‘How am I benefitting from this?’ ‘What am I getting from this?’
This was the theme that ran in the background of the seminar delivered by Tim Shaw 7th Dan Sensei, (The Budo Journeyman), hosted by Andrew Genery Sensei and Kishinkai Wado Ryu.
Sensei promised 2 deep dives:
(1) Wado Ryu basics Junzuki and Junzuki No Tsukkomi, moving on to the Wado Ryu staple, Nagashizuki. This was tied in with the end of Pinan Nidan and using body rotation as a revolving door. The key principles of Meoto te and Kobo no Ichi were highlighted while performing Nagashizuki.
(2) Pinan Sandan – each part of the kata was broken down and investigated to understand the key principles.
Thanks to Tim for making the journey north to share his vast depth of knowledge. Watch this space for next time!
There is usually no good reason to get up at 3am, unless its August and time for the annual Shikukai course at Mumei Juku in Breton. So it was that people travelled by sea, rail and road to venture into the French countryside for three days of training under the meticulous instruction and guidance from Sugasawa Sensei and Steve Chamberlain Sensei at his beautiful dojo.
The benefits of training in a small group with Sensei allows there to be a strong focus on the principles and details that he is teaching. It provided us the opportunity to go beyond the basic understanding of the principles and to focus on what Sensei strives for us to understand.
The course focussed on correct body movement and elimination of waza no san aku (the three elements that corrupt technique): mudana chikara (unnecessary force), mudana ugoki (unnecessary movement) and mudana waza – (unnecessary technique). These are familiar concepts, but do we really achieve them in practice?
With this in mind throughout the three days Sensei built up the importance of the initial movement. We concentrated on where the initial movement should come from, the effect it has and then what it leads to.
Working initially in Naihanchi dachi gave us the opportunity to explore and feel if we were truly grounded and enabled us to pay attention to our hiki action and to feel the effect that this has on the complete movement.
Kihon Kumite Ipponme was then used to explore and enhance our use ma-ai (distance and timing), san-mi-itta (thinking about correct and meaningful absorption, rotation and execution) whilst being ever mindful of our hara (energy centre but also vital for stability). How lucky we were to have be under the scrutiny of both Sugasawa Sensei and Steve Chamberlain Sensei.
Moving on to Kumite Kata and working with different partners provided an opportunity to observe each other (mitori geiko), hear Sensei’s feedback and even have a chance to experience his movements and generation of energy. An enlightening experience.
Sensei is a master of tailoring the training session to those in the dojo. The balance of the training was just perfect. During the training we were acutely aware of the fundamentals that Sensei had laid out, and how good it feels, on the rare occasions and under his guidance, when everything clicks together, even just for a moment. As always Sensei encouraged us to question the training and understand the fine details of why we practice the way we do in Shikukai.
This was not only an inspiring course, but one that really embodied the essence of the Shikukai family. It is always a privilege to train at this dojo, and Steve and Mary were the perfect hosts, plying us with much needed refreshments after training.
Meal times were a real team effort with everyone pulling together as one – just as in the dojo. And as you may see in the photos, there was plenty of time to enjoy the surrounding areas, the beach, lovely towns, local bars and restaurant and the excellent company of the Shikukai family. Everything you might want for an ideal break away.
This year the jump from an English summer to a Hungarian summer was not such a big one. While parts of the UK cooked up to around 33 degrees, Hungary was enjoying temperatures that were very much like a better version of the typical Brit summer.
For training this made things rather more comfortable.
The Genki Dojo in the town of Isaszeg in the Budapest metropolitan area has been the location for our Shikukai Summer training for quite a few years now. The organisers are really skilled in their hospitality and, as hosts, are second to none.
As the popularity of the course is growing this has meant that the UK contingent has expanded and we were joined this year by Yuri Bregoli from Italy, who I had met earlier in the year on our course in the Netherlands.
I was fortunate to have a solid representation of UK Shikukai seniors come over to work and train alongside the Genki Dojo instructor team and their students. My thanks to Richard Barham, Mark Gillis, Sue Dodd and Mark Troman.
The training was organised to start on the Saturday and go through to Tuesday. The thinking behind this was that if anyone was only able to do the weekend, then it would work well for them. The British (and Italian) contingents actually planned it the other way round; arriving in Budapest earlier to do the City tourist thing and then on to the training for the remaining days. It proved to be an excellent idea.
The training.
I will be honest, I have been planning the content of the training for months; determined to get the balance right and to squeeze as much out of the time available as possible. Included in this was Sugasawa Sensei’s ‘updates’, not changes as such, more refined detail, including very precise body mechanics relating to Kihon.
As with the previous year, I engineered it so that I could have some time to work exclusively with the instructors; we did this on each of the first three days. This enabled me to give very detailed observations and directions to the team.
Some of the main themes were inspired by Sugasawa Sensei’s recent directions. A couple of key phrases; when looking at solo of paired kata, ask the question, ‘what does this give you?’ and in paired kata, when finding yourself at a particular point, ‘where can this go from here?’ I suppose the driving mindset is to avoid blithely blundering through your formal training, and instead to apply your intelligence and question everything.
We worked on only two solo kata; Pinan Nidan and Pinan Sandan, which I kept coming back to, showing the connections with more freeform, less formal, examples of the usage of the principles extracted from the kata. The plan was to underline the connectedness of what we do in Wado training.
In the paired kata, particularly for the junior grades, they were encouraged to always stay close to their core kihon references and to give meaning to their kata, understanding timing, distance and application. We looked at Kuzushi in some detail and students were encouraged to avoid only thinking about what was happening with their bodies, but also considering what was occurring with the other person’s structure, balance and connection.
Now for the tourist brochure part.
It has to be said that Budapest and Hungary in general is full of delights, some of it hidden and some of it on full spectacular display.
For ‘spectacular’ our hosts booked us in for a guided tour of the Hungarian Parliament building, proudly positioned on the banks of the Danube, this wonderful piece of architecture (based in part on the Vienna City Hall and the Palace of Westminster) had a real ‘wow’ factor.
But inside, the Hungarians know how to do opulence. Gold, glitter, glass and statuary all completed in seventeen years. It was a real surprise to us.
I have to say that one of the many ‘hidden’ aspects, is the restaurants. Do not assume that Hungarian cuisine is all goulash, paprikash, and stuffed cabbage. The Hungarian restaurateurs are not shy of fusion menus and always have a surprising spin on dishes you thought you knew, plus many you had never encountered before. Also, pounds sterling and the euro go a long way in Hungary. So dining is always a delight.
A massive thanks to the Jakab family, who gave support and advice throughout and made our stay totally frictionless. Our accommodation was ideally situated in comfortable apartments with all the comforts you would need.
In conclusion.
The Genki Dojo within Shikukai is a shining light of teamwork and dedication, with an exceptionally high standard. The plan is for this course to grow and to bring on board more Wado students from near and far. And yes, next year’s dates are already fixed – July 11th to 14th 2026.
After three weeks of lovely hot sunshine we knew the weather would probably break before the course, but luckily we had a mixed bag of sun/cloud and wind, with the rain mostly overnight. Sensei, Julie and Steve Chamberlain brought the sun with them when they arrived on Thursday, joining us for refreshments in the garden before going on to their accommodation. Thursday is a Club training night for us, with our potential Dan Grade candidates being put through their paces one last time. We were also joined by Kishin Kai student Michael Phelan who had travelled down from Burnley to take part in the course. Bob Wymer and the Norway contingent arrived later that evening, having enjoyed their long but good journey. Also, Martijn and Astrid Schelen de Vries from the Kenkokai Dojo the Netherlands travelled all the way down to the South West for this course. Shouwa Jyuku student Teresa Claxton had been promised a sea swim if she arrived early enough on the Friday, which she duly did. A cold but refreshing dip followed, with Steve and Bob minding the bags!
In the afternoon we were joined by Kiku Wa Jyuku’s Carol and Meg Chatterton together with Kishin Kai’s Andrew Genery and his student Paul, who are both now regulars on the course. Friday evening was the start of the course proper, with Steve Chamberlain leading the warm up. Steve Rawson took the initial part of the session with emphasis on how to make a correct fist, using focus pads as a training aid. Slow and controlled Junzuki movements were then practised, concentrating on Hikite. I then took the session with some paired kicking exercises, finishing the evening with some simple paired kumite drills. Saturday began with a warm up by Steve R, with Sensei again concentrating on Sonabazuki and Hikite movements. After a short break the students were divided into four groups, each working on Pinan Yondan. I took the 4th Dan+ group, under the watchful eye of Sensei, with Tim, Steve C and Steve R working with the others. At the end of training, Sensei presented 1st Dan Certificates to Hoku Sei Jyuku’s Per Eide and Berit Lyngstad and the usual course photograph was taken.
On Saturday evening the seniors enjoyed a group meal at Rona’s Turkish Bar and Restaurant in the town which everyone enjoyed. The more energetic members extended their evening with music, dancing and beers in the local pubs. Sunday morning came round quickly (particularly for those who had extended their evening!!) with Tim Shaw taking the warm up. After basics, Steve R and Tim were called upon to demonstrate the Kyu Grade pairworks, starting from 8th Kyu and working up to 5th kyu. Sensei wanted to ensure that everyone was aware of the correct movements. Concentration was of the utmost and three hours passed without a break. All too soon it was the final morning, and a meeting was held for the Instructors. I took the warm up, then it was more Pairwork practice, with Tim and Steve C taking the grading candidates to one side and going through their various syllabi. Richard Barham conducted the Kyu Grading at 12 noon, with Kelly Cavaciuti (Kiku Wa Jyuku) and Will Doble (Mushin Jyuku) both attaining 5th Kyu. Sensei covered in detail the remaining Kyu Grade pairwork up to and including 3rd Kyu plus some of the Kumite Gata with the help of Gary Ockwell and Rob Selby.
By now the clock was showing it was the end of the course and it was time to prepare for the Dan Grading. Four students attempted 1st Dan and the following were successful: Archie Warren – Ken Bu Jyuku Lewis Higginson – Ken Bu Jyuku. Congratulations to both.
Time yet again for one of my regular courses hosted by Kenkokai in Eemnes, not far from Hilversum. These are seminars organised by our Shikukai representative in the Netherlands, Martijn Schelen de Vries.
Martijn has a healthy Dojo of well-established students who come back year after year, which is a real advantage, as it gives me the opportunity to continue themes and build in solid reinforcement of Wado principles as presented by Shikukai chief instructor, F. Sugasawa Sensei.
Kenkokai members have a long-time relationship with Sugasawa Sensei and often travel to our courses in the UK, northern France and other locations in Europe.
Course content and themes.
I always respond to requests given in advance. This time Martijn and his Dojo members were needing clarification on specific paired kata from the Shikukai syllabus.
The Nihon Gumite from the 3rd kyu syllabus were on the agenda. I always find these useful to teach as they are almost the gateway techniques to Kihon Gumite and Kumite Gata. This time round they were also an excellent opportunity for seniors who may not have experienced the Shikukai syllabus to have a look at one of the significant stepping stones and the logical progression found within the pages of the syllabus book.
As is always the case, techniques found within the paired kata have a propensity to appear in multiple guises in other areas, specifically when looked at through the lens of principles.
I had a very deliberate plan to keep coming back to the staple strategy/technique of Otoshi Uke; whether it be, solo kata, paired kata or kihon, it kept cropping up.
Kata.
The course kata was Pinan Yondan; which I found convenient to break into two parts across Saturday and Sunday. But I also took the opportunity to dip very briefly into Seishan kata, as Sugasawa Sensei had very recently supplied an important update; not an addition (there’s already so much in Seishan), more of a clarification which helps to knit the principles tighter together.
The course was well attended and not just Shikukai members. Martijn always ensures to run an ‘open door’ policy and so we saw seniors from other Wado groups associated with the KBN as well as a student who travelled all the way from Italy.
Saturday evening saw us settled into a local restaurant; always a great opportunity to catch up and tell tales of things long past (Martijn).
The weekend may well have been ‘content-heavy’, but I felt the responsibility of having to get so much information across, over the eight solid hours of training.
As always, it was so nice to reconnect with old friends and make new contacts. I find myself constantly impressed with the continued elevation of the profile of Shikukai as mainstream Wado in the Netherlands; so much of it down to all the hard work of Martijn Schelen de Vries, to whom I am eternally grateful.
Steve and I always try to think of new approaches when planning courses and the idea of a Pre-Dan Grade training/mock grading was decided upon. We held it in two parts, at two different venues, so we could cover a larger content and make travelling a bit easier for the students. Session 1 was held at The Osprey Leisure Centre, Portland in January and a good contingent of students from the varying Clubs took part. We decided to split the content over the two sessions. Part 1 covered all the Jun techniques, including Tobikomizuki and Nagashizuki. After Shuto practice we went on to Keri, this time focussing on Maegeri and Sokuto. As we had some junior grades in the mix we covered some of the 5th/3rd Kyu Renketsu Dosa. We then went on to Kata. Everyone trained in Pinan Shodan before separating into groups. Steve concentrated on Naihanchi, Jitte and Rohai while I took the Seniors for Chinto. We then went on to Pairs. This session concentrated on Kumite Gata Aigamae Soto/Uchi and Kihons 1 to 3. They could then ascertain which areas needed the most work. With Session 2 being two months later the students had the opportunity to work on those areas in the meantime. It was great to see a good turnout again at The Olympiad on 22nd March. Thanks to Carol and Kiku Wa Jyuku for hosting. This time we focussed on the Gyaku techniques, including Tobikomi Nagashi Gyakuzuki and Ayumi Ashi Gyakuzuki. Kicks were Mawashigeri and Ushirogeri, followed by one of the 2nd Kyu Renketsu Dosa.
We then went on to Kata, with everyone practising Pinan Yondan. The Juniors continued with this practice, whilst Steve worked with the 1st Kyu and 1st Dans on Kushanku and Jion. With a range of Senior Grades in my group, the students’ consensus was they would like to work on Bassai so this is what we did, with a final run through on Wanshu. Next it was Pairs. This time the Kyu grades continued to practice what they had covered in Session 1 while we introduced Kumite Gata Gyakumae Soto for the Seniors and Kihon Gumite 8. All too soon time was up and while the prospective mock Dan Grade candidates went for a break, we held a Kyu Grading for two students from Kiku Wa Jyuku. Meg Chatterton and Alex Watt were successful in attaining 1st and 2nd Kyu respectively. During the break the students were given a selection of example Dan Grading questions for them to discuss amongst themselves, before, the mock Dan Grading commenced. This was a great opportunity for students to perform under strict conditions alongside others from different clubs. Four students took the 1st Dan mock exam – two from Ken Bu Jyuku and two from Kiku Wa Jyuku. It was then the turn of three Dan Grades to perform the 2nd and 3rd Dan syllabuses respectively. Afterwards all the participants were given feedback, ensuring they had plenty to work on for the future. It was a really useful learning curve, both for those taking the mock Grading, and for those spectating. Hopefully the students will feel the benefit when they come to take the Dan Gradings for real. Pam Rawson 24/3/25
Winter is not everyone’s favourite time of year, but there has to be at least one shining light the other side of Xmas. We always hope that for Shikukai, the annual Winter Course provides some respite from the short days and the grim cold evenings.
This time, to shake everyone out of their complacency, we decided to shift the venue. Our thinking was that we had been getting too cosy over the last few years, and so felt a need to go out on a limb and upgrade.
Bishop Stortford is technically in Hertfordshire, but only just, (the Essex border is actually in the southern outskirts of the town). But what was crucial for us was the location of two first class training venues and the convenience of Stansted airport. In fact, a large group of us stayed at the Novotel Hotel at Stansted, and it was easy enough to cadge lifts to the venues, or even take a short regular bus ride from the hotel to the centre of Bishop Stortford.
Relaxation time at the Novotel Stansted.
The unofficial start to the Winter Course.
Following the pattern of previous years, we had organised for Thursday and Friday training for people who had travelled a long way to really maximise on their Dojo time. Across the weekend this all added up to a potential thirteen hours of training.
The training this time was at the very new and spacious sports hall of Hockerill College. The underfloor heating gave more of a feeling of July than February, but we soon learned to engineer some appropriate ventilation.
For these two (early) days training I was following a strict brief directed to me by Sugasawa Sensei. He was adamant that we should be securing a firm base in our Kihon and really hammering home the key principles. We found time to explore kata Pinan Shodan, as well as some of the Kihon Gumite.
Saturday and Sunday, the ‘official’ beginning of the course.
The main event was at the Bishops Stortford Judokwai,situatedat the Herts & Essex Sport Centre. This is a large, purpose-built, matted Dojo; a perfect space and surface on which to train.
The instruction team (other than myself) were; Steve Rawson Sensei, 7th Dan, Pam Rawson Sensei, 7th Dan, Richard Barham Sensei, 6th Dan and Rob Selby Sensei 5th Dan. Sugasawa Sensei came in on the Sunday offering specific guidance to the Dan grade candidates.
Richard Barham Sensei teaching the senior grades on the Saturday.
Shikukai students had come from all parts of the UK, but we also had contingents from Hungary, Czechia, France and a large group from the Netherlands.
Across the two days, kyu grades and Dan grades worked with the various instructors through relevant kata and kumite. Though we wanted to take advantage of the matted surface and had planned to include more technical content that involved nage waza (throwing techniques).
On Saturday Steve and Pam Rawson focussed the Dan grades on Kihon Gumite No. 5 and added extra throwing techniques to continue the theme.
Pam Rawson Sensei, teaching Kihon Gumite No. 5 to Mark Troman and Mark Gillis.
For the additional (optional) hour at the end of the day, I taught Wado Idori (kneeling defence) supported by specifically Wado Tehodoki (hand release method).
Development from Tehodoki.
Senior students from the Netherlands training in Idori.
All of these throwing techniques were conducted with safety in mind, and enabled students to train to their own level and build confidence in Ukemi.
Rob Selby Sensei inflicting pain on one of his own students.
This was reinforced on the Sunday when it was my turn to teach the Dan grades Kihon Gumite No. 10, which incorporates an over-the-top throw featuring a specific entry, sometimes referred to as Kinukuguri.
All weekend the main thrust remained with Kihon and the correct methods of movement and body mechanics. We were fortunate to have such high-level instructors, who go to great pains to explain the technical demands, characteristic of pure Wado methodology.
I am confident that the students came away with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience; enough to enable them to move forward on this difficult, demanding but rich journey called Wado Karate.
None of this would have happened if it were not for the inspiration of our chief instructor F. Sugasawa Sensei 7th Dan, and the supremely experienced and dedicated team of instructors teaching across the weekend.
But, spare a thought for the quiet and efficient engine running behind the organisation of the entire event. This was the few dedicated members of Shouwa Jyuku, Teresa Claxton, John Ebel, and Sue Dodd, (as well as the local connection who chipped in when needed; thank you Mark Troman), but all of it masterminded by the unflappable Steve Thain.
But… a massive thanks to everyone who turned up for the training. Without you, weekends like this wouldn’t happen.
Dan grading result:
Congratulations to Attila Jakab, Chief instructor of the Genki Dojo (Shikukai) in Hungary, for achieving the level of 4th Dan.
Remember to set your 2026 calendar for the same time next year.
Shikukai events are being added to the calendar regularly. Keep up to date by visiting: https://shikukai.com/courses/
I was pleased yet again to be invited to teach at the Shikukai open course in the Netherlands organised by Martijn Schelen de Vries through his Shikukai/Kenkokai Dojo.
This time I was lucky enough to be accompanied by Steve Thain 4th Dan, from my Dojo in Chelmsford. His presence there was really useful to help make connections to the way that Sugasawa Sensei, as our chief instructor, teaches and explains Wado principles and the Shikukai syllabus.
This event on the calendar seems to be going from strength to strength. The Dojo at Eemnes can only cope with a limited number, and across the three days we were very close to capacity (for future events places will have to be limited, so book early).
Martijn’s regular club members make up about two thirds of those attending, but we are getting an increasing proportion from the wider KBN Wado community. It’s true to say that people dip in and dip out, but a growing number are starting to return regularly now.
Course content.
As with all my courses, I plan the content well ahead of time, and always respond to prior requests. I tend to carousel through syllabus content in my twice-yearly visits. This time the kata element was focussed on Jitte (with Steve Thain teaching aspects of Pinan Sandan for the kyu grades).
Jitte is a tricky kata for Wado stylists to pick the bones out of – it is far too easy to find yourself drifting into flights of fantasy, or reverse engineering, but I tried to keep it anchored into secure Wado principles.
We also created time to give specific attention to students considering Dan grading through the Shikukai route.
The training was designed to pick up on particular themes and established a series of threads that ran across the weekend, so it’s always an advantage for participants to commit to the fuller weekend training.
Specific themes this time involved, enlivening the training of the paired kata to ensure that they were imbued with meaning and delivered the fuller agenda of what I call ‘Project Wado’.
With solo and paired kata Sugasawa Sensei has recently been stressing the concept of ‘Kobo no Ichi’, ‘Attack and defence are one and the same’. Students applied these in paired relays, and we looked at different modes whereby this might operate.
Netherlands hospitality.
Saturday evening saw us taking advantage of the bright lights of Hilversum; albeit a rainy night. But again, the Gorkha Nepalese restaurant provided a much-needed oasis on such a wet evening. Lively conversation, drink and excellent food made things just perfect.
The final day.
Sunday training started with pulling apart some of the Kihon Gumite. Again, a focus on the needs of those thinking of Dan grading. But the bulk of the training was an introduction to Ohyo Henka Dosa ‘applied variation method’. The emphasis was on free movement but hopefully to be able to employ the principles embodied in San Mi Ittai, the ‘three as one’, as in, working with changing the body position (relative to the opponent), changing the body shape/dynamic to enable the execution of technique from an advantageous position.
Ohyo Henka Dosa.
And then all too suddenly, it was over. An accumulation of eight hours of training across the weekend ended up on the right note, with a smile on everyone’s face.
I am immensely grateful to the organisers, Martijn and Astrid Schelen de Vries, and to the continued warm welcome from the wider Wado community in the Netherlands. I said at the closure of the course that this was a truly collaborative process and a two-way street in terms of teaching and learning. Much of it depends on the receptiveness of the attendees, and because of the quality and depth of knowledge already established I was able to pitch it at a very high level, a credit to the hard work and consistency of the Dutch senior grades.
Plans are already afoot for the next course in March, and Martijn has already put his requests in for what he wants to look at.
2024 marks the 50th Anniversary of Steve’s Wado karate journey and the decision was made to hold a special training session, bringing past and present students together, including friends and fellow karate-ka from the past 50 years, enabling us all to train together, as we used to.
Initial approaches were made to Arthur Meek Sensei, Andrew Genery Sensei, Rob Howells Sensei, Nick Quilliam Sensei and Leeroy Ellis Sensei to join Sugasawa Sensei and Shikukai members in this event. An open invitation was extended to anyone who knew Steve and had trained alongside him. It was decided to hold the event at The Olympiad Leisure Centre for two reasons, namely, it was easier for most people to get to, and this was the home of Steve & Pam’s Club for many years before they relocated to Weymouth.
Half an hour before training was due to start the hall became full with friends and karate-ka, many of whom had not put gis on for many years. It was very heart-warming to see so many people had made such a special effort to attend. Commemorative pens were handed out to all attendees.
After a warm up by Carol Chatterton, Steve’s long-time senior student, a group photo was taken, and introductions made. The plan was to invite several of the instructors to each take a session, following the pattern of Steve’s karate journey. Steve explained how and why he took up Karate at the Doncaster Dojo in Baxter Avenue with Andrew Genery and his late sister Suzanne. Andrew took the first session with a lighthearted and novel approach to attack and defence techniques which really got the students thinking.
Steve then explained how he had met Pam at the Club, subsequently getting married and having three children, all of whom went on to become Dan Grades. It was at this point that Steve introduced Nicky Hawker, who was the third member of the Ladies Kata Team with Pam & Carol who had represented their country at the World All Styles Karate Competition in Malaysia in 1994. Session two was taken by Pam who concentrated on various Kette Junzuki movements involving balance and working on the core.
Arthur Meek then led the next session, concentrating on Irimi, Kuzushi and Maai in pairwork. Steve followed on with pairwork, using the analogy that all three of his and Pam’s children are different in character and in stature. He then showed a simple pairwork using the same attack, but with three different ways of defending, by making subtle changes. It was now the turn of Sensei Sugasawa to take the final session, where he concentrated on the importance of Okori Taru Tokoro and abdominal breathing. The three hours passed all too quickly, culminating in presentations to Steve by Sugasawa Sensei and Andrew Genery Sensei.
A social gathering was held at The Dumb Post Public House in Bremhill, owned by Richard Board who had trained with Steve and Pam as a youngster until University days. There was understandably lots of reminiscing and poring over some very old photographs!
Annual training at Mumei Jyuku Dojo with Sugasawa Sensei and Steve Chamberlain Sensei.
It was the August Bank Holiday, so Shikukai members from four countries made their way by road, rail and sea to converge on a little town in the heart of Brittany countryside for what has become a highlight of the Shikukai calendar.
As the first training session got underway, it was clear from the outset that Sensei wanted to focus on fundamentals, explaining that these elements are an integral part of all that we do, irrespective of whether that is Kihon, Kata or Kumite.
Taking the core imperative of Tsuki-No-Sanyo-Sa, Sensei broke this down into several critical components including; controlled breathing, establishing a strong foundation through the correct distribution of weight and creating an effective koshiwo kiru (hip cutting) action, activated internally using neru (a muscular action similar to kneading). Neglecting the precise positioning of feet, knees, hips, elbows and head each had its own detrimental impact on the technique. We were deep into crucial details here.
The challenge all of us face was to apply these principles in tandem and to full effect in everything we practise during the weekend, and indeed in our ongoing training. Now, the 4¾ hours of Day 1 may seem like a lot of time to spend on just five Kihon techniques, but actually it was not even close to being enough!
Day 2 included a brief review of individual performances of Pinan Yondan to see how well we were applying the lessons of the first day, before moving on to Kumite Kata. These are all familiar practices, but it was remarkable how much attention was necessary to correctly utilise the fundamentals. Nevertheless, most of us could now and then, perceive a tangible improvement in technique when several of the elements clicked together…and that is what we were there for.
A distinguishing character of any Shikukai course is always the camaraderie. With most of us sharing an apartment in the main town close to the training venue, we had the privilege of hosting a dinner on both evenings, making good use of the fresh fish and produce available locally. After dinner, we revisited a perilous dice-rolling game taught to us last year by the boys from Prague, where the unlucky contestant faces a shot from a chilled and frosty bottle of some mystery alcoholic beverage dubbed ‘the prisoner’.
All too quickly, we were saying our goodbyes and looking forward to the next opportunity to meet up.
A final word of thanks must go to Steve Sensei for inviting us to his dojo and for hosting yet another memorable course, and to Sugasawa Sensei for sharing his unique insight and guiding us in this fine art.
Shikukai Karate-Do International 