HIS Karate-Do

Well, today’s Memorial Day… most of us know it as a day off from work/school, a time to go to the beach or a picnic. Most of us also know it’s also a time to honor those who fell in battle during times of war, as well as to remember those who serve on foreign shores for our defense and protection at this very moment. Our country is engaged in a war at this time… a long, protracted effort against terrorism throughout various places on the globe. It is very fitting that we remember what these finely trained and dedicated men and women do, so that we may continue to enjoy the freedoms and normal lives we often take for granted. Hawaii has contributed its share of young heros, who participated in our nation’s battles and wars from the time the islands became a territory, over a hundred years ago. There were some who actually were soldiers during WWI (the memorial to which, is the unused, aging Natatorium in Waikiki). There were many who served in the famous 442 RCT/100 Bat during WWII…with the unheard of casualty rate of 314% over a 2 year period… 14,000 AJA’s were actually cycled [...]

First off, thanks to kohai Donna for editing, placing appropriate shamisen music background, and uploading the infamous old videos of some fun training at the Pearl City KAH dojo back in 1974. Actually, it was my last night of training before heading over to Vandenberg AFB with my new wife, Lynne… 32 years ago. I had convinced Sensei Peter and two other young shodans, Arthur and Bert, to perform Jion while keeping their eyes (and smiles) locked on the camera… they did great (natural hams). I had also convinced our mentor, Sensei Ron (the non-smiling one) to perform a kata for posterity. The skinny, shirtless guy performing a rather sloppy version of Tekki Sandan was me… I had already changed and had been filming when Sensei Peter asked me to swap places. Yes, it doesn’t seem so long ago when the shots were taken, we were all young college graduates, with the rest of our lives to look forward to. Arthur and Bert both moved to LA: Arthur (now known as Art) became a very successful financial planner while Bert went on to obtain his masters in engineering from USC and went to work at Hughs… I haven’t seen either [...]