Northwest Connection Edition #4 by Northwest Connection

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NW Connection “Networking For Northwest Martial Artists”

Tuite, The Art of Okinawan Joint Manipulation

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Welcome To Northwest Connection, Edition #4 “To Bring Pacific Northwest Martial Artists Together As One Family, Regardless Of Style, Method Or Origin” The premier, and only, networking avenue of it's kind. Through "Northwest Connection", Martial Artists of all styles and methods can share, learn, and connect with one another. The mission of "Northwest Connection" is to build a strong network of Martial Artists all over the Pacific Northwest. There are many great Martial Artists throughout Oregon and Washington, with so much to share. It is about time that we start connecting with one another. The articles contained within are primarily the work of Northwest Martial Artists, sharing their ideas, experience, theories and methods. You will also find within, a listing of Martial Arts schools and related businesses that Martial Artists will find useful. Also, there is space to advertise upcoming Martial Arts related events, such as seminars, workshops, and gatherings. If you would like to be placed on a distribution list for upcoming editions, would like to list your school/business, would like to place an ad within or just have other questions, please contact us. Northwest Connection has been started as an open outlet for Martial Artists to share their views, express their ideas and grow as individuals and as a whole collective unit. It is the goal that we can all come together and share with an open mind, seeing the value in each person’s contribution. It is understood that not everyone will agree or have the same views, but that is the whole premise and point of this publication – to have a place that we can express and share regardless of our style, training methods, personal views, etc. It is believed that we all have something to give and the fact is that we all have plenty to learn. In order to foster this positive learning, it is imperative that we maintain an open mind and give each other the opportunity to voice our views. It is also to be understood, however, that there are certain guidelines to this open sharing. There will not be any racist remarks allowed, no vulgar language, no slander of any person (group of persons or organization), no attacks of any kind on anyone, or any such expressions. All articles submitted will be reviewed prior to publication and are subject to editing and/or rejection. It is also to be understood that Northwest Connection does NOT endorse any articles/views contained, but is merely a sounding board for this process of growth. We ask that everyone comes with an open mind and can see the whole picture of this endeavor. The mission of uniting and networking is a very admirable one, and it is hoped that it can be seen for what it is. Please do not judge the endeavor by small pieces that may be contained, but rather by the mission.

Get your copy of this magazine today! Available for only $3 or $28 for a 1 year subscription (12 issues). For your convenience, you can purchase these copies on our website, via PayPal. If you prefer, you can also mail a check or money order (payable to Envision Innovations, LLC) to our contact address. In addition, a FREE PDF version is available via email to ANYONE who would like to receive it. To get your FREE PDF version, send us an email request to be placed on our contact list. Article submissions, please send to: submissions@northwestconnection.net Advertising questions, please send to: advertising@northwestconnection.net General questions/comments, please send to: admin@northwestconnection.net Contact Phone #: (503) 839-6359 Please make all checks/money orders payable to: Envision Innovations, LLC

Mailing Address: Envision Innovations, LLC P.O. Box 1375 Clackamas, OR 97015

Northwest Connection Is NOW on the WEB!! Check us out today, at www.northwestconnection.net for previews of upcoming editions, updates, articles, school/business listings, classifieds and more!! “To Bring Pacific Northwest Martial Artists Together As One Family, Regardless Of Style, Method Or Origin” © 2010

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Black Belt Grand Champion Forms Mike Whittle won GRAND CHAMPION in Forms at the Mt. St. Helens Open Martial Arts Tournament on July 24th!! Below is a short biography of Professor Mike Whittle. ___________________________ There is really not much to tell. I have been fortunate to meet exceptional people who have taken the time to teach me. Probably the most influential people in my life have been my martial arts instructors. They have all been role models for me. I began training in Kajukenpo Karate in 1968 at Bergstrom A.F.B.. The school was started by Sensei Tony Lasit who is now a Grand Master. I received my first black belt in 1974 from Sensei Dann Baker who is now a Grand Master. I met Sifu Donald Nahoolewa at tournament in Kyleen, Texas. He became my instructor from 1977 to 1983. Sensei Baker had moved away to attend school and gave me permission to study from Sifu Nahoolewa. Sifu Nahoolewa was the first black belt under Grand Master Aleju Reyes. Sifu taught me most of the

Kajukenbo I teach today and promoted me to my second and third blacks. I also had training with Sifu Richard Piralta and Sifu Joe Davis. They were GM Aleju Reyes's second and third black belts. Sifu's Nahoolewa, Piralta and Davis are Grandmasters. Grandmaster Piralta (bless his soul), passed away two years ago. My 4th to 8th degree Kajukenbo belt ranks have come from Dann Baker and Don Nahoolewa. I was awarded my 8th degree black belt in 2002. Grand Master Alan Abad, (bless his soul), passed away this year. He taught me hand technique and the importance of speed. Grand Master George Lim is another person I would like to give credit to for being an exceptional role model and teacher. Sensei Kirk Jaeger taught me Dan

Zan Ryu Jujitsu in Phoenix, AZ. His teacher is SGM Joe Holck, one of the five founders of Kajukenbo. I was a member of The Kodenkan Yodanshakai from 1995 to 1999. Master Moses Williams taught me Sil Lum Pai Hung Gar Gung Fu in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX from 1996-1997. Moses is one of the best all around martial artist I have ever seen. Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu took me on as his student in 1999. Olohe is my Lua teacher and mentor. Go to www.olohe.com for more information about Kaihewalu Lua. We have a school in Spokane, WA. The school is called Hawaiian Martial Arts, LLC. It is located at 1504 N. Monroe Street, Spokane, WA 99203. We teach Kajukenbo, Dan Zan Ryu and Kaihewalu Lua. I have a website at www.whittlekajukenbo.com There is more information about our schools in Texas, Arizona and Washington.

Professor Mike Whittle

From the Editor: ―Northwest Connection‖ was present at the Mt. St. Helens Open Martial Arts Tournament, hosted by Sifu Steve Larson of Kajukenbo Tum Pai. This was a very well ran event with great competition at all levels, from White Belts to Black Belts. The sportsmanship displayed by the competitors was top notch and the event ran very smoothly. A special congratulations from us at ―Northwest Connection‖ to Marty Maye (Black Belt Fighting Grand Champion), Mike Whittle (Black Belt Adult Forms Grand Champion) and Blake Casey (Junior Forms Grand Champion). Well deserved, you all did awesome!! Thank you to Sifu Steve Larson for being such a great host to ―Northwest Connection‖. We look forward to next year’s event! Watch next month’s edition for pictures of this event!! “To Bring Pacific Northwest Martial Artists Together As One Family, Regardless Of Style, Method Or Origin” © 2010

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CrossFit Interview INTERVIEW WITH JIMI LETCHFORD FROM CROSSFIT HEADQUARTERS By Laurena Marrone Campos Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Jimi Letchford from CrossFit’s headquarters. As Alive MMA becomes a CrossFit affiliate under the leadership of Certified CrossFit trainer Winslow Jenkins, I decided to learn more about CrossFit and what sets it apart from all fitness programs. It was quite enlightening, as the CrossFit environment and fitness tools can sure look intimidating from afar! What does it mean to a gym to have a certified CrossFit instructor and be CrossFit affiliate? It sets you apart by showing that your gym offers a world renowned, proven program for fitness; and that your gym takes the fitness component of the classes you offer very seriously. If you were to speak with someone interested in getting in shape but had no idea what Crossfit is, how would you explain it to them in a sentence or two? CrossFit is constantly varied movement at different intensity. It is completely individualized for the person’s level, age, goals and physical abilities. It helps make the person stronger overall, whether they are an athlete or not. CrossFit builds confidence and stamina in all who participate, but has shown very clearly that athletes who incorporate CrossFit into their training regime excel at a much greater pace. If someone has tried the “gym” experience over and over but never followed

through, what do you feel inspires people to stick with CrossFit? CrossFit is very much about community. Our trainers are inspiring. Our program can meet anyone’s needs, challenges and goals while also staying diverse enough to keep one’s interest over a long period of time. How much freedom does the CrossFit trainer, and student, have to vary the suggested program to fit their needs? The trainer can scale any movement to the person. It is all about functional movement, natural movement, and natural function in life. CrossFit is relative to the person’s physical and mental ability. For example, you may have an athlete working at a very high level and pace. At the same time, you may have an elderly person benefitting from functional movement, even if that means moving a broomstick back and forth- both work. How important is the dietary component to the CrossFit program? If someone did not follow the dietary guidelines, would they still see results and what would you say the % difference is? The diet is truly the foundation to it all. You won’t see response without the die-

tary component. I explain it like this: you can’t expect a Nascar vehicle to run on regular gas, they need high octane fuel. Our bodies are the same. How does CrossFit support & benefit those who concentrate on MMA, Boxing or any Martial Art? Functional movement works. Athletes focus on performance, but they get their strength from fitness. CrossFit enables one to lose body fat and see a very noticeable elevation in mood, confidence, stamina and overall well-being. This makes for a stronger competitor. Any closing comments? First, congratulations to Winslow for becoming part of an elite group of trainers. Also, congratulations to your gym for becoming an affiliate. Neither of these are easy accomplishments. It is important that everyone understands and sees that CrossFit is adaptable to everyone. We have trained the athlete, the physically challenged, the elderly, and those who have limited mobility. CrossFit works for every individual and enables them to become part of a supportive, positive and inspiring community. If you’re interested in CrossFit or would like to learn more, please contact Winslow Jenkins at 503.460.7015 and watch for the Official CrossFit Woodstock website coming soon!

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Necklaces come with 20‖ Sterling Silver Chain* Call (503) 839-6359 to order—PayPal, Check or Money Orders accepted

Rings: $75 Pendant with Chain*: $50 Pendant Only: $40 *16‖ - 30‖ chain available for an additional $5. “To Bring Pacific Northwest Martial Artists Together As One Family, Regardless Of Style, Method Or Origin” © 2010

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Hammerfist”, Part 3 of 3 Powerful Natural Body Weapons In the third and final installment of this series of articles, we’ll examine the use of the thumb as an often overlooked, very effective tool you should be implementing in your arsenal of natural body weapons. In my two-plus decades of training in selfdefense and martial arts, the two systems I have seen the thumb-spike fist used most effectively are the systems of Kali-Escrima and Ninjutsu. Other styles may use this weapon as well, but these two systems seem to use it often and with results that are most painful to you attacker! Since we like to cause pain and damage to our attacker, this weapon is ideal when going from not being able to escape a hold or having to engage an attacker who throwing a strike at you. When applied to escaping from a hold, you have several options for striking sensitive soft target areas with this hand weapon. First, I would strongly encourage you to get familiar with how to properly form the fist and thumb when using this tool against both a grab escape or an incoming strike. Please see theses photo examples of how to form the thumb-spike fist properly. Note the how the thumb is held flat in the first example. This decreases your chances of jamming the thumb joint, versus having a bend in the thumb as in the second and third photos. There is an inherent risk factor involved if you do not familiarize yourself with how it feels to strike with this tool. In the photos below, are a few examples of how you can train with a partner using focus mitts to train this tool and ensure you are delivering this strike correctly, thus minimizing your chance of injuring yourself while applying your defensive counter-measures. Make no mistake, once you have become very familiar with using this body weapon correctly, it is very effective response to several different attacks! In this photo sequence we illustrate how the thumb-spike fist can be used to defend against a few different grab attacks. In the first photo, the strike is being applied under the jaw bones, right at the corner where the jaw hinges, in the soft spots and nerves located there. The thumbs are being used to gouge in and upward, digging in with as much pressure as it takes to get the at-

tacker to release his grip facilitating your escape. Or conversely, if they are very determined and won’t let go, you make soften them up in order to peel back the chin, exposing the throat to a blow that will release their grip an d allow you to escape. Your use of force depends on the situation you are faced with. Against a strike, we can see below how the thumb-spike fist can be used to effectively cause pain to your attacker’s striking limb. In the first photo, we see a favorite method of mine for this tool, which is a picking strike to the inside of the arm of the incoming punch. If the fist is in a horizontal position, as opposed to a vertical fist, you simply make the adjustment necessary to hit the soft area target you are seeking. Probably the single very most important point for you to note when training to apply this natural body weapon is to always focus on choosing targets on the softer areas of your opponent’s body. This lessens risk of injury to your hand, increases the likelihood you will cause the pain or damage needed to break free and escape, or discourage further strikes and aggression. In some cases, all it takes is one well placed strike of this kind applied to the right target to convince your assailant to end their attack before it escalates! Since our goal is to end the conflict and neutralize the threat, this may all that is needed. However, the reverse may be true as well, which is exactly why we are wise to continue on our path of training in all areas of self-defense. Far better to be prepared to survive a violent encounter and maybe never having to apply our skills, than to be caught in a situation where they may be needed and we are without them. Until next time, have fun, train smart and stay safe!

Steve Miller Intrepid Self-Defense Systems Newberg, OR Correct Thumb Placement

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Incorrect Thumb Placement

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Incorrect Thumb Placement

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Tuite—The Okinawan Art of Joint Manipulation way to realize this is to also practice tuite while on the ground. All the joint manipulations and pressure points still work.

So often there is a tendency to think karate is all about punches and kicks. For Shorin ryu Matsumura Seito Karate, ―Tuite‖ is one of three intricate parts of the system. The other two being ―Karate‖ (empty hand) and ―Kobudo‖ (weapons). Tuite is an integral part of this system of karate and is intertwined in many aspects of kata and other techniques. Tuite, pronounced to-it-tay, is an old Okinawan art of joint manipulation. Tuite is a grappling art and can be somewhat compared to the Japanese art of jujitsu. Although tuite is strictly an Okinawan art, just like karate, some form of it can be traced back to China. The Okinawan people were quite seafaring and many of them made trips to China where they may have studied Chin na, which appears may be the roots of tuite. In Okinawa, historically these arts were primarily limited to royal families, their bodyguards and the privileged few. Tuite can be used to control or even disable an attacker, depending on how much force is applied. It can be as simple as an escape or as complex and devastating as a bone dislocating takedown. Tuite involves angles, grabbing, joint manipulation, pressure points, grappling, striking, kicks, tearing, throws and balance. The versatility of tuite works just as well if you are taken down to the ground. In karate you do want to stay upright, but if taken down tuite will become your grappling art. One

The basis of tuite is joint manipulation and pressure points. This comes down to ―body physics‖, meaning the human body will only move in certain directions regardless of the physical strength or size. Knowing the ―body physics‖ will allow you to understand how the joints function mechanically. The limits of the physical movement and pressure on joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves allow you to exploit the weaknesses. Pressure points in tuite help to short circuit the nerves to weaken the parts of the body and assist with the mechanical aspect of tuite. Twisting the wrist beyond the limits of motion will control the attacker. Striking a pressure point at the same time will assist in weakening the wrist and allow you to control the joint with less effort. Tuite is more about control than dislocating the joints.

Fig. 1—Single Arm Grab

Fig. 2 -Turn your grabbed hand palm up and with your other hand, reach under the attacker’s hand grabbing the meaty part of the base of their thumb and your thumb on the back of their hand between the middle and ring fingers.

About the author: Jay Gravelle is a seventh-degree black belt in the Okinawa Shorin-ryu Matsumura Karate & Kobudo Federation and Senior Sensei of the NorthWest Budokan Dojo of Everett, Washington. Black belt, Tony Pirot is the uke (attacker) in the pictures. www.NWBudokan.com. To contact Fig. 3 - Without losing contact with him, send e-mail to JayGravyour hand, roll your hand over and elle@NWBudokan.com . Next Article: Kata and tuite bunkai

grab their fingers.

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Fig. 4 - Step slightly back and to the side.

Fig. 6 – Detail of wrist on take down.

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Fig. 5 - Force the attacker’s palm down with a wrist out technique to do a take down.

“Tuite can be used to control or even disable an attacker, depending on how much force is applied. It can be as simple as an escape or as complex and devastating as a bone dislocating takedown.” - JG

Watch ―NW Connection‖ for more great articles from Jay Gravelle of NW Budokan!! Editor, NW Connection—Trent Junker “To Bring Pacific Northwest Martial Artists Together As One Family, Regardless Of Style, Method Or Origin” © 2010

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Learning Principles and Concepts There is a technique in "Kenpo" called in the Tracy system "Dart". This a defense for a left jab as taught. This involves shuffling back with the left foot and hooking the left jab at the wrist with a right inward parry hook. The hand configuration is like "Mantis" or a "Peacock's" head. The defender hooks the wrist and pulls back toward the defender. When the resistance is felt the defender jumps shuffles forward and executes a right index finger dart hand strike to the attacker's left eye. Working with variations can get to the point where it is interesting to practice the next level of expertise but sometimes one has to analyze the likelihood of a boxing type encounter. Rarely have I seen or heard of any confrontation involving a first strike a left or right jab. It is the strong hand that is the most often. None the less, working with "Dart" gives the opportunity to practice and explore other principles that require a higher level of skill. The first defense is to shift or step back left get that left hand palm facing the attacker as he goes for the left jab. The left palm of the defender wiggles left and right like a fast waving hello. A strange

sound like rolling the tongue around la-la-la-la-la-la-la as an example is quickly emitted. A wide eyed facial expression quickly accompanies this initial response. The principle is to do a combination that makes the attacker have a primitive response. The idea is to put the attacker mentally in between the fight and flight. Basically, you are attacking the Vagus nerve that is hooked up to the primitive brain then hearing, and the eyes are indirectly but influential to the primitive response. This takes the steam out of the jab because the human mind cannot switch up that quickly.

left front foot. The idea is to not compromise balance and pinch the little toe so the attacker gets a pain message from two areas thus weakening the resistance. Then the defender takes him down while growling. Humans can growl while fighting they just can't talk. Everyone responds to growling. Humans have been around dogs for thousands of years. Humans are well aware of the top dangerous animals and their sounds, facial expressions, and body language. This is instinctive. Sound and physical action splits the mind therefore the strength.

The defender hooks the left jab on the outside of the wrist with the defender's right wrist and the motion does strike with the inner part of the wrist to get the drape then pull back. The attacker will resist forming a gap between arm and body and the defender rides the wave and jumps in preferably on the outside of the attacker's left front foot with the defender's right leg. The defender slides the right arm through the gap and executes that figure four arm lock preferably the defender's right forearm across the deltoid and the left hand grasps the right to put the pressure on. To add to the effect try and step on the outside edge of the attacker's

If the defender's right leg gets on the inside of the attacker then the defender's sweeps back with the right leg to takedown the attacker. It is not recommended to do a "throw" as this making too much contact and involves strength, weight and time. Think the big picture of two opposing armies. More battles have been won by deception then by direct confrontation. In my case it is old age and treachery.

Professor Brian Baxter 8th Degree Black BeltKajukenbo instructor

Martial Arts Trivia Here are some basic trivia questions relating to Martial Arts. Seek the knowledge that you don’t possess-and have fun!!

What is the year Judo was created?____________________ What is the meaning of the words ―Kung Fu‖?____________________ Who brought the muscle-tendon changing (chi kung) exercises to Shaolin?____________________ What is the meaning of the Kanji for Ninjutsu?____________________ When and where was the first UFC held?___________________ Last Edition answers: Ushiba Morihei, James M. Mitose, Naha Te-Sburi Te-Tomari Te, 16th Century-Wong Long, Ali Muhammad, Jigaro Kano

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Jits Does Work! I have been training in some form of martial arts for several years, but only in the past year I started to train in Brazilian jiujitsu. I’ll admit, it is a love-hate relationship. Being female, and only 120 lbs, I pretty much get my butt kicked every day. At first, I would get frustrated and try to use strength, but most people have more strength than I do, so that approach would only lead to more frustration! Or worse, I would get pissed and fall into the trap of stopping my training for weeks because my ego just couldn’t take any more beatings.

now?‖ I was a tad bit annoyed with him so I said ―fine, let’s go!‖ He wanted to start off taking my back, he thought that would make it seem like more of a ―real attack.‖ He had several advantages (weight, male, and he had my back), but within a minute I had him choked out in a jits triangle choke! Later that night he

But somehow the love and desire to master the techniques would get me back in the gym. I believe this is the same for most of us who train. There is a genuine passion, a hunger, and dedication to face and conquer our greatest challenges. Then something interesting happened… I was in San Diego visiting one of my best friends and her boyfriend ( a 185 pound border patrol agent) and he kept nagging me about training in jiu-jitsu. He kept saying ―it’s never going to work against someone bigger.‖ He showed me a few of his ―wrist control‖ maneuvers that he learned in his border patrol training. So one night after a few too many drinks, he said to me ―what would happen if I attacked you right

needed decided that he needed a replay, stating that he was ―not prepared‖ the first time. Pretty much the same ending! Yes, it gave me a little ego boost as all of our friends were watching, and now even he believes this stuff works. When I returned to the gym, I was reminded by Bill that my frustrations are normal. The majority of the people I train

with are bigger than I am, and they too, are in the process of training. So while my skills improve, so do theirs. Regardless, I have come to love and respect this art form. I still get my butt kicked, but I notice that it takes a little longer each time, and that feels great! There are many reasons that one comes to study a martial art. For me, the biggest reason I got into martial arts was for self defense. I was living in LA and working in an inner-city ED. I felt the need to be able to protect myself in an often hostile environment. Every day I grow more confident about protecting myself in any situation because the truth of it is that the vast majority of people out don’t have any martial arts training. I have learned through much work, sweat and effort, that even if someone is bigger, I know that my training and technique will help me. So, as frustrated or as pissed off as I may be at times, I will continue to train in jits because one day my technique is going to kick butt! Heather trains in many martial art forms. The featured photo shows her at a Muay Thai Camp.

By Heather Schalon

Northwest Connection WEB Updates!! We are constantly updating and improving our website for your enjoyment. Most recently, we have added some Martial Arts based games to the website. We also have a ―Classifieds‖ section for you to list your Martial Arts/fitness related items for sale!

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Custom Mouthguards… worth the investment? Jason Clark’s Experience with the Process and the Result: I’m fairly new to Alive and the sweet science of Boxing, however after one trip to my local sporting goods store it quickly became apparent that the quality and range of boxing equipment was severely lacking. In addition, the sales staff was not qualified to provide guidance or even answer basic questions.

guards and while they do represent great value for money I’ve never had a great fit (must be the Austin Powers teeth). During sparring, I found myself biting my tongue time and time again and the mold of my teeth never felt quite right. I became determined to find a better alternative and after reading some online reviews of various mouth guards, jawzz (www.jawzz.com) seemed to be the best bet. The price ranges from $75 through to $195

So, as I looked around the gym and all the different types of gloves, wraps and headgear, first wanted to know where they came from, and second, what’s the difference between various brands and types of gear? What’s the difference between Grants and Reyes Gloves and are wrestling and boxing shoes really different? For boxing equipment there are two main suppliers Ringside (www.ringside.com) and Title (www.titleboxing.com). Both websites have a huge selection of boxing products and sizes and you can find regular sales events on selected products. Unfortunately, the only way to purchase gear is online and while they have very user friendly web sites, you can’t ask questions, try something on for size or feel and the ordeal of returning a product by post sends a shiver down my spine. Therefore, any feedback you can get on a product prior to ordering increases your chances of success. There are many good resources for independent gear reviews; I’ve listed a few of my personal favorites below: Rate this Gear (www.youtube.com/user/ratethisgear) Sherdog Forum Gear & Equipment Reviews (www.sherdog.net/forums/f67/) Boxing Forum (www.boxingforum.com/boxingequipment-reviews/) Asking gym buddies Contrary to popular belief, some of us British citizens do actually value our teeth. I’ve tried a few of the boil/bite mouth

minute or so (very James Bond), and then you line the mouthpiece with the clay. Once that’s all set, you bite down on the mouthpiece again, but this time, for about 3 minutes. The clay feels pretty strange in your mouth, and you can actually feel it starting to harden and mold around your teeth. One plus – the clay is grapeflavored! After you take the mouthpiece off your teeth, you’ll see a perfect mold of your bite. There is some paperwork to complete that includes your artwork and font selections and then you just send it back in the packaging that was included in the kit. Once your mold is received, it typically takes 3-5 weeks to get your finished guard. The process was fairly straightforward and any queries you have are typically answered through email quickly and efficiently. In terms of performance, the mouth guard is excellent; it’s a perfect fit, no more tongue injuries and I find it much easier to breathe during sparring and talk in between rounds without removing my guard, dropping it on the floor and weighing up the pro’s & con’s of replacing it without rinsing first.

and as far as I can tell, the difference on price represents the amount of custom design artwork requested. I opted for the basic mouth guard, which includes a single color & one word artwork. After placing my order, the kit (including instructions) was shipped within 2 business days. One warning, if you’re the type of person who tosses the IKEA instructions away prior to assembly, I suggest you actually read these instructions first! The instructions for fitting the mouth guard were clear and well written and also included pictures that walked you through each step. The first step is similar to the regular boil/bite mouth guards; you boil the rubber mouthpiece for about 30 seconds and then quickly bite down to leave an imprint of your teeth. The next step is what makes this mouth guard unique. Included in the kit is something that looks like two different strips of clay; you soften them up by kneading them together for a

The cons Include the expense; while this is an important piece of safety equipment the top of the range at $195 is crazy. I suggest forgetting the custom artwork and leaving it to the UFC guys. As I mentioned before it appears to be the same basic mouth guard across the selections. Secondly 3-5 weeks is a long time to wait for delivery of the final mouth guard. In conclusion I highly recommend the Jawzz basic mouth guard. Safety to me (and my M.D. wife) is a priority and worth the expense. Please remember that the Alive gym does stock a selection of gear including low cost mouth guards, which are perfect if like me, you often leave yours at home. Regardless of a person’s budget, true value for money is measured by a product’s ability to meet its intended use. So, if you see someone with a piece of gear you have been thinking about purchasing, ask them about the pro’s & cons and make another Alive friend in the process.

By Jason Clark

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“Northwest Kajukenbo Family” Seminar IV

November 13th, 2010

Mark your calendars now, this is definitely NOT one to miss!! If you have been to any of the last 3 annual events, you know how awesome this seminar is! Open to anyone and everyone, regardless of experience or style/method!! Come and experience our OHANA!

This year is proving to be even BETTER than the last 3, with new instructors and some returning ones. Our instructor roster is growing and will prove to be quite a wide array of knowledge and experience.

Some of this years instructors are: Professor Mike Whittle of Kajukenbo and Lua Professor Tim Gagnier of KSDA Kajukenbo Professor Frank Mateo of Kajukenbo and Muay Thai Professor Bryan Davies of Kajukenbo and Law Enforcement Sifu Steve Larson of Kajukenbo Tum Pai Sifu Trent Junker of Realm Of The Tiger Kajukenbo Sifu Kevin Jackson of Dacascos Tactical systems and MORE to be added soon!! Cost: $45 at the door and only $35 if you pre-register by September 15th Location: 15005 NE Yamhill Rd, Yamhill, OR 97148

For information: Contact Trent Junker at (503) 839-6359 or admin@northwestconnection.net Hosted by Sifu Trent Junker, location hosted by Professor Tim Gagnier and Sifu Becky Gagnier “To Bring Pacific Northwest Martial Artists Together As One Family, Regardless Of Style, Method Or Origin” © 2010

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School & Business Listings Realm Of The Tiger Kajukenbo

Lakan Arnis

Sifu Trent Junker (503) 839-6359 Portland, OR Specializing in Kajukenbo and ―street‖ based training

Guro Ben Fowler (503) 730-1793 www.lakanarnis.com

Northwest Budokan

Kajukenbo Self Defense Academy

The Northwest Budokan is a member of the OSMKKF. The OSMKKF hombu is in Okinawa City, Okinawa and is headed by Master Fusei Kise. The NorthWest Budokan was founded by 7th Degree Black Belt, Shihan Jay Gravelle and is based in Everett, WA. Classes are taught at 5 locations in the Everett, Mukilteo and Bothell area just north of Seattle, WA. Okinawa Shorin-ryu Matsumura Seito is a very traditional style of karate and is taught with a "Real World" attitude for today's world rather then tournament style. No long stances or high kicks! We teach a range of traditional aspects; empty hand karate, kata (forms), tuite (selfdefense/joint locks), bag work, one steps, kick drills, change body and kobudo (weapons). www.NWBudokan.com

Professor Tim Gagnier (503) 320-0438 Yamhill, OR

American Self Defense Academy Sifu Steve Miller (503) 547-9543 Newberg, OR

Portland Eskabo Da’an Professor Mike Morrell (503) 381-9145 Portland, OR Filipino Arts

Human Performance Academy, Inc dba, Port Townsend Athletic Club

FISTS FOR LIFE KENPO

Russian Kettlebell Training Teresa Hoffmann, Owner, ACE, RKC, CK-FMS Cell: (360) 302-1291 teresa@porttownsendathletic.com Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Professor Steve Maxwell Alive MMA www.porttownsendathletic.com 5607 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97206 229 Monroe St. Port Townsend, WA (503) 740-3004 Our goal is to provide an environment where all people-of any background, (360) 385-6560 experience & fitness level-can learn and train in the combat sports that comprise Mixed Martial Arts-the core of which can be: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Westside Academy of Kung Fu and CrossFit Hillsdale Wrestling, Judo, Boxing, Karate, and Muay Thai 1509 SW Sunset Blvd. Suite B-1(facing Cheltenham Street) Portland, OR 97239 503-432-7450 Sensei Gregory C. Lewis' info@WestsideAKF.com 21st Century Martial Arts of Seattle www.westsideakf.com http://www. karatemeansemptyhand.com Westside Academy of Kung Fu teaches Mo Duk Pai Kung Fu, a martial style that emphasizes ethics, practicality and teaching. CrossFit Hillsdale teaches functional fitness with an emphasis gradual progress and real world Academy of Kung Fu results. Our mission is to provide students with quality instruction, love of Teaching Kajukenbo Tum Pai learning, and open appreciation for all movement arts. 1236 14th Ave Longview, WA 98632 360-577-8323 Dragon’s Way Martial Arts Academy Email – longviewkungfu@comcast.net Master Matt Clark www.longviewkungfu.com 11525 SW Durham Rd., #D-2 Tigard, OR 97224 Sifu John Hopper (503) 995-6314 Kajukenbo Tum Pai/Tai Chi Chuan 604 E. Main St. Suite 101 Battle Ground, WA 98604 360-241-0461 www.hopperskungfu.com SELF DEFENSE IN HARMONY WITH HEALTH AND FITNESS LOCATED IN SE PDX CONTACT 503- 208- 3099 OR EMAIL FISTSFORLIFE@YAHOO.COM

Alan Nibler Vancouver, WA (971) 212-2056 Instructing Kajukenbo, Private and Group Lessons Available.

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Event Listings “Northwest Kajukenbo Family” Seminar IV November 13th, 2010

Self Defense JAM Session Workshop

15005 NE Yamhill Rd., Yamhill, OR 97148

Featuring Hanshi Nimr Hassan, Sifu Kevin Jackson, Guro Ben Fowler, Sensei Jef Burgus and Steve Miller

September 18th and 19th, 2010 Intrepid Self Defense, inside of Topspin Sports Complex—Newberg, OR

Featuring MANY high level instructors!! ALL are welcome—come and have a great time with our “Ohana”. Cost: $45 at the door, and ONLY $35 if you preregister by September 15th!! For information, contact Trent Junker at (503) 8396359

ALI’I WARRIORS FIGHT CLUB FIGHT NIGHT 3-MUAY THAI & KICKBOXING SATURDAY AUGUST 28th, 2010 DOORS OPEN: 6PM FIGHTs BEGIN: 7PM LAKE CITY COMMUNITY CENTER 12531 28th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98125 Contact: 206 778-2366 or vfmateo@comcast.net TICKETS ON SALE @ 10722 Lake City Way NE. Seattle WA 98125 Cost: Ring Side $30, General $20

LIVE: DJ and Ring Girls www.mateokajukenbo.com

Cost: $108 at the door, and ONLY $88 if you preregister by September 1st!! For information call: (503) 538-2707 Register Online at www.intrepidselfdefense.com/seminars

Kajukenbo—Tum Pai Historical Seminar August 28th, 2010 Steve Larson’s Academy of Kung Fu 1236 14th Ave., Longview, WA

Featuring Prof. Doug Bailey, Prof. Dan Anderson, Prof. Fred King and Prof. David Branscom with special guest speakers Grandmaster Al Dacascos and Grandmaster Gabe Vargas Cost: $40 For information, contact Steve Larson at (360) 5778323

INTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS INTENSIVE September 2-5, 2010 Contact: Port Townsend Athletic Club 229 Monroe St. Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 385-6560 www.porttownsendathletic.com teresa@porttownsendathletic.com Call to Register! Save $$ Early Bird cut off July 25th!

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Advertising Space Available From 1‖ x 1‖, Upto Multiple Pages!! Rates Start As Low As $16! Let Us Put YOUR Product/Service In The Hands Of Thousands Of Prospective Customers/Clients Now Is Your Chance To Get In These Pages For SUPER Great Rates!

For information, contact Trent Junker at (503) 839-6359 or advertising@northwestconnection.net

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