reason people teach Karate vary, but one of the most important reasons is to accept responsibility to develop leadership and other skills necessary to improve the quality of the practitioner in the next generation. Much effort and self-discipline are required to develop these skills. But learning to care for and to lead others will develop character and make life meaningful.
Since knowledge and information in the civilized world has come from work of people whom lived before us, there is an obligation to those who come after. Understanding this will develop a strong respect for seniors and a strong feeling of responsibility for juniors. This responsibility to juniors or future generations is an obligation to posterity.
The how to teach format of the World Sansei Koryu Gojukai Karatedo Organization will be broken down into four parts;
Human relation skills, knowledge of contents, planning skills, and instructional skills.

Human Relation Skills

One of the most effective ways to teach is by becoming a living example. For this reason, the instructor needs to be a positive role to the student. This position is necessary for the instructor to influence and build the students character and life. To further the responsibility, the instructor must realize that every time he/she is in contact with the student, whether or not he/she is in the Dojo. His/her actions make a big impression. Both the young and older students need a living example. An instructor is much more effective if the adult has respect for the instructor’s personal habit and lifestyle.
When dealing with parents of a student, the instructor must understand that they play an important part in the teaching team. It is a good idea for the instructor to explain to the parents the goals and teaching methods he is using. This is necessary for the parents to know they can encourage the child and help assist is the learning process. Parents must realize the benefits and the reasoning of the rank system; the parents must also realize the benefits of individual and class discipline. The support of the parents is critical in achieving optimal progress of the student. It is the instructor’s job to communicate this to the parents so that they fully understand their role as a member of the teaching team.
Class management skills are equally important in developing a professional teaching style. The Instructor is most effective when he/she controls the emotional climate of the class. The following skills can generate and maintain motivation in the students and their desire to learn:

1. Set the attitude and tone of the class.
2. Create a positive atmosphere.
3. Use a personal approach.
4. Set direct goals.
5. Give thoughtful feedback to student response.
6. Give praise.
7. Give positive correction rather than criticism.
8. Refer to the student by name.
9. Teach the concept of personal achievement.

Knowledge or Content

An Instructor must know and understand the entire curriculum in the system, sparing techniques, self-defense sets, first aid, and all other requirements within the rank of expertise. This means the instructor must be ready to answer any questions about any technique. He/she must keep up their physical ability necessary to perform and demonstrate the techniques of the student may be correct. This means the Instructor should make time outside of class to maintain his/her own training regiment, not only for themselves but for the students as well.

Planning skills

All daily instruction should be directed towards the physical (rank) advancement and mental development of the student. The Sansei Organization has a carefully planned progression of techniques desired to be at the student’s current level and to aim toward more advanced technique exercise that can be taken directly from the Kata at his/her level. The Sansei Organization also gives planning guides to make the best use of class time between testing. The planning guides begging by setting the individual student’s goal. By successfully passing the required testing, the student can achieve all study objective. Monthly goals are divided by weekly goals. The weekly goals are broken down into daily goals or class period. After selecting the techniques and materials to be covered, the session should be planned accordingly.