“Let us bring the spirit of our martial art ancestors into this new age through the American Karate Academies National Association for the greater gain of all.  We can kindle our fire and transform our great heritage into greater achievements.” – Grandmaster Jerry Piddington

On Wednesday – January 15, 2020 Shihan Brian Pena was awarded the AKANA Pinnacle Tomoe by Hanshi Jerry Piddington, Hanshi Danny McCall, and Kyoshi Ricky Smith.  This Pinnacle Tomoe Award represents a small inner circle of Sensei who have obtained mastery teaching true Karatedo – Mind, Body, and Spirit. This certification authenticates that Shihan Brian Pena was awarded one of six (#03) Original Tomoe Pendants which shall be recorded in the history of the American Karate Academies National Association.

AKANA PINNACLE TOMOE WARRIORS:

01) Mr. Jerry C. Piddington

02) Mr. Gene Smith/Mr. Ricky Smith

03) Mr. Brian Pena

04) Mr. Randy Smith

05) Mr. Joe McClellan

06) Mr. Danny McCall

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TOMOE WARRIOR

AKANA Tomoe Warrior Award

To receive a TOMOE Warrior Award, a Karate-ka must understand the concept of TOMOE.

Can you imagine fighting a real person with a samurai sword in his hand!  That is exactly what the TOMOE warriors did.  This award is given by Grandmaster Jerry C. Piddington, Hanshi Danny McCall, or Kyoshi Smith.  Believe it or not, Mr. Piddington, Mr. McCall, and Mr. Smith have fought in the street against knife, gun, and club to survive, hence, the TOMOE award came into being.  It is a special award given to students who have a warrior spirit.  The TOMOE is the symbol of the fighting spirit of Okinawan warriors who defended their homes and families in time 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 life was deemed fatal.  It is far better to aim at honor and respect, which has strength in unity flowing in one direction for a better society, 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

 

2 KATA TOMOE (Bronze)

  • Must be tested by at least two Seventeen Kata Tomoe Warriors and one Shihan.
  • Must demonstrate beginner stances, blocks, elbows, hand strikes, knees, and kicks.
  • Must break at least one board with a striking technique and a kicking technique.
  • Must perform 2 Empty Hand Kata.  Must name the kata before and after presentation, may rest 15 seconds or less between Kata, and can make no more than three mistakes

Bronze Tomoe Warriors:

  • Tessa Phillips (5/26/21)
  • Emma Harnett (5/26/21)
  • Leo Iniguez (5/26/21)
  • Colson Cooper (5/26/21)
  • Courtenay Owen (5/26/21)
  • Chad Phillips (5/26/21)
  • Christy Jacobs (5/26/21)
  • Brit Pedings (5/26/21)
  • Jyler Reese (5/26/21)

 

5 KATA TOMOE (Silver)

  • Must be tested by at least two Seventeen Kata Tomoe Warriors and one Shihan.
  • Must break at least one board with a striking technique and a kicking technique.
  • Must perform 5 Empty Hand Kata.  Must name the kata before and after presentation, may rest 15 seconds or less between Kata, and can make no more than three mistakes.

Silver Tomoe Warriors:

  • Ms. Carrissa Merchant (5/26/21)
  • Ms. Sydney Hammock (5/26/21)
  • Mr. Gene Crawford (5/26/21)
  • Ms. Marie Iniguez (5/26/21)
  • Ms. Melissa Laskowski (5/26/21)
  • Mr. Thomas Crawford (5/26/21)
  • Erik Crawford (5/26/21)
  • Heather Bauer (5/26/21)
  • Chris Gray (5/26/21)
  • Evan Owen (5/26/21)
  • Brantley Jacobs (5/26/21)
  • Landon Snelgrove (5/26/21)

 

10 KATA TOMOE (Gold)

  • Must be tested by at least two Seventeen Kata Tomoe Warriors and one Shihan.
  • Must break at least one board with a striking technique and a kicking technique.
  • Must perform 10 Empty Hand Kata.  Must name the kata before and after presentation, may rest 15 seconds or less between Kata, and can make no more than three mistakes.

Gold Tomoe Warriors:

  • Mr. Christian Merchant (5/26/21)
  • Mr. Connor Merchant (5/26/21)
  • Gabby Pena (5/26/21)
  • Mackenzie Laskowski (5/26/21)
  • TamRon Bufford (5/26/21)
  • Michael Martin (5/26/21)
  • Ms. Allison Pena  (1/15/20)
  • Ms. Jill Hunnicutt  (1/15/20)
  • Mr. Clint Merchant  (1/15/20)
  • Ms. Laney Pena  (1/15/20)
  • Brennan Brooks  (1/15/20)

 

17 KATA TOMOE (Diamond)

Must be tested by at least two Seventeen Kata Tomoe Warriors, one Shihan, one Hanshi, and the Grandmaster of AKANA.  The Grandmaster may appoint a person to sit in for him if he is unavailable.

Must break at least three boards with a striking technique and a kicking technique.

Must perform 17 Empty Hand Kata.  Must name the kata before and after presentation, may rest 15 seconds or less between Kata, and can make no more than three mistakes.

Diamond Tomoe Warriors:

  • Ms. Allison Pena  (5/26/21)
  • Ms. Laney Pena  (5/26/21)
  • Ms. Savannah Moon  (5/26/21)