LOCAL RESIDENTS TRAINING IN JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP Warwick, NY: Glenn Finke, the owner of a local karate dojo (training hall), recently took advantage of an opportunity to begin training in Japanese Swordsmanship. The dojo, Traditional Karate-Do Center of Warwick, is hosting a 12 month intensive seminar series of training in Iaido, a Japanese martial art where students of it train in the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade and them placing the sword back in the scabbard. Students of the series practice with Bokken (wooden sword) as well as with Iaito (a mock sword made of steel). Although most of the students training with the sword are from the Traditional Karate-Do Center there are also students from Mountain Teachings (Hawley, PA) and Wasylyk Karate (Honesdale, PA) The students are specifically training in Seitei Gata, a series of twelve kata (formal exercises) that are considered a universal style for several different forms of Iaido. It is hoped that the students training in the seminar series will go from a beginner level to an intermediate level of experience. The instructor for the seminar series is Roger Wehrhahn, Shihan (Master Instructor). In addition to high-level rankings in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate, Shorin-Ryu Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo he has been recognized as a Roku-Dan (Sixth-Degree Black Belt) in Muso Shinden-Ryu Iaido under the tutelage of the one of Japan's prominent sword masters-the late Takeshi Mitsuzuka, Sensei (instructor). Shihan Wehrhahn is presently the chief instructor for both the North American San Shin Kai and the Tachi no Ken Renmei, two agencies developed to govern the instruction and training in Iaido. First Row (L-R): Robert Mally, Jack Wyckle, Lori Longo, Zachary Fox, Shihan Roger Wehrhahn, Glenn Finke, Nicholas Gregorio, Marlon Motta and Steven Washio Second Row (L-R): Brian Baird, Calvin Silbernagel, Roger Garrison, Chris Silbernagel, Ruth Skorupa, Brad Davidson and Eric McCollum GLENN FINKE WINS TOURNAMENT AWARDS Hackettstown, NJ: Glenn Finke, who owns and operates the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, participated in the 25th Annual Isshinryu School of Karate Benefit Tournament at Hackettstown High School. The tournament, attracting about 250 competitors from over 25 different karate schools, has raised over $100,000 for various organizations including the American Cancer Society since its inception. Finke, competing in the Adult Black Belt Division, won first place in kumite (sparring) and second place in kata (formal exercises). EIGHT STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR BLACK BELT Warwick, NY: Eight martial arts students who train locally at the Traditional Karate-Do Center were recognized for various ranks of Black Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do and/or Ryukyu Kobudo (weapons) during a promotion ceremony at their dojo (training hall). In addition to logging in years of training time all of the Black Belt candidates were required to undergo a challenging promotional exam prior to the promotion ceremony. During the promotion ceremony the candidates also demonstrated elements of the curriculum necessary for promotion. The students recognized for promotion were Alexander Sloma Ni-Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt) Karate and Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) Kobudo, Alexandria Degnan Ni-Dan Karate, Sean Degnan Ni-Dan Karate, Joy Phelan Sho-Dan Karate, Trygve Hodne Sho-Dan Karate, Bryan Currao Sho-Dan Karate, Noelle Giammarino Sho-Dan Kobudo and Marlon Motta Sho-Dan Kobudo. All of the newly ranked Black Belts have been training anywhere from six to twelve years under Glenn Finke, who established the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick in 1996. Standing (left to right) Bryan Currao, Alexander Sloma, Sean Degnan, Joy Phelan, Noelle Giammarino, Alexandria Degnan, Trygve Hodne and Marlon Motta. Seated is Glenn Finke. GLENN FINKE WINS THREE AAU DISTRICT KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Madison, NJ: Glenn Finke, the owner and chief instructor of the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, recently competed in the 2010 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) New Jersey District Karate Championships-held at the Simon Arena at Drew University. Competing in the Adult Black Belt Male division, he won gold medals (first place) in all three of his events: kumite (sparring), kata (formal exercises) and kobudo (weapons kata). The wins qualified Mr. Finke to compete at the AAU National Karate Championships, being held this year in Albany, NY. Glenn Finke with his three championship gold medals. FATHER/DAUGHTER DUO WIN TROPHIES AT KARATE TOURNAMENT Monroe, NY: Brian and Mackenzie Baird, a father and daughter duo from Warwick, recently competed at an invitational Karate tournament sponsored by Core Martial Arts in Monroe. Mr. and Miss Baird, who are students at the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, have each been training in the martial arts for nearly four years. Mr. Baird, who competed in the adult advanced division, placed second in each of his competition categories, which included kumite (sparring); kata (formal exercise) and kobudo (weapons kata). Miss Baird, age 8, placed second in her intermediate kata division. Mackenzie Baird (on left) and her dad Brian Baird with their tournament trophies. KARATE INSTRUCTOR A PART OF LOCAL BUSINESS WORKSHOP Warwick, NY: Glenn Finke, the chief instructor and owner of the Traditional Karate-Do Center of Warwick, had the opportunity to teach a segment of a business leadership workshop for the management team of WVT Communications. The workshop, facilitated by Jonathan Lawson and John Raquet of big-awakening.com, concentrated on defining and achieving business goals; leveraging time, talent and resources; and identifying and discarding limiting beliefs. Mr. Finke then had the chance to tie in the practice of the martial arts with the curriculum of the seminar. "I talked a bit about the history of karate," stated Mr. Finke, "about how the ancient masters developed their training systems for self-defense and also something not so obvious back then: self-development. Nowadays, the benefits of martial arts training are well known for children but I've recently seen a big surge in adult participation. Our adult population includes medical doctors, hedge fund managers, high-level corporate executives who have have seen the benefits of training as many of them are getting ready for their Black Belt exam or have already been recognized as Black Belts. Many people who initially start training in the martial arts may see veteran practitioners do what they see as imposing-but with the right guidance and motivation achieve and, in many cases, surpass the goals they originally thought of for themselves." Mr. Finke started out by lightly warming-up the seminar participants then went right into teaching immediately applicable self-defense techniques. The finale of Mr. Finke's segment had the team members of WVT Communications do a famous karate demonstration: break a board. "Breaking boards is something that we usually don't do," said Mr. Finke, "but with my team and I teaching practical self-defense techniques that could easily transition to board breaking we decided guide the participants to a successful experience. At the suggestion of Mr. Lawson, which I will be using for future events, we had each of the attendees write on the board they would break the belief they thought was limiting them. The beliefs they wanted to break included being unproductive, fear of failure and rejection. All of the participants were successful in their breaks-starting them on the road to getting rid of their limiting beliefs. It was also refreshing to see the president of WVT, Mr. Duane Albro, be the first person to break his board-with the phrase Limited Beliefs on it." Mr. Finke, who operates his dojo (training hall) as a private school, and his team are available for seminars in the local community. Mr. Glenn Finke (center) lecturing the management team of WVT Communications. GLENN FINKE WINS EIGHT-FOOT TROPHY Newton, NJ: Glenn Finke, the owner and chief instructor at the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, recently competed in the 2010 King's Karate All-Sparring Tournament. The tournament, which was held at Newton High School in Newton; NJ, attracted over 200 competitors from the Tri-State area. The types of martial arts represented in the tournament included Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu and Tang Soo Do. Finke first won first place in the heavyweight division of his age category. Then he competed against other adult Black Belt Division winner to win the eight-foot Grand Champion trophy for kumite (sparring). LOCAL RESIDENTS RECOGNIZED AS BLACK BELTS IN KARATE Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center (located in Warwick) recently conducted Black Belt Promotional Examinations. The exam process consisted of the a quality control check of both basic and advanced Karate techniques; self-defense execution drills against unarmed and armed opponents; demonstration of novice, intermediate and advanced level kata (formal exercises); kumite (sparring) with Black Belt Candidates as well as current Black Belts; and high-level tests of physical conditioning. The promotional examinations were an extreme test. The candidates were tested for various degrees of Black Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do; including Sho-Dan (First Degree Black Belt), Ni-Dan (Second Degree Black Belt) and San-Dan (Third Degree Black Belt). Promotion ceremonies took place at the dojo's (training hall) annual Holiday Party-where the candidates demonstrated some of the curriculum that were required for promotion. Nicholas Knapp, 13, of Warwick was recognized as a Sho-Dan. Knapp, already a Junior Black Belt in Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate, has been training in the Martial Arts for over eight years. Recognized for Ni-Dan were Mark Bellotto, 27, of Middletown; Jacob Holtman, 16, of Warwick; Marlon Motta, 25, of Otisville and Steven Washio, 48, of Warwick. Bellotto has been training since 2000, Holtman has been training since 2001, Motta has been training since 1994 (and is a full-time instructor at the dojo) and Washio has been training at the dojo since 2005 (after being recognized as Black Belt in Goshin-Do Karate in 1982). Graham Ackerly, 17, of Warwick was recognized as a San-Dan. Ackerly has been training in the Martial Arts since 1997. The recently recognized Black Belts are all students of Glenn Finke, who owns and operates the Traditional Karate-Do Center. Standing L-R Marlon Motta, Mark Bellotto, Graham Ackerly, Jacob Holtman, Nicholas Knapp. Seated Head Instructor Glenn Finke. LOCAL KARATE SCHOOL HELPS LOCAL FOOD PANTRY Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center, located in Warwick, recently hosted its annual Fall Costume Party. Holding the party has been a long-time tradition for the dojo (training hall) as the participants get to dress up in costumes, take a karate class (in costume), play games and participate in several costume contests. They also had the opportunity to help the community. How do they get to help the community? The price of admission to get into the party is a canned food item-which is donated to Warwick Ecumenical Council Food Pantry. "I visited the Warwick United Methodist Church-where the Food Pantry is located-a few days before our costume party to find out if there was a need for any specific canned food items," Mr. Finke stated, "and I was told that inventory was down in all areas. Although it is real easy to get our younger students to participate in our annual costume party we did more than ever to make our students aware of the event and we had, by far, our largest attendance for our costume party ever!" There were well over seventy participants in the dojo's costume party-each participant brining at least one canned food item to be donated. Mr. Finke, as part of the tradition, usually adds to the pot by donating some canned food items also. This year (and probably in every future year of the party) he decided to match whatever amount of donated items with a canned food item of his own. "It was actually a lot of fun getting our members to participate as well as do their part to help the community a little. The kids were great at the party and we had a lot of parents of our students who volunteered their time to help with running the event. I even turned my own food shopping experience into a fun time as I was responsible to match the donations my students gave.", stated Mr. Finke. Glenn Finke, standing on right, getting the costume party started. DVD Filmed in Warwick Features Local Residents Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center (located in Warwick) was recently used as the setting for the future release of a Martial Arts instructional DVD titled "Essentials of Sparring: Fighting Kata". The DVD features the teachings of Shihan (Master Instructor) Roger Wehrhahn, a high level Black Belt in Goju-Ryu Karate, Shorin-Ryu Karate, Ryu Kyu Kobudo (Okinawa Weapons) and Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship). Participating in filming were local residents who are long-time advanced level members of the dojo (training hall) including Glenn Finke (the owner of the dojo as well as four-time AAU National Silver Medalist in Black Belt Sparring) and Marlon Motta (former AAU National-Level Bronze Medalist in Black Belt Sparring). The Essentials of Sparring: Fighting Kata DVD details a safe and systematic approach that martial arts students can use to help the novice prepare for kumite (sparring) as well give an advanced-level practitioner tools to constantly refine and improve their technique. The techniques and systems taught are ones that can be used for any age and blend with other martial arts besides Karate. Mr. Wehrhahn, in addition to teaching Martial Arts seminars at the international level, has produced Martial Arts DVDs that have been showcased through retailers such as Bugei, Fighting Arts and Budogu LLC.-amongst others. The Essentials of Sparring: Fighting Kata DVD is set for release on 11/15/09. Special discounted pre-orders are available through the Traditional Karate-Do Center. Photo L to R: Roger Wehrhahn and Glenn Finke FIVE KARATE STUDENTS PROMOTED TO BLACK BELT Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center, located in Warwick, recently recognized five of its members with varying degrees of Black Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate after an August promotional examination. The ceremony, which was part of a special event hosted by the dojo (training hall) recognized Haley Christen; age 12 of Hewitt, NJ; Harrison Christen; age 11 of Hewitt, NJ and Will Muller; age 11 of Warwick, NY with their promotion to Sho-Dan (First Degree Black Belt). They all started training in Karate anywhere between the ages of four and five. Noelle Giammarino; age 17 of Pine Island, NY; was recognized as a Ni-Dan (Second Degree Black Belt). Giammarino has practiced the martial arts for over seven years. Larry Schott; age 52 of Pine Bush, NY; was recognized as a San-Dan (Third Degree Black Belt). Schott has practiced the martial arts at the Traditional Karate-Do Center for over eight years with a total of thirteen years of martial arts experience. In addition to their regular training the students have been active in activities such as tournaments, seminars and the practice of Kobudo (Okinawa Weapons Martial Art). Their head instructor is Glenn Finke, who is the owner and director of the Traditional Karate-Do Center. In addition to the promotional ceremonies, the Black Belt candidates and many other advanced level students of the Traditional Karate-Do Center were treated to two special seminars. The first seminar featured Schott as the instructor. He taught techniques adapted from a police academy curriculum for use by martial artists. These included restraining techniques and pistol takeaways. Schott is a certified police defensive tactics instructor and works with local law enforcement agencies. The second seminar featured Shihan (Master Instructor) Roger Wehrhahn. He focused on the teaching advanced ippon (one step) kumite (sparring). The participants learned how to defend against high and low attacks and to move quickly and easily from one technique to another at the highest possible speed. The participants of the seminar will also be featured in a commercially released DVD called "The Secrets to Effective Karate-Ippon Kumite". Shihan Wehrhahn is a master-level instructor in Goju-Ryu Karate, Shorin-Ryu Karate, Ryukyu Kobudo and Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido who travels the world teaching seminars. The special day finished off with Friendship Dinner held at Gasho of Japan in Central Valley, NY. The dinner had well over sixty people in attendance and helped celebrate the students who were recognized with their new Black Belt ranks as well as those who participated in the special seminars. In photo: Standing (L-R): Instructor Marlon Motta, Noelle Giammarino, Larry Schott and Instructor Roger Garrison. Seated: Head Instructor Glenn Finke. Kneeling (L-R): Will Muller, Harrison Christen and Haley Christen. GLENN FINKE WINS SILVER MEDAL AT AAU NATIONAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Fort Lauderdale, FL: Glenn Finke, who owns and teaches at the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, recently competed at the Amateur Athletic Union National Karate Championships-held at Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. The tournament attracted well over 2000 athletes from all over the United States. Finke, who will be celebrating 30 years of training in karate later this year, competed in the Male Advanced (Black Belt) Age 19-34 Divisions. He finished second in the Heavyweight Kumite (sparring) Division, losing his finals match in overtime. Finke, who has competed at the national level since 1995, will next compete at the USA National Karate-Do Federation (USANKF) National Championships/Team Trials-also being held in Fort Lauderdale in the same venue 7/17-7/19. The USANKF is recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee as the national governing body for the sport of karate in the United States. LOCAL RESIDENTS RECOGNIZED AS BLACK BELTS Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center, located in Warwick, recently conducted Black Belt Promotional Examinations in both Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo. The examinees were tested on requirements of self-defense (in unarmed and armed situations), kata (formal exercise), kumite (sparring), physical conditioning as well as standing and moving basic and advanced techniques. Three students who took the exam passed, and were supported by other Black Belts who went through the exam process with them. The promotion ceremony took place in Warwick at the Orange County Park near the Hickory Hill Golf Course as part of the Traditional Karate-Do Center's Annual Family and Friends Picnic. The examinees demonstrated different parts of the curriculum required for promotion. Linda Lupinski, of Warwick, was recognized as Sho-Dan (First Degree Black Belt) in Karate. Lupinski has been training in the Martial Arts since 2000. Amanda-Li Furnari, formerly of Warwick now of Stony Point, was recognized as a Sho-Dan in Karate. Furnari has been training in the Martial Arts since 2002. Kyle McFarland, of Warwick, was recognized as a Ni-Dan (Second Degree Black Belt) in Karate and Sho-Dan in Kobudo. McFarland has been training in the Martial Arts since 2000. They trained hard for their promotion. Glenn Finke, the owner of the Traditional Karate-Do Center, has been their primary instructor. The dojo has served Warwick and its neighbors since 1996. In photo (left to right): Head Instructor Glenn Finke, Linda Lupinski, Amanda-Li Furnari, Kyle McFarland GLENN FINKE WINS NORTHEAST KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP Albany, NY: Glenn Finke, owner and head instructor of the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, recently competed at Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Northeast Super Regional Karate Championship. The competition which attracted over 300 athletes from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New England. Finke, 38, competed in the Advanced (Black Belt) Male Age 19-34 Division. He won first place in kumite (sparring) against strong competition. The event also served as a qualifier for the AAU National Karate Championships, which are being held June 16-21 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Finke will be competing in that event as well. GLENN FINKE WINS KARATE TOURNAMENT 4/26/09 Hackettstown, NJ: Glenn Finke, the head instructor/owner of the the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, recently competed in the Isshinryu School of Karate Benefit Tournament at Hackettstown High School. The tournament, where proceeds benefitted the American Cancer and Benefit Societies, attracted over 250 athletes from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Finke competed in the Male Age 19-34 Black Belt Division. He placed first in kumite (sparring) and second in kata (formal exercises). He is also planning to compete in the AAU National Karate Championships in Fort Lauderdale, FL in June. WARWICK KARATE INSTRUCTOR WINS AAU DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP WARWICK, NY: Glenn Finke, who teaches karate in Warwick, recently (3/22/09) competed at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) District Karate Championship in Madison, NJ at Drew University. The tournament, which attracted over 200 athletes, served as a qualifier for the AAU National Karate Championships being held in Fort Lauderdale, FL June 15-20. Finke, competing in the Adult Male Advanced (Black Belt) Division, finished first in kumite (sparring) and second in kobudo (weapons) at the tournament. This was the 11th time he has won first place in kumite since 1996. In addition to other competitive events, he's hoping to compete at the national level at both the AAU and USA National Karate-Do Federation Championships. For further information please call 845-988-9223. GLENN FINKE, LOCAL KARATE INSTRUCTOR, WINS GRAND CHAMPION TITLE WARWICK, NY: Glenn Finke, who is the owner/head instructor at the Traditional Karate-Do Center (Warwick, NY) recently competed at the Kings Karate Kumite Tournament in Newton, NJ. The tournament, which attracted over 200 competitors from the Tri-State area, focuses solely on the kumite (sparring) aspect of competition. Finke, after placing first in his Black Belt division, competed against other Adult Black Belt division winners for the title of Grand Champion-which he ended up winning. He was recognied for his efforts with a six-foot trophy. "It was nice to compete and have a chance to win," Finke stated, "especially I'm closer to to age 40 than 35. I'm hoping to compete in the AAU Nationals and this was a great way to help get me ready." Finke has taught karate in Warwick since 1996. For further information please call 845-988-9223.