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AKANA
What is a Tomoe Warrior?
AKANA Tomoe Warrior
The TOMOE is the symbol of the fighting spirit of Okinawan warriors who defended their homes and families in times of war. The victory symbol was placed on their shields which were used for defense against the sword. It means the constant motion of our universe, the eye of a hurricane, the wheel is always turning, leading to the only certainty - at some time this human life will come to an end. To place too much importance on this fragile butterfly life was deemed fatal. It is far better to aim for honor and respect, even if in pursuance of this, it becomes necessary to give up life - thus the warrior defeats his greatest foe - FEAR! Fear of death, which if unconquered, could cause that slight hesitation in combat that might be fatal.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
What is the concept of Tomoe Warrior?
Concept of Tomoe
To receive the TOMOE Warrior Award, a karateka must understand the concept of TOMOE.
Can you imagine fighting a real person with a samurai sword in their hand? That is exactly what the TOMOE warriors did. American Karate Academies National Association developed this award because, believe it or not, I have fought in the street against knives, guns, and clubs to survive, therefore, the TOMOE award came into existence! Karatedo will develop the warrior spirit within us, giving us the confidence to survive in today's changing world.
By O'Shihan Jerry Piddington
What is a 17-Kata Tomoe Warrior?
AKANA 17-Kata Tomoe Warrior
The Diamond Tomoe is a gold TOMOE pendant with a diamond in the center. It is proudly worn by the karateka who perform a 17-kata test exhibiting unity of mind-body-spirit flowing together as one.
GOLD DIAMOND SEVENTEEN-KATA TOMOE PATCH
(Gold TOMOE in red on blue patch)
- Must be a current member of AKANA.
- Must have all patches in the correct place.
- Must be invited and approved by the head instructor.
- Must be tested by at least five 17-Kata Tomoe Warriors, two Kyoshi, one Hanshi, and the Grandmaster of AKANA. The Grandmaster may appoint a person to sit in for him if he is unavailable.
- Must wear a heavyweight uniform with all patches.
- Must demonstrate all beginner, intermediate, and advanced stances, blocks, elbows, hand strikes, knees, and kicks.
- Must perform SEVENTEEN EMPTY-HAND KATA. Must name the kata before and after presentation, may rest 60 seconds or less between kata, and can make no more than three mistakes. Must perform at least eight black belt kata of the seventeen kata. Must demonstrate a bunkai from each kata by performing self-defense one-steps executing blocking and striking with kime!
AKANA SEVENTEEN KATA TOMOE WARRIORS:
(Listed by the AKANA chartered school and includes a certified AKANA Tomoe number)
SideKick Karate (School Charter # NC-001)
- Ricky Smith (NC-001-001)
- Wayne Talbert Jr. (NC-001-002)
- Robert Taylor (NC-001-003)
- Rickey Dease (NC-001-004)
- Sonia Fields (NC-001-005)
- Jeff McClenney (NC-001-006)
- Tyrone Stewart (NC-001-007)
- Caleb Isenhour (NC-001-008)
- Lukas Miller (NC-001-009)
- Amanda Burleson (NC-001-010)
- Hunter Poston (NC-001-011)
- Kenny Chavarria (NC-001-012)
- Howard Douglas (NC-001-013)
- Tom Bristol (NC-001-014)
- James Bristol (NC-001-015)
- Ben Bolick (NC-001-016)
- Shawn Bolick (NC-001-017)
- Ryan Stopper (NC-001-018)
- John Bristol (NC-001-019)
- Thomas Wall (NC-001-020)
What is a Pinnacle Tomoe Warrior?
AKANA Pinnacle Tomoe Warrior
Hanshi Dan McCall wearing his Pinnacle Tomoe.
The Pinnacle Tomoe is a gold TOMOE inside a gold triangle pendant with a diamond in the center and a ruby in the apex of the triangle. It is proudly worn by the lifelong teachers of AKANA.
The pyramid is one of the forms most frequently used throughout history to symbolize spiritual completeness, for example, the Holy Trinity in Christianity. Mind, Spirit, and Body are symbolized with the pyramid. The pyramid also symbolized Mt. Sumeru, the center and home of power in the universe according to eastern tradition.... not the power itself, but the source of the power, the home of the winds, souls, and God. The power of the mountain is expressed in the human body of the master who stands atop it. The TRIANGLE (pyramid) represents the goals of every master and every student in every school of martial arts: to attain mastery and to stand firmly upon the summit of existence.
Concepts from the Pinnacle of Karate, Robert A. Trias
Gold TOMOE Triangle Pendant
(Diamond in the center with a ruby in the apex of the triangle)
- Must be a 6th dan or above. Must be an AKANA (lifetime) member.
- Must be recommended by AKANA Board of Directors.
- Must be voted in by the majority of the AKANA Board of Directors.
- Must have a minimum of 30 years of giving/teaching the martial arts.
- Must have a teaching knowledge of at least twenty-four kata.
- Must have a working knowledge of The Pinnacle of Karate.
ORIGINAL PINNACLE TOMOE WARRIORS:
- Jerry C. Piddington (#001)
- Gene Smith (#002)/passed to Ricky Smith
- Ricky Smith (#003)/awarded to Brian Pena
- Randy Smith (#004)
- Joe McClellan (#005)
- Danny McCall (#006)