Anthony, Tuan and myself from Karyukai  have attended the Shotokan week in Adelaide this year.  We joined the  Victorian team (Sensei Memduh, Sensei Gery, Sensei  Robert and Sensei Pablo and their family and students, Rebecca and Robert). We have spent 4-6 hours of training daily from Monday 1 October to Thursday  4 October.  Seniour gradings were held on  Friday 5 October.  (I took my 3rd dan grading) There were about 180 people and most people participated in the competition on  the weekend. I heard that everyone did really well in the tournament! Congratulations! Unfortunately I could not see the competition as I assisted Kancho with his trip to Ayers Rock during the competition. Here I paste my personal e-mail to my friends describing what it was like...
Hello everyone!

The last update was little down one but this time, I am totally jolly happy!!
I just got my 3rd dan blackbelt in karate! I passed my grading very well in front of my grand-master here in Australia :)
I am now not only a fully accredited level 1 coach by the Australian government (Got that in August) but also I can now grade my students upto brown belt level! Hooray!!

Anyhow, just to let you know what I have been doing...

I was chosen to be an intern for the Musical Theater Forum held in Ballarat in late September.
Prior to the forum, us interns got 3 weekend coaching from experienced musical theatre teacher.
Those sessions were soooo inspiring!
By observing others teach and me being taught new style of singing, my teaching has dramatically improved and energized.
I really feel lucky to be chosen as an intern and furthermore, my work fully covered for the registration fee! Lucky lucky me:)

My last 2 weeks were mad one.
The school holiday started and I had 3 days off from work.
Then I madly packed for three different trips in 10 days.
I went to Ballarat for the forum then directly after the course, I flew over to Adelaide for the Karate seminar.
Trained for 4-6 hours daily, attended AGM and instructors meeting almost everyday, wow, that was a full period.
Then I had my grading on Friday. I was really getting hyper for the grading, my belly was not stable from Thursday night.
But I did really well on Friday and then once again, madly packed up to go to Ayers Rock with my grand-master.

My grand-master wanted to see the Ayers Rock and I was asked to guide him over the weekend.
I mean, he is one of the most busiest person in the world - that is once in a life opportunity to spend a personal time with him!
Very very honored to take the role, I was.

The trip was insane. He  finished his official dinner with a state team on Friday and I helped him to pack immediately after the dinner.
I got back to my apartment at 10pm but everyone was asleep due to their attendance for competition on the following day.
I could not dear to wake anyone up so I didn't pack until the morning. But due to the adrenaline for the grading and getting nervous for the trip, I could not sleep at all!

Our flight was delayed from Adelaide and by the time we got to our hotel in Ayersrock, we had only 5 minutes to get changed. 40 degrees it was!
The view was magnificent and I really enjoyed being with my grand-master. He is so normal. He is just like a sweet child and makes anyone smile and relaxed.
I think he could become "grand" because he does not push anyone and he stays who he is at any situation. His schedule is always packed and totally crazy to live a life of his but he does not take much notice of it. He had many difficulties but he doesn't stop there and make dramas of them. He moves on and swim through them. I would like to be like that.

I was totally exhausted when I came back from my last trip in Europe but this time, I am fully energized.
I somehow love being busy. I feel alive when I have to fully function in many ways.

For the following months, I have many plans!

I am asked to teach Karate at a high school in Fitzroy as a part of Japanese language studies on 15 November.
This will be my second session there.

I will be having a recital at 116 Coppin St Richmond on 17 November (Sat) at 6:30pm.
My students and myself will be performing. $15 per head - food and nibbles will be served!
For a change, I will be singing mostly opera arias. If you are interested to see me sing  differently, please come along and join us! It will be a fun night!
RSVP-98496080

In December, I will organize my first karate Gasshuku (training camp) with my students.
Then I fly back to Japan to see my family and train at the head quarter. I am also excited to catch up with my old students from Amsterdam in Tokyo.

On 22 December, I will be singing at a charity concert in Kagawa.
●日時：12月22日(土曜日)
●時間：14時〜15時30分 (開場は13時30分)
●場所：東かがわ市中央公民館ホール
On 6 January, I will be singing contemporary music in Tokyo. 東京渋谷、道玄坂の野中貿易セルマージャパンのアンナホール
For those concerts, I am performing with my old friends I met in Amsterdam. (Naomi Sato and Haruna Takabe)

That is all for now! Thanks for reading!!
Love,
Natsuko

Dear all hi.

Here is a brief of Shotokan week 2007. Victorian team members were, Memduh Sanli, Gery Karantzas, Pablo Modearano, Robert Costanzo, Natsuko Minegishi, Robert, Rebecca, Anthony,Tvan and The wives, Mascots Havier and Oliver.

Training with Kancho is always special an hanour, National instructors sessions were special as per interest, my and Gery's session was spectacuar as we thrown people around in Kata Empi bunkai and sport Kumite was new to lot of members, as many people in SKIA dont train in sport Karate.

Gradings were held on the Friday morning almost everyone passed straight to their next rank, once again Victoria was impressive with Sensei Natsuko passing with flying colours to the rank of 3rd Dan CONGRATULATION Natsuko.

Friday night Victorian team BBQ what a night to be remembered for long time. Kancho as guest enjoyed him self so much he was in tears with laughter, singing Karate-do song with Natsuko and Gery's impersination of me Jeff and Kancho what a laugh it was.

Sensei's John Brailey, Jeff McCauley and Darren Brailey were also invited to the BBQ  it was good to see them again as honoury Victorians. Playing the card game AKA and Kuro must be mentioned here.

Competition on the Saturday and Sunday was very good with great result considering very few members participating, Rebecca wining two  medals in her divisions CONGRATULATIONS, Tvan and Robert competed with great talent and fighting spirit.

Sunday was very special, Sensei Pablo won the middle weight division and silver in the grand championship CONGRATULATIONS.Sensei Robert fought with great spirit with lots of cotton wool in his nose, Victorian fighting spirit was on display again. Team event was exiciting with Gery, Robert, Pablo and Robert. First round losing very close to Queensland and wining against SA setteling down for Bronze CONGRATULATIONS BOYS. Injury to Roberts shoulder in the team event against SA was unexpected for all of us thank God its not as serious as we all thought what a spirit and courage Robert get well soon, see you at training soon.

May be we should have our state championship soon and start organizing it, commitee members please take note.

Next years Nationals to be held in Sdney and we should start organizing and taking as many members as possible to train and compete.

Senior members wishing to do grading must start training seriously rigthaway, Sensei Danny for Godan, Pablo for Yondan, Robert and Jeremy for Sandan and Peter for Nidan.

I will be available for some senior grading training on Saturdays if anyone interested.

Yours in Budo OSS!!!

Memduh SANLI 6th Dan ( Otosan)
Chief Instructor Victorian Branch

What is Karate?

Karate is a Japanese martial art, known to enhance general health, strength, agility, flexibility, self-discipline, confidence, focus and etiquette. It is originally developed in Okinawa, a southern island of Japan. "Karate" originally meant Tang hand, i.e. Chinese hand, which was later changed to a homonym meaning 'empty hand' in Japanese. It is known primarily as a striking art, featuring punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes and open handed techniques. However, grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints/traps, throws and vital point striking also appear in Karate. A practicioner of Karate is called a Karate-ka. It is said that Okinawa people secretly developed Karate as a mean of weaponless fighting method when the mainland Japanese government forbit Okinawans to carry any weapons.

Shotokan Karate was introduced to mainland Japan by Gichin Funakoshi in 1936.

What is Karate good for?

The practice of Karate-do [Karate journey] will transform you. You learn how to make each motion one of effectiveness. You gain the strength to face fear, guidance to go beyond imaginary boundaries. You gain both opportunities to realize your undiscovered potential,  and the humility to accept your limitations with grace. Of course you will learn self-defence techniques but what Karate offer is far beyond just mastering those skills. Learning Karate also gives an opportunity to experience Japanese culture and the language.

How fit do I have to be to begin Karate?

As long as you do not have serious physical problems, you can start Karate even when you are not very fit. The training is tough but you are allow to take one step at a time. You will evidently feel yourself getting stronger each week. The instructor monitors your condition and push you to be stronger bit by bit. What is more important is your will to improve and to be stronger.

How often should I train?

Twice a week,  thus 4 hours a week is ideal. 2 hours a week is fine but it takes you longer to get fitter. If you train twice a week, the musculer pain after the training gets less  and less! Once you get really serious, you can train even more often. But even for advanced Karate-ka, 2-3 times a week gives good amount of training and balanced recovery period. If you get into the competitve level, you train 5 times a week.

How young can they start?

That really depends on an indiisual. The main factor is their concentration level. If the child is really keen, then he/she can maintain their focus even for  2 hours. However, if they start Karate without their own intension, they can not focus that long. Karyukai currently only offers 2 hour trainings but there are many other clubs with shorter classes designed specially for young children.

Message from the Instructor...

Karate saved me at several crisis points in my life.  It teaches philosophy of life, value of discipline and friendship. When I went to live in EU alone for three years, Karate gave me friends instantly. People sweat and endure hard training together. Through it, we witness each other overcoming physical and mental boundaries. By living out vicious movements, one can release and diffuse inner aggression and sometimes even the fatigue born of repression. People who practice Karate generally look very young and energetic. I gain so much from this martial art. I just would like to share it with people.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our SKI president, Sensei Lex McKinley for  sending us the beautiful picture of Kancho Kanazawa. His picture is now framed  and placed in our Shomen during our training.  He is looking at us as a protector and guidance. Once again, thank you very much for your thoughtful  gift! Oss, Natsuko

Thank you very much for everyone who came to the opening ceremony! 道場開き


I would like to make a special thanks to the special guests, Toshi Sakamoto and Wadaiko Rindo for their powerful and impressive peformance! I always become quite tearful and emotional when I hear the deep sound of drum!   I had to hold back durign their performance so that I can go to to the demonstration. The hours   of preparation they have put into for today, is not just a few hours. The art form of music is the fruit of many   years of dediction and love of it. Thank you so much for shareing  your energy with everyone today.


I also would like to thank Sensei Nars and his daughter Jessica (13). We   began preparing today's demonstration as soon as the year started.   They were the easiest people to work with!   Dispite the age differences, we managed to bond together very quickly. I know Jessica since she was 7.   Apparently her father took her to karate and she   did not like it so much initially.   But now she   often wins more medals than her father and   it builds her confidence. I am so proud of Jess   for coming this far and thank you for being brave enough to dedicate yourself for demonstration. Thank you to Sensei John Haitidis for allowing your members (WSKA) to assist my dojo and helping preparation of our demonstration. One of my aims is to make a good friendship with other dojos and styles. Enough karate politics around- I want peace, freindship and stimulation!


The wonderfully informative demonstration by our SKIA-VIC members, Gery (president of SKI-VIC), Pablo (Vice-President) and Jeremy. The timing and the team work were just perfect and I sincerely appreciate your kind assistance. I am truly looking forward to exchange and share knowledge & happy time together with all the SKI members. You all suppported me warmly and I felt safe and touched by your generocity!! This will be a very good year :)


I also would like to give a speial thanks to Sensei Memduh, our cheif instructor of SKI-Victoria. My heart goes to you and your family at this dificult time of your mother. I am deeply greatful foryour enthsiastic support as soon asi I mentioned the idea of opening my dojo. I look forward to working with you and make SKI-VIC even better place to be!


I must also thank all my previous Senseis for bring me up til this far. Seisei Kyoshin Kayo (Perth) for the first 4 years, Sensei John Haitidis (Melbourne) for following 4 years and sincer I came back, Kancho Hirokazu Kanazawa for the past 6 years all over the world since 1990, Seisei Bigio Ridolfo (Den Bosch) for 3 years in Holland, Sensei Keith Geyer (Melbourne) for 6 months in 2006 and all other Senseis for on-going support and guidance. I would like to mention special thanks to Maestro Masaru Miura (Italy), Sensei Giampietro Grosselle (Italy), Sensei Saito (Tokyo)   and Sensei Stephane Castrique (Belgium) for emotional support! The supportive messages from Sensei Saito's Nakano dojo members are not to be forgotten!

Oss!

Dear all hi.

Here is a brief of Shotokan week 2007. Victorian team members were, Memduh Sanli, Gery Karantzas, Pablo Modearano, Robert Costanzo, Natsuko Minegishi, Robert, Rebecca, Anthony,Tvan and The wives, Mascots Havier and Oliver.

Training with Kancho is always special an hanour, National instructors sessions were special as per interest, my and Gery's session was spectacuar as we thrown people around in Kata Empi bunkai and sport Kumite was new to lot of members, as many people in SKIA dont train in sport Karate.

Gradings were held on the Friday morning almost everyone passed straight to their next rank, once again Victoria was impressive with Sensei Natsuko passing with flying colours to the rank of 3rd Dan CONGRATULATION Natsuko.

Friday night Victorian team BBQ what a night to be remembered for long time. Kancho as guest enjoyed him self so much he was in tears with laughter, singing Karate-do song with Natsuko and Gery's impersination of me Jeff and Kancho what a laugh it was.

Sensei's John Brailey, Jeff McCauley and Darren Brailey were also invited to the BBQ  it was good to see them again as honoury Victorians. Playing the card game AKA and Kuro must be mentioned here.

Competition on the Saturday and Sunday was very good with great result considering very few members participating, Rebecca wining two  medals in her divisions CONGRATULATIONS, Tvan and Robert competed with great talent and fighting spirit.

Sunday was very special, Sensei Pablo won the middle weight division and silver in the grand championship CONGRATULATIONS.Sensei Robert fought with great spirit with lots of cotton wool in his nose, Victorian fighting spirit was on display again. Team event was exiciting with Gery, Robert, Pablo and Robert. First round losing very close to Queensland and wining against SA setteling down for Bronze CONGRATULATIONS BOYS. Injury to Roberts shoulder in the team event against SA was unexpected for all of us thank God its not as serious as we all thought what a spirit and courage Robert get well soon, see you at training soon.

May be we should have our state championship soon and start organizing it, commitee members please take note.

Next years Nationals to be held in Sdney and we should start organizing and taking as many members as possible to train and compete.

Senior members wishing to do grading must start training seriously rigthaway, Sensei Danny for Godan, Pablo for Yondan, Robert and Jeremy for Sandan and Peter for Nidan.

I will be available for some senior grading training on Saturdays if anyone interested.

Yours in Budo OSS!!!

Memduh SANLI 6th Dan ( Otosan)
Chief Instructor Victorian Branch

What is Karate?

Karate is a Japanese martial art, known to enhance general health, strength, agility, flexibility, self-discipline, confidence, focus and etiquette. It is originally developed in Okinawa, a southern island of Japan. "Karate" originally meant Tang hand, i.e. Chinese hand, which was later changed to a homonym meaning 'empty hand' in Japanese. It is known primarily as a striking art, featuring punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes and open handed techniques. However, grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints/traps, throws and vital point striking also appear in Karate. A practicioner of Karate is called a Karate-ka. It is said that Okinawa people secretly developed Karate as a mean of weaponless fighting method when the mainland Japanese government forbit Okinawans to carry any weapons.

Shotokan Karate was introduced to mainland Japan by Gichin Funakoshi in 1936.

What is Karate good for?

The practice of Karate-do [Karate journey] will transform you. You learn how to make each motion one of effectiveness. You gain the strength to face fear, guidance to go beyond imaginary boundaries. You gain both opportunities to realize your undiscovered potential,  and the humility to accept your limitations with grace. Of course you will learn self-defence techniques but what Karate offer is far beyond just mastering those skills. Learning Karate also gives an opportunity to experience Japanese culture and the language.

How fit do I have to be to begin Karate?

As long as you do not have serious physical problems, you can start Karate even when you are not very fit. The training is tough but you are allow to take one step at a time. You will evidently feel yourself getting stronger each week. The instructor monitors your condition and push you to be stronger bit by bit. What is more important is your will to improve and to be stronger.

How often should I train?

Twice a week,  thus 4 hours a week is ideal. 2 hours a week is fine but it takes you longer to get fitter. If you train twice a week, the musculer pain after the training gets less  and less! Once you get really serious, you can train even more often. But even for advanced Karate-ka, 2-3 times a week gives good amount of training and balanced recovery period. If you get into the competitve level, you train 5 times a week.

How young can they start?

That really depends on an indiisual. The main factor is their concentration level. If the child is really keen, then he/she can maintain their focus even for  2 hours. However, if they start Karate without their own intension, they can not focus that long. Karyukai currently only offers 2 hour trainings but there are many other clubs with shorter classes designed specially for young children.

Message from the Instructor...

Karate saved me at several crisis points in my life.  It teaches philosophy of life, value of discipline and friendship. When I went to live in EU alone for three years, Karate gave me friends instantly. People sweat and endure hard training together. Through it, we witness each other overcoming physical and mental boundaries. By living out vicious movements, one can release and diffuse inner aggression and sometimes even the fatigue born of repression. People who practice Karate generally look very young and energetic. I gain so much from this martial art. I just would like to share it with people.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our SKI president, Sensei Lex McKinley for  sending us the beautiful picture of Kancho Kanazawa. His picture is now framed  and placed in our Shomen during our training.  He is looking at us as a protector and guidance. Once again, thank you very much for your thoughtful  gift! Oss, Natsuko

Thank you very much for everyone who came to the opening ceremony! 道場開き


I would like to make a special thanks to the special guests, Toshi Sakamoto and Wadaiko Rindo for their powerful and impressive peformance! I always become quite tearful and emotional when I hear the deep sound of drum!   I had to hold back durign their performance so that I can go to to the demonstration. The hours   of preparation they have put into for today, is not just a few hours. The art form of music is the fruit of many   years of dediction and love of it. Thank you so much for shareing  your energy with everyone today.


I also would like to thank Sensei Nars and his daughter Jessica (13). We   began preparing today's demonstration as soon as the year started.   They were the easiest people to work with!   Dispite the age differences, we managed to bond together very quickly. I know Jessica since she was 7.   Apparently her father took her to karate and she   did not like it so much initially.   But now she   often wins more medals than her father and   it builds her confidence. I am so proud of Jess   for coming this far and thank you for being brave enough to dedicate yourself for demonstration. Thank you to Sensei John Haitidis for allowing your members (WSKA) to assist my dojo and helping preparation of our demonstration. One of my aims is to make a good friendship with other dojos and styles. Enough karate politics around- I want peace, freindship and stimulation!


The wonderfully informative demonstration by our SKIA-VIC members, Gery (president of SKI-VIC), Pablo (Vice-President) and Jeremy. The timing and the team work were just perfect and I sincerely appreciate your kind assistance. I am truly looking forward to exchange and share knowledge & happy time together with all the SKI members. You all suppported me warmly and I felt safe and touched by your generocity!! This will be a very good year :)


I also would like to give a speial thanks to Sensei Memduh, our cheif instructor of SKI-Victoria. My heart goes to you and your family at this dificult time of your mother. I am deeply greatful foryour enthsiastic support as soon asi I mentioned the idea of opening my dojo. I look forward to working with you and make SKI-VIC even better place to be!


I must also thank all my previous Senseis for bring me up til this far. Seisei Kyoshin Kayo (Perth) for the first 4 years, Sensei John Haitidis (Melbourne) for following 4 years and sincer I came back, Kancho Hirokazu Kanazawa for the past 6 years all over the world since 1990, Seisei Bigio Ridolfo (Den Bosch) for 3 years in Holland, Sensei Keith Geyer (Melbourne) for 6 months in 2006 and all other Senseis for on-going support and guidance. I would like to mention special thanks to Maestro Masaru Miura (Italy), Sensei Giampietro Grosselle (Italy), Sensei Saito (Tokyo)   and Sensei Stephane Castrique (Belgium) for emotional support! The supportive messages from Sensei Saito's Nakano dojo members are not to be forgotten!

Oss!