Shorinjiryu Kenyukai Watanabe Ha Karate Australia

Karate Training & What to Know About Fighting by Kyan Chotoku

Tasshi Tony Fletcher — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 09:37:57 +0000

Karate Training & What to Know About Fighting by Kyan Chotoku

Okinawa-Prefectural School of Agriculture & Forestry

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At sixty-one years old this year, Mr. Kyan’s face, when compared to anyone else his age, is still full of spirit and drive. Presently an instructor at the karate dojo, hosted by the School of Agriculture & Forestry, this instructor is very committed to the welfare and education of our youth. Editor

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A History & Outline of Karate [2]

In an unarmed altercation, one can take advantage of the situation any moment that the opponent is off guard by striking with the clenched fist, smashing with the elbow, and or kicking with the feet. The hands and the feet can also be used to parry strikes. Moreover, one can also avoid being attacked by learning to shift the body properly. A martial art unique to Okinawa, Karate dates back about 400 years ago, to the Oei or Eikyo periods.[3] Introduced to Okinawa from China by an unidentified person who had studied it there, the practice gradually improved over time and ultimately became regarded as Okinawan. Since that early time, these skills have been further cultivated and continually improved.

It’s important to understand the difference between Chinese method and Okinawan preference. The Chinese commonly use the tips of their fingers against an opponent while the clenched fist is chiefly used in Okinawa. It should be noted that the clenched fist is one of the fundamental differences that makes karate a unique fighting method.

Nowadays, there are two principal styles of karate, Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu. In total there are dozens of kata between them, which primarily encompass physical conditioning and defensive application. While both have their good and bad points, it can be said that the Shorei-style focuses largely on conditioning the body while the Shorin-style addresses application principles. However, hasty judgments on which is the right or wrong style should be avoided, as training methods are be based on the learners' character and physical condition.

The application principles of karate are truly kaleidoscopic, however, in the case of fighting actually only two points really count: "sei" & " ki".[4] The three ways to support the practical application of these points are a.) Observation [Go no sen] b.) Imperceptibility [Sen no sen] and c.) Transcendence [Sen]. Which of the three combative initiatives best resolves any physical confrontation depends entirely upon the individual and the circumstances. Of course, engagement is also determined by knowing both the opponent and yourself. These are issues at the forefront of fighting and winning.

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What to Know about Training

a. Teaching should take place in the following order: It is important to explain what karate is and what it is not. Then, what one should know about physical practice should follow this. Posturing, forward and backward foot movement should then come next. Gradually evasiveness can be also introduced. Teaching how to use the clenched fists, striking with the elbows and kicking with the feet along with deflection, trapping and blocking, follow this. When these points are learned satisfactorily, kata can then be taught. When one is proficient at kata sparring can be introduced.

b. In the past, sparring was often dangerous because there was no protective equipment used. Because of this, it has, therefore, become necessary to wear protection on key parts of the body, like they do in bayonet training (Juken-jutsu). Using this kind of protection and rubber hand pads on the clenched fists will help reduce potential injury associated with the practice.

c. Except for what I already mentioned above, and the use of a makiwara, there’s really no other special training equipment required to learn/teach karate. Moreover, training partners and spacious facilities are not required, either. These are some of the advantages of learning/teaching karate.

In short, these principles should be kept in mind during regular training as conditioning the body improves strength & flexibility for punching, kicking and mobility. Observing these principles during the course of practice over a long period of time one will naturally discover the essence of training and finally understand how it can be adequately applied to fit the circumstances.

Mental & spiritual discipline is vital to developing one’s fundamental disposition, if it is neglected and training only focuses on physical technique (the body, hands & feet) the effort is worthless. This fundamental truth must be understood in order that the practice of technique develops the mind and body (hands/feet). Simultaneously, one can behave, be calm, alert and brave etc.

1. The aim of martial arts is to prevent violence, foster humility and learn self-defence. This is why a martial artists should behave, be modestly and loyal.

2. The martial arts cultivate the ability to react at just the right moment using the body and mind in unison. Those who misuse their skill or are arrogant poorly influence their community. Such behaviour is not appreciated by anyone and only harms one’s own character. There’s a wise old saying worth remembering; "A clenched fist should be like a hidden treasure up one’s sleeve; it remains a secret until someone comes looking for it.”

3. The purpose of karate is to condition the body, cultivate the mind and nurture the spirit.

4. Effective posturing is made possible by sinking one’s "qi/ki" into the dantien/tanden being careful that it does not rise not to up your body. However, it is important never to be overly rooted in one’s stance.

5. Kata should be practiced with the same resolve as if facing an opponent.

6. Footwork, body movement, and impacting are all actions, which should always be deployed quickly. However, remember that functionally effective footwork and body movement requires one to stay on their toes (balls of the foot).

7. Understanding the application of kata establishes clarity between the upper, middle, and lower target zones, otherwise, one’s effort is in vain.

8. Makiwara practice is essential in order to develop powerful tools of impact. Yet, powerful techniques are useless unless they’re supported by rapid hand and footwork. Therefore, power and speed are like the wheels of a wagon; one cannot function efficiently without the other.

9. One’s body, perception and spirit must be constantly trained.

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What to Know about Fighting

1. I cannot emphasize the importance of first trying evaluating the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses in order to establish your strategy. If attacked by a more powerful opponent one should shift their attention to defensive strategy. This way the attacker is compelled to use more strength. This is the opportunity to seek out the "suki" (unguarded moment) and exploit it. This is how to best use the opponent’s force.

2. Less powerful opponents can also make worthy defensive fighters as they’re evasive and use many techniques. One must be careful not to attack thoughtlessly against such fighters but make good use of your hand and footwork. Letting an opponent inside is one way of setting up an immediate counter attack. However, remember that taking or giving the initiative means you that must always be prepared for the unexpected.

3. Never quickly or forcefully attack an opponent thoughtlessly. Agile fighters can often perceive the intentions of hand and foot movement and counter-attack quickly.

4. You should be careful to never telegraph your intentions of let your opponent read your body language. Irrespective of the opponent’s strength or power, try never to move backwards more than 3 steps.

5. During a fight you must pay close attention to defending the centreline and not be caught off balance by starring at an opponent's feet or eyes. You must be especially careful not to get hit in the vital organs, grabbed or have the testicles seized when attacked. Also, it’s not always wise to use too much force in defensive technique as movement tends to become slower, which also reduces the possibility for quick reaction or taking advantage of an opportunity.

6. If you seize an opponent’s wrist, garment or arm be certain to maintain a pliable strength all the time being prepared to exploit his reaction. This way you can maintain control of the opponent’s movement.

7. Naturally, quick hands are a necessary requisite for effectively attacking one’s opponent. However, if you miss the intended target in the midst of an attack there’s no need to fall back and try again. After achieving such close proximity to your opponent just continue freely attacking different target zones with your hands and feet. Even without using full power, you can still gradually wear down an opponent this way.

8. It is not necessary to use your hands in defence of an opponent’s kicks. They can be trapped, thwarted, or even swept away by your own leg while simultaneously countering with your hands. In case the opponent falling or being knocked down, be careful not to rush in carelessly and be caught off guard.

9. Even if the opponent seizes your foot or leg, you can take advantage of it by quickly stepping down and into him, reducing the risk of injury. However, be very careful of this situation if the ground conditions are bad as you could fall down yourself.

10. Be careful not to be caught off guard by an opponent’s clever deception. For example, don’t be fooled by someone pretending to grab with their hand only with the intention of actually kicking with their foot. Conversely, the opposite can also be used; The kick can be used to cause a response for the purpose of being exploited by the fist. Listen and react to voice and sound, and, never be caught off guard.

11. If confronted by several opponents at once be careful not to grapple with them. You must keep your distance in order to maintain the advantage. If someone attacks from the right, shift to the left. If you have to defend yourself from the front be careful not to overlook the opponent behind you. This is the only good way to deal with multiple opponents.

These are essential issues at the forefront of fighting, however, please remember they’re just one example. In other words, the differences in martial arts are truly endless and mysterious. Therefore, don’t solely rely on written materials. The best way master the art is to train diligently and enthusiastically. Perhaps after lengthy study, you may achieve enlightenment.

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* Notes

[1] Pp 236-241 of the second edition of Miki Nisaburo’s 1930 publication entitled, “Kenpo Gaisetsu.”

[2] It should be noted that the ideogram being used for karate throughout this work is written as China & hand: A term once commonly used in old Okinawa to describe Chinese quanfa/kenpo.[5]

[3] In Japanese history the Oei Period was 1394-1428 & the Eikyo Period was 1429-1441. [6]

[4] "Sei" means right, correct, fair and or pure; Ki" means unusual, strange, unexpected and or not true. Confusing at it may seem, Kinjo Hiroshi helps us better understand them by comparing the terms to budo-related Omote (outside) & Ura (inside): The surface of things and the unseen or unexpected.

COVID-19 (Corona Virus) Update

Shihan Des Paroz — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 11:12:11 +0000

Over the past few weeks the instructors and national executive of the Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo Association Inc have been monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation closely, and have been progressively implementing modifications to training based on the extant guidelines from the Australian Government.

To date we have deferred our National Training Camp, scheduled for May, and implemented restrictions on training activities to comply with social (physical) distancing requirments.

As of last week, we suspended all dojo training, with some dojo offering limited outdoor training with groups of students, observing strict physical distancing and hygiene.

Noting the Prime Minister's announcements of 29 March 2020, indoor and outdoor gatherings are now limited to two people. Therefore, any training activity will be limted to private, one-on-one training (one student to one instructor). Such training will be conducted only at the discretion of the individual instructor, and physical distancing requirements will be strictly observed.

Karate is an art of self-defence, and the best self-defence at this time is to protect yourself and others by following the current guidelines of the Australian Department of Health. These guidelines currently include:

practise good hygiene
practise social distancing
follow the limits for public gatherings
understand how to self-isolate if you need to

During this time, we encourage members to practice their kata privately. Any training involving contact with others is to be avoided. Virtual training sessions, using the internet, is being investigated by some instructors.

Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo is comprised of instructors and members who have dedicated many years to the study of our art. We look forward to seeing you all on the other side of this time. Stay well, and practice the guidelines above.

KOSHINKAI QLD CLINIC APRIL 2019

Tasshi Tony Fletcher — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 11:55:53 +0000

Students from Seiryukan, Shishikan and Kazokukan attended the Koshinkai Qld training clinic at Bribie Island on Sunday 7th April 2019. It was a great day of enthusiastic focused training starting off with demonstrations by Kyoshi Jim Griffin showing us a version of kata Ananku and Shihan Lesley Griffin demonstrating kata Sochin.

Training consisted of working our way through the kata syllabus with the senior belts and with various Yudanshsa taking the class guided by Kyoshi Jim and Renshi Tony Fletcher. Shihan Lesley took instruction with the junior members going through kata Naihanchin no sho and Renshu Kumite Ichi.

During the course of the day, the Yudansha from Shishikan conducted their required demonstrations of various kata, bukiho and kumite plus their teaching lessons, as an advance to their grade demonstration at this years National Camp in May.

Looking forward to travelling to Coffs Harbour on the 17th May to attend the 2019 National Training Camp at which we will have a special guest in Hanshi Myron Lubitsch 9th Dan from New York.

2017 Shorinjiryu Koshinkai National Camp

Tasshi Tony Fletcher — Tue, 02 May 2017 11:46:46 +0000

On the 28^th, 29^th and 30th April 2017, Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo held its 2017 National Training Camp at the Coffs Harbour Adventure Centre.

Members from Seiryukan (Bribie Island), Kensuukan (Coonabarabran), Shishikan (Sth Brisbane), Chuzankan (Blue Mountains), Kazoku (Murgon), Kensuikan (Rockhampton) and the Newcastle Dojo, travelled to the venue in Coffs Harbour to participate in our National training Camp. Unfortunately our Melbourne dojo members were unable to make it and our Assoc President, Shihan Des Paroz, was unable to attend due to work commitments.

Kyoshi Jim Griffin and Kyoshi Max Estens kicked our camp off on the Friday with the senior members (Brown and Black belts) going through a range of the syllabus program including revision and a focus on kihon waza.

Early Friday evening, the Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo Assoc (ASKA) Inc, held its Annual General Meeting. The respective dojo instructors tabled their dojo reports followed by the Presidents and Treasurers reports. The National Executive positions were declared vacant, nominations from the floor were called and new elections were conducted. The following were nominated and elected to the National Executive Committee for 2017/2018:

▪ President: Des Paroz

▪ Vice President: Tony Fletcher

▪ Treasurer: Jim Griffin

▪ Secretary: Lesley Griffin

▪ Councillor: Max Estens

An early start on Saturday morning had members warming up for the start of the Koshinkai Fitness test as part of the requirement for Yudansha testing. As per previous years, everyone got on the bandwagon and joined in. After breakfast, the formal camp started with the official welcomes and bow in by our Chief Instructors, Kyoshi Jim Griffin and Kyoshi Max Estens.

The weekend’s activities covered the complete range of the Koshinkai kata syllabus incorporating everything from Naihanchin sho right up to Sochin. The kumite’s and Randori’s got their fair share of air time as did Gokyo no Kumite - Te Waza plus Kansetsu waza with Kyoshi Max.

Gorin no bo, Shishiryu no bo and kudaka no jo had a thorough work out and Kyoshi Jim demonstrated Ufuchiku no jo. As part of her Yondan grading, Sensei Leanne Sippel demonstrated the sword kata performing Gokyoku no ken.

During the whole weekend, all Yudansha promotion nominees demonstrated their required grading content, with all students also demonstrating after completing a training session.

The early evening moved into the official Yudansha grading and we are pleased to announce the following promotions:

▪ Leanne Sippel promoted to Yondan, 4th Degree Black Belt

▪ Clinton Andrews promoted to Nidan, 2nd Degree Black Belt

▪ Bill Bohan, promoted to Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt

▪ Tim Woods, promoted to Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt

▪ Jaimelee Milliner, promoted to Probationary Black Belt (Shodan Ho)

▪ James Quaglino promoted to Probationary Black Belt (Shodan Ho)

We also congratulate Tony Fletcher for being awarded the Honourable title of Renshi. Congratulations to Renshi Tony.

At the end of the camp, Renshi Graeme Bowdon announced that Eric Tabor from the Seiryukan Dojo won the “Spirit Award”. Congratulations Eric

This was an excellent camp where we reviewed basics and our syllabus to the 110% participation and enjoyment of those there. We also thank those Instructors who took or assisted in the lessons.

Well done to all and congratulations to everyone.

Student Profile - Bribie Island

Tasshi Tony Fletcher — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 09:27:52 +0000

As a follow on from our November entry about Eric Tabor from the Seiryukan Dojo at Bribie Island, we now see that Eric has become very news worthy, featuring in an article in the Bribie Island Newspaper. We are happy to include this article here and share in the journey of this remarkable young person.

Seiryukan Dojo Student Recognition

Tasshi Tony Fletcher — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:32:26 +0000

We are all so proud of Eric Tabor, a student at Kyoshi Jim Griffin's Seiryukan Dojo on Bribie Island. He has recently been awarded the Caltex Allrounder Award for excellence in many areas (see his certificate for information).

In addition, he earned a silver medal in his event in the Noosa Triathlon a few weeks ago.

Eric is dedicated to his Karate and will be ready for his grading to yellow belt soon.

Congratulations Eric, well done.

30th Annual Shorinjiryu Shinzen Invitational Shiai - New York

Tasshi Tony Fletcher — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 04:52:01 +0000

On the 5th Oct 2016, Kyoshi Jim Griffin and Tasshi Tony Fletcher boarded their Virgin Atlantic flight for their first leg to New York city, to attend the 30th Annual Shorinjiryu Shinzen Invitational Shiai. Arriving in Los Angeles that same day, they then caught a Delta Airlines flight to New York City, getting to the "Big Apple" after some 26 hours of flying, layovers and driving, to get to their hotel in Jersey City, New Jersey. After a quick meal in a good old fashion American Diner (the VIP), it was lights out, literally.

Thursday saw a short trip under the river on the subway to the World Trade Centre subway station in the newly built Westfield shopping centre in lower Manhatten. They returned to the hotel to prepare for a nights training at Hanshi Myron Lubitsch Imperial Dragon Hombu Dojo in Brooklyn. Sensei Joey Van Winkle picked them up for the 1 1/2hr drive where they trained for around 3 hours before joining Hanshi Myron, Kyoshi Troy, Kyoshi Vincent, Shihan Al Gonzalez and a host of other students from the Imperial Dragon dojo in a fantastic dinner.

All too soon, Saturday arrived for the start of the tournament. Hanshi Myron and his team excelled in preparing the hall for the 278 Shorinjiryu competitors that came from around the world to compete and celebrate 30 years of the Shinzen tournament. Before the tournament started, a range of promotions and presentations were made to various Karateka. During this time, Kyoshi Jim Griffin presented to Hanshi Myron Lubitsch on behalf of Koshinkai, a wooden plaque made by Shihan Lesley Griffin using her skills in the art of Pyrography.

Kyoshi Jim and Tasshi Tony both entered the tournament competing in Kata and Weapons. After a break of over 30 years from competition and a solid year of practicing his katas, Kyoshi Jim received the 2nd place trophy in kata and 1st place trophy in weapons. Tasshi Tony after a year of practicing his katas, took the 4th place trophy in kata and 2nd place trophy in weapons. Mentionable here is that in the weapons division, Tasshi Tony demonstrated his adaption of Shishiryu no Bo kata using the Eku (Oar). This is the first time the Eku has ever been performed at the Shinzen Shiai. A very respectable achievement for these two gentlemen representing Koshinkai at an international event.

The formal dinner on Saturday night followed where everyone enjoyed the camaraderie, sharing stories, cementing friendships and enjoying the great food. Presentations were made to a range of people during the night recognising their achievements that included Tasshi Tony being presented with an engraved gold cup to celebrate his promotion to Godan (5th Dan) which he did at the Koshinkai National Camp April this year. All in all, an excellent day and night to celebrate this great event in New York.

Sunday and Monday were all about sightseeing including Battery Park, the Stock Exchange on Wall Street, Manhatten, Hells Kitchen and of course a couple of Irish pubs in between where they enjoyed lunch on Monday with Kyoshi Troy. All too soon, it was time to leave and before they knew it, they were on the plane from Los Angeles back to Brisbane. An exciting, eventful and successful trip.

A special thank you goes out to Sensei Joey Van Winkle who selflessly and tirelessly, drove Kyoshi Jim and Tasshi Tony to and from Jersey City to the Hombu Dojo and the tournament. His support and friendship is much appreciated. Thank you Sensei Joey. In addition, a heartfelt thank you to Hanshi Myron for the fabulous dinner on Thursday night and to everyone else that came to the dinner, for their friendship. It makes such a difference when travelling that far from home to be made feel very welcome by our international Shorinjiryu family. To Shihan Lesley for her hard work in producing the wooden plaque and finally to Kyoshi Jim and Tasshi Tony for their time and effort to make this long trip.

2016 SHORINJIRYU KOSHINKAI NATIONAL TRAINING CAMP

Tasshi Tony Fletcher — Mon, 16 May 2016 11:34:02 +0000

Over the three days of 29th/30th April and 1st May 2016, dojo of Shornjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo gathered at the Coffs Harbour Adventure Centre Camp 2016 National Training Camp (Gasshuku 合宿)

Members from Seiryukan (Bribie Island), Kensuukan (Coonabarabran), Kengokan (Darwin), Chuzankan (Blue Mountains), Shishikan (Sth Brisbane), Kazoku (Murgon) and the Newcastle Dojo, travelled to a new venue in Coffs Harbour for our National training Camp. History shows that our camps have previously been held in Coffs Harbour, so it was with some nostalgic feelings that we have returned to this location after so many years.

Our camp kicked off on Friday with the senior members (Brown and Black belts) working through the Sankakutobi Sandan series led by Tasshi Tony under guidance by Kyoshi Jim, Shihan Max and Shihan Des. Following this, Kyoshi Jim took a session on Kusanku Dai while jointly, Shihan Max took a class on kata Chinto and Shihan Des took another group on kata Sochin. Rounding out the day, Kyoshi Jim and Shihan Max took lessons on Renzoku Kansetsu waza followed closely by Shian Des and Tasshi Dean taking us through Renzoku Shime waza.

After dinner on the Friday evening, the Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo Assoc (ASKA) Inc, held it's Annual General Meeting. Various topics were discussed including the tabling of the dojo reports from the respective instructors, plus the Presidents and Treasurers reports. The National Executive positions were declared vacant, nominations from the floor were called and new elections were conducted. The following were nominated and elected to the National Executive Committee for 2016/2017:

President: Des Paroz
Vice President: Tony Fletcher
Treasurer: Jim Griffin
Secretary: Lesley Griffin
Councillor: Max Estens

Saturday's early morning start saw members participate in the Koshinkai Fitness test as part of the requirement for Yudansha testing. It was great to see everyone, from Kyoshi Jim down to our new white belts band together, supporting each other as they went through the fitness test. After a healthy breakfast, the formal camp started with the official welcomes and bow in by our Chief Instructors, Kyoshi Jim Griffin and Shihan Max Estens.

The mornings activities commenced with Tasshi Dean and Sensei Leanne taking the group through Gorin no Bo. This was then followed by a Bunkai session of Gorin no Bo against Sword, Sai, Empty Hand and Bo. This was a very interesting workshop and produced some exciting demonstrations which each group performed to the entire camp.

Randori Go and Kata Nijushiho were next on the training schedule with Shihan Des and Shihan Max then taking the class through another bunkai session of Nijushiho with the Tanbo. Again, these workshops were very informative, interesting and exciting.

The afternoon training continued, broke for the evening meal and then moved into the Yudansha grading. We are pleased to announce the following promotions:

Tony Fletcher promoted to Godan, 5th Degree Black Belt
Travis Foss promoted to Sandan, 3rd Degree Black Belt
Jaren Foss promoted to Nidan, 2nd Degree Black Belt
Owen Brest promoted to Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt
Leisa Dunmore, promoted to Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt
Eugenie Martin promoted to Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt
Sam Dennien promoted to Probationary Black Belt (Shodan Ho)
Bill Bohan, promoted to Probationary Black Belt (Shodan Ho)
Teagan Divljak, promoted to Probationary Black Belt (Junior Shodan Ho)

Additionally, we also congratulate Shihan Max Estens for being awarded the Honourable title of Kyoshi. Congratulations Kyoshi Max.

After a 15 hour day, weary but excited and happy people made the trek to the showers and much needed rest.

Sunday saw another early start before breakfast with some members participating in the 5km walk as part of the fitness test while others attended an introductory session lead by Shihan Des on Goho no Tanbo. Following breakfast, the Goho no Tanbo lesson continued with Shihan Des working through the kata and technicalities of the movements.

Shihan Des introduced Hakkyokuken Bunkai and along with Kyoshi Jim and Kyoshi Max led the group through this workshop. Shihan Des then introduced kata Hakkyokuken to the delight of everyone. This was something new and exciting and we all threw ourselves into this culminating in demonstrations by all. Rounding off the days training saw yudansha kata being performed, revision and open floor activities before the official closing and bowing out.

Again we reiterate the focus, willingness to learn and the enjoyment of the Koshinkai Karateka, making this all worthwhile. The Instructors feed off the enthusiasm of the students completing the positive circle of training. Well done to all and congratulations to everyone.

Next years National Camp is already booked in for the 28th-30th April 2016 at the same venue in Coffs Harbour, so make sure you put this in your calendar, its’ too good to miss.

PS, photos will follow so please stay tuned

Jenny Pulsford - Personal Achievement

Tasshi Tony Fletcher — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 11:25:23 +0000

Jenny Pulsford, from Bribie's Sei Ryu Kan Dojo has done a great job of improving her fitness over the past months. Jenny has put in long painful hours in her kayak and recently competed in her first Kayak race at Coffs Harbour.

She earned 1st place in the 9 km "Young Vets Womens Unrestricted class" in a time of 1 hour 1 min.

Congratulations Jenny.

SHORINJIRYU KOSHINKAI BB TRAINING CAMP - QLD

Tasshi Tony Fletcher — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 13:21:44 +0000

Black and Brown belt members from the Qld Dojo of Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo attended the BB Training Clinic on Sat 29th Aug. Sensei Leanne with Sensei Anne plus Courtney and Teagan travelled from Murgon, Sensei Mark from Rocky and Tasshi Tony with Terry from Brisbane, joined Kyoshi Jim and Leisa on Bribie Island for the clinic. It was especially great that Shihan Des was able to fly down from Darwin where he has just settled after a fantastic world wide voyage aboard one of her majesties naval vessels.

The day kicked off with a detailed session on kata Nijushiho no Sai. Kyoshi Jim took one group while Shihan Des took the other group reviewing and discussing the technical aspects of the kata. Of course rivalries in our competitive nature came to the fore as the session finished with a “sai off” with each group demonstrating the kata to see who performed the best. Let’s say it was a draw.

After a quick break, Shihan Des introduced the first of many new self defence techniques derived from kata Bassai. These were new to the group having been developed by Shihan Des and were warmly received and added another positive element to the training.

Kyoshi Jim took the group for Ufuchiku no Jo being a nice change to the Kudaka no Jo kata we have been doing regularly. Shihan Des gave some technical pointers and also helped the group to gain some “air" on the turns in the kata. A really enjoyable Jo kata session.

More self defence techniques from Bassai followed with Shihan Des before we tackled Sai Bo Kumite which certainly made the brain cells work. The Sai Bo kumite is always a joy to do and seeing the smiles all round confirmed this as everyone definitely threw themselves into it, shining as they demonstrated at the end of the session.

Shishiryu no Bo then took centre stage as Kyoshi Jim and Shihan Des put everyone through their paces. Again the technical aspects were highlighted as the group strove to better themselves. Rounding off the day, Shihan Des went through more of the self defence techniques bringing more smiles to everyone and also gave Teagan and Courtney a chance to shine as they showed us a sample of their self defence technique to the group for this session.

All in all a great day of training covering a range of weapons, self defence applications and a sharing of knowledge. A shout out to our interstate Koshinkai family, we missed you but you were there in spirit. As always, a thank you to the Instructors, the people for travelling the big distances and, a special thank you to Shihan Des for flying down from Darwin after not only recently arriving back in Australia but also having just landed in Darwin only a few days ago.

Take care all and prepare for our National Camp in April 2016. It is going to be a big one.