| Visit to Swindon Oasis HKK On Tuesday the 7th of April Kenkyukai members Luke Stinchcomb, Tom Green, Adel Gibson (all 1st Dan) & myself travelled to the Oasis Leisujre centre in Swindon to visit and train with Pete Whitney Shihan, 7th Dan. I have had the pleasure to have known Pete for over 26 years now, and he has always been someone special to train with. He started in kempo Karate back in the 1960's before switching to Higashi karate under Peter Spanton in the early 1970's. Having been a member of Higashi I got to know him very well and a strong friendship was formed, which has endured to this day. I actually met Pete when I was a member of the EKA and visited his club as a guest, from the first time I visited I was always made to feel most welcome. This hospitality was extended to our members last night during a superb session which managed to include a few of the Kempo pair work which are all based on self defence principles. We also had a chance to practise Kempo Kata no.1 which we all found very interesting. After the session we went to the bar for some quick refreshment before bidding our goodbyes. We will be planning another visit to Pete's Dojo so watch this space! We all arrived back home about 2am, a tiring but worthwhile journey. Thanks Pete for making us most welcome, hope to see you soon! Graham Chuck |
| Nick Smith - 35 years of Wado On the 15th March my very good friend Nick Smith celebrated his 35 years in Wado karate. Kenkyukai members Sarah Hazeldine 2nd Dan, Luke Stinchcomb, Tom Green & Adel Gibson 1st Dans and myself journeyed to Nick's Dojo at Burnham-on-sea to take part in a special training session. I was asked to teach the senior members traditional Wado Tantodori which was a pleasure and an honour for me. Just before the end of the session Nick's wife Julia proceeded to bring many old faces from Nick's Karate life into the Dojo. The look of surprise on his face said it all, and to be honest it almost looked as if 'Ice man' Smithy was a bit emotional! I was asked to say a few words about Nick and our friendship over the years, and I also read out a letter from Gary Swift congratulating him on his achievement. (Gary was at an EKF meeting that day). This was followed by another surprise for my long time friend - and something that was one of the greatest honours for me in my thirty years - presenting Nick with his 7th Dan on behalf of the Alliance of International Wadoryu. Afterwards we retired to the bar to catch up with some old friends and enjoy a lovely buffet that Julia had laid on, as well as one or two drinks! Afterwards we went to Nick's to continue the day with a further tipple to celebrate this great day. On behalf of all the members of the Wadoryu Karatedo kenkyukai congratulations Nick on your 35 years of Wado and your well deserved promotion. It has been a pleasure to have known you for nearly all of that time and you will always have my deepest respect and friendship. Graham Chuck |
| Chuck Sensei’s 30th anniversary course. On 14th Feb 2009 Kenkyukai held an anniversary course in recognition of their chief instructor Graham Chuck’s 30 years in Karate. Attending the course were many Kyu and Dan grade students from various different wado clubs, not just in the south west, but London, Kent and Hampshire. This is a personal journal of the day… Arriving at the Dojo with great anticipation and a feeling of excitement I was looking forward to a day of training and learning from senior instructors who have a wealth of knowledge to share with us. Firstly we were split into 2 groups and I was honoured to train with the Dan grades. Andy Dare Sensei was the first instructor on the mat that I was training on. We did some basics and he was explaining the movement of each technique. These included maegeri,mawashigri,sokutogeri,Kette junzuki/no tsukkomi and kette gyakuzuki/no tsukkomi. We then went on to Kata. The chosen kata was Kushanku. Sensei explained the timing of this kata but at all times making it our own. Chuck Sensei then followed Dare Sensei’s Kushanku practise by showing us some of the Kaisetsu Bunkai from this Kata. This contained the precepts of Wado- unbalancing, throwing and locking techniques as well as control using pressure point manipulation. Next we were with Craig Finch Sensei. We were given an insight into Shorin ryu. This style is known widely as the roots of Wado Ryu. Master Otsuka studied this form of karate before developing Wado. First we did Naihanchi Sho, this is the first kata that students learn in Shorinryu. Then we did all 5 pinan kata and although whilst being very similar they are very different too. The punch stance is shorter whilst blocking techniques are performed with a very long deep stance. This was a very interesting lesson and personally a favourite part of the course. After a short lunch break we were then with Nick Smith Sensei. We did some pair work that can be be applied into kumite.This was very interesting as each pair work contained a throw. This was very good practice of distance and posture to perform the throwing techniques. Finally we were with Gary Swift Sensei. We were taught all about feeling an opponents movement. We were working in pairs with the attacker doing junzuki whilst the defender was blocking with jodan uke. But we were doing this exercise very slowly, keeping contact with our partners all the way through the technique. When we were confident with this practice defenders were to close their eyes and this was a brilliant way to feel the movement. This was also done with Uchi uke and Soto uke. All the way through the course every single student from ungraded to the highest Dan grade was totally focused. There was a wide range of ages attending, the youngest being 8yrs and not wishing to offend anyone I will not say the age of the eldest!! Each and everyone of us was given lots of knowledge and encouragement. At one point during the break I looked around and every single student had a big smile on their faces. This was a true testament to the instructors dedication and teaching. I feel, as I’m sure that everyone else does, that it was an honour to attend and train under the instruction of these great teachers. Congratulations Chuck sensei on 30yrs in Karate and thankyou for bringing us all together as one in Wado…. Adel Gibson. |
 |
| EVENTS CALENDAR January 26th Visit to Kashi Besso by Gary Swift Kyoshi 29th Today, on the 29th of January 1982, Ohtsuka-Hironori Meijin, the founder of Wado-ryu Karate-do, passed away at the age 89; he had practised martial-arts for 85 years. February 14th Chuck Renshi's 30 years anniversary course & Yudan shinsa at Kashi Besho Hombu Dojo, Ferndale Road, Plymouth. PL2 2ES Instructors to include: Gary Swift Kyoshi 7th Dan, British Wadokai Karatedo. Nick Smith Shihan 6th Dan, Kenshukai Wadoryu Karatedo. Graham Chuck Renshi 6th Dan, Wadoryu Karatedo kenkyukai. Craig Finch Shihan 6th Dan, Matsuri Ryukyukan Karate. Andrew dare Shihan 6th Dan, Southern Karatedo Wadokai. Times: 11.30 registration, 12.00 - 5.00pm training. 5.00 - 6.00pm Yudan shinsa. Prices: Adults £15.00, Juniors (u16) & conc. £12.00 For further details contact Chuck Renshi on 07956 963223 or email kenkyukai@btinternet.com 15th British Wadokai Open Self-defence Course. Part 2 of the very popular Course last year. Participation in Part 1 is not necessary to benefit from this Part 2 course. Self-defence application from the Classical Kneeling Forms of Idori- no-kata. Ju-Ho principles Instructed by Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi (application utilising both seated (chair) and standing). Chi-Ho principles taught by Paul Elliott (6th Dan) Renshi. Go-Ho principles taught be Michael Rapley 6th Dan. Venue: Tanbridge House School, Farthing Hill, Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 1SR. Time: 10am-1pm. Cost: 3-Hour Session £15.00. For further details, please contact: Paul Elliott 6th Dan. 01403-218327. Email: semka@btopenworld. com Gary E Swift 7th Dan. 01752-493210. Email: garyswift@wadokai. co.uk Web: www.wadokai. co.uk 26th Visit to Kashi Besso by Gary Swift Kyoshi March 1st British Wadokai Temple & Suparinpei Kata Course. Learn the 3- Temple Kata of British Wadokai, Ji'tte (Temple Hand), Ji'han/Jion (Temple Sound/Song) and Ji'in (Temple Ground) as well as the original version of Hakoishi-Suparinpei (108), including various Kaisetsu, taught in 2003. Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Venue: Kingslea Primary School, Kingslea, Horsham, Sussex. RH13 5PS. Time: 10am-1pm. Price of Course: £15. For further details, please contact the Event Organiser: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel 01752-493210. Email: garyswift@wadokai. co.uk British Wadokai: www.wadokai. co.uk 14th British Wadokai Open Kata Championships. Venue: Tanbridge House School, Farthing Hill, Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 1SR. open to all disciplines of Wado Karate affiliated to the English Karate Federation. Please have licence available for checking at time of registration. Traditional British Wadokai Kata Championships. APPLICATIONS BEFORE 10th March 2009. Venue: Tanbridge School, Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex. Book- in: With Licence (for EKF Chit Number inspection), 9.30am. (No more bookings after 10.15am). Eliminations: 10.30am. Categories for all ages and levels. Events: Individual Kata, Team Kata, Pairs Gyo. The official Kata for the day will consist of Kata: Pinan Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan. Ku-Shanku, Nai-Hanchi, Seishan, Chinto, Bassai, Wanshu, Ni-Sei-Shi, Rohai, Ji-tte, Ji-han, Ji-in, Suparinpei. Due to location, it may be advised to bring a packed-lunch/ refreshments etc. Correct Dress Code: Competitors must wear clean white Gi. Judges must wear blazer, white shirt/tie, black trousers and soft footwear (no shoes), etc. For an Information Pack & Application Form, please contact Paul Elliott Renshi. 54, Billingshurst Road, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 3LW. Email: semka@btopenworld. com Open to all EKF Wado (and Wado based) Licensed Members only. 15th Special training session at Kenshukai Hombu, St Alfreds School, Burnham-on-sea, Somerset in order to celebrate Nick Smith Shihan's 35 years in Wado Karate. Times - 10.00am - 12.00pm to be followed by a social event. All Kenkyukai members are invited, please support this special day. 28th British Wadokai Open Standardisation Course Part 1. Includes all British Wadokai Kata from Pinan to Suparinpei. Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Venue: Kingslea Primary School, Kingslea, Horsham, Sussex. RH13 5PS. Time: 10am-2pm. Price of Course: £15. BWK Licensed Members £12. For further details, please contact the Event Organiser: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel 01752- 493210. Email: garyswift@wadokai. co.uk British Wadokai: www.wadokai. co.uk 30th Visit to Kashi Besso by Gary Swift Kyoshi rescheduled for Thursday April 9th April 7th Visit to Swindon Oasis HKK to train with Pete Whitney Shihan, 7th Dan. Leaving at 5.00pm 19th Southwest Traditional Open Wado Kata Championships. Hosted by Hazlegrove House Karate-do, Hazlegrove House, Sparkford, Somerset. Open to all EKF Licensed Members only. Venue: Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Cheddon Road, Taunton, Somerset. TA2 7QP. Categories for all! Licence (for EKF Chit Number inspection), 9.00am. (No more bookings after 9.45am). Eliminations: 10.00am. Categories for all ages and levels. Events: Individual Kata, Pairs Kata. The official Kata for the day will consist of Kata: Pinan Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan. Ku-Shanku, Nai-Hanchi, Seishan, Chinto, Bassai, Wanshu, Ni-Sei-Shi, Rohai, Ji-tte, Ji-han, Ji-in, Suparinpei. Due to location, it may be advised to bring a packed-lunch/refreshments etc. Rules: This competition will be run on the simplified ‘Pyramid Knock-out’ system, there will be NO Repechage. Correct Dress Code: Competitors must wear clean white Gi. Judges must wear blazer, white shirt/tie, black trousers and soft footwear (no shoes), etc. For a ‘downloadable’ Application Form please click the following link - Entry Form Further details: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel: 01752-493210. Email: garyswift@wadokai.co.uk Open to all EKF Licensed Members only. 25th Ryukyukan course with K Nohara Hanshi 8th Dan London 26th 3rd EU Ryukyukan championships London See Chuck Renshi for more details 26th Barry's Bristol Bash 11.00am-1pm all grades welcome 27th Visit to Kashi Besso by Gary Swift Kyoshi May 11th Visit to Kashi Besso by Gary Swift Kyoshi June 1st The Birthday of Ohtsuka Hironori (10th Dan) Meijin on the 1st June in 1892. Hironori Ohtsuka Meijin was born in Shimodate City, Ibiragi, Japan on the 1st June 1892. 14th British Wadokai Southwest Open Traditional Wado Kata Championships. Hosted by Hazlegrove House Karate-do, Hazlegrove House, Sparkford, Somerset. Open to all traditional Wado clubs and individuals. Venue: Hazlegrove Karate-do. Hazlegrove Preparatory School, Hazlegrove House, Sparkford, Somerset. BA22 7JA. Categories for all! Profits will be donated to the St Margaret's Children's Hospice. Licence (for EKF Chit Number inspection), 9.00am. (No more bookings after 9.45am). Eliminations: 10.00am. Categories for all ages and levels. Events: Individual Kata, Pairs Kata. The official Kata for the day will consist of Kata: Pinan Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan. Ku-Shanku, Nai-Hanchi, Seishan, Chinto, Bassai, Wanshu, Ni-Sei-Shi, Rohai, Ji-tte, Ji-han, Ji-in, Suparinpei Due to location, it may be advised to bring a packed-lunch/ refreshments etc. Rules: This competition will be run on the simplified `Pyramid Knock-out' system, there will be NO Repechage. Correct Dress Code: Competitors must wear clean white Gi. British Wadokai/EKF Judges will wear blazer, white shirt/tie, black trousers and soft footwear (no shoes), etc. For a `downloadable' Application Form please visit the British Wadokai Forum `File Section' on: http://uk.groups. yahoo.com/ group/BritishWad okai/ Further details: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel: 01752-493210. Email: garyswift@wadokai. co.uk Open to all EKF Licensed Members only. This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event. 29th Visit to Kashi Besso by Gary Swift Kyoshi July 9th Visit to Kashi Besso Dojo by Mike Sutcliffe Shihan, 7th Dan. 13th Visit to Kashi Besso by Gary Swift Kyoshi 19th AIWa Masters Course. The Alliance of International Wado-ryu are organising their first AIWa Masters' Course, where Chief Instructors from each affiliation are invited to teach elements from their own version of Wado. Guest Instructor, who will also be heading the instructor line-up for the course, will be the `Founder/President' of AIWa (and Chief Instructor of British Wadokai) Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. The course is organised by the Alliance of International Wado-Ryu on which top Instructors of AIWa are teaching their vast knowledge of their own brand of Wado-Ryu/Kai. Instructors include, so far: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi (British Wadokai, teaching Tanto-dori-no- kata), Paul Elliott (6th Dan) Renshi (Samurai Enlighten Mushin Karate Academy, teaching SEMKA Kumite-gata) , Graham Chuck (6th Dan) Renshi (Kenkyukai Wado-ryu Karate-do, teaching Kenkyukai Kata-Bunkai) . Time: 10.00am-2.00pm Cost: 4 hours £20.00- 2hrs for Juniors Grade £10.00 Time 10.00am to 12.00pm. Venue: Tanbridge House School Gym, Farthing Hill, Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 1SR. If you are a Chief Instructor within AIWa, and would like to demonstrate and contribute your variation of Wado Karate on the course – OR – if you would like more information, please contact, Paul Elliott Renshi. 01403-218327/ 07778-058482. Email:semka@btopenworld. com This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event. All Students and Instructors, please bring Licence for EKF Chit inspection – no licence, no training/teaching. 25th Wado Karate Course. A general Wado training Karate Course, including the practice of I-dori-no-kata and ji'in Kata. Instructor; Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Venue; Bushi Karate Club. Plum Lane, Dunwear, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5HL. Time; 10am to 1pm. For further details please contact; Andrew Daly 5th Dan. Tel: 01278-685559. Mob: 07904-857606. Email: bridgwaterwado@ tiscali.co. uk or info@bushi.org. uk Website www.bushi.org. uk August 10th Visit to Kashi Besso by Gary Swift Kyoshi 23rd Sensei Wataru Shibata 7th Dan (aka Bob Nash 7th Dan) Open Wado Karate Course. Hosted by the British Wadokai Karate-do Federation (BWK). Date: 23rd August 2009. Venue: Tanbridge House School Sports Hall, Farthing Hill, Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 1SR. Time: 2-5pm. Cost: £20. For further details please contact: Paul Elliott 6th Dan. Tel: 01403-218327. Email: semka@btopenworld. com Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Tel: 01752-493210. Email: garyswift@wadokai. co.uk This is an EKF Member/Sanctioned Event. September 20th/21st SKW Autumn course, Lyme Regis, Dorset. Training: Saturday 12.00-2.00 4th Kyu & above only. 2.00-5.00 all grades Sunday 10.00-2.00 all grades 27th Kenkyukai 13th Anniversry course. Instructors to be announced Times: 12.30 registration. 1.00 - 5.00 training 5.30+ buffet Adults £15.00, Juniors (u16) & conc. £12.00 (including buffet). For further details contact Chuck Renshi on 07956 963223 or email kenkyukai@btinternet.com October 12th Visit to Kashi Besso by Gary Swift Kyoshi November 21st Traditional British Wadokai Kata & Gyo Championships. Open to all British Wadokai Clubs and Individuals. APPLICATIONS BEFORE 14th November 2009. Venue: Tanbridge School, Guildford Road, Horsham, West Sussex. Book- in: With Licence (for EKF Chit Number inspection), 9.30am. (No more bookings after 10.15am). Eliminations: 10.30am. Categories for all ages and levels. Events: Individual Kata, Team Kata, Pairs Gyo. The official Kata for will consist of British Wadokai (WIKF based) Kata: Pinan Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan. Ku-Shanku, Nai-Hanchi, Seishan, Chinto, Bassai, Wanshu, Ni-Sei-Shi, Rohai, Ji-tte, Ji-han, Ji-in, Suparinpei. Gyo requirements – last between 60-70 seconds and possess no props/aids, etc. Due to location, it may be advised to bring a packed-lunch/ refreshments etc. Correct Dress Code: Competitors must wear clean white Gi. Judges must wear blazer, white shirt/tie, black trousers and soft footwear (no shoes), etc. For an Information Pack & Application Form, please contact Paul Elliott Renshi. 54, Billingshurst Road, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 3LW. Email: semka@btopenworld. com Open to all BWK/EKF Licensed Members only. 9th Visit to Kashi Besso by Gary Swift Kyoshi December 21st Visit to Kashi Besso Dojo by Gary Swift Kyoshi for last session of the year. To be followed by drinks & Indian meal for all members & their families. |
 |
| NEWS AND EVENTS |
| Since our Plymouth Hombu Dojo opened in September 2002 quite a few people have passed through it's doors, including visiting Karateka from other clubs and styles, many of whom have been Dan grades. One visitor who is always welcome is AIWa Chief instructor Gary Swift 7th Dan Kyoshi who has come to teach and conduct Shinsa (gradings) at our Dojo. Swift Kyoshi has agreed to visit the Kashi Besso Dojo on the second Monday of every month. Other guest instructors have included Mike Sutcliffe Shihan, 7th dan and Peter Hall Shihan, 6th Dan. Since the opening of our second Dojo in Gunnislake in May 2003 we have started to grow in numbers, with many students showing promise. It is hoped that we will continue to grow, in order to teach good Wadoryu karate in the South West of England and to support AIWa, the AWA and all of our friends. Grading results for 2009 09/02/09 Tom Paul - 6th Kyu 14/02/09 Tom Green & Adel Gibson - 1st Dan 02/03/09 Eleanor & Caroline Brown - 7th Kyu 06/04/09 Charlotte Rockie - 8th Kyu Grading archive click here |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST WADO DATE SECTION AIWa NEWS |
|