KARYUKAI 2009 SUMMER GASSHKU

Juliet Sironi (8 kyu)

The 2009 Karyukai Karate Gasshku was held in Maryborough, Victoria, from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 December. The purpose of the Gasshku, as explained by Natsuko Sensei, was not to share the joy of karate together (although there is a lot of joy), bur rather to share the PAIN together and finish off our hard karate work for the year. Gasshku attendees were: Natsuko Sensei,Roger Sempai, Jason Sempai,  Brian, Tuan, Jonathon, Juliet, Ian, Linh, Gillie and Aldo. Guest instructors were Shihan Peter Jackson and his sensei, Shihan Allan Guymer, both from the Gojyuryu style of karate.

The gasshku was held in Sensei Peter Jackson’s brand new dojo in Maryborough, a two hour drive from Melbourne (longer if you followed Google Maps' directions). Karyukai were one of the first people to use Sensei Peter's dojo! There were many differences from the Karyukai dojo, including soft mats so we could learn falls and throws, punching bags, and a makiwara, and beds for visiting students. A big thankyou to Sensei Peter for his generosity in letting us use his dojo.

Most of us arrived on the evening of Friday 11 December (although Aldo arrived early the next morning and slept in his car). Several of us went for a much-needed swim. Others arrived just in time for dinner. The meals were prepared by Natsuko Sensei, and we found out something important: she can cook really well. Most of us had an early night, conscious of the fact that early next morning, the pain would start.

Training started at 5:30am, when we all woke up. As the dojo is situated near bushland, we went into the bush and, after bowing in and warming up, we went for a run, led by Jason Sempai. Then we did a range of stamina exercises, including frog jumps, stretching, and lots of running around. Thankfully, breakfast was soon afterwards, and we had free time until the morning karate session started.

The morning session was run much like our normal training classes - the emphasis of this session was on kihon (basics). However, we also were taught some ‘break falls’ (falling correctly so as to avoid injury) by Sensei Peter. These involved either falling backwards onto the shoulder and back, and falling combined with a roll. We practised these individually and with partners. I found these to be useful, as they are techniques where you can prevent obvious injuries, such as breaking your hand because you are trying to stop yourself falling, or hitting your head.

Lunch was the perfect opportunity to watch video of the gradings from the recent Japan trip. We saw both people from Japanese dojos grade, as well as Sempais Roger and Jason. The phenomenal standard of the Japanese students has put us to shame...

After lunch, there was afternoon training with Shihan Allan Guymer and Shihan Peter. This involved more falls and throws. It was very interesting, as we learnt what to do if someone grabs hold of you. We were also joined by Sempai Ben (from Gojyuryu), who demonstrated Unsu, a black belt Shotokan kata. This was very impressive, not only because he is from Gojyuryu performing Shotokan Kata, but also as Karyukai had practiced this kata recently and found it to be very challenging - especially the mid-air jump.

Also challenging was the eating of icecream. Natsuko Sensei very kindly whipped up a batch of green tea icecream. Not so nice was the ‘surprise’ that she had for Sempai Jason and Jonathon. Did you know that wasabi icecream looks a lot like green tea icecream? Jason Sempai and Jona found out that, though they may look the same, they taste very different. Yuck!

We all took the opportunity to relax and recharge during dinner. We played a team game where we created a (very strange) story together. We also presented Natsuko Sensei with her Christmas present, kindly organised by Jason Sempai and given on behalf of all Karyukai members, in appreciation of Sensei’s hard work and genuine passion for Karate throughout the year.

Sunday was another early morning - a 5:30am start for kata in the bush. However, this was no ordinary kata session. Starting with taikyoku shodan and then moving onto our respective favourite katas, we went through each movement slowly. We then did the kata again very slowly and with our eyes closed. This was very soothing, it took all the unnecessary tension away, a bit like tai chi. And it was amusing - when we opened our eyes, we saw that a horse in a nearby paddock was staring at us, and would not stop! We then practised heian shodan in different sequences, which tested our knowledge of the kata. Then lower grades were paired with higher grades, and we did ‘mirror image’ heian shodan. Much harder than it looks.

Karyukai is a close club, with many people of different experience levels and backgrounds. Sensei asked us to write a note to each member after breakfast, explaining why they were very special. Thanks, everyone. I think!

The last session for the gasshku was taken by Natsuko Sensei and Sempais Roger and Jason. We did a mix of kihon, kumite and some throws. It was again very interesting. Then the fun started ... Gathering in a circle and putting on our gloves and guards, each member fought the other members in a very long free sparring match. The gasshku then closed with the traditional 1000 punches. How?
“Each member does 10 punches each, 10 times” Natsuko Sensei said.
“But Sensei, there are eleven of us. That means we will be doing 1100 punches,” it was pointed out.
“It’s a minimum of 1000 punches,” Sensei replied.
“Oh ... Oss!”

The 2009 Gasshku ended with eleven karate-ka who were tired and soaked in sweat ... and were glad to have bonded with the other members and shared this amazing experience together.

Oss and thankyou to all - to Natsuko Sensei, Sempais Roger and Jason, Shihan Peter and Shihan Allan who shared their expertise, and to all the Karyukai members who made this weekend special.

Oss
Juliet

Due to an injury, I could not fully participate the entire program of the 2009 Shotokan week. My student, Juliet has kindly written a report on be half of Karyukai.

SHOTOKAN WEEK 2009 REPORT

Juliet Sironi (8kyu)

Shotokan Week 2009 was held in Gladstone, Queensland this year. Natsuko Sensei, Jason Senpai, Tuan and myself (Juliet) attended.

Shotokan Week is held annually, and is a wonderful opportunity to train in Shotokan style Karate and also participate in a competition. Training was held from Monday 28 Sep to Thursday 1 October, gradings were held on the Friday, and the competition ran Saturday and Sunday. The head of Shotokan Karate International, Kancho Hirokazu Kanazawa and his first son Nobuaki Sensei also attended, and this week was a unique chance to train with them.

I am relatively new to Karate, so I did not know what to expect. I started with a club in Canberra (Tora Shotokan Karate-Do) mid 2008 as a white belt 10th kyu, then joined Karyukai Karate in February 2009. I am now a yellow belt (8th kyu.) This was my first Shotokan Week. I was excited, but also nervous, and was wondering if my fitness and karate spirit could withstand a whole week of training with instructors who are at the peak of their karate. I was also the least experienced member of Karyukai attending - Tuan is a purple belt, and Natsuko Sensei and Jason are black belts, and I hoped I could represent my club well.

This is what it was like ...

We all arrived in sunny Gladstone on Sunday. It was 30 degrees, a nice change from the Melbourne cold weather. Tuan and myself had some time to rest after the flight. We then met Kancho and Nobuaki Sensei at the welcome dinner, myself for the first time. I was immediately impressed. They were both very courteous and took the time to ask Tuan and I about ourselves. I felt it would be a pleasure to train with them for a week.

Later that night, Natsuko Sensei and Jason Senpai arrived (they were ‘fresh’ from training in Japan, and arrived later due to a delayed flight.) The Karyukai members were reunited at last, and were ready for training.

Training was for four to five hours per day: one hour of tai chi, two hours karate training, then lunch, then another two hours of karate training. Sometimes the group was split i.e. coloured belts in one area, black belts in another. On all of the days, coloured belts were with Kancho and Nobuaki Sensei for at least one session. On the last day, coloured belts were with Kancho and Nobuaki Sensei the entire day. During the other times, the coloured belts were taken by different Senseis i.e. Sensei Brian,  Sensei Zivco and Sensei Kim. There were also instructors and referees seminars.

With Kancho and Nobuaki Sensei, we went through kihon (basics) i.e. punches, blocks, kicks, gradually moving up to more complex combinations, including some black and brown belt moves. I found improving my timing whilst doing these combinations particularly helpful (i.e. to prepare for a punch whilst I am kicking). There was also some light partner sambon (3-step) kumite, including sambon no. 5 which I had not done before. There was also the opportunity to practice kata. As a yellow belt, I am mostly familiar with the more basic kata such as heian shodan and heian nidan. However, there was opportunity to also practice heian sandan and heian yondan, as well as watch the higher grades practice more complex kata. Both Kancho and Nobuaki Sensei readily provided tips on how to improve our technique, which was very helpful.

One of the highlights for me was watching both Kancho and Nobuaki Sensei show proper karate technique. It was inspiring to go into the nuances of karate - how to kiai properly, how to block and punch correctly, timing of kicks and punches. Also a highlight was watching Nobuaki Sensei demonstrate a range of kata on the last day. I have seen him in Kancho’s videos, and to see him personally was fantastic. His power and precision was amazing. Definitely, Kancho and Nobuaki Sensei’s standard is something that I aspire to.

For two of the days there was one hour of tai chi led by Kancho. This tai chi was very different to what I have seen previously. It encompassed the slow, gentle movements that I thought epitomised tai chi, but also had a more aggressive and quick flavour. For example, we used variants of age uke, gedan barai and kicking. This emphasised that tai chi is not purely for relaxation, but is also a martial art. I found tai chi helped focus the mind and body for the training that was to come, and it was good to try a martial art that I had never tried before.

All sorts of people came to Shotokan Week, of all ages and grades. Kancho himself is seventy eight years old and still has the time and energy to come to Shotokan week. This emphasised for me that Karate is a lifetime pursuit.

Another highlight was meeting Kancho and Nobuaki Sensei in a more social setting. Karyukai, as the only Victorian team, were allowed to host an informal dinner and drinks for Kancho and Nobuaki Sensei. Again, they were both very generous and warm people. They answered some tricky karate questions, and also had kind words regarding our efforts during the seminar and our progress generally. To have such an opportunity to meet them so casually was incredible.

After all of this training, a rest was in order. As Gladstone is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, we all took a trip to Lady Musgrave Island where we snorkelled and went on an island walk. That was lots of fun, and it was nice seeing tropical fish, turtles, and coral. However, the bumpy boat ride and the sunburn was not so much fun.

Of course, just before the flight back to Melbourne, we could not resist viewing the kumite competition. That was very interesting, seeing how people of all levels and ages moved.

What I gained most of all from this week was a determination to do it better, to refine my technique and to understand the true meaning of the karate techniques.

I definitely recommend attending Shotokan Week. Next year it will be in Melbourne. I recommend coming ... anyway you can!

Oss!

Juliet

From time to time, I get inquiries from people who have taken sometime away from Karate to join a new club. The common curtsy is to bring a white belt as well as your ranking belt and ask the instructor which belt is to wear.

Karyukai sets a simple rule for everyone regardless of your rank or background.
If you have taken more than 6 months off from the training, then you have to wear a white belt for 6 months. It takes such an enormous courage to drop your ego and pride to stand in the bottom of the class again. However, you will win instant respect from others and you can take your own time to regain fitness and revise your knowledge again. The colour of your belt certainly should not matter if your karate ability is strong inside.

Even within a same style, each dojo has a slightly different standard and training system. It is safer if you are given sometime to adopt yourself.

One of my students took 8 years off after training 12-15years prior to his break. He visited one dojo and the instructor told him to wear his blackbelt. Most people in that dojo did not know how long he had taken his break or where he came from. One student challenged him on his second day, he got his arm damaged, could not go back to training for another 1 month, extending time to his 8 year beark.

Once you gain your balckbelt, then you are supposed to be a blackbelt for the rest of your life. But this also means that you should remain to be an example to your juniors. Going back to wearing white belt does not mean you lose your status. It merely indicates your strength to humbly accept the fact that you have had to discontinue your training for a while and you have the courage to show respect to people who are currently continuously training.

I have students coming from other places and because they have taken no break, they were allowed to wear their belts. But they seem to struggle to catch up with the differences more than the people who dropped their rank at the restart.

I have lived in 5 different cities since I began Karate. I had to change styles twice and I joined 5 different clubs. I know how difficult it is to start all over again. I went back to a white belt when I already had a green belt from other club. I was only a greenbelt but I had a huge ego to drop. I remember how hard it was to accept to become a white belt again. However, once I decided, I progressed rapidly. I had nothing to lose but to gain.   I do not remember how long had I remained to wear a white belt. But I remember how exciting it was to receive a purple from a white. I had to do 5 grading in one go! It was exhausting. Other students looked with certain jealousy and envy but by the time I got purple, I had all the knowledge, fitness and strength needed to stand in a position I was awarded.

What I have learnt over the years, is something applicable in all the environment including outside of Karate:

No matter how good you are, if your ego is stronger than your respect for others, then you are not good enough. It is important to have a pride in yourself but ego and pride are not the same. People will treat you with respect if you could be who you are reagrdless of the colour of your belt.

Oss,
Natsuko

Anothony, 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

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!