The year is in full swing!

The past while has been a rather hectic few weeks. 

Me working in a normal day job for the first time in six years has really taken a lot out of me and obviously taken time away from me day dreaming or general extra daily training.

The FSK Honbu Dojo had a senior training for Art in the Park at the end of January. 

Now for those who do not know what that is.... well it is a tradition in Port Elizabeth that once a month people get together in St. George's Park to sell their crafts or what ever it is they have that they want to sell.

Families go there to stroll around the park and eat on something small. Others love going there for picnics.

The training was good, but a small turn out was in the back of my mind the whole time. 

We trained stances, focusing on thrusting of the rear leg when moving forward. Then how the foot should move / leave / be placed on the ground.

Focus quickly turned to the "flight path" of blocks. 

With half the time left, I taught Kanku-Sho. As usual this kata is always well received by those learning it for the first time.

Then more mid February FSK (South African Federation of Shotokan Karate) had it's annual gasshuku. Note that all the trainings occurred outdoors in Gail-force winds. 

(Typical Port Elizabeth)

Classes were presented by Sensei Michael and myself, as well as sensei's Evan Louis, Luciano and Nicole Benini. Sensei Erwee Tiran was officially accepted as a Dojo-Head and was also asked to present a class.

My theme was to get basic drills along with all the fundamentals taken into very advanced karate. My favourite was obviously the kaiten uraken waza (spinning back fist techniques). But the one that caught most of the attention was the kicking drill which is six different kicks, all with one leg and absolute control between and during the drill. 

The HPK (High Performance Karate) classes have been running well. Last Friday these trainings became the national squad trainings too. It was great to have Despatch Eagles Karate dojo come join us for the training.

My personal training lately has been just trying to get my body able to train for extended lengths of time. The attitude of training until you want to fall over, then resting a short while and then pushing harder has been on my mind week in and week out.

Soon it will be the Kyu Grading, so the teaching themes will revolve around this.

South Western Districts Provincial FSK Gasshuku

Last weekend, well actually 21 January to be exact, was the South Western Districts Provincial Gasshuku. Sensei Johannes invited the honbu directors to come teach.

Firstly I want to say they did a great job of hosting us. Everything was just perfect. Well done to the two George deshi's, Neo and Tyrone.

We got stuck in some bad weather, that made us a little late on our four hour drive. When we arrived we were welcomed and we thanked everyone for inviting us. We explained the believe of training comes first, and committing 100% to every training is how the honbu runs.

The theme for the gashuku was:
Do not train until you get it right. Train it until you cannot get it wrong.

Sensei Evan Louis took a fantastic class of kihon. Focusing on maximum usage of hip. His ability was great and his quality of teaching was superb. Everyone understood how important kihon is to making good karate.

Sensei Craig Barthorpe had a crash course on the Heian series and Tekki Shodan. Which was jammed packed with detail, most of which was not taken in.

My class I started with Mae-geri and worked it up to a matomo nidan geri.... with breaking it up into the most rawest form of kihon. They learned how to kick mae-geri like white belts. 

We then moved onto tobi-geri. After showing how good karate comes from good kihon (an extension of Sensei Evan's class) the karateka got to put it into action during shiai.

Sensei Michael took a quick basic class to get loose then moved straight into kumite. As always, this was received well by all training.

I would like to thank sensei Johannes, sensei Monre and also our newest dojo in George, sensei Peet. A big thank you to Bernadine who arranged and controlled this all.

We look forward to visiting again late July.

Opening a great success!

The official opening of FSK honbu dojo was a great success. 

It was great to see some old faces back in the dojo. 

We were privileged to have Goju-kai world champion and good friend Clayton Thom Sensei taking us through basic Randori (乱取り) kumite. I had the honour of having Sensei Clayton as my partner for the full class. All I can say is, he knows how to make one feel like a white belt!

His karate is of the most rawest and most beautiful Goju-kai that I know.
He allowed me to try adjust to his karate, all the while he executed his techniques with such great speed and power.... awesome kime and each time controlling it perfectly.

He is truly a legend in my eyes!

Friday was the first HPK (High Performance Karate) class open to all the members of FSK and the KinWashi dojo. 

It was obvious to see those who have never trained it before have some serious catching up to do. I hope to see more members training with us soon.

It was great to have Clayton Thom Sensei, as well as sensei Melissa Thom joining us for the training. Their abilities in shiai (competitive sparring) speak for themselves, as many of the students realized while sparring with them. 

Shortly I will be getting back into my gi for a fundamental class based on stance work, koshi-no-kaiten and implementing it into kata.

Let's get the show on the road!

2012 is in full swing and officially the FSK Honbu Dojo re-opens on 12 January.


The link below is the FaceBook Event Page: 
You Are Invited (click here)
 We look forward to seeing everyone again.

This year is the biggest year in our dojo's history. 

Keep updated with our school by joining our group:
FSK Honbu Dojo on FaceBook (click here)




Ossu!

www.twitter.com/KarateInc

New Year Dawning 2012

Yes it is that time of the year again.... when parties are inevitable and we all reflect on the year and look for ways to better our lives.

I have loads to look back on, this year has had many changes in my life. Growing with some, and also past some, has been a rather bumpy ride.

Ask yourself: "What is MY New-Year's-Resolution"?

Important to make this resolution (goal) realistic.... this way it can become a habit and eventually a part of your character.

Wishing everyone a very happy New-Year!

Happy Hanukkah & Merry Christmas

From myself and all those who have been training in the holidays, we miss everyone at the dojo.

Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish friends 

 

and 

 

Merry Christmas to all our Christian friends.

May everyone have a fantastic festive Season.

 

Members on Twitter: 

Sensei Michael: www.twitter.com/FSKShihan 

Myself: www.twitter.com/KarateInc

Evan Louis Sensei: www.twitter.com/lillionel111

Margo Lessing sempai: www.twitter.com/Karate_Freak101 

Jasmine De Almeida sempai: www.twitter.com/jazzyfizzle0017

 

SA.FSK Facebook Dojo Groups

Organization's group:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/171494166276483/

Hombu Dojo:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/310178419231/

 

Nearing the End of 2011....

As this year grows closer to the end, KinWashi dojo seniors are still training hard. 

From the Directors we wish you all a happy festive season.

Our holiday trainings have been about fundamentals and forging them in order for them to become more natural. 

Plenty thinking work as well as homework if given. 

Deshi got knocked recently too.... intense class. 

I cannot wait for tomorrow's class.

Themed Introduction to Yahara Sensei's Kaiten-waza.

VISIT OUR UPDATED WEBSITE: 

FSK Hombu Dojo (click here)

Holiday Karate Training

Most "General Karateka" end up just taking time off from training during December. I have always had an issue with this. Many years ago, my Sensei asked me the attackers on the street also do not attack during December holidays. We all know the answer to that now do we not?

The KinWashi Dojo has set up a few scheduled classes for the holiday season and it has so far started well. 

Holiday class schedule: 

Tuesdays & Thursdays 6pm

Wednesdays 8am

Sundays 12pm (midday)

ALL BROWN and BLACK BELTS 

ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US!

Find more up to date info on our events page:

FSK Hombu Events Page (click here) 

Next few years are going to be big. 

SA.FSK National championships will have old faces returning to the tournament scene.

We have karateka already preparing for the WJKA World Champs as well as the WUKO Worlds....

So our focus is the next two years cycle.... from there we grow more!

KinWashi Kuro-Obi Gashuku

This past weekend, SA.FSK Hombu Dojo (KinWashi) had a Black Belt Gashuku at the Van Staden's River Mouth Resort.

The Nidan and above graded karateka all arrived Friday afternoon and had the first training with Sensei Michael, which seriously set the pace of a very intense weekend to come.

Saturday morning was to be no different, off to the sea we went.... pushing our balance ability to the limit. 

All the while I was thinking, as in karate, so in life, WE MUST HAVE BALANCE! 

The second class on Saturday sensei Evan Louis took, with the theme of "Practical Karate" using moves from the Heian Kata not found in tournament environments with brutal force.

A well needed brunch followed and the juniors really made a good job of it. In fact they did a great job with all the cooking the entire weekend! So much so, Stefan Du Preez was named the braai'er of the weekend. And David Whittle was the breakfast champion!

Following that sensei Craig Barthorpe took his class themed "Alternative Kumite". Which had us going up and down the dunes. Using techniques to get past our attackers. Most of which had the attackers flying or rolling down the side of the dune.

My class followed, bringing some old school back. It was themed "The Evolution of Kumite". Working everything from the most basic form of Gohon Kumite, to an advanced version of Gohon Kumite.... all the way to scoring techniques hidden in kata. I believe I covered everyone's taste within that class.

Saturday night ended with a lecture on better service delivery when teaching. All of the karateka seemed to realize how much we can grow as a dojo and as an association, if a little more effort is given.

Sunday morning Sensei Michael gave us each an opportunity to reflect back and give our feedback of the weekend. Everything that was said was so positive!

I must say, today while writing this, my body is still aching and my voice is still at the gashuku somewhere.

Ossu, thank you to everyone for being there! You all made it very special. 

MigueL Flavour bringing new life!

My return to my home town has brought mixed opinions from karateka training here.

Although I am happy to be home, I have started missing the trainings at great dojos and great Sensei's that I have grown accustomed to while living in Gauteng, especially those with Sensei Malcolm Dorfman, Sensei Mike Dukas, Sensei Shane Dorfman, Sensei Bryan Dukas, Sensei Che Jagger and the amazing Morgan Moss.

My sole objective since I have been back.... and for the next few years is growing the FSK Hombu (KinWashi dojo). I started my karate all those years ago in this home dojo and now it is time to give back.

I have been included on the dojo directors board along with Sensei Michael Kliment, Sensei Craig Barthorpe and Sensei Evan Louis. One of my first projects is improving teaching. I have had a lot of time with Evan sensei and assisting him in how he teaches the "kiddies karate". Honestly I have seen a huge improvement.

I will give a detailed lecture at our Hombu Dojo Kuro-Obi Gashuku next weekend on how to teach, how people learn and also how to improve service delivery as an instructor.

Besides teaching at normal scheduled classes, we have already added the infamous "Kuro-Obi Suiyobi no asa no kurasu" (Black Belt Wednesday Morning Class) which starts at 6am!

Sundays we have what will become a kata class next year, but for now is just a continuation of the Kuro-Obi trainings.

In these invited classes we have been working on some karate not practiced in the normal circles. 

Loads of Yahara thrusting of the rear leg.... last week we went into more detail on Shinshiku-dachi. Other than that we start off with Isaka fundamentals and then taking that over into Shotokan kihon and kata.

I get so excited when teaching these seniors, because the secrets of karate that I have learned from great masters are now being taught to my home dojo instructors. Each of which is loving it! 

Commands such as "MORE DOWN" and "TO THE LIMIT" are regularly heard. One that has confused them is "FROM HIP TO LEG".... but we all know Isaka Sensei does these things because it is near impossible. 

What I can say is, those who are training out of normal scheduled classes are each growing a far more deeper understanding of karate and this is exciting for KinWashi Karate.

Ossu!

Nearing the close of 2011

As the year grows nearer to a close, we see less karateka visiting the dojo because of exams and also because of gearing for the annual holiday time. 

We have been having some tough classes for those able to attend.

It was great to have Erwee Tiran of the Titans Karate Institute join us at the hombu for senior class training.

The South African Federation of Shotokan Karate had a successful Dan grading.

Hombu dojo had a lovely final Kyu Grading....

 Hombu Dojo Kiddies Tigers were amazing!

The remainder of the year holds only prize giving and also FSK Hombu Dojo KinWashi Kuro-Obi Gashuku.

From the directors of the dojo, we hope to see some of the seniors training during December.... next year is going to be a big year for the dojo and the organization.

Ossu! 

Kuro-Obi Suiyōbi no asa no kurasu

Black Belt Wednesday Morning Classes.

Classes are set to begin this Wednesday. We will be reading out the "riot act" to each member who gets invited and joins us for training.

Only the best will make it through these classes. 

NOBODY WILL HAVE IT EASY!

This is going to be the toughest class anyone has ever trained in.

If you cannot keep up, then stay home!

Venue:

KinWashi Dojo

SA.FSK Hombu Dojo

Time:

6:00am

Kihon (Basic) Kumite

Kihon (Basic) Kumite.

Kihon (Basic) Kumite to me is “the” link between the trinity of karatedo: kihon, kata kumite. Pulling from basics, using the life from the kata, and adding an opponent is “the” link leading towards real free combat.

Now kihon is also known as fundamentals. Need I say it? Fine then: “Fundamental Kumite”.

Yahara Sensei focuses most of his kumite on advanced jiyu ippon kumite. And trust me, those KWF karateka can do kumite.

My understanding and the way I teach it is, having everyone in the class facing shomen, we train kihon. Basics such as oi-zuki, working on correct karate form. Then putting someone in front of you and just repeating now just adding distance. Then doing it from a kumite kamae as the advanced option, yet kihon ippon is defending from a natural yoi, (which to me is far more difficult). Thinking about it has me excited training later.

Everything is learned in Kihon Kumite, going backwards, going forward, taisabaki blind side, using hip rotation to avoid, taisabaki open side, using leg drive in direction to avoid the attack. Later it becomes both used in both methods. Obviously fundamentals such as Kankyu (fast / slow), correct use of speed; Shinshiku (expansion/contraction) correct use of muscles and also Kyojaku (soft/hard), correct use of power.

When doing this all and in the true spirit of penetration, then zanshin will naturally come out.

  Bryan Dukas Sensei and I training a variation basic kumite at Murakami seminar.

Gohon Kumite

White belt learning own distance by measuring their own arms distance as the marker for gohon kumite.

Attacker measures with arm touching defender. Both yoi.

Attacker steps back into a gedan barai kamae and nominates “Jodan”.

Defender replies “Ossu”.

Attacker steps over in jodan oi-zuki repeated for five steps.

Defender steps backward and defends by using age-uke and counters with a gyaku-zuki.

Then chudan oi-zuki.

Only from yellow belt 8^th Kyu can you add chudan mae-geri.

Green belt 6^th Kyu can add chudan mawashi geri.

Then from there one can just build.

Then for experienced karateka I add a counter between each step, making this kumite very demanding on block counter, block counter….

Kihon Ippon Kumite

Here we find with more focus on basics and penetration and having the starting distance still only an arm’s length away is very advanced.

Attacker steps back into a gedan barai kamae and nominates “Jodan”.

Defender replies “Ossu”.

Attacker steps over in jodan oi-zuki.

Defender steps backward and defends by using age-uke and counters with a gyaku-zuki.

Chudan Oi-zuki defence is using taisabaki towards the blind side, using hip as the tool making you avoid. Something like the movie karate kid 2, where Miyagi said “Best defence, just no be there.”

Mae-geri defence is using taisabaki, by using thrust we would normally use going backwards, but towards the open side.

Now in Kihon Ippon Kumite you start training everything on both sides, so it would be attacking with right first, then attacking with left…. for each of the techniques.

Jiyu Ippon Kumite

This is all done from a kumite kamae. But this time starting distance is at own discretion and starting both must move forward simultaneously.

But the kamae is kept throughout, in other words there is only yoi at the beginning and yoi at the end.

Advanced Jiyu Ippon Kumite

Yoi between alternating hands for every move. Shinshiku-dachi is also incorporated so that the traditional format of kihon (standing still) can be kept.

Later after much time has been spent on advanced jiyu, one changes the counter, and turning into a second phase where the attacker must now either step back, use taisabaki or just block and counter…. Then taking that back to kihon ippon….

Fundamental Kumite is “the” link of the karate trinity.