SEPTEMBER 2011 UPDATE | DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY FROM www.scribd.

com/NOX DOJO | DID YOU KNOW THAT FAMILY MEMBERS CAN GET UPTO 25% DISCOUNT? ASK US HOW.

BASKETBALL AND KARATE THE CANADA/OKINAWA PARALLEL

Most people identify basketball as purely an American sport but it was instead invented by a Canadian named James Naismith. It was first called Duck on a Rock. He later moved to the USA where he continued to refine the game into what is now known as basketball. In the same way for Okinawa, the popularity of Karate in the main island of Honshu, Japan almost swallowed up a part of Okinawa's culture. Had it not been for a few brave masters, Okinawa would have lost a part of its heritage. Most of us in the west see Karate as generic Japanese martial art. It is much more than this however. Karate's roots was nurtured solely on the small island of Okinawa in the Ryukyu archipelago of Japan. Karate was very different than the Japanese martial arts of Kendo and Jujitsu. Like basketball, Karate required very little equipment and less space than the current sports at the time. Karate gained popularity in the universities areas in Kyoto and Tokyo. Just like basketball. It's popularity would see it gain official status with Japan's martial arts governing body where it then took on a life of its own. With both the Emperor's and government support, the Japanese association became a powerful entity. It's reach stretched all layers of schools and governments. Eventually, this association wanted to take complete control of Karate against Okinawan wishes. At first there was a united resistance against this takeover in Okinawa. Eventually however, many Okinawa masters gave into the pressure of resisting and leaving only a few to battle this cause. One of Okinawa's main proponent was Dai Sensei YAGI Meitoku. Dai Sensei eventually chose to be independent of Japan's governing body and lead the cause for Karate to remain an Okinawan identity. His stoic actions would later be recognized by the government of Okinawa and the Emperor himself with the highest civilian honour reserved for artists of cultural importance. Today, many see Dai Sensei as a hero of Okinawa. With most other Okinawan cultural arts slowly disappearing, Okinawa Karate remains the popular worldwide. It is thanks to individuals like Dai Sensei and the Hombu Dojo that we are able to continue to practice Karate the Okinawan way.

ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS Based in Markham, NOX services the surrounding areas of Ajax, Pickering, Stouffville, Thornhill, Whitby, and Scarborough.
KinderNOX and FUNaMENTALS These are programs for young children 3 to 9 years old and is based on Sport Canada's recommendations for promoting physical literacy. The programs use our signature belt ranking system where young children reach attainable benchmarks for each stage of their Karate. This system prepares them for any world recognized style of Karate, helps them with confidence, and is a fun way to exercise. Family Karate NEW! Want to train as a family? Now you can. Every Saturday, your family can bond in a fun and educational Karate class. Parents and Children learn at their own pace. Rates are reasonable and schedule are flexible. Meibukan Karate Originally founded in 1952, the school of Meibukan Karate has become a world renowned school of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate. NOX instructors are certified to teach Meibukan directly from Japan. Programs are offered as a Junior Meibukan Program for children 9 to 11 years old and Traditional Meibukan for 11years old to adult. Curriculum is internationally recognized.

NOX Martial Arts Clubs Inc., 58 Main St. N., Unit 14, Markham, ON, L3P 1X5 | 905-472-5425 | www.NOXdojo.com

FOUNDER'S CELEBRATION - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Sometime in either February or March, the yudansha body (black belts) of the NOX Dojo will be hosting a banquet in Dai Sensei's honour. I would like this to be a special event but an event this big can`t be successful without your help. I am asking for volunteers to sit on various committees to include Treasurer, Demonstration, Marketing, Food, etc... If you are interested please let me know. I would like the first meeting to happen on my return from Okinawa.

NOXercise Kickboxing Since 1997, NOX has been a leading club for kickboxing as a fitness alternative. Our coaches make your workouts fun, safe, and effective. It's a fast and fun way to tone up for that special occasion. Burn up to 700 calories/workout. Join for as little as 3 months. MOVING DATE NEWS. This summer, I made attempts to move because of the pending condo development. We failed unfortunately in getting the landlord to release NOX from it's lease. As of late July however, our neighbour at the BOMBAY GRILL received its 9 month notice. This means that we are looking at a possible April 2012 move date.

FESTIVAL 4 ATHLETES UPDATE

The NOX Dojo participated in the Festival 4 Athletes once again this summer. This year we extended our demonstration to include Sensei Shimada's Mugen Ryu. It was a fun event all round. Although NOX came home with lots of medals we couldn't compare to 3 Olympic gold medals held by Canada's own Cherie Piper. F4A raises awareness and funds for the Argos Foundation. It is one of the many worthy causes that NOX has been a part of over the past few years. Thanks to our members, our community continues to be just a little bit better everyday. 2011 2012 Schedule

PLEASE SIGN IN Our new log in system is now up and running but it is still not yet perfect. Please log in for every class. SPECIAL DATES TO KEEP IN MIND September 25th: Karate Ontario Tournament at Humber College. October 1st: Mugen Ryu Seminar in London, Ontario. October 8, 9, 10th: Dojo Closed due to Thanksgiving. November 20th: Meibukan Games and Gasshukku. SCHEDULE CHANGE

OKINAWA TRIP 2012 From October 4th to October 20th, I will be in Okinawa to help Master YAGI Meitetsu with the Uchinanchu Festival. Joining me will be 8 other athletes from the United States wanting to meet Master YAGI and also to have the complete Okinawa experience. During my time away, my black belts will be teaching classes. Please do your best to help them with sign ins and keeping the place free of debris. Shimada will also be teaching. So far he has adjusted quite well but I am sure being left alone in a foreign country might not be the best feeling in the world. Please do your best to help him. While I am away, I can be reached by email which will be checked regularly.

There is a slight schedule change this Fall. Please see below: Traditional Meibukan: Okinawa Kata is moved from Tuesday to Monday. Tuesday is Open Sport Karate: Kata and Kumite have switched days

copyrights 2011 NOX Martial Arts Clubs Inc.

NOX Martial Arts Clubs Inc., 58 Main St. N., Unit 14, Markham, ON, L3P 1X5 | 905-472-5425 | www.NOXdojo.com