Grading Examination

Last Thursday evening the club held a grading examination for our advanced junior members and we are delighted to report that all the students passed. The standard among the group was very high and clearly shows the dedication and committment they have to the club.
A special thank you their parents who present them for training each week.
We wish to correct an error which we posted on last weeks Avondhu in relation to training times for junior beginners it should have read 7pm every Thursday instead of 7pm Tuesday.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Osu.


Pic.1
Junior club members pictured with sensei Brian Toomey having passed their grading Examination last Thursday.Well done to all.Osu.

Pic.2
Sensei Brian Toomey 6th dan pictured with International Chief Instructor Shinan S.Kato 9th dan at The European Championships in Hungary.

Advanced kata training session

The club would like to thank everybody who showed up for last Sunday's advanced kata training session. It is a testimony to sensei Brian Toomey and Fermoy Karate club to see members from other IJKA clubs traveling great distances to participate in this event.
We would like to remind members that a Kombatan training class will be held in the dojo on Tue. Oct.19th hosted by sensei Jesi Pablo ............ don't forget your sticks.
Shihan S. Kato will be holding an Autumn Training Seminar in Milltown Co.Galway on Oct. 16th and 17th ......... this is an event not to be missed !. For further details contact Brian 0872500783 or check it out on www.ijka.net

Until next week Osu.

Picture : Pictured at last Sunday's advanced kata class sensei Brian Toomey, P.J. Moloney, Ross Daly, Ciaran O Dea, Stacey Kelly, with club members Kevin & John McCarthy missing from photograph Jim Condon.

Autumn Training Seminar

A reminder to all members that IJKA World Chief Instructor Shihan S. Kato (9th Dan) will be holding an Autumn Training Seminar at Milltown Community Centre, Milltown Co. Galway on the 16th and 17th of October 2010. For information on the course or accommodation contact Brian, 0872500783.
Thanks to our members across all grades who are showing up for training in great numbers each week and it's nice to see the return of a few old faces ... keep it up well done .Osu.

Picture: Shihan S. Kato at The Spring Training Seminar held in Fermoy earlier this year.

Up and coming stars

Hit this link to see slideshow

Our Hero

hit this link and meet our hero,
remember this is for fun so why don't you have a go.

Irish Open Shotokan Karate Championships

The Irish Open Shotokan Karate Championships will be held next Sunday May 2nd in The Loreto Sports Hall. It will be an exciting day packed full of events ranging from Katas - the performance of a series of moves incorporating punches,blocks and kicks,to Kumite which is the practice of the art of karate against an opponent under strict controlled supervision.
Doors open at 11 a.m. various competitions throughout the day until 6 p.m.
Entry 10 euros per adult ........... Children FREE.
Please come along and support.

Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund

Pictured recently at the Ken-Bo-Kan Dojo,Sensei Brian Toomey 6th Dan with members of The Fermoy Karate Club presenting a cheque to Conor O'Kane towards the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. Brian collected sponsorship by shaving off his moustache at a function held at The Pitch & Putt to celebrate the 40th year of the club in Fermoy.Thanks to everyone who supported this worthy cause.

Recent Grading At The Ken Bu Kan DoJo

Congratulations to all who were successful,





We may be long in the tooth but in Shotokan Karate we are mere tadpoles
To view more photos of the night please visit our Gallery

New in the Gallery

Brian Toomey 6th Dan (IJKA) held a master class in karate in the CBI "Satori"
Pictures Courtesy of Yuriy Kopeykin and Elena Yakovleva Osu!

St Patricks Day

A good turn out from our youngest members they're all stars
For more pictures of the day head over to our gallery

Film Archive NEW Link

I was getting the club camera ready for tomorrows seminar and i found these enjoy





To veiw These in a bigger format go to film archive

Hunter will pull no punches in search for world glory

CORKMAN Joe Hunter will fight in his first Shotokan Karate World Championship on june 15-20 in Tallan,Estonia.

He has been competing in karate from a young age and has won numerous, provincial, national and international titles at junior and senior level.
Still improving, he won a gold medal at the IJKA European Karate Championship in Italy in 2008 Hunter has never needed to use his fighting abilities in real life.
however, he feels that it has helped him immeasurably in other ways and he does bring a strong sense of focus and single-minded determination into the competition.
"It teaches you discipline,self respect for others. It also teaches you to look after yourself physically,"Hunter says Karate-do, translates as 'the way of the empty hand' and it evolved in japan as a means of fighting without weapons.
It relies on techniques that were originally designed to incapacitate opponents in the minimum amount of time.
"A lot of the moves,if carried out with full power and speed,have the potential to cause huge damage to an opponent.
"A judge will be able to see if a move had been pushed that extra inch it would have completely incapacitated the other fighter.
"that is the principle behind the scoring system, you execute a killing move, at full power and speed, but with maximum control.


JOE HUNTER FACTFILE

BORN- January 1, 1979
PLACE OF BIRTH- Cork

PROFESSION- Inspector with the
Environmental Protection Agency

STYLE- Shotokan Karate

AFFILIATION- International Japan Karate
Association IJKA

CLUB- Ken-Bu-Kan Dojo, Fermoy

GRADE- 3rd Dan black belt

YEARS TRAINING- 21

INSTRUCTOR- Sensei Brian Toomey 6th Dan
black belt

COACH- Sensei PJ Maloney 5th Dan black belt

Awards- Numerous provincial national & international titles
Current national & european gold medallist

HEIGHT- 5' 10"

WEIGHT- 75kg

Meikyo sandan Kata

Yesterday sunday the 21st Sensei Brian Toomey 6th Dan, taught us Meikyo sandan Kata as usual it was an intense detailed and extremely well taught session,it is one of Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai's katas but like the rest of Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai's katas you will have to wait for the video to be posted as we are in the process of putting a few together OSU!

SHOTOKAN KATAS

Finally finished or shotokan page covering 26 katas, each kata has several examples so it doesn't matter which organisation your with you'ill probable find one to suit.
We also have the bunkai for each kata i always find these useful as it helps me understand a kata quicker and for old school we have diagram's for quick reference.

International Japan Karate Association Ireland

Presents 2010 Spring Seminar

IJKA World Chief Instructor
Shihan S. Kato (9th Dan)

March 13th and 14th. 2010
Ken-Bu-Kan Dojo, Fermoy,Co. Cork.
Celebrating 40 years 1970-2010


Saturday: Children’s Class 10:30am – 11:30am - €10
All Grades 11:30am – 1:00pm
All Grades 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Sunday: Instructors Class 10:30am – 11:30am
Sunday: All Grades 11:30 – 1:00pm
Dan Grading 1pm

Prices:
1 Class 2 Classes Weekend
Seniors €25 €50 €70
Juniors €15 €25 €35


For further information on the course or accommodation contact: Brian,00353872500783

Heian Katas

It’s quite common for many students once they have passed a grade, to never really feel the need to continue their study of the Heian Kata.
It’s quite common for black belts to have completely forgotten their previous kata, being so caught up studying Bassai, Empi, Jion and Hangetsu.

However, continued attention and study of these Heian Kata should follow, and not just up to Black belt. Many very senior Dan grades devote most of the kata training time to the Heian kata’s, for these kata teach such important fundamentals, and need to be perfected for a lifetime.
Tonight i finalized my selection of heian Katas with a selection of videos covering the Individual katas and also the Bunkai of each kata, and for those who are old school i also included a step by step picture.Remember The videos are NOT posted so that you can teach yourself a kata, but are there to refresh your memory of a particular movement or transition.

HANGETSU KATA

Yesterday sunday the 31st Sensei Brian Toomey 6th Dan, taught us Hangetsu Kata as usual it was an intense detailed and extremely well taught session,

Gallery-Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai

Our gallery was updated today with 5 pictures of the late Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai

Fermoy Karate Club celebrating 40 years

Fermoy Karate Club is celebrating 40 years in existence this year this blog is just one of many ways this year of acknowledging this keep checking back from time to time for further updates and schedules OSU!

An interview withTetsuhiko Asai

Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei
New Zealand Interview - December 2003

By André Bertel – 5th Dan
(JKS New Zealand Founder & Chief Instructor)



Anyone who studies under Shuseki Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai learns rapidly why he is widely regarded as one of the greatest living masters of Shotokan karate. In the eyes of his followers - no one in the world can imitate his unbelievable technical skills. In addition to his seemingly endless knowledge, Asai Shihan's wonderful personality is loved all over the world - he is a master in the truest sense. In 2000 Asai Shihan founded the NPO (Non-profit-organisation) Japan Karate Shotokai (JKS) to take karate into the new millennium. Here, in this compelling interview, conducted in Christchurch, New Zealand, Shuseki Shihan Asai gives great insight into his unparalleled karate excellence.

(Andre Bertel) Sensei what are your main objectives in teaching Karate?

(Tetsuhiko Asai) In the past not everybody could do karate in the standard way, particularly after the war, there was a closed off mentality, a physical hardness in karate, aiming primarily to build spirit, rather than effective martial arts technique. Many people in Shotokan had, and still have, closed minds thinking this is the only way to do karate, and this permeates throughout all the aspects of their training. Karate has five aspects, firstly martial arts karate - effective in reality, secondly health karate, thirdly exercise karate, fourthly tournament karate, and lastly, karate to make a strong spirit... All these aspects are included in karate, and depending on the person, karate differs. My karate includes all of the above, not only karate for making a strong spirit. Effective karate is balanced, not just hard, this hardness which came after the war, was a way to make people push themselves to their physical, mental, and spiritual limits. This style of training is very basic and limited for martial arts/self-defense. It was also limited, participation-wise. My main objective is to return karate to its original martial arts origins, karate has no limitations. If karate can only be used by strong people, it is highly limited.

(AB) Sensei, you intensely study over 150 different kata. Many karateka can't comprehend this?

(TA) Yes, as you know we have many kata, for example if someone's punch is no good, practice this kata, if their hip rotation is no good, do this kata, kicks no good, train this kata... From practicing in this way we can improve martial arts technique. Before, karate was only movement (Asai Sensei demonstrates a few lightning fast strikes in rapid succession from his chair) with not so much meaning. Now there's more meaning, not only basic techniques but the revival of marital arts karate from the distant past. The standard Shotokan kata has emphasis on basic techniques like gedan-barai, mae-geri keage, oi-zuki and so on. These kata are mostly for development of power and speed. They also tire the muscles and breathing. They are good for making spirit and for conditioning the body, this is good in one's youth. However, as one gets older, step-by-step they must change so they can keep improving in karate. More natural movement is essential, in fact the sooner people start this the better, as it results in increased efficiency. The advanced kata I developed are martial arts kata, taking the karateka to the next level; André, you are one of my few students who know many of the advanced kata such as Hachimon, Kakuyoku shodan, Kakuyoku nidan and Kakuyoku sandan, Meikyo nidan, Meikyo sandan, Sensho, Shotei, Kashu, Suishu, Roshu, Hushu, Senka, Seiryu and others. As a result you are now executing high level martial arts karate. Others should follow your example. Some are fixated on merely studying the 26 standard Shotokan kata.

(AB) You have said that competition rules should be more martial arts orientated in the Kumite?

(TA) Absolutely, we must change from the sports kumite kind which is again very limited! Only straight punching, kicking and takedowns, not good for martial arts, creating bad habits. We must also include circular punches, strikes, and other karate techniques. If the distance is close, why not use a controlled empi-uchi or mawashi-zuki to win? This is martial arts karate, far more diverse than just sports.



Lastly Sensei, what is the future direction for Budo Karate?

(TA) For people to be able to do karate throughout their lives and keep improving. Everyone can practice karate-do. In regards to groups around the world, division in karate is not good. It is always because of ego, because everyone wants the top position in national federations and so on. I think if people want the top position in karate they have to train more than the others (laughs). For example if doing a seminar with me the top people should train seven to ten hours per day then perhaps they don't want the top position, they just want to quietly train and improve. This is because they are too busy wanting to be called the chief instructor or something. This is very stupid! Too many people want to be the boss more than they want to train and improve their own karate. My organisation is a martial arts organisation and I am a karate-man not a politician.

(AB) Thank you so much Sensei for doing this interview! We can't wait to get you back to New Zealand for more Technical Seminars and great times, OSU!

(TA) My pleasure Andre, OSU!

pics of our sensei Kato Sadashige - chief instructor IJKA

Karate Kata

The most popular image associated with kata is that of a karate practitioner performing a series of punches and kicks in the air. The kata are executed as a specified series of approximately 20 to 70 moves, generally with stepping and turning, while attempting to maintain perfect form. There are perhaps 100 kata across the various forms of karate, each with many minor variations. The number of moves in a kata may be referred to in the name of the kata, e.g., Gojūshiho, which means "54 steps." The number of moves may also have links with Buddhist spirituality. The number 108 is significant in Buddhism, and kata with 54, 36, or 27 moves (divisors of 108) are common. The practitioner is generally counselled to visualize the enemy attacks, and his responses, as actually occurring, and karateka are often told to "read" a kata, to explain the imagined events. The study of the meaning of the movements is referred to as the bunkai, meaning analysis, of the kata.

One explanation of the use of kata is as a reference guide for a set of moves. Not to be used following that "set" pattern but to keep the movements "filed". After learning these kata, this set of learned skills can then be used in a sparring scenario (particularly without points). The main objective here is to try out different combinations of techniques in a safe, practice environment to ultimately find out how to defeat your opponent.

Nathan Johnson claims that most antique karate kata were developed for use with weapons rather than as open hand techniques.

Also, in kata, the blocking movements are often performed while moving forward, which wouldn't be practical during the 'Bunkai'. These blocking movements would be performed during a Tai sabaki (体捌き), stepping-back action, where the opponent's attack would be avoided and the block would be a mere cover. These kata were performed in this backward/incorrect way as it left the true intentions of the movements elusive to spying onlookers. The true kata can be performed by advanced students who have a good feel for taisabaki and the dynamics of evasion.

About Shotokan Karate

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of shotokan karate, stated that the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in perfection of character. In this way, karate may be described as an aesthetic course of self-discipline, leading to enlightenment. Literally, karate-do is the way of the empty hand. This includes the philosophical notion of "emptying" oneself of improper motives; not merely fighting without weapons. The principles of training go beyond technique and may be applied to ordinary life. Karate training involves little instruction in philosophy. Students are expected to learn the underlying philosophical principles through hard work and much practice. By following the technical directions of the instructors, the example of the senior students and applying themselves completely to each technique, karate-ka will develop a deep understanding of both the technical and philosophical aspects of karate.

It is said that in karate there is no second chance. Karate-ka are taught to use each technique as if their lives depended upon its successful application. This concept is called ikken hikattsu in Japanese, literally to kill with one blow. However, the real meaning is that a karate-ka must be completely committed to each technique and must apply each technique with certainty, force, decisiveness and without regard to the possibility of failure. Shotokan karate traces its roots to the islands of Okinawa, which now form part of Japan. An indigenous fighting system know as Okinawa-te (Okinawa hand) would eventually become karate (Chinese hand) and, finally, karate-do (the way of the empty hand). Historically, Okinawa was an independent kingdom, but it was strongly influenced by Chinese culture. Okinawa established a tributary relationship with China, which allowed Okinawan martial artists to study in China (and to train with Chinese martial artists visiting Okinawa). There were originally three styles of Okinawa-te, named for the towns where they were located: Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te. Shotokan karate is a modern Japanese style, descended from these traditional Okinawan styles. Unfortunately, the history of karate is somewhat incomplete and speculative. Until recently, karate was taught in secret and few records were maintained. During the period of secrecy, there would be no open discussion karate training, even within a family.

Gichin Funakoshi is widely regarded as the father of modern karate and is certainly the father of Japanese karate. He was an Okinawan schoolteacher and an enthusiastic karate-ka. He began karate training in his childhood, primarily with Yasutsune Azato (1827-1906) and Yasutsune Itosu (1830-1915). Funakoshi was selected to give the first demonstrations of karate outside Okinawa. They occurred in 1916 (possibly 1917) and in 1922. His demonstrations were well received and there was much interest in the introduction of karate to Japan. Funakoshi remained in Japan after the second demonstration.

Initially, there were few students to support the only karate instructor in Japan. The 56 year old schoolteacher had to take odd jobs at the dormitory where he set up his temporary dojo. He worked as watchman, caretaker and gardener. To pay for his meals, he had to persuade the cook to take lessons. Our style is called Shotokan as a tribute to Master Funakoshi, who used the pen-name Shoto on poetry and calligraphy. Shoto means waving pine. Funakoshi selected this name because he enjoyed hearing the sound of the wind through the pine trees as he took evening walks in Okinawa. In 1936, Funakoshi built his first dojo in Tokyo. His students named it the Shotokan, meaning Shoto's club. Funakoshi did not actually name his style of karate, but the name of the dojo came to be associated with the style itself. Master Funakoshi died on 26 April 1957. During his lifetime, he trained many famous students, including Shigeru Egami, Masatoshi Nakayama, Keinosuke Enoeda, Tsutomu Oshima, Hidetaka Nishiyama and Teruyuki Okazaki.

One of Master Funakoshis enduring legacies are the Dojo kun. Five precepts which all students of Karate should adhere.

These are:
Seek perfection of character (Hitotsu jinkaku kansei ni tsutomurukoto)
Be faithful (Hitotsu, makoto no michi wo yashinaukoto)
Endeavour (Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin wo yashinnaukoto)
Respect others (Hitotsu, reigi wo omonzurukoto)
Refrain from violent behaviour (Hitotsu, kekki no yuu wo imashimurukoto)

Kubotan-The Self-defense Keyring

The Kubotan is a self-defense tool designed by a Japanese man by the name of Takayuki Kubota. It was developed as a self-defense device (I’m intentionally avoiding the word weapon) for use by police officers in Japan, often for riot control. You can learn the basics of using a Kubotan very quickly, and do not need to be an expert martial artist to use one.

The Kubotan is a short stick of about 6 inches or 15 centimetres in length. It can be made from plastic, metal or wood; with ridges along the middle; and a flat, rounded or pointed tip at one end. It usually has a hole at the other end for a keyring. Kubotans are used to amplify pain on nerve points without causing permanent damage to an assailant. Applying pressure with the Kubotan as a tool on certain points on the body allows you to control an attacked to aid your escape from a dangerous situation.

Kubotans are easy to obtain, and are not illegal to own or carry (as a keyring) in most countries. However, technically it is a weapon, so it is worth checking the laws in your country. There are variations that double as a torch or other useful devices, and therefore less likely to attract the wrong attention from law enforcement agencies.

I strongly suggest completing a training course to use a Kubotan rather than use a book so that you receive proper tuition and don’t damage yourself or someone else. And again, do check the law in your country if you intend to carry one of these. It’s better to not get on the wrong side of the law!

Why not take the karate challenge???

Those that take up martial arts do so for a variety of reasons, while the benefits are also many and varied. Participants include all ages and genders, ranging from the physically fit to the physically challenged.

One of the founding principles of martial arts training is to respect those with greater knowledge and experience. For children this means developing respectful relationships with parents, academic teachers and peers. the same benefits apply to adults, both in the work place and at home or of respecting yourself, your spouse, your family and the people with whom you work.

Success in the martial arts does not require athletic skills. However, through your training you will develop key characteristics to enhance your athletic skills for other sports interests. Benefits such as better hand/eye co-ordination, endurance and physical fitness can help you improve in any sport.

The martial arts not only teaches you how to cope with physical situations,but also how to avoid confrontations using proper body language. In today's world, you may never need to physically defend yourself, but the newspapers are full of people who couldn't.

Mental discipline affects your daily attitude and the decisions you make when life challenges you with new obstacles. Martial arts can teach you how to relax, focus and maintain your control when the going gets tough. Children with strong mental discipline are least likely to be susceptible to peer pressure anxieties, while adults learn to manage stress levels brought on by life's pressures.

Many parents have reported that their children have dramatically improved their school grades after they have joined martial arts. Better grades can strongly influence a child's overall success in their future career and their life. Is there a better reason to involve children in the martial arts???