Welcome to the Sport Karate Museum Quarterly Newsletter

Aloha, Sport Karate Museum Archives, Fans from around the world.

Our Quarterly Newsletter about the Martial Arts from the Past, Present, and Future will feature articles by Sensei Adam James, Hanshi Gregg "Shogun" Brown, Chief James Debrow III, Dr. John Terry III, and Professor Tom Spellman. There will also be a selected guest writer for each quarter's newsletter, sharing their wisdom and insight.

After reading the Quarterly Newsletter, please explore the other features on the Sport Karate Museum Archives website.

Please enjoy,

Professor Gary Lee

Sport Karate Museum Founder and CEO

713-483-0476 

professorgarylee@gmail.com

By: Dr. John L. Terry, III – The Black Belt Leader

In martial arts, we spend years developing technique, discipline, and character in our students. We talk about honor, responsibility, and leadership. Yet there is one topic many school owners quietly avoid until it’s too late, LEGACY. 

Legacy is not about trophies, titles, or how many students once wore your patch. Legacy is about what continues after you step off the mat.

Far too many martial arts schools close their doors when a founder retires, becomes ill, is injured, or passes away unexpectedly. When that happens, it’s not just a business that disappears, it’s a community. Students lose their training home. Families lose consistency. Years of culture, values, and hard-earned trust vanish overnight.

That outcome is rarely intentional. Most instructors love their students deeply. But love without preparation is not leadership. The true role of a leader is not just to teach, but to prepare others to lead.

Succession planning is not about ego or control. It’s about stewardship. Below are four simple steps to begin thinking about your legacy—before circumstances force the issue.

Legacy is not how long you teach. It is how long your values, culture, and standardscontinue without you. Ask yourself, “If I stepped away tomorrow, would this school still reflect what I stand for?” Do you have your systems and processes documented, or are they simply stuck in your head? 

When leaders tie identity too tightly to themselves, the organization becomes fragile. A strong legacy creates continuity, not dependency. Leadership doesn’t magically appear when you need it.

Look at your senior students and instructors and ask who demonstrates maturity, humility, and consistency? Who cares about people, not just technique? Who already leads when you’re not watching?

Then do something transformational, prepare them intentionally. Let them teach. Let them make decisions. Let them fail safely while you’re still there to coach them. Leadership development is not an event; it’s a process.

Remember, a school that runs only on your personal knowledge is at risk. You need to document your teaching standards, curriculum progressions, operational routines, and cultural expectations. Systems allow others to lead with clarity instead of guessing. They protect quality, consistency, and the student experience long after you’re gone.

The hardest step is often the most important. Talk openly with your leadership team about long-term succession, emergency plans, and temporary and permanent transitions. This isn’t pessimism. It’s professionalism. A clear plan brings peace of mind to students, families, and instructors—and it honors the responsibility you accepted when you chose to lead.

Every martial artist eventually steps off the mat. The question is not if but how prepared your school will be when that day comes. True mastery is not measured by how long we lead, but by how well we prepare others to continue the journey.

This is legacy.

BlackBeltLeadership.com

  I wish to share the Tai Sabaki training that I acquired in Okinawa with you, the reader.

Shuri-te originated in the Shuri area of Okinawa (home to the royal castle) and is one of the two main historical branches of Okinawan karate (the other being Naha-te). It evolved into modern styles like Shuri-ryū (including Matsubayashi-ryū). Key traits: Fast, light, natural footwork and breathing.

Straight-line stepping with emphasis on speed and timing.

Evasion + aggressive forward pressure rather than standing and absorbing hits.

What is Tai Sabaki (体捌き)? Tai Sabaki literally means "body management" or "whole-body movement." It is the skill of shifting your entire body (feet, hips, torso) to: Step off the line of an attack (evasion/dodging).

Reposition instantly into an advantageous angle.

I learned that footwork often flows with straight-line into a counterattack.

It pairs closely with Irimi (入り身), "entering the body/space” advancing toward the opponent to close the distance and neutralize their attack while they’re off-balance.

In old-style Shuri-te specifically: You dodge the enemy’s strike (Tai Sabaki) then immediately charge in (Irimi).

Techniques like Tsuki-Uke (punch-block) attack while deflecting.

It feels light and explosive — think "dodging a sword blade without ever letting it touch you" rather than blocking head-on.

Contrast with Naha-te (Gōjū-ryū roots): slower, heavier, rooted stances with "artificial" breathing and crescent-stepping to absorb power. 

Shuri-te avoids contact altogether when possible and uses natural movement.

Imagine how it looks in practice, your opponent punches straight at you: You pivot or slide offline (e.g., 180° or 90° body turn).

Your whole body rotates smoothly so the punch misses by inches.

You’re now beside or behind them, already launching your counter (often a punch or strike while "entering").

In my humble opinion this is why Shuri-te feels fast and evasive compared to more stationary styles. Visual examples of the movement Here are illustrations of Sabaki-style footwork and historical Shuri-te training.

Happo Sabaki (八方捌き). A multi-directional body shifting drill — very close to Tai Sabaki in action. Notice the pivoting footwork and whole-body repositioning.

My traditional lineage is Okinawan Shuri-te group training in front of Shuri Castle — the birthplace of this light, evasive movement style.)

Tai Sabaki appears in many karate systems today (Shotokan, Shitō-ryū, etc.), and some styles even have dedicated Tai Sabaki kata (Kata), but its roots and purest expression in Okinawan karate trace back to old Shuri-te.

If you’re training it, focus on smooth hip rotation, natural stepping, and always ending in a strong counter position. It’s one of the reasons traditional Okinawan karate is so effective for real Self-Defense and Counter Attacks.

Professor Gregg "Shogun" Br

SKM Quarterly Article – Winter 2025 edition- Irene Collins/ Editor

Window Into the World of Martial Arts 

By Adam James

A Brief History of Martial Arts

Mysterious! Exciting! Dangerous!

Martial arts demonstrations have captured the attention and imagination of millions, and these moments have opened a window into the world of martial arts.

Early demonstrations were often part of military parades and performances. In addition, many martial artists throughout history have also been teachers and healers, and they have sometimes used demonstrations to attract attention and new clients, students and customers.

US President Ulysses S. Grant witnessed a Jiujitsu demonstration during his visit to Japan in 1879, and then President Teddy Roosevelt practiced Judo and organized a demonstration on the lawn of the White House around 1905.

One of the most significant demonstrations in history occurred in 1921 by Gichin Funakoshi in front of the Crown Prince (later Emperor) of Japan, and then in several more in Tokyo in 1921-1922. These early Karate performances led to Funakoshi's introduction to Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, and later the acceptance of Karate into the Japanese martial arts society and culture.

During the 1960s, martial arts in America was growing and the International Karate Championship hosted by Ed Parker in Long Beach, California became a major event in the sport. Another important demonstration occurred here in 1964 by Bruce Lee, and this helped launch Lee's dynamic career in the movies and in martial arts.

On the East Coast Arron Banks produced the Oriental World of Self Defense shows at Madison Square Garden for over 20 years and received worldwide attention via major sports media platforms, including ABC, CBS, NBC and HBO.

Other major tournaments developed across the country such as Allen Steen in Texas, Leo Fong & Ron Marchini in California, Jhoon Rhee in Washington DC and Joe Corley in Atlanta. All of these events included martial arts demonstrations that furthered the popularity of the sport, along with regional martial arts tournaments, schools and teachers.

Japanese Village and Deer Park was a small theme park located in Buena Park, California that was inspired by Nara Park in Japan, and operated from 1967-1974. Fumio Demura, the legendary Karate instructor who was the inspiration for Mr. Miyagi in the movie Karate Kid, hosted a demonstration that was very popular and motivated many martial artists.

Michele "The Mouse" Krasnoo and Billy Blanks were some of the first to incorporate music into their demonstrations and elevate the performance to new levels.

Professor Gary Lee and his demonstration team performed at Six Flags Texas for over 3 decades and they inspired and motivated thousands of martial artists.

Today, martial arts demonstrations still awe and inspire people all over the world. While videos and combative sports have pulled away some of the mystery, live performances of martial arts skills will always have an impact on those fortunate to see them

.Go All Out! - Martial Arts Outdoors Training for the Summertime

By Adam James

Martial artists can train anywhere at any time, and we relish new and unique training environments. During the summer months, this is the perfect time to take advantage of the warm weather to get outside for your martial arts training.

Here are fun and exciting ways to integrate outdoors training into your personal martial arts journey and if you are an instructor, these are great for elevating your summer camp programs.

Get on the grass: one of the best ideas is to simply get outside and train on a grass field. Taking off your shoes and training in bare feet on the grass gives a special feeling that will enhance balance and stability. Be careful to check for rocks, sticks and broken glass, as well as ticks, chiggers and other pests. This “real life”, “real world” training environment is great for grappling, sparring, practicing forms and training on the ground.

Go in the water: Martial arts training in the water is extremely fun and beneficial. Practice kicks in waist-deep water to develop balance and power in your legs, and you will also enhance your fighting skills for all environments. Also, the water is wonderful for a total body strengthening, stretching, and recovery - swimming will strengthen underused muscles, and you will also benefit from using hot tubs and cold plunge therapy to get back to training.

Climb up hills: for an extra challenge, practice kicks and combinations as you hike in the hills. You must be very aware of your surroundings and do not endanger yourself or your students, however, if you're at a high level in skills and awareness, it's incredibly cool to train while hiking by executing a kick or combination every few minutes. You can also carry a martial arts weapon and train with it as you hike, and this is especially easy to do with a staff - either short or long.

Workout with weapons - archery, horseback riding, firearms, knife throwing, as well as traditional martial arts weapons. The summer is perfect for going to camps and seminars, and to experience and experiment with all of the different weapons of the world.

Take advantage of the summer months and the warm weather to get outdoors and go for it with your martial arts training!

Preparing Your Martial Arts School for 2026

By:  Dr. John L. Terry, III – The Black Belt Leader

As another year closes, martial artists everywhere perform a familiar ritual—reflection. In the dojo, reflection sharpens technique. In business, it determines survival, relevance, and growth. As we approach 2026, the most important question for school owners and instructors isn’t how hard did we work this year? It’s did our work move us in the right direction?

Many schools are busy. Fewer are intentional.

What’s working in today’s martial arts schools is clarity of purpose. Schools that thrive know who they serve, why they serve them, and how their training impacts lives beyond the mat. Strong culture, consistent systems, and values-based leadership continue to separate growing schools from those merely getting by.

What’s not working? Outdated thinking.

Relying solely on “good training” to sustain a business is no longer enough. Passion without process leads to burnout. Tradition without adaptation leads to stagnation. Many school owners are still trapped in a reactive mode—putting out fires, chasing enrollments, and hoping next month is better than the last. Hope is not a strategy.

What must change in 2026 is the mindset that says, “I’ll focus on the business side later.” Later rarely comes.

Martial arts schools are no longer competing only with the dojo down the street. They compete with time, attention, finances, and convenience. Parents and adult students are asking deeper questions: Is this worth my investment? Will this help me or my child grow? Does this align with our values?

The schools that will win in 2026 will lead with intention. They will treat leadership development, communication, and student experience with the same seriousness they give to curriculum and rank advancement. They will build systems that support instructors, not exhaust them. And they will measure success not just by enrollments—but by retention, impact, and consistency.

Before stepping into the new year, take time to inventory your school honestly. Ask yourself:

1. What systems in my school are producing consistent results—and which rely too heavily on me?

2. If I stepped away for 30 days, would my school operate smoothly or struggle?

3. Are my instructors trained only to teach techniques, or to lead people?

4. What behaviors do I tolerate today that limit growth tomorrow?

5. Am I running my school the way I want—or the way I’ve always done it?

The New Year isn’t about resolutions. It’s about refinement.

In martial arts, progress comes from small, disciplined adjustments made consistently over time. The same is true in business. 2026 doesn’t require a complete overhaul—it requires clarity, courage, and commitment to lead differently.

The question isn’t what’s next for the industry.
 

The real question is—what’s next for you?

Professor John L. Terry, III

President/CEO

IMACUSA

314 Quail Creek Rd

Hot Springs AR 71901

My thoughts, My reality!

Old Shuri Dojo Kata Training and Self-Defense Development In the historic city of Shuri, Okinawa—the cradle of karate—traditional dojos once served as secretive hubs for martial arts mastery. 

Rooted in the 19th-century Shuri-te lineage, these "old Shuri dojos" trained warriors like Matsumura Sōkon and Itosu Ankō, emphasizing kata as the core vehicle for self-defense skills.  Far from mere choreography, kata training in these ancient settings forged practical combatants capable of real-world protection. Kata, meaning "form," are predefined sequences of movements simulating combat against multiple opponents. In old Shuri dojos, students began with basic katas like Pinan (now Heian in Shotokan), progressing to advanced ones such as Passai or Kusanku. Training was rigorous and holistic, starting with solo repetition to build precision, power, and stamina. 

Instructors demanded flawless execution: stances low and stable for balance, strikes explosive yet controlled, and transitions fluid to mimic chaotic encounters. What set Shuri dojo kata apart was the integration of Bunkai—practical applications hidden within the forms. Unlike modern sport karate, which prioritizes aesthetics, old methods decoded each move as a defense against grabs, strikes, or weapons. For instance, a simple block in Naihanchi kata might reveal a joint lock or throw. Trainees practiced these in pairs (Oyo and Bunkai), escalating to live drills where techniques adapted to resistance. This Bunkai focus transformed kata from rote exercise into a blueprint for survival, teaching principles like Maai (distance), Kuzushi (unbalancing), and Atemi (blows or strikes to the body). Self-defense development through this system was multifaceted. Physically, repetitive kata honed muscle memory, enabling instinctive responses under stress. 

Tools like Makiwara (punching posts) and Chi-Ishi (stone levers) supplemented training, building iron-like conditioning. Mentally, it cultivated Zanshin (awareness) and Mushin (no-mind), essential for anticipating threats. Historically, Shuri-te’s self-defense ethos stemmed from Okinawa's turbulent past, where unarmed peasants defended against armed invaders. 

Masters taught selectively, ensuring techniques remained effective secrets. Today, echoes of old Shuri dojo methods persist in styles like Shorin-Ryu and Shuri-Ryu, which blend traditional kata with modern self-protection drills. Yet, the essence remains: kata isn't performance art but a timeless path to empowerment. By mastering these forms, practitioners develop not just fighting skills but resilience, discipline, and confidence—true self-defense in an unpredictable world.

Hanshi Gregg "Shogun" Brown