Author: Shihan

Grading

Written by Shihan on 29.06.2014. Posted in Karate. 3 Comments on Grading

Well it’s the time of year when some students want to grade, for kyu grade and black belt level. Because of my grade I have been responsible on numerous occasions to take care of such examinations, not only in my own dojo but in many others. I was thinking during a recent examination who am I to make a judgment on other peoples abilities, after all no one has taught me how to examine other people.

In mathematics 2+2 is 4, in a grading its not so simple because we are individual with our own way of doing things plus age. Its not easy and who am I to judge. In Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation of your actions as an opportunity to improve.

Uchi-dechi 1971-1972

Written by Shihan on 11.06.2014. Posted in Image highlights, Karate. No Comments on Uchi-dechi 1971-1972

During my two years in Japan apart from the training there were lots of publicity photographs. At the time I did not appreciate them but now I value the memories they give me of my days at Honbu. Camps, grading’s and competitions.

Handstand very popular in Honbu

Written by Shihan on 27.05.2014. Posted in Image highlights, Karate. No Comments on Handstand very popular in Honbu

Sosai liked to see if you could do handstands. At the end of every training there were sit-ups, push ups and hand stands, seiken was preferred. In the end I was doing this on two fingers. Support my legs was a guy from Scotland, John Kerr.

Training in Honbu 1971

Written by Shihan on 16.05.2014. Posted in Image highlights, Karate. No Comments on Training in Honbu 1971

Photographs from Honbu, there were always photographers at the dojo taken some kind of publicity photos and writing stories. These were used in a magazine to show how popular Kyokushin was becoming and that students would travel to Japan to train.

100-man kumite

Written by Shihan on 11.04.2014. Posted in Image highlights, Karate. 5 Comments on 100-man kumite

During the early weeks Sosai said that I must try the HUNDRED MAN FIGHT. I said osu and that was that, two years later the day came. There is not much to say about that day only I was determined to do my best. I had already witnessed two failed attempts at the hundred man fight so I knew what to expect.

Kata update

Written by Shihan on 20.03.2014. Posted in Image highlights, Karate, Teaching, Technique. 3 Comments on Kata update

It’s time to go through the kata updates, first with my sensei who will in turn pass them on to the students. Nobody had any real big problems with any of the technique so that was positive. Over the years whenever there were some kind of change I would hear people say that it was hard to change! Its only hard in your mind.

Seienchin introduction

Written by Shihan on 10.03.2014. Posted in Bunkai, Karate, Videos. No Comments on Seienchin introduction

Seienchin means “calm within the storm”. Different styles perform Seienchin in slightly different ways. This kata helps you maintain a good kiba dachi using different angles and balance, which in turn strengthens your lower body. It also helps you build your spirit, after performing this kata a number of times your legs get tired, you have to push through the pain and keep going.

Kanku introduction

Written by Shihan on 06.03.2014. Posted in Bunkai, Karate, Videos. No Comments on Kanku introduction

Here I show a short introduction clip of the Kanku bunkai. The Kanku is our club logo (Gothenburg’s karate Kai), it originates from the Kanku kata. The points of the Kanku represented by the fingers means the ultimate. The wide part of the Kanku represented by the wrists implies strength and power. The center represents infinity and depth, gazing through the center helps unify mind and body. The circle surrounding the Kanku represents continuity.

Introduction to the Pinans

Written by Shihan on 04.03.2014. Posted in Bunkai, Karate, Videos. No Comments on Introduction to the Pinans

This clip is a short introduction to the five Pinan Katas. The Pinan kata originated in Okinawa Pinan can be translated as “Peaceful mind peaceful safety” and were created by Anko Itosu in 1905. When Gichin Funakoshi brought karate to Japan, he renamed the kata to Heian, which is translated as “peaceful and calm”. I like to think of them as “Peace and Harmony”.

Kihon applications ideas

Written by Shihan on 25.02.2014. Posted in Bunkai, Karate, Videos. No Comments on Kihon applications ideas

In this clip I am showing some application ideas of the four basic blocks Jodan Uke, Soto Uke, Uchi Uke and Gedan Barai. These four blocks are always in my kihon lessons when I teach. I also let the students practise different levels of bunkai in groups and make them analyse different techniques so they can come up with their own ideas. This helps them to understand what they are doing.