| Date |
Subject |
Note |
| 9/2009 |
Hawaii |
Sensei Jim Pizii travels to Hawaii to train with
Sensei Angel Lemus.
<More info to follow> |
| 7/11/2009 |
Promotions |
Senseis: John Hughes, Mike Salomone, Andy
Rodriguez, and Mark Thompson were promoted to Yondan (4th Degree Black
Belt). All four of these Senseis bring a special blend of talent to the
Zentokukai organization. After many years watching these men train hard and
intelligently, it gives me great pleasure in promoting them to a very
high and significant level in our organization.
 |
| 7/9 - 7/11 |
Seminar |
2009 NorthEast Zentokukai held in West Chester,
PA.
OVERVIEW
----------------
• We are focusing every aspect of our training to develop effective and
lethal Karate.
• We are cutting the fat, eliminating redundancies, training smarter.
• We will develop stronger bodies with this methodology, you will get a
better physical workout with less time, and less effort, your body will
feel as if
you just did a 2 hr light-weight lifting class.
• Eliminate the preoccupation with SPEED as the measure of good karate
for it is not. You will replace speed with character and timing.
• You will learn how to develop, true power in your techniques, you will
hit harder than you have in the past.
• You will learn proper timing, develop it to intercept the fastest
punch anyone can throw at you, and you will NOT DO IT with speed.
• You will finally learn and understand the principles necessary for
proper posture, and power generation, they are:
a.
Proper breathing
b.
Koshi (hip rotation, mostly the timing)
c.
Hara, this one has always been a gray area, NO MORE.
d.
KIME, the proper concept and timing of this.
e.
Finally applying KIKOMI, or penetration.
These 5
elements need to be understood and mastered.
• KATA- doing it at a proper pace (walking pace), utilizing smart
execution of power, develop timing, Osae and spacial awareness.
Explode
with kime on every technique with the 5 principles named above to back
it up.
• Learn how to FIGHT thru your practice of Kata.
• Utilize the knowledge from Kata and apply to fighting, by learning how
to "close in to your opponent", understanding MA.
• Walking in to your opponent with confidence, control, and from a
superior advantage.
• Develop a fearless fighting spirit, dig down into your Hara, move and
see everything from there.
|
| 5/2009 |
Hawaii |
Sensei Thompson and Sensei Hughes travel
to Hawaii to train with Sensei Lemus.
During the month of May 2009, Sensei John Hughes and Sensei Mark Thompson
had rare opportunity to travel to Hawaii and train with Sensei Lemus with a
special focus on improved methodology in training. These two gentlemen were
a significant part in the North East Seminar. Their leadership and guidance
made the seminar quite a success. |
| 3/30/2009 |
Upcoming Seminar |
The 2009 North East Zentokukai Karate Seminar
will be held:
Thursday 7/9/09 7 - 9pm
Friday 7/10/09 7 - 9pm
Saturday 7/10 noon - 5pm
Location: West Chester Dojo - Dance CenterThis event is for both
adolescents and adults. There is no fee for this, but make sure you brings
snacks and drinks for break times. Please note that there will be no
significant break on Saturday, we will take small energy breaks, but we do
not want to loose our warmed up muscles. The visiting Senseis and their
students will be: Andy Rodriguez, John Hughes, Mark Thompson, Mike Salomone,
and Bill Goebel. All students are encouraged to attend as much as possible.
More information on the training agenda to follow. |
| 3/21/2009 |
Promotions |
The following students were promoted
03/21/06.
| Name |
New Belt Rank |
| Will Pizii |
5th Jr. Kyu |
| Chetan Ashta |
9th Jr. Kyu |
| Jacob Lehman |
9th Jr. Kyu |
| Jasleen Ashta |
11th Jr. Kyu |
| Tyler Lehman |
11th Jr. Kyu |
| Jagmeet Ashta |
12th Jr. Kyu |
| Clinton Rehrig |
13th Jr. Kyu |
| Logan Constable |
14th Jr. Kyu |
| CJ Doorey |
14th Jr. Kyu |
|
| 1/16/09 |
Visit |
Sensei Angel Lemus visited the West Chester Dojo
Friday Jan. 16th through Sunday Jan. 18th, 2009. Major areas covered were:
Empi Kata; Generating more power in punching techniques; Two additional
moves in the two man 13 count (now 15 count) Kata; Bo Kata.
 |
| 12/30/08 |
Special Class and Promotions |
We held a special class and recognized two
Shodan promotions.
Promoted to Shodan was Ken Holt by Sensei Andy Rodriguez.
Promoted to Shodan was Greg Hassler by Sensei Jim Pizii.
Attending the special class were: Sensei Bill Goebel, Sensei John Hughes,
Sensei Mark Thompson, Sensei Mike Salomone, and Sensei Andy Rodriguez and
some of their students.
I gave every black belt an opportunity to run any two man routine of their
choice. They had to demonstrate it and explain it, and it's objective.
  |
| 11/30/08 |
Visit |
Sensei Angel Lemus will be visiting the West
Chester Dojo Friday Jan. 16th through Sunday Jan. 18th, 2009. I will be
making some arrangements for a special Adult class Friday evening, and
another class late Saturday morning or early Saturday afternoon. Please mark
your calendars. Sensei Rodriguez, Hughes, Salomone, Thompson, and Goebel ..
feel free to bring your adult students to this great event. We get to train
exclusively with Sensei Lemus, so have all your concerns and questions ready
for him.
Special class times:
1/16/08 ... 7:00pm - 9:00pm
1/17/08 ... 1:00pm - 3:00pm |
| 11/15/08 |
Visit |
Former student Michele Sika (NiKyu) came down
from upstate NJ to train with us on Saturday (11/15/08). He's been out of
training for a while, but surprisingly he wasn't too rusty. It's always a
pleasure of mine when former students return to visit and/or train. Michele
is doing well in his health and job. Hopefully he'll be able to come down
more often.
 |
| 7/26/08 |
Promotion |
Mike Salomone has been promoted to a "Sensei"
(teacher). Currently Mike is teaching at A.C.A.C. in West Chester. Mike has
been an excellent student for the past 18 years. We wish him well in his new
position.
 |
| 7/22/08 |
Seminar |
The 2008 Zentokukai seminar was held in Grand
Junction Colorado. Attending from this area were: Sensei Mark Thompson,
Sensei John Hughes, Sensei Andy Rodriguez, Shidoin Mike Salomone, Shidoin
Larry Robbins.
|
| 7/1/08 |
Promotion |
Congratulations to Larry Robbins to Shidoin.
Larry has proven himself with his technical skill and knowledge and his
ability to teach others Karate-Do. He has been most helpful in and around
the Dojo for the past year or so assisting me in running some classes.
Please extend your congratulations to Larry the next time you see him. |
| 4/7/2008 |
New Dojo |
Our school has expanded to the A.C.A.C. club in
West Chester. We now two schools in the West Chester area. |
| 11/28/2007 |
Seminar |
The next Zentokukai seminar will be held 6/17 -
6/22/2008 in Grand Junction Colorado. More info to follow. |
| 8/28/2007 |
Moving |
Shidoin Jordan Laster who has been with our
school for over 16 years is moving to North Carolina. We wish him and his
wife well with his new job and her pursuit of a PhD. Hopefully Jordan will
be able to start up a school within the next 6 - 10 months and continue his
training. |
| 8/15/2007 |
Promotion |
Congratulations to Abby Bartels on hi recent
promotion to Shodan. Abby's promotion comes under Sensei John Hughes.
 |
| 7/26/07 |
Promotion |
Congratulations to Joshua Sheller on hi recent
promotion to Shodan. He has been with the school for 14 years and has been a
hard working student. Currently he is a Junior at Shippensburg Univ.
majoring in Criminal Justice.
Pictured with Joshua are: Left to Right: Sensei Bill Goebel, Larry Robbins,
Shidoin Jordan Laster, Joshua, Sensei Jim Pizii, Sensei Mark Thompson. |
| 6/23/07 |
Promotion |
Congratulations to Sensei Bill Goebel in his
promotion to Godan (5th Degree Black Belt). Bill has been a true asset to
the Zentokukai organization and certainly in the Tri-state area. He has
proven his martial art skills and knowledge over the years. We wish him well
in his new position. |
| 6/19/07 to
6/24/07 |
Seminar |
The Zentokukai organization celebrated it's 10th
anniversary seminar in Las Vegas NV. This was a excellently organized
training session put together by Sensei Angel Lemus and myself. From the
student's feedback, this was considered the best of the best of training
seminars. The training was observed and taught by the Zentokukai board
members: Sensei Tim Rodgers, Sensei Larry Hall, Sensei Angel Lemus, and
myself Sensei Jim Pizii.
Those in attendance from the tri-state area were: Sensei Andy
Rodriguez, Joe Murray, Sensei Mark Thompson, Mark Ross, Kelly Wobrak, Sensei
John Hughes, Sensei Bill Goebel, Sensei Jim Pizii, Shidoin Vince
Pizii, Larry Robbins, and Matt Robbins.
(photo 6/2007) |
| 6/12/07 |
Promotion |
The following student was promoted
06/12/07. Also this happened to be the 100th promotional test administered
by Sensei Jim Pizii.
| Name |
New Belt Rank |
| Will Pizii |
9th Jr. Kyu |
|
| 5/1/2007 |
Promotion |
Congratulations to Jordan Laster (Nidan) to the
position of Shidoin (Sensei in
training). This is official as of 5/1/2007. Jordan has been a student here
for over 16 years and has proven himself as a competent black belt and
martial arts instructor. We wish him well in his new position in Zentokukai. |
| 1/15/07 |
Promotion |
Congratulations to Sensei Mark Thompson to his
recent promotion (blue belt) in Jujitsu. Along with being an excellent
martial artist in Zentokukai (Shorinji-Ryu), mark has been expanding his
martial arts base to include Jujitsu. |
| 12/12/06 |
Recognition |
On Tuesday 12/12/06 the
Zentokukai Of Chester County Karate-Do school recognized Vince Pizii's 20th
year of continuous training with a special certificate acknowledging his
dedication to the martial arts. Attending this class were Sensei Bill
Goebel, Sensei John Hughes, Sensei Andy Rodriguez and some of his students,
and some students from Sensei Mark Thompson's Dojo, plus student from our
own Dojo. Along with this special achievement we also congratulated Vince
with his upcoming graduation from West Chester University on 12/17/2006.
 |
| 9/16/06 |
Wedding |
Congratulations to Jordan Laster
on his marriage this month. Jordan is a Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) who
has been with the Dojo for 16 years. We wish him and his new bride all the
best. |
| 8/5/06 |
Promotion |
Vince Pizii (sempai of the Dojo)
has been promoted to Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt). His promotion has been
approved by all the members of the Zentokukai board members (pictured
below). Vince is the youngest person in Zentokukai to achieve Sandan. His
achievement is attributed to all the years of hard training and dedication,
not to mention that he started Karate at 3 years old. Pictured left to
right: Jim Pizii (West Chester, PA), Larry Hall (Grand Junction, CO), Tim
Rodgers (Miami, FL), Vince Pizii (West Chester, PA), Angel Lemus (L.A.,
Calif.), and Walter Dailey (Morgantown, PA)
 |
| 8/1/06 - 8/5/06 |
2006 Seminar |
We had another successful
Zentokukai seminar here in West Chester. We covered Bogu Kumite, Koru
training, grappling, and Kata Bunkai. Many thanks to all those who
participated. |
| 3/25/06 |
Promotions |
The following students were promoted
03/25/06.
| Name |
New Belt Rank |
| Matthew Garber |
5th Kyu |
| John Hosey |
5th Kyu |
| Kevin Knox |
11th Jr. Kyu |
| Jordan Conner |
11th Jr. Kyu |
| Will Pizii |
11th Jr. Kyu |
| Trey Conner |
13th Jr. Kyu |
| Lance Spotts |
13th Jr. Kyu |
| Giancarlo Gordiany |
14th Jr. Kyu |
|
| 3/16/06 |
Kumite &
Jujitsu Training |
We had another successful Kumite
and Jujitsu training session. Members of Sensei Rodriquez, Sensei
Thompson, and my school participated. As always it was a educational and
great experience. |
| 01/12/06 |
Kumite &
Jujitsu Training |
This training session was
excellent experience for all attendees. Students from West Chester Dojo
were joined by Sensei Mark Thompson's and some of his students along with
Sensei Andy Rodriguez's and some of his students. Both Bogu Kumite and
Jujitsu training were both mentally and physically demanding. The students
pictured below showed what a real Karateka is all about. We now have
a 3rd resource along with Shidoin Vince Pizii (front center) and Sensei
Mark Thompson (to the right of Vince) for the Jujitsu training, Aric Conto
(back row, left side, black T-shirt under gi) from Sensei Andy Rodriguez's
Dojo brings many years of martial arts training including Jujitsu.  |
| 12/17/05 |
Promotions |
Larry Robbins promoted to Shodan.
Picture with Larry (center) are Vince Pizii (left) and Jim Pizii (right).
Also the following student were promoted 12/17/05).
| Name |
New Belt Rank |
| Mat Robbins |
Nikyu |
| Greg Hassler |
YonKyu |
| Bradley Bixler |
10th JrKyu |
| Will Pizii |
12 JrKyu |
| Jordan Conner |
12 JrKyu |
| Kevin Knox |
12 JrKyu |
|
| 9/22/05 |
Kumite &
Jujitsu Training |
Starting 9/22/05 I will be
conducting a special Bogu Kumite & Jujitsu class. These classes will
be held once a month. I scheduled 8 classes for the next 8 months. These
classes will be held 7:30 - ~ 9:30pm on Thursday evening at my Dojo in
West Chester. These class are special open invitation to Sensei &
students in the area:
Sensei Dailey, Sensei Rodriguez, Sensei Hughes, Sensei Goebel, Sensei
Thompson.
| Month |
Date |
Time |
| September |
9/22/05 |
7:30pm - ~9:30pm |
| October |
10/20/05 |
7:30pm - ~9:30pm |
| November |
11/17/05 |
7:30pm - ~9:30pm |
| December |
12/15/05 |
7:30pm - ~9:30pm |
| January |
1/12/06 |
7:30pm - ~9:30pm |
| February |
2/15/06 |
7:30pm - ~9:30pm |
| March |
3/16/06 |
7:30pm - ~9:30pm |
| April |
4/20/06 |
7:30pm - ~9:30pm |
|
| 8/6/05 |
Seminar |
Congratulations to all who
participated in this years Zentokukai seminar. It was a lot of hard work
with bruises and pains, but what was gained far outweighed the aches. We
focused mostly on body conditioning and Bogu Kumite with great enthusiasm
by all members.
 |
| 8/5/05 |
Promotion |
Congratulations to Jordan
Laster on his recent promotion to Nidan. Jordan has proven
himself as a excellent martial artist among his peers in Zentokukai. |
| 06/04/05 |
Mike Salomone |
Welcome back Mike Salomone after
being out for over a year due to heart valve surgery. Mike returned to
training Saturday June 4th. Here is a man almost 60 years old, recovering
from a serious operation, however he continues to train. He is a
inspiration to all of us in Zentokukai. |
| 10/4/04 |
New Sensei |
Congratulations to our newest
Sensei (Ed Martin) of Grand Junction Colorado. We wish him well with his
new position within Zentokukai. We look forward to see him again next
Spring. |
| 10/2/04 |
Kumite |
In class today we did some
special training with the new Bogu Head gear. Sensei Andy Rodriguez
and Sempai Vince Pizii demonstrated good Kumite while using the
safety equipment. The combination of the new head gear (from Japan) along
with the hand gear (Macho) enable them to express their abilities and at
the same time keep safety a major concern. These two gentleman are
extremely fast and skilled. It was a pleasure to see good executed
techniques from these two. Along with this, Vince Pizii and Jordan
Laster (Shodan) have been doing Kumite training with the same level of
success in the past 4 weeks. |
| 7/17/04 |
Mini Seminar |
The West Chester Dojo hosted a
mini seminar run by Zenshu (Sensei Walter Dailey). Zenshu covered Seisan
Kata only during this time. To help the students remember his teaching
lesson, he had everyone do their Kata in exaggerated stances (very, very
low). After a couple of hours everyone's calves and thighs were on fire
... Zenshu got his point across. Many thanks to Zenshu Sensei.
Those in attendance were:|
| Name |
Rank |
Comment |
| Zenshu |
Kudan |
Taught |
| Jim Pizii |
Rokudan |
Trained |
| Bill Goebel |
Yondan |
Trained |
| Mark Thompson |
Sandan |
Trained |
| Andy Rodriguez |
Sandan |
Trained |
| Vince Pizii |
Nidan |
Trained |
| Sherry Cropper |
Shodan |
Trained |
| David Golpira |
Yudansha |
Trained |
| Kurt Peppler |
Yudansha |
Trained |
| Michel Sika |
Yonkyu |
Trained |
| Ray Cropper |
Sandan |
Observed |
| Dan Mooney |
N/A |
Observed |
| Francis DeBerardinis |
Rokyu |
Observed |
|
| 5/22/04 |
Promotions |
The following students from West
Chester and Newark area have been promoted:
| Name |
New Belt Rank |
| Mark Thompson |
Sandan |
| Andy Rodriguez |
Sandan |
| Joe Murray |
Nidan |
|
| 3/27/04 |
Promotions |
The following students from West
Chester area have been promoted:
| Name |
New Belt Rank |
| Alex Burgoyne |
13th Jr Kyu |
| Brandon Burgoyne |
8th Jr Kyu |
| Phillip Leithead |
5th Kyu |
| Bradley Bixler |
14th Jr Kyu |
|
| 2/28/04 |
Promotion |
Shidoin
Andy Rodriguez of Newark Delaware Dojo has been promoted to the
"Sensei" status within Zentokukai. The effective date for his
promotion is 3/1/04. Students from the following Dojos: West Chester,
Parkesburg, Mortonville, and Newark Del. met and trained together on
Saturday 2/28/04. During the training, Sensei Jim Pizii presented Andy
Rodriguez with his new title. Pictured left to right: Jordan Laster,
Sensei Mark Thompson, Shidoin Vince Pizii, Sensei Andy Rodriguez, Sensei
John Hughes, Sensei Jim Pizii, and Sensei Bill Goebel. |
|
12/20/2003 |
Promotions |
The following students from the West Chester
area have been promoted:
| Name |
New Belt Rank |
| Alex
Burgoyne |
14th
Jr. Kyu |
| Brandon
Burgoyne |
9th
Jr. Kyu |
| Richard
Chadwick |
7th
Jr. Kyu |
| Joshua Hechinger |
3rd Kyu |
| Michel Sika |
3rd
Kyu |
| Abby
Bartels * |
2nd
Kyu |
|
* Sensei John Hughes student.
|
|
| 11/15/03 |
New
Councilor |
Sensei
Larry Hall has joined Zentokukai as a councilor. Zentokukai now has two
significant students of the late Sensei Zenryo Shimabukuro: Sensei Water
Dailey, III (Chairman - Ganrou) and Sensei Larry Hall
(Councilor - Soudanyaku). We are very fortunate to have two significant
forces in our organization. |
| 11/15/03 |
Seminar |
Sensei
Angel Lemus and I (Jim Pizii) provided a mini seminar for some folks in
Colorado. Shidoin Ron Church graciously acted as our host. We trained at
his Dojo and also at Shidoin Ed Martin's Dojo. We had a very good and
productive time. We covered the basic requirements for what a Sensei must
teach their students. We also covered the two man Kata (9 count ... now
has become a 12 count). We wrapped up the seminar with the energy
exercises developed by Sensei Lemus. Along with this we got a chance to
meet Sensei Larry Hall (A student of Sensei Zenryo Shimabukuro). |
| 10/29/03 |
Demonstration |
Sensei
and Sempai (Jim Pizii and Vince Pizii) gave a martial arts demonstration
at West Chester University Wednesday evening (10/29). The demonstration
was part of the "Asian Cultural Expo" (ACE) being held at the
university. Hanaphi Sos who is president of the Asian Cultural Club made
the arrangements which included food, dance, fashion show, and martial
arts demonstrations. There were actually two martial arts demonstrations.
One was a Kung-Fu done by two alumni of the university and the the other
being Karate-Do by the Zentokukai of Chester County school. Both demonstrations
included forms/kata which were well received by the audience. Sensei Pizii
and Sempai Vince Pizii also included in their demonstration: Tuite, Ippon
Kumite, Kicking (bag work), and defense against a weapon. |
| 9/20/03 |
New
Sempai |
Vince Pizii has been promoted to Sempai
(assistant) at the school. Vince has been with the school over 16 years
currently hold the rank of Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) and also holds
the title of Shidoin (Teacher in training). Pictured (L to R) Sensei Bill
Goebel, Sensei Mark Thompson, Shidoin/Sempai Vince Pizii, Sensei Jim
Pizii, and Shidoin Andy Rodriguez.
 |
| 7/27/03 |
Zentokukai supplies |
If any of you are interested in ordering
Zentokukai supplies (Jackets, hats, mugs, T-shirts, etc.) feel free to
visit the site: www.cafeshops.com/zentokukai |
| 6/3/03 |
Class Location |
Starting Tuesday June 3rd, all Summer time
(June, July, and August) classes will be held outdoors at my home at 616
Airport Road. In case of bad weather (rain), class will be cancelled.
Classes will resume back indoors at the Dance center location starting in
September. |
| 5/31/03 |
Promotions |
The following students from the West Chester
area have been promoted (effective 5/31/03):
| Name |
New Belt Rank |
| Bill Goebel |
Yondan |
4th Degree Black |
| Mike Salomone |
Sandan |
3rd Degree Black |
| John Hughes |
Sandan & Sensei |
3rd Degree Black |
| Vince Pizii |
Nidan |
2nd Degree Black |
|
| 5/31/03 |
Recognition |
Sensei Mark Thompson was awarded
"Outstanding Sensei" by the Kai for his outstanding achievements
during his first year as a Sensei.
Shidoin Andy Rodriguez was awarded "Outstanding
Shidoin" by the Kai for his great organizational skills and
dedication to the Kai. |
| 5/22/2003 |
Map to Sensei Pizii house |
 |
|
3/22/2003 |
Promotions |
The following students from the West Chester
area have been promoted:
| Name |
New Belt Rank |
| Steve Lesyk |
1st Kyu |
| David Wolff |
2nd Kyu |
| Jake Hughes |
2nd Kyu |
| Richard Chadwick |
3rd Kyu |
| Michel Sika |
4th Kyu |
| Joshua Hechinger |
4th Kyu |
| Jessica Wilkinson |
4th Kyu |
| Mary Wilkinson |
5th Kyu |
|
|
3/1/2003 |
New Shidoin |
Andy Rodriguez and his Dojo in Newark Delaware have
joined Zentokukai.
Congratulations to Andy and his students in their recent transfer to
Zentokukai. I (Jim Pizii) will be Andy's new Sensei. Andy and I will be
working together helping him and his students to get up to speed with
Zentokukai. Andy has a history of training in Shorin-Ryu with Chintokan. His
ability and knowledge have certainly open the door for him to join the
Kai.
Again! congratulations to Andy Rodriguez.
Shidoin Andy R. with Sensei Jim Pizii
|
|
11/3/2002 |
Promotions |
Recent promotions in Zentokukai.
Left
picture: Jim Pizii <Sutori> of West Chester, PA promoted to
Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt); Tim Rodgers <Sohan> of Miami, Fla.
promoted to Hachidan (8th Degree Black Belt); Walter Dailey III <Zenshu>
of Morgantown, PA promoted to Kudan (9th Degree Black Belt); Angel Lemus
<Nincho> of Culver City, CA was promoted to Rokudan (6th Degree Black
Belt).
Right picture: Zenshu (Walter Dailey)
displaying his Kudan shosho (9th Degree Certificate) after being presented by some of the
students and Senseis under Sensei Jim Pizii (Sutori) on 11/3/2002. |
