Mastery of a martial art takes commitment and dedication. One must be consistent in showing up and always willing and open to learning. There is no graduation or point of knowing it all. There is always so much more to learn.
Kailua-Kona resident Tracy Leverone has demonstrated that interest and dedication in the Martial Arts by obtaining the rank of Shodan (Black Belt) in not just one, but two disciplines.
Leverone first started training in 2005 with Advanced Kempo Karate Systems and worked her way up through the rankings to the level of Black Belt in 2011. In 2007, Leverone had the good fortune of meeting Sensei Meyer Goo, who was demonstrating certain Aikijujutsu techniques in her dojo. She was interested in learning more about the Aikijujutsu techniques so she started training with a few other dedicated students.
Over the next six to seven years, Leverone has applied her dedication, interest, and perseverance to learning many of the techniques in Goo’s vast repertoire. She recently earned and was awarded the rank of Shodan in Koryu Bujutsu.
Goo has been a martial arts practitioner, sensei, instructor and historian for the majority of his long life in Hawaii.
Koryu Bujutsu is an ancient Japanese warrior tradition. This classical art includes a variety of weapons system including but not limted to grappling with weapons such as in Aikido, Aikijujutsu, Bojutsu, Iaido, Kenjutsu and edge knives.
The training is designed not only for developing skill for survival, but to effectively utilize a select few proven techniques in response to a wide variety of attacks.
The most difficult training in Koryu Bujutsu is the mental state of mind called “Mushin” or freedom from discriminating thinking. The Zen quotation for Mushin is “mind of no mind.”
“Koryu will not come easily, you must train for it,” said Tohei Sensei, who was an early mentor for Goo
In Koryu Bujutsu, offensive and defensive movement must come automatically and spiritually. In martial arts it is essential to know what it feels like to win and to lose.
Only through losing can one understand what it means to win.
11th annual IKL Championship
he 11th Annual International Karate League Championship was held at the Kekuaokalani Gym in Kailua-Kona on Nov. 7. The karate tournament was hosted by the IKL Kona Branch under the direction of Hanshi Julian Shiroma. Presiding over the event was the Founder and Chief Instructor of the IKL, Shihan (Master) Walter K. Nishioka of Oahu.
Over 120 competitors from around the Big Island, Oahu and California participated in the event. The tournament featured competition in Kata (forms), Kumite (sparring), and Kobudo (weaponry) for children, teenagers and adults.
Winning the Most Outstanding Karate Competitor Perpetual Trophy this year was 11 year old Riki Furuto, a blue belt with the IKL Kailua-Kona Dojo. Furuto placed first in all three competitions in his division.
Winning the Most Outstanding Dojo Perpetual Trophy this year was the IKL Kailua-Kona Dojo with 88 points. IKL Captain Cook Dojo finished second with 79 points and the IKL Pahala Dojo placed third with 40 points.