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Show Wednesday. August The Summer Chronic le - Page Eleven 16. 1989 Instructor brings philosophy of karate to Utah students Steven R. Ford Chronicle Sports Writer blends the styles of Kempo with jujitsu, and Funakoshi's Okinawan karate. Softness of technique dominates the characteristics of thus, its name, "Way of Peace." Master Ohtsuka's style of karate is primarily a spiritual discipline in which a harmonious self-unio- n is sought through the adherence to austere descipline Wado-Ry- He stands in the entryway of his building greeting his students. A small, unimposing figure of an elderly oriental gentleman, Toshio Osaka is prepared to begin his class. His students are tense and tight, but anxiously awaiting the day's paces. Is this chemistry, calculus I, Japanese? No, the class is karate. Karate. The word conjures images of whirling kicks and blazing fists. It carries with it tones of Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee and Ralph Macchio's Daniel Larusso. Such are the mass media myths which accompany this Japanese martial art. "The movies are not important," said Master Toshio Osaka, the head of the Japan International Karate-d- o Centers. The movies, he said, are but a way of introducing a prospective student to karate. "Karate," said Master Osaka, "is moving Zen, a philosophy in motion. We try to create nice people with healthy bodies and hearts." Toshio Osaka came to the United States from Tokyo in the early 1960s. Master Osaka had friends in Hawaii, and began teaching in the islands shortly after his arrival. In 1966, Salt Lake City hosted the Fifth World Annual Judo Championships, and a friend of Master Osaka's was on the Japanese team. After seeing the valley, his friend encouraged him to come. He was impressed, and proceeded to get a permanent visa and founded his first studio, now just one of many in Salt Lake City for the style karate. teaching of Wado-Ry- u Master Osaka has been studying Wado-Ry- u for 25 years now, and he began by studying under the form's founder, Hironori Ohtsuka. A seventh-degre- e black belt, Master is a Osaka explained that Wado-Ry- u more natural, flowing form which u, "called shugyo. It is this style and philosophy that Master Osaka brought with him to the U. "In the beginning," said Master Osaka, "karate was seen as , violence only, and the University did not want it." But, in 1971, this attitude changed as Dean Owen Hunter and Dr. James Ewes both made efforts to' understand the martial arts. That year, Master Osaka taught his first class. "Then it was like an explosion," he said. "The students liked the philosophy." Master Osaka since estimates that he has taught over 13,000 students for the exercise and sport science department. Kathy Sanford, a black belt and former Ute dance student, began her karate in 1974 when she took a phys. ed. course from Master Osaka. "Some of the movies come close to what karate is about, but they tend to make it too esoteric and mystical. Sensei Osaka teaches more fundamental, realistic karate." When asked what karate is really all about, Master Osaka replied., "Karate's differs meaning level. A one's depending upon . beginner may see it as good exercise but may develop a or higher understanding as he progresses through the ranks." self-defen- se Master Osaka is now the chairman of the USA Wado Karate-d- o Federation, coach of the USA team and International Wado-Kthe respected instructor of numerous Utah Open Karate champions. He has also placed three of his students on the USA ai International team. U. students Sean ( Im.nuli' I'li.xo l Aiulivw llollow.iv Master Toshio Osaka delivers a spinning back-kic- k while sparring with 1989 Utah Open Champion, Bill Bruschke. Master Osaka has been teaching Wado-Ry- u style karate in Utah for 20 years and has taught 13,000 students in classes at the U. Kelly, Mark Bacon and Bill has been under Master Osaka's years. Also a" U. student, Bill said., for Bruschke will be competing soon tutelage 14 years. Mark, who is "He has broadened my outlook. I for the World Wado Cup in London, the 1988 Utah Open Grand see other viewpoints now. I never 1 I "I started when was about 13. take anyone for granted anymore." Champion, as well as the two time a sort was of punk then," said Master Osaka said that a defending Arizona Open champion black belt, Sean Kelly. "He's said, "I've learned patience, good prospective student should begin karate for enjoyment and health. taught me that the mental aspect is manners, to give maximum effort, the most important. I didn't used to basic things that help out in life. But, he warns, "Karate is like care about anything, now I'm at Karate, for me, is a lifestyle." painting a. house. If it is done too Bill Bruschke, the reigning 1989 least more considerate." fast, it may come off just as fast. If it Mark Bacon, second-degre- e black Utah Open Grand Champion, has is done slowly, it will stay. Don't belt and a U. senior in anthropology been with Master Osaka for eight hurry through it." first-degr- ee " Pigskin Preparation EXTRAORDINARY DIAMONDS FOR EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN ' V While most students are basking in the sun, the Utah football team is preparing for the . upcoming gridiron campaign. The Ute gridders are currently involved in practice sessions with their sights set on their season opener at Fresno two-a-da- y State on September 2. Leading the hopes of the 1989 Ute squad is Heisman Trophy candidate Scott Mitchell. The junior quarterback is back after setting 24 school records, 10 NCAA marks and five WAC bests a year ago. He should be joined in the backfield this year by running backs Clifton Smith and Rod Wells. Other top offensive tight end prospects are Mike Dennis Smith, Anglesey, kicking specialist Wayne Lammle, veteran center Jeff Parson and wide receivers Mike Connaughton and Bryan All-WA- C U-ba- ck Rowley. . Defensively, the Utes boast a cwlif") solid linebacker corps. Senior Garland Harris mans the middle slot with Frank Bonifacio and Darren Patterson covering the outside positions. Cornerbacks LaVon Edwards and Sean Knox are solid prospects as are returning linemen Joe Clausi, Greg Reynolds, Sam Tausinga and Brent O'Brien. After opening the season in Fresno, the Utes will open the home schedule Sept.9 at Rice Stadium against Utah State. Clironulc I'IhiIii In A.imn AsIkriIi T j ierrawest .1 ZCMI Center Downtown Salt Lake Provo 10-- 7 s i. i. i. vv i 10-- 9 0 Vernal M-- F 10-- 6 Sat. ' Anwncan Gam Soosry Visa Amkrican Exi-kks- s |