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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. 22 No. 10 September 2009
Ticky Donovan 33rd Annual Summer Course
SKKF & WKKF Arrive in The UK
Kyukoshin in Tenerife How to Mix Business With Pleasure
Samurai Tales of Old If You Think it 3 Times... Then do it!
Kumite
From Start to Street Visit the Traditional Karate magazine website at www.karatemag.co.uk
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RESPECTING WHAT IS OLD; CREATING WHAT IS NEW With Chris Denwood
Examining the Basic Straight Punch (Part 4)
Hikite: The Pulling Hand Now that we’ve considered a number of potential applications surrounding the basic straight thrust or ‘choku-zuki’, I’d now like to spend some time looking at the common principles and learning points that these applications can provide us with. One of the most important ideas to extract in the straight thrust (apart from the thrust of course) is the retracting limb or ‘hikite’ as it is known in karate. The notion of using a double action or pulling one hand away from the direction of the strike can be seen in the majority of techniques in kata and for a number of very good reasons too. Rather than being the unrealistic chambering on the hip that this movement is often scalded for, the pragmatic use of hikite provides many benefits when dealing with a close range altercation. Quite often, it is the elongated distances, constructed via more modern sport applications of karate, that makes the use of hikite irrelevant. At these distances, blocking can be very useful so it would be much better to use the ‘retracting limb’ for this purpose. In close-range altercations, blocking fig 1
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very seldom works effectively due to the severe lack of visual reaction time available. By the time it takes for you to observe, orientate, decide and then act (OODA loop), it’s far too late. Your attacker is already many steps ahead of you. At close-range, the only useful physical sense you have is tactile fig 2
awareness and because this is also reactionary, it should never be used as a primary tactic. Since action will always beat reaction at distances around arms lengths, gaining and then maintaining quick and assertive control will always be the order of the day. So how can the use of hikite help us to achieve the goal of managing the situation at close-range? Well firstly, the non striking limb can be used to achieve a degree of control over the opponent. Consider the difference between figs.1 and 2. There is visibly a much greater level of control achieved by attacking the opponent as in fig. 2. In fig. 1, the non striking limb is not being used in a ‘live’ way and thus the application becomes far less efficient. For instance, the potential guard may never need to be utilised if the opponent was off-balance and controlled as in fig. 2. Many people often mistakenly
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compare altercations in punching range to a boxing match, whereas self-protection is a completely different animal. Apart from the fact that the stakes are much higher, it is not pre-planned, you are not pre-prepared and most importantly, there are no restrictions of rules dominating the nature of the conflict. Can you imagine how boxing matches would differ if you were suddenly allowed to grab, bite, gouge and spit, or if loosing the fight meant that your family would be harmed? As I’ve already said, gaining close-range control needs to be achieved fast and then maintained (never lost again). Using hikite as in fig. 2 can help to achieve this goal. Another reason for the use of hikite in karate is to increase the net effect of strikes. If a car were to hit a brick wall at 30mph, then the resultant crash speed would be 30mph. If instead the car collided head on with another travelling towards it at the same speed then the resultant crash speed would then double to 60mph. The same theory can be applied in striking as in figs. 3 and 4. If the target is held static whilst struck (fig. 3), then the outcome would be the same as equating to the 30mph crash example. If however hikite was used to sharply bring the target in towards the intended strike path (fig. 4) then a much greater effect will result. This idea can be applied to many techniques including strikes, locks, throws and grappling techniques. Furthermore, it provides a degree of sensitivity to the direction and magnitude of force. As an example, using hikite whilst being pushed in figs. 5 and 6 shows how the opponents force is being used to increase the effect of the technique being applied. This is a fundamental principle in all throwing arts such as judo and aikido and as we can see can also be directly applied to the concept of hikite in karate. This helps to illustrate the point that the broad concepts of all martial arts remain the same, only differing by individual preferences and specific adaptations.
fig 3
Hikite can also be used to help locate targets and thus, increase the probability of our strikes being successful. A great example of this idea would be to consider the elbow strikes (mawashi empi) found in the pinan kata as in fig.7. Quite often, people view the second limb as no more than a target for the elbow to make contact with. Well, this doesn’t occur in the other karate techniques so there must be a different answer. In actual fact, the second limb is being used as hikite to first of all secure the target and then to provide a tactile reference point or datum for its location (fig. 8). Once the datum is set then the striking limb has a much greater chance of being successful. In the case of the elbow strike, the nonstriking limb is performing a number of actions to add benefit. It is fig 5
fig 4
locating the target, controlling the opponent and as discussed earlier, also helping to increase the net effect of the oncoming strike by ballistically pulling towards the motion. Additionally, the hikite is also useful ‘post strike’ in order to maintain control and keep a tactile reference for your next attack whatever it may be. Yet another good use of hikite is what I call, ‘tactile mapping’. This idea is based on the fact that structurally, we are all built the same and by making contact with a part of the opponent’s body allows a much greater ability to locate other targets without the complete reliance on sight, which we’ve already discussed as being fundamentally flawed in distances of less than arms length. As an example, consider gaining a hold on the opponent’s wrist. Because we know fig 6
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that at the end of the wrist is the forearm, the end of the forearm is the elbow, the end of the upper arm is the shoulder and at the end of the shoulder is the neck/head, it becomes far easier to aim for and exploit targets effectively than if no contact was made in the first place. Add to this all the other controlling elements as described above and you have a very useful tactic for dominance at close range. Whilst looking into the applications of hikite it can become too easy to disregard one of the most fundamental principles in dynamically moving the upper limbs. That is - the more ballistic the pull back, the more ballistic the outward thrust. If you concentrate on the hikite as opposed to the thrusting limb, the technique will more often than not ‘take care of itself’. Not only that, but it’ll be far more efficient than you could ever achieve by just mindfully forcing the arm out. If you can work the upper limbs together as opposing, but supportive pairs then they will begin to function along the same lines as any musculature pairing in the body and, if I can get a little esoteric for a moment, also the theory of complementary opposites represented by the famous yinyang symbol (in-yo in Japanese). If nothing is held within the non-striking limb, then an un-telegraphed short and sharp jerk can make instantaneous and noticeable differences to the functional output of your strike. Overall, hikite represents one of the main strategies found in traditional pragmatic karate through the open minded applications of even the most basic of techniques. It’s a very simple concept that is easily disregarded because of the minimal amount of close range control required in many of the more modern expressions of the art. In terms of civilian self-protection, hikite teaches us the vital lesson that during a physical altercation, both the striking and non-striking limbs need to be actively and aggres-
sively used together in order to create a much better possibility of neutralising the threat and then of course, achieving the ultimate goal in personal safety - gaining as much distance as possible from the hazard.
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tion, power generation and enhancing your overall functional potential. Until then, keep pulling back those arms! Chris Denwood is Chief Instructor of the Eikoku Satori Karate-Do Kyokai and a senior instructor with the British Karate-Do Chojinkai. He is also a nationally qualified fitness trainer and extreme kettlebell instructor, specialising in using these tools to enhance martial arts practice. The ESKK offers tuition in traditional pragmatic karate, personal safety, functional fitness and general well-being. Chris is available for seminars or workshops and can be contacted via www.chrisdenwood.com, www.eskk.co.uk or by calling the ESKK on 07801 531 914.
Seek not to follow in the footsteps of men of old; seek what they sought
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- Matsuo Basho
Over the next few months I’ll be looking at the most obvious application of choku zuki as a ballistic strike and delving into the main concepts of striking for self-protecfig 8
fig 7
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KUMITE From Start to Street by Andy O’Brien
Jiyu Ippon and Jiyu Sparring (Semi-free and Free Fighting) - Retrofitting for Reality “If one has picked the appropriate distance and the moment in rhythm, the deciding technique can be delivered, and, if it were a real combat situation, the contest would be ended, so no pushing or grappling is allowed” - Karate Do Kyohan, Jiyu Kumite Chapter (1973 re-print) I have not been able to find this quote or any reference to jiyu kumite in the original Karate Do Kyohan. There are however, plenty of pushing, grappling and close quarter techniques! This would indicate that by the time of the re-print of the master text of karate, the transmogrification of Karate from a pure self-defence system into an exercise regime and sport was complete. The opening quotation is obviously referring to the old karate maxim of ‘One Attack One Kill’, which I believe has been misconstrued over the years. In a live fight situation it would be tantamount to suicide to deliver a strike and then stop to see if it had done the job. Surely ‘one attack one kill’ refers to having the
attitude that every blow we deliver is delivered with the intent of finishing the opponent whether it takes one or ten. Once advantage has been gained you should keep ploughing into your opponent until he cannot continue or until you can escape.
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towards attaining that legendary black belt status; their training is far removed from the purpose of karate’s conception and the basic reason the majority of us took up the art in the first place, self-defence. Our syllabus has taken us completely beyond the realm of realistic fighting and is now preparing us for competition with the introduction of Jiyu Ippon and Jiyu kumite. It is vitally important that all karateka fully understand that competition style sparring, no matter how good you are, is incomparable to the no holds barred, anything goes, violence and confusion of a real fight. The belief that Karate kumite, as it is taught in most dojos, is an effective means of self-
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How you train is how you fight, everything else is just commentary
Fig 1
Fig 2
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- Lt. Col. Dave Grossman from his book On Combat.
Isn’t it ironic that by the time karateka have progressed to the high kyu grades and are looking Fig 3
Fig 4
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Fig 5
Fig 6
defence is a complete fallacy for the vast majority and is irresponsible and potentially dangerous for instructors to perpetuate. A line has to be drawn between sport karate and reality, of which all karateka should be aware and understand when it has been crossed. You may recall that in the last edition of this series I said that “Instructors have a duty to those entrusted to them to instil all that Karate has to offer”. This was never as important as it is in the matter of ‘life or death’ situations and what may or may not save one’s life or that of somebody close. In his book, Dave Grossman gives examples of how poorly constructed training can cost lives. A police officer had been trained in knife disarming techniques by drilling the disarming of a partner Fig 7
Fig 11
then passing back the knife to have another go over and over again. When he was then attacked by a knife wielding maniac, he easily disarmed his attacker but immediately gave him the knife back with terrible consequences! Another police officer had been trained in arrest scenarios where the norm at the time was to draw their fingers instead of a dummy or unloaded weapon. As unbelievable and inconceivable it seems, when the time came that he had to stop an armed assailant he actually pointed his fingers in the shape of a gun and gave the ‘Stop Police’ command. The officer was fatally shot. These are extreme cases to say the least but if you apply it to karate and think about the thousands of times that we as karateka drill techniques in an unrealistic fashion it
Fig 8
becomes quite a worrying thought, especially if our intention is to enable people to defend themselves. I fully understand that having all out full-contact fighting every session is also unacceptable and detrimental to the progress of karateka. However, adding regular elements of realism to classes is of vital importance, even if only for karateka to understand what dojo sparring is and isn’t capable of in terms of self-protection. I as much as anyone, find jiyu kumite an extremely enjoyable form and by occasionally retrofitting just a few simple modifications, it can be made more realistic and even more fun! The table shows some of the facets of jiyu kumite and suggestions on how to adapt it for more realism. The photographs show some of the adaptations in practice.
Fig 9
Fig 12
Fig 10
Fig 13
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Jiyu Kumite
Tournament Good
Comment
Reality Good
Adapt/Improve by:
Distance 1. Long commencement distance YES All distances perfect for 2. Long fighting Distance YES competition. Tactile awareness 3. Tactile awareness NO not required.
Zanshin/Awareness
Attacks 1. Jodan kicks 2. Chudan kicks 3. Straight Punches 4. Use of feints and tactics 5. Strike control
Defence 1. Dictating attackers options 2. Learning to read opponents intentions 3. Use of blocks 4. Counter control 5. Body movement /evasion (tai sabaki)
NO 1.Start from variety of ranges: NO Conversation range from fence NO aggressor initiate fight with any attack, aggressive dialogue can be also used, vertical grapple escape, from floor top escape/ bottom escape etc 2. During sparring command Vertical grapple for 20 seconds then break back to sparring. Same to floor. 3. Allow striking during grappling to greatly improve tactile awareness. YES Awareness of opponent has to YES 4. Easily improved with 2 or 3on1 be very good. Environmental sparring and placing of obstacles in awareness not really required area. Allow grabbing for ‘human shields’. Introduce escape/safe zones. Use VIP drill where one person has to safely get VIP to safe zone whilst under attack by one or multiple opponents. GREAT FUN!
YES YES YES YES YES
Ideal kicking range. Jodan kicks NO easily achievable as are long NO range strikes. Use of feints to YES get predictable response very NO effective. Good control practised NO
YES Defender can dictate attack YES options with hand and body positioning. Awareness of YES opponent’s intentions can be YES read with awareness of their YES body position. Blocks will work. Use of Tai Sabaki can be easily practised due to distance. Control practised.
Dictating Opponents Options By narrowing or widening you hand position and altering body position you can present a target and direct your opponents attack to an area suitable for your preferred defence. (Fig 1 & 2 for Jiyu Kumite) (Fig 3 & 4 ‘Passive Fence’ equivalent for selfprotection) (Fig 5 & 6 Example of 106 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK
5.Jodan kicks are virtually impossible at close range except for the very gifted. Even then their use is ill advised. During C.Q. & vertical grapple practice low level e.g. shin kicks, inside and outside leg kicks, & reaping. Include all types of strikes and punches. Use of head, knees and elbows (pad work for power). Let your partner know you could have bitten (use a kiss if you fancy!). Throws, chokes, strangles and locks are part of karate so practice them then apply to sparring.
YES 6. Use of ‘The Fence’ to limit attacker YES options and increase pre-emption option. NO 7. Start sparring from close range with NO one person initiating with any attack. NO 8. Blocks do not work at close range there simply is not enough time. Attack is the only defence. If covering use tactile awareness to read opponent. 9. Pad up and get used to being hit and hitting back hard. If safety is a worry introduce flaws such as - no punching to head. 10. Tai Sabaki difficult. Try limb control instead. Grabbiing, twisting, pushing & moving opponents arms, shoulders and head to gain & maintain position.
Outside Presentation Counter Jiyu Kumite) (Fig 7 to 10 Example of Inside Presentation counter Jiyu Kumite). This method can be used for nearly all attacks.
Vertical Grapple Commencement Instead of initiating fight from outside of kicking range as is the norm, try
starting from a vertical grapple. One combatant has to escape using any means whilst the others intention is to maintain grip. Striking from vertical grappling increases tactile awareness as vision is limited. Once grip is broken, use dojo sparring for 20 seconds or practice escape then re-start with roles reversed.
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Fig 15
Fig 18
Fig 16 Fig 19
Fig 20
Conversation Range Commencement -
Horizontal Grappling Top Escape -
The most common range for real fights to start (Fig 14). Defender should use ‘passive fence’ to direct attack and should also practice dialogue to calm or distract an attacker in a real confrontation and allow an opportunity for a pre-emptive strike. Attacker can use either a prearranged commencement attack or an attack of his choice (Fig 15). Aggressive dialogue can also be introduced for realism (but make sure juniors put fingers in their ears!). Defender pulls attacker into vertical grapple (Fig 16). Once out of close range go into dojo sparring (Fig 17) for 20 or so seconds or practice escape then recommence with roles reversed.
From mount position (Fig 18) the person underneath attempts to hold other person who has to get to his feet (Fig 19). As soon as escape is made both should get to their feet and continue fighting (Fig 20) then start again switching roles.
Fig 21
Fig 25
Horizontal Grappling Bottom Escape Same as above except the person underneath has to escape. For both horizontal grappling versions the first person on their feet can commence attacking whilst the other has to protect himself with his feet until he can safely get up and continue fighting (Fig 24).
Multiple Opponents / Close Protection To improve environmental awareness multiple opponents and obsta-
Fig 22
Fig 17
cles (I use soft play equipment) can be utilised. Close protection involves one person protecting another (who cannot fight) (Fig 25) from a third (Fig 26) until they are in a safe zone (Fig 27). Additional villains can be added for a bit more chaos! All of the above examples of kumite drills are extremely good and provide a more honest preparation for many situations that may occur in reality. No ‘kick-ass’ moves were required in the making of this article because 99.9% of the time, in the real world, they simply don’t work! Andy O’Brien is a 5th Dan Shotokan practitioner of 38 years and Bunkai Jutsu Instructor qualified by Iain Abernethy 5th Dan. Email andy@zanshintraining.co
Fig 23
Fig 26
Fig 24
Fig 27
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SAMURAI Tales of Old If you think it 3 times... then do it The execution yard is where we find our squire and his master on this desolate day. They stand across from each other in a dusty wind, their Hakama flapping, as do the banners of war. We find between them a criminal, bound and tired with no stay of execution on the horizon. Together they talk as the wretch awaits the headsman’s kiss. “Master why do people make mistakes in their lives so terrible that they end up here, a head to be taken, around them so many dead?” The young squire looked about this bone yard of despair, the countless bodies and headless corpses, to the sword testing area where bodies would be diced in elegant form. “How can a man’s life come to this point where his sacred flesh is so ill respected?” Okawa-san, with his granite face and electric eyes looked down to the corpse to be of a man on his knees below him. The man was terrified but held himself together as best as he could. The old man spoke as he looked into the cowering eyes of the criminal.
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“It is because he did not listen to his inner self, fundamentally we humans are good people at the core. It is only, usually society that changes the way we act, social pressures and all the myriad of subtle nuances that affect us throughout our lives that make us evil or criminal. This man is sat here in a pool of others blood because of a network of wrong choices in his life. All he had to do, was to listen to his conscience and heed its true word. You can imagine that the inner voice we have is like an angelic beast locked within a cage inside our heads. Surrounding this cage are the demonic guardians that are: greed, lust, envy, fear and so on and so fourth. If the angel of our scruples is not bright enough, it cowers in the back of its cage under the pressure of these collective ‘fears’. However the bright light that is our conscience does shine through but only lightly. We see that light but then let evil convince us that it is wrong, or give us reasons to believe that there are mitigating circumstances that mean we should do what is not right. This is wrong, and a life with angelic thought behind bars is not the way of the Samurai and any Samurai following that cause will be false and face Hell.” A commotion broke lose at the back of the execution ground and a prisoner gets free. The wretch of a man was wild and at flight! Leaping over bodies, he made for the exit and his freedom. Like a wild half
beast his jumping found a path through the corpses and trees. He passed 20 feet from our noble couple, when Okawa-san stamped his foot upon the earth and let out a war cry with a short sharp sonic wave. The man stood still, immovable, frozen eyes looking at the old warrior. Then as quickly as it started it ended, a Samurai dressed in crimson was upon him, a soft and fluid motion took the man’s head in a fountain of cherry mist. Okawa continued his conversation as the sound of the droplets pattered out. “If you think something three times then act upon it, if three times your mind tells you something, take heed of what that message says for there is a wholesome truth behind that message, untainted by life. This voice talks to us all day, it screams from its cell about how wrong we have been. Do not think that it only talks about the important things in life. If you think of a drink three times, get some water. If think of bed three times, then go to sleep. If you think you should tell the truth three times, then do so. Even if you think it trivial a thought, if three times it comes into your head, then act upon it, even if it is to slay your enemies. Live true to the voice inside your head. As long as you are not tainted by evil what you think will be correct. It is said, a Samurai should make his decision in seven heartbeats, well seven heartbeats is the same
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amount of time it takes to consciously think about something three times. Always remember squire, your demons will try to convince you that the easy way for you is the correct way. This is not so, to be able to choose between right and wrong, you must learn how to differentiate between a true and a false voice.” The prisoner looked up at the noble squire with hard yet sad eyes; there was a moment’s silence as the squire rested on his hilt, his thumb playing with the idea of drawing the weapon. “Find yourself a new life” the squire spoke as his hand changed from Katana to Tanto knife.” “Make sure that you follow all you have heard this day.” The prisoner was frozen as the knife cut his bonds; he rubbed his wrists before he stood. “Thank you my lord, I will change my ways and listen to the words of my mind.” With that the man slowly walked away. Okawa-san watched him go
“That young squire is a noble man by birth who has let the pressure of society make him common, for even the poorest among us can be more wealthy than a king if they so chose to be. A wealth that cannot be counted.” Okawa-san’s eyes went to the everlasting sky. The squire watched the man go with grace as he spoke to his master “My lord, I could see in that man steadiness that was not like the others, death seemed too harsh a punishment for a soul such as his, my inner mind was telling me that killing
him was wrong. I have decapitated 13 men this day and each without question, except for him.” “Then you did what was correct my young squire...well done.” Here among the outcasts, to die our noble pair talk under the dying moon, the black blood glistens in the evening wind. It is now you who must think to yourself, can my inner voice be heard over the demons of my mind. Think on your mind, do you hear it call three times? For if it calls three times or more you must obey no matter what consequences are in store!
By Antony Cummins
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Kyokushin in Tenerife How to Mix Business/Training with Pleasure By Les ObrĂŠ
Tenerife has always been associated with year round sunshine, holidays and lively nightlife in tourist destinations such as Los Cristianos or Las Americas and as such Martial Arts is probably never featured in many peoples minds. However, my cousin and her partner Leo, live on the Island and as the owners of a Kyokushin dojo they invited me and my two sons to train there during our two week holiday. This was an opportunity too good to miss. Leo has been practicing Kyokushin for 27, is linked directly to Shihan Pedro Roiz and is part of the Organisation of Kyokushin BudoKai. A native of Venezuela, Leo taught Kyokushin there for 17 years prior to moving to Tenerife. For my part, this was an ideal opportunity to experience a new martial art as I practice Aikido and Iaido with Shihan Mike Flynn and Thai/Kickboxing with former profes-
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sional Kickboxer Barry Ogilvie. For my two sons, Donald aged 7 who practices Aikido and Calum 11 who like his dad, practices both Aikido and Iaido, it was an opportunity to experience something very different. Arriving for our first session we were struck by the freshness of the dojo which is located in a new complex of business and housing in Los Tilos, a pleasant 15 minute bus journey from Las Americas. The dojo is not massive
but is on two levels with the entrance level also housing lots of fitness equipment which I was to become acquainted with later during my sessions! The lower level comprises the training area which is well resourced and radiates efficiency, calm and focus. It is modern, yet importantly not lacking in tradition which is very befitting for a Kyokushin dojo. Training takes place on three evenings each week with the junior
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classes followed by the adults. Sensi Mendez delivered classes that had the kids focussed from the very start, yet as they learned, they clearly had fun. A characteristic sadly missing from other Dojo’s that I have seen. It was also noticeable how well his students facilitated the inclusion of my sons with language being no problem. When my turn came, I was suddenly aware of the intensity of Kyokushin training and the pace at which it is delivered! I was also acutely aware that it was very hot, the class was in Spanish and I was
the oldest student there! However, in true Kyokushin fashion I persevered and worked as hard as I could to learn the techniques whilst pushing myself to the limit at every session. Like my sons I was made to feel very welcome by all the students and was assigned a training partner for my whole two weeks training. As I battled on with the warm up’s which were like a work out, the techniques and the Kumite, I was constantly reminded of the experience of the two presenters of the TV programme Fight Quest who went to Japan to train in Kyokushin. They
found it tough and so did I. But that is as it should be for all who experience Kyokushin. Anything else is not Kyokushin. During our time at the dojo we learned a tremendous amount about Kyokushin Karate, its methods and spirit. It was an honour to train with Sensi Mendez and his students and to learn so much about this tough art. We were constantly made to feel part of the whole Kyokushin family. It certainly made me want to learn more and to consider the fact that this would be the perfect martial art for me........25 years ago! Osu!
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Ticky Donovans 33rd Clacton Annual
Summer Course Gavin Foster reports
Put this date in your diary - June 26 to July 3, 2010. It’s the date of the 34th Ticky Donovan OBE Summer Course. No matter what’s been said or what you think you’ve heard in the past, make no mistake, this year’s was one of the best ever so you would be mad to miss out. Don’t take my word for it, have a google and read the many blogs, forums and even the facebook ‘we love the summer course’ site that has been set up to get an idea of what I’m talking about. Sensei Donovan said: “The feedback from the course has been fantastic. I’ve never such a response. People are already booked up for next year. The response has been so great I’m in the process of setting up the Ticky Donovan Summer Course website to get the message out there to let everyone know it’s for all styles all grades and all ages. You’ve only got to look at the list of winners in the competitions of the week to see how
many different styles picked up accolades. We’ve all had such a lift and I’m sure next year’s course will be even bigger and better.” Some 120 or so students gathered once more at the caravan park in St Osyth, near Clacton-on-Sea for the 2009 summer course. This year saw a return of some of the other styles that have graced the event for the last three decades. The course, like karate, cuts all boundaries of
background and age - with little ones as young as six training along many reaching into their 70s. The annual meet and greet on the field at 7pm on Saturday night prompted prayers for great weather and the spirits consumed in the bar that night must have worked their magic because the sun came out. At 7.30 on Sunday morning at line up it was the first chance for many to see the formidable line up of instructors whose talent would be on display for the week. Senseis Ticky Donovan (OBE), 8th Dan, Dave Hazard, 7th Dan, Greg Francis, 5th Dan, Eddie Gillespie, 5th Dan, Lee Smith, 4th Dan and last but not least, Jonathan Mottram, 4th Dan.
DAY 1: Tony Spinks took the warm up and reminded the bleary eyed while we were all there and what a first a day it was to be. Greg Francis was first up for the black belts - ever eager and keen to pass on his knowledge and experience in kumite. Hungry for more, dangrade students were treated to two more sessions on Sunday. Firstly sensei Hazard. To watch and listen and 112 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK
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learn from Dave Hazard is an absolute thrill and pleasure. His karate is simply awesome. If anyone wants to get into the debate about karate not being able to match other martial arts in terms of its effectiveness just see this man in action and any questions or doubts that may have entered your head will disappear. He shows why karate is the ultimate fighting art and is able to guide you on a path to believe it can be the same for you. A karate feast for the black belts was finished with the finest dessert with the man himself, sensei Donovan. Sensei Donovan’s talents are undoubted and have been celebrated and applauded across the globe for decades. But for me, and for many others I speak to, it is the way he continues to motivate and inspire me to achieve greater things in karate each time I have the privilege to train with him that make him unrivalled. Other student grade groups got a chance to train with the other instructors on the first day. Instructors moved around the grade groups throughout the week, giving all students a chance to train with and learn from them all.
DAY 2: Sensei Gillespie was next up with the black belts on Monday morning. And again it was about taking the fundamentals and applying them in the real world. It might be the prettiest - but I guarantee it will work. Take it from someone who has been on the receiving end on many occasions. A change to this year’s programme saw senior kumite slotted into Monday afternoon with Sarah Kemp, who was also awarded her 4th Dan on the course, taking the honours in the ladies black
belt. In the men’s, it was the time for the up-and-coming stars to show off their talents. ASK’s Dave Wesgarth took 1st in the U-21s, with Ishinryu’s Mitchell Scotcher claiming gold after taking third in the U-21 event. Another session brought Monday to a close.
DAY 3: It was an 8am start for the annual fun run, around two-and-half miles with young and old taking part. Super-fit Sarah Kemp warmed everyone up and then proceeded to romp home in first in the women’s race - oh yes and complained because she was beaten by two of the men! Early afternoon gave the opportunity for fighters, judges and referees to brush up on their skills with an eagerly attended course run by Mike Tointon. Some 50 or more students took up the opportunity for the course and full marks went out to Mike for his guidance and instruction, not only on the course, but throughout the
competitions during the week. Everyone agreed that his contribution was an excellent inclusion to the course and big thank you from everyone to Mike. Tuesday once again saw the opportunity to take part in Greg Francis’s amazing Fit2Fite class. For fighting fitness, coordination and stamina Fit2Fite is the business and as anyone who has tried it will testify - it isn’t for the faint hearted.
DAY 4: It’s Wednesday and the whole place is buzzing, the atmosphere is simply electric and the camaraderie is growing by the day. We’re still going strong in training and it was back for more at 7.30am. Today played host to the kata competition and the women’s event was the highlight for all. Fresh from taking gold at the Austrian Open the previous weekend, and a string of other titles under her belt this year, young Emma Lucraft took the honours again with some stunning kata.
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She is undoubtedly a star of the future is she continue to go the way is going. But her hard work and dedication is matched by that from her parents without whose support she would ever be able to achieve what her dreams. This is what also makes the summer course special. They and many other families come along to watch, support and enjoy what was truly a memorable week. Another rising star, Jack Dixon - watch out sensei Mottram - took the honours in the men’s black belt. Sensei Smith offered the more energetic the option of a pad work session at 1pm before we are all at it again on the field for final session of the day at 4pm and then it was fun time at the fancy dress night. It was a fantastic night with all the students and families joining in the fun. But I’m still traumatised at the site of sensei Mottram dressed as a sexy Snow White! It was just wrong.
DAY 5: A chance to sleep off the night before, the junior kumite competition got into swing. Cheered on by their clubs and families, the youngsters really got stuck in and showed excellent spirit and determination. Their effort and the support once again summed up the ethos of the week - it was tremendous. At 1pm, Tony Spinks and I were also asked to help out with some instruction with a padwork session. Around 35 students turned out to train which we were both humbled by. Everyone appeared to have a great session and I can honestly say the honour was probably the proudest moment of my karate career and I’m sure I speak for Tony as well in that. Still spinning from the high, it was back in the lines and another great session - to end another great day.
- no one wanted this course to end. All students were raving about the atmosphere, the camaraderie, the superb instruction - it all left us wanting more, more, more. Another shock was to come for me by way by being awarded Student of the Week alongside Fallon Rayman who picked up the accolade for the ladies. Thankyous were given to all instructors and others who helped make the week so special. All that remained was to hand out the certificates, sign the licences, and take the final bow...or and not forgetting throwing sensei Mottram in the pool. At the after-course party, everyone I spoke to and since then has said how for them, this course was the best yet. And that was all styles and grades. As for Ishinryu, I think it saw the beginning of a new dawn. Ishinryu everybody one heart. But if they are not looked after correctly hearts can become weak and arteries can sometimes become clogged. Sometimes surgery needs to be per-
formed to clear the blockages that prevent new blood from flowing freely. Once that is done the heart can once again function as one and pretty soon the whole body has a new lease of life and can become even stronger. Roll on next year there’s no stopping us now! The final word goes to sensei Donovan: “This course was a breath of fresh air, with new instructors coming forward and many others making a fantastic contribution to make it a great week. The past is in the past, it’s onwards and upwards.” To get a chance to see what you can expect see the super summer course picture special at www.ishinryu.org Book your place on the 2010 Summer Course by contacting Seawick Holiday Park, Beach Road, St Osyth, Near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. To book call 0845 815 9775 or logo onto www.parkholidaysuk.com for more information (When booking say you are on the karate course to guarantee accommodation).
DAY 6 - FINAL DAY: The mood was subdued in the morning - quite simply because no one wanted this course to end - but we were all quickly lifted once more. Those who were grading took to the floor later in the morning and it was congratulations to all who passed, especially to Nicole Taylor for passing her Shodan (black belt). The change in format saw a final session for everyone in the afternoon. The atmosphere was on fire with a kumite session which built to a crescendo with a sparring, with everyone mixing in and learning from each other. Truly WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 115
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Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo (SKKF)
and Koshiki Karate (WKKF)
arrives in UK The first ever public demonstration of Koshiki Karate and Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo took place in July at an open air show ground in Surrey. The style has been growing steadily over the last couple of years under the direction of Sensei Ciaran Mitchell, but until now students of Dojo Ken Shin Kai have been practising their art behind closed doors. Twenty five members of Dojo Ken Shin Kai took part in the display which included children as young as five, performing their yellow belt Kata, demonstrating striking techniques and showing the stances specific to this style. Several hundred spectators braved the heavy rain to watch the students run through the comprehensive programme, which has generated a lot of interest in the Woking based club. Among the many highlights of the display was a weapons kata using Sai swords and a self defence segment, in which Sensei Ciaran and Sempai John Baker used a number
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of weapons as well as empty hand attacks to show how to defend, counter or disarm an assailant. Adult Kata and Koshiki also featured, as did a number of other Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo Katas, Renshu, Randori and Kumite - all of which are fundamental to the teaching of the style for competition known as Koshiki Karate. The style itself was created over seventy years ago in Japan by Kaiso Masayoshi Kori Hisataka, Kensei 10th dan. He developed the style through his training in Okinawan Karatedo, Shorinji Kempo and other traditional martial arts such as Judo,
Chinese boxing, Bo Jutsu and Jujutsu, incorporating the combative instincts of certain animals and the five elements. The style includes striking techniques such as punching, kicking, elbow, knee and hand. Also included are take downs, throws and hold/lock techniques to create an effective self defence system. Virtually all striking techniques are used with the strict exception of leg kicks. Strikes to the back of the body or back of the head, uncontrolled strikes on the ground and other unacceptable competition strikes are strictly forbidden. Leg
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sweeps are permitted and can be used as part of a combination for take down followed by precise controlled techniques which can result in Ippon. Sensei Ciaran Mitchell is the Head of the World Koshiki Karatedo Foundation (WKKF) and Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo Federation (SKKF) in UK and Ireland. He lived and trained in Hong Kong for more than ten years under the intense instruction of Sensei Pierre Ingrassia, who died suddenly last year at the age of 46. The first public demonstration in the UK was dedicated to him.
Sensei Ciaran was a member of the successful Hong Kong Team which Sensei Pierre took to the Asia Pacific Championships in Indonesia in 2000 and the WKKF World Championships in Australia later that year. He has also competed in tournaments in Greece and Portugal in recent years as the sole representative for the UK. Sensei Ciaran said: “I walked into the arena to the strains of God Save the Queen, with the Union Jack flying for me. I had to smile thinking what they would make of my Southern Irish accent. But standing there on my own it made me determined to put together
a UK and Ireland team to compete in future tournaments. That would be a fitting tribute for Sensei Pierre.� Shihan Hanshi Masayuki Kukan Kisataka, the Head Professor of the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo Hombu Dojo in Japan, has even greater ambitions for Koshiki Karate. He has been lobbying for a number of years for the style to achieve recognition as an Olympic Sport. In October 2009 another presentation will be made to the International Olympic Committee to drive this forward. If successful, Dojo Ken Shin Kai could be training the fighters, who might one day compete for Olympic Gold.
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AMA Amateur Martial Associations
AMA is the largest Martial Arts Organisation in the British Isles. It is the Governing Body for over 6,000 clubs and 90,000 members. Most of these have been with us for over 35 years. We must be doing something right! Join the AMA now and get the best national and international recognition, the best access to courses and competitions, national and world-wide. Over 35 years experience of growth. Whatever the size or style of your group or club you are welcome in the AMA. We are here to serve you.
DAN GRADES & CERTIFICATES VALIDATION ALL GRADES COMPETITIONS: REGIONAL, NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL BEST INSURANCE (and I mean best!) CLUB AND COMPETITION GRANTS ALL STYLES WELCOME CLUB AND COMPETITION GRANTS CRB CHECKS (Criminal Record Bureau clearance) AMA is affiliated to:
WTF - World Taekwondo Federation
ICKF - International Chinese Kuoshu Federation
ITF - International Taekwondo Federation SKGB - Scottish Karate Governing Body
WKEA - World Kali Escrima Associations World Pencak
Sole mandate GB
EKF - English Karate Federation
WCJJO - World Council Ju-Jitsu Organisation
WKF - World Karate Federation
To see national AMA listings of over 13,000 instructors/clubs on the web, type: www.bt.com/thephonebook then in ‘business’ type: martial arts and town For an information pack without obligation, call us, alternatively you can fax or post the coupon to the address below. AMA001/07
Tom Hibbert MBE, FSMA - AMATEUR MARTIAL ASSOCIATIONS 66 Chaddesden Lane, Chaddesden, Derby DE21 6LP Name: Address:
✂
E-Mail: tom@amauk.co.uk Tel: 07973 507716 Fax: 01332 280286 or E-Mail: peter.allen@amauk.co.uk Tel: 07939 289711