20 things that describe Black Belt English

1. Results driven
2. At home atmosphere
3. Team teaching (for American and Japanese points of view)
4. Lessons designed for your life (lifestyle)
5. Speaking and doing in order to remember
6. No textbooks
7. No changing or turnover of the instructors
8. Teaching style meant to fill in the gaps left by Japanese education system
9. Teaching methods based on research and experience
10. Teachers are living examples of school’s philosophy (see below)
11. Teachers are accomplished martial artists
12. Teachers are fluent in English
13. Teachers are college educated in the USA
14. Teacher has had work published in the game industry
15. Classes taught by president
16. Teachers passionate about mission
17. Learn and use now – not later
18. Lessons created for students (not premade or from book)
19. No katakana English – learn foreign sounds and pronunciation
20. Learn authentic martial arts (with a long history and deep philosophy)

April 2010 Belt Test for Karate in English Students!

On Sunday April 18, 2010 we held rank tests for our Karate in English students. We had ten students take the test, ranging from white to orange belt. Following and examination of the basics, I evaluated students on their progress in forms (kata), self-defense, and sparring.

All the students testing that day had worked very hard on their requirements so there were no surprises. Any mistakes made were very minor, and corrected immediately by the student (usually without me needing to say a word).

The high point of the rank test was the sparring, as students from different class times had the opportunity to spar with each other. The energy level was high and students displayed good control and strong fighting spirit.

To my students, I wish to say: Well done! We are very proud of you all!

Open for one year!!

Black Belt English has been open for one year!!

I remember when our school was just an idea in our heads...But now it actually exists!!

We have learned a lot over the past year and we are so grateful for each and every one of our students.

Thank you for believing in us.

Thank you for your courage to try something new and different.

To our Karate in English students: Keep practicing! Keep working hard to make yourself stronger and more confident. Come to class early and study hard! Sweat, train, and develop your fighting spirit! Deepen your knowledge of the martial arts and find the ways to apply this wisdom to your life!

To our Play and Talk students: Keep up the good work! Work as a team! Use you character's skills and special abilities to help each other overcome the challenges! Try to use as much English as you can remember - it will only make your character stronger!!!!

To our English 4 You students: It is a fact that most Japanese people who study English cannot properly speak and understand English! Have the courage to be different! Come to class and be ready to talk! Be an active learner! Remember --- we do not use textbooks! WE create the class together! It's time to express yourself!!

Korea Trip

On February 10, 2010 I flew to Korea to visit my retired teacher Grandmaster Kim Soo. He has decided to relocate from Texas to Busan, in order to introduce Chayan Ryu to his home country. I applaud this endeavor, as I believe this move will not only be good for my teacher - but also for the people of Korea. As many of his students in the United States can testify, Grandmaster Kim's knowledge and wisdom can change and improve lives.


Grandmaster Kim Soo and his niece Ceci were wonderful hosts. They took great care of me and did everything they could to show me a good time during my visit. We ate fantastic meals, toured the city, sang karaoke, and just sat and talked over hot tea and coffee.


One of the most special moments for me was when my teacher took the time to introduce me to a new high-ranking form (called 54 steps). It is an honor to receive a private lesson like this from such a great teacher and martial artist. Few people in the world will ever experience this privilege.


Another great moment was when I was invited to come along as my teacher checked out several properties for his new martial arts school. As expected, property is expensive in such a large city so the decision must be made carefully. All of the properties we investigated were within walking distance of his new home, and they each looked like they would be convenient places for his new school. Having just started my own new karate-do school in Japan, my input was requested and I shared my thoughts with my teacher and his niece. It was another special honor to visit during this time, as I was witnessing the potential birth place of Chayon Ryu in Korea!

Although my trip to Korea was short, I shall remember it forever. Being so close geographically now, Grandmaster Kim extended an open invitation to me and all my students to come and visit him from time to time. It is his hope, and mine as well, that the people of Japan and Korea can benefit from learning martial arts, and that we can help build friendships and strengthen positive ties between the two East Asian countries.

My sincere thanks to both Ceci and Grandmaster Kim for allowing me the honor of this visit and for showing me such a good time during my first trip to Korea. I will treasure the memories from this trip for years to come.