Halloween Costumes

Osu All!

With our Halloween Party approaching I thought I would let you all in on a Web site I came across for getting costumes. I was looking for a particular costume and I couldn't find in the stores but I found it here. They have a great selection and what I believe are great prices compared to some other web sites, or the stores. If you haven't found a costume yet check out this link.

http://www.halloweencostumes4u.com/


If the link does not work, cut and paste to your browser.

My View of Karate and Competition

Last Sunday I competed in a "sport Karate" tournament, I had been practicing My Kata for well over a year. Traditional Kata. I had decided to compete in the tournament because I wanted to see how our kids were feeling, while they were competing in these tournaments. I was very nervous and its not like i haven't been in other tournaments so I always get like this.

My first event was weapons and I have this awesome bo Kata that i do. I started to perform and after the 2nd set of moves I went blank! eek! so i just add libbed until i was able to pick it back up but it was still a good kata. The next competitor Also Did a bo kata, not flashy just basic moves and great stances, but personally i felt i was better. She was awarded 1st place and I 2nd. Now i know it sounds like sour grapes on my part but the only reason she won is because her face is known. This was my 1st time competing on this tournament circuit. I wasn't to bummed about the out come since i kind of expected it to turn out like that.

Next was TRADITIONAL Kata, or so I thought. I was the 1st to perform. I did a beutiful KENTAI, which is definately traditional. Next were 2 others who did a kata which i believe, were not traditional since it had rolls and multiple kicks in it. then the last competitor went and performed a beautiful TRADITIONAL kata. I knew the kata. We placed in reverse order of appearance. Now there is no way that i would or should have placed 1st but based on what i did and the 2nd and 3rd place winners did, i should have easily placed 2nd. I was a little miffed about this since it was traditional kata.

I said all of this to say that in the sport karate tournaments we should expect just to be seen and resign ourselves to the fact that the clicks are already in place and we should just compete for our own improvement.

About Alberta the Martial Artist

It is hard to know where to start. Well I’ll start at the beginning.
Like most of the parents who Take karate, I got started because my daughter was taking karate. In Jan 02’ there was a month trial for parents. I wondered how I would ever find the time to do this, being the mother of 3 School age children, Wife, a full time postal employee and Union representative. The person who was managing the school I was attending insisted that I try it. I did, even though I weighed close to 300lbs. I felt a little embarrassed at first because there was not a uniform big enough to fit me and I was unable to wear my belts. So I just wore sweats and a t-shirt for months. It was the best experience that I have had in a long time. After that initial class, I couldn’t go to karate enough. Being that I am a full time postal worker that works evening hours it was hard for me to take class. I found any and all excuses at my job to attend evening classes. I begged supervisors to change my schedule and to allow me time to leave work to go to class then go back to work.

The classes were very challenging and I didn’t worry about what people thought about me. I found that I was an inspiration to many just for being there. I was out of breath quickly, being that I was so horribly overweight but I kept on going.
As the year progressed I began to lose some of the weight.
From Jan to Sept 02", I had lost 30lbs just from Karate. I only noticed the weight loss when I got on the scale, but my fellow adult karate takers were sure to compliment me on my progress. For the next 3 months I had lost an additional 30lbs with karate and a diet . I was feeling great! Not once did I ever NOT want to go to karate, or to quit. I have met many people whom I have taken karate with and they have moved on but I stuck to It!
My Kohai’s knew, my co workers knew, my neighbors on my block knew, my family and friends knew but I didn’t. I knew that I had lost weight but I did not know how amazing the change was. Even though I was hearing it continually from every one it never really hit me until I looked at 2 pictures, one after the other. The 1st picture was from 7mo ago and the next was from 1year and 2 mos ago. When I saw these pictures of my self I wanted to cry. It was evident to me at that moment what I had done. It hit me like a ton of bricks and I thank God for allowing me this opportunity to change.









All of you whom do not know me, I wish you could see the change. I stand her before you as a totally different person.
After about 1 year and 9 months I was ready for my black belt test. At this point I had lost a total of 105lbs. I did not know how much I had lost until I saw a picture and I was so amazed. All I was concerned with was training.

Testing for my Black Belt was a very important thing for me. It was a hard test but I passed all parts with ease. My training paid off. But on that date it was not to be for me. I was denied My Black Belt for what i felt was no reason. I was told after completing all of the requirements of the test that i would not get the belt. They wanted me to "lose some more weight", but did not say how much or why i wasn't told about the weight requirement before the test. This was a devastating blow to me and depression set in. I was seriously thinking about quitting, but I am not a quitter. So I did it, I lost 20 more lbs and earned my Black Belt from that organization.

There were a lot of sacrifices made and because of those sacrifices I have become healthier stronger and happier. I must give much thanks to my loving and dearest husband who would always support my goals and interests and understood when I had to leave the family to go to karate. Also my 3 lovely children who loved me no matter what and allowed mommy to have an activity too. I thank my postal supervisors, who allowed me to leave during the work day so I could train. Also my fellow karataka with whose endless support has kept me on the right track


As you can see, my daughter and I used to train at another school. For reasons beyond my control I had to find another place to fulfill my love of this sport called karate. I scoured the phone book and the internet looking for a school. For a place where my daughter and I could continue in our training. Shihan Lamattina and his family, (Mrs. Shihan (as I call her), Sarah, Caryn and Amanda), welcomed us with open arms. He opened up his school to me and I have gained so much. Not to sound conceited but I was a pretty good fighter before and because of the training here at Toshindo I am that much better. I have grasped and learned Japanese terminology, an extra at Toshindo training. I have become very good at Kata and Weapons Kata, although it was my very 1st time doing them. Now I’m addicted. I find myself wanting to learn more and more. I’d practice the Kata wherever I was. At work I had a stash of broom sticks to practice the bo and every free minute was used to tighten up hand techniques and stances. My co –workers would hear me Kia!! And mock me, all in fun.
Shihan Lamattina has allowed me to utilize my Shodan, as I learned when I arrived, to teach the children and help them with there discipline and technique. I have met great people who have all welcomed my daughter and I and I feel very blessed to have been given this opportunity to continue my training. I am glad that I can proudly represent Toshindo Karate at tournaments.
Shihans Steve and Don Are great inspirations to me and because of them I strive for perfection in my kata and in all my training at Toshindo.
When Shihan Don asked me if I wanted to participate in the black belt test I felt so honored to be asked. I can’t see myself anywhere else. This Black Belt means the world to me because it was given not only because of my martial arts achievement but also given to me with love from Toshindo Karate.
I have discovered something that I am good at and enjoy. This activity has allowed me to compete in competitions and win. When someone asks me what are you doing to stay in shape? I tell them Toshindo Karate! They say, is it good, and at the risk of sounding like a popular cereal commercial, I reply “No! It is GREAT! And I don’t just like karate, I love it!

On January 14, 2007 I had earned a 2nd Dan Black Belt from Toshindo Karate. On March 4, 2007 I was bestowed with the great honor of being called Sensei at the Toshindo dojo. I believe this was the greatest feeling of shock and Joy since starting training in the martial arts. I truly love to teach this discipline, and will do my best to represent Toshindo Karate!