SUGARPINE AVIATORS MARTIAL ARTS

At this dojo we wish to help pilots and others to be healthy and happy through careful exercise and self-defense instruction. We hope to improve the abilities of the average person to defend themselves. To study our martial arts you must be a member of the Sugarpine Aviators Flying Club whose fee is $40 per month. The martial arts studies are for responsible people. It may be possible for a pre-teen person to accompany parents on the mat for an extra charge; strict guidelines will be in force--the parent will be completely in charge of the child with no exceptions; the child may only participate in activities he or she is capable of. Special rates will apply for added family members.

As a Flying Club member you have full flying discount privileges for aircraft and flight instructor and free access to martial arts instruction for regular classes and the use of the facilities for personal practice.

"Musashi taught each of his disciples individually at his dojo, judging each man for what would appropriate for inappropriate for him to learn. Hating the hypocrisy and showmanship of other schools, he refused to make his disciples sign the usual blood oaths of secrecy and did not titillate them with promises of hidden principles and techniques to come. He was honest and understanding and did not push students to the point of collapse, as some teachers did then and do today. His approach was simple and direct."

"Musashi’s pragmatic emphasis on real knowledge led to his disdain for partiality of any sort in the practice of the martial arts. To him, real knowledge meant real efficiency in every situation. 'Not knowing how to defeat others in any situation, they put virtue in the length of the sword and think they can win by their distance from their opponent.'

Real knowledge implies real freedom, and any preference for one weapon over another or one stance over another, or for anything at all, does nothing more than hobble a man or put blinders on his gaze: 'But with weapons as with other things, you should not make distinctions or preferences. It is wrong for either general or soldier to have a preference for one thing and to dislike another.'”

-- William Scott Wilson, from The Lone Samurai: The Life of Miyamoto Musashi, 2004

A martial artist that we at SAMA very much admire is Seishiro "Henry" Okazaki who could trace his roots back sixteen generations to a Samurai family in Japan. He was training to become a retainer for the Emperor, but after visiting Hawaii and getting a taste of freedom, he and his family moved there. He then studied in the Hilo Shinyu-Kai which was a (then called "Judo") dojo run by the Grand Master Kichimatsu Tanaka. The hard training and interest in the martial arts became all consuming; he studied many diverse forms including karate, knife play and boxing and gained much practical experience taking on all comers in exhibition fighting which included his defeat of the then current American heavyweight boxing champion of the world Karl "KO" Morris.

The Hilo Daily Tribune, while not lavish with its praise, was nonetheless enthusiastic. The story made the front page of the Saturday morning edition with the headlines, "Morris Has No Chance Against Jujitsu Expert":

" Five minutes after the start of the mixed bout and during which time Okazaki threw Morris and himself over the ropes into the audience upon two occasions. (sic) Okazaki threw his opponent to the mat and with an arm lock which wrenched the muscles of Morris' right arm and forced him to (figuratively speaking) throw up the sponge."

Okazaki developed his own hybrid martial arts system from the best elements of the great martial arts systems from around the world.

His willingness to teach his skills to all, including Caucasians, was not well received by the pre-war Japanese community but he persevered anyway. Okazaki’s prominence in the fields of Jujitsu and physical therapy grew and his martial arts system spread.

Sugarpine Aviators Martial Arts (SAMA), an independent dojo focusing on Jujitsu tradition, which is not a sport, but a thinking person’s self defense system. Jujitsu uses an aggressor’s power against him by using techniques for escapes, holds, joint locks, breaks, strikes, chokes and throws. SAMA does not rule out the study of other martial arts forms useful in defending one's self. It all adds up to extremely dangerous knowledge that will not be taught to just anyone; a student must show the proper attitude which includes courtesy toward others and humility, as well as the willingness to teach others in class but not on the street. Sugarpine Aviators Martial Arts students must swear not to use their dangerous knowledge except in the defense of one’s self or others if necessary.

Sugarpine Aviators Martial Arts appreciates the Esoteric Principles espoused by Master Okazaki which are paraphrased as follows:

COSTS AND PRIVILEGES – Sugarpine Aviators Martial Arts offers free classes and the use of its facilities to Flying Club members only and is not open to the general public.

ATTENDENCE – Attending class is important; attendance will be recorded and kept at the dojo for the Senior Instructor's review, especially during times that a student is being considered for a promotion. It is the student’s responsibility to see that the attendance record remains updated.

CLASSES – Regular classes are for mature individuals (possibly as young as 13-depending upon their attention span and ability to focus). There are no “beginner classes.” We may occasionally allow a younger student on the mat only if accompanied by a responsible adult. A new student may begin classes at any time and will be helped by more experienced students, which is a jujitsu tradition; also special individual instruction is available for a reasonable charge. When first starting just follow along with the class, doing what you can and not trying something that makes you uneasy. Students are free to progress at their own pace; there is no competition for advancement, only the personal satisfaction of accomplishment. Students with special needs that interfere with their ability to perform certain maneuvers, will be accommodated.

*Special emphasis: Among other things, SAMA is dedicated to good health and practical self defense. Classes begin with careful stretches and proceed after that with great care. People have diverse capabilities and talents as well as previous injuries, also various age groups have special problems; all these conditions need to be revealed to the instructor in advance. No one will ever be asked to try a maneuver he or she is uncomfortable with. There is no "free fighting" at the lower ranks, but rather, a slow acceleration of Kata and variations to Kata as increases in skill safely allow.

UNIFORMS – Sweat clothes are OK for starters, but eventually you will want to invest in a uniform. Keep your gi (uniform) clean but do not wash the obi (belt). Everyone should have a “gi bag” to carry the rolled up uniform, notebook, pen, breath mints, band aids, and so on. Always remove jewelry before class and never wear shoes on the mat. Do not chew gum, or anything else, while on the mat. One must never wear their full uniform on the street—it is OK to wear just the pants if need be; it is also encouraged to sew one’s first name on the gi to promote positive social interaction.

Dress code: White through Brown Belts (Kyu ranks); all-white gi. Black Belt rank; white top, black pants. If a person holds a Black Belt in another style they may wear black pants and the appropriate belt earned in this system. Johnny, the dojo Senior Instructor of this independent dojo, may wear a completely black gi. The SAMA patch should be worn over the heart with the dots set to the horizontal position.

NOTEBOOKS—will be necessary to help learn the Japanese names of the various techniques and to record your personal understanding of how the art is performed. The six Jujitsu Kata lists consist of 154 arts + several other lists, each with a different Japanese name, and each art can have many variations.

All experiences should be written down and associated with the name of the art. Proper names form inputs to cognitive processing; in the case of a martial arts technique, if you have been trained to complete the entire art and also to know its name, then you can instantly visualize its execution. When arts are combined, knowing their names makes the learning process infinitely easier; good notes facilitate useful reviews. A large notebook will be effective home study and a tremendous aid in one's advancement up the ranks. It is eventually necessary to memorize each art, to be able to recognize its name when you see or hear it, and perform it when being tested. Another binder should be kept for the revised pages as they will be needed in time. Performance records should be kept on your notebook. (For more on SAMA student notebooks press HERE) A Japanese vocabulary can be found on the internet and at the bottom of this page.

SHARING – What you learn in class must not be shared with the public. If a friend is really interested they will be persuaded to come to class. Your personal notebook is not to be shared with fellow students (as in giving away copies) or the general public, but it is acceptable and desirable to help others develop their notebooks.

THE BOW –The bow is the Jujitsu salute showing respect and similar to shaking hands; it does not indicate subservience. The bow is accomplished with your feet together and your hands on the front of your thighs. Bow slightly while looking at your opponent or acquaintance, or when stepping on or off the mat.

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE MAT – When entering or leaving the mat it is always appropriate to bow to acknowledge the respect for what you are doing there. When class is in session it is required that you ask the person in charge of the class for permission to enter or leave the mat. The person in charge will “bow” you on and off the mat; this is necessary in the interest of control. You may address the Senior Instructor, Johnny Moore, as "Johnny." The bow is also used in opening and closing class.

AUTHORITY – In matters regarding the Sugarpine Aviators Martial Arts dojo, owner and Senior Instructor, Johnny Moore has absolute authority. Being a dojo member does not mean that you have a vote, but Johnny will always listen to appropriate suggestions. A student wishing to take other martial arts classes at the same time as they are a member of this dojo must discuss it first, or if a member is going to drop out, Johnny needs to be notified.

SITTING—sitting properly is important for showing respect and for safety. The first and preferred way is called “saze” where you sit on your heels with your toes pointed back. For some, this position is difficult for long periods of time. An alternative would be sitting upright with your legs crossed; this is called “adze.” In a kneeling position or during a throw, it is important that you do not perch up on the balls of your feet and risk painful injury. For those with disabilities, any safe and comfortable way is fine and would show no disrespect.

ATTENTION – While friendliness and humor are always welcome, there are times that silence and full attention to the person in charge is required. When the teacher is demonstrating a technique it is customary to sit saze in silence for safety and to show respect.

CLEANLINESS – Because of the required close contact of Jujitsu, uniforms, bodies, fingernails and toenails must be clean; breath mints couldn’t hurt either. People soon learn to work closely and forget about common touching prohibitions or male/female shyness. Everyone is treated with the same respect in Jujitsu.

SOBRIETY /ILLNESS – No booze, drugs or smoking in or around class or on the premises; legal alcohol is not prohibited during socialization after class. Smoking is forbidden on the premises and illegal drugs will not be tolerated any time. If you are sick, stay home; do not spread your flu or cold to others. If you have a tender spot—for example; if your left wrist is sore—affix a piece of red tape in that area to make others aware of it.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TORI AND UKE - Tori is the person applying the art and Uke is the recipient of the art. Uke should be passive and not resist in order for Tori to practice the technique. Techniques must be applied slowly to avoid injury. In the case of throws, Uke should be proactive in helping Tori execute the throw.

SUBMISSION – All arts are to be practiced slowly and deliberately because of the likelihood of injury if moves are rushed. When you reach the limit in an art such as a joint lock you are to slap the mat or tap your opponent, as appropriate. This method is much faster and has a more definite meaning than “ouch!” Uke should "tap out" long before injury becomes probable. Roughness will not be tolerated; it usually ends in injury. The object is to accomplish the technique while using the least amount of strength.

AGRESSION –Aggressive acts will not be tolerated in class or in the public arena. Martial arts learned in class can be deadly; they are to be used only in self defense and then only the minimum application required to maintain control. A person well trained in the mental and physical aspects of Jujitsu has nothing to prove to themselves.

TYPICAL CLASS – Classes will strive to begin and end on time. If you must be late, the person in charge of the class will bow you onto the mat and you may stretch and warm up on your own before joining the group. Before class there will be stretching exercises to promote health and spirit and to avoid injury. The two-hour class session includes time for warm-ups.

The person in charge of the class, will sit under the “place of honor” which includes the American flag and honored teachers. Persons of various ranks are arranged in certain places; Black Belts in the front next to the head of the mat, Brown Belts to his right, Green Belts to the left and lower ranks in front. This arrangement may change depending upon of those attending the class. Class is opened by the head of the mat or someone he designates. First everyone bows to the place of honor and then turn and bow to each other. “Joseki” means “place of honor” while “shomeni” means “teacher;” they are words to begin and end class.

A discussion will follow to outline what will be studied at this class. Often the class will begin with a "focus" subject for all to participate in as a single group and then be broken up into various groups of students who wish to work on certain arts. Classes will typically last two hours; at the end everyone lines up as before and a critique of the class follows along with any other business. The class will be closed in the reverse order as the opening; shomeni-bow to each other, joseki-bow to the place of honor followed by four "over the head traditional" hand claps.

ADVANCEMENT - There are six primary Kata lists with twenty or more items in each. They are; Yawara, Nage, Shime, Oku, Goshin and Shinin, plus others; a student will eventually be expected to know several variations to most of the techniques. Additionally, there are a number of lists such as rolls and falls, strikes and parries, knife and gun control and escapes, and so on. Attention is also paid to traditional resuscitation techniques called “Kappo’s.”

Forms outlining advancement requirements for each belt along with attendance, testing and worksheets are available on this website.

TESTING - A student may request to be tested in the area he or she is studying. Tests are always voluntary and only on items the student requests; the demonstrations may be accomplished in front of the full class, a procedure that promotes the notion that we always empathize and help one another, or it can be done in other ways. Testing forms covering all the formal arts should be downloaded from links located at the bottom of this page (Personal Kata Performance Forms ) to record the demonstration results which are graded on a scale of 1 to 10 and whose purpose is to aid the student to focus on weak points in training. The person being tested may request the English translation of the art they are to demonstrate. Testing is an integral part of the steps in the non-competitive and self fulfilling endeavor to advance in rank.

RANKING – Advancements in rank do not come automatically with proficiency in the required techniques, there are unspoken character-related ones as well, such as the student’s spirit and intent. Senior Instructor, Johnny, must weigh all the factors before awarding advancements.