"Conventional" Wisdom by Aaron Norris

As the 2003 UFAF Convention approaches, I am increasingly aware ofthe importance of your attendance. It is the individual discipline, effortand commitment to the martial arts and to Chun Kuk Do that makes ourorganization great. Our commitment to Chun Kuk Do is reflective of ourpersonal commitment to excellence.

Your drive and perseverance have always been the power that drives ourorganization. Nothing will take the place of that individual persistence.

Talent will not - nothing is more common than the unsuccessful personwith talent. Genius will not - unrewarded genius is common.

Drive, determination, and commitment to excellence are the tools ofachievement.

As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together isprogress; Working together is success." Come and learn from the great-est martial artists in the world. Loyalty, discipline, respect, and persist-ence - not only our credo, but an awesome way of life! We are what werepeatedly do. Excellence is not an act - but a habit.

I cannot wait to see you all and experience the UFAF Convention togeth-er.

Blessings,

Aaron Norris

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Letter from the EditorWhat is in your box?

As the fire marshal for a growing city of 120,000 people, it is myresponsibility to ensure the fire safety of every resident and guest, aswell as the safety of the firefighters that may be called upon to risktheir lives to save others.

Every decision I make on a daily basis either directly or indirectlyaffects the lives of many people. Some of them are glad to see mecome while many are glad to see me go, especially when my deci-sions cost them money.

But when I go, I want to make sure that everyone I have dealt withunderstands what is in my box. The question I pose to each of you is,“What is in your box?”

Several years ago I read a book called “Halftime--Moving fromSuccess to Significance” by Bob Buford. It was this book that intro-duced me to “the box.”

The concept is simple; it is the answer that can be difficult. I chal-lenge each of you to consider and reflect on this concept and cometo your own conclusion.

You have a box. There can only be one thing in the box at a time.Whatever is most important to you is what is in your box. So I askyou again, what is in your box?

Once you figure out the answer you look at life and its challenges dif-ferently. You move from being successful to becoming significant.

Howard MundingPO Box 346Peoria, AZ 85380octagon@ufaf.org

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2003 Convention Schedule (subject to change without notice)

Thursday, July 17th Time InstructorSchool Owners Seminars Check In 8:00am - 9:00am Martial Arts Business Session 9:00am - 11:30amLunch 11:30am - 12:00pmNew Forms Training 12:00pm - 3:00pm Ed SaenzGeneral Check in 1:00pm - 4:00pmUFAF Reception 6:00pm - 9:00pm(Attire: Business Casual)

Friday, July 18th

Late Check In 7:00am - 9:00pmIntroduction and Warm Up 9:00am - 9:30pm Ken Gallacher/Steve NelsonWorkout 9:30am - 11:30am Steve GirouxWorkout 11:30am - 1:00pm Richard NortonLunch 1:00pm - 1:30pmWorkout 1:30pm - 3:00pm Ed SaenzWorkout 3:00pm - 5:00pm Frank Shamrock

Saturday, July 19th

Introduction and Warm up 9:00am - 9:30am Ken Gallacher/Steve NelsonWorkout 9:30am - 12:00pm Richard NortonLunch 11:30am - 12:00pmWorkout 12:00pm - 2:00pm Frank ShamrockTeam Fighting Competition 2:00pm - 4:00pmKing of the Mountain Time permitting

Awards banquet (Attire: Black Belts: UFAF Dress Uniform. Red Belts and Guests Business: Dress (suit/tie, dress or skirt. Please NoJeans.)

Doors open 6:30pmDinner, Awards, Dancing 7:00pm - ???

Sunday, July 20th

Individual Photos 8:00am - 8:30am Individual photos for 1st time attending 1st degrees and recently promoted 5th degree black belts only)

Group Rank/Region Photos 8:30am- 9:30am

Pre-Tournament Meeting 9:30am - 10:30am For all competitors, judges, and officials

Tournament 10:30am to ?

Please note: There will be a $5.00 spectator entry fee for the tournament.

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UFAF Convention Tournament RulesSubmitted by Mr. Chuck Elias

FIGHTING RULES

1. HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!

2. All fights will be 2 minutes, or a 5 point spread, whichever comes first. The person with the most points at the end of 2minutes wins. If a 5 point spread occurs any time during the 2 minutes, the fight ends.

3. Only light contact, or committed no contact, can score.

4. It takes a majority vote to earn a point. Any judge may call “STOP” when they see a point. The center judge thencalls for point, and all judges must simultaneously call the point (or indicate that they didn’t see the point).

5. Legal targets are the head, front and side of the torso, and the groin (male and female). Illegal targets are thethroat/neck, the back, and the legs.

6. The front foot may be checked/swept, boot-to-boot. The attacker may use either the front or rear foot to attack theopponent’s front foot.

7. After a takedown, there are 3 seconds during which a point can occur. The person on the ground can either be scoredupon, or score, during this 3 second period.

8. If a competitor has one foot out of the ring, he/she may NOT score, but he/she may be scored upon. Running out ofthe ring to avoid an attack will result in a warning. On the third occurance, a penalty point will be awarded to the oppo-nent.

9. The following are grounds for disqualification: 1.) Malicious, intentional attacks; 2) Repeated illegal contact; 3)Disrespectful conduct.

The center judge will make any and all disqualification decisions.

KATA RULES

1. Judging The first three competitors perform their katas. They are called up individually for scoring after the thirdcompetitor performs.

2. Scoring Red belts are to be scored between 6.00 and 8.00. example 7.35Black belts are to be scored between 8.00 and 10.00. example 8.15

One hundredths must be used as this will help avoid ties. For example, Judge A in a division of 6 black belts with similarskills might score them as follows: 9.45, 9.48, 9.46, 9.45, 9.47, 9.44. In the rare event of a tie, drop the highest scorefor each competitor and re-add the remaining scores. If there is still a tie, have the competitors perform their katasagain.

3. DivisionsBlack belts may do either a Traditional or an Open form, but not both.

Traditional: a CKD black belt test form.Open: ANYTHING other than a CKD test form.

Red belts must do a CKD test form for 1st black. For 2003 they include:Giecho Hyung Yi Bu Sang Gup, Pyong An Cho Dan, Pyong An Yi Dan, Pyong An Sa Dan,Pyong An Oh Dan, Bassai, UFAF I, UFAF II, Kong Sang Koon

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Introducing our Instructors for the2003 ConventionMr. Frank Shamrock: He made his debut in Pancrase under Ken Shamrock.After becoming the King of Pancrase, he also captured the UFCMiddleweight title. Since defending the title successfully four times,he has gone on to be known as the "elite trainer of champions" and tohelp up and coming fighters achieve their dreams of becoming champions.Titles Held: WKC Submission Champion 1995, 4th Temporary King ofPancrase 1996, Contenders Light-Heavyweight Champion 1997, 4-time UFCMiddleweight Champion 1998-1999

Mr. Richard Norton: This multi-talented, multi-disciplined, andworld-renowned martial artist is the real deal who bounced in some ofMelbourne's most notorious nightspots and helped popularize karate inAustralia. He's appeared and starred in over 60 movies, fought JackieChan on-screen three times, been directed three times by Samo Hung,battled Chuck Norris in “The Octagon” as the villainous Kyo (one of thetop fight movies of all time), made more than eight appearances on“Walker, Texas Ranger” and has appeared in many other martial arts movies.

Mr. Ed Saenz: UFAF's very own Director of Training andAdvancement,currently an 8th degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do, will conduct aseminar on katas and the techniques of the new testing requirements.

Mr. Steve Giroux: Currently holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Chun KukDo. He was the 1999 Grand Champion at the UFAF InternationalChampionships and was nationally rated #2 under the North American SportKarate Association (NASKA) in Light Heavyweight Point Fighting(180-189lbs). This year Mr. Giroux will be working point fighting drills andtechniques.

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UFAF Chun Kuk Do and Your SchoolSchool Owner Seminars

Special Guest: Tom Callos

Tom Callos, a 6th dan under Master Ernie Reyes, Sr., is one ofthe most sought after martial arts business consultants andspeakers in our field. He was featured in the most recent issueof MA Professional magazine,

Callos' approach to teaching, school-management, business,curriculum, staff training and martial arts philosophy are cut-ting-edge creative, but also firmly anchored in tradition, com-mon sense and value-based principles.

He's a master of communicating the benefits of the martial artsto the buying public --and to his fellow martial artists. However,his concepts stretch beyond kicking, punching, throwing andmaking money. His approach bridges the gap between the mar-tial arts and life --and between what we currently teach andwhat we very well may be teaching in the future.

Of his opportunity to participate in the UFAF School OwnerSession, Tom says: "I'm honored to be a guest of UFAF and I'llcome prepared to do the following:

1. Inspire those instructors who would like to teach full time to take the leap -with instruction on exactly how tocreate a six-figure income through professional school management.

2. Teach a technique (in 20 minutes) that will quadruple any instructor's ability to teach (or Chip Wright can beatme up!).

3. Show you a new character development program that is so hip, so useful and so culturally relevant that you'll have to laugh…"

Sounds like exactly what we need! Tom will be speaking duringthe school owner session, and in addition has graciouslyoffered to make himself available on the Friday of our conven-tion for 15 minute consultations for any interested school own-ers or instructors.

School Owner Seminars continued

Mr. Brown has been studying martial arts for 16 years and is currently a4th Degree CKD Black Belt. Additional achievements include receiving the2001 UFAF Most Inspirational Award for dedication to the organization andhe is one of the first 90 people in the United States to become a certifiedTae Bo Fitness Instructor by Billy Blanks personally. In January of 2001 heassumed the role of head instructor at Top Form Karate in Weirton, WV(formerly Rine Karate Studio).

He is a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a degree in visualcommunication and specialized technology. He is also an active member inhis local business community having served on different committeesincluding being a member of the chamber advisory board on technologyand entrepreneurial development.

For the past few years he has acted as UFAF webmaster developingUFAF.org and is now providing the graphic design and image services forthe new look of UFAF. He and his company, Media Six21, have providedthe artistic design work for the new uniforms and patches, convention liter-ature, certificates, posters, and retail packaging.

Mr. Brown will be presenting a session for the school owners that willinclude an overview of the UFAF.org web site and how it will grow as a toolfor the school owner. He will also present a brief segment on marketingand creating a professional image for your school.

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Mr. Steve Nelson (Administrative Director, UFAF) will share importantinformation on how you can increase your school's value by enrolling yourCKD students as student members of UFAF.

Much more than "just another fee," you will see how to turn UFAF studentmembership into a powerful selling point for your program. School ownerinformation for day-to-day student membership administration and man-agement (membership application and renewal, etc.), the school ownerwholesale shop, and your opportunity to resell CKD official merchandisewill also be covered.

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Mr. Stephen Hammersley (Owner, American Martial Arts Training, FL)will be sharing with you “An Idea a Minute.” An Idea a minute that willempower you to make more money without selling your martial art out.Topic will include: How Much Should I Charge for lessons, Selling Programsversus month-to-month lessons, and How to start motivational studentclubs. The presentation includes an audio tape.

Mr. Hammersley, a 6th Degree Black Belt in Chun Kuk Do, was appointedin 2003 as a UFAF Training Resources Advisor and is the United Fighting

Arts Federation Region 7 Chairman. Mr. Hammersley hastrained for 29 years, taught for over 20 years and openedAmerican Martial Arts in New Smyrna Beach, FL in 1985.

Mr. Hammersley also holds black belts in Kuk Ki Won,TaeKwon Do, Tang Soo Do as well as having studied exten-sively in many other martial arts forms, most notably Aikidoand has mastered many weapons.

Mr. Hammersley was a member of the first UFAF Americanmartial arts team to travel to the Soviet Union for a week oftraining and camaraderie with the Soviet athletes in Marchof 1989, won UFAF Competitor of the Year 2000, AmericanMartial Arts Voted School of the Year 2002, started TheOctagon newsletter 1991. Voted UFAF Man of the Year1991, taught weapons (Bo) at the 2000 UFAF InternationalConvention,

Began training under instructor and mentor Mr. KenGallacher 1970 Las Vegas. Trained and graduated over 50CKD Black Belts, helped develop and narrate the 1991CKD Training Video.

Mr. Hammersley conducts martial arts seminars at schools throughout theworld and has graduated hundreds of women from his specialized "WomenAgainst Rape" WAR class that he designed exclusively in 1979 for women,teaching devastating and effective self defense against attackers.

Mr. Hammersley also designed a specialized course for seniors calledSCAT "Seniors Combative Awareness Training." Mr. Hammersley has pro-duced a police training video that is distributed to law enforcement agenciesacross the nation.

School Owner Seminars continued

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Mr. Eric Hensley, owner of two full time professional Chun KukDo schools in Georgia and South Carolina will share with you arevolutionary step-by-step system that has been designed specifi-cally for CKD school owners.

It is guaranteed to give you measurable results in your schoolinstantly! As a bonus, Mr. Hensley will share his time-testedmethod of enrolling new students into a "VIP program."

Mr. Hensley has been a member of UFAF since 1975 and ispresently a sixth degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do. He is wellknown for his exceptional flexibility. He was featured in BlackBelt magazine as a member of the 1990 Intersport U.S.A.Karate Team that visited and performed in Russia. A well-rounded competitor on the tournament circuit he hasconsistently placed first in forms, fighting, and weapons in bigname events: Battle of Atlanta, US Open, Capital Classics,Compete Nationals, Dixieland Nationals, and the UFAF tourna-ment which he has also won the Grand Championship.

Retiring from competition after fighting for the World Title at theDiamond Nationals in 2000, he has spent the last three yearsdeveloping detailed systems for his Chun Kuk Do school opera-tions.

Having over 500 actively training students at his two locations,he is very excited to share his business practices and ideaswith other CKD school owners.

" I understand that the future of our organization's growth isdirectly connected to school owners operating successfulschools. It is from those schools that we will have a student base,and as that count increases, Chun Kuk Do will grow and prosper,”says Mr. Hensley.

School Owner Seminars continued

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Why should you attend this years convention?

As a 24 year member of the United Fighting Arts Federation, I can tell you that theannual Black Belt Convention is a weekend I always look forward to for a numberof reasons.

First and foremost, I get to associate with the many friends that I have made overthe years. I can honestly say that the most dedicated and loyal people I have evermet are in this organization. By my association with them, they have made me afar better person.

The annual convention always "rejuvenates" me towards the martial arts. Workingout, teaching...can get mundane. The boost I get from the UFAF weekend keepsme going.

Last but not least, where else on earth can one visit and learn from the greatestmartial artist in history -our founder Mr. Chuck Norris.

I encourage each and every one of you to make time in your schedule and attendthis year's convention. We look forward to seeing you there.

Joe Gemma, Regional Director

Region 2 By Mr. Joe Gemma

Region 5 By Mr. Tip Potter

Mrs. Potter and I have been to every convention for the past 19 years. It wouldtake an awful lot to prevent us from making it every year. I have only missed onebecause of surgery. In addition to the outstanding training and seminars, we enjoyseeing all of our UFAF family and friends each year.

In both our region and our school, we strongly encourage all red belts preparing totest for their first degree black belt to attend. This is their best chance to get thestraight scoop direct from the leaders of UFAF.

As school owners, black belts, and instructors, we owe it to our students to attendthe convention each year. This allows us to bring back valuable information thatwe can share with them. Sharing of our knowledge is not only a gift, but it is ourobligation to our students and to the organization that has given us so much.Without this transfer of knowledge our style and our organization would die.

We look forward to seeing all of you at this, the Potter’s 20th convention.

Tip & Gretta

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The future of Chun Kuk Do depends upon our Red and Black belts.

This is a fact; without all of you there isn't a UFAF or CHUN KUK DO. Manypeople asking me,”What can I do?” or “Can I help with the convention?” or“Why doesn’t anybody asks me to help?” I like to see people involved. It startsat home, in your school and in your region. Other opportunities include writingan article for the The Octagon, posting messages and answering questions onthe message board, etc. All of these could lead into your involvement with theconvention or other events.

We need all of the Red and Black belts at the convention. The next few yearsare a critical time in our system. We are in a new phase of Chun Kuk Do andyou are the future. But the future will be weak without you learning the ChunKuk Do way.

I am counting on all of our school owners to be there and to have their red beltsinvolved for they are the future of your school. I also hope all of the black beltinstructors will be there as well. Prices are good and it's very safe to travel.Since the war started I’ve flown several times, and before this in print I will havebeen in Las Vegas three times this year.

Remember to contact me if you need anything regarding the convention!

Region 8 By Mr. John Presti

It’s once again time for the United Fighting Arts Federation convention. It seemsthat the years fly by and July 2003 is fast closing upon us.

As I think back upon my martial arts training and accomplishments its clear tome that my best memories were made while working out, sweating, and sharingin Las Vegas with my Chun Kuk Do Brothers and Sisters. Each time I returnfrom the convention I feel rejuvenated and enlightened. I return home with theinner spirit of a Warrior and the humbleness of a newborn baby.

The convention has always has been a life-changing experience for my studentsand me and we wouldn't miss it for the world. I am very proud of Region 7 andits Black Belts, Red belts, Schools and CKD students. Region 7’s attendancehas always been great in support of the UFAF convention and I know this yearwill be even better.

Remember to promote the convention in your school. Take time off work or dowhatever in order to attend. Don't miss this once-a-year chance to support andgrow in the best system (your system) of martial arts - Chun Kuk Do.

Stephen Hammersley

Region 7 - Mr. Stephen Hammersley

The future of

Chun Kuk Dodepends upon our Red and

Black Belts.

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Tournaments and Other DiversionsBy Stephen Oliver, MBA(Reprinted with permission - National Association of Professional Martial Artists)

If competing on the open circuit or coaching two or three students to championship level turns you on, then by all meanspursue it. Just be sure that you keep this compartmentalized as a hobby, not as part of your business enterprise.

For me, I want to compete next year in auto racing! What’s the likely impact on my school? Well, I will need $50,000 to$75,000 to pay for training, licensing, track fees, pit crews, and the car lease.

Will traveling the circuit help my school? No way. Will it hurt my school? Absolutely! Why? Dissipated time, energy,focus, and ultimately money. It will take me away for seven to ten four-day weekends hitting the track-quite a distraction.Why do I bring this up? Well, frankly, your participation in open karate tournaments is no more relevant to your martialarts school than auto racing is to mine. Exercise your hobby if you wish, but gee, don’t try to justify it as helping yourschool.

In addition to intramural tournaments that I host for my own students, I decided to promote a national event beginning in1989. My tournament, The Mile High Karate Classic, was a NASKA World Tour event, one of the top events in the coun-try. Having said that, I have never figured out even a single positive element to exposing students to the open tourna-ment circuit. Most events are so poorly run that your run-of-the-mill student may get annoyed by their experiences anddrop out.

Then you have your top students who start winning lots of trophies and “getting ranked.” These students eventuallydevelop the “prima donna syndrome.” They start to think that they are doing you a favor by running around to eventseverywhere representing you. Once they become successful, other instructors approach them to “help” them reach theirpotential.

Ultimately many competitors end up as free agents. They train in their garage, their “tournament parents” paying othercompetitors up to $100 an hour to train them privately while complaining that you wouldn’t spend adequate private timewith them. Allowed to continue, some of your most physically gifted students actually become bad role models for therest of your student body.

Am I overly cynical? No. I’ve seen this happen over and over.

With few exceptions this is what I’ve seen:

Supporting Events1. Going to local tournaments has a negative impact on the students who attend.2. Supporting local tournaments takes time away from your school.3. Being involved in the local scene becomes time-wasting and political ion a hurry.4. Being a ?tournament school? turns off lots of potential and current students.5. Creating a school reputation on the local tournament scene has no impact on your school results.

Competing Personally1. Competing personally and getting your name out there on the circuit adds no value to your school operation.2. Time and effort to prepare for tournaments can become a distraction from your school.3. Having a black eye or broken nose turns off intros!

Competing because it’s important to you is great. Just remember that it is a hobby unrelated to your school operationand will not contribute to your school results.

Promoting a Local or Regional Tournament

1. Most promoters lose as much (or more) money from time taken away from their school asthey would make promoting an event. I’ve seen more promoters lose a ton of money thanI’ve seen make money.2. Running a quality event takes lots of time. 3. To gain local support, you must be politically active in the local community; go to lots oftournaments; work hard at those tournaments; and be careful that your school is not so suc-cessful that the local guys see you as a threat.

Promoting a Large National Event1. You will spend lots of time traveling to other national events.2. You must have a strong base of your own students or of local competitors.3. You must recruit 100 to 200 volunteers and a minimum of 100 black belt judges.4. You must plan to lose lots of money to get the event up and running.

I know promoters who attend literally 50 tournaments per year and travel across country to12 or 15 big events. Hitting these events to politic the other promoters and school ownerscan start to chew up every Saturday and Sunday and kill quite a few three day weekends.You’d better love attending tournaments!

To me this was the straw that broke the camel?s back. There were better ways to spend myweekends.Excerpted from “Everything I Wish I Knew When I Was 22”, part of the ExtraordinaryMarketing Program by Stephen Oliver, MBA.

Tournaments and Other Diversions(Continued)

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As a child I was very skinny, hyperactive, and performed poorly in school. Much like theclass clown that cuts up to draw attention to his humor and silliness, I was looking for a wayto draw peoples attention away from my "stupidness." Had I been born thirty years later, Iwould have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Over the course of growing up knowing something is different about you and facing rejection,failure, and feeling so not in control of yourself-you tend to find ways to cope. I decided "theFonz" was cool and I would act like him. I would set a standard of cool and performance inschool would not be a factor. Anytime I felt cornered or someone figured out I wasn't capa-ble in the academic category, I would just reject them before they could reject me and Iwould move on. I was finally in control of myself, at least it felt that way.

Then martial arts and strength training entered my life. I was a lean, mean fighting machineand no one gave me any flak. I still didn't know what was "wrong" with me and had avoidedanything that made me face my difficulties. I was rebellious in thought and action. But I was“way cool” and the babes were finally noticing me.

Years later after getting married and having children, my wife-having read a lot about mybehavior - suspected that I had ADHD. So I was tested and scored high in all the cate-gories. I finally had a name for my condition and some understanding of what was wrongwith me.

(continued on page 14)

Leaving the Past Behind By Mr. Eric Hensley

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(continued from page 13)

It was a big relief, but I had already become so entrenched in the coping mecha-nisms that I had set up for myself that changing all that was not going to happenovernight. In fact, it never occurred to me that this might be a problem. But runningwhen you are uncertain or not in control of the outcome was something I had perfect-ed to an art.

Unknown to me at the time, an opportunity to deal with this head on was in 1999 atthe US Open. I had competed in the past and been quite successful. I was a well-rounded martial artist that could and did win in forms, fighting, and weapons. Butsome things were considered "the Big League" and amateurs, wanna-bes, and peo-ple like me watched from the side lines. In 1999 my confidence was up. I was out toprove to myself that at age 40 and having been out of competition of any kind forover 8 years, I was going back in the game just to see if the old man could pull off awin or two. Immediately winning a Grand Championship in a large regional eventsteered me toward trying something I had never done before. I competed in theGeorgia Games. This was a Tae Kwon Do Olympic-styled competition. I won theforms and fighting divisions easily. So I did what every real man does, I got cockyand I entered the US Open. I was Mr. Cool, after all. The Fonz would have beenproud.

I flew in and checked in at the hotel that was also the tournament site. Still floatingon my air of cockiness, I dressed out and started to warm up. I was looking aroundtrying to scope out my competition, and then it hit me! I didn't know the enemy.Going into battle and not knowing your competition was just plain stupid if you werelooking to win. I was not in control. I didn't have the information I needed to maintainmy confidence and then FEAR seeped in. It flooded me.

Breathing was becoming difficult. Everyone could look at me and tell I was a loser. Iwas on my feet and doing what I had perfected-running-to the nearest locker room tochange and sit on the side lines where I belonged. Nobody will know---except me.

I put the brakes on and had a tough talk with myself. If I quit now, then I never reallyfaced the real possibility of failure. Competing when you know you can win is notreally a challenge. I would always wonder if I could have pulled it off. The worst thatcould happen is that I would not place. Yes, I would lose. Well that would make meone of the majority so if it isn't a big deal for them then it shouldn't be a big deal forme.

It's not like in high school where the kids never let you live something down. Thesepeople aren't going to taunt and tease me for the rest of my life for being a loser. Iwas an adult and it was time to face my fear. I competed and it was the most exhila-rating feeling of my competition career. I didn't have a clue what the outcome was tobe but I was there to give my best and see where that left me standing in the end. Iwas just excited to be there and able to compete with the best.

I won the forms and fighting division that year. I have often wondered if I, the winner,felt so much fear-how did everyone else feel? Did they have to overcome fear to goout there and compete? Probably. We all have challenges to face everyday in lifeand putting the past in the past and dealing with the here and the now is how you liveyour life. You can't win if you don't play the game.

Greetings to one and all!

Well, spring has come to Afghanistan and it is heating up here in some of the areas I work. We just got through with abig mission and it was pretty fun. One of the nights there was firefight between the tribes in the area. Lots of fireworks. Ifit was the bad guys they would have fired at us, but it was tribal in nature. We stayed in an abandoned compound wedubbed the Alamo. No last stands though. But it was very windy and there was one nasty dust storm. The sky was darkbrown.

I have been busy getting the baseball season for the kids under way and following up on the wells and other projects wehave been assigned. I have also been waiting for the rest of my team to return to the base so we can hand out theshoes, school supplies, karate belts, and other items many of you have donated for the kids here. We are going to getthe karate kids together and hand out belts and stuff to them. Some of them are on the baseball team and want to doboth karate and baseball. But we only have so much time to donate. We shall see.

We will also be starting a radio station to help keep the locals informed of the news and other things going on in thearea. It will be a lot of work and that will keep us busy until the end of our time here. Looks like we will be heading backin July. Not in time for Convention I am afraid, but it will be good to be home.

If any of you want to donate items they need to be sent to me before May 15th. I will make sure to get the address ofour replacements so that any items you would like to donate for the people here can still be distributed.

I have had a chance to go to Kabul and it is a growing place. There is still lots to be done to fix it up and the people areglad the Americans are there to help them. Lots of women there, not like where my firebase is. It is a much more tradi-tional area there. It is nice and green here now and really quite beautiful. It is very much like the Las Vegas area as Imentioned before.

We are still being rocketed by the bad guys. They like to let us know that they are still here. And the action has pickedup because the weather is much nicer. Lots of green fields though and the trees are really leafing out.

I have attached an article that you might find interesting (page 19). A journalist wrote about what we were up to out inthe wilds of Afghanistan.

Well, I will not have access to a computer for another couple of months. So I hope everyone is safe and I will writeagain, hopefully from the US.

Love to All!John

Region Unknown By Mr. John Comito

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Active Duty UFAF MembersAs we wrap up this special edition on the Memorial Day weekend, UFAF would like to formally recognize our membersthat are currently serving our country on active duty in the US Armed Forces. If you know of any others, please sendtheir names to the UFAF office.

Jim ChandlerJohn ComitoKeith GardnerMark Leach Chuck McLeodBlane Newfield. Thank you for your sacrifice! The Editor

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Region 3 News By Ms. Karen Dorey

As the war wind in Iraq winds downs and the troops head home we are gratefulto know that black belt Blane Newfield is heading home. His mother JeannieNewfield, a black belt instructor at Chip Wright’s Championship Karate, will beheading to Hawaii soon for for a reunion with Blane.

In April, Championship Karate held its spring tournament. Our black belts did agreat job representing UFAF/Chun Kuk Do.

Michael Holstein took 3rd in sparring, 3rd in weapons, and 3rd in traditionalforms in the junior black belt division. Kendall Case took 1st in sparring in thesame division. Shantell Adams was first in women's sparring. Jeremy Pasimiowas 1st in sparring, 1st in traditional forms and 2nd in creative forms. ArtPasimio (Jeremy's father) took first in forms. Richard Dodge took 1st in adultmen’s sparring.

On May 3rd, a group of students from Chip Wright's Championship Karate wentto Winston, Oregon for a tournament. Another excellent showing for our studentsand UFAF/CKD.

Shantell Adams was 1st in black belt forms, Richard Dodge was 2nd in adultweapons and 1st in light weight mens sparring, Jeff Case was 1st heavy weightsparring, Josh Wilcox was 1st in middle weight sparring, and Kendall Case(Jeff's daughter) was 1st in the 15-17 year old division.

Congratulations to all representing Championship Karate.

Later in May, Championship Karate held an open house. This was a communityevent including finger printing by the sheriff's department, a self defense seminarled by our own instructors, an identity theft seminar and, of course, karate. TheChampionship Karate demonstration team was also on hand to display their tal-ents.

What's Kicking’ around UFAF?

Please submit names and addresses of those members that are out of commission for a tune upor repairs to:

Octagon@ufaf.org

We will publish them in the next issue so that we can send them our well wishes.

Injured Reserve List

The Octagon Page 17

Region 5 News By Mr. Tip Potter

Our region has been very busy over the past few months. On May 10th four ofmy students competed in a local tournament. The name of Chun Kuk Do andUFAF is being noticed in the Phoenix area. Mr. Joey Smith (16) won GrandChampion in forms and 1st in fighting. Mr. JR Haggard (14) won 1st in Fightingand 1st in forms. A six month CKD member and gold belt, Jeff Maynard, broughthome a 1st in fighting and a 2nd in forms!

On May 24th we celebrated Memorial Day with a black belt pre-test. Come con-vention time we plan to bring thirteen new black belts with us to the conventionalong with several well trained red belts.

Congratulations to all of Region 5 for the great work they do throughout the year.

Region 6 News By Ms. Halina Fabrisi

Stafford, VA Friday evenings arescheduled to accommodate ourRed/Black Belt workouts. It is a greatlearning experience for these levels tocommunicate and work together.

These “special” workouts have had awonderful effect on personal moraleand integrity.

Two recent examples of this can be found by looking to our February22nd black belt test.

Jonathan Ellmore earned his 2nd degree and Ian Kitchens earned his1st degree.

Our Happy Gang on Friday Nights

The Octagon Page 18

Region 7 News By Mr. Eric Hensley

Region 7 held two black belt tests and seminars, one on Friday, March 14th and theother on Saturday, March 15th. The two tests were hosted by Mr. Hensley's school,Martial Arts America, in Evans,Ga.

Schools that were represented were: Mr. Hammersley's American Martial Arts,Fl.; Mr.Elias' Club Karate, S.C; Mrs. Woods' Dumanis Karate,S.C.; Mrs. Plantand’s MonroeKarate, N.C.; Aaron Hensley's, Martial Arts America, S.C.; Eric Hensley's, Martial ArtsAmerica,Ga.

On Friday night the 1stdegree test was held.Advancing to 1st degreeblack belt were Carie Jones,Gerry Majzer (Martial ArtsAmerica); Leland Brown; JeffNoble; Bryce Ferry; BenBarnes III; Andrea Fabianand Kyle Fabian (ClubKarate); Robert Palmer(Monroe Karate); MadisonSantos and Tatie Thenault(American Martial Arts).

On Saturday three studentstested and were advanced to higher ranks. To 2nd degree black belt was: ErinHammersley (American Martial Arts,Fl.);and Cheryl Axelson (Martial Arts America, Ga.).

A special Congratulations! goes to Mr. Brandon Pope for passing his 4th degree test. Iknow Mr. Hammersley is proud of his student.

Congratulations! to all for earningtheir new belts.

The Octagon Page 19

Targeting hearts and minds --The messages delivered toAfghans from American soldiers are designed to foster loyalty toward the country'sgovernment and promote peace.By CHUCK MURPHY, Times Staff Writer © St. Petersburg Times published April 18, 2003

URGUN, Afghanistan -- Staff Sgt. John Comito, trained soldier, karate expert and Texas tough guy, steps outside hisHumvee just a few miles from the Pakistan border -- hideout of the world's most notorious terrorists. He strides confidently to the back and pops open the hatch to grab . . . Kites.

He has dozens of them, all in the colors of the new Afghanistan flag. Each is emblazoned with the slogan, "If you helpeach other, your country will be strong. Support your federal government."

"The kites are big," saidMaj. Phil Rosso, an eliteAirborne Ranger who runsthe U.S. Army's psycho-logical operations pro-grams in Afghanistan."The kids can really makethem fly."

There are 12 teams nowworking in Afghanistan inan effort to gently per-suade Afghans of severaltribes that 23 years of civilwar and rebellion isenough.

It is called "psy ops" forshort. And while it soundsvery James Bond, it isreally more CaptainKangaroo. They create simple, butserious, messages. Thenthey repeat them. Overand over.

The psy ops teams have printed dozens of different fliers, posters and other products intended to convey and reinforce afew themes.

First, Afghanistan can have peace only if everyone pulls together. Second, if the nation wants to save itself, the peoplemust support the interim government and the new Afghan National Army. Finally, if the new army is to survive, its sol-diers must lay aside decades of grudges and learn to coexist as professional fighters and peacekeepers.

Establishing Rapport His call sign on the radio is "Mindbender." But Comito isn't really performing any brainwashing techniques. He bumpsalong the narrow dirt roads in his Humvee, interpreter in tow, visiting one school after another to make his point.

At each stop, he has something to give -- new solar-powered shortwave radios for the teachers, school supplies, pencilsand kites for the children. There are posters and a special psy ops-produced newspaper -- Peace -- for everyone else. "A lot of the initial product going out was just 'Support the Afghan government,' " Comito said. "Now it has moved a littlemore into different products. School supplies. Math, alphabet. That sort of thing."

[Times photo: Chuck Murphy]U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Comito hands out kites to chil-dren near Urgun.

The Octagon Page 20The reception at schools in the Urgun area of far east-central Afghanistan was consistently positive one day last week. When Comito pulls up, children charge into the courtyard. Teachers gather around, swatting at the children with sticks tokeep them in line, even as they crane their own necks to get a peek at what Comito might have brought. At the BalishiSchool for boys in Urgun, teacher Sahib Jan gratefully cradles the radio Comito has given him. "When the psy opsgroups come, they make things better for the students," Jan said through an interpreter. "Now we hope from our God tomake our government and to make education here for our future."

Schools have proven to be among the most effective distribution points for the fliers and other items the psy ops teamscall "products." Though they have reward fliers and other items promising millions for information leading to the captureof Osama bin Laden and other terrorists, those have already been widely circulated. And Comito says he never requiresinformation in exchange for kites, school supplies or other items. But pencils elicit smiles. Smiles can be exchanged forradios. And radios sometimes produce information. "We feel like we have established a rapport with them," said Comito,a 48-year-old reservist who was once on active duty and now works with actor Chuck Norris in a karate-based after-school program back home in the Dallas area. "There is a certain passive intelligence element to it. But they know whereto find us if they have anything they want to tell us."

Keeping Osama out Rosso oversees it all from Bagram Air Base, north of the capital of Kabul. On Wednesday, he cameto Kabul to visit another part of psy ops -- the indoctrination of Afghan soldiers now being shaped into a real army. "This is going to be the way to keep Osama bin Laden or another terrorist from being back here in five years," Rossosaid. "Getting the message out."

The Kabul Military Training Center, where Afghan soldiers come to learn, is awash in paintings and slogans -- most inboth the Dari language spoken in the north and the Pashtu of the south. "Working for the reconstruction," it says on a mural near the entrance. "Long Live the Afghan National Army" reads thesign in the barracks.

"From the moment they get in-processed until they graduate, they get psy opped," said Rosso, 49, of Dahlonega, Ga. Most of it involves getting Pashtuns, Tajiks and other tribes to work together. Psy ops helps, reinforcing that hard workand innovation can create rewards. Psy ops, for example, created a "Soldier of the Month" program to highlight one newrecruit each month -- regardless of tribe.

Rosso also made a point of having African-American soldiers on his team so that Afghan soldiers could see that diversitymakes the U.S. Army strong, in the hope they would think the same about relating to different tribes. "We're highlighting the successes of the ANA (Afghan National Army)," said Lt. Joe Urban, 29, of Denver, who worksdaily with Afghans at the training center. "Then we reinforce those themes."

The success of the messages is difficult to measure. If distribution and retention are any indication, it is going well. Psyops posters can be seen in the windows of shops throughout north and east Afghanistan. It is a way for store owners tolet people -- and U.S. troops -- know that they are behind the Afghan government. Interim President Hamid Karzairecently posed for a poster psy ops will distribute, encouraging kids to go to school. So far there have been no homicides among soldiers in the ANA, many of whose tribes have been at war with eachother for decades.

"The response from the soldiers is very good," said Afghan army Maj. Anya Tullah. "This is the way we can show themKarzai is our president. He is a symbol of cohesion." Of course, there have been a few minor problems, too. For exam-ple, a local warlord pointed out that one of the psy ops posters shows a dove flying from the Afghanistan flag toward theU.S. flag. "He said it looked like Afghanistan had brought peace to America," Urban said. "So we changed it." The new posters will show the dove flying the other way. And in Urgun, Comito is handing out radios in a town with noradio stations. Users can get the BBC on the shortwave, but they can also pick up Radio Tehran -- not the outcome psyops is hoping for.

"We put in for (approval to operate a low-powered radio station) but we haven't gotten it," Comito said. "I think it wouldbe great if we got it. We're the last thing between here and Pakistan and the message would get across." Rosso isn't much concerned about whether Urgun residents listen to Radio Tehran. "We just want to get them informa-tion," he said. "They'll decide for themselves."

The Octagon Page 21

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CHUN KUK DO MERCHANDISEA new item has been added to the current list of products available. Take a look. Remember supplies are limited so don’t wait. Also, another new exciting item will be introduced at the upcoming Black Belt Convention in July!

Pricing is valid until September 1, 2003. When ordering, make sure you specify the description, item #, color (if applicable), size (if applicable), how many and the price per piece ordered. We can not deliver to PO Boxes.

DESCRIPTION ITEM # PRICE

CHUN KUK DO Workout Bag ID Tag

Show off your style with the official CKD flying sidekick logo.

CHUN KUK DO Stainless Steel Travel Mug

18oz. Tumbler – stainless steel outside with heavy plastic interior to keep drinks hot or cold. Thumb slide drinking area with take off top. CKD flying sidekick logo.

CHUN KUK DO Lapel Pin

Sporting the official CHUN KUK DO logo is this 1” gold laser hard fired cloisonné lapel pin with a Military clutch w/ burr keeps the pin in place. This is a collector’s keeper.

ORDER FORM

Any questions, or, if ordering outside the continental United States call (702) 269-3066 or email to marketingfocus@lvcm.com.Thank you for your order!

Make your check or money order payable to: MARKETING FOCUS

Mail your order to:MARKETING FOCUS C/O Victor MateraPO BOX 98222Las Vegas, Nevada 89193

*Nevada residents add 7.25% sales tax

For orders totaling Please Add:$30.00 and under $ 7.00$30.01 to $ 60.00 $ 8.50$60.01 to $120.00 $ 9.50$120.01 to $180.00 $11.50$180.01 to $240.00 $14.00Over $240.00 Call for price

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CKD 201 $4.00

CKD 202 $12.50

CKD 203 $10.00

CKD 204 $ 1.50

CHUN KUK DO Logoed Automatic Pencil ---- NEW ITEM

Use it at work or take it to school. This refillable fine line Pentel pencil with eraser has a rubber grip for nonstop writing comfort.

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PD

PEORIA, AZPERMIT 230

UFAF/CKDP.O. Box 437Orem, UT 84059

email: office@ufaf.orgwww.ufaf.org