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(To top of page) DECEMBER 13, 2007 - The First Annual Recreation Showcase, Maryland Heights, Missouri, exhibited a sampling of the many programs offered at Maryland Heights Centre, including a karate demonstration comprised of youth and adult students from our Maryland Heights location.  KARATE STL also had an information booth at the event.  Basinger Sensei and Assistant Instructor, Stephanie Faulkingham are extremely proud of all our students who gave an immensely impressive performance!  A huge and sincere thanks goes to the demo participants and those students who managed the booth, as well as to their supportive families. (To top of page) JULY 20-22, 2007 - NTS Beikoku Shido-kan Karate-do Association President:  Head Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan 10th Annual National Training Seminar (NTS) held at  Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan USA  From Sensei Iha's web site:  "This year's NTS was a great success with over 250 Shido-kan karate enthusiasts participating in three intensive days of training with Seikichi Iha, Hanshi, 10th Dan, at Michigan State University Members of dojos from throughout the U.S., Canada, Okinawa Japan, Colombia and Israel were in attendance this year. We enjoyed many hours of active training time with Iha Sensei each day along with break-out sessions on a wide range of applications with our senior teachers..."  [Read on for more 2007 NTS recap and Photos -- includes Youth Seminar, Demonstration & Kata Tournament Highlights and the Ryukyu Ocho Suidi Kobujutsu Association Bo Seminar.] Those in attendance from KARATE STL were Sensei Basinger, Stephanie Faulkingham, Kevin Queen, Tony Bui, Kathy and Benjamin Royer, Nsilo and Nezariah Berry.  Non-participating family of students were also there to have a good time and lend their support --Charles and Shelley Berry and Brian Royer.  It was great getting together with all our old friends as well as making new ones! (To top of page) JULY 20-23, 2006 - NTS & 30th ANNIVERSARY Beikoku Shido-kan Karate-do Association President:  Head Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan 9th Annual National Training Seminar (NTS)  and  30th Anniversary Celebration and Demonstration held at  Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan USA Activities and a curriculum was in place for ALL ranks and ages (like less formal "training" for the kids in MSU's swimming pool).   This NTS was extra special in that we commemorated Iha Sensei's 30 years of teaching in the U.S.  Leading the seminar were honored guest karate master teachers, all under the direction of Iha Sensei.  There were more than 320 participants at the tremendously successful event...from the US, Okinawa, Canada, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Israel! An open-to-the-public demonstration was held at the Wharton Center featuring Iha Sensei and visiting karate masters, traditional Okinawan festival dancers, kobudo (weapons), and creative contributions from each Shido-kan dojo including KARATE STL.  It was an extraordinary opportunity to learn, unite and bond with high ranking senseis and karate-ka from across the country and around the world, as well as to celebrate friendships old and new.   Seminar Content and Focus:  Many facets of the martial arts were covered, and included: Kata tournaments Sparring techniques Kata training, analysis and history Kobudo (weapons)--kata, technique and applications Bunkai (kata application) Kumite and partner drills Self-defense techniques Shido-kan friendship party Karate/Kobudo/Okinawan cultural demonstration comprised of Shido-kan dojos (including KARATE STL), karate masters, Okinawan dancers, etc. Banquet included an award ceremony, gourmet lunch and drinks Among those from KARATE STL in attendance:  Sharon Basinger Sensei, and giving an outstanding performance in the demo were Kristina and Krystal Carpenter, Ameer and Arbaaz Syed, Stephanie Faulkingham, Kevin Queen, Kathy Royer, Nsilo and Nezariah Berry, plus four non-participating parents/friends.  An educational and fun time was reportedly had by all! JULY 20, 2006 in Lansing, Michigan, Ameer Syed was promoted to the rank of 1st Dan (Shodan), and Sharon Basinger Sensei was promoted to 5th Dan (Godan).  Sensei had an additional stripe embroidered onto her late husband's 4th Dan belt (obi), so that she could wear it to honor him.  Congratulations,  Basinger Sensei and Ameer! MARCH 18, 2006, in Lansing, Michigan, Kristina Carpenter -- was promoted to the rank of 1st Dan (1st Degree Adult Black Belt).  Congratulations, Kristina! (To top of page) DECEMBER 30, 2005, Shido-kan Israel's head instructor, Amit Michaeli took Michal to be his wife in Jerusalem, Israel.  It was truly our pleasure meeting and training with Amit at KARATE STL during his April-May, 2001, stay in St. Louis.  His sensei is Paul Snader from the Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Shido-kan Dojo.  Congratulations and the very best of our wishes go to Amit and Michal!  NOVEMBER 11-12, 2005 - Yujiro Uza, Sensei 4th Dan, again visited KARATE STL and attended a training seminar conducted by Head Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan.  Yuji is Sensei Basinger's longtime friend with whom she trained when she and late husband Gordon lived in Dallas (1984-1995).  Originally from Okinawa, he had initial Shido-kan training from Sensei Lonnie Schwartz but, since, has also trained with Koichi Nakasone, 8th Dan, as well as Sensei Iha and other masters.  An educational and fun time was had by all! JULY 28, 2005 - So very tragically, Karate STL youth student Alex Huckaba lost his mother Angela (age 30), and two brothers Josh (age 7) and Jacob (age 9) in a horrendous traffic accident on I-44 near Six Flags.  His 18-year old aunt Amy, and 14-year old uncle Brett were also killed in the fiery collision.  Alex was away at camp at the time.  Please remember Alex, his father Shawn and extended family in your prayers.  All of us at Karate STL are deeply heartbroken for Alex.  Many of us came to know his mother and brothers when they often stayed and watched while Alex attended the 6 pm karate class at our Pattonville location.  We will remember them as good and caring people, a true pleasure to have known. February 13, 2005 - Twenty-three KARATE STL students participated in a karate demonstration at the "Celebrate the World” International Festival held at Maryland Heights Centre.  The students did an exceptional job of exhibiting their skills, and made Sensei Basinger extremely proud to be their teacher.  The festival featured music, dance, folk art and crafts, demonstrations, children’s activities and food from around the world.  Among the many countries represented were Japan, Bulgaria, Kenya, India, Greece, Brazil, Peru, Bosnia, Mexico, Philippines and more. JANUARY 9, 2005 - Congratulations to George and Katie Fortier on the birth of their son, George IV!  The Fortiers also have two daughters, Eleanor (5/16/01) and Theresa (10/19/02).  George III holds the rank of 2nd Dan at KARATE STL. (To top of page) NOVEMBER 30, 2004, Krystal Carpenter was promoted to the rank of Junior Black Belt.  Congratulations, Krystal! As of September 27, 2004, Joel Hubbard is in no way affiliated with, nor are any of his previous ranks recognized by, Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate-do Association or its President, Grand Master Katsuya Miyahira, Hanshi 10th Dan; Beikoku Shido-kan Karate-do Association or its President, Head Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan; Karate STL or its Branch Director and Head Instructor, Sharon Basinger, Sensei 5th Dan. MAY 24, 2004, Melissa Lonsberry from Lansing, Michigan, visited KARATE STL.  We were all very pleased that Melissa was able to carve out some time from her business trip to train at our dojo.  It was a real pleasure meeting and training with her! FEBRUARY 26, 2004, Candice Turner was promoted to the rank of Junior Black Belt.  Congratulations, Candice! (To top of page) DECEMBER 5-7, 2003 - Sensei Basinger's budo friends, Caryl Akamichi and her students (Marie and Elaine) from Long Beach, California, and James Emery from Charlotte, North Carolina, visited KARATE STL and attended a training seminar conducted by Head Master Seikichi Iha, Hanshi 10th Dan.  We always have a great time training and socializing with our karate family!    JULY 4, 2003 - Congratulations to Lisa Humphrey on the birth of her first son, Quinten!  Lisa is the daughter of Sensei Sharon Basinger, head instructor at KARATE STL. (To top of page) December 27, 2002 - Tragically, KARATE STL's R. Gordon Basinger,  died of complications from cancer.  Husband of Sharon Basinger, he was also a highly regarded teacher and dear friend to many at KARATE STL, as well as a respected member of the Beikoku Shido-kan Karate-do Association.  His first exposure to martial arts was Kenpo, later Tae Kwon Do.  Then he and his wife began training in Shido-kan Shorin-ryu Karate in 1989, and had been promoted through the ranks together to Sensei 4th Dan. Basinger Sensei's longtime illness began in the 1960s with Lyme Disease.*  Since Lyme Disease had not yet even been named or "discovered" at that time, he went untreated.  He was seen by many specialists over the years, and even checked into Mayo Clinic in the 1970s, attempting to understand his symptoms, all to no avail.  By the time he was finally diagnosed and treatment was available, the disease had advanced beyond the possibility of a cure.  His immune system became more and more severely compromised and, therefore, paved the way for cancer which was diagnosed in 1997.  He underwent various procedures and two years of chemo-therapy, resulting in remission. In May, 2002, his cancer returned with a vengeance and had metastasized (spread).  After several months of additional chemo-therapy and much excruciating pain, on December 12th he was told he had but a few weeks to live.  He still never gave up hope, faith or his commitment to battle illness.  The evening before he died he said to his wife, "They don't think I can, but I'm going to beat this!"  He was courageous, optimistic and determined to the end, which is no surprise to those who knew and admired this exceptional man.  He will be painfully missed. KARATE STL student Kristina Carpenter, age 14 at the time, said, "A person is never gone until he or she is forgotten."  If that is true, he will be with us forever.  He lives on in the memory of those who respected, admired and loved him.  The lives he touched are drastically enhanced for having known him. There is also a memorial for him on the website "National Lyme Disease Memorial Park Project, a living memorial for associated tickborne fatalities"... http://www.lymememorial.org/Additional_Information.htm * Symptoms of Lyme Disease are varied and unpredictable, including flu-like symptoms and rash at the onset, to intermittent and often debilitating joint, muscle and skin pain; extreme fatigue; heart irregularities; vision, hearing, taste and swallowing problems; sleeplessness; nausea; muscle degeneration; a recurring non-contagious skin rash which can be welt-like and circular.  It has been reported in all states except Montana (and outside the U.S.), and believed to be greatly underreported.  It is contracted by a bite from a very tiny, easily undetectable, deer tick.  For additional info on Lyme Disease, go to http://www.lyme.org/.  Many friends and relatives have asked if there is anything they can do.  Mrs. Basinger simply asks to help make people aware of this insidious disease.  She hopes to save others from the awful suffering her husband endured.  Even if only one person is reached, it would be worth the effort. (To top of page)                     __________________ (To top of page) MAY 17-20, 2002, KARATE STL hosted a two-day training seminar including an open-to-the-public karate demonstration, all of which was conducted by Head Master Seickichi Iha, 10th Dan, with assistance from Koichi Nakasone, 8th Dan from Okinawa.  Caryl Akamichi from Long Beach, California, traveled to St. Louis for the event.  Unable to participate in the seminar/demo, Frank Samples of the Hombu dojo in Lansing trained at our dojo the following Tuesday.  It's always great spending time with our karate family. (To top of page) NOVEMBER 14, 2001 - Congratulations to Bryan and Glenda Petrofsky on the birth of their second son, Aiden!  The Petrofskys' firstborn, Isaac, holds the distinction of being KARATE STL's first "dojo baby" -- 2nd generation student.  Isaac and Aiden became karate students upon reaching age 4.  Both parents are 1st Dans at KARATE STL, where they met.  JULY 28, 2001 - Our beloved head master Seikichi Iha was promoted to 10th Dan by his teacher, Grand Master Katsuya Miyahira on March 25, 2001, making Iha the highest ranking Okinawan master residing in the United States.  However, it was not publicly announced until July 28, 2001 at the Beikoku Shido-kan Karate-do 25th Anniversary Celebration in East Lansing, Michigan. The announcement drew an immensely enthusiastic standing ovation of friends, family and hundreds of his students (including several from KARATE STL) who were present.  Iha's rank is certified by the Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate-do Association, Okinawa, Japan.  Congratulations, Iha Sensei! JUNE 2, 2001 in St. Louis, Missouri, KARATE STL's Break-o-Rama was held.  A fun time was reportedly had by all and all boards were successfully broken with bare hands!  Congratulations to our winners for the most funds raised -- First prize winner: Jormond Burch.  Second prize winner:  Tom Lindell.  Third prize winner: Austin Schumann.  Prizes were presented in class Tuesday, June 12, 2001.  Sincere appreciation is extended to all fund-raising participants and their supportive families.  Thank you also to Brett Schumann for his time, effort and expertise in creating our unique and superb board-breaking stand. APRIL 26, 2001, Sensei Basinger's longtime budo friend from Lansing, Michigan, Ricardo Briones visited KARATE STL.  Ricardo was her coach in July, 1997, at the Okinawa Karate and Kobudo World Tournament in which she was a competitor.  It was great having Ricardo at our St. Louis dojo. (To top of page)