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

 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!

Mastering the Fight Within
Dr. John L. Terry, III – The Black Belt Leader

Before a punch is thrown, before the bell rings, before a single bead of sweat falls to the mat, the battle has already begun—and for many, it’s already been lost. Not because of physical shortcomings, but because of the war raging within their own mind. The thoughts we think determine the actions we take. And if we step into the ring, the dojo, or the boardroom with a mindset clouded by fear, doubt, or limitation, we’ve already surrendered ground. The body will never go where the mind refuses to lead.

In martial arts, every fighter is trained to size up their opponent.  We are taught to observe their strengths, look for their weaknesses, anticipate their next move. But the most formidable opponent any martial artist will ever face is the one staring back at them in the mirror. Self-doubt, fear of failure, limiting beliefs, these are the true saboteurs. When we say to ourselves, “I’m not ready,” or “I can’t win,” or “I’m not good enough,” we plant seeds of defeat long before the match begins.

The mind is powerful. It can convince us to keep fighting when all strength is gone—or talk us into quitting before we’ve truly begun. A negative mindset becomes a silent assassin, slowly draining our drive, our courage, and our potential. And this truth doesn’t only apply to martial competition—it extends to every domain of life.

When you believe you are capable, you behave as though success is possible. You take risks, commit fully, and persist through difficulty. But when belief is absent, even the most gifted individual will hesitate.

The result?

Inaction. Missed opportunities. Regret.

The first step to breaking free from a defeatist mindset is awareness. Pay attention to your inner dialogue. What story are you telling yourself? Are you focused on what’s possible—or on everything that could go wrong? The brain responds to repetition. If you repeatedly tell yourself you’re not capable, not worthy, or not ready, your brain begins to accept it as truth. But you can choose to rewrite the script.

This mindset applies not only to martial arts but to the boardroom and beyond.

In the dojo, we teach students to respect the power of mindset. A white belt who believes they can become a black belt one day will train differently than one who believes they’ll never measure up. In business, a leader who envisions growth and innovation builds momentum, while one who expects failure creates stagnation. In life, those who anticipate obstacles but remain committed to possibility move forward—even if the path is steep.

Mindset is not about naïve optimism. It’s about mental discipline. Just as we train our bodies to become faster, stronger, more agile, we must train our minds to become more focused, resilient, and empowered.

You don’t become a champion in the ring. You reveal the champion that was already forged in your thoughts, your habits, and your beliefs. These are what powers your training and prepares you to be victorious in conflict. By the time you show up to compete, the real battle has already taken place.

If you’ve fed yourself fear, doubt, and limitation, you’ve already lost.

But here’s the good news: the mind, like the body, can be trained. You can choose your thoughts. You can shape your self-talk. You can fortify your belief system so that when life’s challenges arise—on the mat, in the office, or at home—you respond not with hesitation, but with conviction.

You must learn to “MASTER Your Mind.” 

Professor John L. Terry, III

President/CEO

IMACUSA

314 Quail Creek Rd

Hot Springs AR 71901

479-970-2079

Okinawan karate and Kobudo are two traditional martial arts forms from Okinawa that when blended creates a powerful and comprehensive self-defense warning system. 

Okinawan karate is a striking art that simplifies Punches, Kicks, Blocks, and Stances that are rooted in the ancient fighting ways of the Ryu Kempo Kingdom. Okinawa Karate and Kobudo-Ryu is known for its practical no nonsense method of combat. Focusing on efficient and effective real warring applications, Aiki-Bu-Jitsu and Shuri Te-Jitsu from Okinawa and Okinawan Kenpo highlights all aspects of, Speed, Agility, Strength, Controlled Breathing, along with the harsh body training conditioning and toughness which makes it versatile for self-defense efficiency. 

Okinawan Kobudo on the other hand is an art of traditional Okinawan Weapons developed by farmers and fishermen who adapted everyday tools into defensive weapons under bands imposed by ruling authorities. The most common: Bo staff, Tonfa, Sai, Oar, Kama, Nunchaku, Nunte Bo, and Knife compliments karate by extending the practitioner's range and options beyond empty hand techniques. Blended all together, the two arts create a synergy that's a great way to provide the foundation and body mechanics needed for a complete martial way and life development.  

Kobudo compliments karate by extending the practitioner's range and options beyond empty hand techniques. Blend it together, this combination excels because it prepares you for both unarmed and armed encounters. Having the ability to disarm and attack with Kobudo techniques then neutralize them with "Karate techniques" naturally works when needed. Training in both builds a mindset of awareness and resourcefulness that could change and broaden muscle memory used for strikes and blocks, while Kobudo "Weapons" teach timing and coordination together. They sharpen reflexes and decision making under pressure for real world scenarios. Historically, Okinawa blended these two arts out of a necessity facing Invaders while working on their farm/fields or doing everyday chores. 

The Okinawan traditional legacy for today's threats makes these arts a holistic system that's both traditional and street smart as well. If you're looking into studying Okinawan Kenpo and Kobudo for self-defense, it's less about flash and more about what works when it counts. 

Hanshi Gregg "Shogun" Brown

10th Degree Black Belt 

Self-Defense & Threat Assessment Specialist 

 Push Away for Amazing Results

By Adam James  

An old boxing trainer once told me - "Do you know the best exercise to lose weight, get in shape and look sharp, The Push Away."

"What's the Push Away?" I asked.

"You push yourself away from the table."

Boxers, wrestlers and martial artists will sometimes go to extremes to cut weight for a big fight, but it's best to maintain healthy eating habits for true overall health and fitness. However, there's a lot of truth to that trainer's joke and we should know why portion control is the cornerstone of a great nutritional strategy and healthy lifestyle.

There are many ways that we can start to create change with our diets. First, it's important to drink plenty of water and eat small meals throughout the day. Also, avoid processed foods, especially simple sugars and watch your fat intake, especially fried foods. The challenge for many people is portion control, and when they start to eat small meals, they overeat.

Today's society emphasizes large portions for meals, and in some ways, we are conditioned to eat very large amounts. With buffets, all-you-can-eat specials, and free refills, people see value in consuming more ("it's a better deal") so we start to eat as much as we can as a habit. Also, with subtle social pressure to "finish your plate" and not offend the cook, people will keep eating even when they feel full.

It's important to start with an understanding that this is common in the community and perhaps in our lives, but we don't have to join in the over-eating experience. Avoid all-you-can-eat meals and buffets or at least limit them to special occasions. Strive to have one plate at mealtime, and skip appetizers and desserts. The plates at some restaurants are enormous and they completely cover it with food and it's tempting to finish it all. One tip is to immediately ask for a to-go-box and put half away for later.

Another area to control portions is beverage selection. Choose water or tea with zero calories and you dramatically lower the total portion at mealtime. Sodas and fruit drinks both have high calories due to the sugar, one from processed sugar and the other from natural sugar, but both are sugar, nonetheless. It's better to eat the fruit because of the fiber, and ideally juicing should be done with the whole fruit for this reason as well.

Intermittent Fasting isn't true portion control, but rather it's meal avoidance for caloric depletion over a sustained period of time. Unfortunately, people lose valuable muscle tissue during fasts, and athletes (and everyone) are striving to build muscle and target fat loss Ideally, people will learn the habit of eating smaller meals and practice the portion control and the "Push Aways" to generate better long term health benefits and fat loss results. Fasting will sometimes lead to binge eating and to extreme eating behavior disorders. The best strategy is to eat healthy all-around meals but control the total amount.

Whether you're a boxer, wrestler, martial artist or anyone wanting to look and feel better, practice your "Push Aways" and strive to eat small meals for maximum results in sport and life.

The Martial Arts Mindset

 Awareness, Presence, and Preparedness

In the world of martial arts, mastery is not just about physical prowess—it’s about mindset. A true martial artist understands that the key to success, both in the ring and in life, lies in being situationally aware, fully present, and mentally alert. This mindset transcends combat sports, becoming a way of life that enhances decision-making, relationships, and personal growth.

It’s about seeing beyond the surface.   

One of the first lessons in martial arts training is learning to read about your environment, being aware of what is around you. Whether in the dojo, on the street, or in the boardroom, the ability to assess a situation quickly and accurately is crucial. In combat, a fighter must anticipate an opponent’s next move, recognize openings, and adjust strategies in real time. Similarly, in daily life, those who cultivate situational awareness can better navigate challenges, whether it's sensing tension in a conversation, reading the dynamics of a business deal, or avoiding a dangerous situation.

Situational awareness isn’t about paranoia; it’s about perception, what is often referred to as “being in the moment.”  It means staying attuned to the world around you, being observant without being distracted, and recognizing subtle shifts that could signal opportunities or threats. In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions abound, this skill is invaluable.

Perception is about utilizing the power of presence.

Martial arts demand absolute presence. A lapse in focus for even a second can result in a lost match or a missed defensive move. The same principle applies to life—how often do people miss key moments because they are lost in thought, consumed by past regrets, or anxious about the future?

Living with a martial arts mindset means embracing the here-and-now. Whether you're spending time with family, engaging in a business deal, or simply enjoying a workout, being fully present enhances the experience and improves results. It fosters deeper connections, clearer thinking, and heightened efficiency. When you train yourself to focus completely on the task at hand, distractions lose their grip, and true progress becomes possible.

This requires mental alertness, thinking two steps ahead.

A well-trained martial artist doesn’t just react; they anticipate. They stay ahead of their opponent by reading body language, analyzing patterns, and adjusting accordingly. This mental alertness is just as valuable outside of combat. Whether negotiating a contract, solving a problem, or making a life-changing decision, the ability to think proactively rather than reactively can mean the difference between success and failure.

Being alert also means maintaining self-control and emotional discipline. Martial arts teach practitioners to stay calm under pressure, a skill that serves us well in high-stakes meetings, difficult conversations, or personal conflicts. The more mentally prepared you are, the less likely you are to be caught off guard.

The martial arts mindset is how we live everyday life.

The true power of the martial arts mindset is its adaptability. The same principles that help a fighter win in the ring can help a professional succeed in business, a parent guide their children, and an individual achieve personal growth. Situational awareness, presence, and mental alertness are not just combat tools, - they are life tools.

Embrace this mindset, and you will move through life with confidence, resilience, and the ability to handle whatever comes your way. A martial artist is not just someone who fights; they are someone who sees, thinks, and acts with purpose. That is the true essence of mastery.

Professor John L. Terry, III

President/CEO

IMACUSA

314 Quail Creek Rd

Hot Springs AR 71901

479-970-2079

Spring 2025-

 How Traditional Kata "Okinawan Karate", in my humble opinion, influenced Sport Karate Forms…

I started my first traditional Okinawan Karate Kata in 1970, and was explained the choreographed sequences of martial arts Bunkai/Counter Attacks, which profoundly shaped sport karate by providing its foundational structure and aesthetic. Originating in Okinawan and Japanese martial arts, kata was designed to preserve techniques, teach discipline, and simulate combat against imaginary opponents. As karate transitioned into a competitive sport in the mid-20th century, particularly through organizations like the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and later the World Karate Federation (WKF), traditional kata became a cornerstone of tournaments.

In sport karate, kata competitions judge practitioners on precision, power, speed, balance, and expression—criteria rooted in traditional forms like Heian, Tekki, or Bassai Dai. These forms, passed down through generations, emphasize kihon (basic techniques) and bunkai (practical applications), which athletes adapt for performance. The influence is evident in scoring systems, where technical accuracy and adherence to traditional standards often outweigh flashy improvisation.

However, sport karate also evolved kata to suit competitive demands. Traditionalists focused on self-defense and spiritual growth, while sport karate introduced gymnastic elements—high kicks, spins, and acrobatics—to captivate audiences and judges. This shift, seen in modern "creative kata" divisions, diverges from rigid tradition but retains core movements. The WKF’s recognition of kata alongside kumite (sparring) in global events like the Olympics underscores its traditional roots, even as presentation modernizes.

Traditional kata’s influence persists in training, too. Competitors drill forms to hone muscle memory and stance, bridging martial arts and sport. While sport karate prioritizes spectacle, its essence-structured beauty and discipline-echoes kata’s ancient legacy.  Fast Forward to 2025, they both live in harmony and practiced with the same principles of the Art! Osu!

The Kata Animal

Hanshi Gregg "Shogun" Brown  

 I have been studying various Martial Arts for 64 years. 

I started in Judo and added Okinawan Shorin Ryu to my training in my teens. Later, I added Chinese Boxing, aka Kung fu, to my studies, and my entire method of training expanded into the world of external and internal strength development. 

It was a whole new level of thinking and moving. The most extraordinary discovery was the part of the Chinese Martial Arts training known as Qigong. When I began to focus on the internal art of Tai Chi Chuan I learned about Qigong. I call this ancient system the sleeping giant that changed everything for me. Now I am a devoted student of the many aspects of this art. 

I teach 4 zoom classes a week and also teach a certification program.

Qigong is the “secret teachings” that makes the Shaolin Monks so strong and almost impervious to pain. Their skills are all based on the methods of meditation, energy work, and hours of standing in complete stillness. The medical sets teach them how to heal and enhance their internal organs, develop strong bones and tendons while they remain relaxed yet focused on moving the energies through their bodies. These training methods are the oldest known in modern history. 

What we know now as Qigong has had several names throughout the years but it has always been known as the grandfather of all martial arts. Some of the levels of training has been kept a secret and taught only in the temples but some of it has been shared with the world. 

Qigong is one of the three branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The other branches are Acupuncture and Herbology. I had trained in Reiki for several years, so I was thrilled to find that there was a healing and very gentle side to the studies. Qigong healing was important to the teachers and the students to be able to use this energy to heal their students and their families as well as to become super warriors. Skilled teachers can heal with herbs, massage, and energy transmission as well as defend themselves against any attack. These techniques are what came to be known as hidden secrets or forbidden knowledge. 

Now most of these secrets are available to anyone who is willing to do the work. I love teaching and sharing my art with students. I see them go from stress to strength, skeptical beginners to strong healthy teachers and they all develop what is called a happy heart.

Qigong training healed my body after 4 major surgeries, helped me walk again 3 times, and made my martial expression faster and stronger. So, I’m all in for the practice.

If you are looking for the secret sauce for your training look for a good Qigong teacher. It is meant to go with your chosen art so enjoy the journey. You might just get the glow!

Sifu Karen Schlachter

The An De Institute of Peaceful Virtues

Text: (609) 560-8300 AnDeqigong.com Sifukaren2@gmail.com