This Month's Poll:

• Who is Stuart Quan?  Sensei Stuart was Sensei Brian's sensei, and the creator of Bushido Kai karate.  Staurt was a wrestling champion, and trained for years in shotokan, kung fu, tai chi and numerous other styles, also training in wushu with a member of the Beijing Wushu Team.  He was a lifelong student and could never learn enough about every martial arts style he came across.  Stuart was also a stuntman, appearing in films such as Power Rangers: The Movie (he was the red ranger), Big Trouble in Little China, Black Hawk Down, License to Kill, and many others.  He appeared on TV in shows like Seinfeld, Home Improvement, Dragnet and Iron Chef, and choreographed stunts for movies like Rent, The Hulk, Collateral, Windtalkers, We Were Soldiers, and others.  As the founder of the Bushido Kai style, Stuart blended many martial arts together, creating a dynamic style that took advantage of the strengths of a variety of disciplines, strengthening students of Bushido Kai physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Just 5 months after Sortor Karate opened in Bend, Sensei Stuart died suddenly on January 8, 2006 of a heart defect, leaving behind a wife and two young children.  He was 42 at the time of his death.  His wife Debi, also a black belt under Stuart, still runs Stuart Quan's Karate in Fresno, California.  Today, we remember Stuart at every rank test, in every class, every time we say "Good thought, good action!"  Traditionally, we bow out to Stuart every year on January 8, and all the testers get their picture taken under his picture after each rank test.  Sensei Stuart's legacy lives in the spirit, effort and courage that each student brings daily to their training.
   
• How do I become a part of the Assistant Instructor Program and why would I want to?  You'll want to because of all the great benefits including the discounted tuition, access to exclusive free training workshops and activities.  There's really no downside to becoming a part of the program.  Click here for more info!!  Also see: "How do I earn my blue gi?"
   
• When can I test for my next belt?  **White belts: The very best answer to this question is in your handbook at the very end of the white belt pages.  See the "White Belt Test Checklist."**  If you're a white, yellow, blue or purple belt, you may test for your next belt whenever you've earned all of your stars.  If you are a yellow, blue or purple belt, you must also pass a Patch Workshop before you can test for your next belt.  To see how many stars you have yet to earn, check the back of your attendance card.  Your student manual and DVD also tell you exactly what stars you need to earn before your test.  Remember, you must also know all of your moves and stances in Japanese and your "General Knowledge" (see your Student Handbook).  You will be retested on all material from your previous belt tests, and your "old" stuff will be expected to be better now.  There must be improvement for the extra time you've had to work on your older material.  If you are a purple belt, you must also create your own self defeneses against a punch, a kick, a weapon (any weapon you want), and a grab.
   
• What is a Patch Workshop?  A Patch Workshop is a 2-hour timed workshop that is required before you test for your blue, purple and second purple belt.  At the Patch Workshop, Sensei Brian will work with you on your "star" material (your self defenses and kata).  A Patch Workshop is not like a test, and Sensei Brian is there to teach, help and give answers.  In order to pass the Patch Workshop however, each student must have earned all of their stars, and be able to show all of their kata and self defenses at the testing level.  It is best to try to earn all of your stars before you enter the Patch Workshop.  If you have one or two left to earn, that is ok.  If you pass the Patch Workshop you will earn your patch and be qualified to test.  The Patch Workshop for yellow belts is called "Bo" Patch Workshop, the one for blue belts is "Shi" Patch Workshop, and the one for purple belts is the "Do" Patch Workshop, because you will earn your Bo, Shi or Do patch at those workshops.
   
• What is "Mirror Image"?  Mirror image is something that only teens (age 13+), adults, and PII and up students need to learn.  Normally, the katas start with the first move to the student's left.  Mirror image katas just start with the first move to the right.  The kata is done exactly the same, but "mirror image"!  Likewise with mirror image self defenses, the self defense is done with both opponent and defender starting in a right fighting stance instead of starting in the left.  So the opponent attacks with the left hand instead of the right, and the defender defends likewise. Students will need to know the mirror image version of all kata and self defenses in order to test from Purple II to Brown, so it's wise to start around purple belt learning everything mirror image, even if the student is well under age 13. All students who turn 13 will then need to know the mirror image of every kata and self defense for their next rank test, even if they turn 13 in the middle of a belt level, or prior to Purple II. Adults must learn mirror image from white belt on up. If you have any questions about mirror image, just ask Sensei or submit a question using the form below!
   
• How can I practice Japanese with my child if I don't know how to pronounce the words?  Watch the DVD - on it, Sensei Brian prounounces all of the Japanese words numerous times.  You can also use your student manual, where the Japanese terms are spelled out phonetically.  Additionally, the dojo sells flashcards ($5) with all the words in English on one side, and Japanese (also spelled phonetically) on the other side, as well as "CD Sensei" ($10) which is an audio CD of Sensei Brian calling out kihon drills (line drills) first in English, slow and easy, then faster and more difficult in English, then moving on to slow easy Japanese, then faster, then test level Japanese.  It's set up so your child can listen in the car, or can put it in the CD player at home and follow along like they were taking class.  All of the above tools are available to you, since practicing the Japanese at home with your child is necessary for their progression.  Thanks for your hard work for your child!
   
• What does "Bushido Kai" mean?   Bushido Kai is a Japanese phrase that means "the way of the warrior."  This was the code of honor and life principles by which the samurai of feudal Japan lived their lives.  Here are the 7 precepts of the way of the warrior:
  Gi-ri – Justice
      A true warrior believes that taking the right path is more important than taking the easy path. The warrior believes that justice is doing the right thing whether you are rich or poor, young or old, powerful or weak, king or peasant. Justice is doing the right thing whether the result helps you or hurts you, whether it is bitter or sweet.
  Meiyo – Honor
      True warriors set a good example and are known for their reputations. Part of warriors’ honor is the respect and distinction they are given by those around them, especially those closest to them – like family, close friends, employers, or other warriors. Warriors want to be known for doing right.  Another aspect of warrior honor is personal and lies in the way the warriors see themselves. When no one is around to see them, when no one will see their actions, true warriors will still do the right thing, and will avoid allowing evil into their bodies and minds.
  Yu – Courage
      Warriors are courageous, and their bravery knows many levels. Warriors are brave in battle and will risk their own life to protect their masters, their friends and their principles. Warriors are also brave in their duties and will always take responsibility for their actions, even under penalty of severe punishment or death. Sometimes courage means charging into the fight. Sometimes courage means avoiding a fight. Sometimes courage means admitting fear.
  Chu – Duty
      Warriors have an intense sense of duty. They feel that once committed to a cause or pledge, they must fulfill their promises no matter what. Their duties apply to family, to friends, to masters and students, to their fellow men and women, to their country, and ultimately to upholding right and battling ignorance.
  Jin – Compassion
      Warriors fight out of duty, out of necessity, and never out of anger, pride, or pure violence. Possessing the knowledge of how to injure and possibly kill an opponent must be taken very seriously, and balanced with a sense of kindness and concern for human well-being. It is a foolish and dishonorable warrior who walks around looking and hoping for a way to test a punch or kick on someone. The force of the martial arts must be used as a sword of protection for good, not a sword of mere power. Love of power leads to destruction. A warrior should bring the world life, not death.
  Rei – Courtesy
      Warriors should never brag about their abilities, or use their physical strength and mental focus to make others feel inferior. The most powerful strengths are the ones that are unknown until they are needed. This is not to say that we should never speak of our skills to anyone, and never use our skills for good. But the warrior knows the time and place for every action. A warrior is humble in the presence of a beggar or a king. They know when to bow, when to apologize, when to speak and when to be silent. Warriors put others before themselves. Warriors respect those around them.
  Makoto – Honesty
      Warriors are sincere. They do not lie. They say something and then do it, without fail. For true warriors, there is no need to say “I swear,” or “I promise.” To speak of action is enough, it will be done. There is no need for promises or oaths. The warrior’s word is a strong enough bond because warriors will always do what they say.
      Always remember that the most important part of karate training is not punching, or kicking, or blocking, or striking. It is not sweeps, throws, joint locks, or chokes. It is not the color of your belt, the number of medals and trophies you have, or the number of fights you’ve won. It is true that these things are a part of training, and can greatly add to the knowledge and skill of a martial artist. But no matter how many black belts you have, the honest sincerity you show through your movements, and the spirit and effort you display in karate, and in all parts of your life, is the most important lesson to remember.
   
• How do I earn my blue gi?  Earning the blue assistant instructor's gi is a process that involves a personal commitment to one's own training, and to regularly, consistently assisting in lower belt classes.  Any student (blue belt or higher) may start this process any time.  To do so, simply show up at a lower belt class and let Sensei Brian know that you'd like to start learning how to teach.  Sensei will talk to you about instructing, use you as a helper in class and give you opportunities to learn teaching skills.  As you help out in lower belt classes on a regular basis, you will deepen your knowledge of not only the martial art you practice, but also your own strengths and weaknesses, how different people learn, communication skills and leadership.  If you continue to teach and learn, you can work on earning your blue gi.  In order to earn your blue assistant instructor's gi, a student must show a