Monday, December 10, 2018 by C. Michial JOnes
The past year has been a whirlwind of growth, both in the dojo and in my personal life. Between pursuing a college degree, spending time with my granddaughter, and maintaining a rigorous training schedule, 2018 has proven that the path of Budo is never static.
From the “Sunday Kumite” sessions with Jeff Davidson to traveling across the country to teach and train, here are the highlights of a monumental year.
Spring: Seminars and Foundations
April 4–8 | Maryland & Delaware Our East Coast trip began with a visit to Anshinkai Martial Arts (Jeff Sullens). We focused on the Okinawakan International curriculum and explored the nuances of Aiki-Jujutsu. This was followed by a three-day Gasshuku at Parker’s Gojuryu, covering everything from basic breakfalls to Sanseru bunkai.
April 22 | Home Dojo Testing Congratulations to Stan Range and Michael Hehe on their promotion to Shodan after a grueling four-hour examination of history, kihon, and self-defense.
May 5 | Jacksonville, Illinois We joined Steve Foster at Karate-do Kai for a five-hour intensive session. It was an honor to have guests from the Gojuryu Karate-do Kyokai join us as we worked through Sandan Gi and Bo Buri.
Summer: Tradition and Celebration
June 23 | Training with a Legend Curtis and I traveled to the Indiana Genbukai to train with Fumio Demura Sensei. It was a day of sweat and high-level insight into the modernization of karate and the Okinawan roots we share.
July 27–29 | The 18th Annual Summer Gasshuku This year marked the 18th consecutive year of our annual retreat. Instructed by Col. Hobbs, Col. Willis, and myself, we saw practitioners from six states gather for three days of Bo, Nunchaku, and Goju-Ryu kata.
- A Milestone for a Master: We celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Sensei Roy Jerry Hobbs’ martial arts journey.
- Dentokan Anniversary: We marked 20 years since my appointment as Vice President of the Dentokan and the establishment of the Indiana branch.
August 17–19 | Exacting Standards in Missouri Amber, Brit, and I traveled to Republic, MO, to train under Anyu Shinjo Hanshi. His training is legendary for a reason: Day 1 included over 800 blocks and punches followed by over an hour of Sanchin-dachi walking. It was an exacting masterclass in the lineage of Eiichi Miyazato Sensei.
Autumn: High Ranks and New Responsibilities
September 9 | An Impromptu Visit We were honored by a surprise visit from Lloyd C. Johnson III Hanshi. Beyond the excellent training in Hojo Undo and Kakie, I was humbled to receive a promotion and Okinawan certification recognition through his association.
September 28 | Ufuchiku Lineage Kobudo I was deeply honored to be promoted to 8th Dan in Ufuchiku Lineage Kobudo through the Ryukyu Dento Kobujutsu Hozon Budo Kokai, under the authority of my teacher, Kiichi Nakamoto Soke.
October 10–21 | Developing the Next Generation It was a proud moment to award Renshi licenses to my sons, Curtis and Alec, a Shidoin license to Jason Thompson, and Fuku-Shidoin licenses to Stan Range and Michael Hehe.
Later that month, Jason and I returned to Maryland for a Fall Gasshuku. After 25 years of digital correspondence, I finally met Howard S. High Sensei in person, witnessing a beautiful demonstration of his sword art.
Winter: Reflections on Mentorship
October 25–27 | 20 Years of “Abuse” I spent three days with my mentor, Roy Jerry Hobbs Hanshi. For over two decades, we have traded wrist locks and throws. This visit was particularly humbling as I viewed Sensei’s 60-year archive of Menjo and Makimono—historical documents representing the “who’s who” of 20th-century martial arts.
Closing the Year As we head into the holidays and prepare for our 25th Anniversary in 2019, I must give the ultimate “shout out” to my wife, Amber Jones. Her unwavering support over the last 28 years—enduring the travel, the late nights at the dojo, and the Sunday Kumite—is the foundation that allows me to pursue this path.
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