Report – Shikukai Autumn Course Chippenham 2023.

This year’s successful Autumn course was again organised brilliantly by Sensei Carol Chatterton of Kikuwa Jyuku 菊和塾. 

Tim Shaw Sensei opened the event by welcoming all attendees and passing on Sensei Sugasawa’s apologies for being unable to attend. The overriding theme of the course was set by Sugasawa Sensei and although he couldn’t be there in person, his presence was felt through the hard work and dedication to detail of the senior instructors.   

Instructors and students from Norway, Holland and across England joined together to work on the fundamental principles set out by Sugasawa Sensei. 

The focus of the course was pair work. Sugasawa Sensei had requested that students were given more instruction on the importance of reacting to their opponent and not merely “going through the motions”.  Working with students from other Shikukai clubs of different shapes, sizes and abilities really tested each and every one of us.  

At the very beginning of the course we were reminded about the importance of moving from our core and of using the action of koshi wo kiru to generate our energy. 

A strong emphasis throughout the course was placed on the correct use of Ma-ai (Distance) and Ma (Timing). Sometimes in paired kata there can be an imbalance between the focus of Tori and Uke. This course gave students both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to ensure that both sides are equally focussed on gaining the best position and intent. 

Senior instructors worked seamlessly as a team to constantly teach, remind and perfect students’ understanding of these principles. Pam Sensei gave examples of kobo no ichi (attack and defence as one) and reminded us of the importance of the correct use of Tsuki no San Yoso (Koshi, speed and body weight). Tim Sensei took students through a detailed explanation and set of exercises for the first section of Kihon Kumite Ippon me. This was followed flawlessly by Steve Sensei and Pam Sensei’s work with us on different variations for the second section of Kihon Kumite Ippon me. 

Tim Sensei introduced the Autumn course on the first day saying that he hoped that we would walk out of the dojo with something more that we came in with…perhaps being a different karateka. I have certainly grown in my understanding of the relationship between Uke and Tori and the use of intent. 

Many thanks to Tim Sensei, Steve Sensei, Pam Sensei and Richard Sensei for their team work, patience and kindness. 

The following three students were successful in obtaining 1st Kyu grade: 

Adam Rose (Kiku Wa Jyuku) 
Archie Warren (Ken Bu Jyuku)
Lewis Higginson (Ken Bu Jyuku) 

Report by; Sue Dodd 2nd Dan.