Report – Netherlands weekend course with Tim Shaw Sensei, November 2023.

Yet another well organised course put together by Kenkokai instructor Martijn Schelen de Vries. A regular event on the Shikukai calendar that seems to be gaining in popularity. Always a massive privilege for me to go over and extend the teachings of Sugasawa Sensei and Shikukai to a wider audience.

With Britain and the Netherlands buffeted by storms and lashed with rain it was a good time to be indoors in a well-ventilated and lit Dojo in Eemnes, Holland. Although, on the return flight it was a slightly different picture, with wings waggling and a bumpy landing after a little ‘turbulence’.

Over the weekend the weather did not deter people from training, particularly on the Saturday where Dojo numbers reached capacity.

This was a course designed to get the most out of the available time. We managed eleven hours of training time (as well as an hour-long slide lecture) across the three days.

Friday evening was a closed session for Kenkokai members. My plan was to set the themes for the weekend and plant the seeds of ideas that were to feature in classes on Saturday and Sunday.

This weekend was primarily about supplying information and direction and then augmenting it through opportunities to just work the techniques over and over to reinforce the neural pathways. But also, I had requests to clarify information on both solo and paired kata, of which I was happy to do so.

Solo Kata.

The main kata for the Saturday was Naihanchi. It’s a demanding kata to teach and contains many nuances requiring a thorough engagement of the body and a continual state of physical self-awareness; it is definitely a mentally and physically demanding kata. We explored extrapolations from the core principles and took these into practical fighting applications, as well as teasing apart the dynamics as employed in dealing with an opponent’s intent.

Lecture.

On a previous course in the Netherlands, I had organised for an after-training slide lecture using a PowerPoint projection. I wanted to do the same thing again but this time with the specific focus on the early history of Wado before it became a thing, the embryonic ideas of Otsuka Hironori that became the background for what we do now. While I appreciate that not everybody is a history geek like me, I wanted to try and open a window into the past, with the idea of shifting the perspective to try and understand what we are really doing.

Sunday training.

This was a day for bringing it all together in concrete practice. This is a completely different teaching methodology for me and a bit of an experiment, a high-risk strategy; but I need not have worried, the students completely rose to the challenge and pushed themselves hard. I had written on the Dojo whiteboard, ‘Just do it!’ and the runs of paired techniques flowed smoothly. I deliberately kept the techniques as core Wado methodology, so the students were not engaging with techniques that were unfamiliar to them, thus it was repeat and repeat again, all with the pressure of attacks meant it had to work. This was also where the timing issues that were addressed earlier in the weekend training came in.

At the end of the training the students knew they had been working hard, which reinforced the earlier stated aim of the weekend.

The weekend was not without the opportunities to socialise. On Saturday Martijn had scouted out an excellent Nepalese restaurant in Hilversum (a shout out to the Gorkha restaurant, https://gorkharestaurant.nl/ )

Huge thanks to Martijn and Astrid Schelen de Vries for inviting me and organising such an excellent training opportunity, and to Sue Dodd for her company and assistance throughout the weekend.

For a full set of supporting training notes, see my Substack blog post https://budojourneyman.substack.com/p/support-notes-from-the-recent-weekend
(and don’t forget to subscribe – it’s free).

We already have plans for the next course in Eemnes in 2024. Keep an eye on the main Shikukai website calendar page, https://shikukai.com/courses/

Tim Shaw

Report – Shikukai in Norway course November 2023.

As has become routine, Hokusei Jyuku were pleased to welcome Sensei Steve Rawson 7th Dan and Sensei Pam Rawson 7th Dan back to Norway, as it happens exactly one calendar year on from their visit in 2022.  And for the most part, routine and reinforcing routine was the name of the game for this now well established event in the Shikukai calendar.

The training schedule ran exactly as before with the club juniors under instruction for the first 1.5 hours of the Saturday session.  Unfortunately, course attendance was adversely affected by illness this year but that certainly did not stop those that did manage to make it, getting the most out of the course.

Sensei Steve set the kids off with some punching and kicking drills moving left and right 90 degrees at a time in a circle on-the-spot sequence that got them concentrating on their balance and particularly resetting in order to improve their action, with speed of course demanded.  Activities then progressed to some punching practice into instructor handheld pads to gauge if the juniors had ‘titanium or fluffy pillow’ punches, and of course there were no fluffy pillows to be found.   

Further drill variations gave the students the opportunity to focus on making sure that they pulled back their punches the correct amount before each in turn found themselves in the middle of the class, punching faster than whoever they had in front of them, as they faced off each fellow student.  The junior session ended with instruction on Pinan Nidan for the more senior members of the group and all are congratulated on their effort and concentration throughout.

Before the adult session began there was the obligatory club photograph with parents able to take their own images of their children and meet and greet the now swelled group.

Saturday’s adult session began with an explanation by Sensei Steve on the theme of this year’s Autumn course, discussing Sugasawa Sensei’s aim at improving attacking focus when carrying out pair work kata…

Instruction began in earnest with Kihon drills, emphasising the above theme and ensuring body control was constantly being tested to improve any technique being asked for.  The Dan grade basics in particular were sequenced with various points being reinforced for the benefit of all, not just the students who are closest to that level. The visiting Senseis were able to add refined detail and provide innovative drills to cure ills and improve skills.

The session then moved on to the Kihon pair work variations that were taught on the Autumn course.  Not all were covered on the Saturday session but the foundations were firmly laid ready to complete them all during the Sunday session.

The session ended with Pinan Sandan making sure that the students who could not rejoin us on the Sunday maximised their Saturday attendance; followed by a wash and brush up of Naihanchi kata. 

As with all courses time passes so quickly and no sooner had Saturday’s training ceased, when Sunday’s was upon us; although there was a very pleasant evening gathering at the Wymer’s which attendees appeared to enjoy between sessions…

After the Sunday warm up, basics were again practiced before some extra beneficial kicking improvement drills using the wall bars were introduced.  These were not totally new to the club but certainly concentrated some minds and resulted in some strange groaning noises which were interesting.

The rest of the session was taken up by instruction on Rohai, completion of the Kihon kumite pair work variations shown on the Autumn course (including the last one where I acted as a perfect dummy for Sensei Steve’s reactions to my attack) plus some additional pair work drills aimed at improving distance and timing.  There was also time for some light sparring drills before the finish bell was sounded.

Interspersed throughout the instruction (and the social), Japanese terms and phrases were discussed, including Kobo no ichi and Koshi wo kiru to name but two.  Sensei Pam’s extensive knowledge of not only the Japanese terms but also their relevance to our Wado technique and world, adds greatly to a student’s journey and acts as a welcome additional stimulant to the martial arts learning process.

In summary, another great weekend enjoyed by the northern outpost of the Shikukai family.  We are now looking at growing the course, as discussed before that pesky COVID thing, so if you are interested please feel free to let me know.   

And lastly, many thanks again to Senseis Steve and Pam for their continued support to the Hokusei Jyuku.   

Sensei Bob Wymer 5th Dan

Hokusei Jyuku

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.

Report – Shikukai Brittany course 2023.

The August Bank Holiday training in Brittany, France is one of the longest established courses in the Shikukai calendar. The course is hosted by Mumei Juku and this year was attended by students from England, France and the Czech Republic. These guys deserve a special mention, as they drove for 18 hours in each direction to attend the training.  

 Instruction was provided by Steve Chamberlain 7th Dan under the supervision of Chief Instructor Sugasawa Sensei. 

 The overriding themes for the three days of training was to aim for softness of movement and effective use of breathing. Saturday began with a focused warm up based on controlled breathing techniques that set the scene for the rest of the course. We began with a ground-up practice of Zuki and Shuto-uke, moving slowly to appreciate the subtleties of the techniques, the tracking of elbows, smoothness of the movements, and how the breath integrates with all of this. The practice then moved on to Meoto-te (co-ordinated defensive and attacking movements) including focused paired exercises based on the format of Kumite Kata.  

 Several students shared a very well-appointed flat in nearby Huelgoat, and were pleased to host a get-together for all on Saturday evening. As the conversations developed, one member recounted an unnerving experience in their accommodation which as we later learned, was known to be haunted! 

 Sunday’s training delved into Naihanchi and Seishan kata, looking particularly at the extension and contraction of muscles (Shinshuku) necessary to perform the kata correctly. Each part of the kata was studied individually to ensure that the full range of movement was utilised, with encouragement to move outside our personal comfort zone, but at the same time within the constraints of our own body. This level of awareness when performing the kata added an interesting dimension to the practice.  

 The practice of Seishan kata focussed on the use of elbows (another overarching theme for the weekend) and the connection to tanden. As a test of whether we were really getting it, we practiced in pairs to feel the effectiveness of the technique from the perspective of both Tori and Uke. It was interesting to have the opportunity to practice with different partners. 

 The Shikukai family came together again on the Sunday evening and enjoyed a feast including a speciality bean stew prepared by the students from the Czech Republic 

 Sugasawa Sensei led the final session of the weekend, with a practice of the muscular and biomechanical aspects of Koshi wo Kiru. Once the details were translated into movement we were able to appreciate how this felt, and the benefits of this way of operating were immediately evident. Then, in complete contrast, the remainder of the session consisted of a run-through of all Kumite Gata in fast succession. Was the hidden agenda here was to test whether these kata could be performed with correct Koshi wo Kiru? Maybe! 

 After the training, those that did not have to start their journeys home right away, made a small excursion to a nearby beach providing a chance to enjoy a fine late-summer’s day and take in some fresh air.  

 Feedback from the course was very positive and as a testament to the quality of the course all students have already booked to return. 

Richard Barham 6th dan  / Sue Dodd 2nd dan 

  

Report – Shikukai summer intensive 2023.

Shikukai Karate-Do International member Dojo, Mushin Jyuku, hosted its first ‘summer intensive’ course held in East Devon. Children, young adults and adults of the Dojo were joined by Shikukai students from Weymouth, Chippenham and Essex for five days of focused training. The course was planned around the club’s normal training on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings – with extra training available in between.

The course was led by Rob Selby 5th Dan Sensei, whose theme was to practice; Kihon (basics), Keri (kicks) and Renketsu-dosa (‘combinations’) from the Shikukai syllabus. The well-planned sessions gave attention to each aspect with Rob Sensei following and tracking the progression from 9th Kyu to Dan grade.

Training in Kihon, Rob Sensei offered a different term to the word ‘basic’ and used the word, ‘foundation’. Kihon practice at 9th Kyu, or beginner level Wado, lays the foundation for the training and development to follow. Students practiced the Tsuki, Uke and Keri movements from the syllabus and experienced how Sugasawa Sensei is progressively challenging and developing body action and dynamics through movement-based principles at each successive grade.

Training in Renketsu-dosa, Rob Sensei offered his own thoughts on what we might be gaining from this practice. It would be easy to assume we are just performing Kihon Waza and Keri Waza together to offer a combination or set sequence of techniques. Yes, in part maybe, but within the Shikukai Renketsu-dosa we can find body movement and mechanics that really challenge our core control and where our centre has been placed, as well as some really credible Taisabaki strategies. Particularly towards the top end of the syllabus, we can see ideas of moving to the Soto and Uchi ranges, Kekaeshi and Kaeshi principles and actions, Nagashi practice as well as the continued development of the Ashi-sabaki that feature throughout the syllabus.

Students were challenged to see if they could reverse the forward momentum of the Renketsu-dosa to move backwards at a given command. Ohtsuka Meijin- founder of the Wado Ryu, said that we should be able to move in any direction from the centre of our bodies. Rob Sensei explained that if we are just thinking about moving forwards to complete the combination for the sake of fulfilling what’s written in the syllabus, maybe we are missing the depth of what Sugasawa Sensei is asking us to explore.

The Saturday session was led by guest instructors Steve and Pam Rawson 7th Dan Sensei’s. The idea of Taisabaki being referred as body evasion was recapped from the Spring course to reinforce a better understanding referred to as body management. This linked into how Rob Sensei presented the last three days of training – using the Shikukai syllabus’s progression to develop body movement and correct body usage, posture and structure to find the underpinning principles of Wado.

Pam Sensei led a dynamic warm up then began training in Kihon, adding extra challenges by using a range of Tsuki techniques, including Kaeshi practice and principles of body shifting (left and right) with Jodan Nagashi-Uke; a familiar feel to Kushanku Kata. An emphasis was given on using the correct koshi movement and the weight transfer to give a strong Tsuki after the Nagashi-Uke. This then led onto students performing Sanmi Ittai Dosa, which further demonstrated the theory of Ten-I, Ten-Tai, Ten-Gi.

Steve Sensei then isolated component parts of Kihon Gumite Ipponme which then led onto students practising this paired Kata. Junior grades practiced their pair work for their respective grade, with seniors moving onto Kihon Gumite Gohonme. The session finished with Steve and Pam Sensei offering a pair work based drill to help explore the theme of Taisabaki.

The practice of pair work flowed nicely into Rob Sensei’s training on Sunday. Students explored the pair works found at 7th and 8th Kyu in a solo format. Students performed the Tsuki and Keri role of Uke, then immediately filled the role of Tori practicing both sides.

The senior session was made up of Kumite Gata practice, Rob Sensei managed to squeeze all twelve of Sugasawa Sensei’s Gonosen variations in. Here we were able to work  together with many other Shikukai students to further develop our understanding of Ma-ai (distance and timing). The way Rob Sensei structured and built upon each session helped us to see how the principles from the Kumite Gata can be abstracted and traced back down through Sugasawa Sensei’s syllabus to arrive back at foundation level Wado (9th Kyu).

Students made use of the village pub in Otterton after training and had time to explore the costal town of Exmouth and enjoy the weekend festival that happens every year. Our thanks to Rob Sensei for organising and leading the training and to Steve and Pam Sensei’s for leading Saturdays session.

Tom Wilkins 1st Dan, Sue Dodd 2nd Dan.

Report – Hungarian Summer Course 2023.

The Dojo in Isaszeg, Hungary is long-established and enthusiastically run by a family team; Attila, Adam and László Jakab. This is the Genki Dojo and for many years has been a part of Shikukai Karate-Do International.

This is their annual summer course.

July in Hungary can get quite hot, but at an average of 33 degrees over the four days training, this was not as extreme as southern Europe has been experiencing over the last few weeks.

Like last years’ course, I was pleased to be joined by Richard Barham Sensei, 6th Dan. Richard was just keen to put in the training and work with the various grades, partnering the senior students, offering direct physical feedback, a crucial part of good collaborative training; everybody benefits.

In preparation, I had spent a long time structuring the course and the planning took into consideration the needs of both the instructors and the students. In addition, I always try to thread in a guiding theme or principle to underpin the course content and this time it was something that Sugasawa Sensei has been emphasising on both his face-to-face training and Zoom sessions. Essentially, it is embodied in the question, ‘So just what exactly does that move/way of doing something give you?’ This is a call to really interrogate your technique; when applied to solo or paired kata it can be a really useful tool.

The two main featured kata across the four days were Kushanku and Naihanchi. These were broken down into parts. For Naihanchi, paired drills were included to explain the potential purposes and utilisation of the various techniques contained within the form.

Across the week we covered a surprisingly large range of paired kata (kumite). The junior grades gaining ample time to work the Ippon and Nihon Gumite, while seniors covered nearly all of the twelve of our Gonosen Kumite Gata series, as well as Kihon Gumite.

Also, during the weeks’ training it was good to be joined by members of the Hungarian Wado Kai.

With the three-hour training happening in the morning, and training finishing at midday, we were able to enjoy a relaxed lunch at a very good local restaurant, easily walkable from the training venue. They had an excellent and very reasonably priced set lunch menu. This arrangement then gave us the rest of the afternoon and evening free.

On the Tuesday Richard and I went into central Budapest with a few of the local instructors and students (a distance of twenty miles). They introduced us to the newly developed parkland area, which seems to be setting itself up as a kind of museum quarter.

We visited the House of Music; only opened in the last two years, an amazing building, the work of award-winning Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. For anyone interested in music this was a total delight, interactively tracking the history of music from the earliest origins to the present day.

Local knowledge is really handy and we were introduced to an outstanding, lively, open-air restaurant in the park; the Pantlika Bistro. In fact, we were rather spoiled for good food and excellent restaurants – a massive thank you to our Hungarian hosts for that; as without their guidance we wouldn’t have had such a complete experience.

As usual on really successful courses we had built up such a high level of momentum it was a bit of a come-down when we had to finish our last session on the Thursday. But I am assured by the resident instructors that they gained so much information that they can continue to build on the knowledge into the future.

On the back of the success of the course conversations are already happening to plan for 2024; so, watch this space.

On behalf of Richard and myself, I would like to thank Attila, Adam and László Jakab for all the amazing effort they put in to really make this work as an event on both the Hungarian and the Shikukai calendar, and for the unsurpassed hospitality shown by both instructors and students.

For next year and beyond, I would encourage Wado students from the UK and Europe to support these future events in Hungary.

Tim Shaw

Report – Combat Lab July 2023.

A dedicated number of students from Exmouth, Chippenham, Swindon and Weymouth attended part 2 of the Yakusoku Keiko Training run by Steve and Pam Rawson at The Combat Lab’s new premises on Saturday 1st July. The session started with a short warm up, leading into some basic drills which were then used by the students as their foundation for the pair works that followed.

Ohyo Gumite Nanahonme was the main theme, giving students a chance to practice something different. Once they became familiar with the basic moves, they were then shown how techniques from the Shikukai Syllabus could be utilised and incorporated into various adaptations of the Ohyo Gumite. As The Combat Lab is a fully matted venue and a suitable learning environment for such training, students were able to see the techniques right through to the end with a series of throws. It was interesting to see how many ways someone can fall over!

After a short water break, the theme of expansion of Kihon Gumite was carried on from the Spring Course, working on Kuzushi, Kinukuguri and Kotegaeshi. Again, use of the mats was paramount as students were confidently able to test their effectiveness in throwing or sweeping their opponent.

The final part gave students a chance to practice some I-dori pair work; again the nice soft mats were a gift to those with worn out knees.

As always the session was over too quickly and so another training is being planned for later in the year.

Steve Rawson 7th Dan

Shikukai Karate-Do International

Report – Shikukai Spring Course Report 2023 Osprey Leisure Centre Portland.

This annual event is always looked forward to and true to form, it proved to be a
great success.
The course was overseen by Sugasawa Sensei and successfully organised by Steve
Rawson Sensei 7th Dan and Pam Rawson Sensei 7th Dan. Instructors and students
from across England, Brittany and Norway came together to train and work on the
principles of Wado.
The unofficial start of the course was the normal Thursday night club training at the
Ken Bu Jyuku Dojo hosted by Pam and Steve Rawson. “I can highly recommend
making the very most of the course by attending the Thursday night training. It really
set the scene for the weekend and gave students an insight into the themes and
principles that would follow” (Sue Dodd)
Friday morning saw a small group meet up at the beach for a dip in Weymouth Bay.
The water temperature was a balmy 11 degrees with a strong easterly wind that made
for some interesting waves. This led to some challenging swimming, but great fun
was had by all.

Sugasawa Sensei opened the course by welcoming students back to Weymouth.
The timetable ran its usual course over the Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
This year’s theme was Tai Sabaki but as was explained throughout, this was not a
focus on a mere verbal translation but much more a deeper understanding of all
aspects of body management whether performing technique, holding position or,
perhaps especially when transitioning from one technique to another. The warm ups
on each day were both focussed and challenging with each instructor bringing the
benefits of their expertise to the table.

The Rawson Senseis kicked off the training on the Friday evening with a number of
physically demanding basic drills which concentrated the mind and prepared
everyone for what was to come. Students were then put into groups of 5 to practice
the drills in all directions and with different opponents.

Saturday training began with a special ‘Mokuto’ in memory of our dear friend Tim
Dixon.
After the warm up, Tim Shaw Sensei 7th Dan and Steve Chamberlain Sensei
7th Dan took the Black and Brown Belts working on Okuri Ashi, the involvement of
the hip through to Tsugi Ashi and Surikomi Ashi.
Steve and Pam Rawson took the Green and White Belts showing them the importance and correlation between Shiko Dachi and their Junzuki movement.
The Kata session that followed saw the groups sub divided again. 4th Dans and above
were given a detailed break down of Chinto Kata by Sugasawa Sensei and assisted by
Steve Rawson.
The lower Dan Grades were taught by Tim Shaw and covered Naihanchi looking at applied principles (rather than applied techniques).
Steve Chamberlain took the Brown Belts for Pinan Yondan whilst Pam Rawson worked on
Pinan Sandan with the junior grades.
A session on pairwork followed with Steve Chamberlain and Richard Barham Sensei
6th Dan taking 2nd Dan + working on Kihon Gumite Happonme.
Steve & Pam Rawson introduced the Brown Belts to the Uchi variations of Kumite Gata. Sensei once again gave his invaluable expertise on the body movement required for an effective technique.
Tim Shaw took apart some of the Nihon Gumite with the Green Belts, whilst Carol Chatterton Sensei 6th Dan worked with the White Belts.
The formal session closed with the presentation of a 2nd Dan Certificate to Mark
Troman, followed by the usual group photo.
It was then pleasing to see how many students took advantage of the extra hour personal practice offered by the host club in their mirrored upstairs Dojo.

Saturday night was the usual chance for over 40 students and family members to have
a social get together at the Gurkha all you can eat buffet (Frank Parry holds the
current record for the number of plates of food consumed!!!) Afterwards many
students burnt off the calories with a visit to the various live music events being held
in the town.


Sunday saw Sugasawa Sensei lead the training for all with a very informative two
hour session on the importance of using the elbows correctly whilst delivering a
variety of techniques. In particular he scrutinised everyone’s movement on Shuto,
with no escape for senior Dan Grades.
Pairwork practice followed with everyone trying to use their elbows in the correct
manner. Rob Selby Sensei 5th Dan and Bob Wymer Sensei 5th Dan assisted the senior instructors in delivering this session.
The culmination of Sunday’s training was a surprise demonstration of Kata/Dance by
Steve and Pam Rawson showing why Sugasawa Sensei named their club Ken Bu
Jyuku 拳舞塾

A small group of selected seniors were invited by Sensei to join together for a meal at
the Oliveto restaurant to reflect on and celebrate the life of our dear departed friend
Tim Dixon who will be forever in our hearts. Whilst it was an emotional time it was
a chance to support each other and raise a toast.

The Monday session came all too quickly and seemed to be over in a blink, however
all levels enjoyed focussed Kihon Nagasu training “the Norwegians in particular”
(Bob Wymer). Kihon Gumite pair work was looked at, offering/suggesting potential
next steps, whilst emphasising that such things are impossible unless you are in
charge of your body management.
A kyu grading session was held with Joanne Quy from Chelmsford successfully
passing her 7th Kyu grade.
Sensei then closed the course thanking everyone for their continued support.


Report compiled by Pam Rawson Sensei 7th Dan with contributions from Tim Shaw Sensei 7th Dan, Bob Wymer Sensei 5th Dan, Sue Dodd Senpai 2nd Dan.

Report – Robin Eaton’s 80th Birthday Training Theme: Wado Through Time.

On the 15th of April 2023, Sensei Carol Chatterton 6th Dan and Kiku Wa Jyuku hosted a special training session to celebrate the 80th birthday of one of its club members, Robin Eaton. Overseen by Sugasawa Sensei, the training was led by Steve Rawson, Sensei 7th Dan and Pamela Rawson, Sensei 7th Dan. Although the course was only for one afternoon, it was well attended with representatives from Shouwa Jyuku, Ken Bu Jyuku, and Mushin Jyuku alongside those from Chippenham.

The session began with Sugasawa Sensei welcoming everyone and then congratulating Robin on his long serving dedication to the practice of Wado Karate before presenting him with his 4th Dan. After this Sugasawa Sensei handed over to Senseis Pam and Steve Rawson and the training began. As Senseis Pam and Steve Rawson explained, we would be exploring how Wado has developed in the UK over the many years Robin has been training, from the early years of UKKW, through the Wado Academy and then onto Shikukai Karate-do International.

After a quick warm-up, Senseis Pam and Steve took us through how Wado has progressed over the years. This was achieved by focussing first on 5th Kyu, and then on 1st Kyu. Beginning with the UKKW syllabus, it became clear that the focus in the beginning was on learning individual techniques with very little explanation on each element. As Sensei Steve commented, the maxim was ‘Do it, do it again, do it harder!’ As the session continued you could see the variations which were introduced in the Wado Academy syllabus incorporating more lateral movement, and finally Sensei Sugasawa’s influence on the techniques in the current Shikukai syllabus. The session finished with pair work from the three syllabi, with both Senseis encouraging people to practice with students from other clubs. Finally, Sugasawa Sensei thanked everyone for attending.

After the training, the day ended with a meal at a local restaurant. It was a great opportunity for people to catch up and reflect on the day’s experiences. Finally, the evening ended with everyone congratulating Robin and some enthusiastic singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ whilst he blew the candle on his cake out!

Andrew Skelton

2nd Kyu

Report – Netherlands weekend with Tim Shaw Sensei.

Yet again host Martijn Schelen of the Kenkokai Dojo Eemnes in the Netherlands executed a flawless piece of organisational magic for our planned three-day training weekend.

It is always a huge pleasure and privilege for me to be invited to teach in the Netherlands, for so many reasons, not least that the level of enthusiasm and openness is second to none.

This time Martijn was making adjustments to the scheduling to try and get the best out of the available time. For example; on the Saturday training it was planned to create two workshops during the day, with a break in between. From my perspective this seemed to go really well and enabled me to package the training into focussed themes. I always spend a long time in my planning and try to pitch it at all levels so that nobody feels that they are out of their depth.

I had worked my themes out well in advance, with the intention that everyone would come away with something they could really work on to elevate their understanding and crucially their physical and technical skills.

Across the weekend we really worked hard to polish the solo kata, linked to solid kihon, something that Sugasawa Sensei is very insistent on; because without solid foundations nothing meaningful can be built. Repeat, repeat and repeat again, cycling round the featured kata.

We also explored a very focussed selection of paired kata. The chosen pairs followed themes built within the kihon training and time and time again I tried to bring it back to core Wado principles. My intention was to help the students and instructors to appreciate the covert relationships between the various aspects of their training and how these same aspects support and feed off each other.

During the weekend I had the chance to work with some very experienced old-hands who had joined us for the first time, and to welcome them into the Shikukai family, a joy, and an honour for me. Again, credit to Martijn for making this happen.

Seniors in Saturday training.

Inevitably, Saturday night was an evening for catching up over food and drink, and the conversations were not all about karate. Very civilised and convivial.

I have to say that Kenkokai is not a one-man-band. Martijn is very lucky to have a solid support team to ensure that the wheels are oiled and everything runs smooth (a particular shout-out to Astrid de Vries on that one).

Because the training was a balancing act between solid hard work and granular examination of technique and principle, my intention is to write some support notes for those who attended. This post will also be written in a way that may be of interest and value to general Wado practitioners. This may well appear as an additional (free) post on my ongoing Substack project. To see it, opt for the free subscription to www.budojourneyman.substack.com

Keep an eye open for that.

Conversations have already been had for my next visit, probably October November this year.

Remember, these courses are open to all Wado students.

Tim Shaw