Kyoshi's Technique of the Week
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"Pinan 5"
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*nine of the eighteen action moves of P5 have the chest block position in them. *from p.83 of Okinawan Karate-do, know the technical points of the block and apply it precisely to all 9 moves. *the lower cross block (gedan-kosa-uke) explained in detail in last weeks technique by Mr.Joe Knight is further described here in that the final position of that technique, cross arm block, is slightly off-centered to the left. *the kneeling stance is measured exactly as the zenkutsu stance. *the last two moves are zenkutsu dachi stances angled 45*. hip points in the direction of eyes, low blocking arm lines up with the leg. Chest blocking elbow lines up over the bent knee. This stance should feel natural and not contorted. *P5 as all kata must be practiced for what it is...a kata. Do not practice foolish hidden interpretations.The kata develops one's balance, coordination, mai, invaluable karate techniques, stances, body shifting and strength. This all in accordance to the composer and masters who handed the kata down to us. Detailed interpretations of all the aforementioned principals, listed in this paragraph, are exemplified by Master Nagamine in pages 55 to 102 of his book Okinawan Karate-do which was meticulously and painstakingly created. The author and his editors did NOT hide any secrets from us the readers. *more information is found in the Green and Red books. Lastly if one finds oneself doing a throw or wrestling technique in the practice of the bunkai of the kata, correct the error or fault immediately. Arigato, Kyoshi.

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ROBERT SCAGLIONE, Kyoshi, began his karate training 30 years ago in 1967. This is his 25th anniversary as a Blackbelt under Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro-Hanshi of the Shorin-Ryu Karate U.S.A. system. Kyoshi Scaglione is the Chief Administrator of the original style in the United States. He has traveled with Hanshi throughout the U.S.A. and as his representative worldwide.  Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1938, Kyoshi served in the U.S. Navy and in 1961 became a NYC Police Officer. He voluntarily worked exclusively in high crime/ high hazard areas during his entire 20 year tenure with the NYPD. He served in many assignments in all five boroughs of New York City including uniformed street cop, undercover officer and as a Detective in the elite Special Investigating Unit featured in the film "The French Connection." He led the NYPD in felony arrests many times and has numerous awards, citations and letters of commendation from Police Department officials, Federal Agencies, District Attorneys, Grand jurors and the civilian community. He retired from police service in 1981 in order to devote himself full time to the art of karate.

Kyoshi began his karate training in the NYPD. He continued his training under Sensei Terry Maccarrone-Shihan of the Hegashi Karate Dojo on Long Island, New York. He was Senior Instructor at the St. James Dojo for five years. Hanshi Ueshiro, wanting a dojo in Manhattan, asked Kyoshi to open a dojo in New York City. He founded the NYC dojo in 1977, which became the headquarters of Shorin-Ryu Karate USA several years later. After ten years, in 1987, Kyoshi relocated to Merritt Island, Florida and founded the Okinawan Karate Dojo leaving his senior student David Baker, San Dan to continue operation of the NYC dojo.

Over 125 students began their training directly under Kyoshi Scaglione and have attained blackbelt level. He continues to work closely with all his blackbelts, including the ten who have opened dojo on the mainland US, Hawaii, and in Israel. Among his students are many professionals, doctors, lawyers, military officers, police officers, business executives, artists, writers, housewives, students and children.

Kyoshi is the co-author with artist Bill Cummins, Ni Dan of "The Shorin-Ryu Karate Question and Answer Book" and has written another entitled "Building Warrior Spirit." His student David Seeger, Yon Dan, an Emmy Award winner, has produced several karate videos with Kyoshi. Kyoshi is the Editor-at-large of this 30th Anniversary journal. He has written and assisted his students in writing newspaper and magazine articles, film scripts on varied subjects, novels, and stage plays. He has appeared on national T.V. and radio, in stage productions, and at Universities and schools giving karate demonstrations and lectures on self-defense and assault prevention.  Kyoshi's four sons, Sal, Robert Jr., Dion, and Shane are all Ni Dan blackbelts.