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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. 12 12 September September 2008 2008
Summer Seminar Training with Ticky Donovan OBE
Training with Ticky Donovan OBE “the world’s most successful coach”
Way of Sanchin Kata How to achieve powerful stances How to achieve powerful stances and remain in balance
Tools of the Trade Shime Waza - Choking Techniques Yoshinao Nanbu Founder of Nanbudo Karate
Jonathan Mottram Winners never quit, quitters never win! Visit the Traditional Karate magazine website at www.karatemag.co.uk
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Summer Seminar ‘08 The 21st to 28th June
Training with the “world’s most successful coach” The weather forecast was lousy. British weather at it’s best with a forecast of storms and torrential rain - great! Who in their right mind would be excited about heading off to Clacton for a week? Chuck a caravan into the midst and most people figured it was a pretty daft idea and thought I’d really lost the plot when they realised that I was actually looking forward to it and had been ticking the days off on the calendar in my office. So what’s so special about Clacton? Well...
For the last 33 yrs it has hosted the Ticky Donovan Annual Summer Course and this year was no exception. England National Squad Director Ticky is the current England National Squad Director and is renowned as the ‘Worlds Most Successful Coach’. Often heard to say, “make it happen”. He is 3 times British Champion a British, European and World Team Champion and has been the British Team Manager/Coach - for the World Championships in Taipei 1982,
Three young kata winners
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Holland 1984, Australia 1986, Cairo 1988, Mexico 1990. His annual course gives any Karate-ka from any style the chance to train solidly for 6 days with some of the best Instructors in the World. Instructors teaching throughout the week include: • Ticky Donovan 8th Dan QBE • Dave Hazard 7th Dan • Moira Barber 6th Dan • Philip Francis 6th Dan • Pepe Suarez 6th Dan
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• Greg Francis 5th Dan • Eddie Gillespie 5th Dan • Richard Condon 5th Dan • Lee Smith 4th Dan • Jonathan Mottram 4th Dan
“Fun Run” an anomaly in terms
Every year raining begins at 07:00 hrs on Sunday morning and the final bow is taken at 17:30hrs on the Friday evening. The weeks training consists of basic Katas, Combinations, Fighting Techniques and Special Competition Techniques. So, off we headed to the Seawick Holiday Village in St Osyth for the second year running. Only this year we had caught the weather forecast before we left and had packed accordingly. Pushed to limits Training began, as scheduled, in earnest on the Sunday morning, bit nippy as you would expect at 7 in the morning but by mid morning the heat was sweltering. The students and Instructors were all focused and giving 100%. The training is challenging and equally as rewarding. The more you put in the more you get out and the students really pushed themselves to limits they never knew they had. Every Instructor has the knack of bringing the best out of all who train under them. They are all experts in their respective styles and they really deliver the goods many times over. Before you know it they have motivated you and pushed you way past goals that you thought you would never reach. Months of karate condensed into 7 days and a comraderie to last you a lifetime. By Tuesday everyone was sunburnt and I was finding the heat hard to cope with as I sat and watched the training in my jumper yet everyone else was so engrossed in their own training that they scarcely noticed it and it certainly wasn’t bothering them. Anyway, there is plenty of time to fit in a swim to cool down between sessions.
marily a karate break it nevertheless manages to cater for the whole family and so everyone has a fantastic time. ‘Fun Run’ The fun run is the first test of the week. Second-guessing where to stand or winning tactics won’t work as Ticky yells ‘go’ whenever he feels the urge to. It was mid sentence this year and caught most competitors out but it brought a smile to my face. Some were through the car park and gone whilst others were still dutifully doing their press ups on an increasingly empty field. As they cottoned on they shot off like lightening after the leaders vowing to listen harder in 2009. The title Fun Run’ is a bit misleading as that suggests a bit of an easier time of it and this was anything but. Samantha Cannon
The run is taken every bit as seriously as the rest of the training and competitions throughout the week and is a real test of stamina and strength. The Instructors are strategically placed along the route to motivate and encourage the runners as they pass by and they do a good job of it. The entrants start to filter back into the camp about 15 or so minutes later looking a bit dishevelled after their beach run. Others prefer to take things at a steadier pace. Those not taking part hedge bets on the outcome and eagerly await the returning participants. This year a 16 yr old was first back past the post catching everyone out. He has done the run for the last ten yrs and this was his first win. He was totally made up and everyone was really pleased for him and cheered him home. Late for training but a welcome cool down
Ticky has every base covered and not just the Karate. If you look at the whole package it still leaves you gob smacked. The accommodation is clean, well furnished and comfortable and the campsite is really nice. It is situated right on the beach and all the staff are friendly and helpful. The food isn’t just reasonably priced it is cheap and yet, it tastes lovely. The bar staff are all welcoming and friendly and you can chill out in the evenings whilst Loopy Rabbit entertains the younger ones. Whilst pri WWW.KARATEMAG.CO.UK TRADITIONAL KARATE 121
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The Kata and Kumite competitions took place in the days that followed and, as expected, did not disappoint. Most people entered and the standard was exceptional, even more so due to the intense training that the participants had received in the days prior to the events. There were some really outstanding displays of both Kata and Kumite, which drew gasps of appreciation from the crowd. The students all worked very hard for their trophies, which were then proudly taken back to their caravans and displayed in their windows. It’s not all karate based. The Instructors and students work hard but they know how to play hard too and this is evident to see midweek at the Fancy Dress Night. This year the costumes were outstanding. Henry VII presided over the evening which was attended by many screen icons from past to present. Elvis attended (in triplicate) as did Marilyn and Amy Winehouse! The decades were ticked off from stoneage ‘Fred Flintstones’, Roman Soldiers, Cowboys, 60’s Dancers right through to the present day. Tweedle Dum lost Tweedle Dee somewhere through the evening but I’m told that Little Bo Beep was reunited with her sheep before the night ended. Final bow Friday came too soon, as it always does. By now the heat was stifling yet
Chelsea Holder receiving her trophy from Ticky
SN black belt kata Jack Dixon
the training continued in earnest. Everyone looked like they had spent a month in the Mediterranean and I’d vowed never to listen to the weather forecast again. 10 minutes before the final bow the Heavens opened and the rain lashed down thankfully a week too late to cause the organisers any problems. The final bow was taken in the hall and the week began to draw to a
close for another year. The last night disco kicked off in earnest and gave everyone the chance to let their hair down. Till next year! The 2009 seminar will from the 20th27th June, for details contact: Ishinryu Karate Associates Ltd, PO Box 56, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4BB 0208 532 1990 for details. nothing friendly in the fighting area
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WADO - RYU
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Wado Ryu Karate, The Complete Art Uncovered, is the most comprehensive book ever published in English on the Art of Wado-Ryu. The book has 236 pages and includes more than 1,100 photographs, 17 Katas in full, 1-10 Kihon Gumite, advanced fighting techniques, kneeling and sword defence, speed, reflex and power training, basic moves, history, vital spots, exercises, knife and many other aspects of this fascinating Art. Its author Frank Johnson trained in Japan with the founder of Wado-Ryu Hironori Ohtsuka and was editor of Wado-world magazine. Frank has a unique insight into the Art of Wado-ryu Karate and this book is a must-have for any true Wado-ryu enthusiast. This amazing book is selling at only £29.99 plus £3.50 P&P (UK) which includes all deliveries by recorded, 1st class mail.
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‘I have put all my heart and soul into the book, including many techniques I have never seen in print. I wish to give a complete picture of the Art as i can. In the words of Master Ohtsuka, the secret of Karate is looking for the secret.’ This amazing book is selling at only £21.99 plus £3.50 P&P (UK) which includes all deliveries by recorded, 1st class mail. To order your copy of either of the above books, simply fill in the order form below and send it together with your chosen method of payment.
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Tools of The Trade By Albie O’connor Shime Waza
Choking Techniques Pt.4
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.
using your elbow (Empi) to the opponent’s groin or inner leg (Photo 12). You then grab the arm (Photo 13) and throw the opponent to the floor (Photo 14). You are now in a position for further counter-attacks or restraints (Photo 15). 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 11
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. The choke is applied from behind you (Photo 11). Begin the escape by turning your head, to ease the pressure, and Photo 12
Photo 13
Photo 14
Photo 15
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The Way Of Sanchin Kata
Person being tested receiving pressure from vertical fist on chest
By Kris Wilder
Part 11 - (Rooting)
T
his is the 11th 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. Rooting When executing Sanchin Kata, the concept of rooting, or anchoring, oneself to the ground is essential to maintaining powerful stances and remaining in balance throughout. This action, however, is invisible to the eye. It is about setting the “Iron Shirt,” discussed in my previous article as a concept where the torso is envisioned as being covered by a mental protective shield and the body’s architecture in place and envisioning that energy extending into the ground, in essence, creating energetic roots. The transparent nature of this rooting is critical, and should not be confused with “gripping” the ground, as is sometimes seen. By gripping, rather than rooting to, the ground a person can easily be displaced because there is no depth involved. By the same token, any gripping motion, whether with hands or feet, is not desired as it serves as a giveaway to one’s intentions. My Judo instructor Kenji Yamada, a back-to-back national champion in the fifties, would only lightly grasp my gi when demonstrating a technique. In fact he often just used the last two fingers, the little and ring, on the lapel of his opponent. Yamada Sensei taught us that if he gripped hard his opponent would know his intentions. Using a light grasp, one trades power for superior technique. When performing Sanchin Kata, this example should be considered as well. Rooting: Test It I Stand in morote sanchin kumai (sanchin dachi and double chest blocks) and grip the ground with your toes, twisting your feet into the ground. The edges of your feet should be pale from the pressure and your toes the same. Often this is stage is referred to as “Gripping the Ground.” However, this is misleading in that gripping implies to grab so an attempt to grab the ground with the toes is made. In actuality the feet seize the ground by using adhesion and shearing; trying to grab the ground with the toes actually weakens the stance. Foot with toes gripping
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When you are ready, have your partner give slow, steady and consistently increasing pressure with their fist on your chest in order to displace you. Next, stand, firm, heavy and rooted, relaxing into the proper architecture of the feet, shins, knees, thighs, waist, and torso, including the four points of the spine (sacrum, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical bones). Then have your partner repeat the same test, steady and with increasing pressure. Rooting: Test It II Repeat the same test, this time having your partner push sharply and quickly with intent to displace your stance. The end result should be clear in that rooting to the ground is not based on hard tensile strength but heavy anchored strength based in a body with a unified architecture. 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, Goju-Ryu karate, Tae Kwon Do and Judo, in which he has competed in senior national and international tournaments. Foot with toes, relaxed gripping
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Standing in sanchin dachi with standing fist just short of the other person’s chest
Tapping the other person’s chest with standing fist
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
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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 WWW.KARATEMAG.CO.UK TRADITIONAL KARATE 127
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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
DAWN I SHOTOKAN £21.95
SHOTOKAN DAWN II £21.95
SHOTOKAN DAWN SUPPLEMENT is a true companion book to Shotokan Dawn and adds highly significant information that was previously thought lost. This book, which should be read in conjunction with, or after Shotokan Dawn, is an absolute MUST for all those who have enjoyed the original work. Newly discovered photo’s are also published for the first time. £19.95
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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Martial Arts Pioneers
YOSHINAO
NANBU 1943 - Founder of Nanbudo Karate
Yoshinao Nanbu was born in Kobe (Japan), grew up in a milieu in which Budo was held in high esteem. His great grandfather Yoko Zuna was a famous Sumotori, and at the early age of five years Yoshinao’s formation as a budoka began with learning Judo from his father (5th Dan). After a few years he also began learning Kendo from his uncle. At the age of 18, when Yoshinao was admitted at the University of Economic Sciences in Osaka, he discovered Karate He followed the teachings of Master Tani (8th Dan) and Master Tanaka and soon became the best Karateka in Japan. In 1963, he won the title of University
Champion of Japan, an event in which there were 1250 competitors. Henry Plée, the promoter of Karate in France, was impressed by the performances and motivations of the young champion and invited him to come to Europe and take part in numerous competitions. There again Yoshinao Nanbu won event after event (French Cup, European Championship etc.) In 1968 he returned to Japan. He wanted to enrich his technique and his knowledge of the science of budo. During that year, Master Tani entrusted Yoshinao Nanbu with the mission of developing Shukokai Karate in Europe. He fulfilled the mission with success.
At 27 years of age Yoshinao Nanbu arrived at such a high degree of skill that he created his own method and called it Sankukai. However he felt that Sankukai was only a stage in his journey. In 1974, he withdrew completely from the world of martial arts and went to Cap d`Ail. There, amidst the natural elements, he was able to meditate and connect with the true value of things. He discovered the precise path he really should follow Nanbudo was born. Since Nanbudo’s creation in 1978, Yoshinao Nanbu has been constantly developing and refining his art. He directs seminars all over the world.
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British Shotokan Kyogi Karate Open Championships at: OLDHAM SPORTS CENTRE, LORD STREET, OLDHAM, OL1 3HA
Sunday 19th October 2008 Entry: Seniors £10.00 Juniors £10.00 Team £15.00 per Event (3 people) Display/demo £15.00 per Event (max 5 people) Spectators: Adults £5.00 Children £3.00 Safety: Gum Shield, Hand Mitts, Shin Guards & Groin Guards (Male)
WUKO RULES WILL APPLY Arrive at 9.00am Competition Starts at 10.00am Prompt For further details please feel free to contact the BSK Sensei Fred Jones 01706
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Winners never quit quitters never win! An interview with Jonathan Mottram
12 times English Kata champion
Born on New Years Eve 1980, Jonathan Mottram is used to double celebrations and recently as one of England’s top senior competitive Karateka, he got the chance to double celebrate a little earlier than usual as he achieved major honours in two major international Karate championships. So, hot off the back of his WKF European Senior Kata Bronze medal and his third successive Commonwealth Karate Senior Kata title, we thought we’d see if his celebrations were still ongoing and take the opportunity to delve a little deeper and see what makes England’s most successful Senior Kata exponent tick. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us Jonathan. So when did you start Karate and why did you start? I started Karate in 1990 aged 9 yrs. My parents took me to Crystal Palace Stadium, London to watch the English Championships. I sat and watched the Kata and all the Kumite. When we were leaving the championships my parents asked me what I thought of it. I said I liked the look of Karate and when could I start. When did you start competing? I started competing in small competitions in 1991. What was your first major title and how old were you? I won gold at the Ishinryu National Championships. This may not have seemed a major competition but, for me it meant so much. I won this at 12 years old and as for the first 3 years in Karate I hadn’t won anything, this was a big and special moment for me. How old were you when you achieved your first England badge? I was 16 years old, it was in 1997. I have now had my England badge for 11 years. What would you say has been your greatest tournament achievement to date? This is a tough one. Winning my 23rd English Gold was a great achievement. Winning the English Championships for the 12th year in a row in individual Kata was very special. I have also won the English Championships 7 times in team Kata and 4 times in Kumite so it was my 23rd English gold medal, which was important to me and for Ishinryu. They were my main achievements in England. On the international scene, winning bronze at the Senior European Championships in Estonia this year was my ultimate achievement and I now feel it’s taken my Karate to another level. How did it feel becoming the first Englishman to win a Senior European Kata Medal? 132 TRADITIONAL KARATE WWW.KARATEMAG.CO.UK
It felt amazing. Being the first person to achieve something is always a great feeling. At Senior European level, five times I have just lost out for the bronze medal, but I’ve never given up or lost my enthusiasm to get to the top. Training so hard and then losing, five times, is heartbreaking but to fight back stronger and not give up and then to train harder than ever before shows the strength of character and the determination that I have to succeed. In the 11 years I have held my England badge, aside from my medals, I have consistently been in the top 4 or 5 in Europe. I hope this inspires anyone coming up through the ranks to work and train hard and never ever give up. My motto is ‘WINNERS NEVER QUIT ‘N’ QUITTERS NEVER WIN’. You were also the first person to win a Kata medal at the Junior European Championships where you won silver. How did that compare to your Senior medal? In 1998 Athens, Greece aged 17 years I was in the cadet category. I was the first Englishman to get a WKF European Kata Medal. Later in 2001 Cyprus aged 20 years again in the Junior Europeans, I won a silver medal. Now I’ve got a full set, Cadet, Junior and Senior. I think anyone who can achieve a medal, Kata or Kumite at European or World level deserves recognition and I take my hat off to them all. So give us a run through of how you medalled in Estonia at the 43rd European Championships? What Katas did you perform and who were the opposition? Ok here goes. In the first round I was up against a Croatian, he performed Kanku-Dai and I matched him with the same Kata winning 3 flags to 2. The second round I was competing against a Slovenian, he performed Kanku-Dai and this time I performed Jion and won that round 4 flags to1. With the Shitei compulsory Katas out of the way, things were getting tough now with the free choice Katas. I was now up against the Spanish competitor in the third round quarter-finals. We both chose to perform Unsu Kata where I again won the round 4 flags to 1. I was now in the fourth round semi-finals where my opponent was from Italy, none other than current WKF World Champion Luca Valdesi. He performed Unsu Kata and I performed Enpi. Unfortunately I lost out 5 flags to nil. As that was the semi-final round I automatically qualified for the repechage final needing one more win to claim a bronze
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medal. I’d been in this position many times before, maybe this time I’d succeed. I was up against the Finnish competitor in the repechage final. He performed Suparimpei, I then followed with Kanku-Sho. I won a close match 3 flags to 2 but I finally did it, I was over the moon. I could not have achieved this medal without the support and encouragement from my Sensei Ticky Donovan OBE 8th Dan. Throughout the pre-training Sensei gave me the encouragement to believe in myself and helped me prepare every Kata as best as I could. On the day he was there every step of the way, as he has always been for the last 18 years since I started Karate. Also, a big thank you to the coaches Wayne Otto OBE, Greg Francis, Ian Cole and Juliette Toney for being so inspirational and supportive, and not forgetting Sensei Dave Hazard who has coached and helped me through so many tournaments and helped shape me to become the person I am today. Having gone so close to gaining a medal at your last WKF World Championships, where you lost 3 flags to 2 in the repechage final, what was going through your mind this time in Estonia? Where do you begin..... So much was going through my mind; I had a rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions. When the guy from Finland was performing I kept thinking, all this hard work, all this money spent, all the effort the coaches have put in to me. I must make this Kata count. I must make this Kata count... I think I said that maybe 10 times. Then I thought 5 times I’ve lost for senior bronze, and twice for the Junior bronze, and once for the World bronze, not this time, no way. I shut my eyes totally relaxed and said to myself, I love my family, I love my fiancée and this time IS MY TIME. I performed the Kata with every single bit of passion and energy I had. When I finished I stepped back to my line and thought to myself please, please be mine, then up go the flags! You secured your medal on day one of the European Championships in Estonia. What did that do for morale for the EKF squad? I think winning a medal on the first day of the championships sends a great vibe around the squad. Usually the teams are on the first day and in previous tournaments where the teams have done well it put me and the squad on a high. What was the feeling of the squad once the championships came to an end with only your medal to show?
When you are competing for your country at such a high level, so much preparation and sacrifice goes into the event, some of the squad have children and a family. So when you prepare for this you spend more time in the Dojo, in the gym and on the streets running than you do with your friends and family. So to sacrifice so much and come away with nothing is naturally disappointing and very tough to deal with. The coaches gave all of us good feedback and told us what we need to change and develop to be the best at this level so we can only come back stronger. Disappointed but more determined. This year has seen you in blistering form and medal at some very prestigious tournaments. Luca Valdesi, the current WKF Kata Champion is currently 32 years old. At only 27 years old yourself, do you feel you are just coming into your prime? Luca Valdesi is a very good Kata athlete and my aim is to beat him before he retires. I think if you want to be the best you should always tell yourself you can be better. I thing at the moment I’m only 50% of where I want to be and what I want to achieve. I intend to be around for a very long time yet. You secured your third successive Commonwealth Karate title in Edinburgh recently how difficult do you find that? After winning the last two Commonwealth Championships, I was determined to win this event for the 3rd time. This Commonwealth was a high level tournament with five rounds, but coming hot on the heels of the Europeans, the momentum of that carried me through. That win in Edinburgh, gaining your Commonwealth hatrick, must make you one of the most celebrated Kata exponents the country has ever known. Do you feel this is a burden or do you revel in the pressure this brings? I’ve competed in hundreds of competitions and performed in many demonstrations in front of hundreds of people. There is an expectation from everyone watching that I am going to walk on the mat, perform well and win. What they don’t realise is the amount of hard work and training I do to be able to perform to the best of my ability. This expectation brings untold amounts of pressure on me, however the pressure is what I thrive on. When the hall is quiet and only one tatami mat is running and I’m on that mat I get on a high. The adrenaline kicks in knowing everyone is watching you and I try to raise my game even more. It’s important when you perform that you are in control of your Kata and your mind, not the Kata in control of you. How do your students feel about your titles? I’m a very humble person and I never tell the students what I achieve as I feel my club is about them not me. But inevitability they find out about some of my achievements and are very please for me. I hope to inspire my students when they see me compete. Sometimes they say to me “you’re so good” and I say to them “you can be better than me, you can achieve more than me if you work hard”. My aim is to try and progress my students to be better than me. I know if I go Karate and all my students are beating me at Kumite and their Katas are better than me then I have achieved what I set out to do and they have reached their full potential. What’s your next target? My next target is to prepare myself for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan later this year. There are several international competitions which I will be competing in as part of my preparations and training programme. I’m honoured to be part of the team which will represent England for the biggest championships of my career. The fact that these championships are being held in Japan where Karate originates will be possibly the highlight of my career so far.
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What is your favourite Kata and what is your least favourite? I don’t have a least favourite Kata, I like them all, they all have different aspects which I like. In saying that though, Unsu is my favourite Kata. You run a Karate club in Barking, Essex. How is that progressing? Yes, my Karate club is called Barking Abbey Ishinryu. The clubs is progressing really well and everyone at the club gets on great. Karate is not just about competition but we have a lot of students that love to compete. I have over 10 students that have won an English or British title. On a Wednesday I have an open class which is for all styles, it’s 3rd Kyu and above and consists of a competition Kata class followed by a competition Kumite class. This is attended by many more English and British Championships. So when you have a group of students at such a high level, they can only bring out the best in each other and all take the training and competition standard to a higher level. I never forget that competition is only one element of Karate and I give as much time to my students that do not want to compete as I do to those that do compete. I do believe that respect and loyalty is a two way thing. I respect and do as much as I can for my students and in return they do the same for me. What has given you the greatest pleasure in Karate? There is more than one thing, first, to compete for England in Kata, as competing for your country feels great. Standing on the podium with the England flag around your shoulders and the national anthem playing, what an amazing feeling. Secondly, having the honour of being asked by Ticky Donovan OBE and Wayne Otto OBE to assist them in coaching the Junior England Squad. By all accounts you used to be a pretty hot fighter too. What happened to make you concentrate on Kata? Yes I won the English National Championships four times in Kumite and I still train in Kumite now. A lot of people don’t realise that I do Kumite, as they only see me compete in Kata. I love Kumite and really enjoyed competing in Kumite too. I was competing in New York in an open World Cup for all styles in 2001. This was just after getting my European Silver for Kata. I was in the semi-final when I got punched in the eye and got a shattered eye socket which kept me out of training for six months. After which I could only train lightly once a week for six further months. I then decided to take one year out of Kumite to let my eye heal properly. In this time I missed out on an English, British, European and World Championships in Kata. In order to bring my level of Kata back up to the level it was I realised I need to concentrate on Kata only. What do you think about the standard of Kata currently in England? I think the standard of Kata in England is at the highest it’s ever been and it’s great to see many young and dedicated Karate athletes pushing the boundaries of Kata. More are competing abroad and this can only highlight the English talent coming through. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Well you can plan the future but never predict the future. At club level, I’d like to always assist Sensei Donovan OBE and keep Ishinryu going strong and help my students become the best they can be in all elements of Karate. At England squad level I’d like to be Kata coach holding regular squad training sessions and build a great England Squad as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. I have so much enthusiasm to help the up and coming talent we have in
Kata and try and help them reach their full potential and to one day dominate in Europe and the World. Finally at a personal level I just want to be an inspiration to all my students and to encourage them to enjoy and be the best they can in Karate. Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us. Good luck and best wishes for Tokyo. WWW.KARATEMAG.CO.UK TRADITIONAL KARATE 135
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