Saturday, November 22, 2008
43rd ANNUAL ISKF MASTER CAMP
Teruyuki Okazaki Hirokazu Kanazawa Hideo Ochi Yutaka Yaguchi Masaru Miura
ISKF/US 10th Dan SKIF/JAPAN, 10th Dan ISKF/US 9th Dan JKA/EUROPE 8th Dan SKIEF/ITALY 9th Dan
The 43rd ANNUAL ISKF MASTER CAMP INTERNATIONAL GOODWILL JUNE 12 - 19, 2009 CAMP GREEN LANE, PENNSYLVANIA USATOURNAMENT featuring some of the finest Sensei in the world will be again be held at Camp Green Lane. This international karate camp is open to all Shotokan practitioners, regardless of affiliation. It is a full week of instruction for beginners to black belts with separate training facilities and instructors for each rank.No other Shotokan camp is comprised of such high-ranking internationally well-known masters and is attended by Shotokan karate-ka from over 40 countries. A Pdf flyer for the camp is linked here.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
DOJO KUN: The Perfection of Character
"Seek Perfection of Character -Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto."
The Perfection of Character
As well as being a physical activity that improves both health and fitness, Karate is also a mental and spiritual discipline. The physical benefits are noticed fairly early on in your training, in terms of more stamina, flexibility and strength, but the mental and spiritual aspects are very hard to quantify and take many years of hard practice to really appreciate. However, it is important to have some mental goals to strive for and the ‘perfection of character’ is one such goal, which is closely associated with Karate and martial arts training in general. ‘Perfection of character’ has almost become a cliché in martial arts circles, used constantly in written text as some ultimate goal of martial arts, strived for by the masses, yet attained only by the few. Let’s throw this thinking out of the window straight away before we start and instead, let’s begin with some basic logic and then focus on why ‘perfection of character’ really does play an important role in Karate and martial arts.
Basic logic states that perfection of anything is ultimately impossible and is in essence something God-like. The reason why is simply because if you can put a value on something then that value can always be bigger, better, more, higher, longer, etc., and ultimately infinite in nature. If the world and the universe is infinite, then perfection can not possibly exist. Many people have differing opinions on this of course.
So if perfection is impossible, then why are we striving for ‘perfection of character’ anyway? Isn’t that a waste of time? Some people would say yes but I disagree. The point being that by striving for perfection we constantly improve and polish ourselves. Our techniques become stronger, faster and more focused. Our etiquette and spirit improve and we become calmer and more in control of our lives and our emotions. Essentially all we are doing is getting closer to perfection than we were before, despite knowing that the ultimate goal may be unattainable.
Indeed it is perhaps the fact that our ultimate goal is unattainable that the challenge of Karate will never diminish and actually gets harder as we gain more experience. After passing my 3rd degree black belt I wrote in my notes that “the more I learn the less I know” and this just underlines further the point I am trying to make. Our path in Karate and any martial art is that of the exponential graph that starts off slowly, picks up speed but as it gets closer to the goal it takes longer to get there. Just like the graph we will never quite reach perfection but at least by trying we too get closer and closer to our goal.
This is the true meaning behind striving for “perfection of character”.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Austin Shotokan Karate Kyu Exams
Austin Shotokan Karate congratulates Gerald Mendoza, Simon DuMortier, Ingrid Norton, and Valentin Panayotov for their fine effort in today's (Nov. 16, 2008) Kyu exams. Gerald Mendoza was promoted to 2nd Kyu, and Ingrid Norton, a new member, received 8th Kyu. Everyone benefited by learning about ways to improve their training and performance. Many thanks to Mr. Joe Formica for making the trip from Houston to give the exams and to Mr. Jim Riley for his invaluable help with preparation.
2009 ITKA International World Friendship Tournament
The International Traditional Karate Association (ITKA) and Wilbur Wright College are sponsoring the 2009 ITKA International World Friendship in Honor and Memory of Sima and Zahra Bambouyani. This Tournament will be held on April 17th-18th, Memorial Weekend, at Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett. This event will honor world friendship and recognize Sensei Futamata, 55 years leading Japanese martial arts master. Additionally, this event is to promote friendship and respect for our cultural differences through competition based on the principles of Dojo Kun.
For our youths 13 and under, we will be holding an art contest. All the drawings will be displayed at the tournament site throughout the weekend. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners and all participants will receive a certificate.
We cordially invite you, your members and representatives of your organization to participate in this world class event. The promotion of respect for each other’s cultures through our shared vision and appreciation for the art of karate can be an experience that unites us. Please invite other Karate dojos and colleagues to join us as well.
If you will be needing an official letter of invitation (international competitors need to include competitors’names and passport numbers for US Embassies) you may e-mail your name, mailing address, phonenumber and number of competitor packets needed to tournament@itka-karate.com
Hotel: Springhill Suites Chicago/O’Hare: 8101 Higgins Road, Chicago, Il 60631USA Phone: 773-867-0000 Fax: 773-867-0001 http://www.marriott.com/ Rates are $84 per night, plus tax.
Sincerely,
Shihan M. Bambouyani Dr. Charles Guengerich
ITKA Chairman Wright College President and Co-sponsor
For our youths 13 and under, we will be holding an art contest. All the drawings will be displayed at the tournament site throughout the weekend. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners and all participants will receive a certificate.
We cordially invite you, your members and representatives of your organization to participate in this world class event. The promotion of respect for each other’s cultures through our shared vision and appreciation for the art of karate can be an experience that unites us. Please invite other Karate dojos and colleagues to join us as well.
If you will be needing an official letter of invitation (international competitors need to include competitors’names and passport numbers for US Embassies) you may e-mail your name, mailing address, phonenumber and number of competitor packets needed to tournament@itka-karate.com
Hotel: Springhill Suites Chicago/O’Hare: 8101 Higgins Road, Chicago, Il 60631USA Phone: 773-867-0000 Fax: 773-867-0001 http://www.marriott.com/ Rates are $84 per night, plus tax.
Sincerely,
Shihan M. Bambouyani Dr. Charles Guengerich
ITKA Chairman Wright College President and Co-sponsor
SKIF 10th World Tournamentin Athens, Greece
Yes, it is that time again - time to start planning for the upcoming 2009 10th SKIF World Tournament. The tournament is being hosted by SKIF Greece and will be held in Athens, 7/21/09 - 7/26/09 at the Athens Peace and Freindship Stadium (pictured)
The week’s events include seminars (youth and adult) conducted Tuesday and Wednesday (7/21/09 - 7/22/09) with elimination rounds of the tournament starting Thursday 7/23/09 and concludes with the final rounds on Sunday, 7/26/09. According to information from SKIF Greece, they are suggesting we book our hotel rooms by the end of January. The tournament is being held during a peak tourist time and hotels fill up fast. Also, the hotels in the P Faliro district are the closest to the event center.
To ensure a smooth tournament registration process, all registrations for the SKIF-USA National team will be handled through SKIF-USA Headquarters. We will be sending out additional information regarding registration shortly. To accommadate each persons budget and schedule, we are asking everyone to make their own travel and hotel arrangements.
We will be contacting everyone with updates and additional details as they are received. We are looking forward to see you in Greece!
Sincerely,
SKIF-USA Board of Directors
The week’s events include seminars (youth and adult) conducted Tuesday and Wednesday (7/21/09 - 7/22/09) with elimination rounds of the tournament starting Thursday 7/23/09 and concludes with the final rounds on Sunday, 7/26/09. According to information from SKIF Greece, they are suggesting we book our hotel rooms by the end of January. The tournament is being held during a peak tourist time and hotels fill up fast. Also, the hotels in the P Faliro district are the closest to the event center.
To ensure a smooth tournament registration process, all registrations for the SKIF-USA National team will be handled through SKIF-USA Headquarters. We will be sending out additional information regarding registration shortly. To accommadate each persons budget and schedule, we are asking everyone to make their own travel and hotel arrangements.
We will be contacting everyone with updates and additional details as they are received. We are looking forward to see you in Greece!
Sincerely,
SKIF-USA Board of Directors
Hidetaka Nishiyama, Sensei Resquiat In Pace (RIP)
Hidetaka Nishiyama Sensei 1928-2008
I had the good fortune to be able to attend several trainings under Nishiyama Sensei. He helped me to start to appreciate the do in karate-do. He strove to leave the world a better place than he found it. He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten.
Oss!Scott MonroeInstructor, Austin Shotokan Karate
JAPAN’S LIVING LEGEND DIES AT 80
The International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) is in mourning today following the passing of their President and Chairman, Hidetaka Nishiyama at the age of 80. Mr. Nishiyama was a world renowned karate master well known for his steadfast dedication to the preservation and protection of the Martial Art of Traditional Karate. “Mr. Nishiyama passed away peacefully following his struggle with cancer”, a family spokesperson said.
Mr. Nishiyama dedicated his life to the Budo principles on which his beloved Martial Art of Traditional Karate is based. As a Charter Member of the Japan Karate Association and founding President of the Japan Karate Association International of America and the International Traditional Karate Federation, his influence on the modern day practice of Traditional Karate is unparalleled. “He was truly one of a kind”, said Acting ITKF Chairman, Rick Jorgensen. “He has greatly influenced and impacted the lives of those who practice Traditional Karate.” “His vision was very broad. It included people of all ages and all styles of karate”, said Jorgensen. “Sensei Nishiyama strongly held the belief that the Martial Art of Traditional Karate was a path of self development. School children, adults and seniors can use the principles of Traditional Karate to achieve their highest potential through the human development of mind, body and spirit.
The International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) is in mourning today following the passing of their President and Chairman, Hidetaka Nishiyama at the age of 80. Mr. Nishiyama was a world renowned karate master well known for his steadfast dedication to the preservation and protection of the Martial Art of Traditional Karate. “Mr. Nishiyama passed away peacefully following his struggle with cancer”, a family spokesperson said.
Mr. Nishiyama dedicated his life to the Budo principles on which his beloved Martial Art of Traditional Karate is based. As a Charter Member of the Japan Karate Association and founding President of the Japan Karate Association International of America and the International Traditional Karate Federation, his influence on the modern day practice of Traditional Karate is unparalleled. “He was truly one of a kind”, said Acting ITKF Chairman, Rick Jorgensen. “He has greatly influenced and impacted the lives of those who practice Traditional Karate.” “His vision was very broad. It included people of all ages and all styles of karate”, said Jorgensen. “Sensei Nishiyama strongly held the belief that the Martial Art of Traditional Karate was a path of self development. School children, adults and seniors can use the principles of Traditional Karate to achieve their highest potential through the human development of mind, body and spirit.
In the last years of his life, he created a system of training these Budo principles for the use in all styles of karate. He believed that creation of a universal system for self development through Budo training was his greatest achievement. He left the ITKF with that treasure of knowledge.” “It is now up to the ITKF to ensure Sensei Nishiyama’s life work carries on and that we are unwavering in our commitment to preserve for future generations the Budo principles of the Martial Art that he saw as the necessary underpinnings for those who practice Traditional Karate”.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, on October 10, 1928, Mr. Nishiyama had a long history of Martial Art training beginning at a very early age. He began training in Kendo under the instruction of his father, an accomplished Kendo master, at the age of 5. At the age of 10 he began his training in Judo and in the Shotokan karate dojo where he achieved his first degree black belt in 1946 under Master Gichin Funakoshi. Regardless of where Mr. Nishiyama traveled, he left his mark as a leader. He was named captain of the Takushoku University Karate Team and was co-founder of the All Japan Collegiate Karate Federation. He received a Master of Arts degree in economics from Takushoku University and in 1951 he co-founded the Japan Karate Association and was elected to its Board of Directors.
In 1960 he published his first book: Karate: The Art of Empty-Hand Fighting. Today, his book still remains one of the foremost authoritative writings on the Martial Art of Traditional Karate. In 1961, following his move to the United States, Mr. Nishiyama formed the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF). He later formed the JKA-US that set standards for the practice of the JKA style of karate. In 1973, he formed the International Amateur Karate Federation (which later became the International Traditional Karate Federation) and in 1976 submitted the first application to the International Olympic Committee for recognition of Traditional Karate on behalf of its athletes representing different styles of Traditional Karate.
In 1999, Mr. Nishiyama received an American flag which had flown over the Capitol Building in his honor on October 10 – the date of his birthday. The flag was in recognition of his unwavering effort on behalf of Traditional Karate and to acknowledge his significant contribution to the physical and psychological health of Americans. In 2000, Mr. Nishiyama was honored by the Emperor of Japan who presented him with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette on the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Republic of Poland also honored Mr. Nishiyama in 2001 with the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which was presented in Warsaw by the nation’s President, Aleksander Kwaśniewski at the opening ceremony of the first Traditional Karate World Cup.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, on October 10, 1928, Mr. Nishiyama had a long history of Martial Art training beginning at a very early age. He began training in Kendo under the instruction of his father, an accomplished Kendo master, at the age of 5. At the age of 10 he began his training in Judo and in the Shotokan karate dojo where he achieved his first degree black belt in 1946 under Master Gichin Funakoshi. Regardless of where Mr. Nishiyama traveled, he left his mark as a leader. He was named captain of the Takushoku University Karate Team and was co-founder of the All Japan Collegiate Karate Federation. He received a Master of Arts degree in economics from Takushoku University and in 1951 he co-founded the Japan Karate Association and was elected to its Board of Directors.
In 1960 he published his first book: Karate: The Art of Empty-Hand Fighting. Today, his book still remains one of the foremost authoritative writings on the Martial Art of Traditional Karate. In 1961, following his move to the United States, Mr. Nishiyama formed the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF). He later formed the JKA-US that set standards for the practice of the JKA style of karate. In 1973, he formed the International Amateur Karate Federation (which later became the International Traditional Karate Federation) and in 1976 submitted the first application to the International Olympic Committee for recognition of Traditional Karate on behalf of its athletes representing different styles of Traditional Karate.
In 1999, Mr. Nishiyama received an American flag which had flown over the Capitol Building in his honor on October 10 – the date of his birthday. The flag was in recognition of his unwavering effort on behalf of Traditional Karate and to acknowledge his significant contribution to the physical and psychological health of Americans. In 2000, Mr. Nishiyama was honored by the Emperor of Japan who presented him with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette on the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Republic of Poland also honored Mr. Nishiyama in 2001 with the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which was presented in Warsaw by the nation’s President, Aleksander Kwaśniewski at the opening ceremony of the first Traditional Karate World Cup.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
New Posts of Kata and Curriculum
We heve begun posting kata and kumite on the blog as a one-stop source aid for Austin Skotokan Karate students. The goal is to eventually--one way or another--have all of the SKIF curriculum on video to reinforce the training that we do in class. We are fortunate to have many video resouces on the web of Kancho Kanazwa performing. Where those are available and uploadable we will, of course use those. These postings will eliminate the need to go to multiple sites for reference to the SKIF curriculum.
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