Aqabah Karate Newsletter Your Source for Aqabah Karate News, Health, and Fitness

ISSUE 05 DECEMBER 2011

Make That Two Bangs, a Pow, and a Boom!

By Wendy Diaz

Aqabah Karate knows about patience winning above all obsta-

cles, and they proved it once again during their participation

in the Dar-us-Salaam Annual Fundraising dinner, appropriately

themed Sabr Wins the Race, on December 17, 2011. Team

Aqabah is a regular crowd pleaser and their demo was just as

highly anticipated as any other year.

It was one of the last presentations of the chilly evening which

drew a massive crowd to support Dar-us-Salaam and Al Huda

School. After a delicious meal, usually the culmination to the

annual fundraiser, the multitude rushed again to gather in the

UMUC Marriot auditorium once more to witness the impres-

sive showcase of martial arts expertise. There were many

“ooh’s and ahh’s” ripping through the audience as the younger

Aqabah Karate students presented some flying dive rolls,

wooden board-breaking, and kicks and spins which knocked off

bottles off fellow students’ heads. The three newest Aqabah

Karate black belts from the adult men’s class also wowed the

crowd with their own diving and rolling over stacks of foldable

mats; as tall as an average person!

There was no doubt that the martial artists and their instruc-

tors had worked hard to choreograph this night’s performance

with precision. As if that were not enough, the fundraiser’s

main speaker, Altaf Husain, announced that Black Belts, Zakari-

yya Korme and Arbaz Khatib would be breaking however many

boards were sponsored by members of the audience simulta-

neously to raise funds for Dar-us-Salaam. Each wooden board

was priced at $100, and both Zakariyya and Arbaz broke five at

the same time, raising a total of $1000.

To top it off, the third Black Belt, Uthman Eberle was given the

inconceivable task of breaking bricks simultaneously. Priced at

$1000 each, 4 generous audience members eagerly pledged

their funds for Islamic education and to see Uthman break four

brick slabs with his bare hand. Silence filled the hall as he

concentrated and put all his strength into one palm strike

which tore into the first two bricks, but failed to pierce

through the third and fourth. Although he was not able to

break all four at once, it was still an unbelievable accomplish-

ment to break two with one strike, then another, until Aqabah

Karate director, Muhib Rahman decided to literally lend a hand

and break the fourth.

What a spectacle it was and what a great way to raise another

$4000 to make a total of $5000 contributed to the fundraiser

on behalf of Aqabah Karate! Undoubtedly, this showcase of

skills, discipline, and courage will make for many more awaited

presentations.

(Continued on page 3…)

Talha Muhib

Muhammad Zakariyyah

Mumin Odeh

Adnan Zaber

Tahmiid Hossain

Sayeed Jaweed

Hisham Eberle

Tasneem Mansour

Aisha Korme

Noor Kamal

Ayesha Akhtar

Rahma Zakariyyah

Aqabah Karate Ends the Year with a BANG!BANG!

SPECIAL

END-of-the-YEAR

EDITION

First Degree Black Belt, Uthman Eberle smashes through brick

slabs during Dar-us-Salaam’s Annual Fundraising Dinner.

Photo courtesy of Anam Khatib.

Congratulations to AK’s New Black Belt Candidates:

On December 4th, 2011, Aqabah Karate hosted a women-only self-defense semi-

nar, held at Dar-us-Salaam’s Al Huda School. The seminar, scheduled for three

hours, was taught by Sharon Bonewicz, a Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and sexual

assault survivor and was open to all women, regardless of whether or not they

had any martial arts experience. While waiting for all the thirty registered

women to arrive, Sharon began with teaching a few basic principles and guide-

lines to remember: go t where there are people, trust your instincts, do not al-

low yourself to be taken to a secondary crime scene, and let someone know

where you are at all times. Sharon explained that generally speaking, women's

strength is more in their lower body than their upper body, so their best defense

is kicking someone anywhere down the middle of their body and especially in

the knees.

After answering questions and making sure all registered participants

were accounted for, Sharon, with help of an assistant, demonstrated basic move

to defend against a sexual assault. In total she taught and had students drill

about six moves, including what to do if an attacker strangles the victim while on

the ground, if he/she grabs from behind, or grabs at the ankles. Because most

sisters wear headscarves, the hair-grab defense technique was tweaked to ac-

count for where the area of pressure would be (the neck versus the back of the

head) resulting in Sharon putting on a head-scarf herself to see how it would be.

When all moves had been demonstrated and any questions had been

answered, students were instructed to take turns practicing all moves with a

partner. During this time, Sharon slipped on a padded suit as protective gear and

went around the karate studio simulating attacks at random. Warning that she

would act like a real attacker, students were instructed to behave as if they were

really being attacked, to test how they would perform in a real assault. Sharon

assured that she would not feel pain in the suit. Many sisters kicked as hard as

they could while others needed Sharon's persistence to use more force.

At 3:00, when the class was scheduled to end, Sharon thanked all the

sisters for their enthusiasm and for being so engaging. The class was dismissed,

but any sisters wishing to practice the last move she had shown were invited to

stay and do so. Sharon practiced new attacks on anyone who volunteered while

her assistant, wearing the padded suit, went around attacking at random to test

students’ moves.

It was wonderful to see many sisters, of all different ages, come out for

this event, to better prepare them against violence. In addition to using these

counter-attacks, Muslim sisters also have faith in Allah as the ultimate Protector

and the knowledge to keep themselves out of situations that threaten their per-

sonal safety. However, in this day and age, as it has been witnessed in the news

and with growing islamophobia, the need for these types of self-defense classes

is ever growing and beneficial for all. May Allah keep everyone out of harm's

way and bless those who made this seminar possible. Ameen.

WOMEN’S CORNER

The Journey Begins: Becoming a Cho Dan Bo

Wow! I am a Black Belt Candidate. The fact truly hasn't sunk in yet. I never thought that I would ever get into martial arts much less come this far. ALHAMDULILLAH! Indeed, it is a mercy and blessing from Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala. First of all, I am extremely grateful to my hus-band for all his continued help and support. Huge thanks to my instructors, Saira Khan and Amanda Pereira. Both are excellent teachers, motivators, and role models. There is at least another year until my black belt test, insha-Allah. During this period, I have to spend a lot of time reviewing everything that I have learned. I feel like my training now has just begun. I have everything to work for and to im-prove on. I look at martial arts training as a way to empower myself and to inspire others, espe-cially other fellow Muslim girls and women. MashAllah, I do feel stronger, healthier; have gained more confidence and courage. I have learned that the only barrier which we put for-ward to go ahead is ourselves. That's why in-shaAllah my goal is to go beyond my dreams because I believe for a Muslim woman, the sky is the limit. Ayesha Akhtar is the wife of Aqabah Karate foun-der and director, Muhib Rahman. She is the mother of 5 children and has been practicing Tang Soo Do for over 3 and a half years.

Sexual Assault Survivor Teaches Invaluable Self-Defense Techniques at Aqabah Studio

By Amani Elsawah

TTHIS ISSUE

P. 1 Aqabah Karate at DUS Fundraiser

P.2 Self-Defense/Women’s Corner

P.3 Genki Sudo at AK, Director’s Desk

P.4 2011 Timeline, Healthy Recipe

P. 5 Interview with Red Belt Athletics

P. 6 Upcoming Events

AK Ends the Year with a Bang (Continued…)

FROM THE

DIRECTOR

DESK

A message from

Muhib Rahman

Assalamu Alaikum! Peace be with you!

Alhamdulillah, we had an amazing year. At the end of 2011 as I look back at all of our accomplishments I realize that we were able to meet all of our set goals. More medals and trophies decorated our students. Many guest instructors of the highest caliber vis-ited and taught on our floor.

Facebook and Youtube kept Aqabah thriving in the social media. No doubt, the best and the most emo-tional milestone this year was the graduating of three more fine young black belts from the Adult Men's class. But perhaps the most profound experience was the unplanned visit to Aqabah Karate by the high-profile Japanese celebrity, Genki Sudo. (More about this story on page _)

For 2012, once again we have plans to bring in more guests, graduate more black belts, win more medals, Insha-Allah, but most of all I will always be looking forward to that unplanned blessing that confirms for all of us that our plans are indeed headed in the right direction, which is to please our creator, Allah (swt). I want to thank all of our wonderful staff, students, parents and friends who supported Aqabah Karate throughout 2011.

JazakAllahu khairan.

Muhib Rahman, Program Director Aqabah Karate, 240-565-8709 www.aqabahkarate.com

Wait… There’s More?

The DUS Fundraising Dinner was not the last appearance of 2011 for Aqabah Karate. They went on to

represent in the 2nd Annual United Muslim Martial Arts Association Tournament and Expo at

neighboring Islamic center, Dar-al-Taqwa in Ellicott City, Maryland, on December 25th. This tourna-

ment was open to all ages, genders, and martial arts styles and offered a modest environment with

separate spaces for men and women divisions. People of all faiths were welcome and many joined in

to enjoy this exciting event which drew a crowd of over a hundred from at least 4 different states.

With only an 8-man team, Aqabah Karate managed to win 6 Gold, 5 Silver, and 4 Bronze medals!

Three of the Gold medals were swept by the only two Aqabah Karate female students to register for

the tournament. Congratulations to all who participated and their families!

Even more determined to finish this year strong and taking the spirit of Aqabah Karate further north,

Instructor Hernán Guadalupe, along with his brother Diego Guadalupe, will conduct a Brazilian Jiu

Jitsu seminar in the Muslim Youth Community Center in North Brunswick, New Jersey sponsored by

their own clothing line, Red Belt Athletics, on Saturday, December 31, 2011, insha’Allah. Aqabah Karate

is expanding their horizons and making sure their name resonates all over the East Coast. So what is

in store for 2012? Insha’Allah, no one will be disappointed.

World Renowned Genki Sudo Visits AK

“Perhaps the most profound experience of 2011 was the unplanned visit to Aqabah Karate by the high-profile Japanese celebrity, Genki Sudo. You see, Genki Sudo has competed at the highest level of international martial arts competition. His face is known to millions across the globe. He has now dedicated his life to promoting global peace and tolerance. He and his crew were scouting for US Muslim communities to include in his TV documentary about the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Once they met us, they decided to include us in his show. Over a period of two days he trained with us while his crew filmed around him. He then shared this experience with his global TV audience. Of all the hundreds of Muslim communities that Genki Sudo could have visited in the US, Allah brought him to Dar-us-Salaam and to our hum-ble training facility in College Park, MD. We make our own plans for success but for His servants, Allah plans better. Allah allowed us the privilege to represent Islam and Muslims to a global audience. That experience was truly humbling, SubhanAllah!” -Muhib Rahman, Aqabah Karate Director and Head Instructor

Left to right: Muhib Rahman, Jamal Pender, Genki Sudo, Hernán Guadalupe, Uthman Eberle

Aqabah Karate Timeline 2011

A HEALTHY CHOICE: Delicious recipes with healthy benefits

Easy Carrot and Coriander Soup, Courtesy of www.HealthyMuslim.com

This is a simple and nutritious soup made with carrots, which are rich in beta carotene, and coriander, a beneficial phytonutrient.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

1 onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tsp dried ground coriander

1 potato

1 stick celery

6 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

1 litre (about 2 pints) vegetable stock

a handful of fresh coriander

It is difficult to sum up all of Aqabah Karate’s accomplishments for this year in one newsletter, let alone one

article, but we have tried our best to put it all into one timeline. Here is our history in the making.

Preparation:

Heat the oil in a large pan.

Add the onion and fry for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic, ground coriander, potatoes and celery, and cook for 1 minute.

Add the carrots and stock, bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are soft.

Add the fresh coriander and pour the soup into a food processor, or using a hand-held blender, blend until smooth.

Return the soup to the pan, season with salt and pepper to taste, and reheat.

Serve the soup garnished with fresh coriander.

From Black Belt to Red Belt

Instructor Hernán Guadalupe talks to AK Newsletter about his and his brother’s company, Red Belt Athletics

AKN: Tell us about Red Belt Athletics Hernán: Red Belt Athletics is a small athletic clothing company started by my brother Diego and myself in July 2011. Our company produces some of the coolest and most popular Brazil-ian Jiu Jitsu T-shirts and apparel on the East Coast, al-hamdulillah. We chose to name our company Red Belt Athletics as a tribute to the meaning of the Red Belt. It is the highest rank in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a goal that only few have ever achieved to date. It symbolizes honor, respect, love, dedication, perseverance, and commitment to 85 plus years of tradition started by the Gracie family. This is the very attitude we aim to capture in our design concepts. Our goal is simple; we are striving to produce some of the best, sleek, and creative designs for the Jiu Jitsu world. We are dedicated to offering high-quality apparel for everyone who wants to represent Jiu Jitsu in style, insha’Allah. AKN: What inspired you to start this company and why? Hernán: We are avid practitioners of BJJ and love to train and compete, as well. We also enjoy the Mixed Martial Arts aspect of the sport. However, one aspect of the culture we were dis-enchanted with was the common trends of the clothing lines popularized by MMA. We always wanted to wear one of the more famous brands, but because many of their designs contain crosses, skulls, chains, grunge, and other gothic styles, we never wanted to purchase any. We decided to design and print our own concepts that expressed our style and character. At first it started as personal shirts, but the designs caught on little by little with friends asking where we got the shirts. When we mentioned to them we designed them, many quickly requested one and we saw a great opportunity open to contribute to the culture with designs that were unique, and fashionable. AKN: So how is Red Belt different from other similar clothing lines? Hernán: We pride ourselves on designs that are clean, simple, and convey a message, such as our Warrior design or our Escape design. Our designs are not crowded and loud. For us, the shirts are a canvas where we express our passion for BJJ. AKN: Where do you get your ideas for your products? Hernán: Our ideas come from our experiences on the mat, interactions with other jiu jitsu players, quotes from famous BJJ practitioners and masters, and inspira-tion from martial arts documentaries and films. All of our designs are original and uniquely inspired by what we see and hear. We don't aim to match other companies or brands. We just print what we like and hope others like it too. To date, things have gone well with this philosophy in mind wal-hamdulillah. AKN: Has Aqabah Karate contributed to Red Belt Athletics? Hernán: Definitely. Aqabah Karate has worked with Red Belt Athletics giving us a platform and audience to market our products. We have sponsored a number of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seminars and boot camps with Aqabah Karate. They are our #1 supporters! AKN: What programs and/or people does Red Belt Athletics sponsor? Hernán: Aside from our own seminars, we sponsor some of the highest level instructors in the country, as well as athletes who are making strides in the world of Jiu Jitsu. We currently sponsor three young athletes all whom have won major titles such as the famous IBJJF Mundials and Pan Ams. AKN: What are your future plans for Red Belt Athletics and how do you plan to get there? Hernán: Allah knows best. We only will continue to design and print shirts we want to wear and leave the rest up to Allah. We would love it to be one of the leading companies in the BJJ game providing apparel to people so they can represent their passion for BJJ and also keep them mindful of the purpose for their training, insha’Allah. We believe that our marketing, social network, and competition team are vital elements to help spread the word about our company. Al-hamdulillah, in just a short period of time we have well over 800 fans on our social media fan page. Our goal for 2012 is to reach 2000. In addition, we have started a blog and have teamed up with talented contributing writers that will help our marketing through creative writing and video. We have been networking with amazing instructors and individuals in the BJJ world and we only see opportunities like these increasing as we go along. We have gotten great feedback from people and expect 2012 to be a successful year insha'Allah. Red Belt Athletics attire and accessories are available for purchase online at www.redbeltathletics.com

AQABAH KARATE

5301 Edgewood Road

College Park, MD 20740

240.565.8709 ph

info@aqabahkarate.com

www.aqabahkarate.com

Words of Wisdom

"We attained the best of life through sabr (patience).”

-Umar Ibn Al-Khattab

Jan. 6th, 2012—Professor Idriz Redzovic BJJ Seminar

Jan. 24th, 2012—Professor Gui Arashiro BJJ Seminar

March 2012—2nd Annual Awards and Appreciation Dinner

April 2012—Professor Adem Redzovic BJJ Seminar

April 2012— World Dang Soo Do Union Championships, Columbus, OH

May 2012—Islamic Games, South Brunswick, NJ

June 2012—US Goodwill TSD National Championships, Virgina Beach, VA

Aug. 2012—US Capitol Classics and China Open Championships

Oct. 2012—Battle of Baltimore World Championships

*Check our website, fan page, or blog for updates on upcoming events.

A few weeks ago, there was a report

on the news about a man who tried

to steal another man’s car while his

children were still inside the vehicle.

Much to his surprise, he had to deal

with the courage of an 11-year old

boy who stepped up to the plate and

defended his safety and the safety of

his younger sister. The boy con-

trolled the attacker with techniques

he learned through martial arts

training long enough for his father

to reach the car and completely sub-

due the man until police arrived.

This is an amazing story of courage

and confidence that we rarely see

today. Unfortunately, we live in a

society where situations like these

exist. Martial arts training prepared

him to face a 35-year old attacker.

The question I have for you is…”

IS YOUR CHILD READY?”

JOIN AQABAH KARATE!

TRY ONE WEEK FREE TRIAL!

Upcoming Events

Is your child ready?

Aqabah Karate Newsletter

ISSUE 05 DECEMBER 2011