New Links added

I have added a few links to other clubs within the IJKA.
Just click on the links button in the sidebar to follow the progress of:

IJKA Bucks main site and their blog
A new IJKA Bucks site just started by Dr Jonathan Lyons 5th Dan and blog written by a kohai. Well worth a look, you might even appear on their site or blog if you can attend the course with Kato Sensei at Radnage on the 7th March.

IJKA Stornaway
I would love to visit Sensei John Murray 4th Dan in Stornoway. Every time I look at the weather I look up at that western isle, it always seems to have a rain cloud over it! If I ever get the chance I would have to let Sensei Helen know I was going, the wee one has always wanted to get a little extra training in on the island as well.

Satori club - IJKA Crimea - Ukraine
You may have to travel a little further to visit Sensei Yuriy Kopeykin, you may also have a few problems obtaining the necessary permissions and visa as well. Sensei Brian Toomey 6th Dan - Chief Instructor of Ireland makes regular trips to the Ukraine to train with them, so their is someone available to explain how to get to the Satori dojo.
For the moment I think I will have to just follow "on line".
They must have perfect conditions for "Kangeiko" (cold/winter training) perhaps they will post some details soon?

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SSKC Constitution

I have been working on the constitution for quite a few months and have eventually got round to finishing it tonight. I have posted it under the welfare section of the blog.
It is not an exciting read, but a necessary administrative evil to have it recorded properly. Can I ask all members to read it and we will ask for formal feedback at the clubs AGM in May.

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2010 Diary of Events

Below is the Diary for this Year, it is quite full because we have strong ambitions for our club and its members for 2010.We plan to start with a "New Years" club meeting which we would like as many adult members and parents to attend.

The Aim of the meeting is to discuss the outline of the attached calender and draft out an outline of actions for our club officials and members. If we leave this until the AGM we have wasted five months! I hope this will become an annual event to enable us to "kick start" out training and preparation for the year ahead.

10th January 2010	SSKC Barlby School	SSKC "New Years" club meeting
20th January 2010	SSKC Hambleton School	10 Week "Introduction to karate course"
6/7th February 2010	Whitchurch	Black and Brown Belt Training
20/21st February 2010	Barlby / York	Kato Shihan Cse & Grading
28th February 2010	SSKC Barlby School	Spring Beginners Course
6th March 2010	Dartford SKC	Hazard Shihan Course
7th March 2010	London	Kato Shihan Course
15th March 2010 (Monday)	Edinburugh	Kagawa Shihan Course
2nd May 2010	SSKC Barlby School	Club Competition
8th May 2010	Guildford	International Shobu Ippon Shotokan Open 2010
22/23rd May 2010	Whitchurch	Black and Brown Belt Training
30th May 2010	SSKC Barlby School	Club AGM
12/13th June 2010	York	Kato Shihan Cse & Grading
16/20th June 2010	Tallin, Estonia	IJKA European Course and Championships
19/25th July 2010	Hungary	Gasshuku
16th August 2010	Worldwide	Asai Sensei Memorial Day
12th September 2010	SSKC Barlby School	Autumn Beginners Course
?? October 2010	Sheffield	AMA Yorkshire Open
23/24th October 2010	York	Kato Shihan Cse & Grading
?? November 2010	Nottingham	JKS Nationals
4/5th December 2010	Whitchurch	Christmas Course & Gradings
19th December 2010	SSKC Barlby School	Christmas Display

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from SSKC

I would like to wish all the readers of our blog a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I would encourage all of us to set ourselves a target/s for 2010, challenging, achievable but a target that will push you. At the end of 2010 you will be proud of what you have achieved.

Without a target you are unlikely to meet your possible potential. I experience many similarities between serving in the military and the dojo. Push yourself to achieve and you will be surprised by your reward...self worth.

My personal targets are:

1. To loose 10Kg and keep it off (this time)
2. To compete at the Army Martial Arts competition in March and improve on previous years performance.
3. To run a bigger and better IJKA Yorkshire competition in May.
4. To train harder than all of our students. Post grading is not a time to relax but to push forward.
5. To take a squad to Tallin, Estonia in June.
6. To remember my kata! I will learn all five Junro kata and probably introduce the first three to the dojo.
7. Complete all the many administrative functions of our club, so we can develop during 2010 from a good club to a great club. (I will need your support for this one)
8. Enjoy my karate!

Osu!

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Sensei Alan Cambell 6th Dan JKS

The Selby Shotokan Karate Club would like to congratulate Campbell Sensei on his promotion to Rokudan following his examination at the JKS Hombu dojo in Tokyo, Sensei Ni Rei, Osu!
We look forward to training with you in 2010, many thanks for your support in 2009 with your open invitation to join in all of your training, seminars and competitions. Osu!

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The Christmas display

On Sunday we held our Christmas display for family and friends. It was a very cold and icey night that unfortunately lead to a few of our members not being able to make it. Considering the weather we all did well even to get to the dojo.

The recently promoted Senei Dom took the warm ups followed by displays of Kihon, Kata and Kumite. This was followed by the presentation of the Sensei Jinks Cup and the club Christmas photo.

This was the forth year that the Sensei Jinks Cup has been presented and the recipient Lewis Coward was very surprised when his name was announced. The cup is awarded as a recognition of a students perseverance in training. It is awarded to a student that does not find karate an easy way to follow, but despite everything trains regularly and happy to progress at their own pace. Lewis has trained regularly, he attends the Wednesday sessions at Hambleton when ever he can, and has represented the SSKC at the JKS nationals in Nottingham.

Lewis, just enjoy your karate and keep depositing training hours in your karate bank.

It was a special honour that Lewis was presented his trophy by Sensei Trevor Jinks himself, Sensei you are a motivation influence to us all, Sensei Ni Rei, Osu!

Above: Sensei Trevor and Lewis

Unfortunately there are three of our instructors missing from our photo, Sensei Helen who is currently working in the South of the country and Sensei Ian Culpan and Rebecca Brant both who have had to take a short break from training. We hope to see you both back and training hard in 2010. Nidan gradings in December?

Above: The SSKC Christmas photo 2009

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our members and friends, Osu!

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Blast from the past!

My thanks goes to Cunningham Sensei for mailing me a couple of photos from a not so recent course held by Kato Shihan in Co. Gallway, Ireland.

Above : Kato Shihan

Above: Kato Shihan & Denis Crowe
The year....1966!

I was only thinking at the weekend while training at the Hombu dojo at Whitchurch with Kato Sensei that I have been his student for just ten years. To my right were many karateka who had been dedicated Kohai for twenty....thirty....forty years..... plus.

Our own chief instructor in Yorkshire Gullen Shihan - 7th Dan, has followed Kato Shihan for decades and is never failed to be amazed that he has never seen the same lesson twice.

Shihan ne rei, Osu!

Update: Click on "Links" then "Tuam club" to see a picture of Crowe Sensei this week ...how spooky is that, on two separate blogs at the same time but nearly 35 years apart?

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Whitchurch Shodan Grading - Dom's View

Rear: Dom Schilke & Paul Brant

Centre: Kato Shihan

Front: Helen Milner & Tom Smith

Paul and Helen collected me and Rebecca on Friday night for the journey down to my third Whitchurch course. The first Saturday training session covered intensive training from 10:30 to the 'Raven' pub lunch. The Saturday training session concluded after the meal by learning and practicing multiple new Katas with subtle variations, making remembering them a greater challenge than normal.

After a relatively early night on Saturday (2:00am!) I managed to get a good night's sleep before my grading on Sunday. Following a warm up and a few minutes of training, the karateka for the Dan gradings were called up for the grading session. Myself and Tom (from Haxby Dojo, grading for his 1st Kyu) were called up to begin our gradings with Kihon shortly followed by Jiyu-ippon with myself partnering Paul (grading for Nidan). After a breather, Tom, Paul, Helen (also grading for Nidan) and myself were then called to perform Bassai-Dai. I had originally expected to perform Jion (as my prepared Kata of choice), but had no opportunity as all of the Katas had been selected by Sensei. Following the other Dan gradings, Tom, Paul, Helen and myself performed Heian-Nidan as a final Kata to complete our gradings. We rejoined training after our gradings to complete the Sunday session with more Kata. The results of the gradings were then announced by Kato Shihan, with all who took their respective grades passing.

It has been 5 years since I started Karate at Selby Dojo under Sensei Ashley's teaching and have progressed through the ranks under the guidance and support of numerous instructors from Selby, Haxby and York Dojos. I would like to thank all those who have helped my Karate to develop to the present standard and am grateful for your time and effort (including patience!) over the years. I would like pay particular thanks to Sensei Paul for his persistence and encouragement in getting me involved with events outside of the club, such as the JKS Nationals in Nottingham and the Whitchurch courses; these new experiences have ultimately contributed towards my progression, overall attitude and confidence.
Osu.

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Dom' Journey to Shodan (Continued)

Above: Dom & Bernard Schilke

At training tonight I thought it only fitting that Bernard should present his son with his black belt. The belt was made specially for Dom in Japan and has the Kanji of the IJKA on one end and Dom's name on the other end. The belt is a gift from the club to Dom in recognition of many years dedication to Shotokan Karate and our club. Dom's Hirota belt should last a lifetime, the only way to wear it in will be many hours of further practice. Dom congratulations on reaching what should be considered the start of the next phase of your training. Osu!

Above: Dom (2 weeks later) takes his place for the Xmas photo

Dom was not the only SSKC member to grade this weekend, Paul Brant and Helen Milner graded to Nidan, gradings were undertaken at the IJKA Hombu dojo at Whitchurch by Kato Shihan 9th Dan - IJKA World Chief Instructor.

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The Journey towards Shodan

It's a "Long and winding road" to attain shodan, below are a few photos of Dom on his journey. Above : March 2005 - The early years

Above: Dom with Bex looking very young in October 2005

Above : Wiggington November 2006

Above : May 2007 Kata Heat with Daniel Kozelko

Above : May 2007 with Sensei Ian Culpan

Above : May 2007 with Sensei Andy Bailey

Above : Quite happy to take on a handful of dan grades in November 2007

Above : Training with Kato Shihan in Wiggington November 2007

Above : February 2008 Belt training at Wigington with Kato Shihan

Above : February 2009 Dom has started to step the pace up, training with Sensei Simon from Haxby when Kato Shihan visited our dojo at Selby.

I am sure that the rest of us will enjoy looking back at Dom's journey more than Dom, but never mind, eh.

Dom you have five years of strong foundations under the instruction of Sensei Ash & Andy, the hard work is in the bank.

A quote from Kato Shihan at a Shodan grading in Budapest a few years ago, after the 20+ karateka who were grading had just undertaken their first Kihon sequence...." Relax, it is easy if you are good enough"

Dom, you can relax, you are good enough. I am sure you won't though

It has been my pleasure to watch you grow from a boy to a man. You apply yourself well to anything you set your mind to be it Music/ Studies or Karate. Otagari ni rei.

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More Asai Ryu kata posted

I have uploaded a few more kata from Latvia, they are "step by step" guides.

• Junro Shodan
• Junro Nidan
• Junro Sandan
• Junro Yondan
• Junro Godan
• Jo No Kata &
• Mawari No Kata

If you follow the link to my kata page and double click on the kata name, it will take you to the individual kata page.
If you double click on the video titled "step by step" guide, it will take you back to YouTube, click on "more info" in the sidebar and it will bring up a full list of all the moves.

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Shotokan & IJKA Kata

JKS (GB) Open Nottingham 2009 (A Table View)

Considering these latest championships were held at a different venue to last year, with a reduced mat and viewing area, the organisation and efficiency was upto the usual high standard. Thanks, once again, must go to Sensei Campbell and Langley and to their team for running this event at a consistently high level.
Purely from a 'table' outlook, the Kata and Kumite was also of an overall high standard. The technique, speed, focus and attitude of the majority of competitors in both Kumite and Kata were a pleasure to watch and epitomises the Karate spirit, with only the odd exception of bad sportsmanship directed at fellow competitors or officials.
Congratulations to those competitors who entered from the Selby, Haxby and York clubs and who were successful in their various categories. Commiserations to those who entered and didn't reach the top three in their categories. The one common achievment for everyone that did enter was experience, whether it was their first national competition, or indeed, their first ever competition.
Thanks need to go to the individuals for participating, spectators for providing support and transport, club officials and most of all, Paul, for the huge time and effort put in behind the scenes, making it possible for everything to run smoothly.
Osu.

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JKS (GB) Open Nottingham

This weekend nineteen karateka from Selby boosted the IJKA Yorkshire contingent travelling to Nottingham for the competition to thirty-seven.
Many thanks to our hosts Campbell and Langley Sensei for organising the competition and extending the invitation to join them.
We have never really been a competition orientated club but we are slowly trying to build into our training some preparation and build up a small team. It was very encouraging to see so many of our club members come and compete for the first time.
Although I am always a little disappointed at my performance I do find these events very motivational in my overall training. It spurs me on to make further improvements.

The IJKA results were as follows:

• 1st Place - Holly Bamford - Haxby Club - Ind. Kata - 10 to 4th Kyu - 10 to 15 years - Mixed
• 1st Place - Eve Nixon - York Club - Ind kumite - Any grade - 12 to 14 years - Girls
• 2nd Place - Max Baudouin - York Club - Ind Kata - 10 to 4th Kyu - 16+ years - Mixed
• 3rd Place - Elanneor Dook - York Club - Ind. Kumite - Any grade- 9 to 11 years - Girls
• 3rd Place - Julie Dallison - Selby Club - Ind. Kumite - 10th to 4th Kyu - 18+ years - Female
• 3rd Place - Paul Brant - Selby Club - Ind. Kumite - Any Grade - 40+ years - Male
• 3rd Place - Shaun Bushby - York Club - Team Kata - Any grade - 16+ years - Mixed
• 3rd Place - Jordan Rankin - York Club - Team Kata - any grade - 16+ years - Mixed
• 3rd Place - Simon Flint - Haxby Club - Team Kata - any grade - 16+ years - Mixed
• 3rd place - Tom Smith - Haxby Club - Team Kumite (Seibukan "B") - any grade - 13 to 15 years - mixed

Josh, Ellie, Abby, Amy, Lewis, Liam and Shauna were first on in the under 9 kata. Poor Shauna was I think the very first on. It is not easy when you are not even sure what should be happening. This happened to Rebecca at the European championships, it is very daunting. Don't worry about freezing, I do it all the time. Just look forward to the club competition in May. Abby did particularly well as a yellow belt knocking out a 2nd kyu, she was very unlucky not to be in the medals, may be next time?

Leila and Jammie competed in the 10 to 15 years section, which was always going to be tough. You both performed your kata as well as you could with no mistakes. Well done, you both have quite a few years left in this age band so better luck next year.

Claire, Alan and Julie all competed in the 16+ age group for 10th to 4th Kyu. I think as adults sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves. As normal with a couple of minutes to go I was trying to run through kata in my head and couldn't remember anything, I started to panic (as usual) and thought just forget everything, relax and go out with an empty mind. It actually worked. You have all done your first event now, it will be easier every time from now on (promise).

Rebecca was not competing so it left only Helen to fly the SSKC flag. I think her opening round was a split decision unfortunately going to the other karateka.

Dom, Mickey and myself were in a massive group of over thirty competing in 3rd kyu and above over 16 years. Poor Mikey was drawn against a really strong Japanese karateka. It seems that every event Mikey enters he has a really tough draw. I was just glad to finish my kata without a mistake, I usually get knocked out and then wait for the kumite.

The standard of kumite was really strong and unfortunately Shobu Ippon Kumite is not something that we practice very much of at all with our low grade youngsters. We tend to have a strong focus on Gohon kumite up to 4th Kyu and then Jiyu-Ippon Kumite from 3rd Kyu to 1st Kyu. I personally see this as a strong foundation to long term development, but it may be a short term disadvantage for competition preparation.

Claire, Alan, Julie as adults starting karate later in life I think kumite is difficult. We are not as flexible and we were as a youngsters and have been told for the last few decades not to go round punching and kicking people. Now our Sensei is shouting instructions from the sidelines , we can't hear them properly and having trouble breathing with this gum shield in our mouths. We keep think we are delivering scoring techniques, but no flags go up and the referee appears to be suddenly mute. The time keepers clock also seems to have stopped because we are starved of oxygen and there is not even a sign of the 30 second warning. When it does eventually come to the end of the round it is a draw and this bloke wants us to carry on for another minute when all we want to do is collapse in the corner out the way...welcome to Kumite, it does get better. Our big surprise of the day was Julie who gained a bronze medal for 3rd place in the Female kumite 10th to 4th kyu age 18+ years, not bad for a 7th Kyu, Gold next year?

Mikey competed in the 3rd kyu and above kumite a very tough section and was unlucky not to progress further.

Andy, Mike and myself competed in the "old mans" kumite which unfortunately was all a bit of a mix up, from entrants to the odd decision.

All in All, the JKS (GB) Open gave our club the opportunity to compete at a level in between our club competition and the IJKA Europeans. Hopefully we can all look forward to May when we will hold our club competition and I think it will be July in Tallin, Estonia for the Europeans but this is yet to be confirmed.

I would like to thank every one of the IJKA karateka for representing our three clubs, your discipline and conduct were a credit to our association. Otagai-ni-rei.

Many thanks to Gullen Shihan our coach, Sensei Mike,Ian and Bernard for acting as our representative officials, without whom none of us can compete. Sensei-ni-rei.

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Yamaguchi Sensei JKS - Kanku

Above Yamaguchi Sensei - JKS - Kanku dai / Sho

In the video above filmed in New Jersey, America earlier this month Sensei talks about the difference between similar moves in the Kanku kata.

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Fushu by Numbers

I was asked if I would write down Fushu and send it to a fellow karateka.
I thought I might as well post it for all IJKA karateka instead.
Please note this is the IJKA Kato Ryu kata "Fushu" aka "Kaze No Te" aka "Wind Hands".

I have unfortunately only attended one session where Kato Shihan has taught this kata (Tuam Ireland October 2009). There is far more to the kata than a few words can describe. Unfortunately I can not remember the Kia points and I would welcome any corrections to the format. Hopefully I have manged to write down the majority of it as taught by Sensei.

It may be a useful "memory jog" to those like me that have been shown once and have experienced that "frozen kata"feeling.

I am limited on how I can display the file on my blog so I have uploaded to "Scribd" , hopefully you can open to view or print if you so wish.

Fushu by Numbers

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Diary dates

Saturday 21st November 2009 – JKS Open Nottingham

Weekend 28th-29th November 2009 - JKS Christmas Course, The John Godber Centre, Nottingham. Saturday 13.30 to 16.45 hrs, Sunday 12.15 to 15.30 hrs. With Campbell and Langley Sensei, Chief Instructors of the JKS in GB and Ireland. If you would like to attend please let Paul know ASAP.

Weekend 4th-6th December 2009 – IJKA Christmas Course Hombu dojo Whitchurch. With Kato Shihan -9th Dan IJKA World Chief Instructor and Sensei of the Hombu dojo. If you want to attend and support our three members that are expected to take Dan gradings let Paul know ASAP. The course is not just restricted to Black and Brown belts, all grades are welcome.

Sunday 6th December 2009 - A free months training for all SSKC Karateka, if you pay your IJKA membership fee by 13th December. This year I am putting back SSKC subscription renewals to January 2010 to help you spread your costs. You must hand in your IJKA licence (white licence) to Paul with your payment.

Wednesday 16th December 2009 - last training night @ Hambleton school

Sunday 20th December 2009 - last training night @ Barlby High School
Christmas Display – 5.30 to 7pm Only – Families encouraged to attend.
Presentation of the Trevor Jinks Cup for 2009. We will also be taking the annual Christmas photo, please bring along any medals / cups you have won this year.

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2006

Christmas 2005

Christmas 2004

Wednesday 23rd December 2009 - No Training

Sunday 27th December 2009 – No Training

Wednesday 30th December 2009 – No Training
IJKA Yorkshire social evening – York - details TBC

Sunday 3rd January 2010 – First training night @ Barlby High School. Normal monthly training fees due and SSKC membership renewal of £12 this will pay for your AMA renewal and personal insurance. You must hand in you AMA licence (Black Licence) to Paul with your payment. Every SSKC member MUST have individual insurance under the AMA to allow them to continue training.

Wednesday 6th January 2010 - First training night @ Hambleton School

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JKS Open 21st November 09

The “Runners and Riders” are sorted and I have returned our list of entries to Campbell Sensei – JKS (GB) for 2009.

What a great turn out, thirty-eight karateka from IJKA Yorkshire will be travelling to the competition this year, with a total of Seventy-four entries to twenty-one of the thirty events run.

Above - The travelling contingent for 2008

I am particularly proud that we have eight entrants to the 9 years and below kata event, three entrants to the 8 years and below kumite event and 12 entrants to the 9-11 years kumite event. It is great to see our karateka getting involved in competition at an early stage of their training. It is also encouraging to see our adult low and mid grades stepping up to the mark and representing IJKA Yorkshire.

Hopefully the majority of the competitors can stay and support the squad for the whole day so that we can get a team photo at the end. Maybe we can win a couple of medals along the way, with such a good turn out there will always be someone to watch / support.

Above: Becks, Helen and Emma gained bronze at team kumite in 2008

Many thanks to sensei Ian Shaw from Haxby and Bernard Schilke from Selby who have kindly offered to act as IJKA officials for the day. Without their support we would not be able to enter.

Look forward to a great day and good luck, Osu!

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More Photos from Tuam

Above: Kato & Cunningham Sensei

Many thanks to Sensei Jarlath Cunningham 5th Dan from Co Mayo in Ireland for sending me a disc with some photos from the course at Tuam, here are just a few that I have uploaded.

Above: Sensei gets Rebecca to take the warm ups

Above: My foot not quite as high as Bex's

Above: Kiba-dachi seemed to be the stance for the whole weekend!

Above: Sensei Jarlath Cunningham - 5th Dan

Above : Kato Sensei Teaching

Above : Kato Sensei explains bunkai

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The Karate Way (Blog)

I have added a link to Sergej Vlasov Sensei blog to the links page under the "blog" section.

Vlasav Sensei is Russian and resident in Norway, he has uploaded quite a few videos of Kato Shihan on You Tube under the name of Svlasov55.

Many thanks Sensei for your contribution of IJKA video footage, looking forward to meeting you at Whitchurch in December.

Osu!

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SSKC Gradings

Many thanks to Gullen Shihan for travelling to Selby tonight to grade five Selby students that were not able to attend Kato Shihan's course in October.

Congratulations go to all our students:

Georginia Mizen - 7th Kyu (temp)
David Leadbeater - 8th Kyu "A very strong 8th Kyu pass"
David Lawrence - 9th Kyu
Joseph Lawrence - 12th Kyu
Luke Teisseire - 12th Kyu

All your individual member pages have been updated / created so you can follow your progress. To view your pages just click on the member button in the sidebar and click on your name.

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More Latvian videos posted

Many thanks to the Sensei from Latvia for posting more Asai Ryu kata on You tube. I have added their videos of Joko Issei and Kashu into the relevant kata pages.

These and many more Asai Ryu kata can be found by clicking on the links from my kata page.

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Shotokan & IJKA Kata

SSKC Track Suits are ordered.

SSKC Tracksuits are now ordered and expected for delivery just before the JKS open. Unfortunately if you didn't get your order in, it is now too late.

Many thanks to our recent sponsors "Mytum and Selby" (the skip people) and Howdens (timber and builders merchants) that has allowed us to subsidise the cost of tracksuits to members by approx £20/head.

There may be an opportunity to purchase tracksuits next year if there is enough interest to put together a bulk order.

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A very proud Gullen Shihan

Above : 2nd place "Our Maja!"

Over a quick pint after training at York last night Sensei Keith relayed to me the success of his recent student Maja.

Maja from York dojo has just moved up North and is training in Edinburgh.

She recently competed in the JKS Scottish nationals.

Event 16 Mixed Kumite 16+ white to Yellow belt.

Maja put a call into Sensei Keith to let him know about her success.

Well done Maja!

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Kato Sensei's Course in Tuam - Oct 09

Many thanks to Sensei Stacey Kelly - 2nd dan IJKA, for hosting Kato Shihan 9th Dan World Chief Instructor of the IJKA, in Tuam in Western Ireland last weekend.

It is an unenviable task to be responsible for making all the necessary arrangements and keeping Sensei entertained. At one point in the weekend Stacey had to become Sensei's personal shopping assistant, Sensei did not appear to be at all bothered that all the shops were shut. With Stacey's organisational skills she somehow managed to persuade a shop keeper to open their shop three hours after they had closed to allow Sensei to make a purchase.

Saturdays training started with a beginners and childrens class, however Sensei Steve Cameron, Rebecca and myself were not allowed to escape and got roped in to additional training. The main class followed with a good attendance of approximately twenty dan grades and twenty kyu grades. Sensei focus was on Kihon and it definitely made things easy with every kyu grade partnered with a dan grade.

Above : Class training - Ushiro geri

On Saturday Sensei taught Kibaken Nidan, a kata performed entirely in Kiba-dachi. By the end of training I thought I would never walk normally again.

Above: Kato & Toomey Sensei K2 Bunkai (first moves)

On the Sunday session Sensei taught Fushu, a Kato-ryu kata, this will be Kato Sensei legacy kata so I am sure we will practice it again.

Above: Kato & Cameron Sensei Fushu Bunkai (last Moves)

Above: Group photo taken on the Sunday after training.

The Sunday session was a little less well attended, due to extended travel arrangements for some karateka but proved another great session. Sensei Stacey should be particularly proud of her two Yellow belts who are of a very strong standard indeed.

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The Emerald Isle calls again.

On Monday Claire and I had yet another anniversary (24th) to celebrate we are having six days in Ireland. It will give us a couple of days before Sensei Kato's course and a couple of days after to just unwind and do some sight seeing. It only seems the other week Rebecca and I were in Fermoy (oh it was just the other week!) and now back again. I might even get a chance of a small Jameson and a half of "black velvet". Hopefully Bex's won't keep nagging on this trip.

Joining us in Ireland will be Fran, from Dr. Jonathan's dojo and Steve Cameron from Worcester.
Sensei Steve Cameron 3rd Dan IJKA has just added a lot more detail on the Worcester club website.
Steve is working hard to build up his dojo, if you are ever in the area give him a call and drop in for a bit of extra training.

I have added a permanent link to the site from our links section so you can keep an eye on what Sensei Steve is up to.

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Worcester Club

Is Yahara Shihan the "Angel of Kata"?

If you have never viewed "the committee's" unique Kata blog you may well want to, and with a little bit of thought make your own contribution.

This panel of high ranking dan grades are very hard to please and have a reputation at being ruthless in their rejection. It is like the "X Factor" but with 4 Simon Cowells!

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Kumite Motivation

Above : The JKA

A little kumite motivation to watch as you train for the JKS competition in Nottingham. A lot of brilliant footage here, but you will need a bit more control in the UK, enjoy, Osu!

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More Asai Ryu Katas posted

Many thanks to Sensei O'Keeffe for posting on You tube "Kashu" also called "Hi no te" this is the "Fire" elemental kata devised by Asai Shihan following on from the mainstream kata of Unsu. The kata is performed by Sensei Makita, Matsui and Watanabe as a demo in Japan at this years JKS competition. The Team kata is followed by Sensei Makita and Matsui as uke as Sensei Watanabe performs the bunkai. As you would expect a great video.

The second video is from Latvia, "Kibaken Shodan". I believe Asai Shihan created Kibaken Shodan with the intention of it being the first in a series. Kato Shihan has devised Kibaken Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, Godan and Super Kibaken to complete the series.

These and many more Asai Ryu kata can be found by clicking on the links from my kata page.

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York Course and Grading - 10/11th October 09

Sensei was back in York for his autumn course and grading. Many thanks to Sensei Ian and Mike for hosting the weekend. As well as attracting karateka from the IJKA Yorkshire clubs of Haxby, Selby and York, we were also very pleased to see Karateka from Sensei Anne Hastings dojo, Leeds, Sheffield and members of the "Whitchurch Mafia".

Saturday for the first two hours was mainly focused around Kihon and Kihon Kumite, the third hour was was for black belts only learning the Kato-Ryu Kata Kibaken Sandan.

Sunday morning, more Kihon before the higher grades (purple belts up) went through Tekki Shodan and Hangetsu, but using sanchin and neko-ashi dachi instead of hangetsu and kokutsu dachi stances. While students graded the black belts had no time to rest they were put through their paces learning Kibaken Yondan and Godan. I was very pleased to get Kibaken Sandan in my head in one session, but Yondan and Godan will take a few more visits before I even have the sequence of moves.

Well done to all out students, Shauna graded to 11th Kyu, with Amy and Ellie achieving 10th Kyu.

Nathan, Jake, Leila and Liam were grading to 8th Kyu, achieving 3 full grades and a temporary grade for Liam. (Stronger kumite required Liam). Julie and Abby attained Yellow and Jammie only just missed out on a full grade but still gets to wear his yellow belt with a temporary pass.

Josh and Lewis were attempting the big step up from yellow to green belt. Both the boys came away with temporary grades, a good result for both these youngsters and they must now work on a period of consolidation before moving on.

Kelvin, Alan and Lucy all graded to 4th Kyu, excellent! Again you will need to work hard for best part of a year before you make the next big step up in grades to brown belt.

Both our brown belts were successful Michael attaining 2nd and Josh 1st Kyu, well done! A comment from the grading panel that your kumite was not as focused as your kihon and katas, something to work on in the next few months.

Above: The karateka of IJKA Yorkshire

After the presentation of the certificates Rebecca presented Sensei with a hand made 3Kg Kit-Kat. The massive four finger chocolate biscuit was hand made at Nestles in York and as well as the famous Kit-Kat logo sported the Kanji of the IJKA.

Above: Rebecca presents the IJKA Kit-Kat to Sensei Kato

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Good Luck Selby Karateka

I have just written out the grading forms for the weekend and would like to wish all our karateka well, we will have approx 20 members grading.

Josh will be grading for 1st Kyu, a big step and Sensei will be expecting a very high standard. It seems an age since Josh joined us as an Ex Wado-ryu karateka, he found the change to shotokan difficult but has persevered where many would have given up, good Luck.

Michael is grading to 2nd Kyu, just back from Ireland where he did the club proud and with a little more experience and a luckier draw will soon find himself placed in competition. He has a couple of injuries from Ireland so I hope they will not effect you at the weekend. Unfortunately you will not be able to take it easy on Saturday and save yourself for Sunday, Sensei will be watching you.

Kelvin, Lucy and Alan our purple belts will not find their grading easy it is tough in these middle grades, you are still building your karate foundations. I can see where the additional Wednesday sessions have accelerated improvement though.

Josh and Lewis will be attempting green belt, a big step for these youngsters, you are both good enough but you must stay focused. Bring your karate heads at the weekend!
SSKC will potentially gain a lot of additional colour belts, Julie, Abby, Jamie, if successful will all progress to Yellow belts.

Grading for 8th Kyu and well on the way to their yellow belt in the new year will be Nathan, Jake, Leila, Liam and David, it takes a long time in our association to gain your first coloured belt but keep up the good work you are nearly there!

Last but definitely not least are our beginners and Pee Wee grades David, Amy, Ellie (shortcake) Shauna and Joseph. It is easily said, but just try and relax and enjoy yourself. OSU!

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Irish Open 4th October 09

A whistle-wind trip to the Emerald Isle this weekend for Michael, Rebecca and myself. We flew out of Liverpool Saturday night, picked up a car from Cork airport and drove the short trip North to Fermoy. After an overnight stay in a B&B we drove into town to try and find the sports centre. Rebecca had been there before and remembered it was "up a hill", we looked for a while before asking directions. I felt a bit of a fool when the gentleman pointed to the Loreto Sports complex all of 50m away.

Above : Rebecca Senior Kumite

Rebecca and Michael competed in both the U19 and the senior events, while if you are going all that way you might as well get as much experience as possible. As always the male cadet brown and black belt section was very strongly contended. Michael was surprised to see so many Strong Sho and nidans in his group. Michael fought well and was complemented on his efforts by a number of the spectators and coaches.
Not taking anything away from Rebecca's success but the female sections are not as strongly contended. However at seventeen Rebecca did have her work cut out in the Senior Kumite that had a few preliminary rounds. Rebecca ended up competing against Sensei Stacy from Tuam (who we are meant to be staying with in a few weeks time). This was a particularly strong match, well fought by both of them resulting in Rebacca winning through to the final where she met Sensei Jacquie. Rebecca had met Jacquie in Italy and she has to be considered one of the most experienced competitors in Ireland, Jacquie was again to be the IJKA ladies grand champion.

Toomey Sensei was a little short of officials and had asked me to help out. I was a little daunted by the prospect. I have judged and refereed at our club competitions but never contemplated taking a role in a national. I started as a judge on the junior kata, but come the kumite sections I was asked to referee, surprisingly I really enjoyed the experience.


With no veterans section I had to enter the Senior kata and Kumite. My kata performance is not as good as it should be and I should make more effort really. I did perform a strong Tekki Shodan (one of my preferred kata) to win through to the 2nd round where I made a complete "hash" of Jion (again another one of my preferred kata?). In a way I was glad to get the kata out of the way so I could warm up properly for the kumite.
It was a very strong line up of fourteen, Michael was one of only two or three brown belts amongst the dan grades. I had been goading "Hammer" one of Sensei's PJ's students that we were going to get drawn together and he was going down, as he was too slow. I have known "Hammer" for a few years, he is less than half my age and only does kumite. I won my first round and funny enough I was drawn against "Hammer" in the next. It was a strong contest, but I eventually won through. My parting comment to Hammer was , "another win for the veterans then!". In the Semi final my opponent caught me with a perfect Oi Zuki Jodan, hard but controlled, for me it should have been Ippon but unfortunately the nose didn't stand up to the blow very well and ended in his disqualification. Not the way that I would want to get into a final, but as Sensei PJ put it later that is the way that competitions go sometimes.

Above : The Selby Team - Michael, Rebecca and Paul

Results:
Rebecca - 2nd U19 Kumite Girls, 3rd Senior Kata Ladies & 2nd Senior Kumite ladies
Paul - 2nd Senior Kumite Men

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Kato Shihan - York Open Course - 10/11th October 2009

Above : Kato Shihan - York Feb 09

Sensei Kato 9th Dan IJKA chief instructor is coming to the Haxby Dojo at Wiggington Recreation Hall on Saturday and Sunday 10th/11th October 2009.

Full details of the weekend:
Saturday 10th - Wiggington Recreation Hall
1.30pm for 2pm to 4 pm training
4pm to 5 pm High Grades Only

Sunday 11th - Wiggington Recreation Hall
9.30am for 10am to 1pm training and gradings

Training Fees - £18.00

Grading Fees - £10.00 / £6.00 (12th to 10th Kyu)
If you are grading you MUST attend the course as well.

Please ensure that you attend as many sessions as possible as we approach grading. Paul will collect Training and grading fees in advance, so we can make a single payment on the day.

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IJKA Irish Open 2009

At the weekend Rebecca, Michael and Paul are travelling to Fermoy in Co. Cork to the IJKA Irish Open Shotokan Championships.

We all wish Rebecca and Michael all the best, they will compete in the same group for the U19 Kata (Mixed) 5th Kyu to black belt section. The Kumite is divided male and female brown and black belts competing together.
They will also have the opportunity to enter the senior division as well, we will just have to wait and see on the day.

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SSKC Tracksuits

SSKC Tracksuits are now available, we will be placing an order mid October so if you would like one please let Paul know ASAP, thank you.

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Asai Shihan

Many thanks to the karateka that recently posted this video on You Tube of our late master, Asai Sensei. Unfortunately I can not embed at the request of the person that uploaded the video, but it is 9 minutes of sheer motivation, enjoy, Osu!

There is a lot of Sensei kihon kata that I have never seen before, this must be the best Asai video clip I have ever seen, it might take a while to upload but well worth it.

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Asai Memorial Training from Mexico

The JKS Veracruz dojo have just uploaded to Youtube their 2009 memorial training

Above : JKS Veracruz, Mexico - Asai memorial training 2009

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Claire is back!

Just eight weeks after Tia was born Claire is back training. Claire was in her Gi on Sunday and I was very grateful to her for her assistance in the lower grade class, while Sensei Andy "beasted" the higher grades in the Gym.
I was able to split the class into 9th Kyu and below and 8th Kyu and above. Even when lower grades are doing single techniques they can still get confused. Having Claire out front to follow was a great benefit.
Although Baby Tia is only 8 weeks old she has attended approx 10 karate sessions, watching her big brother Josh. I am sure I saw a definite snap as she kicked out from her chair. Tia doesn't even seem to be too bothered when the class KIA!
Claire, just take it easy over the next few weeks and leave the flying kicks for next year.

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Harford Sensei in York

Rebecca and I joined Simon and Nick from Haxby, along with Eleanor from York at Sensei Liams's dojo to train with Sensei Gary Harford. Rebecca and I have trained with Sensei before so we knew were in for a good session, and we weren't disappointed.

Above: Gary Harford Sensei - 7th Dan - KUGB

Harford Sensei - The training

Sensei had us starting with correct technique, attacking with "Koshi" (ball) for Mae geri, "Sokuto" (foot edge) for Yoko geri and "Kakato" (Heel) for Usherio geri, the focus was on maai (distancing). Sensei had us kick to the wall ensuring we did not make full extension and lean away from the target. What sensei was after was a high knee position and driving forward with the hips forward of the supporting leg.

We partnered up for Gohon kumite and again Sensei commented on Maai, too many people were at the wrong distance to execute the technique correctly. We went on to practice "Teisho" (palm Heel) and "Empi" (elbow strikes) against the wall and partners.

We then were partnered up for Ippon Kumite, our challenge from Sensei was to block "Age Uke" to the Jodan attack, but then to execute either Gyaku Zuki, Teisho or Empi as a counter. Sensei's point was that you could not decide which to counter to after the attack had started, because you were not aware of the maai until then. You only had a split second to counter.

To me this was excellent training, action/ reaction, no planning, no thinking just do it. You may have not been right all the time, but it was obvious to you when you had selected the wrong counter.

Anyway after our warm ups with the KUGB I am feeling ready for another three hours of training at our own club tonight. Liam, many thanks for the invite, hopefully we can train again soon, Osu!

Harford Sensei - The man

Harford Sensei was born in Salford, Manchester on 21/4/60. He first began Karate training in 1972, he graded to 1st Dan in 1976 under Sensei Enoeda.He was selected as a member of the first Junior KUGB Squad and competed at the 1980 European Senior and Junior Championships held in Bregenz, Austria, at which he won 1st place in the Junior Team Kata and also 1st place in the Senior Kata.

Sherry’s Sensei had an enormous impact on him which enabled him to develop. In the KUGB National Championships at Crystal Palace, his highest place was 3rd in the Kumite event and 2nd in Kata.He has won the Shotokan Cup on two separate occasions, once in Kata and once in Kumite. His main highlight was being a member of the team that for many years dominated Karate in Great Britain, Europe and the World.

Above: Harford Sensei - Go no Sen - Ippon!

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Shotei Dai - Bertel Sensei

I have posted a copy of Bertel Sensei performing "Shotei Dai".

Bertel Sensei is performing it as a walk through so it is ideal for those of us who are trying to remember it. Kato Shihan taught Shotei dai at our club last year, but It is not a kata that I have managed to retain. I will re-visit the kata soon because it was a kata that I enjoyed, many thanks for posting Andre, Osu!

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Kato Shihan teaches Kanku Dai

I have posted two videos of Kato Shihan teaching "Kanku dai" in Tallin, Estonia. There is a total of sixteen and a half minutes of footage, brilliant, many thanks for posting Estonia, Osu!

I was lucky enough to visit Tallin in 2006, what a wonderful city. On my return I was discussing with Sensei a wonderful medieval restaurant "Olde Hansa" in Vana Turg 1, well worth a visit, the best Bear, Barley and Meade in town. It turned out that our friends from Estonia had taken Sensei their for a meal as well. If you ever get the chance to train with Sensei in Estonia, jump at it, cheap flights and accommodation make it affordable...maybe 2010?

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Thank You Howdens

Many thanks to Neil Dallison from Howdens Joinery in Selby for their contribution to our club funds.

This is the second year that Howdens have supported our club and although in these times of the "credit crunch" money is tight for us all we are very grateful to Howdens for their continued support.

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Di Ichi

I have posted a video of Di Ichi from Latvia in the Asai Ryu Kata section of the blog. Kato Sensei taught me the first three Di kata nearly ten years ago. ( I believe there to be at least four in the series)

I have taught the first three, but I find the most useful to be the first one, Ichi. I regularly teach Di Ichi before Heian Shodan. Karateka are not assessed /graded on this kata but I feel it develops good form and especially with children, they get a sense of achievement in completing a kata.

As Shodan I recently brought Di Ichi back into my own personal training routine. I am trying to focus on my hips and stepping in a lower zenkutsu-dachi than normal (for me) and also trying to improve my gyaku zuki.

As with many Asai kata there are a few different versions of the katas name, "Di Ichi" ,Dia I Ken" of as the Sensei from Latvia writes it "Dai itsu Ken".

In some Asai kata you will also see a few subtle changes in the kata. Does this mean that the karateka has made a mistake? Probably not. Asai sensei would use kata to reinforce his teaching on the execution of a technique and would make alterations to the moves to assist students by emphasising a particular point.

My own view is that these kata were developed to improve kihon, so don't get too tied up on names or in the moves, but enjoy the kata and the development it brings, Osu!

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