Issue #8 November 2012
seek perfection of character
Welcome Welcome to our 8th issue of Zanshin.
This issue is dedicated to the Awards
be faithful
Function which was held at Cascadia Hotel
endeavour
and Conference Centre respectively on 20th
October. Included are some principles that I
respect others
have found useful in planning classes and
teaching. As a founding member of the
refrain from violent behaviour
TTKU, the Newsletter will also provide some information on another member association of the TTKU. In this and future issues, the Profile section
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.
will focus on our young people. Read what
Simone Thorne- Special Awardee
they have to say about their goals, achievements, advice to other young people and much more.
Inside
We hope that the newsletter is useful to our readership and we continue to welcome articles, comments and constructive criticism from everyone. They can be sent to Simone via email: kimoy2004@yahoo.com.
TKA Affiliations 2012 Calendar Feature: Karate Training Principles Peewee Profiles Camp & Awards Dinner Highlights Training Schedule
Regards
Shihan Wesley Dexter Shim Chairman & Chief Instructor TKA (IKD) Zanshin
1
Dojo News
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
TKA >> AFFILIATIONS Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Karate Union JSKA-TT is the local representative for Japan Shotokan Karate Association – International and is registered with the TTKU. The Chief Instructor, Sensei Ricardo Wooding - 5th Dan, started his karate training in 1989 with a branch of Shotokan Karate of Trinidad and Tobago (SKOTT). That dojo eventually changed affiliation to become Shotokan Karate International Federation Trinidad and Tobago. In 2004 Wooding Sensei traveled to Mexico to train with Shihan Keigo Abe and later established the Japan Shotokan Karate Association-Trinidad and Tobago. In addition Sensei has trained under other Japanese instructors such as, Nagaki Matsuru Sensei (JSKA), Shihan Hirokazu Kanazawa (SKIF), Kenzo Dozono Sensei(SKIF), Munabu Murakami (SKIF), Hanshi Ishikawa (SKIF) and Teruyuki Okazaki Sensei (JKA). JSKA-TT continues to teach traditional Karate-do to both adults and children and remains committed to ensuring that the philosophy of Shotokan Karate-do and that of the JSKA is imparted to its members.
>>2012 - 2013 Calendar
Correction:
Month
Day
Event Details
Time
November
Sunday 25th
Grading
UWI Spec
December January 2103
Place
Dojos Closed Camp and National Tournament 2013
Details to be announced later
In the September issue, we printed that the Female Adult 20-39 Team Enbu gold medal winners at the World Shoto Cup held in Toronto, Canada were: Nicole Lambie, Tamara Joseph and Nataki Hypolite. The gold medalists were in fact Nicole Lambie, Tamara Joseph and Nikita Fenty.
Men of UWI Dojo
Zanshin
2
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
>>Training Schedules Day
Dojo News:
Time
Rank - Belts
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 SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB held its beach training lime at Tyrico Bay in October. Their pictures tell more than 1,000 words! Enjoy!
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
Wednesday
6:00 - 7:30pm
Friday
6:00 - 7:00pm
Saturday
3:00 – 5/6:00pm
All ages - ranks Engineering Undercroft All ages - ranks
Is this a beach version of Bassai dai?
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
Not sure what Kata Marc is performing
KAIZEN - 1 Primco Drive, Glencoe 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
3
Karate at its lighter moments!
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
>>Peewee Profiles: Name: Isaiah Colthrust Age: 14 Occupation: Student Number of Years in Karate: 5 Rank: 1st Dan (Shodan) Karate Dojo & Location: Tora, St. Anns Karate Achievements: 3rd place winner as part of team Kata- 8 to 13 years in IKD World Shoto Cup Karate Goals: To compete in the 2020 Olympics Mentor: Shihan Shim Personal Philosophy: No one’s left behind Likes: Football, Guitar Best Memorable Moment: Winning my first gold medal in Kata Advice to Young Karatekas: Always keep trying no matter how many mistakes you make. You will get better.
Age:19 Occupation: Student- Studying Mechanical Engineering Number of Years in Karate: 7
Name: Adrian Moreno
Rank: 1st Dan (Shodan) Karate Dojo & Location: Tora, St. Anns Karate Achievements: 5 international medals: double bronze in the Central an Caribbean Karate Competition (CCCK) Barbados 2011; 1 silver , 2 bronze in the IKD World Cup Toronto 2012 and 4th place in CCCK Guatemala 2012 Karate Goals: To begin my dojo; become an Olympian in the 2020 Olympics; win a gold medal in the world karate federation in Kumite; bring joy and happiness to my Sensei Shim, and give back to my dojo in teaching sport Kumite! Ossu!!!!! Mentor: Shihan Shim Personal Philosophy: If someone is in need I must be the first to help them Likes: reading, studying Best Memorable Moment: At a WKF Kumite match in Guatemala when time was about to be up and I scored a reverse punch which allowed me to win the match and advance to the next round. Advice to Young Karatekas: Don’t give up. Even if you feel it is hard and do not always understand what you are doing, do not give up
Zanshin
4
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
>>Peewee Profiles: Age: 11
Name: Anthony Thomas
Occupation: Student Number of Years in Karate: 3 Rank: 1st Kyu Karate Dojo & Location: Tora, St. Anns Karate Achievements: Gold medalist in IKD First World Shoto in team Embu 8 to 13 yrs, silver medalist in Kata in TTKU Nationals Karate Goals: To become a Master Mentor: Shihan Shim Personal Philosophy: Strive to always do my best Likes: flying planes, football, cricket, karate Best Memorable Moment: World Tournament Toronto, Canada Advice to Young Karatekas: to always follow and learn from the Seniors as they have the experience.
Name: Denzel Lawrence
Age:11 Occupation: Student Number of Years in Karate: 4 Rank: 1st Dan (Shodan) Karate Dojo & Location: Realspring Karate Achievements: Silver medal in IKD First World Cup, team Bunkai, 8 to 13 yrs, numerous gold, silver and bronze medals in TTKU national competitions in both Kata and Kumite. Current TTKU Kata champion 10 to 11 yrs. Karate Goals: To represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Olympics Mentor: Sensei Theo Faustin Personal Philosophy: You can if you think you can. Likes: Listening to music Best Memorable Moment: IKD World Cup 2012. Advice to Young Karatekas: Hard work pays
Zanshin
5
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Feature >> Karate Training Principles Adapted From Coaching Principles Online_• © Human_Kinetics,_Inc._• www.asep.com) Here are some principles that I have found useful in planning classes and teaching, Specificity Principle The best way to develop physical fitness for karate is to train the energy systems and muscles as closely as possible to the way that karatekas use them in karate. Overload Principle To improve their fitness, karatekas must do more than what their bodies are used to doing. You can apply overload in duration, intensity, or both. Progression Principle To achieve steady improvement in the fitness of karatekas, you must continually increase the physical demands to overload their systems. Diminishing Returns Principle When unfit karatekas begin a training regimen, their fitness improves rapidly, but as they become fitter, the amount of improvement lessens as they approach their genetic limits. A corollary to this principle is that as their fitness increases, karatekas need more work or training to make the same gains. Variation Principle_ After karatekas have trained hard for several days, they should train lightly to give their bodies a chance to recover. Over the course of the year use training cycles (periodization) to vary the intensity and volume of training to help the karatekas achieve peak fitness for grading/competition. You should also change the exercises or activities regularly so that you do not overstress a part of the body. Reversibility Principle Use it or lose it. When karatekas stop training, their hard-won fitness gains disappear, usually faster than they were gained. Individual Differences Principle Every karateka is different and responds differently to the same training activities. The value of training depends in part on the karateka’s maturation; pre-training condition; genetic predisposition; gender and race; diet and sleep; environmental factors such as heat, cold, and humidity; and, of course, motivation. Moderation Principle Remember that training is a slow, gradual progress. Give karatekas time to progress. You want to coax the karatekas’ bodies into superior condition, not beat them up by overtraining. Keep Growing!! Contributor: Shihan Wesley Shim
Zanshin
6
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
CAMP and AWARDS DINNER>> Highlights The TKA Camp which was carded to be held from October 19 to 21 at Chinese Association was postponed to January 2013 because of the untimely death of Sensei Bernstein’s mother. The TKA offers our sincerest condolences to Sensei Bernstein and his family. The first Awards dinner was however held on October 20 at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre. After an Opening Speech by our Chief Instructor and Chairman, Shihan Shim, attendees listened to a very profound Feature Address by Sensei Brett Bengochea. Awards were then given out to deserving persons who either displayed characteristics which showed adherence to the first three tenets of the Dojo Kun during the past few years or gave long and meritorious service to the TKA or contributed to the Association in some special way. The highlight of the night was a video presentation on two gentlemen who deserve special mention: Sensei George John, more commonly referred to Sensei George and Sensei Theopilus Faustin, who is fondly referred to as Sensei Theo. These two gentlemen have the longest membership in the TKA having been members almost since its inception. This issue is dedicated to the Awards Function and includes some of the highlights of the night. The TKA thanks Mr. Raymond Ambrose of Audio Video Experts, Ray-Ann’s dad for providing the sound system and video services free of charge and Mrs. Roxanne Colthrust (Isaiah”s mum) for taking on the ardent role of Event Coordinator and providing her professional services for free. She did a magnificent job. We encourage other parents to provide valuable assistance in our events
Co Mcs - Senseis Nicole Lambie and Ian Benjamin
Zanshin
Mrs.Roxanne Colthrust, Event Coordinator flanked by Senseis Nigel Forde and Ian Benjamin
7
Birthday boy - Peter Lawrence and son Denzil
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Camp & Awards Dinner Opening Speech by Shihan Dexter Shim, Chief Instructor It is only recently that we of the IKD have
“In true training of the Martial Arts,
taken up responsibility for our own destiny,
all of these struggles are recognized as
and perhaps one of our most urgent tasks is
an integral part of who we are as
understanding the reality of our history and
human beings.�
incorporating it into our sense of the future. All of us as inhabitants of the earth are in the process of becoming, and that struggle to become an Association which is worth something, demands from all of us, knowledge of our past, and insights about the present and future, as well as
a
deep
commitment
to
the
continuing
development of ourselves through the training of Karate- Do. By Karate-Do we mean, not merely the performance of the physical activities of Karate, but in addition, the adherence to the principles of the Dojo Kun: seeking perfection, faithfulness, endeavouring, showing respect, and living with no violence. It is important therefore, that we take a glance back at our history as Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, tells it, in order to move forward effectively into the 21st century. Dates and
Proud Chief Instructor of TKA, Shihan Shim handing out awards
details of our history of the Trinidad and Tobago Karate Association have been archived but I will just
briefly
mention
the
outlines
of
our
development.
Zanshin
8
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Shihan Shim’s Opening Speech, cont’d
The Trinidad Karate Association started early in the 1960s as a dream of Michael and David Chin Leung.
It began as a small organization which became affiliated to the Japan Karate
Association under Master Nakayama, where eager students started training in the backyards of people’s homes in Woodbrook and St. James, moving on to the Chinese headquarters on Charlotte St. –Chung San and finally to the Chinese Association in St. Ann’s where it is schooled to this day. When Michael Chin Leung migrated to Canada, he passed on the leadership to his brother David. David Chin Leung remained as Chief Instructor until the eighties when he parted Company with the JKA and handed on leadership to his brother Brian, who remained as Chief Instructor under the ISKF until the nineties when Brian too moved on and the role of Chief Instructor was taken up by myself. During this period of some 50 years much growth was experienced as the Association grew from strength to strength with grading and participation in tournaments and training camps both here and abroad. Personal changes in the lives of the Instructors brought along with it changes in ideology and outlook, and so splits in the organization occurred. But
the TKA was able to withstand it all – from the early heady days of training when
enthusiasm was high as Chinese Kung Fu Movies were just becoming popular, and big talking, wielding badjohns’ still ruled the town.
‘fist
Guns were unheard of in those days and the idea of
defending oneself using Karate technique was very possible. But times have changed and Karate is not as popular, nor seen as relevant in these days of gunfights and wars fought in cyberspace. Yet still the Association continues on its course moving into the 21st century as a practice that can bring harmony of mind, body and spirit and with this discipline, physical ability and selfconfidence. The many changes and shifts, the mistakes and triumphs over the years strengthened us and challenged us to find new ways to progress. The events in our history both in the Caribbean and in the TKA are highpoints in the development of our thoughts and our vision.
Because every time events and changes occurred, we
were forced to re-think what we wanted out of life, what we wanted out of Karate both for our selves, for our Association, and for our country. Our challenge now at the beginning of yet another voyage is to be committed to a further expansion of thought, exploration and discovery, just as we would do on any journey we were undertaking. We have to be committed to a forging of new and suitable theories on how we could become better at who we are as people and association, on how we relate to the world and the universe that we occupy.
Zanshin
9
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Shihan Shim’s Opening Speech, cont’d
We need
a further commitment to the unending search to develop knowledge of how to
do things better, as we continue the quest along with the rest of Trinidad and Tobago, along with the rest of the world for development and human growth. The fact that we are a multiethnic society, many races together, with our differing views about how things should or should not be done, our religious diversity, the whole dilemma that diversity introduces which is essentially that of difference, this is our greatest asset. If we did not have all these different ideas coming together we run the risk of becoming one uniform nature and therefore becoming one dimensional and dull. What we should strive for in our relationships is unity not uniformity. There is a big difference. In our society and therefore in our Association, the many ways in which we see things because of our rich diversity as a people, far from being something negative and threatening to our unity and progress, is in fact a rich source of energy, something which makes for sustained growth and a dynamic environment out of which we can grow in rich and varied ways. Conflict and differing views are not indications for breaking apart, rather once managed properly; they are in fact opportunities to bring new visions to the table, to add texture to what can otherwise be a flat and boring surface. Contradictions and complexities as many of our great Caribbean writers have put it, have always been a part of the space in which we as Caribbean people have lived. It is especially important that our young people understand this, that life is deeply rooted in struggle, a struggle for human dignity, for social justice, for individual freedom, and for the inheritance of a civilized existence in our communities. In true training of the Martial Arts, all of these struggles are recognized as an integral part of who we are as human beings. Master Funukoshi recognized this when he founded Shotokan Karate in Okinawa some ninety years ago.
He developed the Dojo Kun which we still use
today because it is still vitally important in our struggle to live. been taught us in
These same precepts have
religious terms far before everything else and that is why, as Master
Nakayama once told me, that the true study of Karate-Do could help us be better spiritual people whatever our religion. The Dojo Kun enhances what your duty as a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago teaches you, what your faith teaches you.
Zanshin
10
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Shihan Shim’s Opening Speech, cont’d
To seek perfection of your characterBecome what you were created to be, made in the image and likeness of God.
Learn to be
faithful – allegiance to God and your country as we sing in our anthem, endeavour - give of your
best
always,
understand
the
role
respect
others
respect
plays
–
and
in
the
existence of a civilized society, refrain from violence – understand the way of non-violence to ensure social justice in this world. When we can all live with a clear understanding of these principles not only will we be building a just
Junior national team, 2012
and civilized society but we discover that true personal power has less to do with controlling and manipulating people and more to do with nurturing
in human beings,
the ability to
make definitions about themselves and their world on their own terms, not just imitating other people’s views, and
following through
creatively, with actions that are made on the
Ladies national team, 2012
basis of such informed decisions. So tonight as we acknowledge those who have aspired and achieved, those for whom the race
to
change
Trinidad
and
Tobago
has
already started, and for the many brave, unidentified heroes out there, still trying to hold on to a vision in an increasingly darkening world, let us believe together, let us through the practice of good Karate-do change society by changing ourselves.
Instructor Award Senseis Theo, George, Frieda, Andrew and Earle
Shihan Shim
Zanshin
11
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
LIST OF AWARDEES Award Name
Description
Measurement
Be Faithful
Makoto no michi o mamoru koto - there is a path of truth and sincerity that you must guard and defend. This means faithfulness and commitment... you stick it out; you are reliable; you always give your best. Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto - you endure; you practice and work towards your goals and make sacrifices toward them; you can always improve. Regi o omonzuru koto - you show respect to everyone and you are humble; you have an open mind; you also respect yourself. Member of IKD with 20 years service in TKA
Attendance. Punctuality. Comes early to put down the mats and take up the mats.
Effort in class. Training attitude. Learn kata by one month after grading.
Tora - Isaac Cozier; Real Springs - Malachi Lalla; Tobago- Mikhail Mangroo; UWI -Nikita Pierre; Kaizen - Simon Carvalho
Outstanding in observing the etiquette. Helpful to fellow karatekas. 20 Years Service
Tora - Peter Ahloy; Tobago - Jelese Alexander; UWI - Julian Nicholas
Endeavour
Respect Others
Instructor Long Service and Appreciation Competitor of the Year
Individual or Team that exceeded expectation in tournaments and demonstrates the sprite of Karate-Do
Awardees Tora - Anthony Thomas; Real Springs- Maria Thorne Tobago - Kobe Joseph UWI - Marcus John Kaizen - Nicholas Lee
John George - 4th Dan Theo Faustin - 4th Dan Nicole Lambie
Instructor Recognition for Class D
Earl Wilson – 4th Dan John George – 4th Dan Gregory Placide- 4th Dan
Instructor Recognition for Class B
Freida Shim – 6th Dan
Dojo Directors
Tora- John George UWI -Dean Avril Real Springs -Theo Faustin Tobago -Arthur Morris Kaizen - Marc Mollenthiel Nigel Forde- Administration Ian Benjamin- Administration Richie Robertson- Administration long term support Simone Thorne Mora- Newsletter
Other Special Awards
Zanshin
12
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Recipient of Be Faithful Award:
Karatekas, their families and friends celebrating achievements and success!!
Sensei Nicole Lambie
Special Awardee Sensei George and his beautiful wife
Maria Thorne Lue Fatt, Realspring Dojo
Co MC and Best Competitor of the Year
The Lue Chin family was just having fun
Shihan Shim and Sensei Frieda Shim
Recipients of Endeavour Award:
Director of Dojo Award:
(L to R) Senseis: Theo, Deane, Arthur, Mollentheil, Georg & Theo. Senseis Theo and George also received special awards for long and outstanding service to TKA
Zanshin
13
Isaac Cozier, Malachi Lalla, Mikhail Mangroo, Marc Anthony, Simon Carvalho
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Theme: Mind, Body and Spirit as One By Brett Bengochea, 4th Dan Good Evening… (All Protocols observed) Today we are at an exciting time as Karatekas. The WKF is making major inroads in bringing karate to the Olympics. It is a real possibility for some of us here in attendance. The IKD, our association headed by Master Woon-A-Tai is growing rapidly and Trinidad and Tobago made a sweep at the last international tournament, sweeping the most medals of all participating countries. We have come a long way and the progress feels GOOD. This progress is good in terms of fun, sport, togetherness and friendly competition. Karate too is evolving; we have been successfully marrying the old with the new. Techniques passed down over the centuries meet new methods of training, creating super-athletes who are faster and crisper than ever! The thing with Karate though… is that it is more than just a sport, it is even more than a method of self-defense. It is a Martial Art in its true sense. Authenticity my friends are in the art, not political lineage. It is in the practice, in training, in holistic development. Real karate is bringing together of mind, body and spirit. With the mind we train stillness, a relaxation and awareness of the now; a relaxation with a readiness to respond with immediacy and effectiveness. Being able to zone in and react only to what is important and let go of the white noise and any other distraction. When we train Zanshin at all times! From the moment we bow into start the class we let go of the past, what happened today at work, that we did the wrong assignment for class or what’s for dinner after. And you know, we as a people have become ridiculously obsessed with food. In Karate while we’re training that is all it is. Nothing before; nothing after; Just Karate-do! Training the body seems to be the most obvious, but it’s more than just working up a sweat. We know that with the body we train speed, strength, co-ordination, connection, focus, rhythm and timing. After the Olympics earlier this year there has been a tossup as to who the fittest athlete is and what sport has the fittest participants. We can argue about VO2 Max, Overall Strength, and relative Strength (compared to body weight) energy economy and so on from now until the cow comes home. The one thing people seemed to agree on, though, was that fitness was apart from a general state of well being better defined by what you can accomplish with the body that you have created. The master’s of old spoke about Ki and centering in your Sekka Tanden. Now we realize that hormones and mood can be affected by your posture. Tomato; To-mah- to!
.
Zanshin
14
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Feature Address cont’d
Let us see what real benefits Karate gives:
Today we are at an exciting
Posture against aging
Healthy posture for hormones, strength, positive outlook, dealing with stress
time as Karatekas. We have come a long way and the
High
intensity
exercise
with
insulin
resistance (Kata -Full speed and power)
progress feels GOOD!
Spirit seems to be the most neglected And I know Halloween is coming up, but we are not talking about ghosts and goblins. The martial spirit is the inner power and self-control that helps us with self-denial and self-sacrifice. This is the spirit referred to in the Martial Arts. It is the universal spirit which is a natural outgrowth of training the martial arts. It’s funny how we no longer rely on ourselves. There is always an app for that or a pill for that restraint, fasting. They come together when the mind is forged with the power of habit. This is true Budo. So this brings us here today to celebrate our Karate
family,
camaraderie
but
our more
achievements importantly
our our
commitment to living Karate-do as we nurture the oneness of Mind, Body and Spirit. You see…The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in
Feature Speaker- Sensei Bengochea
victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants. Funakoshi Thank you OSS
Zanshin
15
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Dan graduates proudly show off their certificates
Awards Dinner! Ladies of UWI Dojo
Congrats to ALL
Sensei Richie (Long Service Awardee) and Family Mr. Hezekiah, Sensei Earle, Shihan Shim, Mrs Shim and Sensei Frieda Shim
in the December ISSUE‌ A monthly newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association Editor-in-Chief: Simone Thorne-Mora Layout: Diana Francis Proof-reading: Sensei Richie Robertson All Photos: Sean Powell
see excerpts highlights of grading exercise‌ .
Keep on reading!