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T H E O N LY M A G A Z I N E D E D I C A T E D T O A L L K A R A T E K A

TRADITIONAL

KARATE Vol. Vol. 21 21 No. No. 11 11 August 2008

THE KUGB

42 Years of Consistant Progress Visit the Traditional Karate magazine website at www.karatemag.co.uk

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The KUGB 42 Years of Consistant Progress Established in 1996, as a non profit making organisation the KUGB - (Karate Union of Great Britain) is a democratic body controlled by its membership and operates under an approved constitution.

It consists of over 400 clubs, all of which practice Shotokan Karate. It was established as a democratic and non-profit making organisation for the development of Shotokan Karate and is affiliated to European and World Shotokan Karate Bodies. It has clubs established in many Sports Centres, Universities and Schools around the United Kingdom.

It is by far the largest and most successful single-karate style association in Great Britain with currently almost 11,000 members who enjoy many benefits, including free instructors’ courses, free black and brown belt courses, free referees’ & judges’ courses, free squad courses, free travel and

accommodation for their international squads when competing.

The KUGB has worked with many establishment bodies over the years to develop standards and guidelines to help ensure that its instructors teach in a safe and professional manner. These include; A Karate syllabus for GCSE and A level in Physical Education approved by the AQA, Edexcel or OCR Examining Boards. A tailored First Aid approved by the Red Cross.

Approved Guidelines for its Instructors with the Open College Network - OCN. Approved Guidelines for Teaching Children with the Child Protection in Sport Unit.

Registered with the Criminal Records Bureau providing the facility for its members to be police-checked.

As many of you will know, karate is a reasonably inexpensive pursuit. The KUGB club fees are low compared to many other

112 TRADITIONAL KARATE WWW.KARATEMAG.CO.UK

sports and hobbies. The main equipment needed is a Karate suit and belt although all members also need to purchase an annual KUGB licence.

KUGB clubs are under the instruction of qualified Black Belts who are provided with the opportunity to attend numerous free training courses dealing with all aspects of Karate and other skills such as first-aid, club administration, instruction skills (for all levels and ages), nutrition, anatomy and flexibility. Standards are maintained by the KUGB Technical Committee whose members range from 6th to 7th Dan. The physical training required to reach a high level of skill in Karate promotes overall good health, fitness and wellbeing. The concentration, commitment and dedication required, help build a strong, confident and determined character. There is a ‘Dojo Kun’, or training code, which

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not only ensures a disciplined training environment, but serves as a tool for improving behaviour.

Training within the KUGB, like most karate schools/Dojo is structured into three main sections - Kihon (fundamental techniques), Kata (formal exercises) and Kumite (sparring). Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced as basic blocking and counter-attacking, but will progress to free-sparring which develops the timing, reflexes and co-ordination necessar y for self defence and competition.

Competition karate is an exciting and challenging sport. The KUGB has competed Internationally since 1968 and has achieved numerous World and European titles in both team and individual events.

There are club and Regional events for all ages and grades, with opportunities for selection to the KUGB English, Scottish, Welsh and British Squads. There are separate championships for children and for students who are in full-time education at Colleges and Universities.

KUGB students are entitled to take grading examinations after set periods of training. The gradings are conducted by Senior Examiners, and there is a grading syllabus for all levels.

There are 9 grades below Black Belt, known as Kyu grades with 9th Kyu, orange belt, being the lowest and 1st Kyu, brown and white, the highest.

There are 10 levels of Black belt or Dan grades within the KUGB syllabus, starting at 1st Dan. Students can achieve 1st Dan standard in 3 to 4 years, with regular training and instruction. It then takes a minimum of 2 more years to achieve 2nd Dan, 3 years to 3rd Dan etc - which means that all Technical Committee members - all 6th Dan and above - will have at least 25 years Karate experience.

Individuals may become members of the KUGB by joining a KUGB club and purchasing a KUGB licence. This licence gives the holder access to KUGB facilities and provides appropriate insurance cover.

Clubs may apply for affiliation of the KUGB by contacting the KUGB Administration Office.

Andy Sherry

The minimum grade for a regular KUGB Instructor is lst Dan. This is in order to maintain a high technical standard. In certain cases an exception can be made to this rule, on application to the Technical Committee, via the Affiliation Officer.

The KUGB has a National Administration Office which is divided for administrative purposes into five Regions, which are: England North England Central England South Scotland Wales Here are a few profiles of the people behind the last 42 years of the KUGB. Andy Sherry 1943 - (Karate) Andy Sherry was born near to Liverpool City Centre. While still at school, he became interested in Japanese martial arts and started to train at Judo. In 1956 he also took up Ju-Jitsu and it was while he

was studying this he first started to become interested in Karate.

Along with several others, he helped found the Liverpool Karate club under the auspices of the British Karate Federation.

He studied karate with T. Murakami, H. Mochizuki, and H. Kanazawa in the early ‘60s and received his Shodan in 1966, the first person in Great Britain to be awarded such a rank in Shotokan karate.

He was the KUGB’s first Kata champion in 1967, and the next year, 1968, he became the first grand Champion by winning both the Kata and Kumite events.

This was the start of a now legendary run of successes in National and International Championships. He first won the EAKF European Kumite title in 1968, and then went on to win other Individual European Championship titles and countless team events as a member of British and England teams.

In his competition Kumite, he was a fast and skilful fighter, noted for his stunningly fast Gyaku Tsuki, which he combined with

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Terry O’Neill

a very rapid Yori-Ashi (foot movement) to make him one of the most respected fighters on the International scene.

He was also a master of timing and tactics, skills that he now uses, along with Sensei Enoeda, to coach the KUGB international squad. Although recognised internationally as a fighter, it should not be forgotten that he dominated the Kata event in the first four KUGB National Championships, and that he achieved many successes in Kata in European and National Championships until his retirement from competition in 1977.

It was in 1966 that he, along with a small group of representatives from other UK Karate clubs, helped form the Karate Union of Great Britain.

Although very busy as a competitor and as an instructor, he immediately too an active part in the KUGB administration from its inception, and in 1973 he was elected as Chairman of the KUGB. He has had many firsts in his long Karate career - he was Britain’s first Shotokan Black Belt, the first 3rd Dan, the first qualified British Shotokan International Referee, and he now holds the highest rank ever awarded by the Japan Karate Association to a European - 7th Dan of the JKA.

His coaching and management of the KUGB National Squad reached its peak at Sunderland in 1990, when the KUGB British Team defeated Japan to win the World Shotokan Karate Championships. Since then, the KUGB has taken first, third and second place Team titles at the 1991, 1993, and 1995 WSKA championships respectively.

Quiet by nature, he is totally dedicated to Karate and the KUGB - he serves both with a passionate dedication that is an inspiration to others, and there can be no doubt that he will continue to dedicate himself to the KUGB to ensure that its remains the largest, most professional and one of the most respected Karate organisations in the World.

Terry O’Neill 1948 - (Karate) Terry O’Neill was born in Liverpool, the son of a Police Officer. From an early age he had always been fascinated by stories of people with great physical strength - the “super-heroes”, and this soon led to an interest in the martial arts.

He first started to train at Judo, but soon applied to join the Liverpool Karate Club, and like many of his contemporaries, he had to be less truthful about his age to get into the club.

His first teacher was Andy Sherry, with occasional visits by Murakami Sensei, Vernon Bell, and Terry Wingrove and later, Kanazawa Sensei.

His first job was working as a security man at various venues where such starts as the Rolling Stones and the Walker Brothers were performing. He then worked at the Cavern Club and continued to be employed in security work for the next 17 years.

His introduction to Kumite was in the 1967 KUGB National Championships, where, he says, he was soundly beaten in the Individual event due to inexperience.

This state of affairs didn’t last long, as he won the KUGB National Championships Individual Kumite Kata title in 1972, 73, 74, 75, 77, and 1978. He was three times the KUGB Grand Champion and from 1967 to 1981, he was a member of the Red Triangle Team who was KUGB National Team Champions on no less than 13 occasions.

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A member of the KUGB International Squad from 1968 till 1982, he was also a member of the highly successful British AllStyles Squad who defeated Japan to win the 1975 World Championships held in Los Angeles, USA. It is not generally known that he was joint third in the 1974 World Championships that were held in Japan.

At his fighting peak in the early ‘70s, he was recognised as one of the World’s most fearsome competitors. A master of innovation and tactical surprise, he had a dynamic and flamboyant fighting style that few could beat.

He always considered himself as a kicking specialist, but many opponents have fallen prey to his exceptionally fast Uraken/Empi combination and he outpunched Danny Bryceland to win the 1969 KUGB Individual Championships.

Whenever he fought, the audience followed his every move, expecting the unexpected. Few were ever disappointed - for example - the unique rolling Kakato Geri that he used to defeat Steve Cattle in the 1977 KUGB finals was one of the most spectacular and innovative techniques ever witnessed at a championship.

Tragically, his run as a competition fighter came to an abrupt end in 1982, when he seriously damaged the ligaments of his knee in an International match against Italy.

In 1972, he founded the premier UK Martial Arts magazine “Fighting Arts International”, which has a worldwide reputation as one of the few really serious and influential magazines on the subject.

Another aspect of his life is his work with international film star Arnold Swarzenegger, having appeared in several of his films. He is currently much in demand as an actor with recent appearances in “Civvies”, “Comics”, and “The Governor.” He has also acted as martial arts consultant on many other films.

A senior member of the KUGB, he is also an International Referee and a KUGB Grading Examiner. He has been a member of the KUGB since its inception, and he says, “that it is one of the great organisations”, and he hopes that it will continue to develop along the same lines as it

Kirkby Shotokan Karate Club Kirkby karate club is located in Kirkby Liverpool.

The club was founded in 1972 by Sensei Bill Christall. Sensei Christall originally trained at the famous red triangle under Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Sherry.

The club is still going strong after 36 years and is now under the instruction of Sensei George Morrison. The club has produced Regional, National and European Champions and currently has several junior England squad members.

The Club Trains at Kirkby Leisure Centre, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby Mondays and Thursdays 6pm till 8pm.

For more information contact George 07976842887 or Email beckylaura@hotmail.co.uk KSK001/01 114 TRADITIONAL KARATE WWW.KARATEMAG.CO.UK

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Bob Poynton

has grown and developed over the last 30 years.

Bob Poynton 1949 - (Karate) Bob Poynton was born at Walton in the City of Liverpool. He attended the De La Salle Grammar School and on leaving school, his first job was as a civil servant with the Customs and Excise.

He saw “Odd Job” (Harold Sakata) in the James Bond film GoldFinger, and decided that he wanted to take up karate.

In 1965 at the age of 15, he applied to the Liverpool Karate Club for membership. He had to “fib” about his age, as the minimum age for joining was 16. The day he started at the club, Sensei Kanazawa was teaching, so he had his first Karate lesson with a Japanese 5th Dan, ex-champion of Japan.

In 1968 he gained his 1st Dan and left the Customs and Excise to become a fulltime assistant instructor to Andy Sherry.

He has many amusing anecdotes from those early days when they used to tour the country to teach karate. Clubs could only afford to pay a fee or travel expenses - not both so they used to hitchhike to the teaching venue. It once took them 23 hours to travel from Liverpool to Plymouth.

He was first selected for the KUGB squad in 1968 to compete in the IAKF European Championships in Austria. He was so excited about being selected that he left without his Gi. In those days it was not possible to walk into a sports shop and buy a Gi, so he had to fight in his first championships in a borrowed karate suit.

In the 18 years between 1968 and 1985, he represented England and Great Britain as a member of both the KUGB and All-Styles teams, achieving countless victories in National and International events. In 1976 he was the KUGB National Individual Kumite Champion, and the Shotokan Cup Grand Champion on three consecutive years.

Known as a specialist in Keri Waza (Kicking Techniques), he is renowned for his exceptionally fast Mae-Kizami Geri (Front Cutting Kick). The speed of his kick was so great that his shinbone broke on impact against his opponents arm while competing in the 1974 European Championships and he again broke it in the same place at the KUGB National Championships the following year. During the period of convalescence from the injuries, he started to take an active part in the administration of the KUGB. He was appointed Affiliations Officer in 1974, a position he has held ever since.

He was responsible for the implementation of the very successful KUGB Charity Appeals, which have raised considerable sums of money.

Totally committed to the development and welfare of the KUGB, he says that he will strive, as Affiliation and Notional Administration Officer, to maintain good communication between the Executive and the membership, so that the members are informed of, and understand, the decisions reached on their behalf.

His ambition is simply to see the KUGB maintain its position as one of the most professional karate organisations in the world.

Billy Higgins 1945 - (Karate) Billy Higgins was born in Bootle, Liverpool.

Taking a keen interest in sport from an early age, he took up boxing, gymnastics, and football while still at school. In 1965

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Kanzen Karate Academy is a centre of sporting excellence with students entering local, national and international competition with the KUGB.

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he started to study Wado Ryu Karate and he very quickly established himself as a fast and skillful fighter.

He was selected for the BKCC All Styles Squad and during training, he rapidly realised the high technical standard of the KUGB members of the squad. As he was having difficulty travelling to his Wado club, he decided to join the KUGB in 1970.

He has had a long and distinguished competition career, with many national and international titles to his credit. These include Individual 2nd in the WUKO All Styles World Championship in Paris 1975 and 1976 European All Styles Champion.

He was captain of the highly successful 1975 British All Styles team that defeated the Japanese team to win the World Championships in Los Angeles. He was also a member of the very successful KUGB Senior International Team that won the Championships of Europe no less than five times!

He was coach and manager of the EKB squad and was squad coach for the KUGB Scottish and Southern Regions. He is a KUGB Grading Examiner and a qualified International Referee.

He is renowned for his fast and effective fighting style, particularly his lightning-

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In 1967 at the age of 20, he discovered a club at Armley called the Leeds Shotokan Karate Club. On visiting, he immediately realised that the standard of karate was much higher, and he became a member. His first teacher at the club was KUGB International Team member Ron Wade.

Bob made rapid progress at the club and was soon fighting as a member of the Leeds team at local, regional, and national championships. He was also a member of the victorious British All-Styles Squad, which beat Japan to win the 1975-77 World Championships in Los Angeles.

In 1971, he was first selected as a KUGB Grading Examiner and in 1974; he became a full-time instructor of the KUGB. He is also a member of the KUGB Technical Committee, and is also a qualified international referee.

He is noted for his hard dynamic fighting style, and he was strongly influenced

by Sensei Enoeda, as can be evidenced fast Ashi-Barai/Gyaku-Tsuki combination from his specialisation of Kuzushi-Waza, that devastated his opponents and won that is, the application of foot-sweeps, him many events. Also noted for his trips, and throws to defeat an opponent. dynamic Tai Sabaki, he is a popular He is also noted for his creative appliteacher and examiner, always in demand cations to Shotokan Kata. A staunch and around the KUGB clubs. supportive member of the KUGB, he says Since joining the KUGB, he has been a he will continue to work for the future dedicated and active member of the development of the organisation. organisation, particularly in the field of coaching. He intends to continue to be Frank Brennan 1960 - (Karate) involved in making sure that the KUGB Frank Brennan was born in the City of maintains its Strength and technical ability Liverpool. He was always sport-oriented, in the future. and he took up Gymnastics while at school. At the age of 12 he tried to join the Bob Rhodes 1946 - (Karate) Red Triangle Karate club, but he was told Bob Rhodes was born in Middleton, Leeds. to go and join the Judo club for a year, as He was educated at Harehills School, he was too young. This was particularly Leeds and he quotes his early interests a galling, as his brother was accepted for the “Sports in general, swimming, cricket, and club, but it made him all the more deterfootball in particular”. mined to gain membership. In 1973, he He intended to join the Merchant Navy was successful and started to train at the as a draughtsman, but his paper was club under the tuition of Andy Sherry. delayed and by the time they arrived, he His introduction to Karate competition had changed his mind. was in 1974, when he competed in the In his ‘teens he heard about a karate KUGB Northern Regional Championships. club in Leeds town centre, which he He entered the Junior Kata event, which he promptly joined. He picked up karate won. He was a 4th Kyu at the time, and it quickly, and it was not long before he was indicative of things to come that he realised that the standard of tuition left a won the first competition he ever entered. lot to be desired.

His introduction to Kumite Shiai was even

Bob Rhodes

Chingford Tora Shotokan Karate Club KUGB We are a family run karate club based in London & Essex and have been members of the KUGB for twenty years. We have a pool of instructors consisting of 2nd, 3rd & 4th dans, and have members of all ages and abilities from beginners to 4th dan, including several England squad members and family groups. Our sessions are: Mondays at St John’s school,Turpins Lane,Woodford Bridge, Essex 1G8 8AX from 7.00 pm & Wednesdays at Chase Lane school, York Road, London IA 8LA from 7.30 pm.

For more information check out our website: www.chingfordtora.co.uk Ring Barbara on 07949228401 or email chingfordtora@hotmail.co.uk IVE001/01

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Frank Brennan

more dramatic. In 1975, while fighting for the Red Triangle team, Bob Poynton broke his leg in one of the matches. The team has no reserves, so the young brown belt, who had only entered the Kata event, was suddenly in the final of the Team Kumite event against Leeds. He fought one of Leeds’ most experienced fighters, Andy Harris, and decisively beet him with a fast Mawashi Geri combination to held Red Triangle win yet again.

His first international appearance was with the KUGB Squad in the European Championships in Sweden in 1978, where he came 2nd in the Senior Kata event. The next year, in Belgium, he won the Grand Championship of Europe, taking both Kumite and Kata events, a feat that he has achieved no less that four times.

As a fighter, he is rather unique, in that he has no particular speciality - he is equally at home using hands or feet, and quite often surprises his opponents with very dynamic combinations of some of the more unusual hand or foot techniques. As a senior member of the KUGB International Squad, the most recent highlight of his career was leading his team to victory in the 1990 World Shotokan Championships in Sunderland. He is held in great respect

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Calling ALL

SHOTOKAN Practitioners/followers HISTORY IN THE MAKING

To mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the first karate organisation in Great Britain COMBAT is proud to announce the reprinting of Dr. Clive Layton’s classic work, SHOTOKAN DAWN. SHOTOKAN DAWN charts how Vernon Bell introduced karate to Great Britain in 1957, with the founding of the British Karate Federation, through training with the infamous Tetsuji Murakami and the arrival of JKA Shotokan instructors, to the formation of the KUGB nine years later. SHOTOKAN DAWN comes in two, high quality paperback volumes and contains 225 historical photographs. The text is astonishingly detailed with many good stories. is also delighted to announce the publication of two BRAND NEW titles by Dr Clive Layton

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SHOTOKAN HORIZON In a series of interviews shortly before his death, Vernon Bell, the founder of the British karate movement, described, in some detail, what he taught his earliest students, before his encounter with Master Tetsuji Murakami, in Paris, in August 1958. Shotokan Horizon, therefore, is concerned with the karate that Bell learned from Henri Plee and Hiroo Mochizuki, whilst under the auspices of the Yoseikan dojo, in Japan. The book thus concentrates on the period 1956-1958 and makes for a truly fascinating read.

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internationally - in an interview at the World Championships, the Japanese team coach, Ex-World Champion Masahiko Tanaka said that the one man that the whole Japanese Team were specifically trained to beat was Frank Brennan.

Steve Cattle (Karate) 1947 - 1995 Steve Cattle started martial arts at the age of 12 in York, with Judo in February 1960, after 10 years he had gained 2nd Dan. Later in 1962 he also began training in Karate under the tutelage of Gordon Thompson, at the first karate club in York. He was awarded his Shodan (1st Dan) by Sensei Enoeda five years later. Steve went on to become a member of the British team in 1966 until he stopped competing in 1989. Sensei Kase awarded Steve his 6th Dan in 1994.

Steve Cattle died suddenly in 1995 but his legacy continues with the association he founded, The English Shotokan Academy. The senior ESA instructors all trained with Steve and his advanced teaching methods are still being used and passed on today, together with those of his teacher Sensei Kasé.

Steve was a very well known and highly respected Karate-ka and as a former British Champion and member of the British Team for almost 25 years, winning many major titles, he was renowned for his phenomenal speed and superb fighting spirit. However, it was his in-depth study of Shotokan Karate’s kata that made him a bunkai (kata application) expert. As Steve put it, the movements in kata are the “heart and soul” of Karate, something which the ESA puts great emphasis on.

Derek Langham (Karate) Sensei Derek Langham was born in Nottinghamshire where he has lived for most of his life, married and raised a family.

After leaving Grammar school at the age of 16, he began employment in the electrical industry for some years until he decided to leave his position as Regional Sales Manager and in 1983 become the KUGB Administration and Finance Officer.

Derek became interested in karate during 1965 and as a founder member of the Nottingham Karate Club, which was affili-

ated to the British Karate Federation, trained at their first dojo, aptly named ‘The Oddfellows Hall’.

Nottingham SKC joined the KUGB on its formation (one year later) and over the following years, Derek received instruction from Sensei Enoeda, Kanazawa and Asano, achieving his Shodan in 1968.

Since then he has been fully involved with the KUGB as a senior instructor, Grading Examiner, International Referee, he serves on KUGB and international Executive & Technical committees.

Charles Naylor 1933 - (Karate) Charles Naylor was born in Hubli, South West India. He began his education in India, and left school at the age of 14 to work for a while as a cabin boy.

He came to England in 1948, at the age of 15, where he began an apprenticeship at the BICC Company in Liverpool and attended night school, gaining a HNC in electrical engineering. It was there that he first took an interest in karate, after a colleague brought in a copy of the Nishiyama and Brown book, ‘Karate the Art of Empty hand Fighting”.

Being a keen sportsman, he decided to give it a go, and began to make enquiries via the CCPR (the body which pre-dated the Sports Council) About this time, a group of youngsters from a Liverpool Ju Jitsu club (amongst them a brown belt called Andy Sherry), were making similar enquiries, and they and a group from the BICC met at a pub in the centre of Liverpool to discuss the formation of a Karate club.

A friend had attended a karate course under a Mr Vernon Bell at Chigwell in Essex, and he became the first ‘instructor’ at a class held at the David Lewis Theatre, in Liverpool city centre. Sensei Naylor obviously gave it a good go, as he gained his black belt in 1966, one of the first in this country to do so.

Little did he realise the level of involvement at which he and his family would finally find themselves. Dot Naylor, his wife took up karate shortly after him, and is still a practicing 3rd Dan; his daughter Jane gained 3rd Dan and has represented

Charles Naylor

Great Britain for many years as a competitor, whilst his son Mark is a 1st Dan. All of the Naylor’s are long-standing members, and between them have approximately 90 years KUGB membership and practice, surely an unbeatable record!

As well as teaching Karate as a profession, Sensei Naylor is a trustee of the KUGB and it’s Vice-Chairman, and is highly regarded in International circles for his negotiating skills and his understanding of the complexities of Karate politics. He is also a Senior International Referee.

In spite of all these achievements, his greatest pride has been in seeing his wife and his children gain their black belts, and Jane gaining selection to the International squad. Moments he will always savour are watching Frank Brennan beat World Champion Mori in Bremen, and in the re emergence of ESKA in Sunderland, especially as the England team won, and last, but not least, watching the ‘boys’ beat Japan at the World Championships in 1990.

Further information can be obtained from the Regional Officers or the National Administrative Officer.

For more information visit www.kugb.org

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Heolddu Leisure Centre, South Wales Training Times Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm – 9pm For Further Information contact: Kevin O’ Neill 4th Dan Chief Instructor/Welsh Coach on 01685 389528 Over the past two decades we have produced many notable karateka, including: Alyn Weyman 6 times Welsh Champion, British Finalist, Welsh Int’ Matthew Hook British Finalist, Welsh Finalist, Welsh International Andrew Phillips Welsh Finalist, British Seed, Welsh International Jon Cook British Champion, Welsh Champion, European Individual Finalist Kai Stroud British Finalist, Welsh Finalist, European Finalist Calum O’ Neill British Champion, WelshFinalist, European Finalist Kevin O’ Neill Senior British and European finalist, five times British Team finalist, Numerous Welsh Team and Individuals titles.

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Tools of The Trade

By Albie O’connor Shime Waza

Choking Techniques Pt.3

Defences and escapes

Cautionary note: - Please take care should you practise the techniques in this article as injury may occur through missuse. This article is aimed at serious and responsible martial artists. Any defence you use must be with reasonable force and be reasonable to the circumstances.

your arm (Photo 7). The remaining arm can now be barred (Photo 8) to drive the opponent to the floor (Photo 9). You can now use your elbow (Empi) to restrain or strike your opponent (Photo 10).

Thanks for Dean Boswell & Martin Wallis for their assistance.

For further information on karate, Kobudo or seminars please contact: - SKK/IOKA, 33. St. James Avenue West, Stanford le Hope, Essex SS17 7BB. Phone 01375 640609 Email kobudo@blueyonder.co.uk Website www.sessenryukarate.co.uk Photo 6

The following techniques are practised by having your partner on their knees. This method is safer as you will feel your partner drop should they pass out. All students should have been instructed and acknowledge that they understand the practise of “tap-out”. Should you feel any discomfort you should immediately tap your partner who should then ease the pressure of the choke, strangle, joint-lock or pressure point.

The following applying of the demonstrated chokes have been published in part 1.

As your opponent applies their attack (Photo 6), seize the groin to enable the opponent to release one hand to grab Photo 7

Photo 8

Photo 9

Photo 10

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The Way Of Sanchin Kata

By Kris Wilder

Part 10 - Iron Shirt

T

his is the tenth of several articles investigating Sanchin Kata, its origin and application to traditional karate.

This material consists of excerpts of various sections from the book The Way of Sanchin Kata: The Application of Power by Kris Wilder. The goal of these articles is to illustrate some of the methods of training Sanchin Kata and making the knowledge of the past masters relevant and meaningful for modern karateka.

The Iron Shirt Ki is a combination of intent and energy. Envisioning Ki energy surrounding particular parts of the body can be very helpful in Sanchin Kata to concentrate power and create a protection of the internal organs. Pressure needs to exert from the abdomen at all times during the kata. Rather than focusing just on the belly (the front) one needs to be mindful of exerting pressure on all sides, the left, right and rear. Approximately one hand width below the belly button is the location of the hara, the Japanese term for what is considered to be the location of an individual’s being Once expanded, the hara is then set in place with a mental “dropping of the barrel” (that is, envisioning a barrel at the location of the hara and then mentally dropping it instantaneously to a point well below the dojo floor) to anchor or fixate the lower abdomen.

At this point the abdomen should physically have dropped as well.

Once the lower abdomen has been set, that is to say the barrel has been dropped, the breath lowered and the skeletal architecture put into place, an “Iron Shirt” can be envisioned to cover the entire

torso. An energetic shield of sorts, the Iron Shirt is locked down and fixated in place, covering the entire area in a state of expansive tension., Take a deep breath in and expand the hara (lower abdomen) and hold that position Once expanded, the lower abdomen does not retract. Now, while breathing it may look like the abdomen is moving in and out but the lower abdomen, around the belt knot, does not move. Hold the hara as if it were an inflated tire. This expansive tension keeps the focus on the lower part of the body and keeps it strong. The sensation one should attempt to achieve is that of an industrial tire filled to its proper level of air. As a modern truck tire is composed of bands of steel cables, treated rubber, fiberglass and other products, the body has a complex layering of materials that offer a combination of strength, flexibility and protection. As you move through the body from front to back at the ribs you move through the Epidermis, the outer layer of skin; the Dermis, the layer that contains the sweat glands; and the Hypodermis, holding fat and blood vessels. As you move to the muscles and bone you find thicker and stronger elements. A tire inflated and run within its boundaries will perform without concern by the driver for some fifty thousand miles. The tire will absorb and rebound from bumps, rocks, and curbs. Your outer body is constructed with similar intent; it is your responsibility to inflate and operate the body correctly.

The Iron Shirt is based, in part, on intent. The intent is to not allow a strike to penetrate the body. There is an architectural, mental and spiritual aspect. The architectural aspect of the Iron Shirt has been established earlier. The architecture is critical, ranging from the feet up through the legs and radiating throughout the body. Once the architecture is in place the intent can manifest. Simply saying, “I will block the strike from entering my body.” does not work by itself. The Iron Shirt provides the necessary architecture on which to launch the intent. Mechanically, the abdomen must be crunched together in a manner similar to the stacking of poker chips.

Imagine taking a stack of poker chips in your hand and holding the stack over the table, maybe only a poker chip’s width from the table top. Now drop each chip rapidly, one by one, on top of one another. Click, click, and click they go in order, falling a short distance

Hand held against body at navel indicating the hara Mentally circling the waist at this level, ...one then expands with the breath the belly, the sides of the abdomen and the kidney area.

Hand held wide to indicate width and rap of natural belly prior to expansion of abdomen

Hand held wide to indicate width and rap around of expanded abdomen

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Poker Chips stacked well demonstrating good order and architecture

and quickly coming to rest on the one below. This is the way the torso needs to order itself. To be structurally sound for Sanchin Kata, the torso must fall into place in a specific order. If one were to grab a stack of poker chips between thumb and forefinger and pinch, uneven pressure would be created. Eventually, with enough pressure the middle chips would shoot out the backside of the stack. Again, the stack of chips is analogous to your torso and crunching down the front of your body is equivalent to the pinching of the poker chip stack. By creating an unequal pressure on the front side of the spine, you are forced to hunch unduly, making your body’s architecture imbalanced and weak.

About the author Kris Wilder started practicing the martial arts at the age of fifteen.

Over the years, he has earned black belt rankings in three styles,

Poker Chips stacked poorly and showing fragile architecture

Goju-Ryu karate, Tae Kwon Do and Judo, in which he has competed in senior national and international tournaments.

He has had the opportunity to train under skilled instructors, including Olympic athletes, state champions, national champions, and gifted martial artists who take their lineage directly from the founders of their systems. Kris has trained and taught across the United States, in France, Canada and Okinawa. He is the author of “Lessons from the Dojo Floor.” (Xlibris 2003), co-author of the “The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide to Deciphering Martial Application,” (YMAA 2005) and author of “Way of Sanchin Kata: The Application of Power.” (YMAA 2007). “The Way to Black Belt: A Comprehensive Guide to Rock Solid Results” (YMAA 2007), coauthored with Lawrence Kane, is scheduled for a November 2007 release. He can be reached at: Kwilder@quidnunc.net

NET001/04

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Making a Difference Traditional Karate interviews Peter Spanton Karatedo translates as ‘Way of the Empty Hand’ and for most people, that translation is dismissed as some sort of Eastern philosophical double-talk meaning little or nothing in the modern Western world. Yet in some cases, we can see ‘The Way’ in a practical and completely understandable sense. Peter Spanton is one of those cases. From an early point, karatedo became Peter’s life, imposing a set of values to apply both to himself and to others. It gave his life a direction - a Way - and through strictly following that Way without compromise, Peter is viewed by many very senior karateka at home and abroad as a true master.

What year did you begin karate?

I began training in Februar y 1965 at what later became the Honbu dojo, in South London. As I recall, I read something about karate in a newspaper and was intrigued. I thought, “I’d love to learn that because it would enable me to get fit, while learning something different.” I’d never been interested in any sport, but

this ‘karate’ took my fancy. I hated football and the like (and still do!), and was open to non-mainline activities - such as this ‘karate’ seemed to be. I rang the British Judo Association and they gave me Len Palmer’s number. Len was the Secretar y of the AllBritain Karatedo Association. I rang Len, and the rest is history!

What were you expecting would come from karate?

I had no idea at the time and would never have dreamt it would take over almost my entire life! I remember travelling everywhere and anywhere, just to be able to train! Certainly for the first 2 or 3 years I had little private life because every bit of my spare time was spent training.

What did you wear on your first night of training?

I wore a track-suit on the first night but once I saw what a karategi actually looked like, I had my Mum make me one. She was a dressmaker at the time.

What other now world-famous karateka joined you in those early days at the Clapham dojo?

Ticky Donovan joined about 6 months after me and we got on well. After all, we were and still are, East end lads, so an affinity was naturally there. We trained together regularly and travelled back and forth in Ticky’s car - because I didn’t have a car at that time.

How did you rate your Japanese teachers during those early days?

At the time I thought they were incredible! I never thought the human body was capable of such amazing speed and movement.

Rumour has it that Hisaomi Fujii - the All-Japan Champion was brought over to teach you manners after you’d smacked around a few of your senseis during ji yu kumite.

I have no idea where that rumour came from - or whether it is even true! While I certainly never showed disrespect to my senseis - it is true that I refused to be a doormat or a makiwara for anybody - Japanese or not! I always thought that the Japanese warrior code rejected cowardice and the Budo spirit was very important to them. So I was determined to show them I had plenty of Budo spirit. I only knew one way to fight - and that was in the true spirit of Budo. By fighting in that way I believed I was showing them respect.

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Mr. Fujii evidently held the same views I did because he broke three of my ribs with a beautiful gyakazuki after we’d been hard at it. I remember I was more impressed with the technique than the pain it caused! His timing with the punch was right - but it couldn’t have been worse for my competition career - it happened just before the British Championships at Wembley! That meant I didn’t get to fight on Sensei Suzuki’s honbu team. So if the injury was intentional (and I don’t think it was), then Mr. Fujii’s timing was less than perfect!

But you did manage to get some competition in, yes?

Not all that much, really. I was actually in competition for only a short time because I lost interest just after getting my dan grade. I did however take part part in the first and second British championships at Crystal Palace back in 1965/66, the first European event in Paris in 1966 and a couple of international friendly events.

I managed a 3rd place at the first British event after storming through the eliminations. Then I collected a disqualification for decking Scotland’s Danny Bryceland with an uraken in the semifinals! I was doing great in the next British event until I came up against the late Shotokan star Eddie Whitcher. With no scores awarded, Eddie threw a maegeri that missed me totally. However, the Shotokan referee, K. Enoeda, took a different view and scored it. My interest in competition declined from that precise moment.

I did marginally better in the 1966 Europeans in Paris, when I defeated Dominique Valera, the French champion. With only 10 or so seconds to go, Valera steamed in, aiming to take me out. I pulled a maegeri out of the bag and stopped him in his tracks, giving me the match! Unfortunately I’d fractured my wrist during an earlier exchange with him and couldn’t continue, so had to be content with a third place. I was really disappointed because I knew I could have won!

I stopped French star Guy Sauvin in the 2nd Europeans held at Crystal Palace but this time I broke my foot and had to be wheel-chaired out of the arena. Patrick Baroux went on to win and it was then that I decided to give up competition while I still had some intact bones left!

I still wanted to be involved in and contribute to competition so I turned to officiating, hoping to do a better job than some of the referees I’d seen in action!

How successful were you as a kumite referee and kata judge?

I was elected Chief Referee for England and I became more and more enthusiastic about the way good referees and judges could improve competition - so I kept on learning and practising. I wanted to play a part in international competition so I qualified first as a European Kumite Referee and Kata Judge followed a year or so later with WUKO Kumite and Kata qualifications.

A couple of years down the road, I suddenly came to realise that I was attaching more importance to a blazer and shirt than to a karategi. That was when I dropped out of officiating, hung up my flag and whistle and returned to what I loved most - karate training. I don’t think I’ve ever refereed a match since, though from time to time I have judged kata at Higashi events.

Peter as a european judge dan grade running my own club, I wasn’t allowed to grade my own students to 8th kyu yet as just a green belt in the honbu dojo, I was expected to take beginners for their first session (when all I wanted to do was train)!

After the split, I was a senior grade in the ABKA and had to manage as best I could. I went and got instruction whenever and wherever I could and did my best for more junior students.

Do you believe in the concept of loyalty to one’s sensei?

I firmly believe in loyalty to your sensei while you still believe in them, but I guess I became disillusioned.

Every student who attends one of my courses is demonstrating their support and loyalty to me and Higashi, and they naturally both expect and receive the same loyalty from me. Loyalty is a two-way street!

Do you have a problem with teaching karate for money?

I believe that it is possible to combine the teaching of good karate with making a good living, as long as you give your students value for money! The primary object of teaching karate must always be to teach good karate and produce good karateka and if in the process, you make a lot of money - then good for you! But I have little time for people who teach karate simply to make money and no time at all for the cowboys who in addition to doing that, also teach dangerous rubbish!

What have you learned in the 43 years you’ve been practising?

Training in Belfast

How did you feel when the Japanese instructors left the then All-Britain Karate-do Association to form the then United Kingdom Karate-do Federation?

I think it’s distasteful to dredge up the past in a negative way! The fact is that the officers of the ABKA decided to sever relations with the Japanese instructors, and we as members just went along with that decision.

However, I wasn’t totally sure that I was doing the right thing in staying with the ABKA though I believed that I was being held back. I also suspected that money was becoming an issue rather than our advancement as karateka. I remember that even as a WWW.KARATEMAG.CO.UK TRADITIONAL KARATE 125

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I’ve learned a great deal about myself and others. I know karate has shaped my character (for the better I hope!). I couldn’t imagine how things might have been had I not taken up karate! About people, I’ve learned that while most are friendly and trustworthy, it pays not to be too naive. I’ve seen and experienced back-stabbing, but I try not to be cynical. The friends I now have are real friends and true karateka.

What do you regard as some of the high spots of your 43 years in karate?

Getting my black belt of course! I graded in front of Tatsuo Suzuki during December 1966. This came as a complete surprise because I was supposed to be taking my 1st kyu! I believe I was the only person graded at that time (though I’m not totally sure).

Other high spots include seeing Higashi squad members return from competitions with medals. Our members have won golds at World, European and National levels.

I’m much older now, and a high spot for me personally occurs every time I see a full class enjoying my training, or when one of my own club students grades to black belt. That gets me on a real high!

Even now - 43 years on - I still get quite a buzz every time I walk into the dojo. And I learn something new every single time I put on my karategi and take a class - whether from the students or through a new insight gained as an instructor.

If you are passionate about karate, then there are few low spots!

If you could start over, knowing what you know now, what changes would you make to yourself and to Higashi?

None I think! Whatever I have done or not done over the years, including the mistakes I have made, have all played their part in shaping me into what I am today. I don’t want to change! I’m

content with my life, for better or worse. I regard mistakes as a part of the learning curve - to be experienced in order to evolve, as a student, a sensei, and as a human being. Higashi and I have changed and evolved together and we have reached a stage now where we have a contented and devoted membership. That makes me very happy!

Who will become Chief Instructor(s) of Higashi when you withdraw from training? Will you keep an eye on standards by attending gradings and events?

I have somebody in mind to take the reins when I finally retire.

The person in mind is dedicated to karate and to Higashi, and rigorously follows their codes - not mine - though these are one and the same. I know the new Chief Instructor will follow the guidelines but having said that, I believe we need to evolve individually - and he will have the freedom to do so.

As for me - I’d like to stay on - perhaps as a Technical Advisor. It would be unthinkable for me to totally sever myself from karate and from Higashi! Most certainly I’d want to sit on all dan grading panels.

Why do people take up karate and equally importantly, why do so many of them give up?

That would have been an easy question to answer during the Bruce Lee era! But things have changed so much since then.

Seventy percent of my club is comprised of the over-40s and I even have a couple in their sixties training! I actually have very few juniors and this, of course, is the complete opposite of what you find in most clubs, where the majority of students are juniors.

I think the area where my club is located and the late session times play a part in my lack of junior students. Other Higashi clubs are in line with the more general trend and have a large junior membership.

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But to answer your question, I think the reasons new members join karate clubs vary according to the availability of martial art clubs in their area, and what sort of competition karate faces from other recreational activities that are available.

As for those who give up - sometimes I just cannot understand it! Juniors often pack up when they reach puberty and the hormones take over. Maybe for them it was fun to do when they were kids - but now they aren’t kids anymore, it’s time to move on up.

It’s similar with seniors. Maybe they subconsciously set a target to aim for - a belt colour - and once they reach that, then it’s on to something else. I’ve known so many who packed up after getting their black belt. It’s as though they thought they’d come to the end of the line. What they clearly didn’t realise is that first dan is just the start of the journey!

The ones who really frustrate me are the born naturals who take to karate like a duck to water, yet lose interest after a while. Perhaps they find karate too easy and therefore not enough of a challenge!

How important is competition to karate’s appeal? Can karate offer an effective form of self-defence?

I think competition is important, especially to younger karateka who are generally competitive by nature. Karate competition is one of the most skillful and least injurious forms of martial art competition that I know because it does not involve full-contact and it is usually very tightly controlled. Courtesy and sportsmanship are important requirements, though it’s a sad fact that from time to time these virtues seem to be missing! Plus you don’t have to train hard to be an elite competitor just to enjoy inter-club sparring.

Kata competition provides an even safer, classical way of competing in karate. Many competitors begin with kumite and move to kata as they grow older. My own personal priority and interest now is in kata - and not just from a competition point of view.

I think karate can be used as an efficient form of self-defence when the student has mastered effective techniques and can deliver them strongly and accurately on a shifting target. But you need to absorb the techniques so you don’t have to consciously think about them. They should flow naturally and without conscious thought because self-defence involves a fast, effective, appropriate and above all - a natural response. However, I teach karate in the classical way that does not focus on the application of technique and fighting skills to the street. But having said that, I have, over the past couple of years or so, raised Higashi’s practice of kata bunkai to a more realistic self-defence level.

Name a few of the karateka that you hold in high regard.

Obviously I hold in high regard those Higashi members I know on a personal level, Outside of HKK I can think of a few - a prime example being Ticky Donovan, my old friend and fellow karateka from the old days. I hold Ticky in the highest regard and have the utmost admiration for him, for his technical ability and for his contribution to the British/English squads.

There are many others of course, but if I mention them, then I’m bound to miss someone out and cause offence, so let’s leave it at that!

In fact I hold in high regard anybody - regardless of grade who has and displays the character of a true karateka!

How would you like people to think of you when you finally hang up your karategi?

I’d like to believe that I had a positive and beneficial effect on all those students I have taught. Consequently when I finally snuff it, I’d like my headstone to read, “I hope I made a difference!”

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If you are a 3rd dan or above with a group of at least 100 members then join a truly democratic long established organisation but still retain your independence. Each Association has a representative on the Federation Council to form the Federation policy. You decide on the future direction of Karate within the Federation. You elect annually the Executive Committee for the day to day running of the Federation. Smaller groups also catered for.

No interference in running your own group - Freedom to conduct your own gradings - All grades recognised - Dan grades registered, recognised and certificated - All your training premises covered for £5,000,000 public liability - Full insurance cover for all registered members - Instructor/Coaching/Assessor qualifications - To be able to work within the law we have CRB Disclosure - NSPCC endorsed Child Protection policy document - National/International Refereeing courses and qualifications Junior & Senior National/International - National Children’s Championships - National Senior Championships - Plus local championships with member groups etc

Federation of Martial Arts. Many karate groups also train in other Martial Arts including Kick boxing, the FMA offers the above benefits to those members with membership to FEKO Int’l or direct membership to the FMA for non Karate groups For further information contact Alan Carruthers FEKO Secretary 198 Meadow Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1JR Tel/Fax 0115 9250167 E-mail mail@feko.co.uk Web site www.feko.co.uk BUT001/01

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I Do Martial Arts For Me! An Interview with Jill O’Connor Jill is one of the thousands of unheard of karateka who really love what they do. She has found the perfect pastime, and a way of keeping fit, staying safe and understanding tolerance something the World needs more of!

When did you take up martial arts?

I began training in karate when I was 22 though it was something I’d wanted to do since I was about 9 or 10 years old when martial arts first started to appear on TV. As a girl growing up in the 70’s I’d always liked and been good at sports - but I found most sports on offer to girls too boring.

What attracted you to martial arts?

Like most people of my age my first recognisable exposure to martial arts was through the TV series ‘Kung Fu’ with David Carradine. It was the perfect role model for a child! He enters

the monastery as a young boy, learns wonderful skills and gains great wisdom. Then he leaves and goes forth into the world with his flute, righting wrongs and beating up baddies. A real Wild West Robin Hood!

We were being shown how to use our feet and hands to become invincible fighters!

Before this time the terms ‘karate’ and ‘kung fu’ were basically unknown to me and my friends, and there were no classes around. Then martial art classes began in our area and many of my friends began training - but I wasn’t allowed to start with them. I’d been in care and my aunt and uncle became my guardians. They didn’t want me to learn anything rough in case I got bruised and battered, and the social workers blamed them!

However, during this time another martial art role model appeared - Purdy (Joanna Lumley) from the ‘New Avengers’. I could see myself swanning about in an evening dress and seeing off an attacker with a well-placed side kick! I know it seems a pretty shallow reason to be attracted to martial arts but there it is!

Why did you select karate as your point of entry into the martial arts?

Purely luck! Karate was being advertised that week in our local newspaper, so I phoned up and went along. If it had been judo, jiu jitsu or kung fu I would have gone along there instead because I didn’t really know the difference.

What were your first impressions of training?

I began training at the United Services Club in Stanford Le Hope during 1986. The instructors were Jim McAllister, Albie O’Connor, Phil Jones and Mick Christmas. A 15-years-old 1st kyu student handled the warm-up and I was totally impressed with his composure, fitness, knowledge and ability to control the class he’d been put in charge of.

I thoroughly enjoyed those early lessons! Training was everything I’d hoped it would be! It was hard but I felt I was learning such a lot each week.

Another reason why I began training was to combat stress!

Working in the City of London made me so tense and karate got rid of that stress and pent-up aggression. It’s still the best way to shake off stress!

What aspects of martial arts do you most enjoy?

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Jill on her Sport Relief mile

focus on the beauty of the kata itself! Kata are beautifully constructed and should be enjoyed for their movement as well as for their defensive merits.

What about Kumite/sparring?

Sparring can be fun when your partners are able to enjoy their skills without their egos becoming involved. It’s important that people realise it isn’t a real fight and it isn’t particularly realistic!

We wear protective mitts and footwear in our dojo and we allow contact to the head and body. The level of contact should be such that you know you’ve been hit - but nobody should be trying to knock the other person out. Being a small person I have to draw on all my skills to avoid getting hit by my larger opponents.

I’m not a big fan of points sparring although it probably suits my build and reactions better than standing toe to toe!

I think as long as people realise that sparring is only a way of practising our techniques and skills and not true or realistic fighting, then it’s OK! How about Self-Defence?

Though obviously I have learned a lot about self-defence over the years, I didn’t and don’t really do karate for selfdefence. I was moved from school to school as a child and was always being picked on for being the new kid. I generally won these fights but once my home life settled down, the fights thankfully stopped.

For me, awareness and maintaining a correct distance are the first and most important aspects of self-defence. I don’t put myself in a position where I need to use self-defence. If I have conflict with someone I know, then I aim to resolve that conflict verbally. If it’s someone I don’t know, I don’t let them get physically close enough to be a threat.

What inspires you to keep on training?

The fact that there’s always something to learn about your training and about yourself and others.

it all. Frankly I’m not too precious about the fact I study karate over any other martial art and luckily for me Sessen Ryu Karate has allowed me to learn techniques from kick-boxing, jiu jitsu, kobudo, boxing and silat.

I enjoy getting a good workout, learning new skills, perfecting (or at least trying to maintain) old skills, enjoying the camaraderie of training and then socialising afterwards.

What about Kata training?

I enjoy kata training! It is something you can lose yourself in. I find I’m totally focused when I practise kata.

And Bunkai?

Bunkai gives me a better understanding of kata movements. It’s taught me practical defensive movements. But people can get very confused because different teachers have their own bunkai.

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When it comes down to it, I enjoy putting on a gi and training with my partners. Also I teach kids’ classes and over the years it’s been great to see them grow up and make their own way in the world.

I think you owe it to yourself as a martial artist to actually get into the dojo and just do it. I train 4 days a week. Sometimes I feel tired and other times I get a real buzz. I take the rough with the smooth!

What do you think are the physical requirements for success in martial arts?

In Sessen Ryu we believe you should be able to enjoy life-long practice in martial art. For me, being able to do that equals success! The physical demands made differ from student to student. In our dojo we have older students into their 60’s - plus some with back injuries etc. The mark of a good instructor is that they are able to adapt individual training requirements so the class meets the needs of all.

I consider myself lucky in that I’ve always been quite sporty. I’m naturally trim and find I can build muscle quite easily, so I try not to be critical of people who have a tendency to put on weight or have trouble losing it.

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Whatever weight you happen to be, it’s important to push yourself physically relative to your existing fitness levels. If you push yourself, then you can achieve anything, whether it’s sporting success or your next grading.

FACT BOX

Our classes are generally broken into periods of moderately intense fitness training and body conditioning before moving onto more cerebral activities. This is a mixture that suits me.

When you’ve had a good training session your mind and body feel relaxed and ready for rest. This helps remove feelings of agitation, anxiety and to some degree, depression.

What’s your favourite food?

-Italian

What’s your favourite colour?

-Turquoise like the Mediterranean Sea

What’s your favourite film?

- All of Me (Steve Martin)

In working the body we settle our mind and anxieties.

What’s your favourite music?

- Middle of the Road stuff I can sing along to

What have you gained through your training and what more do you hope to gain?

What are you currently reading?

- Heart of Darkness and other Tales (Joseph Conrad)

Karate has taught me patience, self-control and has made me more calm and gentle than I would otherwise have been. These are attributes we can all use! I’d like to develop those qualities - not of the student - but of the aged Master who has the physical ability but more importantly, a sense of their own place in the world!

What’s your favourite technique?

-Defensive front kick off the lead leg.

Whatever martial art you do, you’ve got to enjoy it and it’s got to make you a better person for doing it. We don’t need anyone being made a worse person. There’re enough out of those out there already!

What’s your favourite pattern?

-Paisley (Just kidding! Seisan).

If karate has taught me anything - it’s to enjoy life outside karate and it’s given me the skills to do it. Hopefully I will continue to train hard while I can and adapt my training to when I can’t, but continue to enjoy it and still keep in sight the bigger picture throughout!

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Wandering Tiy Don’t talk about Karate without knowing about Tiy! Part Four - By Mr Koei Nohara First of all, there was a King in Ryukyu in the 7th Centur y and the national policy was completed. The name of the King in those days was, “KAYOUROU”, his wife’s name was king, It is thought that the humans started to “TAMUCHA”. Along with the strative admini (an Sui there were populate Ryukyu around 40,000 ~ minister), a small King (the governor), ago. years 50,000 Ryukyu history is usually divided into (a village mayor) Urasui five time periods. According to histoway a social this References to Gusuku are made in the and the nation. In ry the periodization is as follows: was formed type nation of a pyramid “OMOROSOUSHI” which is the old1. Prehistoric age (~ 12A.D). in Ryukyu at that time. est songbook in Okinawa, the book 2. Old Ryukyu (12AD~1609). : translates as follows 3. Early modern times in Ryukyu There was more than one king at that 1879).

(1609~ time, each district had a king who “Chinen forest Gusuku is the first 4. Modern times for Ryukyu Kings ruled his nation. These Kings is It down.

Gusuku where God came (1879 ~ 1945). formed built Gusuku and formed the Amami Gusuku where the God called 5. Present age for Okinawa history for the first half of the Gusuku Kiyo came down. The, God called (1945 ~ present).

Era (7AD~12AD).

Amami Kiyo came down to Earth and created islands, he let one set of man This is periodization is mainly set by more and woman live there. Three boys and Between the 7th and 12th century from historians, but looking at history by built were ) (castles Gusuku 300 than two girls were born from this couple. the viewpoint of cultural (sports) dura, Okinaw old of lords the feudal anthropology, I believe the following ing this period intense fighting and batsecthe King, e becam son first There periodization is appropriate. My peritles for territory were common. ond son became Aji (feudal lord of odization is: old Okinawa), the third son became 1. Shell mound (~ 7AD).

Second, the Sui book describes the a farmer, the first daughter became 2. The first half year of Gusuku era weapons used for battle at that time Okimi (Great Goddess) and the sec7AD ~ 1185). as follows: ond daughter became Noro (district 3. The last half year of Gusuku era s).

Goddess or priestes (1185~1429).

“There is a weapon which seems to era m Kingdo 4. The Ryukyu be a sword, also a pike, a bow and came God of the Creator of Ryukyu (1429~1879) arrow, a spear”. There was little iron began down to “Gusuku”(castle) and product in Ryukyu, and all the blades a as Sehfah Utaki to make a country with Gusuku are small and thin. As iron was not foothold”. produced, swords were poor quality Gusuku generally means “castle”. The giving an opportunity for “Tiy” (karate) to be born on the battlefield creation of the country of Ryukyu began with “Gusuku” (castle). This is of Ryukyu. exhibited in a Chinese official docuThirdly, wars began between the ment, the “Sui book”. armed forces of the Gusuku with furious disputes over “NORO”(district There are many important descripGoddess or priestess), and then over tions that we can use to draw a picture of Ryukyu from the seventh centu- representatives or Bushi (Strong Fighter). If a representative of one side ry. The “Zuisho Ryukyu kokuden ” is a Sui book writ- lost the battle the whole group was defeated. Afterwards the King of the ten about the Kingdom of Ryukyu, I defeated Gusuku apologised and both will point out eight of the most sides were reconciled with each other. notable matters from that book.

When I recite the history of Ryukyu, many people believe that the Gusuku era of Ryukyu begin in the twelfth century, this is based on the fact that there was a castle (Gusuku) at Urasoe in the twelfth century.

5. Modern Okinawa Era (1879~1945).

6. The present Okinawa_times (1945~).

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Urasoe Gusuku

Urasoe Gusuku

The purpose of war was for the King of a Gusuku was to extend his power and not fight for wholesale murder, therefore neither side suffered major loses. You can read the method of such a fight from “Omorosoushi ” which will be touched on later.

Fourth, a finance policy, criminal law and conduct regulations were introduced. There was no written rule about tax, the king generally imposed taxes when he thought there was need. There is not the law to become the grounds when you carry out punishment and determines assessment of a case by the example.

There were no grounds to determine punishments, the head of the village named URASUI would decide on sanctions for a person committing a crime, if a person did not obey these sanctions then the King would decide on the severity of punishment, after letting his subjects discuss case. Prisons were not very secure; offenders were not kept in chains but merely tied with rope. In cases where a death penalty was given the execution was carried out by a blow to the top of head with an iron hammer, petty offenders were beaten with a stick. Finance policy, criminal law and conduct regulations were important for the nation in order to keep peace in those days.

Fifth, it becomes clear through the songs and dance of Ryukyu from that period that people had the technology to produce salt and liquor. In Okinawa, tradition technology to make the salt, which includes a lot of minerals from seawater has thrived to

this day. As for the technology to make liquor, the famous brand from Okinawa “AWAMORI” still uses the unique techniques of Ryukyu.

Ryukyu folk song using the original musical scale of the Ryukyu and accompanied by a musical instrument called the SHAMISEN is performed with a dance where a woman puts up an arm and shakes her hand as she dances, this is called “CACHASHI” and still danced now. Ryukyu dancing and folk song is one of Okinawa’s traditional cultural assets and is very popular to this day.

Sixth, it is described that the soil is suitable for rice, sugar cane, hemp bean, Hu bean, so it is obvious that rice growing was already accomplished in the seventh century.

Many people believe that it is the twelfth century of the Gusuku period that was the beginning of rice growing in Ryukyu. However, some things are clear from the seventh century, liquor was being made by melting rice and farming technology had already been developed for producing cereals etc. In addition to this many Gusuku were built as part of the struggle for power and to obtain land for farming.

Okinawa belief of “NIRAI KANAI”.

Each Gusuku and village had a sanctuary, a shrine for pray, this is where ceremonies for people who had been killed were held. These places were later known as “UTAKI” and are still regarded as sacred places. As there was an UTAKI in or near each Gusuku, the relationship between the two is clear Eighth, the book mentioned that “Yang emperor of Sui attacks Ryukyu, and took 1,000 men and women back to China as captives”. In other words it shows that there was Gusuku (castle) in Ryukyu in 609. Therefore, it may be said that the Gusuku times had already begun in the seventh century. Gusuku of those days had a triple castle wall, with triple moat. The royal palace had a sculpture of a bird which was given to the royal family. Gusuku of this time are said to have been of a solid construction and by no means inferior to the castles of modern times.

Nakijin Castle

Seventh, “the folk stumbles at God of the mountain and God of the sea and offers tidbits when people worship God”. If a person was killed in battle, people would pray to God for that person. Ryukyuan’s of that time worshiped nature and they believed that God lived in the mountains and the sea. This is tied to the original WWW.KARATEMAG.CO.UK TRADITIONAL KARATE 135

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