06/06/99: 1999 Board of Directors Report To The Association The weather was absolutely marvelous for our retreat in picturesque York Beach, Maine. Attending with me were Grandmaster Paul Dusenbery, Master David Landers, and Yondans Larison, Thompson, and Bushue. The focus of this retreat was to form a base of common understanding as the Yondans enter in their new leadership roles within the Association. Our work involves two major areas: the "art" and the "business of the art". Our discussions centered around how we can most effectively operate our Association for all of your enjoyment and betterment while still retaining the depth of the art that I have striven for 30 years to share effectively. Will this require change? No. What we want to do is simply re-orient various aspects of our training to more effectively convey to you the "big picture" of where the individual pieces of your training are leading you to. This will have more of an impact on the way we conduct training at the Black Belt levels. For too long now we have brought someone to an advanced degree and then given them "requirements" to get to the next degree. But getting to the next degree is not the goal of the degree you are currently in! Duh! Sorry. It just took me 30 years to figure this out- with, I must add, much recent coaching and (yes) prodding from our Masters and Yondans. Ok. I got it. And so, much of this year's Board of Directors meetings went about issues of identifying specific and quantifiable goals for each Black Belt rank, as well as clearing up some of the issues of our kyu ranks. I have drawn upon Grandmaster Dusenbery's expertise in the theory and application of sound educational development, Master Lander's expertise in the psychological basis of learning and human interaction, and Yondan Thompson's extensive expertise in the implementation of sound business process and project management. Yondans Larison and Bushue provided input on how these proposals sounded as guidelines for integration of an art into a business process and yet retaining not only the art, but also in making sure that the "academics" weren't going to confuse the whole bunch of us with a lot of gas and no substance as it relates to the Martial Arts. My deep thanks to all! We are going to have some really interesting discussions for all of you as we take the next steps to further the goals of our Association. Come on! Jump in with your thoughts! We're not the only ones who know stuff like this. If you have expertise, we want to hear from you. After all: it is your association as much as it is mine. You make it so through your participation. Remember, without you there just is no association! Help us out where you can! 06/06/99: Awarding of Grandmaster's Title In addition, I would like to announce the awarding of the title of Grandmaster to him. Grandmaster Dusenbery's significant contributions to not only the Association but to the Art as a whole, his unwavering pursuit to perfect his craft, and his outstanding leadership skills deserve this new level of honor and responsibility after over 26 years in Martial Arts. Congratulations, Grandmaster Dusenbery on this achievement in your career! The title of Grandmaster reflects a Master who has gone beyond "mastery" of the art. It is indicative of someone who has risen to a level of presence from which they can guide others to and at the Master level. Master Landers and I salute Grandmaster Dusenbery in the attainment of this level of excellence and look toward many years of enjoyable and productive interaction with him as he goes about the business of continuing to strengthen our Art. 06/06/99: Promotion of Master Dusenbery I would like to take this opportunity to inform you all of the promotion of Master Paul Dusenbery to the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt. 10/01/99: Association Newsletter Production Change For those of you who may have missed the notice, our Association Newsletter will be going to a twice a year production schedule instead of its current quarterly one. We felt that the demands on all of those who work so tirelessly to produce the Newsletter and those who submit articles needed a break from the pace we were on. We are supposed to be enjoying life not maxing it out so much that we miss some of its beauty along the way! Please continue to make your submissions; we will try to use all those which would be of benefit to our members. Keep up the great work! 02/07/00: New Job For Grandmaster Rose Grandmaster Rose has begun his new position of Head of Technical Operations at ProfitTools in Newmarket, NH. ProfitTools builds dispatch and operations software for the trucking industry. He is in charge of organizing and managing all technical aspects of the company's software development efforts. Previous to that, he was a Senior Technical Business Analyst at NECX in Peabody, MA. 03/01/00: New Tenant For Grandmaster Rose For those of you remembering your days of sweat on deck at the Rose School of Karate, Grandmaster Rose reports that he has a new tenant: Joe's New York Pizza has rented the top floor of 124 Congress Street. The Rose School of Karate continues its workouts in the basement area. 04/01/00: Upcoming Online Association Newsletter The Fall edition of the C&S Newsletter will move from print version to online. I wish to thank Sandan Daniel Wilkewitz for his years of outstanding dedication to the production of this newsletter. Almost all of our membership either has a computer with an internet connection, or has access to one that does. By going to this medium, not only can we reach everyone, but our savings will translate into no increases in membership fees for our Black Belts and Programs. 10/01/00: C&S Online Newsletter Goes Live! Check it out! The Fall edition of the C&S Online Newsletter is ready! Of other note is that at some point, hopefully in the not too distant future, C&S will relocate our website address and establish our own domain name. Look for this to happen toward the end of this year! 02/19/2001: C&S Online Newsletter Submissions Anyone wishing to contribute to the Spring 2001 edition of the C&S Online Newsletter should send their submissions to Grandmaster Rose via email no later than 03/01/01. Please consult the submission requirements (link to back page of the Fall 2000 edition) to make sure your contribution is done properly. 11/01/2001: Grandmaster Rose's Disciple Retreat Grandmaster Rose will be holding his annual disciple retreat in Jackson New Hampshire from 11/01 through 11/04. We hope to catch the tail end of New England's spectacular Fall leaf season. 08/01/2002: Dusenbery Tiger Line Holds Association Retreat Congratulations to all who were able to attend Grandmaster Dusenbery's Tiger Line Retreat in Boulder, CO!     10/01/2002: New Program - Tai Chien Dojo We would like to welcome a new program into our C&S Self Defense Association family. Sandan Tim House announces the opening of the Tai Chien Dojo in Portsmouth, NH. Check out the link to the Happenings page for an explanation of the new program's name. Good going, Sandan! 11/01/2002: Grandmaster Dusenbery Holds Tiger Line Disciple Retreat! Grandmaster Dusenbery gathered his disciples together for his annual Tiger Line retreat. Event held in the Colorado Rockies. 11/01/2002: Dragon Warrior Dojo Up and Running! William A. Shuler and David A. Shuler announce the forming of their new Dragon Warrior Dojo in Effingham, IL. The Shuler's both were recently promoted to Shodan and are losing no time in helping fullfil their obligation to spread our art. Good luck! 11/03/2002: Sandan Carl Parker's New Program Sprouts! Sandan Carl Parker's Mountain View Academy of Self Defense in Spokane, WA has sprouted to 8 students in just a few weeks of activity! Sandan has issued a growth challenge to the other association program directors to top him. How about it? 11/08/2002: Grandmaster Rose Holds Disciple Retreat! Grandmaster Rose and a few of his local disciples gathered in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire the weekend of November 8th. Retreat was finalized late due to concerns about scheduling and many disciples having prior committments. Rather than cancelling or putting off until the weather in the Norteast turned really tough, Grandmaster felt he would hold the retreat anyway. Hopefully those who were unable to attend will be able to come out and vist at some other time. We'll try this again next year! 11/08/2002: Grandmaster Rose Promotes Russ Jones To Sandan! Though not intending to hold any testing at his retreat this year, Grandmaster Rose was so impressed with Nidan Russ Jones work over the past year that he was promoted to the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt, Sandan. Congratulations Sandan Jones on your achievement! 12/05/2002: Association Certified Black Belt Registration Forms Due We would like to remind all Certified Black Belts in C&S Self Defense Association that yearly membership registration forms are due by January 1st. Please fill out your form and return to your upline Master who will submit all forms as a group. Program Directors should verify that all information for their club is current and correct. Thank you all for a great year! 01/01/2003: Shodan Steve Bennetts Starts Kersey Karate Club! Just as we were starting to receive our 2003 black belt membership forms, I received an email from Shodan Steve Bennetts who trains under Sandan Tim Shafer of the Okinawan Karate Club in Fort Collins, CO. He indicated that he was starting up a program and wanted to know what he needed to do. He's got the Program Director's Orientation Manual, a bunch of association patches and a handfull of certificates ready to hand out! Go get 'em Shodan! 01/15/2003: Nidan James Nancarrow Starts Northwood School of Self Defense! Nidan James Nancarrow has recently started up the Northwood School of Self Defense. After working in retail sales and management at Radio Shack for 27 years, Nidan decided to change careers and is now a department manager with the Demoulis food store chain. This gives him more time and a more structured schedule. He is looking forward to this opportunity to have a small club of his own. He has been training with us for over 20 years. Congratulations Nidan! 03/03/2003: 20 Year Commendations! Congratulations go out to Yondan Bruce Vinciguerra and Nidan Larry Holman both of the Somersworth School of Self Defense, Somersworth, NH. Both are celebrating 20 years of study with us. They began their journey under Grandmaster Rose at the Rose School of Karate in Portsmouth, NH in 1983 within one week of each other. Currently, Yondan Vinciguerra trains under Grandmaster Paul Dusenbery of the Boulder School of Self Defense. He is the Program Director of the Somersworth School of Self Defense and Nidan Holman is his senior student. 03/23/2003: New Webpage for Mountainview Academy of Self-Defense! Sandan Carl Parker took me up on my offer to build and host a template webpage for his club, Mountainview Academy of Self Defense in Spokane, WA. The offer is open to everyone. If you don't have a web presence, this is at least something to consider. 06/04/2003: Congratulations to Tom Reneau of Sachem School! Congratulations to Tom Reneau on not only passing the rigorous 3rd degree brown belt exam, but in producing such a fine demonstration of ability that resulted in a double promotion to 2nd Brown! With the galmor also brings great responsibility. We wish you the best in your continued study and in your upcoming service to our country in the military, Tom. Thank you for your efforts at the Sachem school and for your committment to our country as this reflects well on all of us in C&S Self Defense Association. I thank Sandan Russ Jones of the Sachem school for allowing us into his club and his home. It was good to see such a supportive turn out from all of our local clubs at this important exam. We had members from Rose School of Karate in Portsmouth, NH, Tai Chien Dojo Portsmouth, NH, Somersworth School of Self Defense Somersworth, NH, and of course members of the Sachem School of Self Defense Laconia, NH. Grandmaster Rose 10/26/2003: Congratulations to Mr. Tim Shafer! I wish to congratulate Mr. Tim Shafer on his successful promotion to the rank of Yondan, fourth degree black belt. The test was held in Estes Park, Colorado this past weekend. Yondans Thompson, Vinciguerra, Bushue, & Wilkewitz were in attendance. We were very honored to have Yondan Bushue from the Storm Dragon leg participate in the retreat. Yondan Shafer begin his study of our Art in 1985 at the age of 15. He is an expert in healing arts as well as an accomplished martial artist. Congratulations Yondan! Master Dusenbery 01/09/2004: Bruce Vinciguerra Receives Promotion! I would like to announce to all students of C&S Self Defense Association the decision of the Board of Directors to award the rank of Godan 5th Degree Black Belt to Bruce Vinciguerra of the Somersworth School of Self Defense, Somersworth, NH. The promotion to 5th Degree Black Belt conveys the title of Master. Master Vinciguerra has been in our art for over 20 years and was under Tiger Grandmaster Paul Dusenbery's leg. Over the course of the next year, Master Vinciguerra will be organizing his own leg though he will remain Grandmaster Dusenbery's disciple. The promotion to Master is an Association rank, i.e. it is awarded by the Board of Directors of the Association as opposed to the student's master. This decision was uncontested and unanimous among Grandmaster Peter Rose, Grandmaster Paul Dusenbery, and Grandmaster David Landers. We welcome Master Vinciguerra as a peer student to us in our continuing quest for excellence in our art, in our lives, and for our students. Grandmaster Rose 01/09/2004: David Landers Receives Promotion! I would like to announce to all students of C&S Self Defense Association the promotion of Storm Dragon Master David Landers to the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt. I addition, I have awarded him the title of Grandmaster. The title does not necessarily come with the 7th degree ranking. He has been promoted to 7th degree for his accomplishments in our art; the title of Grandmaster is awarded for his students accomplishments for we are all nothing were it not for our students. I thank Grandmaster Landers for his over 30 years devotion to our art and for his perseverance in excelling not only for his own growth but for the growth and enrichment of his students. Grandmaster Rose 08/25/2004: Master Candidate Review Dear C&S Self Defense Association Family, It is with much pride that I announce that Yondan Joseph Larison of the Storm Dragon Dojo, Montrose, IL, Yondan Kerry Bushue of the Personal Protection Agency, Lindale, TX, and Yondan Tom Thompson of the Denver Karate Club, Westminster, CO have been chosen by the Grandmaster's of C&S Self Defense Association to participate in a Master Candidate Review to be held November 3, 4, 5, and 6. This is a high honor, and all in our association family should be proud of these fine martial artists. What is a Master Candidate Review? It is an opportunity for these candidates to show the Board of Director's of our Association the skill and knowledge that they have achieved over the years through their hard work and determination. We honor this work by inviting them to present themselves as a candidate for Master level in our Association. This is the final step in a journey that they have strived for a very long time. I thank these candidates for their many years of hard and dedicated work. I am looking forward to spending this time with all of them. On behalf of the Board of Directors of C&S Self Defense Association I wish them all the best. In our art, Grandmaster Peter Rose 09/28/2004: Larry Holman Receives Promotion To Sandan! It is with great pleasure to announce the promotion of Larry Holman to the rank of Sandan. Sandan Holman has studied our Art for over 20 years and has showed tremendous insight into his Art. He is a fine Sempai of the Somersworth School of Self Defense and shows great leadership within the school. I am proud to have him as my Disciple and look forward to his continued sharing of His Art with our Students. Peace, Master Vinciguerra 10/08/2004: Scott Williams passes Shodan exams! I am pleased to announce that Scott Williams of the Rose School of Karate successfully passed his exams this past weekend 10/08/04 for the rank of certified 1st degree black belt in C&S Self Defense Association. Mr. Williams has been a student of mine for 8 years and is a fine example of determined and mature development in our art. I congragulate him on his accomplishment and welcome him into the black belt ranks. 10/16/2004: James Nancarrow promoted to Sandan! James Nancarrow of the Northwood School of Self Defense has received the honor of promotion to the rank of Sandan 3rd Degree Black Belt in C&S Self Defense Association from Grandmaster Peter Rose during Grandmaster's Disciple Retreat 10/16/04. Sandan Nancarrow has been a student and disciple of Grandmaster Rose since 1975. His promotion was unexpected but resulted from his outstanding performance at the retreat. All should be particularly proud of this achievement as it represents promotion to the highest instructor ranking in the C&S Self Defense Associaion. It shows accomplishment and mastery over many areas of not only the martial arts but of life itself. Congratulations Sandan Nancarrow. 11/04/2004: Kerry Bushue and Joseph Larison receive 5th Degree Black Belt Godan Master ranking! It is my great pleasure to announce the promotion of Kerry Bushue of the Personal Protection Agency Lindale, TX and Joseph Larison of the Storm Dragon Dojo Effingham, IL to the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt Godan Master in C&S Self Defense association. They received their rank 11/04/04 at the recent Master Candidate Review held in Wells Beach, Maine. Both Master Bushue and Master Larison have well over 20 years of experience and are disciples of Grandmaster David Landers. Presiding over the retreat were all members of the Board of Directors of C&S Self Defense Association: White Cobra Grandmaster Peter Rose of Dover, NH, Tiger Grandmaster Paul Dusenbery of Boulder, CO, and Storm Dragon Grandmaster David Landers of Effingham, IL. Assisting in all facets of the Review and lending his insight in the process of mastership was Master Bruce Vinciguerra of Somersworth, NH whose organization and attention to detail made the Review the success that it was. He even brought cigars for those who were so inclined - which many were. As a matter of fact, this was a huge hit as we ended up on the outside balcony walkway of our 2nd floor units until around midnight; the weather was that nice. We were having so much fun that we actually created a party with some of the resorts other guests. It's always nice to meet other folks - these from Vermont. I am so proud to have been a part of this gathering of our association's leadership and to welcome 2 new members to the Master level. Our discussions ranged over so many topics and covered so much ground. It was a joy to participate in! And the weather was just spectacular the entire time except for a really cold rainstorm Thursday night orchrastrated just to welcome the new Masters to their new rank. The final muted browns, golds, and deep yellows of Fall leaves provided a beautiful background for us from our vantage point of the ocean just across the expanse of the salt marsh next to the resort we stayed at. It was also great to be able to spend some time on a couple of occasions in the resort's heated indoor pool and hot tub as our discussions continued. A rare treat as New England weather can be anything from what it was to snow at this time of the year - which, actually was predicted but passed North of us; all we got was some rain. We were even able to hold one workout clinic way out on the dunes of Wells beach, though the incoming tide ran us off just as we were finishing up. The wind was so chilly, though, that it penetrated right through our jackets. But not to worry as we drove down to Ogunquit, ME for lunch, and recovered in the warm comfort of Jackies restaurant on the quaint New England inlet of Perkins Cove. Grandmaster Landers graced us with his special breakfast omelet skills, Master Vinciguerra prepared a terrific lasagna dinner, and Master Bushue amazed us with his rendition of beef stroganoff one night! We broke bead together, drank some nice wine, and had stimulating discussions. We had several workouts sharing various drills and techniques each Master used in their own groups so that all could share. And we all learned something new - even the Grandmasters, so never ever say that old dogs can't learn new tricks because you'll get bit! I want to be sure you are all aware of the great resources that we have in our new Master's and in their commitment to following the way of our art. Both Master Bushue and Master Larison made insightful presentations of some of their areas of expertise. The questions and ensuing discussions from the rest of the group present stretched these presentations far beyond not only our original time frame, but far beyond even the immediate topics. Both Master Bushue and Master Larison stimulated all of us with their own excitement of what they were doing. And that's really what it's really all about: it's about doing what you love to do and sharing that with another. Of having a commitment to a process of study that transcends just requirements, but encompasses ones life essence to such an extent that others are positively affected by their passion. Master Bushue and Master Larison have a passion for not only their art, but also sharing that art with their students. You who study with these two fine Masters have much to be proud of. But you all now have a lot to live up to. You can not afford to be slack in your efforts as you are a reflection of your Master. I know you are all up to this challenge because I spoke with both Master Bushue and Master Larison and they told me of each of you, of your efforts, of your pride, and of your dedication. Rest assured that they are as proud of you as you are of them. And how much better than that can it get! In our art, Grandmaster Rose ps - you can see pictures of this event by clicking here. 11/21/2004: Rick Downs passes Shodan exams! I am pleased to announce that Rick Downs of the Rose School of Karate has passed his 3 day examinations for the rank of certified 1st degree black belt in C&S Self Defense Association 11/21/04. Shodan Downs showed amazing tenacity in dealing with not only the challenges of these exams, but in all of the work he did to prepare for this weekend. Those of you who are fortunate enough to know Shodan Downs will attest to his dedication to his art and to the enormous effort that he puts into every task of his study. He is an example for all as to what the best our art has to offer as we teach it through C&S Self Defense Association. Shodan Downs trained for about 2 years with me back in the mid to late 1980's. He returned to his training 7 years ago and has been going strong ever since. He tells me he has no intention of taking another break from his art - even as they stick him in the box he will be practicing our art. Congratulations to a warrior. Job well done. Welcome to the black belt ranks and all the knowledge, work, fun, and growth that implies. 11/23/2004: Scott Williams Announces New Program! Shodan Scott Williams announced 11/23/04 the formation of the new C&S Self Defense Association "Red Leaf Karate Club" program in North Berwick, ME. 11/30/2004: Seacoast NH Programs Participate In First Aid Course! About a dozen C&S Self Defense Association members from various Seacoast New Hampshire programs participated in the Basic First Aid course offered through the American Red Cross at its Pease International Tradeport facillity Tuesday evening 11/30/04. The event was made possible due to the efforts of Shodan Scott Williams of the Rose School of Karate. Shodan Williams took it upon himself to investigate courses available and to coordinate all of us participating. I want to thank Shodan Williams for this opportunity to renew my own knowledge of emergency first aid. All present learned a great deal and benefited from this training. I mention it to encourage you all to contact your local Red Cross office to see what programs they may have available. Our course was 4 hours and only cost $35 but the training we received could someday help save a life; maybe even our own. 01/08/2005: Art and David Shuler Receive Nidan Promotions! I am proud to announce the promotion of Dr. William A Shuler and David A. Shuler to the respected rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt Nidan in C&S Self Defense Association. The Shuler's received their advancement, on Saturday January 8th, 2005 at our Disciple retreat. They have become fine practitioners of the art, and also our first Father & Son to cross this Nidan mile marker. Doc has a Chiropractic service and David is a student at Lakeland collage. Together they run the Dragon Warrior Dojo in Effingham IL. I'm sure they look forward to new responsibilities and challenges, and have become a great asset to our organization and me. Master Joseph Larison. 06/22/2005: WellnessTip Target Heart Rate During Exercise Health experts recommend you exercise at a heart rate that is 60 to 90 percent of your maximum heart rate - enough to do you some good while not over-taxing your system. This range is called your target heart rate, and it changes as you get older. To determine your target heart rate, simply subtract your age from 220, then multiply that number by .6 and also by .9. For example, a 40 year-old would determine their target heart range this way: 220-40= 180 180 x .6 = 108 180 x .9 = 162 Your target range would be between 108 and 162 During exercise, take your pulse. There are generally two places that exercisers use: the neck (pictured above) and wrist (shown to the right). If your pulse is below your target range, pick up the pace; if it's too high, cut back a bit. Note: Heart rate cannot be used with individuals who are taking medications that alter or influence heart rate, such as beta blockers, or with the elderly. American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise organization in the world. Visit their website www.acsm.org for great exercise tips/info. 09/15/2005: New Kyu Curriculum Update C&S Self Defense Association is excited to announce the development of The Kyu Curriculum. The purpose is to codify all core material within the Association. The Committee responsible is Master Bruce Vinciguerra, Master Kerry Bushue, Master Joseph Larison, Yondan Tom Thompson, Yondan Daniel Wilkewitz, Yondan Timothy Shafer and Yondan Russell Jones. On September 15, 16 and 17 the committee met in Colorado for an intensive 3 day period to discuss in depth the project. The team worked collectively and accomplished an amazing amount of material needed to present this to our Association. The work will produce a document for all program directors to use as a guide. The weekend provided a great opportunity and succeeded in establishing communications and working friendships across the Association. The Kyu level committee is also preparing an Association wide Retreat which will take place in September 2006 (more details to come later). The Kyu level Curriculum will be presented at that time. To see some pictures taken at our gathering, click this link! 10/14/2005: Grandmaster Rose Promotes Several Students Greetings Fellow C&S Self Defense Association Members, It is my great honor to announce the promotion of several of my direct students at my October 14, 2005 Disciple Retreat in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire: Mr. Russ Jones of the Sachem School of Self Defense, Laconia, NH to the rank of 4th Degree Yondan Black Belt Mr. Scott Williams of the Red Leaf Karate Club, North Berwick, ME to the Disciple rank of 2nd Degree Nidan Black Belt Mr. Rick Downs from the Rose School of Karate, Portsmouth, NH to the Disciple rank of 2nd Degree Nidan Black Belt Yondan Jones has trained with me since 1985 and has recently participated with other senior black belts and Masters of C&S Self Defense Association in traveling to Boulder, CO to finalize the first formal draft of the Kyu curriculum for the Association. Yondan drove almost 3 hours up from Laconia, NH through one of the horrible rain storms that we have been having recently so that he could attend our Friday night dinner at the beautiful 1785 Inn in North Conway, NH. He was out the door at 6:30am then Saturday morning after running through Sanchin with Sandan Carl Parker of Spokane, WA so that he could make his teaching obligation back in Laconia later that morning. He was then going to isolate himself at home studying for his final Shiatsu licensing examinations in Boston, MA Sunday. Both Nidans Williams and Downs trained with me back in the mid 1980's for 2 years and then returned to their training with me 8 years ago and have been going strong ever since. After receiving his promotion to 1st Degree Shodan Black Belt, Nidan Williams demonstrated his dedication to his art by opening the Red Leaf Karate Club in North Berwick, ME. He did this despite enormous work responsibility that includes numerous business trips to Washington, DC to confer with high military personnel as well as travel to various other nuclear submarine bases across the country. Nidan Downs has continuted to offer private instruction through the Rose School Early Birds organization which he has headed for the last 7 years as well as taking on the responsibility of creating and running class at the Rose School on Monday nights. In addition to this, he continues to train at home almost every day in his home club and has an almost perfect attendance record at the Rose School Crazy Thursday class. My congratulations and deepest respect to these fine martial artists for their hard work and dedication to our Art. I look forward to many many years of exciting interaction with all of them and particularly welcome Nidan Williams and Nidan Downs as my Disciples in the White Cobra. Retreat pictures can be found on the Rose School of Karate 2005 Disciple Retreate page. 09/20/2009: Sun Leopard Master Joseph Larisson Promotes 3 To Sandan Level I would like to announce the promotion of Mr. Scott Petitjean, Mr. William Shuler and Mr. David Shuler to the ranks of Sandan. The examination was conducted on the 18th, 19th and 20th of Sept. at our annual Leopard line retreat. We would also like to thank Grandmaster Lander for his guest appearance and assistants. Once again congratulation on a job well done. Master Larison 10/04/2009: Tim House Promoted To Yondan I am pleased to announce the promotion of Tim House to the rank of 4th degree black belt Yondan as of Sunday October 4, 2009. This was totally unplanned and something that I have never done before. I have been working with Yondan House over the last year with his development. He has been kind enough on many occasions to buy a bottle of wine and so I've had him over for dinner at which time, in the past, I have strived to separate his mind from his body; many times being successful. But this evening.... I was so totally impressed with Yondan House's command of the material and his deep insight that he brought to my questioning that I knew he was ready to move to the Yondan level. I am really excited by this development and wish Yondan the best as he now moves into new material and adventure. As I kidded him as he was leaving: "Tim House, overnight success after 27 years." My congratulations to Yondan Tim House! Master Rose