Issue #11 - February 2013
Wel c o m e
seek perfection of character
be faithful
endeavour
respect others
refrain from violent behaviour
Welcome to our 11th issue of Zanshin, especially the new pee-wee students and their parents. This is our monthly e-magazine and it seeks to inform and share with our members, news and views about issues and events that are relevant to the Trinidad Karate Association. This month is an important month for us as we are hosting our Shoto Camp and National Tournament. Please support both ventures as they form an important event in our Association’s Calendar of Events. Please be safe during the Carnival festivities and remember as Karatekas our first line of defense is “avoid confrontation as much as possible.” Always keep close to your heart the last of the tenets in our Dojo Kun- “Refrain from Violent Behavior.” Be aware of your surroundings at all times and try to walk away from potential threats. We have included a few self-defense tips for persons engaging in Carnival activities this year in this edition. Articles, comments and constructive criticism can be sent to Simone via email: kimoy2004@yahoo.com. Regards Shihan Wesley Dexter Shim Chairman & Chief Instructor TKA (IKD)
This Carnival, play mas, enjoy de scene, lime wid ur crew
but. . .
avoid making yourself a target
avoid confrontation
Inside
The Trinidad Karate Association -TKAis a non-profit organization and currently one of the largest active organizations in Trinidad and Tobago teaching traditional Japanese Shotokan karate.
Karate- on the way to Olympics 2020 Carnival self-defense tips 2013 Calendar TKA CAMP Shing-iita Dojo News 2013 TKA National Tournament, 24 February Programme of Events Feature: Kumite
It was confirmed prior to 2010 that Karate will officially make its debut as an Olympic sport in 2020.
Profiles Training Schedule Dojo Training: some thoughts
let self-defence be your last resort!!
Karate . . on its way to Olympics 2020 It was confirmed prior to 2010 that Karate will officially be considered as an Olympic sport in 2020. The Trinidad and Tobago Karate Union (TTKU) is following this process and will be promoting this achievement (see its websites for updates). The TTKU is the organization charged with training and ultimately selecting those persons who would represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Olympics in 2020 in the sport of Karate.
FYI: June 15 - Karate is the odds-on favourite to be included on the Olympic programme for 2020.
TTKU
G OV E RN I N G BO D Y F OR A L L K A RA T E I N T R I N I D A D A N D T O BA G O
T.T.K.U. has been in existence for the last 12 years, born in 1998 after much effort on the part of several dedicated karate practitioners to create a more representative national karate body. This was done and an organization was formed that was recognized by the Ministry of Sport as the national body for karate. Recognition was also given by the TTOC and this was due to our membership in the Pan American Karate Federation, the regional body for the World Karate Federation (WKF). We are also members of the CCCK (Central American and Caribbean Karate Federation) and founder members of the CKF (Caribbean Karate Federation). The TTKU promotes sport karate under the direction of the previously mentioned international organizations and as a result TTKU is involved in sport karate which is recognized by the world’s highest sporting organization which is the IOC (International Olympic Committee). Karate became an Olympic sport when the WKF became a member of the IOC in 1998. In 2009 karate was just pipped by Rugby 7’s and Golf in becoming one of the sports which will make up the Summer Olympic programme in London in 2016. Karate came 3rd in the final vote of IOC members in November 2009. For those interested in the highest level of sport karate TTKU is the organization to join. Nuff said!
Karate was developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan, and was popularised in that country after World War Two. Karate officials claim that there is now more than 50 million people around the world who practice the sport. "Their previous application [for the Olympics] in 2005 went close and we think it could well do it this time," William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly told insidethegames. "Taekwondo and judo are very popular at the Games and we think that another martial arts discipline, especially if 2020 could be in Japan, could only be a good thing." The eight sports currently bidding for inclusion were cut from 12 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last July at its Session in Durban. The IOC are now analyzing the eight applicant sports against a list of more than 30 criteria, including how popular the sport is around the world, how it is governed, and how effective its anti-doping programme is. Only one of the sports will be chosen by the IOC at its Session in Buenos Aires in September 2013. Story writer: Duncan Mackay duncan.mackay@insidethegames.biz Source: http://www.insidethegames.biz/latest/17307exclusive-karate-favourite-for-inclusion-in-2020-olympics
Go to: http://ttkarateunion.webs.com/aboutus.htm
Zanshin
They are 1/2 to win the nomination ahead of squash at evens, baseball and softball at 5/4, wushu at 5/2, roller sports 8/1, sports climbing 10/1 and wakeboard 10/1. This assessment was based on the fact that karate narrowly missed out on making the programme for London 2012 narrowly failing to get the two-thirds majority - and also that they make Tokyo the favourites to be awarded the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
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a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Carnival: Self-Defense Tips
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough, use it!
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM…Toss it away from you…chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
Whenever walking around a blind corner, avoid passing close to the inside lane, choose to take the corner wide, it may save your life.
When ever leaving places of safety (Offices, homes etc...), be observant, avoid talking on cell phones, texting messages, even when driving on the road.
Always assess situations before approaching it; never assume any situation is safe without analyzing it first.
Carnival time: -
avoid attracting attention and making oneself a target. Refrain from the wearing of expensive jewelry, watches, chains, rings and I.D. bands, never display large sums of money or location of purse or wallet, don’t invite trouble.
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if in a fete try to avoid being in the center of a thick crowd, it is always wiser to provide some leverage for yourself.
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try to avoid confrontation, there if no shame in running away if you will remain in one piece.
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self-defense should be your last resort, if you can talk your way out of a situation, do it.
Never boast or even advertise your knowledge or skill, it is your secret weapon which you will only use when it is necessary.
Self-defence is not something to play, whenever you are using it, it is to inflict bodily harm. Somebody will get hurt if you execute it properly and you may hurt yourself, if it is done incorrectly. Last but not least, whatever approach you decide to take today, will determine if you be around tomorrow. In your homes: -
learn the location of every object, obstacle within your home; you may have to maneuver in the dark to escape an attacker.
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place objects that may be used at a later time (a cutlass, a broomstick, a sharp object) that you alone know about in a strategic location.
The Tournament: Noting that the tournament organizers seemed a little shorthanded Keith's dad approached the table. "Good morning," he said to the Director, "You look a little shorthanded. Anything I can do to help?" "Well it just so happens we're short a fighter for the Purple Belt division," the Director replied "Sorry," Keith's dad said, "I don't know a thing about Karate." "That's OK" said the Director. "We need referees too!"
Zanshin
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a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
2013 Calendar Month
Event
Day
Time
Place
22nd – 23rd
February
Camp with Senseis Paul and Alice Bernstein and Cameron King from Barbados- Chinese Association TKA National Tournament
24th
April
Grading
Details to be announced later
June
IKD Camp, Toronto, Canada
Details to be announced later
July
CKC 10th Caribbean Championship, St. Vincent
Details to be announced later
Details to be announced later
TKA CAMP Shing-iita - Body and Mind as One The TKA Camp will be on Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd February, 2013 at a venue to be confirmed. The Chief Instructors are Shihan Shim, Senseis Alice and Paul Bernstein and Sensei Cameron. There will be training in all aspects of dojo training, viz: Kihon, Kata, Kumite, Bunkai, Self-Defense and Embu. Please see Sensei Nigel for details on location and cost and registration forms.
Dojo News The University of the West Indies Shotokan Karate Club (UWISKC) The Shotokan All We Get initiative (SWAG) Tuesday continues every Tuesday at UWI at the Undercroft from 6.30 pm. to 7.30pm.
UWI members hard at work during a SWAG session
Zanshin
4
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
2013 TKA National Tournament 24th February (Venue to be Announced) ~ Programme of Events ~
Individual Events - Kata Youth: 7 -17 Yrs 1. Girls: 5 to 6 1.1. White to orange
2. Boys 5 to 6 2.1. White to orange
3. Girls: 7 to 9 3.1. White to orange 3.2. Green to purple 3.3. Brown and black 4. Boys : 7-9 4.1. White to orange 4.2. Green to purple 4.3. Brown and black
Adult:18 - 44 Yrs 1. Women: 18 to 20 1.1. White to orange 1.2. Green to purple 1.3. Brown and black 2. Men: 18 to 20 2.1. White to orange 2.2. Green to purple 2.3. Brown and black 3. Women: 21 to 44 3.1. White to orange 3.2. Green to purple 3.3. Brown and black 4.
Men : 4.1. 4.2. 4.3.
1.
2.
Senior: Over 44 Yrs Women :45 and over 1.1. White to orange 1.2. Green to purple 1.3. Brown and black Men: 45 and over 2.1. White to orange 2.2. Green to purple 2.3. Brown and black
21 to 44 White to orange Green to purple Brown and black Sensei Nigel judging
5. Girls : 10-12 5.1. White to orange 5.2. Green to purple 5.3. Brown and black
Memories from TKA 2010 Tournament
6. Boys: 10-12 6.1. White to orange 6.2. Green to purple 6.3. Brown and black 7. Girls: 13-15 7.1. White to orange 7.2. Green to purple 7.3. Brown and black 8. Boys: 8.1. 8.2. 8.3.
13-15 White to orange Green to purple Brown and black
Kata participants
9. Girls: 16-17 9.1. White to orange 9.2. Green to purple 9.3. Brown and black 10. Boys: 10.1. 10.2. 10.3.
16-17 White to orange Green to purple Brown and black
Medal Winners
Zanshin
5
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
2013 TKA National Tournament ~ Programme of Events cont’d
Individual Events - Kumite Youth: 7 -17 Yrs 11. White to Orange : 5 - 6 11.1. Girls: 5-6 11.2. Boys: 5-6
Adult:18 - 44 Yrs 5. Women: 18 to 20 5.1. White to orange 5.2. Green to purple 5.3. Brown and black 6. Men: 18 to 20 12.4. White to orange 12.5. Green to purple 12.6. Brown and black 7. Women: 21 to 44 7.1 White to orange 7.2 Green to purple 7.3 Brown and black 8. Men: 21 to 44 8.1 White to orange 8.2 Green to purple 8.3 Brown and black
12. Girls: 7 -9 12.1. White to orange 12.2. Green to purple 12.3. Brown and black 13. Boys : 7-9 13.1. White to orange 13.2. Green to purple 13.3. Brown and black 14. Girls : 10-12 14.1. White to orange 14.2. Green to purple 14.3. Brown and black 15. Boys: 10-12 15.1. White to orange 15.2. Green to purple 15.3. Brown and black 16. Girls: 13-15 16.1. White to orange 16.2. Green to purple 16.3. Brown and black 17. Boys: 13-15 17.1. White to orange 17.2. Green to purple 17.3. Brown and black 18. Girls: 16-17 18.1. White to orange 18.2. Green to purple 18.3. Brown and black 19. Boys: 16-17 19.1. White to orange 19.2. Green to purple 19.3. Brown and black
3.
4.
Senior: Over 44 Yrs Women: 45 and over 3.1. White to orange 3.2. Green to purple 3.3. Brown and black Men: 45 and over 4.1. White to orange 4.2. Green to purple 4.3. Brown and black
Memories from TKA 2011 Tournament
Sensiei Natakki officiating in Kumite
Nicholas and Andrew proudly show of their medals
White belt Kata participant
Zanshin
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a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
2013 TKA National Tournament ~ Programme of Events cont’d
Team Events Youth: 7 -17 Yrs 20. Male 20.1. White to Orange 20.2. Green to Purple 20.3. Brown and Black 21. Female 21.1. White to Orange 21.2. Green to Purple 21.3. Brown and Black Brown & Black Belts Only Bunkai 22. Male: 7 to 13 yrs 23. Female: 7 to 13 yrs
Memories from TKA 2012 Tournament
Adult:18 - 44 Yrs Kata 9. Male: 14-19 9.1 White to Orange 9.2 Green to Purple 9.3 Brown and Black
Senior: Over 44 Yrs 5. Male: 5.1 White to Orange 5.2 Green to Purple 5.3 Brown and Black 6. Female: 6.1 White to Orange 6.2 Green to Purple 6.3 Brown and Black
10. Female: 14-19 10.1 White to Orange 10.2 Green to Purple 10.3 Brown and Black 11. Male: 20-24 11.1 White to Orange 11.2 Green to Purple 11.3 Brown and Black 12. Female: 20-24 11.1 White to Orange 11.2 Green to Purple 11.3 Brown and Black
Female winners in 2012 Tournament
Brown & Black Belts Only 13.1 13.2 14.1 14.2 15.1 15.2
Male medalists from UWI dojo
16.1 16.2
Bunkai Male: 14 to 19 Female: 14 to 19 Male: 20 to 44 Female: 20 to 44 Kumite Male: 18 years & over Female: 18 years & over Embu Male: 18 years & over Female: 18 years & over
Bunkai 7.1 Male > over 44 8.2 Female > over 44
Kumite 8.1 Male: > over 44 8.2 Female: > over 44 Embu 9.1 Male: > over 44 9.2 Female: > over 44
The contribution to participate is $60.00 for either Kata or Kumite and $100 for both events. Team events - Kata, Kumite, Bunkai and Enbu - cost just $100 each. This tournament also forms part of our fund-raising efforts so please, all students participate. Please see Sempai Simone, Christian Pimento (Chad’s dad and Rose Ginger (Christian Lue Chin’s mum) for registration and waiver forms for Tournament and Tournament rules.
Some of the Pee-wees who won medals
Zanshin
7
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Feature: KUMITE This is the third and final part of the three-part series on basic Dojo training. The last two aspects, Kihon and Kata were discussed in the July and October editions respectively. Kumite or sparring, is where the techniques practiced in Kihon and Kata are applied against a real opponent. There are different formats of Kumite designed for developing different skills, and appropriate for practitioners of different levels. In the most basic and controlled forms (kihon kumite), everything is predetermined and both the attacker and defender know exactly which techniques will be used and where (for example, five-step, three-step and one-step sparring). In other words the attackers call the attacks and the only thing unknown, is when. During a grading exercise or tournament student/participant will hear terms such as:
in
Kihon
kumite,
the
 sanbon kumite which is three step sparring- normally jodan(face level), chudan (stomach level) and gedan (lower body level) punches or jodan and chudan punches and mae-geri (front-kick) kicks;  kihon ippon kumite which is one step sparring- normally one jodan and chudan punch and one mae-geri, mawashi-geri(round-house kick) and one yoko geri kekomi(side-thrust) kick;  jiyu ippon kumite which is semi-free sparring. This normally utilizes the same attacks in kihon ippon kumite and the students move around. This kumite is the precursor to jiyu kumite, as the attackers and defenders (counter-attackers) must show the various elements of effective punching, namely: - expansion and contraction of body - hand-speed - body connection using the seika tanden (located in the abdomen about two inches below the navel). Often called the centrum, or point of center of balance, energy and concentration, all kiais are generated from this point. - focus at end of punch or kime - fast pull back of hikite (reaction hand) to return position, and - escape which is the practice of Zanshin- which is the maintenance of our guard - from start to finish. At the opposite end of the spectrum is jiyu kumite (freestyle sparring), where techniques are exchanged freely and the attacks are unknown. Attacks and counter-attacks may include a variety of kicks, punches, strikes and sweeps. This jiyu-kumite forms the basis for competition karate or sport karate. While Karate training formally takes place in a Dojo, the techniques learnt can be utilized anywhere and at any time to defend one-self, against one or multiple attackers.
Zanshin
8
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
>> Profiles: Occupation: Student - B.Sc Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biology Number of Years in Karate: 3 ½ Rank: Shodan
Name: Marcus John
Karate Dojo & Location: UWI Shotokan Karate Affiliations: IKD Karate Achievements: Winner Enbu Male 20 to 30yrs at World Shoto Cup 2012 Karate Goals: Continue constant training, going back to basics Mentor: Sensei Dean Personal Philosophy: Give life its own meaning. Everyone knows you can’t reach the stars, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying. Always do the thing in which you think you cannot do Likes: Cooking, Poetry, Hiking, Partying…to name a few. Best Memorable Moment: Delivering a scoring chudan mae-geri at the IKD world cup. One of the best mae-geris I ever executed Advice to Young Karatekas: When one seeks advice, give them direction, not correction: Do not force your opinion on others but steer them to make their own decisions.
Occupation: Pharmacist Number of Years in Karate: 14
Name: Julian Nicholas
Rank: Shodan Karate Dojo & Location: UWI Karate Goals: Would like to open a free dojo for children Achievements: Collaborating with Sensei Deane on Mentorship Outreach Programme at Mt. Lambert Primary School Mentor: Sensei Andre; Karate team- Marcus, Alain and Marc Personal Philosophy: put God first; discretion is the better part of valor Likes: Interacting with children; agriculture, logging Best Memorable Moment: the lime in Mavaro Advice to Young Karatekas: Don’t just do kata in dojo; train at home; personalize karate. Don’t be afraid to lose; it’s part of winning
Zanshin
9
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Training Schedules Day
Dojo Training: Some Thoughts
Time
Rank - Belts
Enbu and Bunkai
TORA- Chinese Association, St. Ann’s Directors: Senseis Nigel Forde and John George Tuesday
6.00 - 7.15pm
All Ages, All Ranks
Thursday
6.00 - 7.15pm
All Ages - All Ranks
UWI Shokotan CLUB, UWI, St. Augustine President- Sensei Dean Avril Monday
6:00 - 7:30pm
All ages - ranks - UWI SPEC SWAG – No Gi required!
Tuesday
6:00 - 7:30pm
All ages - ranks Engineering Undercroft All ages - ranks
Wednesday
6:00 - 7:30pm
Friday
6:00 - 7:00pm
Saturday
3:00 – 5/6:00pm
Engineering Undercroft All ages - ranks Engineering Undercroft All ages - ranks Engineering Undercroft
Real Spring DOJO, Valsayn Community Centre Dojo Directors: Senseis Theophilus Faustin and Gregory Placide Wednesday
7:00 - 8:30pm
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Saturday
10:00 - 11:30am
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Sunday
8:00 - 9:00am
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Tobago- Scarborough Secondary School Dojo Director: Sensei Arthur Morris Tuesday
5:30 - 7:30pm
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Thursday
5:30 - 7:30pm
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Saturday
9:30 - 12 noon
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
KAIZEN - 1 Primco Drive, Glencoe
While always a part of dojo training, unlike some other Associations that teach traditional Karate, the IKD, under the stewardship of Shihan Woon-ATai has always promulgated the importance of Enbu and Bunkai and as part of this training. This is evidenced by the following: ►The IKD introduced both male and female Bunkai and Enmbu events in its 1st World Shoto Cup held in July 2012. ►From 2012, Bunkai has been incorporated within the syllabus for all persons taking part in Dan gradings. Persons being graded for Shodan(1st Dan) must exhibit a mastery of Heian Shodan Bunkai; similarly persons attempting Nidan (2ndDan) grading must do the same for Heian Nidan, Sandan(3rd Dan) and so on. While the emphasis on a daily basis is still Kihon, Kata and Kumite, dojo training in both these aspects of Karate has increased considerably. So just what are Enbu and Bunkai? In my opinion both these aspects make Karate appear more realistic and alive. I will address Enbu in this issue and hope that this short write-up will provide some greater understanding to those persons who are junior belts and who wish to incorporate it in their training. Bunkai will be examined in a later issue. At the bottom I have also included some pictures of our Adult Male Gold Medallists at First World Shoto Cup- Alan, Marcus and Marc going through Enbu exercises.
Dojo Director: Sensei Marc Mollentheil Wednesday
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Friday
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
MUSHIN - Ritmo del Rey Dance Studio, Long Circular Road Dojo Director: Sensei Earl Wilson Monday
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Adults – All Ranks
Wednesday
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Adults – All Ranks
Saturday
7:30 to 9:00am
Adults – All Ranks
Zanshin
10
Finding reading material on Embu proved to be rather difficult but I retrieved this from the Internet. The information below here is obtained from an article on Enbu written by Alex Tong and Albert Cheah (the references are stated below) and I have amended it to include my thoughts and issues relevant to the IKD at various points. Contributor: Simone Thorne References: Alex Tong and Albert Cheah, SEIZAN®,Newsletter of the American Amateur Karate Federation, March 1, 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
ENBU
Enbu is prevalent in modern Chinese Wu Shu (martial arts) training, and often displayed in the movies by well-known martial artists such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li. The precision and timing with which the techniques are executed often impresses the audience, especially when a dangerous technique is deflected at the last moment and an effective counter attack brings down the assailant. The well-choreographed sequence of fighting displays both skill and creativity. Although these well-choreographed fight sequences are there to entertain, it nevertheless demonstrates the ability of the players. Such choreographed training in karate is generally only found these days during demonstrations. It is thought that maybe during the evolution of Karate, Enbu training was ignored in favor of pre-arranged Kumite training, such as three-step or one-step sparring. But the value of training in a partnered fighting sequence remains evident today in other martial arts such as Shorinji (Japanese pronunciation of Shaolin), Kempo, Judo and Aikido.
Enbu training not only develops the Karateka’s timing with the opponents, but also furthers the understanding of Zanshin, Todome-waza, and the Budō aspect of each technique.
By re-introducing Enbu as part of dojo training and Enbu categories in IKD tournaments, Shihan Woon-aTai, with his profound understanding of traditional martial arts values, apparently has recognized the importance of this training method. Enbu (roughly translated as "choreographed selfdefense") in our recently concluded IKD tournament, involved three person teams- two attackers and a defender. Each team was scored on a series of attack-defence exchanges, within a specified time limit, which incorporated various offense side techniques, such as, straight punch (chokuzuki), front kick (mae-geri), roundhouse kick (mawashi-geri), and back-kick (ushiro-geri). These attack/defence engagements culminated in each defender in the team demonstrating the execution of a "finishing blow" technique (todome waza) to his/her attackers at the end of the attack. Enbu scoring is based on criteria such as technique execution, timing and distance, budō aspect, and choreography. Thus Enbu training engenders elements of Kata (predetermined sequence, proper power, transition, and balance), and Kumite' (correctness of technique timing and distance during engagement) competitions, with the additional expectations of proper Budō and Choreography. These criteria are consistent with the literal translation of enbu (演武). The two Japanese characters denote “en”, to demonstrate or illustrate, and “bu”, meaning martial aspects. It is noteworthy that Enbu also ascribes noncompetition demonstrations by ranking instructors that showcase principles and practice of the training style.
Adult Male Gold Medallists at First World Shoto Cup- Alan, Marcus and Marc going through Enbu exercises
Zanshin
11
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
E mbu C on ce p ts ex plain ed Zanshin: defined as an important practice to maintain mental and physical preparedness for follow-up techniques execution. Zanchin ensures that one retains control of the opponent’s and one’s own reactions, and provides safeguard against the circumstance that the opponent feigns defeat. Todome-waza: Partnered Enbu training, offers the opportunity to fully commit one’s physical and mental resources to execute a finishing blow technique. It necessarily engenders the demonstration of total mental focus, proper tactics, distance and timing leading up to controlled energy transfer with total body power and appropriate body dynamics. The finalé of Enbu, the execution of Todome waza, is often represented as the final counter-offensive by the physically weaker party in order to neutralize his/her opponent. This is of course followed by Zanshin. Realism: The Enbu exercise should be modeled after techniques that, if carried out to the fullest extent, have a high likelihood of success in real selfdefense scenarios. This externally-directed concept is somewhat paradoxical to tenets of Budō (see next). Nonetheless, the choice for proper, realistic techniques is an important aspect of martial relevancy in Shotokan training, and for the development of proper mental imagery. Moreover, tactics, technique sequence and rhythm in Renzoku Waza (combination techniques) should be consistent with Kumite’ practice. Crowd-pleasing acrobatics resembling movie play-acting not only detract from proper personal development, but also convey a wrong impression of Enbu training philosophy.
These techniques look quite painful!!
Budō Aspect:- the founding spiritual and moral principles of modern martial arts (Gendai Budō). The abstract concepts in Budo embody the most important tenets of martial arts training but are often overlooked in Enbu competition. Modern budō (as opposed to koryū bujutsu, or the ancient warrior's way) focuses on no external enemy, the only training goal being to overcome the internal enemy, or one's ego. As such, external forms (Kata movements, Bunkai, Enbu exchanges) are manifestations of the Karateka's understanding of the spiritual, moral and physical values of his/her training style, a "way" through constant improvement to achieve self-mastery and ultimately personal enlightenment through the conquering of ego. Another long held idea is that the training partner is an essential element for the Karateka to achieve technical understanding and therefore should be held to the highest respect. Enbu, as a conduit to demonstrate budō, should portray these elements, as reflected by emotional stability, mental concentration, dignity (Kurai) and respect for the opponent.
in the March ISSUE… A monthly newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association Editor-in-Chief: Simone Thorne-Mora Layout: Diana Francis Proof-reading: Sensei Richie Robertson Photos: Sean Powell ; Avril Dean and others
we continue with Bunkai Enjoy your
Carnival