A fraternity of the students of Master Toby Cooling
After everyone performed each kata together, the kyu ranks were provided a "personal critique period" on a random basis by all black belts. Everyone who attended noted they took away some valuable insights and how much they enjoyed the format of the day. Master Ewing was thanked for sharing his time and knowledge. Upcoming seminars scheduled at Hombu dojo include an advanced black belt kata seminar, Modern Arnis, and Kendo.
Hombu Dojo, Elkton, MD - January 19, 2008: Master Ewing conducted a kyu kata seminar today covering the bunkai of the 8 empty-hand kata within the Order of Isshin Ryu system. The seminar was the first of many scheduled by the OI Board of Directors for 2008. Various OI members from Pennsylvania and Maryland converged on Hombu dojo including Sensei's Cimorose, Sullivan, Bell, Kline, Muhs, Popp and Knox along with other black belts including Mr. Robinette, Spiker, Regan, Cole, Walker and Miss Mayer. The kyu ranks were well represented with six brown belts and one green belt making the trip. Master Ewing demonstrated each kata slowly providing the attendees with explanations of the bunkai. The sensei provided their interpretations of teaching methods of specific movements (e.g. 90-degree turn in Seisan kata) giving the kyu ranks a chance to absorb various viewpoints.
