Pawling News Chronicle - May 12, 2006

Karate school teaches discipline and respect By: John M. Benson

Character, discipline and respect are principal points of emphasis in the study of karate at the school owned and operated by David and Lynne Weiss in the Village of Pawling. On April 29, their Ryu Renshi-Dan Karate School hosted its first annual inter-dojo tournament at the Lathrop Building at Lakeside Park. The tournament included 13 youth divisions with 75 competitors ranging from 5 to 15 years old. The competitors represented three Ryu Renshi-Dan schools at Dobbs Ferry, Bronxville and Pawling locations. Shihan David Weiss, owner and master instructor of the Pawling Dojo, described the day saying, "This tournament represents the first time the three dojos (schools) have come together in friendly competition. These kids have been training hard for this day, but most important, they had fun." Instructor Kyoshi Jose Guzman, 8th degree black belt, helped oversee the event. The junior karateka (karate student) were expected to perform their katas (forms) for black belt judges who graded them based on their performance. "Technique, focus and confidence are just a few aspects of the form that we look for," Weiss added. Students then competed in kumite (sparring). Points are awarded to the participant for clean, controlled techniques delivered to legal target areas. Point system sparring is about speed and control. The first competitor to score three points in two minutes wins the match. The Kanku Dojo, the name of the Pawling location, was opened back in November 2002 by David and his wife Lynne, to offer beginner, intermediate and advanced classes for both children and adults. "A big part of what we focus on in our school is the development of proper attitude," Weiss said. "I frequently remind the students of the quote from Master Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate: 'The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character of its participants.'" The quote hangs from the wall of the school to serve as a constant reminder to the students as to why they train. Weiss added, "We will be starting a 3- and 4-year old karate program in the fall of this year. The curriculum will focus on fun martial arts related activities, activities designed to work on balance, coordination and listening skills. Children will also be introduced to Japanese terminology and common courtesies of the dojo. This class will be a great way to introduce basic karate concepts and hopefully prepare them for regular karate training when they turn 5." The Ryu Renshi-Dan Karate School is located at 56 Charles Colman Blvd. in the Village of Pawling. For more information call David and Lynne Weiss at 855-1283. ©Pawling News Chronicle 2006