tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91562949175978960122024-03-14T02:56:53.549+00:00Alternative KaratePeople centric karate. Using karate as a powerful tool to help ordinary people develop and grow. Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-66459548796701075402022-11-14T15:59:00.000+00:002022-11-14T15:59:19.497+00:00An Interview with Rob Part 2<p><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">With many martial arts available today and
traditional martial arts losing ground to the likes of MMA; your school,
Zenshin Dojo, has 6 branches and over 100 members.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">This is obviously a great testimony to your
teaching methods and leadership. How long has the school been running, and how
long did it take to build up to this level?</span></span></p>
<p class="Standard">I started the club in 1992; it took
nearly a decade to grow to a number which could financially support hall
payments etc. We’ve been members of
various national and international organisations but sadly, in the end,
political manoeuvring and the thirst for power by some, always seems to spoil
the party and in 2010, I decided to become an independent club, free to
practice what and how I wanted and more importantly be guided by who I chose to
be guided and influenced by.</p><p class="Standard"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard">Since that time we have grown from
strength to strength. I’m not sure I’m
unique, but I certainly don’t feel akin to the major karate styles.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">With the rise of sport martial arts (MMA) and
reality based martial arts (like Krav Maga), what you see as the future for the
traditional martial arts?</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">And what do
you think traditional martial arts can offer better than any other vehicle?</span></span></p>
<p class="Standard">I don’t feel qualified to predict the
future of “traditional” martial arts but believe the answer doesn’t lie in
offering self defence practice or training. Referring to nature, Charles Darwin
said “the species that survives is the one that is able to adapt to and adjust
best to the changing environment in which it finds itself”. </p>
<p class="Standard">What can martial arts offer better
than any other vehicle? A lot, it can
improve health, fitness (however described); teach mindfulness, the value of
meditation. It can provide a meaningful
hobby a past time which has a social element.
The physicality of martial arts has a way of processing stress (although
other exercise can also achieve this).
For me the overriding benefit lies in the philosophy. It’s a metaphor for life. In the end (and the more mature you are), you
realise the destination is not as important as the journey. This is what non sport martial arts offer
better than any other activity.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">I believe that Zenshin Dojo has a club katana,
which is used for symbolic and ceremonial purposes.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Can you tell us about that please?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">The Zenshin dojo katana, was bought on behalf of the
club from a dealer in April 2004. It
represents a metaphor for the qualities required to achieve dan grade and
therefore is not intended to be interpreted in the context of the samurai,
combat, or “budo” arts.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard">The sword itself can be perceived as
an object of grace and beauty, and yet it retains the ability to cause harm and
injury. Like our art, it relies upon the integrity of the owner to use it
without malice; honestly and honourably.
The blade, forged by a craftsman for countless hours, represents the
labour; time, care and endeavour required to progress through the kyu grades
thus demonstrating there are no short cuts to “forging” both sound character
and good technique. The Samurai was never seen without the katana and so should
this be for karate. Recognising its
value in all aspects of everyday life is what differentiates karate from other
forms of physical activity.</p>
<p class="Standard">The Zenshin dojo katana blade edge
(ha), is sharp and remains hidden, sheathed in a plain undecorated scabbard
(saya) it’s exposed only on rare occasions thus signifying that, like the
karate ka, beneath the unpretentious façade exists a “cutting edge” capable of
significant impact. </p>
<p class="Standard">The primary occasion for exposure of
the Zenshin dojo katana blade is the acceptance of a new member into the
“Yudansha-kai”.</p>
<p class="Standard">The age of the weapon represents
“history”, “a past” metaphoric of experience.
As a genuine antique it represents “an authentic article” and is thus
symbolic of the meaningful nature of dan grade achievement and Yudansha. More decorative swords can be purchased. To the untrained eye they are pleasing and
impressive; however they lack that certain something necessary to be “the real
deal<span style="color: red;">”</span></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;">Zenshin Dojo is not just a Karate School, it's a community in
which I've been privileged enough to have been included a few times.</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: red;">What do you consider to be the main factors
behind building such a successful school and community?</span></p><p class="Standard">If you visit our website the first
words you’ll see are “People Centric Karate”.
I believe this is the difference between a club or organisation and a
community. In a nutshell people
(members) are THE most important element and considerably more important than
the actual karate itself. This is
profoundly different to most other clubs and groups I come across. Valuing a person means much more than saying
“well done” or congratulations.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Many teachers with such a big school would have
gone professional and “lived the dream”!</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Yet part of your ethos is that Zenshin Dojo should be a non-profit
making organisation.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Did you ever and
any point consider giving up the day-job and going professional?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">Never. The day I
put profit before people and integrity, will be the day I hang up my belt.</p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: red;">You have quite a few international connections
and as I understand it; sometimes you travel as a club to visit and train with
them, sometimes you host them when they come to you.</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: red;">
Would you like to tell us about some of these connections and the places you've
all been to?</span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">Before my young children were born I was
free and able to travel extensively across Europe, Finland, Canada and Japan
even practising karate on the South Atlantic island of St Helena and in
Bangladesh. I value those I have met and
do my best to remain in contact with them but my opportunity and time now, is
more limited.</p><p class="Standard"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard">We do invite friends to visit and
have enjoyed weekends of practice at Zenshin dojo with French, Portuguese,
Canadian, Italian and of course Japanese instructors. We have hosted two International Gasshuku. But I’m sure your other readers will have
similar experiences. I don’t feel I have
had a particularly impressive journey, perhaps a lucky one, but not that much
different from others.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Zenshin Dojo also regularly donates quite
substantial sums of money to charity, some of then being martial arts
based.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Can you tell us about some of
those charities, what they do and why they were important to you?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">As a non profit making group we feel
it’s important to support charities where ever possible. Twenty years ago we focussed on local,
smaller Bristol based community charities, later we moved to raise funds for the
IKKAIDO organisation a group engaged in tremendous work bringing martial arts
to the disabled under the guidance of Ray Sweeney. More recently we have concentrated our
efforts in support of Fairfight a small charity dedicated to empowering
underprivileged children in India. More
specifically we help fund Mary Stevens an impressive karate ka from Oxford as
she gives her time and energy helping the children in person.</p>
<p class="Standard">Why do we do it? Why is it important? Because it is.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Your wife Kate, also a senior grade Karateka,
runs the children's section with KEBBA (Kate Easdale Black Belt Academy).</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Apart from teaching what is age appropriate,
is KEBBA run pretty much in parallel with Zenshin Dojo?</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Are Zenshin Dojo and KEBBA separate
organisations or are they fully integrated?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">Kate’s junior club KEBBA was
established in 1999 and has proved to be very successful with a current
membership in the region of 150 children.
I was a 2<sup>nd</sup> dan in 1993 when Kate began her karate journey in
my club. Therefore, naturally her karate
and my karate are as one, but KEBBA is an entirely separate and distinct
organisation There is no integration
with Zenshin dojo beyond the fact parents sometimes join Zenshin dojo and
occasionally one of our seniors will help Kate run a class.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: red;">Are any of your own children interested in
following on in yours and Kate's footsteps?</span></span></p>
<p class="Standard">Sadly not, only one of our 9 year old
triplets does practice, the other 3 prefer their tablets to a gi! My older
daughter, now an adult living in London did grade to 2<sup>nd</sup> kyu but
then flew the nest.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">You also have a ladies only section, which is
quite rare these days.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">How did this come
about, and does it make much difference to the ladies to have their own
separate section? Some people say that if woman want to learn to defend
themselves against men, they should train with men; how would you answer this?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">I find the argument “if woman want to
learn to defend themselves against men, they should train with men” one
dimensional and superficial. We’re back
to this “self defence” question again.</p>
<p class="Standard">The first thing to acknowledge is not
all women (or men ) are looking for “self defence” classes and I refer you to
my answer of question 6. Many people
join for, regular exercise, to lose weight, for fun, to meet new people with
similar interests etc etc.</p>
<p class="Standard">If you view karate practice only
through the prism of “self defence” then, in my humble opinion, it loses its
appeal to, and alienates, a large section of the adult population. I believe regular practice offers profound
benefits to the average person and therefore should be available and attractive
to all.</p>
<p class="Standard">What about Muslim ladies? We are lucky to count several as
members. Adherence to their faith means
they are not free to touch another man. Should
karate not offer them somewhere to exercise, thrive, grow and develop?</p>
<p class="Standard">In my experience many ladies feel
intimidated and lack confidence. If I
want to improve their confidence then the first thing I need to do is get them
through the door. I respectfully suggest
the usual kind of karate advertising emphasising macho qualities of power,
strength, speed, high kicks etc will not appeal to the average, slightly
overweight 38 year old mum who has not exercised since leaving school. So what can karate offer her? Why learn karate? Because with help, support and guidance, this
hypothetical lady can overcome physical challenges which she would never have
dreamed herself capable of doing and by making progress her confidence and self
esteem all improve.</p>
<p class="Standard">The ladies group is very
popular. They seem to thrive in a
mutually supportive environment where they work out without fear of judgement
or feelings of inadequacy.</p>
<p class="Standard">To answer your question directly, our
policy is always based upon pace and lead, in other words we gently introduce the
ladies to a comfortable karate environment but encourage them to integrate with
the men, <i>when</i> they are ready.</p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: red; text-indent: 0cm;">We talked once about internal power, utilising
the fascial systems in the body (rather than using chi/ki energy as so many
others talk about).</span><span style="color: red; text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="color: red; text-indent: 0cm;">I personally believe
that chi/ki (internal energy) is good for health and well being, but is quite
different to the internal power used in martial arts.</span><span style="color: red; text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="color: red; text-indent: 0cm;">What is your understanding on the subject,
how important do you think it is to martial arts and who was your primary
teacher(s)?</span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">For me the engagement of the fascia
is of paramount importance and it is present in every aspect of my karate. The term Zenshin, translates to whole body
and the fascia is the physical manifestation of “whole body”. The Yutenkai practices all engage fascia and
I believe Harada sensei also recognised its value but somehow it was lost in
translation to his students.</p>
<p class="Standard">Years ago I studied qigong during an
intensive three year instructor’s programme and it completely opened my eyes to
“qi”. I also began shiatsu training
which incorporated traditional Chinese medicine until my children came along
and I had to stop!</p>
<p class="Standard">In my experience many Europeans have
a very poor understanding of “qi” when compared to the Chinese. There are all kinds of “qi”, it’s not a
mystical, mythical thing it’s real but not in the way some martial arts guru’s
or “Masters” would have us believe. In
the context of your question we’re back to the water and garden hose analogy
again. It’s a huge subject and one which
I find fascinating but too big to convey here.</p>
<p class="Standard">Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang is the only
person I have ever seen, in person, on TV or the internet, who has developed
formidable internal power, it’s real and mind blowing but that level of skill
and understanding is beyond me and I humbly suggest many others. Grandmaster
Chen Xiaowang’s student Karel Koskuba was my teacher but even Karel was unable
to replicate Chen’s ability.</p>
<p class="Standard">If I had my life over again I would
study Yiquan, an internal martial art which blows my mind but takes decades of
dedicated to offer any meaningful value in terms of self defence. A Shotokai 5<sup>th</sup> dan friend with a
dojo in Paris has combined his karate with Yiquan training and he’s very
impressive.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">You've attained your 5</span><sup style="text-indent: 0cm;">th</sup><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> Dan, which
(correct me if I'm wrong) I believe is the highest grade in Shotokai
Karate.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">You've also trained a lot of
people up to black belt, quite a few up to senior black belt and have probably
the largest martial arts school in Bristol (which is quite big).</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">That's a number of great achievements for
anybody.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">But what do you personally
regard as your single proudest moment in your Karate career?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">Hosting an international Gasshuku in
Bristol attended by 140+ persons from11 different countries. The bringing together of so many friends
under one roof was truly magical.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: red;">You obviously have a lot of knowledge from a lot
of different sources, have you ever considered teaching seminars outside of the
Zenshin Dojo schools?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">No. To be honest I don’t think my
views and practice methods would have much appeal in the conventional karate
community.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">And probably the most important question of all,
what do you feel that spending most of your life in Karate has given you as a
person?</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">What differences has it made to
your life spiritually, intellectually, health, friendships and in terms of
personal development?</span></span></p>
<p class="Standard">I’m defined by karate philosophy,
it’s provided me with a “path” to follow, an understanding of me and an
appreciation of others. It’s also helped
me with relationships both personal, professional and incidental. And finally exercise, a “match fitness” which
only comes with regular practice not to be confused with athletic prowess,
stamina or flexibility.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">What are your plans for your own future
training?</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Are they any big names you
haven't trained with yet who you'd like to; and what direction do you see
Zenshin Dojo going in?</span></span></p>
<p class="Standard">I’m happy where I am in my journey, I
continue to enjoy coaching, teaching and practising basics also interacting
with Koryu Uchinadi and Yutenkai practitioners.
Frankly time is precious and my children always trump any personal karate
aspirations I may have.<br /><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><br /></span></p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">At some point, we all have to retire (by choice
or otherwise).</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Do you feel that you have
good people in place to take over the running of Zenshin Dojo?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">This is a matter we are currently
wrestling with. My goal is to sustain
Zenshin dojo as a functioning entity long after my death. It’s a goal that relies on other people and a
developed culture. We’re not there yet
but I have some truly wonderful colleagues and together we are working hard to
future proof Zenshin dojo.</p><p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;">
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-39097925510879311182022-11-06T14:35:00.007+00:002022-11-06T14:49:46.819+00:00An interview with Rob<p style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">The following is a transcript of an interview given by Rob to </span>Charlie Wildish, 5th dan karate instructor and Chief instructor at the "Holistic Karate" martial arts club.</p><p><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Part 1</span></p><p><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: red;">Rob, was Shotokai Karate your first martial art,
or did you try anything else first before settling with Shotokai?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
I confess, apart from feeling in awe of Kwai Chang
Caine, star of the 70’s Kung Fu TV series, I had zero interest in learning
martial arts. I began because I was a
community beat police officer on a rough council estate and wanted to get to
know some of the local yobs… I mean young men! Several of these lads trained at the local
Shotokan dojo so I joined. Therefore my
first taste of martial art was through the practice of Shotokan. </p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: red;">Who were your first teachers and how did they
influence the young Rob Jones?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph">I can’t remember the name of the Shotokan
“sensei” I met. But my first real
teacher was a man called Adrian Baker (see below) and also Mitsuske Harada
sensei. Both brought wisdom and martial
philosophy to my table and opened my eyes to what could be achieved and the
wider context.</p>
<p class="Standard">It’s perhaps worth noting that
Mitsuske Harada sensei considers himself to be a
teacher of orthodox shotokan</p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Although you've adapted along the way, is it
fair to say that Shotokai is still at the base of what you teach with other
influences added on?</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">And what was it
about Shotokai that appealed to you to want to commit so much of your martial
arts journey to it?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph">I remember the actual moment vividly. My friend who had introduced me to Shotokan
was a large man and physically strong, a 1<sup>st</sup> kyu Shotokan
karate-ka. There had been some
disagreements with the way our club was being run (at that time by a husband
and wife combo). Consequently my 1<sup>st</sup>
kyu friend had, in the course of his employment, met a man called Adrian Baker
quite by chance. At the time Adrian was
a 3<sup>rd</sup> dan practising under the tuition of Mitsusuke Harada
sensei. My friend invited Adrian to our
club one evening. During the session Adrian asked to accept my friends
punch. This was not an uncommon practice
within the Shotokai world. Accepting an
attack is a core skill. On this occasion
my friend hit Adrian, oi-zuki chudan with as much strength as he could
muster. Adrian was knocked a little but
there was no profound effect. Then the
roles were reversed and Adrian hit my friend with a chudan oi-zuki. This time there was a profound effect as my
friend struggled to breathe and fell to the floor.</p>
<p class="Standard">I’m not a particularly big or
muscular man and neither is Adrian. However our Shotokan man was / is and I
remember thinking “I want to punch like that”!
And so the seed was sewn and I joined Adrian’s club. For me I was intrigued by the
explosive energy created and delivered in a “relaxed” way. I don’t want to be muscle bound, I don’t want
a suit of armour, I prefer to be able to run if I can.</p>
<p class="Standard">In my experience most can’t make the
connection, or perhaps don’t understand or believe how words like, “soft” and
“relaxed body” and sensitive”, fit with the common perception of “strength” and
“physical power”, which I believe is why Shotokai is not as popular as the more
established karate schools. The best
metaphor I can quote is that of a garden hose pipe. With no water running through, it is limp and
flaccid but turn a jet of water on and it becomes immensely powerful and unless
focussed on a target, it can have a mind of its own. </p>
<p class="Standard">So my journey is twofold, to remove
tension and stress so that my garden hose is soft and supple and develop and
create energy (high pressure water). The
intriguing search for this yin and yang contrast is why it appealed and
sustains my interest over nearly 40 years.</p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">I know from talking to you, that you longer
describe yourself and your school as Shotokai, as you've had a number of
influences from other teachers.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">I
believe the main non-Shotokai influences comes from Patrick McCarthy and his
Koryu Uchindi.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Can you tell us how this
come about and how it has influenced your approach to teaching and training?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">Actually I have two major
influences. The first, are the Japanese
Yutenkai group. Their seniors, many of
whom I am lucky enough to call friends, were all students of Shigeru Egami
sensei, a man probably known to most Shotokan scholars as a key student of
Funakoshi sensei. </p>
<p class="Standard">25 years ago there was significant
political and practice differences between many very senior members of the
Shotokai and the Shotokai Hombu dojo in Tokyo, resulting in the formation of
the Yuten (Egami pen name) kai. It is
out of respect for the Yuten-kai that I no longer use the term Shoto-kai.</p>
<p class="Standard">I first met them 15 years ago through
a mutual friend in Italy. Since that
time I have practised in Japan, Italy and here in UK with Yutenkai masters and
5<sup>th</sup> dan instructors. One 5<sup>th</sup>
dan master in particular Isao Ariga sensei was probably the man I admired the
most. If I had a role model it would be
him. Sadly he has passed away and faced
a premature death with immense dignity and courage. I remain in contact with his widow and make a
point of paying my respects to his memory when in Japan.</p>
<p class="Standard">I was also introduced to McCarthy
Hanshi through another Italian friend. On our first meeting we enjoyed good times
both on and off the dojo and I am also honoured to call Hanshi my friend. I try to meet with him at least once a year
either in UK or more often, in Italy.
He’s an impressive man whose karate knowledge and experience is as deep
and extensive as any. I like what he
does and the explanations underpinning them, and have adopted some of his
practices into the syllabus of my group. I’m also impressed by the manner he conducts
himself and the way he leads and manages a worldwide karate movement with a
huge following.</p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Are there any other teachers who have had an
influence on you and your approach to martial arts?</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">And if so, what were those influences?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">My personal practice and philosophy
is also influenced by the two most impressive martial artists I have ever had
the good fortune to practice with and be taught by, Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang and
his student Karel Koskuba. Both men, but
particularly Karel, are understated and unbelievably inspiring. Their skill is
matched only by their humility and willingness to give their time to others.</p>
<p class="Standard">Finally I am fond of Iain
Abernethy. His karate knowledge and
application is great but moreover I am drawn to him as a man. I feel he and I are, in many ways, more
similar than it appears on the surface.</p><p class="Standard"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: red;">Having absorbed these influences, how would you
describe your teaching today and what makes you unique from most others?</span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">I was a frontline police officer and
detective for 32 years. I have formed
opinions based upon those experiences.
People seem reluctant to acknowledge, but the fact is the chances of
encountering personal physical violence, for the majority of people, is very
low. Of course some people do sadly fall
victim, but if you remove what Iain Abernethy refers to as consensual fighting
i.e. usually young men brawling; people who become vulnerable through the
effects of excess alcohol, and discount
domestic violence victims from the equation, you’re left with a large portion
of the population. These people are
unlikely to ever find themselves facing violence and therefore martial art
appears to offer little value because they don’t feel in need of “self
defence”.</p>
<p class="Standard">Zenshin dojo focuses on defence from
self, good, natural posture, efficient use of the body structure and encouraging
all manner of skills, abilities, qualities and behaviours that are valuable in
everyday life and transferrable to modern living. It’s a far more holistic approach to well
being.</p>
<p class="Standard">Learning how to stay calm under
pressure, non reliance on power and domination, sensitivity, discipline and
motivation are all key elements. Of course I teach technique, kata
application etc, but these do not really interest me as much as time spent
finding ways to improve and develop the yin and yang contrast, I mentioned
earlier. I have “used” my karate training
several times throughout my police career but in a way people never expect or
truly understand.</p>
<p class="Standard"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">I read on one of your websites once, (though I
can't find it now) that you are sometimes referred to as “the friendly Sensei”.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">I title that you seemed a little bit
embarrassed about.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Having trained with
you and your club a couple of times, I can say that's a fair description and
that your whole club has a well ingrained ethos of friendliness to others.</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span></span></p><p class="Standard" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: red;">
With so many other martial arts classes being very formal and almost
militaristic in format, was this a deliberate approach by you, or just your own
natural personality shining through? </span></p>
<p class="Standard">Yes.
I have adult teaching qualifications to degree level and one thing
accepted as fact in post compulsory education teaching is adults learn best a)
in a relaxed environment; b) adults don’t appreciate their behaviour being
judged, c) adults learn best by problem solving. It’s my belief that the formal militaristic
classes do not and will not attract the majority of adults. Of course they will appeal to some but the
appeal of that kind of training will tend to attract younger people into the
dojo, although I appreciate there are always exceptions and it’s easy to be too
simplistic.</p>
<p class="Standard">I’ve spent my entire police career
employed within a quasi military, certainly disciplined and hierarchal
organisation. In my experience, the best
“leaders” are those who support, value and guide rather than barking
commands. Encouraging people to do
difficult challenging things because they want to, not because they are complying
with an order! </p>
<p class="Standard"> The instructor at the Shotokan club I
first attended was the formal, militaristic type, as a young novice I once
asked him why it was important to perform a particular exercise. “Because I
said so” he bellowed. I did what he asked but lost immediate respect for him
and his teaching. Others may like that
style, I did not!</p><p class="Standard"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="Standard">I end this answer by controversially
stating I’m English, not Japanese and I have no desire to be Japanese despite
visiting the country several times and having numerous Japanese friends whom I
care deeply about. I like their culture
and traditions, but I’m not Japanese. Of
course we have some (although not much) formality and we acknowledge the
heritage of karate through the teachings of Funakoshi sensei etc, but I sense
many clubs are “formal” for “Formality” sake.
There is a romantic narrative of the Samurai, Shogun, bushido and all
that goes with it, I know this is immensely appealing, but not to me.</p><p class="Standard"><br /></p>Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-66513148089163001922022-10-03T12:07:00.003+01:002022-10-03T12:07:45.248+01:00The Yudansha meal<p><br />Zenshin dojo operates a traditional hierarchical structure
with members split into two basic groups, the first, Kyu (pronounced Q), and
the second, Dan. The terminology has its
roots in the popular strategy board game, Go. Centuries ago players would be ranked according to their
experience and skill. Confusingly the
more junior the player in terms of experience, the numerically higher their kyu
grade, in other words first kyu was the highest rank. Conversely the ranking of senior players, dans, numerically were numbered in a manner more easily understood i.e. one being
the lowest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbf_Z65XDcSqPk72eqQesBOyzH2DY61PTWZMpGrhGqRz6IheJPkoqCbyYnw9Qcxjm-Ry8s_l31-FeEh3hhZp7_HhfBmbQdCsyhqKh3kTjjR096i_I9qrQTsh7TDJfeZQQxhcWq5eTJnj-pejZI-VlrHdpc4i-YLWNObWUcAJkpbUanSCzxTrk_8pdSA/s275/go.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbf_Z65XDcSqPk72eqQesBOyzH2DY61PTWZMpGrhGqRz6IheJPkoqCbyYnw9Qcxjm-Ry8s_l31-FeEh3hhZp7_HhfBmbQdCsyhqKh3kTjjR096i_I9qrQTsh7TDJfeZQQxhcWq5eTJnj-pejZI-VlrHdpc4i-YLWNObWUcAJkpbUanSCzxTrk_8pdSA/s1600/go.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p>In a martial arts context and in particular within the
karate world, the kyu and dan approach to grading is ubiquitous. The coloured
belt (obi) rankings often differ, but generally, the most junior rank within the
majority of karate groups, is either sixth, seventh or eighth kyu. Zenshin dojo ranks begin at “Novice” which equates
to seventh kyu, although this title is never used. Red belt is the first grade i.e. sixth kyu.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kyu grade practitioners are known collectively as “Mudansha”
meaning those without dan!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Zenshin dojo tries to walk the fine line between respecting
and understanding the traditions and heritage of karate-do, without becoming so
immersed in the formality of Japanese etiquette so often seen in other karate
clubs, sometimes to the point of obsession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For many karate groups dan grades can go as high as tenth dan.
The problem is that for most people, particularly from western cultures, it’s
easy to believe a tenth dan must be “better” than a ninth dan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In reality it just doesn’t work that
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan ranks can be awarded for
administrative or honorary reasons; these have nothing to do with karate
skill or prowess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore Karate is an unregulated, diverse
industry so comparisons are almost impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One group’s tenth dan may be another group’s third dan etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, American “Great Grandmaster
Fred Villari” is a fifteenth dan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His website
extols he is “the highest rank one can attain in a martial art.” At the risk of
sounding disrespectful his exalted grade may be more of a commercial lure than
evidence of his karate competence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
contrast, Gichin Funakoshi the Okinawan man widely accepted as first
introducing karate to Japan was, after a lifetime of practice, a mere fifth dan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This brings us nicely to the Zenshin dojo dan
grade ranking. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XX_xCaLUIdlxdoLVXP8-lWZ4f7Q5lZkvYjIWm-MF0x4FPaE6kLDKlZGOIgMg9FfcKIdRFihvnyV6MGzPW57IA3f8jvG42GSiYB1RTSNKEWHq08vRfQbb5HUQhnQb6WHjzvmPj8aqRfr76sRFTGDnrLhoToLvWFkr-oT4wsG80DNC-SWVi10i3_hc2g/s356/Gichin-Funakoshi.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="247" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XX_xCaLUIdlxdoLVXP8-lWZ4f7Q5lZkvYjIWm-MF0x4FPaE6kLDKlZGOIgMg9FfcKIdRFihvnyV6MGzPW57IA3f8jvG42GSiYB1RTSNKEWHq08vRfQbb5HUQhnQb6WHjzvmPj8aqRfr76sRFTGDnrLhoToLvWFkr-oT4wsG80DNC-SWVi10i3_hc2g/w139-h200/Gichin-Funakoshi.gif" width="139" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funakoshi Sensei</td></tr></tbody></table>Rob first practiced the “Shotokai” style (see previous blog)
with Mitsusuke Harada sensei.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harada, in common with every other practitioner from that particular lineage, remained a
fifth dan until the day he died having been awarded the rank in 1956!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consequently the Zenshin dojo dan grades rank
from one to five only.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The collective name for dan grade practitioners in “Yudansha”.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 2005, the very first meal for Yudansha took place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an opportunity for those most senior Zenshin
dojo members to meet, eat, drink and generally enjoy each other’s company in a
formal yet relaxed environment. It was also an occasion for Rob to recognise
and celebrate individual achievements and present awards. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that time the Yudansha-kai, (Association
of black belts) was formed.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbSLRy0y3t8DdpGRlAfvlTznvDXANzC4ZbMeScuZFVHsOeaNIAi_IJI6yItw-AuuzhYfBhIjFwWOtBnUKg6imhBGx8zRgrPl7Cjz5nY4YwC0aZzE6NIouxNiuyeck0ppg1dsFKLhLg7mfLQ-2SeLzF_jua-AGUT0ALPlgg2nikMt3wHjymsSWfGQSvA/s886/013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="886" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbSLRy0y3t8DdpGRlAfvlTznvDXANzC4ZbMeScuZFVHsOeaNIAi_IJI6yItw-AuuzhYfBhIjFwWOtBnUKg6imhBGx8zRgrPl7Cjz5nY4YwC0aZzE6NIouxNiuyeck0ppg1dsFKLhLg7mfLQ-2SeLzF_jua-AGUT0ALPlgg2nikMt3wHjymsSWfGQSvA/w400-h300/013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2005</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since then the Yudansha meal has become an established annual
Zenshin dojo tradition, missed only once in 2020 as a result of the global
pandemic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Occasionally guests are
invited, but essentially the evening bonds black belt members together as a
community within a community expressly dedicated to the future preservation and long-term growth of the club.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuZoY6o7rssDtiMF4cGmBINJzkpMBL97l2uXMMEi2ripqFCo5JW12tcTaG3ccx-pAzfj2PKtFv9miJQ1EUjtsGVbjB7raUF_45W0ZgAsL-FeKOnEDExzMMCInmVpmaED0yk8Rj3RJi-5l3ar3FBGi4gq3GjNbir0Mnh1Ld2-v8jtK-ZsdM5mVeE_3_A/s1621/2022%2009%2030%20Yudansha%20meal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1621" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuZoY6o7rssDtiMF4cGmBINJzkpMBL97l2uXMMEi2ripqFCo5JW12tcTaG3ccx-pAzfj2PKtFv9miJQ1EUjtsGVbjB7raUF_45W0ZgAsL-FeKOnEDExzMMCInmVpmaED0yk8Rj3RJi-5l3ar3FBGi4gq3GjNbir0Mnh1Ld2-v8jtK-ZsdM5mVeE_3_A/w400-h225/2022%2009%2030%20Yudansha%20meal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><o:p> </o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br />Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-82298904601995683712022-08-30T15:01:00.000+01:002022-08-30T15:01:10.349+01:00People Centric Karate<p> Zenshin dojo is a “People Centric Karate” club. But what does that mean?</p><p>In my forty years of karate experiences I’ve travelled the world, practised with many groups, sampled different styles and disciplines and met some amazing teachers and practitioners. In the course of my travels I've come to the conclusion karate clubs or organisations tend to be fall into one of two categories.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQz4lfdQ1b6oXk1jonbbyv-pwJZGlX3zL_4BnjBQzflFWCoNHxWdYOf8OnBYnaA-buUvVxbjNopSMe2FIDdn9F_vN8S7z8gfE2RlJlRkBlIH_iINqZq4Z-H_vKs0R-0g1SLbr9iSRccBfP1rW8t1sHWpLzM8AVm-I9BGal6CbiSHXyXH4EvC1Drx2Ig/s415/Picture%20448%20(2).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="415" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQz4lfdQ1b6oXk1jonbbyv-pwJZGlX3zL_4BnjBQzflFWCoNHxWdYOf8OnBYnaA-buUvVxbjNopSMe2FIDdn9F_vN8S7z8gfE2RlJlRkBlIH_iINqZq4Z-H_vKs0R-0g1SLbr9iSRccBfP1rW8t1sHWpLzM8AVm-I9BGal6CbiSHXyXH4EvC1Drx2Ig/s320/Picture%20448%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The first I would label "Karate Centric", groups where the central focus is on the karate itself. I compare this particular genre, metaphorically, to a fitness centre or gym. The gym owners provide all the necessary equipment for their members to keep fit. There are staff on hand to help gain the most from particular exercises and there is real benefit from regular attendance. However the gym centre staff are not personal trainers their role is one of general facilitation rather than bespoke guidance. If the gym folds the members find another gym and carry on as before.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtBN8vzySCyiJAfmBvsGWyhuLffWBf04VwkFsLrefyxYlnzPY-C8aorwfWl43IwUcXgCw-17bwvbUFolxOsqYFNpMAi5t3MyC8DOTid_kzRha64VoAHvnAWEBQz8y6mrEYZixfXvPU6iKOvsow4MiOZh3XmyuN2iAzPaStFaLyHE3DeMYNiOoVNlFOA/s5906/28348_1360145615949_1600826931_851034_7400207_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4429" data-original-width="5906" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtBN8vzySCyiJAfmBvsGWyhuLffWBf04VwkFsLrefyxYlnzPY-C8aorwfWl43IwUcXgCw-17bwvbUFolxOsqYFNpMAi5t3MyC8DOTid_kzRha64VoAHvnAWEBQz8y6mrEYZixfXvPU6iKOvsow4MiOZh3XmyuN2iAzPaStFaLyHE3DeMYNiOoVNlFOA/w292-h219/28348_1360145615949_1600826931_851034_7400207_n.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>The second category I've called "Personality Centric". This type of club or organisation are personality driven, that is to say they revolve around an individual. This person is generally a high grade, a “Master”, often opinionated and can be guilty of being blinkered to alternative views. In the worst of cases the phrase “my way or the highway” comes to mind. For groups like this, all too often when the “master” leaves, retires or dies a power vacuum is created causing internal political division and ultimate disintegration of the organisation or club.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBcgbBTk9NLNUzPvLVTdmxlQkNxllbWaLNawqeG7tDppaRonFVuCy1XMamRIh4VT3Qe30diDe2NMLTa-T3wm57zv83ytOn-qyifNpNDhXYvKxPHOxfX_AZ2YkI48GDTllkF9N41kkppJacU_mSC_zQPlvK2aGS-v8eEaWnXhDJEwy0q_oOmrHylYhYQ/s960/206048_380602362000605_809029958_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBcgbBTk9NLNUzPvLVTdmxlQkNxllbWaLNawqeG7tDppaRonFVuCy1XMamRIh4VT3Qe30diDe2NMLTa-T3wm57zv83ytOn-qyifNpNDhXYvKxPHOxfX_AZ2YkI48GDTllkF9N41kkppJacU_mSC_zQPlvK2aGS-v8eEaWnXhDJEwy0q_oOmrHylYhYQ/w200-h150/206048_380602362000605_809029958_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>To be honest, over the years, I’ve experienced both genres. However, I assert Zenshin dojo falls outside the two categories. I should add that neither are wrong or incapable of providing excellent karate tuition, nevertheless I find the distinction interesting but neither very appealing.<p></p><div><div>Some years ago, following an Iain Abernethy seminar, two young men from differing karate styles and clubs approached me. I’d never met either before. They explained that they had attended many such seminars in all parts of the country but found the Zenshin dojo environment unusually warm and welcoming. Their comments got me thinking.</div><div><br /></div><div>The sun radiates light and heat which enables life on Earth to be possible. Its warmth nurtures, allowing all living things to grow and develop. It could be argued that in the aforementioned categories either the karate or the master are the metaphoric sun. But for Zenshin dojo it’s the members who are central to the existence of life.</div></div><br />Taking the metaphor a stage further, various academics have been quoted as saying “the relaxation we feel when we sit by an open fire can be traced back to our ancient ancestors who saw flames as essential to safety, survival and socialising”. I’m sure we can all agree that on a cold winter's evening there are few things more inviting than a roaring fireplace. The flickering flames draw us in and capture our attention.<br /><br />The Zenshin dojo “fire” was lit in 1992. Like all fires it needs constant maintenance to prevent the flames from dying. A regular supply of combustible material has to be gathered, stored and added to keep the fire burning brightly. But who gathers the wood?<br /><br />For many years I have been the primary source and in the past couple of decades that responsibility has been shared with the Instructors and club seniors who are all committed to keeping the fire alive. But here we return to our “People Centric Karate” maxim for it is our members who by their attendance truly keep the fire healthy, bright and burning. Their individual contribution may be perceived as relatively small, nonetheless even the smallest sliver helps and without it the flame dies.<br /><br />So please remember, every time you attend a class, residential weekend, dojo practice, or social event, you are helping the collective keep the flame eternal thus allowing us all to benefit from the warmth and nourishment our club "fire" provides.<div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGKcPYnDABJfSBhSt-ofW0BmZN4n0RG01uqhWjTY_I4rH64spIQBPnwYk02EaiUb8CTfNVWbzS4Yq5PrzMnNEHB4-L-9T33N88coJtk-95VozHv687R-AnUU6G7dkSWiTNwfG1bRGoZ8BC4eWOo5_kS8IENqnz_VEZZk5NfCl4Auoqv9E1P3YMiQUnw/s565/5193189-27842529-thumbnail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="565" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGKcPYnDABJfSBhSt-ofW0BmZN4n0RG01uqhWjTY_I4rH64spIQBPnwYk02EaiUb8CTfNVWbzS4Yq5PrzMnNEHB4-L-9T33N88coJtk-95VozHv687R-AnUU6G7dkSWiTNwfG1bRGoZ8BC4eWOo5_kS8IENqnz_VEZZk5NfCl4Auoqv9E1P3YMiQUnw/w640-h288/5193189-27842529-thumbnail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div>Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-47727730352781626772022-02-01T09:37:00.009+00:002022-02-03T08:12:50.133+00:00 The Evolution of Zenshin dojo<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuDALFRgKDLgECcFqxhvebLYHp8U8l7F06UoLU9G1GszckuY0tpFRYW_MyTElghd_6dZgsjMeqVWmug5nZH46teAZIocQtpSWOkYd14SgXWwlaMd3dO96mlu8mwI1KgVMhgjisq4icly8ydcZeWOQ7-PxN9rPXad72bwbsOj00vJWiSwVStKMIYmwTnQ=s356" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="247" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuDALFRgKDLgECcFqxhvebLYHp8U8l7F06UoLU9G1GszckuY0tpFRYW_MyTElghd_6dZgsjMeqVWmug5nZH46teAZIocQtpSWOkYd14SgXWwlaMd3dO96mlu8mwI1KgVMhgjisq4icly8ydcZeWOQ7-PxN9rPXad72bwbsOj00vJWiSwVStKMIYmwTnQ=w222-h320" width="222" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Funakoshi </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This article
shouldn’t be seen as a definitive commentary of karate’s history. Rather it seeks to simply track karate’s
evolution from Okinawa to Zenshin dojo, thus providing a basic understanding of
the origins of Zenshin dojo practices and in so doing offer context to Zenshin
dojo members.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Many
scholars believe the genesis of karate can be traced from India, through China
and beyond via trade routes and migration. It is widely
accepted a man called Funakoshi Gichin, introduced karate developed in Okinawa to
mainland Japan. Arguably there were
others but this article focuses on the Funakoshi legacy.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Culturally, some individuals would be referred to by a pseudonym or pen name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This tradition becomes significant in the
context of our story.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Funakoshi’s
pen name was 'Shoto' which roughly translates to pine waves, an apparent poetic
reference to the Okinawan winds gently blowing through the pine trees.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">If someone
wanted to learn karate from Funakoshi they would visit him at the hall, known
as 'kan', where he taught. Therefore if a person practised with Funakoshi they
would be members of "Shoto’s kan."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Although
Funakoshi was an impressive advocate of his art, karate was perceived by many
as a Chinese fighting system at a time when relations between the two countries were not
great. Consequently, Funakoshi <span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">initiated
subtle alterations </span>with a view to making the discipline more acceptable to a Japanese
audience, however it didn’t really take hold until Japan geared up for the Sino-Japanese
War. Karate, particularly kihon, lent itself
well to military training and karate practices were accepted as an excellent
way of improving the physical condition of young men. It had also taken root in the Japanese
University culture which is believed to be the birth of competition based
sport karate. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">When Japan surrendered to the Americans thus ending the war, Tokyo was awash with American <span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">GI’s attracted to the martial arts, as a result some cross fertilisation took place.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">According to his own account, Manchurian born
Mitsusuke Harada, joined Shoto’s kan around this time. By then Funakoshi was an old man and in April
1957 he died. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Following
his death, there was a dispute relating to his funeral arrangements. The Japanese Karate Association (JKA) had
been created and felt it was their responsibility to organise
the funeral, however, some believed the JKA had moved away from the original
concepts and philosophy so important to Funakoshi, consequently those who chose a different path from the JKA, notably
Funakoshi’s uchi-deshi, Shigeru Egami, supported by Funakoshi’s family and
friends, formed a separate alliance collectively known as the Shoto-kai
(Association of Shoto).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_4uvA73yDGdKCYQxAbeMtjs8rnFL6I4idlJEHY4IEOjeOyW8ugIG0F2wSJxBMzhlmBLCtTdDCwGzS38ibVtuyL2kKFi1yCvZw-U3CnpM3gWrTM5hth6K2DH8ikJ0oi1bcjGQtpnH3Apzw0N1LPFX5coarAyY-DB1N-EknPrdmi6k4Us7ktIIXkvS8hQ=s300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="271" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_4uvA73yDGdKCYQxAbeMtjs8rnFL6I4idlJEHY4IEOjeOyW8ugIG0F2wSJxBMzhlmBLCtTdDCwGzS38ibVtuyL2kKFi1yCvZw-U3CnpM3gWrTM5hth6K2DH8ikJ0oi1bcjGQtpnH3Apzw0N1LPFX5coarAyY-DB1N-EknPrdmi6k4Us7ktIIXkvS8hQ" width="271" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egami and Harada</td></tr></tbody></table>Harada had
become close to Egami and legend has it the two trained constantly together for
a whole year, however, by the time of Funakoshi’s death, Harada, who worked for
an international bank, had been posted to Brazil by his employers.
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Unsurprisingly,
Harada wanted to introduce Funakoshi's karate to a South American audience and
therefore was awarded the rank of 5<sup>th</sup> dan.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">In February
1963, Harada was invited to teach at a dojo in Paris. Initially he planned on staying for a year, but he experienced immigration problems and a personality clash with another
Japanese instructor. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">At some
point in time, a <i>Shotokan</i>
practitioner called Tetsuji Murakami met and trained with Egami sensei. Murakami
was so impressed by Egami’s approach to karate practice he effectively
converted to the <i>Shotokai</i> style. Accordingly, by the time of Harada’s arrival in France, Murakami
had already established himself as an important karate figure on the continent.
</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrW9xgjjOtDj4ZSyO6_FXiTEXBumOKWOh7MOAKSxEoXBZ1p16PJ-W0uONJW8uwYPTSCzf7U-LU5tC5NehEobC15BDHSR7J64jIsOMtfVGwJtMEJXm1WfyH5-p2DTkDCXB3RUOH8MIdl8CLyGEdwxyrW0qQpCKEHsBMNTw8u-dGnm3H_af6TGKX50JPmg=s265" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="190" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrW9xgjjOtDj4ZSyO6_FXiTEXBumOKWOh7MOAKSxEoXBZ1p16PJ-W0uONJW8uwYPTSCzf7U-LU5tC5NehEobC15BDHSR7J64jIsOMtfVGwJtMEJXm1WfyH5-p2DTkDCXB3RUOH8MIdl8CLyGEdwxyrW0qQpCKEHsBMNTw8u-dGnm3H_af6TGKX50JPmg" width="190" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murakami</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">It’s clear
that Harada and Murakami did not get on and there were significant and profound differences in their
approaches and interpretations of Egami’s teachings. What exactly happened is difficult to pin
down, but whatever the reasons, Harada moved to UK and Murakami remained a
European karate leader primarily based in France but with an ever expanding organisation
across Europe.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Harada
settled in Cwmbran, Wales, and formed the Karate Do Shotokai (KDS). His innovative and original practices were exciting and engaging. Consequently the KDS grew in popularity throughout England, Scotland and Wales.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">In early
1984, Rob Jones, founder of Zenshin dojo, began practising karate in Pill where he was the resident community police officer. He was keen to get to know some troublesome
teenagers who frequented the local youth club and subsequently joined the
karate club there.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">Even as a
beginner, he felt the club’s style, a derivative of Shotokan, was poor,
the techniques unnecessarily rigid and the general environment unappealing. Luckily, by chance, he was introduced to a 2<sup>nd</sup>
dan practitioner, a student of Harada and member of the Karate Do
Shotokai. So impressed was Rob that he
immediately committed himself to Harada’s teachings through the guidance of his
teacher.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">By the end
of the 1980’s Harada’s group began to fracture.
The fault line lay between Harada and two of his highest, most respected
grades, Billy Haggerty and Colin Reeve.
Matters couldn’t be reconciled and in due course Haggerty and Reeve left
the KDS to begin their own organisation called The Shotokai Foundation. Haggerty was particularly popular in
Scotland; Reeve was based in the south of England. As a consequence of the breakup, many
Scottish clubs and a considerable number of English </span><span style="text-align: left;">clubs aligned
themselves with Haggerty and Reeve.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXejiXUp38LZxAoV23UkdkJbotseTZAK4cSTDg6Sfj0wKshSuYz7FKVva60ClxC28ya8iK13RmUE7rgicBWZ76mncelLs1eG6PgF2N-TTE_lqqtSokff9A5fJzq4pZxpZX-q3brmCtLDvj--4516E1TJOkF5bAkByN9ZIqsK9OiGKh0dJj7rOeXdfrfg=s1736" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1736" data-original-width="1437" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXejiXUp38LZxAoV23UkdkJbotseTZAK4cSTDg6Sfj0wKshSuYz7FKVva60ClxC28ya8iK13RmUE7rgicBWZ76mncelLs1eG6PgF2N-TTE_lqqtSokff9A5fJzq4pZxpZX-q3brmCtLDvj--4516E1TJOkF5bAkByN9ZIqsK9OiGKh0dJj7rOeXdfrfg=w166-h200" width="166" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob with Billy Haggerty</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="151" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNbE2rn_3o4wbEPa6fnszAvxYscZV_8ShMe_PsdYjbqQ1ywlfutp1phFlXfb2MV86khpHeKWeZYHi6upJeKIpFnB1r40nWj9Hk3K5Ph7wpxW2WtbneuBpQzGCl1dm9MLzKG_AH_IBL0D0EcKZtyEoxsLNhwAxmQkXRuyWQuogJimLykcr696YdZ5H5eQ=w174-h200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="174" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin Reeve</td></tr></tbody></table>Rob followed
his instructor Adrian Baker and became a member of the Shotokai
Foundation. Things seemed to be going
well. Rob was awarded his first dan in 1992, and opened his own club in Keynsham.
However, it became increasingly obvious that Haggerty and Reeve offered competing
karate perspectives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There couldn’t be
two 'Kings', consequently, for whatever reason, in 1993 Haggerty left and created a new
group based in Glasgow called Shoto Budo. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Shotokai Foundation continued for several more years before Reeve decided to leave and start his
own group called the Shotokai College. The void
created by Reeve’s departure was filled by a small group of seniors all of whom
had reached the grade of 5<sup>th</sup> dan.
But by the early 2000’s it was evident there were “too many cooks” and
ego’s were beginning to clash. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Things came to a head in 2002. With emotions running high the manifest differences between all concerned couldn’t be reconciled so the Shotokai Foundation once again fractured and yet another karate organisation, Shin Do Shotokai, was born.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">By this time Rob had reached the rank of 4th dan and was instrumental in the day to day administration of the new group. His Keynsham club had attracted a healthy membership, but with additional venues outside Keynsham, the club had geographically outgrown its name. Subsequently, in 2004 a new name was chosen, Zenshin dojo.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Rob’s desire
to broaden his karate experience and knowledge blossomed in 2000. During a
working visit to Lyon France, he visited a French Shotokai club. Despite the warm cordial welcome, differences
in technique, basic shapes and practices were immediately apparent. It transpired the Lyon group were members of Karate
Do Shotokai Europe, an organisation directly descended from Tetsuji Murakami. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Murakami had
died in 1987 leaving no single successor. As a result, there were many independent European Shotokai karate groups whose lineage could be traced back to him. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1KiVUKupgP9GqObG0M4j6HD1FwoTg2b9yG1Pv5XEwvM1do1F2g9VAhr8MSUjvy1JBINtsfifvBiwUSsB3-dCB0aD1T_rrly70hItsNJnxg0b5QMQkYfogeb_N8U6vzczw9CgArKIcP2jEJMCsbvwatmclR4ZHi_EL3929fiQnCqsIypOAjVa33NhPUA=s1424" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1424" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1KiVUKupgP9GqObG0M4j6HD1FwoTg2b9yG1Pv5XEwvM1do1F2g9VAhr8MSUjvy1JBINtsfifvBiwUSsB3-dCB0aD1T_rrly70hItsNJnxg0b5QMQkYfogeb_N8U6vzczw9CgArKIcP2jEJMCsbvwatmclR4ZHi_EL3929fiQnCqsIypOAjVa33NhPUA=w320-h249" width="320" /></a></div>Friendship
overcame Shotokai karate practice differences and in 2003 Rob was invited to attend
the first ever "Shotokai International Meeting", in Almada, Portugal.<br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The organisers
recognised how fragmented the Shotokai 'style' had become and hoped to bring
the diverse groups from around the globe together, to talk, share knowledge,
promote understanding and in so doing bring some consistency to Shotokai
practices. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGVOT4XqY2NiikawzX7aYvdTyJc7RqfmQXgb7PHZSd8g3-CdoRWDV_rw08Dz0nLaaC1QijzjDR9WlXpFoSTJSFYcAHQkAllcYcFkHvvK8hzbCnYDwosdh0ti7BPI7I0n2qZDr4UTYHk008uZ3rtzlB2sg1I3X3mJgqULK0Pq0H6wh_BECDmj6tsY6FlQ=s1063" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1063" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGVOT4XqY2NiikawzX7aYvdTyJc7RqfmQXgb7PHZSd8g3-CdoRWDV_rw08Dz0nLaaC1QijzjDR9WlXpFoSTJSFYcAHQkAllcYcFkHvvK8hzbCnYDwosdh0ti7BPI7I0n2qZDr4UTYHk008uZ3rtzlB2sg1I3X3mJgqULK0Pq0H6wh_BECDmj6tsY6FlQ=w320-h230" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob receiving a gift from the Portuguese organisers</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The conference, although well attended by over 80 delegates from across most European nations and
as far away as Argentina and Mexico, was dominated by practitioners of the
Murakami school of Shotokai. Despite
receiving an invitation, Harada sensei had refused to participate or send a representative which resulted in
the fact Rob was the only delegate who had ever experienced his teachings. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Rob's friendship with the French and appearance at the Shotokai International Meeting opened many doors. In the following years he accepted invitations to practice with groups across Europe, notably in Portugal, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy. His ever growing network and exposure to different practices and opinions provided an unfortunate contrast to the karate practised by Shin Do Shotokai. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9nHQBEFtlejkPFyiJM4rsxleKmpWrs0KFOxSgpWdVWzL3gusWBvlqeLkJJbHkm-sOFccCdh6YeIh_3Of7bukqTbIJZ4Y-O-DaBufYFV4rxqlPVn5owU-TC3Nk9LMTxA2WS3WR8V_LBnKukNccxNTJIKkdCzr342EDtZiP9gBdWfopJ7fy9ctIPxHyYg=s1280" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9nHQBEFtlejkPFyiJM4rsxleKmpWrs0KFOxSgpWdVWzL3gusWBvlqeLkJJbHkm-sOFccCdh6YeIh_3Of7bukqTbIJZ4Y-O-DaBufYFV4rxqlPVn5owU-TC3Nk9LMTxA2WS3WR8V_LBnKukNccxNTJIKkdCzr342EDtZiP9gBdWfopJ7fy9ctIPxHyYg=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zenshin dojo team with Keisuke Nakagawa and Koibuchi sensei</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A particularly close relationship with Italian, Marco Forti resulted in a 2005 visit to Cesena, Italy and a subsequent invitation to participate in an autumn Gasshuku in Fontanellato. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Unfortunately for Rob, the
dates clashed with a wedding commitment, however he felt it important for
Zenshin dojo to be represented at the event because it offered an opportunity
to meet and practice with several Japanese karate masters who had been direct
students of Egami sensei. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">These inspiring, humble, friendly men were members of a Japan wide organisation called the Yuten-kai, (Association of Egami).</p><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0hLulXByP5XwA0mSdOXjZVfG1x6JlRATKUg37QTnrswBZljn2vZtz0mjJDXf95cr1rwLfMxs33LZRCa80Yg87WSdbrsWKP_NyqOw-lBPZNtFdhrUgVoYGGzCBQfxs9f6LOAGivC-RK2irSjsVEHLpuCpVoP8zxsgJs4TNtfaF_ICl-gcSOwtmhMeerg=s1181" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="1181" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0hLulXByP5XwA0mSdOXjZVfG1x6JlRATKUg37QTnrswBZljn2vZtz0mjJDXf95cr1rwLfMxs33LZRCa80Yg87WSdbrsWKP_NyqOw-lBPZNtFdhrUgVoYGGzCBQfxs9f6LOAGivC-RK2irSjsVEHLpuCpVoP8zxsgJs4TNtfaF_ICl-gcSOwtmhMeerg=w400-h189" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob with Enzo Cellini and Yutenkai masters Pisa 2007</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">It transpired that three Yutenkai masters from the Fujitsu dojo, each year, routinely shared their knowledge, experience and teaching at a karate camp held on a Mediterranean beach just outside Pisa. Their host, 5th dan senior karate-ka Enzo Cellini, was friends with Marco Forti and through that connection Rob was invited to attend the 2007 Pisa event. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigYEpfN7gQRBbGW5mz5m0CWYopHBMzsYJ8pQKZI4lbKRefeTvc2c_BOEI8t08jDNAvN96qSu8Wx3svCpZwberBcLOcxpa3aDu3-zZmIZXN7nSm4B7hCtF0ZXZ-14aCTcb3jGccwmDtXJIUpFXkhePln8zzibIk0_QJG3GmKmNS8QbI4gf5aGvPZN6oQQ=s1028" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1028" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigYEpfN7gQRBbGW5mz5m0CWYopHBMzsYJ8pQKZI4lbKRefeTvc2c_BOEI8t08jDNAvN96qSu8Wx3svCpZwberBcLOcxpa3aDu3-zZmIZXN7nSm4B7hCtF0ZXZ-14aCTcb3jGccwmDtXJIUpFXkhePln8zzibIk0_QJG3GmKmNS8QbI4gf5aGvPZN6oQQ=w400-h296" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marco Forti, Rob, Enzo Cellini</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;">From then on friendships grew. Rob and other Zenshin members became regular attendees at the Pisa camp, each year guided by the Yutenkai masters and <span style="text-align: justify;">supported by their increasingly friendly Italian peers.</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sadly, the
Shin Do Shotokai, “Technical Directors”, Alan Neish and Stephen Gilmour, were
becoming increasing unhappy with Rob’s experiences in the wider karate world.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">They certainly didn’t share his open
mindedness or willingness to explore new perspectives.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span>Despite his sincere commitment to continue helping and supporting Shin Do Shotokai, Rob became increasingly marginalised and a rift developed between him and Gilmour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">In 2009,
Shin Do Shotokai collapsed; the organisation was dissolved with the remaining
funds divided equally between the five 5</span><sup style="text-align: justify;">th</sup><span style="text-align: justify;"> dans.</span> From that moment on Zenshin dojo became an independent club, not affiliated to any association or group. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later that
year, seven Zenshin dojo members and a large contingent of Italian friends
visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and attended a karate camp in sight of Mt Fuji hosted
by the Yutenkai masters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr6_gJInVa8nnDJqNC4GkDYXDkq9YwzVEDnwdsrYSv3KZVmhHfwzf5aNuXcBsSrfyoylDd8k5HYl58qgzzNDTKPXr42mtuXjRXP3c97Sbh0dWfLuqrBclWCw7AhZ_uYJpMzs4GPNwTUFiGIGVwEZ-4JLhnZXsZwpy_rHZaZhapRiFhd_oQkk1VsCQ_nQ=s2592" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr6_gJInVa8nnDJqNC4GkDYXDkq9YwzVEDnwdsrYSv3KZVmhHfwzf5aNuXcBsSrfyoylDd8k5HYl58qgzzNDTKPXr42mtuXjRXP3c97Sbh0dWfLuqrBclWCw7AhZ_uYJpMzs4GPNwTUFiGIGVwEZ-4JLhnZXsZwpy_rHZaZhapRiFhd_oQkk1VsCQ_nQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zenshin dojo group in front Mt Fuji</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTLND1teNpC2MUME1AML4Yer5HNa4TE5pKSM4qmZY9eyGaya4bGILk0EYaRpIo2LBy5GuoW4rVrOkEmGNiNSHaTUKST3ch2c0DXRnCBSnTwbOBRUKRrMoqYlUhtnUwTp_eHE8_KtgFXKYLMWX1GZdWw1KwJwyd3YaR7URvnuB3Im7kqXqrRejulKoELQ=s604" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="604" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTLND1teNpC2MUME1AML4Yer5HNa4TE5pKSM4qmZY9eyGaya4bGILk0EYaRpIo2LBy5GuoW4rVrOkEmGNiNSHaTUKST3ch2c0DXRnCBSnTwbOBRUKRrMoqYlUhtnUwTp_eHE8_KtgFXKYLMWX1GZdWw1KwJwyd3YaR7URvnuB3Im7kqXqrRejulKoELQ=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zenshin dojo group performing the kata Meikyo</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">During their stay, respects were paid at the grave of Egami sensei and Funakoshi </span><span style="text-align: justify;">sensei</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span></div><p></p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrLhLf81bY2woUavtkDmIp3kd7RkdPMyTgVrqEBt51BPqLRT5Ag0mEi_NaVlBjM8fZ4DUsQ3FgECQG8d6A8EhgISf9E3VD85caJRyAK702-52SJgZncxfyoo-lenZAnxaFlVSxQbXqih2bIxr4U1AjOba__M9P9tJky62lknchTL48_CIXsnViKQYwmw=s1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrLhLf81bY2woUavtkDmIp3kd7RkdPMyTgVrqEBt51BPqLRT5Ag0mEi_NaVlBjM8fZ4DUsQ3FgECQG8d6A8EhgISf9E3VD85caJRyAK702-52SJgZncxfyoo-lenZAnxaFlVSxQbXqih2bIxr4U1AjOba__M9P9tJky62lknchTL48_CIXsnViKQYwmw=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob at Egami sensei's grave</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkGDe0zfPZ1NKAuHhUSq8BcODmtOhEARwhNzrTflX0M522W0tXx_don3uX0G9KzjtbdU9Tucq5iuQwEcCAE7rF-4O6dVSix1_-N9i8mRtkYtsP7texvPs0RLcwYjP-lkZYsYDXf3zbTxkfEMxKHpxhSJOca75HwA5-RPwCd7SwUvs4sNvvD28jbixQdA=s1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkGDe0zfPZ1NKAuHhUSq8BcODmtOhEARwhNzrTflX0M522W0tXx_don3uX0G9KzjtbdU9Tucq5iuQwEcCAE7rF-4O6dVSix1_-N9i8mRtkYtsP7texvPs0RLcwYjP-lkZYsYDXf3zbTxkfEMxKHpxhSJOca75HwA5-RPwCd7SwUvs4sNvvD28jbixQdA=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe at Funakoshi sensei's grave</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In 2010,
Zenshin dojo organised an International karate gathering, (Gasshuku), in Bristol. The practice weekend at the University of
the West of England, attracted over 150 karate practitioners from seven
different countries and was led by three Yutenkai masters supported by six
other experienced Yutenkai members.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheukCrweiZkoxvFHiHgQahkrWJ0py1hl5K7mav9Ocat2c_2zkOFASer4UUFoqV6IXlXcICwlqStxKlboKVaNuI9ok9SILxTUowvmbP8BbLeS8XeXZGk2Qu9xWD9FL__FFQogUsL2e-gwus4Bgrqw5p_ivXgTSwF68x29Jsw_xlymL44ohAZ1K1VZadtQ=s5906" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3945" data-original-width="5906" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheukCrweiZkoxvFHiHgQahkrWJ0py1hl5K7mav9Ocat2c_2zkOFASer4UUFoqV6IXlXcICwlqStxKlboKVaNuI9ok9SILxTUowvmbP8BbLeS8XeXZGk2Qu9xWD9FL__FFQogUsL2e-gwus4Bgrqw5p_ivXgTSwF68x29Jsw_xlymL44ohAZ1K1VZadtQ=w400-h268" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ariga sensei leading the Gasshuku</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid8YvKWq4cixV0kd-BpCmCxPBqPqckleo5k6RK8CzjveWkB0G3SwennSR6E6h3ergU90NqrdybTozZlpshTkTxbytZTp239Mh-vXjfVhZIhFXCB-ydS6pM9A2TtL6-Lfy0P0thG_w-gr8fYaoZCXFdW0Fh3exP5z6Yh1KQHz20x-mPN4su2BCf82-H8w=s5906" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4429" data-original-width="5906" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid8YvKWq4cixV0kd-BpCmCxPBqPqckleo5k6RK8CzjveWkB0G3SwennSR6E6h3ergU90NqrdybTozZlpshTkTxbytZTp239Mh-vXjfVhZIhFXCB-ydS6pM9A2TtL6-Lfy0P0thG_w-gr8fYaoZCXFdW0Fh3exP5z6Yh1KQHz20x-mPN4su2BCf82-H8w=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koibuchi sensei, Rob, Ariga sensei and Nakano sensei</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">By this time
Marco Forti had become disillusioned with Shotokai karate. Consequently he became a student of Hanshi
Patrick McCarthy an internationally recognised karate pioneer and
academic. McCarthy has authored many
books relating to karate and the Okinawan martial arts, most notably the 'Bubishi' a classic text, known as the “bible of karate” by many eminent
practitioners. Marco soon adopted McCarthy’s
innovative approach and training methods and became a student of Koryu Uchinadi
Kenpo-jutsu, a modern interpretation of Okinawa’s historic fighting arts.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRyhN5O_KieqTjN7F2_WNCU2MggjtlFdFzSA9z82llQ0h6uLcR_nJYsgBKBZRA8XuNkLtZrZs4_4rXo-OIw_ffgGODmK78AgUUtdvT_rRBUaUIyNtGy3e5CgUDNWZSduSLYIITfUSL4m-xC2YPUez0LIQxcsGAayS0wvISPbp4q6krabx4J7wSeUlPMQ=s1845" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1845" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRyhN5O_KieqTjN7F2_WNCU2MggjtlFdFzSA9z82llQ0h6uLcR_nJYsgBKBZRA8XuNkLtZrZs4_4rXo-OIw_ffgGODmK78AgUUtdvT_rRBUaUIyNtGy3e5CgUDNWZSduSLYIITfUSL4m-xC2YPUez0LIQxcsGAayS0wvISPbp4q6krabx4J7wSeUlPMQ=w320-h254" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob with Patrick McCarthy</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In 2012, on
a visit to Italy, Rob attended a Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu seminar and met
Patrick McCarthy. From then their
relationship developed and Rob attended Koryu Uchinadi seminars led by McCarthy
either in Italy or in UK every year until the pandemic.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Zenshin dojo
has adopted a small selection of the Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu practices which
add balance and something a little different to the overall Zenshin dojo
syllabus.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">History, and
Rob’s personal karate journey, has inevitably influenced and shaped the Zenshin
dojo curriculum. Consequently, Zenshin
dojo is a non style based independent club offering a blend of Shotokai karate
as developed by Mitsuske Harada sensei; Egami ryu as taught by the Japanese
Yutenkai group, and Hanshi Patrick McCarthy’s Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span>Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-21521572744428435862019-09-24T14:10:00.001+01:002019-09-24T14:11:10.057+01:001st Kyu (Brown belt) Welsh Retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The weekend retreat in Wales was the first for the Zenshin dojo 1st kyu (brown belt) group. After navigating enforced traffic delays, including the South Wales rush hour, accidents and roadworks, eventually eight members, drawn from across Zenshin dojo, sat together to enjoy excellent food prepared by Lucy. The idea of the retreat is to bring people together, allowing them to mix and</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeeDWBa07Y7KjMgr93TuG6fRCFp6fZf9oemIRTP-bY9IxZaES3_41RO_DCAPKDahhRifV_RwtYTlVogL2_HAckEdVBGPvLDj01YU5BUKZ402fXv3XvYrINNu-OEA8zr__zM9yk16Jb2_o/s1600/20190920_215300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeeDWBa07Y7KjMgr93TuG6fRCFp6fZf9oemIRTP-bY9IxZaES3_41RO_DCAPKDahhRifV_RwtYTlVogL2_HAckEdVBGPvLDj01YU5BUKZ402fXv3XvYrINNu-OEA8zr__zM9yk16Jb2_o/s320/20190920_215300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
mingle in a way ordinarily difficult during the weekly practice schedule.</div>
It doubles as an intensive karate experience and socially enjoyable get together. Lucy had pre-prepared an excellent chilli; one veggie, one meat, and all the trimmings. After supper, the group moved outside to the decking area adjacent to woodland and, in the cool evening air, drank, joked and conversed with each other whilst sitting comfortably around a blazing fire pit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBMVll_7pu_ogIrYo7vH2V9V241y6FegVZtslK2iIoYmsEjnwUHAsHf4tUtWrd28Levgc8emfp9NEHq_gzomfZU37s0CiK8tV6376h9uvAShaY4w3Dt3Ot9YQs-ZQ3e9U7xWDjpth9dF9/s1600/20190921_111734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="1600" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBMVll_7pu_ogIrYo7vH2V9V241y6FegVZtslK2iIoYmsEjnwUHAsHf4tUtWrd28Levgc8emfp9NEHq_gzomfZU37s0CiK8tV6376h9uvAShaY4w3Dt3Ot9YQs-ZQ3e9U7xWDjpth9dF9/s640/20190921_111734.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7XhMAUviUApHJ4iou1F58yq3ArreDnA6SNICqD-OvJ4HaXvGU_qJSyJuBAju6VpM5ozOeCG6Ztofzn9xZn2t4ArOxwCpy9gF8eNURbkJHXAyASG3yw7HXAwWHcc_5aCKlId1EL65niVP/s1600/20190921_091401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7XhMAUviUApHJ4iou1F58yq3ArreDnA6SNICqD-OvJ4HaXvGU_qJSyJuBAju6VpM5ozOeCG6Ztofzn9xZn2t4ArOxwCpy9gF8eNURbkJHXAyASG3yw7HXAwWHcc_5aCKlId1EL65niVP/s320/20190921_091401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next morning, after breakfast and posing for a pre
practice photo, the group drove the short distance to LLanstefan beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun shone, the big sky was clear blue,
the rolling Welsh hills green and picturesque.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The otherwise deserted beach was a vast open space of golden sand
ranging from talc like softness to a yielding firmness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Practice began immediately with a run to the water line and back before lining up for kihon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
kihon practice, although simple and basic, enjoyed a magical quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The group were encouraged to take advantage
of their spacious, open and glorious surroundings, keeping their vision up and
out as they moved slowly and methodically back and forth for a considerable
distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gang then adjourned to the
water’s edge where the group experienced kiba dachi and shiko dachi, rooting
themselves to the ground to prevent being blown over by the significantly
strong, warm wind racing across the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was as if nature itself was testing their stances.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWVa0MjnRexiO7vOtigY7vqC8NxIS1-jEgvO9SzyAkvyDh8Fhg5TkVOO3jOYOenC2TEJnIsQuMoakoX_dLFZ1GC0o4UmSk6SKZr2fEYHittHoTYta9d93oXCC7Ht6L5beqANLjhIVzZqp/s1600/20190920_200547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWVa0MjnRexiO7vOtigY7vqC8NxIS1-jEgvO9SzyAkvyDh8Fhg5TkVOO3jOYOenC2TEJnIsQuMoakoX_dLFZ1GC0o4UmSk6SKZr2fEYHittHoTYta9d93oXCC7Ht6L5beqANLjhIVzZqp/s320/20190920_200547.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Later, the group worked their Heian katas and were
introduced to the conceptual “circle of excellence”, designed to encourage and
improve their understanding of mushin and zanshin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From Heian they progressed to Bassai Dai, the
traditional 1st kyu to 1st dan kata.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Much work needed to be done and the group separated into pairs, working
with each other, feeding back and discussing techniques.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQeHUGPISeeSZ1bSNQeXaTaldDQZaIpQuNXyRbFqIeLlS4K15f1xMxCmi47U9hSIYDFQzsmmG3A9mc4xL_NohJ93s_eiaOsBd0cOpsT8GX3Y7s2argq7eMoleWA3Dp3mmHj0rpcTfNhdd/s1600/IMG_1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQeHUGPISeeSZ1bSNQeXaTaldDQZaIpQuNXyRbFqIeLlS4K15f1xMxCmi47U9hSIYDFQzsmmG3A9mc4xL_NohJ93s_eiaOsBd0cOpsT8GX3Y7s2argq7eMoleWA3Dp3mmHj0rpcTfNhdd/s320/IMG_1938.JPG" width="320" /></a>Lunch back at the Lodge was provided by Gemma and Bev; a
simple but delicious selection of salad, condiments, bread, quiche and cold
meats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ninety minutes later everyone was
back on the beach, thrown head first into fast Sanbon, Ippon, jyu Ippon and jyu
kumite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a tough session, but the
time available allowed Rob to explain in detail the fundamentals of kumite, its
nuances and what was expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The group
rose to the challenge and after much practice the intensity of engagement and
overall understanding grew to a more advanced level.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIwscaBrlM_MWT52vAYggt3OXU-DTbkhoFoqvGpGzAmkZjNbmGZKJU0c10RwETcBLUtwJ3u5aFHJv9LVK3KcaB33S1fI21gDOXWcPt_gaWA8LdKcsQriqyiFC_UaqTqf-z_v657hqhji0/s1600/IMG-20190921-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIwscaBrlM_MWT52vAYggt3OXU-DTbkhoFoqvGpGzAmkZjNbmGZKJU0c10RwETcBLUtwJ3u5aFHJv9LVK3KcaB33S1fI21gDOXWcPt_gaWA8LdKcsQriqyiFC_UaqTqf-z_v657hqhji0/s320/IMG-20190921-WA0001.jpg" width="320" /></a>After a short water break, it was the turn of Tekki drills
from the “clinch”. Unfamiliar for some
and a refresher for others. After
explaining these exercises were a form of kumite, but often interpreted as more
obvious self defence techniques, as opposed to the more profound skills and
qualities found in the previous kumite practice, Rob took the opportunity to
place Emily under considerable pressure by organising a mock “clinch”
assessment. Her seven assailants lined
up in front of her and attacked with right hooks as Emily defended herself with
vigour and searched for the presence of mind to deliver effective responses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the clouds began to gather the group moved to the water’s
edge for final Bassai Dai practice.
First in groups, then solo, then finally in the cold, River Towy water.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJi_8YNAOiEc7zaxmRydgDe2rb4BZcBlKKIUIi-l7hn80nJpP5rv1FzsGq5YPGgm69Dft1NbM7OvFdtqrYv3yDg9lGl2XKiKjVschxo-dgNR8xzvsuKYq90YzGEJvtIWPnexALHegRqW_/s1600/IMG_20190921_173546_145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJi_8YNAOiEc7zaxmRydgDe2rb4BZcBlKKIUIi-l7hn80nJpP5rv1FzsGq5YPGgm69Dft1NbM7OvFdtqrYv3yDg9lGl2XKiKjVschxo-dgNR8xzvsuKYq90YzGEJvtIWPnexALHegRqW_/s640/IMG_20190921_173546_145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-28311809699456017842019-09-08T15:45:00.001+01:002019-09-08T15:45:18.444+01:00The Zenshin Dojo Katana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wikipedia describes the katana as historically one of the
traditionally made Japanese swords used by the samurai of ancient and feudal
Japan. The katana is characterised by
its distinctive appearance: a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or
squared guard, and long grip to accommodate two hands.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIT2tmLYxVxL9HsetysAilL9BxmWgykEesvQ7TJyfvCWTePMa1boMjZENlSV7_zVOn6PgRjQfFh4oR_6VorQx4JxmqAOpaUOps4NyXdHbcoISjPkYvieWsp8d9sFQORQFOzp-7TqiEPAen/s1600/IMG_2480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIT2tmLYxVxL9HsetysAilL9BxmWgykEesvQ7TJyfvCWTePMa1boMjZENlSV7_zVOn6PgRjQfFh4oR_6VorQx4JxmqAOpaUOps4NyXdHbcoISjPkYvieWsp8d9sFQORQFOzp-7TqiEPAen/s640/IMG_2480.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The Zenshin dojo katana, was bought on behalf of the club from a dealer in April 2004. It represents a metaphor for the qualities required to achieve dan grade (black belt), and therefore is not intended to be interpreted in the context of the samurai, combat, or “budo” arts.</div>
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The sword itself can be perceived as an object of grace and beauty,
and yet it retains the ability to cause harm and injury. Like our art, it relies upon the integrity of the owner to use it without malice; honestly and honourably. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The blade, forged by a craftsman
for countless hours, represents the labour; time, care and endeavour required
to progress through the kyu grades thus demonstrating there are no short cuts to “forging” both sound character and good technique. The Samurai was never seen without the katana
and so should this be for karate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recognising
its value in all aspects of everyday life is what differentiates karate from
other forms of physical activity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5P8UNQxO54LH2LFi0g4wEuTq1etitTJtC0OoQdtfWcEuoGm20j7SGiHQFNccGTu1Qfffx8PqIHkvgJeaf5uFAJgtSxlsU5WKJAEe-4MOv_vzJT-lg8_Wqa8veudFivQ0oY60XaW1ZBz1/s1600/1f_1_sb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="623" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5P8UNQxO54LH2LFi0g4wEuTq1etitTJtC0OoQdtfWcEuoGm20j7SGiHQFNccGTu1Qfffx8PqIHkvgJeaf5uFAJgtSxlsU5WKJAEe-4MOv_vzJT-lg8_Wqa8veudFivQ0oY60XaW1ZBz1/s640/1f_1_sb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Zenshin dojo katana blade edge (ha), is sharp and remains
hidden, sheathed in a plain undecorated scabbard (saya) it’s exposed only on
rare occasions thus signifying that, like the karate ka, beneath the
unpretentious façade exists a “cutting edge” capable of significant impact. The primary occasion for exposure of the blade is the
acceptance of a new member into the “Yudansha-kai”, (black belt association).</div>
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The age of the weapon represents “history”, “a past” metaphoric of experience. As a genuine antique it represents “an
authentic article” and is thus symbolic of the meaningful nature of dan grade
achievement and Yudansha. More decorative swords can be purchased. To the untrained eye they are pleasing and impressive, however they lack that certain something necessary to be “the real deal”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUwg78y9VDXrzEMhprf1UPX7nBqso6xCBnoAZgXqbvHVNg0scuQlVRzDlWn8N-zRuaIfaEJvNEWIWYu6aafF7uy2w9BQ4jFKDQbn6bE06Nnj1tFOoEgjO0QbP8nVrAuEtqbaHmuxJ9aJr/s1600/be_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="797" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUwg78y9VDXrzEMhprf1UPX7nBqso6xCBnoAZgXqbvHVNg0scuQlVRzDlWn8N-zRuaIfaEJvNEWIWYu6aafF7uy2w9BQ4jFKDQbn6bE06Nnj1tFOoEgjO0QbP8nVrAuEtqbaHmuxJ9aJr/s640/be_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtZcXsNMatPatZYFw1Pj9h_98QTe3-BFpjKQm8EGu605aoJB20rHlaF7w1tRZhoz-MnrC_gbcnJS5ZRIIfJx3jnWP2XSasebTHExiNwtbzS7quSwOIbJi8YATnjxh6X2AutLFYR8wX4fi/s1600/1d_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="797" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtZcXsNMatPatZYFw1Pj9h_98QTe3-BFpjKQm8EGu605aoJB20rHlaF7w1tRZhoz-MnrC_gbcnJS5ZRIIfJx3jnWP2XSasebTHExiNwtbzS7quSwOIbJi8YATnjxh6X2AutLFYR8wX4fi/s320/1d_3.jpg" width="320" /></a>The signature on the tang (that portion of a sword that is
hidden by the handle), is authentic, engraved by the master smith Sadahiro
around 1680. It was common practice in
the ShinShinto period (1764 – 1868) to put an old tang on a new blade, basically to give the blade more prestige in an attempt to increase its
value.<br />
It’s a Tsugi Nakago which basically means that the original nakago (tang) has been removed and replaced with a different one. The signature is gimei (gimei swords are those that bear a fake signature) to the blade (as in Sadahiro didn’t forge this blade) but the signature was declared authentic by sword expert Steve Smith of Liverpool Museum. This is quite rare in itself as there’s an old Japanese saying “11 out of 10 signatures are fake”. The Sadahiro tang was probably taken from a fatally flawed or broken blade. The tang from the other katana was removed and welded to the new one. An old blade by a master smith is worth a lot of money. It was probably done during shin-shinto times but possibly it could have been done as late as World War 2. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywZNghe2Xg95opXIBbAlGFrkidiNWb31EPJTfepRLWws4GZMuMuneqzCR-OMvJYvBQ2YTI3cFEAqSnQvv4oidalF3CJ6K4glCV6ZUECiMfNnfQYkYmCU_QBoso6v1udwJx_G7-4tJmCRX/s1600/1a_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="797" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywZNghe2Xg95opXIBbAlGFrkidiNWb31EPJTfepRLWws4GZMuMuneqzCR-OMvJYvBQ2YTI3cFEAqSnQvv4oidalF3CJ6K4glCV6ZUECiMfNnfQYkYmCU_QBoso6v1udwJx_G7-4tJmCRX/s640/1a_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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During the forging process, when the smith folded the steel, he mishit the blade once with his hammer letting air into the fold thus giving the club blade its one minor flaw.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcIS_Jpl1G95gKpt4hJcqgw6gYlVTLxtP95YL5NJZhGmkD4Fy3KcLtXSi86dN2bX98HwiT3PD6I04pDTfrOkEfmPRKKCi5IEGb469fnTAlUJXTmfs3PoamkxsTL52lPrtbGM_yD_-oI6-/s1600/e2_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="797" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcIS_Jpl1G95gKpt4hJcqgw6gYlVTLxtP95YL5NJZhGmkD4Fy3KcLtXSi86dN2bX98HwiT3PD6I04pDTfrOkEfmPRKKCi5IEGb469fnTAlUJXTmfs3PoamkxsTL52lPrtbGM_yD_-oI6-/s640/e2_3.jpg" width="640" /></a>The blade is forged in the Mino Tradition, a collective name for sword maker’s schools in the Japanese province of Mino, which had similar characteristics in varying degrees. The centre of sword making schools in the Mino tradition was the city Seki near Gifu. The blade has a Sugu-ha hamon (straight pattern) Suguha is one of the oldest patterns of hamon; and muji hada (grain). Muji means a "plain" or "unfigured", ji (blade surface). This is a hada (grain) with a very small, very tight pattern which is very difficult to discern. The boshi of this blade is also perfect; quite a lot of Katana’s are fire damaged on the boshi from the Samurai cooking food on the end of the blade! (Boshi is the shape of temper line in the point of the sword).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhbGE5rtadEcLTsZHu-up8sDxxfBOPUBAvaENNapbwK8PA-lNdhlOJnaZUWJNLxkONJs7qf9s0GnIV6EJN-K4QaYo9dPWjFlkq958WPcuIbQtfQbuJnWnlfcrh48aMtncPFgl7eAqpnAJ/s1600/3d_1_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhbGE5rtadEcLTsZHu-up8sDxxfBOPUBAvaENNapbwK8PA-lNdhlOJnaZUWJNLxkONJs7qf9s0GnIV6EJN-K4QaYo9dPWjFlkq958WPcuIbQtfQbuJnWnlfcrh48aMtncPFgl7eAqpnAJ/s640/3d_1_s.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The tsuba (sword guard) is not original to the blade. The original tsuba was a very plain circular open work one. The current tsuba has not been appraised therefore unfortunately not much is known about it. It’s authentic Japanese and very old, probably 18th Century but could be much older.<br />
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The saya (scabbard or sheath) is probably from the 1960 /70s. Whenever a Japanese blade is polished there is a need to replace the old saya with a new one as the slightest bit of dirt or grit in the saya can damage and spoil a freshly polished blade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXCOO8sS2XDCdxFKUDiR2eWlOkhVUbPslI3R4U7ruUzi9WibGyaPMJJwxHQoNyljE0xkxr3jlVcfAPNKs8AM0d5ThQHYl2kRc_GUIdJiVw2ywPrAWqhJBObYtrQJyB61-faOwr7TNYFHN/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXCOO8sS2XDCdxFKUDiR2eWlOkhVUbPslI3R4U7ruUzi9WibGyaPMJJwxHQoNyljE0xkxr3jlVcfAPNKs8AM0d5ThQHYl2kRc_GUIdJiVw2ywPrAWqhJBObYtrQJyB61-faOwr7TNYFHN/s400/IMG_1807.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Within Zenshin dojo Rob holds the official title of Sōsetsu-Shihan (founder). He currently has responsibility for the maintenance, safe storage and use of the club katana. In due course, this responsibility will pass to the elected Zenshin dojo President.<br />
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All new Zenshin dojo Yudansha have their award commemorated with an official picture, sat formally in seiza behind the unsheathed katana. The club website, members only area, displays the photographs and records details of the individual Yudansha members.<br />
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Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-30336260355954291342019-08-25T18:02:00.003+01:002019-08-25T18:02:52.859+01:00Kelly's JourneyWhere do I start? It was a year ago I tentatively took my first steps through the door. I was a newly wed of a few weeks and had unfortunately fallen into a rut,gained weight, doing a college course that was making me truly miserable and was becoming very jaded with the way my life was heading. Now,by nature I’m a very confident and outgoing lady but it at times can be a mask to conceal the little girl underneath who never felt quite like she fitted in. Rob immediately enveloped me in a hug and made me feel welcome right from the get go,as did all the other black belts. Unlike all forms of physical extracurricular activity I’ve partaken in as an adult, karate doesn’t just work on the outer shell because as I say, skin is merely there to stop your insides from slopping out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekStR_Xh7zbPcec-OwGmDfExDZ-h0fk4JZSqOpognQhkqU1LnglscJlcBJRwtYfklSOMIBynr4F9tlXwJXtrdh1dZxFM7lOXi2Sni1KNgT6hXYEvO4JmPeneDXXny5gpMk-nrr2r_RkeL/s1600/IMG-20190825-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="720" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekStR_Xh7zbPcec-OwGmDfExDZ-h0fk4JZSqOpognQhkqU1LnglscJlcBJRwtYfklSOMIBynr4F9tlXwJXtrdh1dZxFM7lOXi2Sni1KNgT6hXYEvO4JmPeneDXXny5gpMk-nrr2r_RkeL/s200/IMG-20190825-WA0004.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
But more importantly it teaches you to look deep within yourself and approach life in a more meaningful and person centred way. I will always be nuttier than a lion bar but I can honestly say since joining up with this wonderful group of individuals and turning the dreaded 40 at Christmas, my soul has never known such inner peace and it has impacted outside of karate too! <br />
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My health has improved massively, I’ve lost weight, I’m doing things with my body I couldn’t have envisaged even attempting a year ago with my crippling back pain. <br />
These wonderful people make you feel like you have wings and nothing is unattainable. With karate, I leave all the worries outside the dojo and when the class is over, I depart feeling ten feet tall. It even gave me the courage to go into a completely different career which makes me happy EVERY day to give something back. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSLLQT0RTYAzz8WN6cTjWaf0MQ6PFNj4SzMb2nxeJrCW3xGBDzW5tsDlCG_9PAH3yHx2GvIBN8f76oa8d0rZoIkjIbRZfMarXeUQKt0lNlrnKnXzLjIH5PAX7wcB1lHJdkouf3ZaFWebZ/s1600/IMG-20190825-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSLLQT0RTYAzz8WN6cTjWaf0MQ6PFNj4SzMb2nxeJrCW3xGBDzW5tsDlCG_9PAH3yHx2GvIBN8f76oa8d0rZoIkjIbRZfMarXeUQKt0lNlrnKnXzLjIH5PAX7wcB1lHJdkouf3ZaFWebZ/s320/IMG-20190825-WA0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have made some wonderful friends and suffice to say, am definitely in it for the long haul and cannot recommend it enough to anyone, regardless of race/gender/size/ability.<br />
Karate changed my life completely.<br />
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Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-43255842357985166252018-06-27T13:52:00.000+01:002018-06-27T13:55:53.055+01:00A Tale of Love and Loss<br />
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I’ve never been someone who covets personal possessions and
always favoured a minimalist approach to material wealth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the original attractions of karate was
the lack of any need for equipment or expensive clothing; all that was required
was a plain white karate gi (karate uniform affectionately known as pyjamas),
an open mind and willing heart.That said, the karate and wider martial arts world, like
most sports and leisure activities, have its fair share of accessories and
adornments. Gi’s costing many £100’s if not more, gi’s of every colour and
design, belts of quality and symbolism, medals, cups, badges, patches, weapons,
weapon cases, the list is endless and manufacturers are quick to seize a
marketing opportunity and tap into the popular culture of materialism and
tribal identity.But for me none of this held any value and I revelled in the
simple bliss of a plain white karate suit and belt. Nothing special, cheap but
comfortable, and suitable for my needs.</div>
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After over 25 years of regular practice, in 2009 I was fortunate to be
invited to a karate camp near Mount Fuji in Japan. My hosts were men who I
respected enormously and held in the highest esteem, not only for their
undoubted karate wisdom, but as human beings they possessed all the qualities I
hold most dear, integrity, warmth, humility and an open, giving nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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During my stay, I felt honoured to be ceremonially presented
with an unusual, personalised black belt. The kanji recorded my name and the
occasion and was thoughtfully handed to me by Tetsuya Koibuchi Sensei and Isao Ariga sensei, men whose karate
skill and wisdom is only eclipsed by their personal virtues.Japanese culture has a unique approach to quality; well made
items such as the katana sword are appreciated, treasured and sometimes even
revered. So it was with my new belt.
Purchased from a reputed supplier in Tokyo, traditionally made using a rare
thread weaved carefully to form a belt which oozed quality. Wrapping it around
my waist one could almost sense the craftsmanship and hours of labour needed
for such a fine item. </div>
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For the first time in my karate career I possessed something
I valued and my emotional investment was intensified when news of the untimely
death of one of the men who had passed it to me. Rest in Peace Isao Ariga sensei. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_FduAvUN-LCY_rab7_Y6MpsIjcVQH62UDKKyqhoXqlqJRvkDWSV_Q6NW1sCtyXBmjoTjqI6uPN2vNXUqe4UtF7MYr5rwcxEWMnCHrGX7vk8FhsN78tQwCHYNyi0-V61P_Zb3kte5We6T/s1600/03.01.09+555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_FduAvUN-LCY_rab7_Y6MpsIjcVQH62UDKKyqhoXqlqJRvkDWSV_Q6NW1sCtyXBmjoTjqI6uPN2vNXUqe4UtF7MYr5rwcxEWMnCHrGX7vk8FhsN78tQwCHYNyi0-V61P_Zb3kte5We6T/s320/03.01.09+555.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A handshake from the wonderful Isao Ariga Sensei</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
Returning to England from that first Japanese camp
experience I proudly wore my new belt to every session. It became my constant
companion, worn three or four times a week accompanying me when I taught and
when I learnt; a fellow traveller in my bag as I practised my chosen art
throughout Europe and Japan.So precious was this simple cloth belt that when writing my
Will I informed the solicitor I wanted the belt to be bequeathed to my only son
and kept in my family in perpetuity.<br />
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<br /></div>
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After nearly ten years, the constant tying and untying began
to have an impact and the threads were becoming increasingly prominent. For
many karate practitioners this overt display of use advertised their experience
for all to see but for me thoughts of retiring such a precious object started
to become louder.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRcLJNP17LMKsQIn8vy0hA_KqqDYrXFmGGTv9YYxJJ7xAtDNkZ3arMvxs48u9wUGz0tJRUiYfwy3lsqfycVjI8mcm7oZjpTQ2qFDYea-xFiR8Ys7LrOzVf0frunfvl1wCV8SK93noOMWH/s1600/Japan+451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRcLJNP17LMKsQIn8vy0hA_KqqDYrXFmGGTv9YYxJJ7xAtDNkZ3arMvxs48u9wUGz0tJRUiYfwy3lsqfycVjI8mcm7oZjpTQ2qFDYea-xFiR8Ys7LrOzVf0frunfvl1wCV8SK93noOMWH/s320/Japan+451.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzYAUv1z5K6fg4WsHdFpNWYUxpNLmRpM1RL_XO5Lyh5Shg3NwaqGe02vsf6NYK-m7d-3mp9t8RoFVqh_XBf9T_x7fABDGP3J7ktGmOUNFdeUwllZdgp3Ef8ANTcWDg_rpn_nfs46UKb2T/s1600/Japan+452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzYAUv1z5K6fg4WsHdFpNWYUxpNLmRpM1RL_XO5Lyh5Shg3NwaqGe02vsf6NYK-m7d-3mp9t8RoFVqh_XBf9T_x7fABDGP3J7ktGmOUNFdeUwllZdgp3Ef8ANTcWDg_rpn_nfs46UKb2T/s320/Japan+452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Receiving the belt from Koibuchi Sensei</td></tr>
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Each year I lead a residential weekend of karate training.
Situated in the peaceful and scenic Gloucestershire countryside, the seminar
allows for intensive and concentrated training for all those attending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided that after the 2018 event I would
retire my belt and preserve it for the future. Of course I would wear it on
special occasions but I didn’t want to risk degrading the weave to such a point
that the kanji and overall integrity of the material was compromised</div>
One Sunday evening, a week prior to the annual
Gloucestershire retreat, I taught my normal class of teenage students. The
dojo for this particular Sunday was a school gymnasium; a regular and
convenient location for many of the classes delivered by our club instructors.By 7pm the last student had departed and I gathered my
belongings and headed for the door. It was an unusually warm and humid night
but as usual I gave a last look around the room to ensure nothing had been left
by students, parents or instructors. <br />
Two days later I prepared for my regular evening class.
Packing my bag I was surprised my belt was not in its usual place. Time was against me so with no more thought I
grabbed a spare and left for my class. I
have a young family and I was fairly sure one of the children had found daddy’s
belt and used it as a slide or lasso or just thought it would be fun to hide it.<br />
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<br /></div>
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The next morning the continued absence of the belt spurred
me into action and I began searching the house. One by one (I have four), I
asked my son and daughters “have you seen or moved daddy’s karate belt?” They
had not. At this point my concern became real. Could I have left it in the
Sunday evening hall? The school caretaker, Martin, is a particularly helpful and
friendly character. Still doubting the belt was truly lost and believing it was
somewhere in my house I contacted him and requested he check the school for me.Twenty minutes later Martin called with bad news.My belt had been found on Monday morning by the school
cleaner. She had handed it to a Physical Education teacher who had in turn left
it in the school’s PE Office. Unfortunately a member of staff had little
regard for the worn and threaded belt and threw it in the bin. In desperation I
told Martin I would be willing to search the school bins to recover my precious
item only to be told the bin had been emptied by the local authority and
contents on their way to land fill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so my love affair with a piece of black cloth had come
to an ignominious end and my dream of handing down a meaningful family heirloom
was over. I was desperately sad and disappointed in the actions of the school
staff who demonstrated little or no regard or empathy to the possibility the
belt may have a value, financially or otherwise, but I guess one man’s treasure
is another man’s trash. My seven year old daughter enquired why I was sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After explaining she said, “don’t worry dad
I’ll make you a belt.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love from a
child can never be underestimated and if she presented me with a piece of
string to tie my trousers, I would treasure it, but I know nothing will replace
what is lost. Life goes on but my karate life is a little poorer.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSdzi5TbxSXYD5llbBUAdo_40lgX-hUnWF9YyyO6c4u00psQ85JOwe_w1uN1uo9-Up2yNfRkqDc9UTqRY3xPT7_e1VRf9CMArxDYZ8Mc-NsuavcBl-dM1x6QFL1Gu8VMCMJayTCDbZ9iK/s1600/SandMandalaDestroyed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSdzi5TbxSXYD5llbBUAdo_40lgX-hUnWF9YyyO6c4u00psQ85JOwe_w1uN1uo9-Up2yNfRkqDc9UTqRY3xPT7_e1VRf9CMArxDYZ8Mc-NsuavcBl-dM1x6QFL1Gu8VMCMJayTCDbZ9iK/s320/SandMandalaDestroyed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At my moment of greatest disappointment I’m reminded of the
Buddhist creation and subsequent destruction of beautiful, complex and labour
intensive Mandalas, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist tradition involving ritual
geometric patterns made from coloured sand. After careful and intensive work by
three or four monks, the sand is ceremonially swept up symbolising the impermanence
of all that exists. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Emotional attachment to inanimate objects is endemic in our
society. There is much wisdom to be found in the sand mandala.</div>
<br />Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-66548688366598167722018-03-10T09:14:00.001+00:002018-03-10T09:14:46.266+00:00Karate and an Older WomanFliss has been a regular karate practitioner for over a year. It's not been easy and many challenges lie ahead. Here's her story.<br />
<br />
Karate and an Older Woman<br />
<br />
Good grief, why karate? This is something that a few people have asked me since I started practising at the beginning of last year. The glib (but sort-of true) answer that I give them is “because my neighbour got me drunk and made me do it”. She is a Yudansha who had taken a break, was thinking of restarting, wanted someone to go with her, and suggested this late on New Year’s Eve after plying me with as much alcohol as I usually drink in a whole year. My reactions dulled by a very pleasant sparkling Moscato or three, I didn’t say no quick enough.<br />
<br />
Being a woman of a certain age, as the saying goes, I do care about maintaining my health - I am well into that stage of my life where it is a case of ‘use it or lose it’. Furthermore, I had a period of about 10 years or so - basically the whole of my 40s and early 50s - when I was quite unwell and totally unable to exercise, to the point where, for a while, even a flight of stairs was a challenge. Having recovered from that, I am especially grateful to have regained my fitness, it is a precious thing which I do not want to lose until I have to. I’m also spurred on by the fact that my mother’s family has a very dominant Alzheimer’s gene, so all of my generation have started to look at each other and ask ourselves, with wide eyes and worried voices, ‘who’s next?’. Whilst we cannot change those genes, there is plenty of research to suggest that regular exercise, and mental chal-lenge, help to delay the onset of that cruel disease.<br />
<br />
So - I run regularly, to keep fit and hopefully to keep the dementia demons away for a while yet at least; but sometimes I crave variety. Yup, karate could tick that box - lower impact, different mus-cles, a challenge for balance and coordination, new learning so a mental challenge too, just the job. I had learned a little bit of a couple of other martial arts (judo and kendo) in my teens and 20s, even taught some generic basic self defence in my early 30s, and enjoyed these things so, even after I had woken up on January 1st, I thought “yes why not, I’ll give it a go”.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, something else that happened in my 40s was a traumatic event which, although I was physically unhurt, left me with very troublesome short term memory problems. After a year or so, it became clear that these were not going away. Luckily, around the same time that it became apparent that those problems were long term, smartphones hit the market, and mine has been of great value in enabling me to function pretty much normally; the bingly-bong of my alert tones have become the soundtrack to my daily life. Work - on the iPhone, wake UP, bingly-bong. Dental appointment - on the iPhone, time to leave, bingly-bong. Karate class (which is exactly the same time every week but I could still forget given the chance) - on the iPhone, bingly-bong. You get the idea. I just have to remember to not leave the phone on silent. If there’s something I can’t put on the phone I can usually scribble a quick note there and then, so as long as I don’t lose that scrap of paper I get by.<br />
<br />
But - I was totally unprepared for the challenge that karate presents. Physically, yes of course. Dif-ferent moves, shapes, precision, balancing skills (hmm, the less said about that the better!), using different muscles, accommodating a dodgy middle-aged spine; all of that is difficult enough, but no surprise. The fact that I run helps, there is at least some reasonable core fitness to fall back on. But mentally ... oh, my days! Mercy! I have to remember stuff! Immediately and without making notes! Words. Moves. A sequence. Details.... Anyone who has trained with me could - quite probably through gritted teeth - vouch for the fact that I learn slowly and get muddled constantly. I am al-ways grateful for the patience and kindness of my training partners and would take this opportunity to thank each of you for that patience and support. There are just so many people in the club who are good and generous in this way, it’s wonderful. Also, Zenshin’s video tutorials have been really helpful with learning kata because I can watch them and practice nearly every day and gradually - I think - some things are starting to sink in. It’s a very, very slow process.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah, Rob, Fliss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But, karate is a mirror that shows us ourselves. How true. What it has made me do is face up to just how rubbish my memory is, which is easy to forget (ahaha) with the ready availability of the gadget in my pocket. Furthermore, what really gets me is just how that makes me feel - stupid, SO flustered, and panicky. It is seriously embarrassing being so forgetful! I felt so inadequate that I nearly didn’t come back after an unavoidable spring break for work reasons. But, my neighbour chivied me along and I did return. Every time there is a new thing to learn, or else a previously-learned thing to recall (i.e. one way or another, every class), I have at least a few, and sometimes many moments when I feel those nerves kick in, and I freeze, because my mind has gone blank yet again. Occasionally I could cry with frustration because it just won’t stick. It is also a challenge insofar as that as well as feeling stupid, I do also feel like a bit of a burden, and sometimes think I should stay away so that people can train with someone who is a bit less daft. But then I get selfish and think, well it is doing me some good, so I think you may be stuck with me for a while yet.<br />
<br />
That may not be the most obvious thing for a person to be learning at a karate class - managing a bad memory and the feelings it generates. But I think it is a massively useful lesson for me to be learning, not least because as an issue, it is not about to go away, and I hadn’t really noticed how much it was getting in my way until I started classes.<br />
<br />
People think of karate as being about self-defence. Being able to react to a threat or danger with something other than simple panic and freezing. And yes, for sure, it can do that. But for me, it is not about reducing the panic caused by a threat. It is about reducing the panic caused by having to remember stuff. A mirror to myself.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-34041867902206989062017-06-28T16:05:00.001+01:002017-06-28T16:05:35.631+01:00Tales of a Blue Belt assessmentSaturday, April 8th is a date I’ve been eagerly awaiting ever since Rob first informed me that would be the date of my Blue Belt assessment back in January. This assessment is something that I’ve wanted to do for over a year and I know during that time I wasn’t exactly shy about voicing my opinion that I was ready to do it. Now that it’s finally here there’s only one word to describe how I’m feeling – terrified. I haven’t been this nervous since my University exams back in the days when Y2K was still a genuine concern.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYb1z1n7QF5JeRjzuSR4j3Yr80bWaNUgoHfDNqNd299EU5_YspFc2YP0mjfrfby7HsD9cUPqXPAXAShy0ePSyFAzBugllj8ARI8tBuvFcssjoACV-G7E74NSP8dMh7MJLIPGSsw8swJk0/s1600/IMG_8039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYb1z1n7QF5JeRjzuSR4j3Yr80bWaNUgoHfDNqNd299EU5_YspFc2YP0mjfrfby7HsD9cUPqXPAXAShy0ePSyFAzBugllj8ARI8tBuvFcssjoACV-G7E74NSP8dMh7MJLIPGSsw8swJk0/s320/IMG_8039.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I feel ready for the assessment, if anything I’ve taken my preparation too seriously. By nature I have quite an obsessive side to my personality and this has certainly come out in the two months leading up to my assessment. I’ve kept written logs of what lessons I’ve attended and what I’ve done in those lessons. I‘ve attended a few Blue Belt assessments before, but as anyone who has done an assessment will tell you it’s completely different when it’s your own assessment.<br />
<br />
When it comes to doing any type of physical activity despite any nerves that I might feel I’ve always been extremely confident in my abilities. I may be terrified, but in all honesty I don’t envisage any scenario in which I don’t pass my assessment first time. Looking back now I cringe a bit at my thought process approaching that first assessment. I may have put all the hard work in physically, but as Rob has told me on a few occasions there is a lot more to Karate than just the physical. Physically I was prepared, but mentally it was a whole other story.<br />
<br />
When the assessment starts I feel like I’m performing well and everything is going according to plan. As the assessment progresses my confidence is growing and the nerves are long gone. When it’s time for the Sanbon Kumite I can’t help but think about the Blue Belt assessment two weeks previously. After failing to pick up on Rob’s initial first attack I got punched in the face for my troubles. The nerves are now back in full force and when I get a stitch while working with Lisa, I for lack of a better term completely lose my head.<br />
<br />
I know people have overcome far worse things than a stitch during assessments, but unfortunately my reaction to this isn’t good. I become increasingly frustrated at not being able to perform at 100%. I’m getting hit far too many times for my liking and with each hit the red mist descends a little further. I’m being countered on my third attack while I’m over reaching and off balance which is resulting in me literally stumbling seven or eight feet across the hall. I know it’s going badly, but I don’t seem to have the ability to turn it round. The Sanbon Kumite seems to go on forever and I remember thinking to myself at the time that I just want this to stop so I can get the heck home.<br />
<br />
When it’s over I’m pretty upset as I know the Sanbon Kumite was a complete disaster. I remember various people such as Toni, Chris, Justin and Lisa trying to console me, but unfortunately it doesn’t make me feel any better. I know there’s no way that my performance during the Sanbon Kumite was good enough to meet the requirements of a Blue Belt. In fact the first thing I do when I get home is email Rob saying that I know I’ve failed the assessment and that I need to re-do it as soon as humanly possible.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6T80inOYwnqzYyPyGUA4UcjPG7nFDAFRs6O0iDSYAert2WK6bhKc5kC-jokbOk0fzoGkpanslB0FoUiPQOr_n6XuHLjU54IyWFGM41csnpHi9uSdVxjTexE-27wEVQfkOahiGhw6wVTBO/s1600/IMG_8080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6T80inOYwnqzYyPyGUA4UcjPG7nFDAFRs6O0iDSYAert2WK6bhKc5kC-jokbOk0fzoGkpanslB0FoUiPQOr_n6XuHLjU54IyWFGM41csnpHi9uSdVxjTexE-27wEVQfkOahiGhw6wVTBO/s320/IMG_8080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
At my next lesson on the following Tuesday, Phil tells me that I received a partial pass and that I need to re-do the Sanbon Kumite section of the assessment. Whilst disappointed I didn’t pass first time I’m relieved that I will only have to wait a few weeks to try again. Donna and Simon also receive partial passes so at least I won’t be doing the re-assessment on my own.<br />
<br />
After getting my feedback from Sarah and Dave there’s a general consensus that my issue is more a mental one than a physical one. It’s something that has been an issue in my time at the club – getting frustrated when things don’t go well. I take Rob’s advice about meditation, something that I used to practice regularly and book myself onto a meditation workshop (I do listen to you occasionally Rob!). I know that I need to get my mind-set right before re-doing my assessment as it wasn’t where it needed to be the first time.<br />
<br />
Over the next few weeks I work a lot with Dave Pope on my Sanbon Kumite and the importance of staying calm, focussed and not getting frustrated when I get hit. On the Tuesday before my second assessment Dave gives me probably the best piece of advice anyone has ever given me at the club. He tells me that he wants to see “Yoga Keith” at the assessment on Saturday. I know exactly what he means by this; the more I think about it the more I realise that I’m a very different person at Yoga to what I am at Karate. I think it’s a combination of adrenaline and the fact that Karate isn’t something that comes naturally to me. This results in my becoming frustrated when I struggle with certain aspects of Karate.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwcqT1G19O0ycSD_00M-DIjU_Peeosi6Hc9KysQRlVDl3vzvV2-KuE3FAbyZwy1GLg0uuDTNLmMKCBJzBPRVMl18qvI2Wcd4jbg31MW6_8-wIX_-FDp_nO5X4UjB4gAON4bVEgSYJbcOd/s1600/IMG_8066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwcqT1G19O0ycSD_00M-DIjU_Peeosi6Hc9KysQRlVDl3vzvV2-KuE3FAbyZwy1GLg0uuDTNLmMKCBJzBPRVMl18qvI2Wcd4jbg31MW6_8-wIX_-FDp_nO5X4UjB4gAON4bVEgSYJbcOd/s400/IMG_8066.JPG" width="400" /></a>When I arrive at the dojo I’m surprised at how calm I am. I’m a little nervous, but it’s night and day from last time. When it comes to the Sanbon Kumite section I’m feeling relaxed and confident. I remember thinking ‘Yoga Keith’ right before I start the Kumite with Toni. I’m feeling a little tired when, after Nick, I have to work with Pete. I’m struggling with Pete due to his technique and the fact he is so ridiculously fast. He hits me a few times, but I resist the urge to try and hit him back. At the end I’m not sure if I’ve done enough to pass. I know that I’ve done much better than the first time, but that’s a pretty low bar to clear.<br />
<br />
I’m told that I’ll find out the result at my next lesson which will be on Tuesday. When I arrive at the lesson I’m feeling more nervous than I was for either of my assessments. When Rob tells me to come and get my Blue Belt my initial feeling is one of overwhelming relief, soon followed by sheer joy. The fact Donna and Simon also passed really was the cherry on the cake as the three of us have spent so much time practicing and helping one another over the last three months.<br />
<br />
Looking back on the whole process a few weeks later one thought really springs to mind. When you reach the higher grades you really do need to be a well-rounded practitioner. Previously I knew my temperament and focus weren’t the best, but I always believed that my physical abilities could make up for any mental shortcomings. The assessments showed me that if you have neglected any one area of your Karate you will be found out.<br />
<br />
I remember a few weeks back Dave saying to me that it could work out for the best that I didn’t pass first time as it would force me to address certain issues I had with my Karate. I do believe this to be the case as I know in the last 18 months or so I had allowed a certain level of arrogance to creep into my Karate. The fact that I didn’t pass first time has humbled me a bit and made me look at certain things I was doing in more detail. I don’t think I would have had this level of self-reflection had I passed first time.<br />
<br />
My advice for anyone doing an assessment in the future would be to not get themselves into the state I was in before my first assessment. I know it’s easier said than done, but it really does make a huge difference if you’re calm and relaxed. Also if you don’t pass first time it’s not the end of the world, as Rob said to me I wasn’t the first person this has happened to and I won’t be the last.<br />
<br />
In saying all that though I really do hope I pass my next assessment first time!<br />
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Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-3374750221373664822017-06-03T14:40:00.000+01:002017-06-03T14:40:04.179+01:00Ruby's Italian Adventure<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYMLOcIvZEwTPPJtVuyWCITa_GbRp3a8NaCzB-i4RNX6tEy62nD3NT8lLYoRjj0jPpSZRhaoCDIVt8XBrXFGbwpXXwfPoD1hZznZlKWK1toCgVf0uv3B3pkwjCwjELBhBZfVEetJsmNF8/s1600/18740335_10155387606793069_2432470811708104538_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYMLOcIvZEwTPPJtVuyWCITa_GbRp3a8NaCzB-i4RNX6tEy62nD3NT8lLYoRjj0jPpSZRhaoCDIVt8XBrXFGbwpXXwfPoD1hZznZlKWK1toCgVf0uv3B3pkwjCwjELBhBZfVEetJsmNF8/s320/18740335_10155387606793069_2432470811708104538_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>My first time experience of a karate course in Italia. I went along with four other practitioners from my club, altogether there was eight of us from England representing our country. I felt nervous about the travel aspect but I knew the karate side would be hard but enjoyable. We landed a day or two ahead of the course so had some time to sight see beautiful Italy checking out Sienna. Pisa is where we stayed in a hotel; it was beautiful but quite basic. The course was from Thursday to Sunday; it was a magical time being be part of a bigger circle of the karate clubs, out on the beach. A different black belt instructor led the warm-ups with all of us standing in a huge circle, it was magical looking around seeing everyone doing the same moves and passer-by’s watching, I think they liked seeing people being together and exercising together, one guy came along and in the middle of a demo wanted to know more about us, some of us giggled finding it hilarious- that's how much of an influence we all had on this guy. (BRILLIANT)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWDR5RZXxqX7Tx7zNxZaKCLUHaPFPw_-kNIuOpOqIk23fjxHjgbA-4IiVsYnnX2qZZuOE7piMC__ysoh8OMbBf3XUe_KTd4vSnOgy_-8HqEgBa62-R-miBVYy7qceJWqLxmld-BdgvZ9G/s1600/18740003_10156348060763569_4345720491224897548_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWDR5RZXxqX7Tx7zNxZaKCLUHaPFPw_-kNIuOpOqIk23fjxHjgbA-4IiVsYnnX2qZZuOE7piMC__ysoh8OMbBf3XUe_KTd4vSnOgy_-8HqEgBa62-R-miBVYy7qceJWqLxmld-BdgvZ9G/s400/18740003_10156348060763569_4345720491224897548_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We enjoyed (?) mokuso on the beach (30 mins) of meditation, being still. One sensei at the Sunday evening meal said "allow your thoughts to just come and let it go again, not to be completely silent" so for me I kept thinking about my life and one person in particular who has a huge influence in my life, I felt like crying but then I concentrated on the sand and waves and let my thoughts be washed away and the only person that mattered right there and then was me, only me. The course was led by a Japanese and Italian sensei.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s-B8IYzTZZlML2DAAAxsILuQlpHj1Ex8IUKL2jDGGnChF1_114rU-QSb6okpkG_Dr-1BfXbknbKlntVVoP4F2v4vA2rhyphenhyphenChH8RQesy_i1WLZBxF-qygHE4svzTVF3sr1mZ8bKG8ib2xw/s1600/18700154_10156348059353569_6545420239371661773_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s-B8IYzTZZlML2DAAAxsILuQlpHj1Ex8IUKL2jDGGnChF1_114rU-QSb6okpkG_Dr-1BfXbknbKlntVVoP4F2v4vA2rhyphenhyphenChH8RQesy_i1WLZBxF-qygHE4svzTVF3sr1mZ8bKG8ib2xw/s320/18700154_10156348059353569_6545420239371661773_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
They split the time and lead for an hour each, both of them were gentle and clear in their explanations demonstrating very well each move, the whole course was broken down into two practices each day apart from Thursday and Sunday when time only allowed one keiko. However the practice itself was two hours each and even then it was broken down further into stages so meditation, kihon and demos. I made sure I partnered and worked with different grades and different nationalities. I was offered lots of help by black belts and Kiyoko San deserves special mention, as her guidance was very calm and she didn't make me feel like I was rubbish and couldn't get it first time, they all praised me said I was a good learner and calm. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku-cSGRo7sZpzpCH4OFPnn9S93AoA7cHhIY2piDCdxZnOKzHUsmmuV_2s45QfzBK-FSqbk5ongKOylqTRchRRzwD0Bpy48-lWTXXLM6Jht1OG8HwsmAfQC6dHTiGwnnbXp3h1NhWWk0nv/s1600/18698381_10207141070325098_3584387939230965176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku-cSGRo7sZpzpCH4OFPnn9S93AoA7cHhIY2piDCdxZnOKzHUsmmuV_2s45QfzBK-FSqbk5ongKOylqTRchRRzwD0Bpy48-lWTXXLM6Jht1OG8HwsmAfQC6dHTiGwnnbXp3h1NhWWk0nv/s320/18698381_10207141070325098_3584387939230965176_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbkTMX-jlIj7xppWRaZWdgZXtU6cYaQb90BFLVTDUPcId18jHuV_WfJD2mEgIcXrESNMTlLpGDOz50sUhwcjzAi5VdXAdAflWQRS6Uxq3XeLXmSJZCa9FOGV6b9_BQu8SuLq8HdVz4gii/s1600/18838933_10155403496303069_6817243158823361308_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbkTMX-jlIj7xppWRaZWdgZXtU6cYaQb90BFLVTDUPcId18jHuV_WfJD2mEgIcXrESNMTlLpGDOz50sUhwcjzAi5VdXAdAflWQRS6Uxq3XeLXmSJZCa9FOGV6b9_BQu8SuLq8HdVz4gii/s400/18838933_10155403496303069_6817243158823361308_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>During the demo it was important for me to sit and stay still. It was very hot and I had to concentrate and keep my focus for the each part, Nakano sensei the Japanese master leading didn't speak English so there was translating from Japanese to English, Italian and a little French, for me English is my second language so it can be hard to process, but I enjoyed listening to all languages; Nakano San knew one word in Italian, when he finished his demo he said " capire? " and everyone giggled Italians heckled which made Nakano giggle so even if you don't know the language you have to sit next to someone that does, and get them to translate. "We all may speak different languages but we all smile in one" beautiful.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuENcQWmeDOjOQUG0JQj9RBbEGQ9n5WkO4_DFIYo9NrAD2Ot3z2q6ubD3Lwmtb_32rzEA8mlYfhSr3ge9oLmpSkDung_iLrquk3BXTPCRPIeD_xcBG1TIFnCH5FJK0eptx9n6of7RYyTW1/s1600/18839293_10155413432818069_8223277075338198933_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuENcQWmeDOjOQUG0JQj9RBbEGQ9n5WkO4_DFIYo9NrAD2Ot3z2q6ubD3Lwmtb_32rzEA8mlYfhSr3ge9oLmpSkDung_iLrquk3BXTPCRPIeD_xcBG1TIFnCH5FJK0eptx9n6of7RYyTW1/s400/18839293_10155413432818069_8223277075338198933_n.jpg" width="300" /></a>I worked with two Japanese people black belt Junji san and white belt Ninomiya San, even though Junji didn't speak English I read his body language and could understand everything. We worked on "aura" and the three of us sat crossed legged on the beach, I had to block and vice versa; the aura from what Junji San mentioned, in my own words, meant how we need to anticipate the movement even before the attack moves, your hand moves before her hand. It really felt like I was being blessed having two Japanese people and watching them sharing knowledge and practising the technique, it felt like a karate kid moment. I have learnt lots and can't wait to get back and practise and be with other karate practitioners to continue a lifelong journey of this martial art and reminding myself to keep grounded, feet stretch towards the sand, head stretch towards the sun and keep the whole body in the centre, "no tension, just relax"<br />
From here on out I've began my journey and the destination is somewhere in sight, out into the horizon and I can't wait to start this new chapter in my life (ciao Grazie) (origato go sai mez) (merci) thank you for this truly wonderful experience.<br />
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Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-23257504682309423422017-05-19T16:18:00.000+01:002017-05-19T16:18:16.013+01:00Chris - My Journey So Far!<div class="MsoNormal">
My introduction into Karate came by chance, I was visiting
one of my clients and as we do, we started talking about our interest. I mentioned to him that as a 63-year-old I
still try to keep active, playing squash and regularly going to the gym. I also mentioned how boring gym work was,
doing the same routines 2-3 times per week.
He mentioned his interest and explained he was a black belt in Karate; I
was interested in talking to him about it as I thought it was all about
breaking pieces of wood and shouting loudly!
After explaining what is was about I thought that I would be interested
in trying it, but still had some concern due to my age and the demands that
would be needed to actively participate.
Showing an interest my colleague Googled looking for venues near me and
came across Zenshin Dojo.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWWaAVy2eeqIZdBSlxejYAR-dblyKiKinQzwpA2Ey8tlstv_szmTQOdJZLcjh2TLWNqwpqddWvGJSQhlc3LAXJlFDEHXH95krTNAECMUDR_BNgkUMQNAr48RnxEQLye7HXNEzAPFt0faU/s1600/IMG_7020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWWaAVy2eeqIZdBSlxejYAR-dblyKiKinQzwpA2Ey8tlstv_szmTQOdJZLcjh2TLWNqwpqddWvGJSQhlc3LAXJlFDEHXH95krTNAECMUDR_BNgkUMQNAr48RnxEQLye7HXNEzAPFt0faU/s400/IMG_7020.jpg" width="233" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxYvWjpIUodW1nfRM2X6uijjtwuiR-j-nb4o2HpunvDmMYuSTNuR1YeAToxUjR6vkdLYs7n4KgOPUl_EobQldA2lygs_ZS31BrgihxADCpz6MSDS1Bc4sNyjWtYQVQXIgJFg-MU7qrl5s/s1600/IMG_7045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxYvWjpIUodW1nfRM2X6uijjtwuiR-j-nb4o2HpunvDmMYuSTNuR1YeAToxUjR6vkdLYs7n4KgOPUl_EobQldA2lygs_ZS31BrgihxADCpz6MSDS1Bc4sNyjWtYQVQXIgJFg-MU7qrl5s/s200/IMG_7045.jpg" width="200" /></a>Having the contact details, I emailed explaining my
situation and concerns and had a reply from Rob stating that he thought it
would be a good fit for me and that it offered in his opinion, a good blend of
exercise for both body and mind. He also said it can be intellectually
stimulating as well as physically challenging and presents a really good
alternative to traditional “keep fit.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I decided to give it a go and during a few taster sessions I
decided to join the club. The first
couple of sessions seemed straight forward enough just a few stances and
blocks, what could be easier. However, a
few weeks on I did start to find it difficult as there appeared to be no
connection from my brain to my limbs, why was I going in a different direction
to everyone else? This became a very
frustrating time, why could I not do what seemed to be the simplest moves and
there was a time during Kihon when I was completely lost and at the end of the
session felt very low. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBgn7_zUVF5MLHfaD1WFUHPVnozQ10lTIN7cjTpeUSfkOsVLPScqpTPiR4THisxqayNGTkSSFM_rQPl-3eT32p6X8cdcphqyeayC8n7EzScbrstK9Nz_vIzg2TEl6Xpfpbpdb3FOTgwAd/s1600/IMG_7014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBgn7_zUVF5MLHfaD1WFUHPVnozQ10lTIN7cjTpeUSfkOsVLPScqpTPiR4THisxqayNGTkSSFM_rQPl-3eT32p6X8cdcphqyeayC8n7EzScbrstK9Nz_vIzg2TEl6Xpfpbpdb3FOTgwAd/s320/IMG_7014.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I guess if everything was easy we would all be doing
everything and there would be no challenges, no mountains to climb, no journey
to embark on. I wasn’t finished yet,
time to reappraise, could I do what was being asked of me? Of course I could,
it just takes a little bit longer and lucky for me I am a patient person. Time to step things up and although I still
attended the gym I needed to mix things a bit more and try other classes and
more practice; not just in the Dojo, the gym, living room and even the bedroom where
all practice grounds. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cotham, sessions with Greg and messing with my head, doing
things in reverse, then to Keynsham with Nick’s class, going giddy doing kicks
in a circle, then to Warmley with Phil (why such early starts!), trying to
exhaust everybody and that’s just the warm up!
Then the Friday morning session started and a good chance to grab two
regular sessions a week and although the new class was mainly for beginners it
was what I needed as I realised how I had not grasped some of the earlier
concepts. Staple Hill continues to be my
regular practice venue as I continue to move on slowly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIkTW5JWMJReXyBA3Fbcncs6Y8ZX7YiHlltIS4nbJbY72R5RmVK6JopOBDWKGFF-NndWppCxzx8gb5bTqcaZH9C-M2vhNHCrZaQRQc7umoaS51X5ASyIaqfwrgSlOwPpfBKLSIlHtBXly/s1600/IMG_7288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIkTW5JWMJReXyBA3Fbcncs6Y8ZX7YiHlltIS4nbJbY72R5RmVK6JopOBDWKGFF-NndWppCxzx8gb5bTqcaZH9C-M2vhNHCrZaQRQc7umoaS51X5ASyIaqfwrgSlOwPpfBKLSIlHtBXly/s320/IMG_7288.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I see Karate as being a jigsaw; I don’t know how many pieces
there are or the picture I am building.
However, in order to build up a picture I need to first look for the
straight edges and corner pieces, these are the blocks, strikes and stances
(Kihon), as I start to build the puzzle I look for more matching pieces, these
are the Kata’s. Next, as the pictures
builds I hope to add more pieces, the techniques and applications. I still don’t know where my journey will end
or what the picture will be, but when I see the blue edges of the puzzle pieces,
I will know that the sky is the limit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM8k0zM8_LsoBmBcyAYdlQphG6lNz-Uo5fxk5RkQUO5Iocis6LdCDm9OVFCDVydxagp7iHGGhx93tkWKlEmp2qyTuwrUKv8TgMVRGWDrsIdx7jq1ZupMHSk5BuZopecuAKM8cGBM1y2DV/s1600/IMG_7068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM8k0zM8_LsoBmBcyAYdlQphG6lNz-Uo5fxk5RkQUO5Iocis6LdCDm9OVFCDVydxagp7iHGGhx93tkWKlEmp2qyTuwrUKv8TgMVRGWDrsIdx7jq1ZupMHSk5BuZopecuAKM8cGBM1y2DV/s320/IMG_7068.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-46350683645811935912017-05-04T15:52:00.003+01:002017-05-04T15:52:45.052+01:00Steel Fist, Silk Glove<div class="MsoNormal">
Steel fist in a silk glove</div>
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I joined Zenshin Dojo around a year and a half ago with no
previous martial arts experience. I didn’t really know what to expect, but in
my head I imagined that alongside the physical training there would be a lot of
nonsensical proverbs delivered by an ancient sensei. Imagine my disappointment
then when for the first few months the not so ancient Rob taught Karate in a
very practical and understandable way. I was starting to think Hollywood had
made up this stereotypical teaching by riddle method until one cold Tuesday
evening Rob dropped the following gem on us:</div>
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“You want to have a steel fist in a silk glove”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbP4_HF7hXB62XhqBrYSQ9jRyE-puj1Sy4fCVcGtiGINYYTEV57vNucMPllkWgHfDSLUyZrFkgv201Zkfr4i2kpCiePAI4vnQ9SbZlNpnUBWxkINhULwlttLp4LbG-MEv1RoLVsjdIrhdg/s1600/IMG_8155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbP4_HF7hXB62XhqBrYSQ9jRyE-puj1Sy4fCVcGtiGINYYTEV57vNucMPllkWgHfDSLUyZrFkgv201Zkfr4i2kpCiePAI4vnQ9SbZlNpnUBWxkINhULwlttLp4LbG-MEv1RoLVsjdIrhdg/s320/IMG_8155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was just what I had been waiting for. The paradox is
clear, and it left a number of us scratching our heads at the time. However the
meaning soon became clear after some more explanation and practice. The steel
fist is the power behind the technique, but the silk glove took a bit more time
to understand, and much more time to implement. It refers to the way we perform
a technique, blending our movement with an opponent’s rather than just being a
steel fist crashing into them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ81FlyJA87hDr7cp_R00HTYa03ybJ_ej_4QeAH4pkhEREdMDqsewDmGBytt65EHgy_gUcWkO0NAES_MWczSUYzhbDQX-s5pFIb2hC-zLMsCOr8ynipV89tiD4Hroyc-ig9aWZvdctDViL/s1600/A-clenched-fist-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ81FlyJA87hDr7cp_R00HTYa03ybJ_ej_4QeAH4pkhEREdMDqsewDmGBytt65EHgy_gUcWkO0NAES_MWczSUYzhbDQX-s5pFIb2hC-zLMsCOr8ynipV89tiD4Hroyc-ig9aWZvdctDViL/s200/A-clenched-fist-008.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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It’s all about finesse and control while
remaining relaxed. It explains how a smaller practitioner can throw all 6’3 of
me around with ease if I take the Jeremy Clarkson approach of “POWER”!!!</div>
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Once I understood this I had a light bulb moment, and
realised this is transferable to almost any sport. I immediately saw the
parallels with swimming, which I have taught and coached for almost 10 years.
You can only go so far with pure power (steel fist) before you plateau. You
also need to be able to relax into the stroke (silk glove), placing your hand
in the water in the perfect position to deliver the power. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I now understand what Rob meant, it will take many
more hours of training and practise before I master the skill. Until then I
will keep working away, eagerly waiting for the next time Rob shares some of
his wisdom in a riddle.</div>
Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-74738621456901888742017-03-09T16:38:00.001+00:002017-03-09T16:38:58.907+00:00In Conversation with Iain AbernethyRecently Iain Abernethy led a successful seminar in Bristol hosted by Zenshin dojo. During a 20 minute break Zenshin member Justin Richards seized an opportunity to ask Iain questions. In part one of the interview Iain provides an honest and personal account of his karate journey so far and his thoughts on karate as an Olympic sport.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN_fMfCYLjpLp6obF2KxWkc2ROrWDjOaVsIkFCKNVDz4vIQmcdh2vk2egaw2nA7prOXGDbPNCWyK2wJf2yI4h3T-_-nzuFBoM-cDWqZtltYcCPdLcmmyOlaS4ji7J34OnaH-Fz7r_Y7_s/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN_fMfCYLjpLp6obF2KxWkc2ROrWDjOaVsIkFCKNVDz4vIQmcdh2vk2egaw2nA7prOXGDbPNCWyK2wJf2yI4h3T-_-nzuFBoM-cDWqZtltYcCPdLcmmyOlaS4ji7J34OnaH-Fz7r_Y7_s/s320/IMG_0983.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>What do you find more satisfying, teaching or practising and why? </b><br />
I enjoy both, but in terms of my practice is just for me, whereas my teaching is for others, and obviously others will outlast me, so I would have to say that I probably find teaching more satisfying as in that will have the longest influence, whereas my own personal practice that obviously dies with me, but my teaching hopefully doesn’t.<br />
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<b>What has been your biggest karate challenge so far?</b><br />
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Probably early on getting used to the discipline of regular training, when I wasn’t a child that would do that, but when I realised I can train consistently and get results from that, that was something of a revelation to me, so I would say that it was probably those early days once I got that habit it’s just never stopped and since then things have been pretty easy karate wise because I enjoy it greatly, there’s a few bumps along the road injuries, you have to overcome and stuff, but that would be it originally, disciplining myself to train regularly.<br />
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<b>What has been your biggest success (or what are you most proud of)?</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQxRG2c2fNx1LpVAYRGAHfmd9x2Ll-r9ors8O0MbVptCOtM6QiMqrTp6EBCXC2E7D_OnwTXZ195HvsjfZERoodYn7tvuvYHoJZyH69ObTFHaV3GQoPDUVytlCGt_7oO-V_0o90ZEU6jr5/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQxRG2c2fNx1LpVAYRGAHfmd9x2Ll-r9ors8O0MbVptCOtM6QiMqrTp6EBCXC2E7D_OnwTXZ195HvsjfZERoodYn7tvuvYHoJZyH69ObTFHaV3GQoPDUVytlCGt_7oO-V_0o90ZEU6jr5/s200/IMG_1036.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Probably my first book, simply because that was my first attempt to communicate the ideas I had with a wider audience, so although I don’t think it was my best book, and it certainly not my most popular book, it was the one I was most proud of because that was the point where I put my head above the parapet and said I think I’ve got something I want to say, so my first book is probably the one I’m most proud of today.<br />
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<b>Were you affected by the 2005 or 2016 floods?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnmuZA92pYIOILs9lipA9H3Mc7IavtJRHo9PLtWi-OMa2ruLiC3EjfyXOlAjBZXlC6qGEralfVhq2wRlp2TZkdn8sG_pcC8M4ag3PEj55GHLUiUl6jLV8v0bDi_9YUBB6FIp1BCMHnOkA/s1600/cumbria+floods+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnmuZA92pYIOILs9lipA9H3Mc7IavtJRHo9PLtWi-OMa2ruLiC3EjfyXOlAjBZXlC6qGEralfVhq2wRlp2TZkdn8sG_pcC8M4ag3PEj55GHLUiUl6jLV8v0bDi_9YUBB6FIp1BCMHnOkA/s200/cumbria+floods+2015.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHYFP2yDqywcL7UeXEPTMOMU_WfMkFI28oIHW0BC8o0kg5qs-eVTcV3RftWrvKzyoMdu7uzlVabtlk6DXDQ-EozJ01au3caJUbzlRQIhdjWLelYqj-C10-2jtwMrcsT9kwTowu7Nc-lrG/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHYFP2yDqywcL7UeXEPTMOMU_WfMkFI28oIHW0BC8o0kg5qs-eVTcV3RftWrvKzyoMdu7uzlVabtlk6DXDQ-EozJ01au3caJUbzlRQIhdjWLelYqj-C10-2jtwMrcsT9kwTowu7Nc-lrG/s200/IMG_0987.JPG" width="200" /></a>Not directly no, my house is on the edge of the town but obviously the town was badly affected and therefore people I either know or my family, my father lost a car in it, Fred who people might know through the books and DVD’s, his house was flooded out, so people we know, were, and obviously the town I live in was, but personally I was very lucky and got away with no damage to my personal property or anything like that.<br />
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<b>What are your thoughts regarding Karate as an Olympic sport?</b><br />
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I’m indifferent to it. I’m happy for the athletes because I know how hard they work and the people around them the referees, the political organisations and I know the amount of effort that people have put in to wanting that to happen, so I’m pleased for them. But for me it’s an irrelevance it’s not what I do, it’s not what I practice, I don’t think it will have a big influence on karate generally as well, because at most we’ll be talking about 30 seconds of highlight footage, once every 4 years, so I don’t think, as some people do, that it will have a big influence on the way that karate is perceived, I don’t think it will. We’ll just turn up at the dojo and do what we’ve always done. So I’m pleased for them but it makes no difference to me.<br />
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Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-38622150925077838152016-12-18T15:51:00.000+00:002016-12-18T15:51:41.343+00:00Reaching out to busy parents<div class="MsoNormal">
Reaching out to busy parents </div>
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Today’s busy parents have a lot on their plate, nurse, kids’
taxi service, teacher, playmate, the list of child related commitments and
responsibilities is, quite rightly, a long one. Adding to the already congested
timetable are the plethora of after school clubs and activities; swimming, gym,
music lessons, brownies, football, the list is diverse and endless. To further
squash an already tight schedule, the trend for modern schools to encourage
parents to spend valuable family time helping their child through a mountain of
homework eats into whatever free time there is left before bedtime. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-_DcqYz7C2gio8ssurrM8Dv7MNXeHsUKUoj8i0VJjC49CtEEoZfIkWa-Rl7_8cIMHM0RPqGqS1OcpNdITE6Qyefsozc7qNl8l56Dw3s3OYM77ojzlYJqesjCw9sb1H3TLugMhehAj0p4/s1600/mum-at-school.jpg.pagespeed.ce.8BcyZ7qwLo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-_DcqYz7C2gio8ssurrM8Dv7MNXeHsUKUoj8i0VJjC49CtEEoZfIkWa-Rl7_8cIMHM0RPqGqS1OcpNdITE6Qyefsozc7qNl8l56Dw3s3OYM77ojzlYJqesjCw9sb1H3TLugMhehAj0p4/s320/mum-at-school.jpg.pagespeed.ce.8BcyZ7qwLo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In this vortex of child centred activity and obligations
it’s easy for parents to lose sight of their own goals and aspirations, a need
to “park” their own ambitions until the children are older. Of course, there are plenty of options out
there but many take place in the evenings, or at weekends when free time is at
a premium or nonexistent even if you do have the energy! </div>
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During this past year we have been approached by several
mums who, through watching their children in our junior classes, have requested
a weekday morning karate class. Their
argument is a good one, it's cheaper than a gym, more fun than running on your
own, intellectually stimulating, and socially engaging. As a result we’ve
decided to bite the bullet and start such a class aimed primarily at mums and
dads, who are only free after the morning school run, but also open to anyone
who is available to give it a go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqpw8E58Gwf7Zou51f1Q5ZBTSnEKGzpSNe8XmwOponUeEAB8MMypg-N83UlXrxWhnRNAtXAMUkdEuDoEJ3iY246bso_H2iP6Bq16ERb1dlM1-cSff4aA15ehyJfuJuHu9RUwlXDIoVKff/s1600/P1060423+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqpw8E58Gwf7Zou51f1Q5ZBTSnEKGzpSNe8XmwOponUeEAB8MMypg-N83UlXrxWhnRNAtXAMUkdEuDoEJ3iY246bso_H2iP6Bq16ERb1dlM1-cSff4aA15ehyJfuJuHu9RUwlXDIoVKff/s200/P1060423+%252814%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLqtxG1SMAy3K2lytKNpJ3iXCjA4LxYFFsRUDoD9e1TnLZGtRIbf5dzxkRYePskoN8xngdAT3H15sIRBd7VdGpkurKCxp-lcDL5gfgg9kz0cnvtqFbAzyVMeluV5Vimu3nM77LgL78pYp/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLqtxG1SMAy3K2lytKNpJ3iXCjA4LxYFFsRUDoD9e1TnLZGtRIbf5dzxkRYePskoN8xngdAT3H15sIRBd7VdGpkurKCxp-lcDL5gfgg9kz0cnvtqFbAzyVMeluV5Vimu3nM77LgL78pYp/s320/069.JPG" width="320" /></a>Many karate clubs, particularly the amateur ones, are not able to have sufficiently flexible instructors able to deliver tuition during the ordinary working day. It's an understandable position to be in, but also an unfortunate one because those clubs are not in a position to tap into a huge reservoir of potential new students.</div>
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I firmly believe that karate practice can improve lives, health and spiritual well being, so if you are a club that are lucky enough to offer that facility then you are most likely providing the only opportunity for those busy parents, or shift workers to be challenged physically, pushed mentally and achieve meaningful accomplishment.</div>
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Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-79728911965328538932016-12-06T10:09:00.000+00:002016-12-06T10:09:27.801+00:00Taking that first step can be hard<div class="MsoNormal">
I look at the number staring back at me in a state of
disbelief, the date is January 2<sup>nd</sup> 2013 and my bathroom scales are
telling me an uncomfortable truth. I’m sure many of you can relate to this
feeling after a few weeks of festive excess, but to me this runs deeper than a
few extra mince pies. In the preceding two years I’ve gone from an active,
slender, fit man to a slovenly, overweight shadow of my former self due to a litany
of health issues both physical and mental.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18xaCI-dIil8W51BqV1x2nTVXktAqhFUSGd8-jimfhQKXUYMg2OFjAA-LJv5MpbhmUTCmLbho-zMwY-fvlgBx4jLNzRp_2wJhgrCZHf-EYU2AhD3q8UjoAYf4mhbkmWIt2QkaZSGYPse3/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18xaCI-dIil8W51BqV1x2nTVXktAqhFUSGd8-jimfhQKXUYMg2OFjAA-LJv5MpbhmUTCmLbho-zMwY-fvlgBx4jLNzRp_2wJhgrCZHf-EYU2AhD3q8UjoAYf4mhbkmWIt2QkaZSGYPse3/s200/IMG_2091.JPG" width="188" /></a>Time for another New Year weight loss initiative - like
2012’s ill-fated decision to join my local gym and pay for a year’s membership
upfront, only to give up going in February. I’ve always thought it would be
nice to learn a martial art and I loved the Jean-Claude Van Damme films of my
childhood, yes that settles it, my fandom of a Belgian movie star has made the
choice an easy one - martial arts it is. As for what martial art I decided upon
Karate simply because it was the only martial art that I had heard of other
than Judo.</div>
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Now that I had decided what I wanted to do the next step was
finding somewhere to do it. I remember googling ‘Karate beginners lessons
Bristol’ and looking through the top few results. Whilst reading through a few
of the websites something catches my attention immediately – a s<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>hort paragraph stating that none of the instructors get paid
for teaching and volunteer their services for free. That, as I would come to
discover in the coming years defines what Zenshin Dojo is all about – people
helping people to better themselves simply because it’s
the right thing to do. It sounds idealistic, but in a world too frequently
dominated by selfish wants and needs it’s refreshing to come across a community
whose ethos is about learning and helping others.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWH1V0FmJ7rZxbWkfdHFlJDvtWGpodBZjzdDA5c3b41sr1E2pjWNNh_gNBNlQ0_gHQ06WUJZVf7QdMov2D6XJSB1Qc6V__pcQe0g0RWwn5-LDsiDgwvQ2JCNwJ1RK02DapQlQzirc5OML/s1600/IMG_2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWH1V0FmJ7rZxbWkfdHFlJDvtWGpodBZjzdDA5c3b41sr1E2pjWNNh_gNBNlQ0_gHQ06WUJZVf7QdMov2D6XJSB1Qc6V__pcQe0g0RWwn5-LDsiDgwvQ2JCNwJ1RK02DapQlQzirc5OML/s320/IMG_2138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can still remember the nerves before attempting to attend
my first lesson. I say attempting because I never actually made it to my
planned first lesson. I had difficulty finding the venue and arrived ten
minutes late. This was followed by ten further minutes of sitting in my car
procrastinating about whether it was too late to turn up for the lesson before
driving home. At that stage of my life I was struggling terribly with anxiety
to the point that some days I couldn’t even leave the house, I remember driving
home convinced that my martial arts experience was over before it even began.
The next day I receive a short e-mail from the founder of the club Rob
enquiring as to why I had not attended the lesson. It’s a short message, but
there’s an inherent warmness to the tone which convinces me to give it another
go.</div>
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Sunday, January 20<sup>th</sup> 2013 my first ever Karate
lesson. It’s funny but I’ve attended hundreds of lessons since that first
lesson, but I can remember the details of that first lesson more than any
lesson I’ve attended since. To me the hardest part of learning Karate is the
first time you step into the dojo, it’s that fear of stepping into the unknown
particularly if you have no previous martial arts experience. As soon as I walk
through the door the instructor Phil greets me, he has a friendly warmth to him
that immediately puts me at ease. I’m introduced to the group and
Lorraine(another of the instructors) takes me away from the main group to teach
me Fudo Dachi(stance) and Gedan Barai(block). Throughout my first lesson I’m
made to feel welcome and that’s something that has stuck with me nearly four years
later - the way that new members are embraced and made to feel welcome.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfe-18sebDzf2m6hqwBK7Tq3sdHJSRAcummI_aSJTKtnqQMFNGcoL3LPeyK99KPIYXQ06rUlTP6n03a0eC6zNHcEBLrwvixVN6L1UUg3I5J1GIS_nPkS-uOUMdFEocc5C5ASy3oOxTCZ1/s1600/IMG_4351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfe-18sebDzf2m6hqwBK7Tq3sdHJSRAcummI_aSJTKtnqQMFNGcoL3LPeyK99KPIYXQ06rUlTP6n03a0eC6zNHcEBLrwvixVN6L1UUg3I5J1GIS_nPkS-uOUMdFEocc5C5ASy3oOxTCZ1/s320/IMG_4351.JPG" width="252" /></a>To me one of my most vivid Karate memories is the first time
I put my Gi(uniform) on, though I wear a t-shirt underneath it due to my
embarrassment at my weight. There’s just something uniquely special about
putting that Gi on for the first time.</div>
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While I’m enjoying learning Karate, I’m also struggling
tremendously with my mental health. Along with anxiety I’ve also battled
depression and at the time I was taking some quite powerful anti-depressants,
which I’m sure contributed to my weight gain.</div>
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As the weeks and months pass not only do I lose some weight
which was my primary goal, but I also begin to feel less anxious not just at
Karate but in all aspects of my life. The depression begins to lift and I
slowly begin to cut back on the anti-depressants until by the middle of 2014
I’m off them completely. I’m sure anyone who was a member of the club when I
joined will attest that I was very quiet for the first year I was there. I have
absolutely no doubt that Karate played a huge role in my mental health
improving.</div>
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It’s not been all smooth sailing for me at Zenshin Dojo as I
can be hard work at times and I’ve certainly had my moments of self-doubt over
the last four years, but the patience and understanding of the instructors at
the club truly is second to none. That also applies to the other members of the
club and if an instructor is busy then there are always other people more than
willing to take time out from their own practice to help you.</div>
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As someone who has always prided myself on my athletic
ability I feel like I’m back to the person I used to be and at the age of 39 I
feel the best physically since my twenties. On a deeper level I will always be grateful
for Karate and more specifically the supportive environment at Zenshin Dojo for
helping me to overcome the worst of my mental health difficulties. I still have
my bad days, but they are few and far between nowadays.</div>
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Oh and I no longer have to wear a t-shirt under my Gi!</div>
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Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-19633243531890816802016-11-10T16:14:00.001+00:002016-11-10T16:14:58.280+00:00Alternative Karate: A new country, new path?<a href="http://zenshindojo.blogspot.com/2016/11/zoe-was-young-teenager-when-she-first.html?spref=bl">Alternative Karate: A new country, new path?</a>: Zoe was a young teenager when she first walked into our dojo and discovered karate. It soon became her passion and she excelled, both as a ...Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-65691247959298172222016-11-10T16:02:00.000+00:002016-11-10T17:34:33.492+00:00A new country, new path? <div class="MsoNormal">
Zoe was a young teenager when she first walked into our dojo and discovered karate. It soon became her passion and she excelled, both as a student and teacher. Her profound understanding, powerful physical prowess, playful nature and gentle femininity was an awesome mix. Not surprisingly she became a highly sought after instructor and role model to other young women in our club.</div>
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In 2012 love of a good man took her to Calgary, Canada where she now lives with her husband and baby daughter.</div>
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Despite being so far from her home and karate family, she has continued her martial arts journey encountering a range of difficulties along the way.</div>
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She has kindly agreed to share her thoughts in this candid and honest interview.</div>
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<b>When did you start practising karate and why?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDEeswql4vNJWJvyFaObTwLK_165U433HplIXj4sRnOceYwFzvmS5XO2vdhVexpfGr7d8TYXZyGwW-O6IVWni3PgWj3vVXsnw_Csh9QrFvUfQJDSXH-K7W7vmKvBqGYx_8O1_Nlf3zbNE/s1600/Japan+614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDEeswql4vNJWJvyFaObTwLK_165U433HplIXj4sRnOceYwFzvmS5XO2vdhVexpfGr7d8TYXZyGwW-O6IVWni3PgWj3vVXsnw_Csh9QrFvUfQJDSXH-K7W7vmKvBqGYx_8O1_Nlf3zbNE/s320/Japan+614.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funakoshi's grave.</td></tr>
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I was 17 years old, so that's, 1997 I think! Growing up as a
teenager in Bristol made me realize that as a woman I needed to protect myself.
I would often go down town with my friends, we would see fighting and the male
attention was sometimes quite intimidating. Little did I know that Shotokai
Karate would become so much more than a system of self defense. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Describe your karate journey so far. What have been the
highs & lows?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I've seen associations split, egos clash and Karate reveal
people for who they really are good and bad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But mostly I have had a marvellous time meeting some of the
most incredible and inspirational people in different countries around the
world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Highlights being</i> -
practicing with the Japanese Masters (The Yutenkai) in Japan and in
Pisa, Italy. Also practicing with the warm and exuberant Italians on the hot
sand in Pisa. Sharing great friendships. Watching people grow and seeing them
progress is the most satisfying and amazing thing.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Low point:</i> Is probably right now actually. Trying to find my
way in North America and find people who understand what I am trying to teach.
Trying to get past the people who want instant gratification of just punching
and kicking. Its a long journey with many twists and turns. Sometimes you want
to just give up but something always calls me in my heart just to keep going.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Has karate informed your private life? If so, in what way?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Its made me the person I am today. I seek to be a better
person because of it. It turned my life around as a teenager and has constantly
kept the demons in my head that say 'you are not good enough' at bay. It's a
constant test of resilience and determination, this helps relationships and
goals in all areas of life. It has kept me humble, patient and generous. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXeLX-sJDRfAdST5axKRbzrwSwpvqnrBAynerYjpZWfRSzD3MTVXXhHDTiRaWKlRKl8B9X-w3sNAsU0pEyD5mmXwZ2LbrWu1X0O1p8IDl5mz8xssJSyG6BtbxcmLEkIPWznAeob9oW2HW/s1600/Japan+646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXeLX-sJDRfAdST5axKRbzrwSwpvqnrBAynerYjpZWfRSzD3MTVXXhHDTiRaWKlRKl8B9X-w3sNAsU0pEyD5mmXwZ2LbrWu1X0O1p8IDl5mz8xssJSyG6BtbxcmLEkIPWznAeob9oW2HW/s320/Japan+646.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>How did having a family and moving away from Bristol affect
your karate aspirations?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Its tough, I miss helping dedicated people learn Shotokai
Karate. It will come. As I said above its another twist in my journey that is
testing my commitment. I have explored other martial arts and enjoyed what they
have to offer but I am always drawn back to passing on my experience. I love to
teach and I need to do what I love. I know that I have to have huge patience to
build a club and balance that with finding something new that fits with my
beliefs. Also having a child means she will always come first, she is my first
priority and any parent will know that it takes some time to adapt to this new
role and responsibility. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What qualities do you hope to find in a karate instructor?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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HUMILITY!! Kindness and a genuine spirit for wanting to help
people become their best. An understanding of connection, long term progression
and the art of martial arts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What would be your ideal practice environment? In other
words, what do you look for when assessing whether or not to visit / join, a
new club?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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HUMILITY!! Kindness and a genuine spirit for wanting to help
people become their best! Not trying to
suffocate my previous experience. Openness and respect. FUN people, who don't
take themselves too seriously and who want to help others. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What has been your biggest martial arts challenge to date?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Canada!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZCPhSU804k8NZ9pRLDAHNnVXCY0V5sX43zvHs7KeDz3XT3Ea42iDOCwChn6VRPaauDsAq58KISgQbbh-70JShqV6Q0wfQrOMU0-__WsxPyyX_CsNuEJi8aoh1q2LbezcQ4LMWP-l9JAw/s1600/030+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZCPhSU804k8NZ9pRLDAHNnVXCY0V5sX43zvHs7KeDz3XT3Ea42iDOCwChn6VRPaauDsAq58KISgQbbh-70JShqV6Q0wfQrOMU0-__WsxPyyX_CsNuEJi8aoh1q2LbezcQ4LMWP-l9JAw/s320/030+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>What advice would you give to someone starting out on their
karate journey?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Persevere, stay open and try to leave your baggage at the
door of the dojo at each practice. Enjoy the journey, don't rush, be very
patient and kind to yourself and others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have you ever studied any other martial art apart from
karate and, if so, how do they compare? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Aikido, Kickboxing, Wing Chun Kung Fu. Each style has great
things to offer. Aikido for it flow and lack of violence toward your partner
(neutralize the attack). Kickboxing for its fast pace, great kicks, learning to
get in do the damage and then get out. Wing Chun for its fast compact
techniques that constantly stick to their attacker, a great system for street
self defence and as I like to call it, Telephone box fighting. Wing chun is a
great influence right now to me as it was designed by a small woman and
understands how to use the energy of a large male against them. I see a lot of
similarities between Wing Chun and Shotokai Karate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>What would you have written on your karate headstone? </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Stay Humble. Be kind. Keep an open heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-85379522083108902022016-11-03T17:47:00.001+00:002016-11-03T17:47:23.459+00:00Karate Belts - More than keeping your trousers up?<div class="MsoNormal">
"It is not what you wear ..... its what you do" -
Master Chen<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the white belt becomes dirty and discoloured by years
of hard training it turns to black, then after more years of dedicated practice,
the “dirty” belt becomes frayed. The white cotton stitching is revealed thus
returning the black belt to white symbolising that however great the master,
there is always more to learn. It’s a popular and romantic view but opinions
about the value of karate belts are mixed.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have had the great pleasure to practice with a truly
authentic Grandmaster, Chen Xiaowang. Although not specifically referring to
karate belts, Master Chen made the point that your value as a martial artist
was not determined by the colour of a piece of cloth around your waist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-43fLySTREfCXKJwaKPOlzHPp89VSthIpoGsmfjI1y6i8_1cvepCCRoy85ns81ZsgdwkOXk8eCRLiim06ZGZFa4QAs4jJ3fZlQyesiLKKGqpqlvAz9UZv_f0lb_JI4SCFTNvTgqRMa-J/s1600/K8+Rob+chen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-43fLySTREfCXKJwaKPOlzHPp89VSthIpoGsmfjI1y6i8_1cvepCCRoy85ns81ZsgdwkOXk8eCRLiim06ZGZFa4QAs4jJ3fZlQyesiLKKGqpqlvAz9UZv_f0lb_JI4SCFTNvTgqRMa-J/s320/K8+Rob+chen.jpg" width="190" /></a>The need to have a visual signpost illustrating the
student’s current point along their karate path seems to have had its roots in
the early 1930’s. Many believe that Gichin Funakoshi, one of the founders of
modern karate, was instructed to adopt the judo approach to rank if he wanted
karate to be accepted as a main stream Japanese martial art. Funakoshi agreed,
and the coloured karate belt system was introduced.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today there are as many coloured belts as there are colours
in the rainbow. Our dojo adopts a basic primary colour system. However manufacturing
improvements have resulted in not just bold, primary coloured belt designs, but
also multi coloured striped belts, chequered belts and two tone belts being
widely used and available.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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There appear to be two main schools of thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first believes that the novice student should wear a
white belt until they are considered good enough to wear the coveted black
belt. Variations on this approach have resulted in some groups adopting a
single intermediary grade of brown belt, before black.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The other, arguably more widespread view, accepts that there
is at least some value in having a coloured belt grading system. The precise
colours of the belt vary from group to group, but generally begin with white,
moving through to a black belt, via six or seven other colours.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What are the benefits?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1dPVoeMoPQPYIYRJarCyYfTe7K2CpbzZkMFadSwzM0OhgENVSpNe_8qjTCiaqzrN4NQ1On0j6RIygab_pIYLxP1cp0UF7c-bCU4upEU7_DPXmw8YB3YBz3xgyijQMydBEXNso45rc-f-/s1600/Color_Karate_Belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1dPVoeMoPQPYIYRJarCyYfTe7K2CpbzZkMFadSwzM0OhgENVSpNe_8qjTCiaqzrN4NQ1On0j6RIygab_pIYLxP1cp0UF7c-bCU4upEU7_DPXmw8YB3YBz3xgyijQMydBEXNso45rc-f-/s320/Color_Karate_Belt.jpg" width="320" /></a>Personally, I subscribe to Master Chens’ view, but recognise
there is value in an overt ranking structure. Recently, a mature student successfully
completed a basic assessment and as a result was awarded a new karate belt. She
remarked it was the first time since leaving school, that she had been publicly
recognised for any type of achievement. She went onto explain that this
recognition had raised her sense of self worth, and had profoundly impacted on
her long standing acceptance that she would never achieve anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This may sound extreme, but this type of acknowledgment
resonates on some level with many ordinary people. When I talk about ordinary
people, I don’t mean to sound disparaging but I refer to the type of person who
is never going to be an Olympic athlete, or “Champion.” It’s the silent
majority who have to put age, infirmity, family, or work first before embarking
on any physical challenge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl-TgNjLzd0vUjCBaI64TtT0fV7Vg7IyexY6vIec37t3d5wa4yljnMO50HtTKmRnW7rZgpns5_wzk0M1I4AhedsXKf2Q1yG6OXvPZ4AppxOeHUf_9-LQnICQpKlQ2TiuJyYVI_Z5M61NT/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl-TgNjLzd0vUjCBaI64TtT0fV7Vg7IyexY6vIec37t3d5wa4yljnMO50HtTKmRnW7rZgpns5_wzk0M1I4AhedsXKf2Q1yG6OXvPZ4AppxOeHUf_9-LQnICQpKlQ2TiuJyYVI_Z5M61NT/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>The setting of achievable goals or objectives is important
for many people. These sign posts along the path to karate mastery can be a
powerful motivator for the student.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course like most things there is a darker side. Jealousy
and desire linked to ambition and the acquisition of power can unfortunately
result in a misuse of the belt ranking system. Also the use of coloured belt
awards as rewards is open to abuse by some instructors whose income depends on
student numbers. I have seen such instructors unfortunately influenced by the prospect
of a student leaving if not awarded their new belt. For those leaders, the
temptation to reward, and therefore retain the student, must be a constant
challenge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Instructors, group leaders and those with this
responsibility, should also be alive to the impact promotion of a student to a
new rank can have on the micro culture found in karate clubs. On balance <o:p></o:p></div>
if
managed correctly, with integrity and appropriate value, the coloured karate
belt system provides many students with a sense of context, and the opportunity
to set meaningful goals; such a system also allows instructors and leaders to
plan lessons more effectively, providing appropriate practices in line with the
students experience and ability.<br />
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Keeping this perspective helps encourage achievement with
challenge, and healthy competition, but at the end of the day, a belt is just
something to keep you trousers up!</div>
Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-3064536015573669712016-10-17T14:40:00.000+01:002016-10-17T14:40:01.523+01:00Karate and Mental Health‘Ding’ - you know the sound. The lightbulb moment when you understand or do something which you didn’t or couldn’t before. It's a great sound and an even better feeling - for the person and also the instructor. As a teacher I hear and see these moments more than most and it’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz46YJqfOz9HXWVheqX0QAFSNyv6lmJqtHClKNr_Ym3W24AcWGdBZcw0Lc0aVUs1wJKhvlXAlVU2VgxbIVDfWtBBZSqloy_h1Gc2cF-6PakgdyG6t4YCr7Rk-lyQhfNEaNxullZ6UyHXdF/s1600/IMG_5466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz46YJqfOz9HXWVheqX0QAFSNyv6lmJqtHClKNr_Ym3W24AcWGdBZcw0Lc0aVUs1wJKhvlXAlVU2VgxbIVDfWtBBZSqloy_h1Gc2cF-6PakgdyG6t4YCr7Rk-lyQhfNEaNxullZ6UyHXdF/s400/IMG_5466.jpg" width="203" /></a>At Zenshin Dojo we enjoy these moments pretty regularly and it’s great to see. Unfortunately we also see and feel something else much more often. It’s teacher's’ worst nightmare. It stops learning, its stops happiness, it stops progression. It damages self esteem, slows down physical healing and affects mental health.<br />
<br />
Lack of growth mindset, negative mindset, low self esteem - or as I like to call it ‘I’m rubbish’ thinking.<br />
<br />
I know what your thinking - ‘over react much!’ but unfortunately it is not an over reaction, it is something which can really negatively affect a person. For some people this is not so much of a worry. You get along fine, meeting challenges, staying positive and being successful. But I think it is still important to be aware of the negative mindset, because it can take you by surprise. It can be as easy as thinking ‘I’m rubbish’ after only trying something once. For a classic over thinker like me however, it can often be a daily struggle to stay in the growth mindset and not get sucked into a negative one or worse depression.<br />
<br />
I work with pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. I also have suffered with and taken medication for depression in the past. I, along with plenty of other people, experience stress from work and personal responsibilities. Others in the club may have more personal experience of other types mental health illnesses. Mental health is important for everyone to acknowledge, talk about and defend against as it can damage relationships, ruin lives and kill people.<br />
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‘karate is not just self defence from others, it can also be defence from the self’<br />
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Words of wisdom from Rob Jones at the 2016 Zenshin Dojo Summer School. Rob joked about defending against ‘lethargy’ and ‘drinking too much’. My first thought was ‘defending against the effect of eating too much cake’. All these things are important to defend against individually. But look a bit deeper into these habits to defend against and you might find the ‘I’m rubbish’ demon lurking behind all of them.<br />
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‘Another drink won’t hurt’ (I’m not social or funny enough without a few drinks)<br />
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‘I’m too tired’ (my energy should be spent on others - work/children/house - not myself)<br />
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‘that was rubbish’ (anything less than perfect is a failure)<br />
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Karate is a martial art, a physical self defence sport and a mental defence from the self. At Zenshin Dojo there are many aspects which positively affect the physical and mental health of its members. But I would like to focus on the mental.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PTgWuLd1bPpxgGzT8Bh1mn9k9KJG_s7mDzUdg3u_bjdOC0ikWswzodeHhR1hPP5uPu02PomjMzLfgB2zEYP5eV4_87gQn4dWHSHhIkxHZmTW93KR8h43zj1q3sfG0ypZb7VLiF4B0_Yb/s1600/IMG_4350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PTgWuLd1bPpxgGzT8Bh1mn9k9KJG_s7mDzUdg3u_bjdOC0ikWswzodeHhR1hPP5uPu02PomjMzLfgB2zEYP5eV4_87gQn4dWHSHhIkxHZmTW93KR8h43zj1q3sfG0ypZb7VLiF4B0_Yb/s320/IMG_4350.jpg" width="294" /></a>The social events and friendly atmosphere is an important part of our club’s ethos. It is acknowledged, practiced, celebrated and easy to measure, through the growth in numbers, the smiles and the strong, international links with other clubs. Humans are social creatures and being part of a group can be a powerful tool in the defence against mental health. A new member at Zenshin Dojo feels welcomed, at ease, not judged for making mistakes and is given special attention and support, making them feel safe and therefore come back. People with injuries or who are less fit or have other health setbacks are included and encouraged. Higher grades are given responsibility and are asked to pass on knowledge. All members are valued and respected which encourages value and respect for ourselves.<br />
<br />
I often find my head full from a busy day with a ‘to do’ list as long as my arm, grumpy, stressed or just in a negative mindset. A good practice in the dojo changes that. I have found that by focusing on the physical shapes and movement allows me to quiet my mind and forget about everything else. This has the added benefit of putting problems and negative thoughts in perspective. After practice when you can return to ‘real life’ the small stuff has been filtered out, real problems are now ‘challenges’ and the overwhelmed feeling is replaced by ‘bring it on’. This effect is well documented, all sport and exercise allows endorphins to be released in the brain which has been proved to improve mental health and self esteem. But there is something about Karate, possibly the repetition, the physical contact or the risk of getting hit, that satisfies the cave-dwelling brain in all of us.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaq2VtyQHlwWR_hu9amCgmDxG4N5ll7J2FQ1Xu6acCmxyCJx9xHl8SNfSdOfW0DXxW4buBEIA-r310OBKYnKAS3XDLpDwYS24uHCa4VBZYWLh9LWbU5lL36FMh8Hy7JHPIRcr37cvcvrs/s1600/IMG_4297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaq2VtyQHlwWR_hu9amCgmDxG4N5ll7J2FQ1Xu6acCmxyCJx9xHl8SNfSdOfW0DXxW4buBEIA-r310OBKYnKAS3XDLpDwYS24uHCa4VBZYWLh9LWbU5lL36FMh8Hy7JHPIRcr37cvcvrs/s320/IMG_4297.jpg" width="320" /></a>Rob often talks about the karate ‘journey’ - the recognition that everyone is on the same path, but at different points. The journey is the important part - not the destination. The journey should be measured in the distance you have travelled not where you have started from or the time it has taken. All these aspects of the analogy support the the theory of growth mindset. There is always something to improve on whatever grade, what ever age. When you are able to accept that and continually use it, in karate and daily life, you will also be able accept, overcome and move on from challenges in life whether they are personal, work related, physical or mental.<br />
<br />
Zenshin Dojo has has helped me get more physically and mentally fit. It has helped me overcome challenges, including unemployment and questioning whether or not I should continue teaching. It helps me deal with stress at work and enables me to keep calm and defend myself when dealing with challenging pupils. These are personal experiences which some people may not relate to, but if you reflect I think you will find the mental health benefits of Karate in your own life. So however you’re feeling, put on your gi, get a sweat on, choose a positive mindset and embrace the ‘ding’<br />
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<br />Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-89797092266650218752016-10-09T13:50:00.000+01:002016-10-09T13:50:41.802+01:00Karate in Nepal, a local view.<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>We have had the pleasure of interviewing Sanjeev, a Karate instructor based in Nepal. Sanjeev has been kind enough to answer our questions. We hope you find his answers as interesting as we did.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>How long have you
been practising karate and why did you start in the first place?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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It's been 15 year's</div>
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<b>How many students are
in your club?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I have 50 students. Most of the students are from local area.
5 to 20 years old. We have morning and evening classes, 6 days a week. My club
is in Biratnagar the second largest city of NEPAL and is the industrial capital
of NEPAL.</div>
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<b>Why is your club
called Manakamana karate dojo?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSn1yaJRrpnRVCVhbcizJh8iSdt63OXyX0MDaBkKOs3jy9UkYyOsY3Mv7wHUzPbrB7LzHxNVNoeoAqW9ypBye8yd9qo1OIayeycs2BSuaLyWIK9jLlnZH6i1FPnoHsefbT0ujpg4zgsT6/s1600/14448785_561744180678802_6973355132881721714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSn1yaJRrpnRVCVhbcizJh8iSdt63OXyX0MDaBkKOs3jy9UkYyOsY3Mv7wHUzPbrB7LzHxNVNoeoAqW9ypBye8yd9qo1OIayeycs2BSuaLyWIK9jLlnZH6i1FPnoHsefbT0ujpg4zgsT6/s320/14448785_561744180678802_6973355132881721714_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>It is named after Manakamana temple.</div>
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I am not alone in my karate my sensei helps me a lot to run my club he have never arrived in my club but he is always there when I need any help.</div>
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<b>Describe the
environment where you practice? Always outside? Or do you have an indoor space?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72Oipv-MioXYlSyeSSYL_EKxiU7pYL8zT0sMuOXF6IfbDQInucVjAABRoYXG9w6su5ksvAg4QU_ZjXh1sWmPi2IikZ6klT_lGO3AbJ0ytEBGpKUM4fqwC3XOImmU-Avt2xujRUz7DXHbE/s1600/14370268_561745834011970_6676711458596641792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72Oipv-MioXYlSyeSSYL_EKxiU7pYL8zT0sMuOXF6IfbDQInucVjAABRoYXG9w6su5ksvAg4QU_ZjXh1sWmPi2IikZ6klT_lGO3AbJ0ytEBGpKUM4fqwC3XOImmU-Avt2xujRUz7DXHbE/s320/14370268_561745834011970_6676711458596641792_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>We have indoor but we practice mostly outside. I have to pay
for indoor but from this session we are facing some problems. Actually I was
having indoor class with aerobic teacher he used to teach aerobics and I was
teaching karate but now the owner of that place wants to use that place for
some other business purpose so we are outside now.</div>
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<b>What do other local
people, and the parents of your students say to you about karate?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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For most of the parents they know the value of martial arts
they think it's very good for kids in their overall development. Some parents
send their children just because their children wants to learn otherwise they
think it's dangerous sports. It is very difficult to convince those types of
parents.</div>
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<b>What do you find more
satisfying, teaching or practising and why?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Practicing and teaching karate has become part of my day to
day life. One day without karate it's very difficult to stay without karate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlodDqLsmnAWVC_VToZbO0LUTWHY-9KkE2vIgRrlo0q3hh4Ta2pHPK4dL-hTLNdysV9cvX4OE_yfp1iyLQjPdn201VjU28cFFzDYbIZEbEsreSdKTPwvOjIf4SAe9i3jaAxgKoaxxNEDI/s1600/14202644_554073871445833_8167858962807821197_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlodDqLsmnAWVC_VToZbO0LUTWHY-9KkE2vIgRrlo0q3hh4Ta2pHPK4dL-hTLNdysV9cvX4OE_yfp1iyLQjPdn201VjU28cFFzDYbIZEbEsreSdKTPwvOjIf4SAe9i3jaAxgKoaxxNEDI/s320/14202644_554073871445833_8167858962807821197_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Have you experienced
any problems with the running of your club? If so, what were they and how did
you overcome them?</b></div>
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Yes I did face problem while running my club. When I started
my karate club there is already one club which was situated over there but it
was not running regularly so I started my club and when I started my club the
coach of another club who is also a senior master called me and tried to
convince me not to open new club but u look after club (both club as one)
as an assistant coach but we couldn't work together for long time so I
decided to work alone but it became very difficult because he was a well
established coach (government coach) and I am volunteer coach but trying my
labour hard to bring best out of me and my students.</div>
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<b>What has been your
biggest challenge so far and what has been your biggest success (or what are
you most proud of)?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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For me success is not when my children get medals I find success when I teach them something and they do it better than me ,I find success when a new student who is not capable of kicking high or stretch full but try his/her 100% to learn , I find success in the smile of small children from their heart</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEX7fF0qVtyHrmY-3hwudUsBZAMS-Pcvs6h97GdTenjl_8fafRZQkNTItA67sdlCubkDfrbTxa6pLVN1uw77Cr3NM8KGm3KmC5DirgDj48XytMsl5UWg09oe2YgwjXMRP0OVMrj2ORbHc/s1600/14469540_561746850678535_7020759585576065604_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEX7fF0qVtyHrmY-3hwudUsBZAMS-Pcvs6h97GdTenjl_8fafRZQkNTItA67sdlCubkDfrbTxa6pLVN1uw77Cr3NM8KGm3KmC5DirgDj48XytMsl5UWg09oe2YgwjXMRP0OVMrj2ORbHc/s320/14469540_561746850678535_7020759585576065604_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Have you ever studied
any other martial art apart from karate and, if so, how do they compare? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Yes I did try to learn other kinds of martial arts but I
don't compare any martial arts with each other because for me each type of
martial arts gives us opportunity to learn something new.</div>
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<b>What are you most
looking forward to over the coming months?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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For upcoming month there are so many competition going to be
held especially junior karate competition so I'm focused on that.</div>
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<b>If you had any one
piece of advice for a person starting out on their karate journey, what would
it be? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMJ9oxHzh-j2yyg7XNO22d8oXlE7eFpisLGpHIVYzmChbDgA6IAx3mrcSIjp4Wy5oSG4UgM2XOR7By7eb2QuOv25QmItUKF8yFKBpBMCbLRP2nCjsbHbDQN7YIiytgT0r3ZF8QTJ8XngK/s1600/13237804_511973388989215_2703331048402544721_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMJ9oxHzh-j2yyg7XNO22d8oXlE7eFpisLGpHIVYzmChbDgA6IAx3mrcSIjp4Wy5oSG4UgM2XOR7By7eb2QuOv25QmItUKF8yFKBpBMCbLRP2nCjsbHbDQN7YIiytgT0r3ZF8QTJ8XngK/s200/13237804_511973388989215_2703331048402544721_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>For those who are going to start their journey of karate I want
to tell them that every champion was beginner when he/she started their journey.
No matter how many times u fell down always keep learning. Don't set your goal
for winning medal rather than set your goal for learning and developing your
skill.</div>
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<b>Thank you Sanjeev for such an interesting interview. We wish you and all students at the Manakamana karate dojo, the very best of luck and good fortune in all that you do.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIMbnfYEW_OSCW4_9H6b6RKl7_gSUIHNFam-CchziCqDf3Y4YRAqUMfogD5_tONAspflaAYyZqZY7ksXoPfPKzblMxLv_Ifr4ubwPW4K-pV4COho8pV7ViWLdzb-o11tVhjRZXov8X0JB/s1600/14440977_561747284011825_2353134962958510373_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIMbnfYEW_OSCW4_9H6b6RKl7_gSUIHNFam-CchziCqDf3Y4YRAqUMfogD5_tONAspflaAYyZqZY7ksXoPfPKzblMxLv_Ifr4ubwPW4K-pV4COho8pV7ViWLdzb-o11tVhjRZXov8X0JB/s400/14440977_561747284011825_2353134962958510373_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-32659318098517402412016-10-06T15:29:00.000+01:002016-10-06T15:29:31.176+01:00The mind was willing; the body not so! Zenshin dojo coach Phil shares his journey so far.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmyDo7D5V-lysFZdzsFtqWad6QI7bKlMqlvQXRIjl8QmzW4UnwXg_MPZ9_IlM2Q4GDujX92a3Cmp0cxGA91wV4C0pUJqa8ih1sGl-SfITjhPdCQ347_ErVmIk9eEITpOBUlII8-Hpt4oR/s1600/177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmyDo7D5V-lysFZdzsFtqWad6QI7bKlMqlvQXRIjl8QmzW4UnwXg_MPZ9_IlM2Q4GDujX92a3Cmp0cxGA91wV4C0pUJqa8ih1sGl-SfITjhPdCQ347_ErVmIk9eEITpOBUlII8-Hpt4oR/s320/177.jpg" width="151" /></a><b>What's your position in the club and your graded level? </b><br />
<br />
My current grade is as a 2nd Dan, which I achieved in 2010 after going through ‘Hell Hill’ at Hartpury for the first ever 2nd Dan assessment. It was certainly a challenge; however, after completing it I certainly felt a great deal of self satisfaction at having pushed myself to the limit, and beyond, successfully. As for my position, after starting the Bath venue as joint instructors with Pete , in 2010, I now lead the Saturday morning session at the Grange School.<br />
Lastly, I also assist with arranging the assessments for blue belt upwards to try and help alleviate some of the work load on Rob. Rob, Liz or I will run the assessments acting as the Grading Instructor on the day to ensure the candidates have the very best opportunity to gain useful feedback from those assessing their current level of practice.<br />
<br />
<b>How long have you been practicing karate and why did you start in the first place?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I've been practicing since July 2001. I started after my son Ryan had started earlier in the year. I remember the moment I decided to try Karate - It was whilst I was videoing a bo kata at the Grange during their summer fete where the adults and junior groups were doing some demonstrations. After watching the kata I decided to sign up and later that month attended the Junior Summer School at Lancaster with Ryan and insisted I had a Gi to go with.<br />
<br />
<b>What do you find more satisfying, teaching or practicing and why?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzLwh05LrTVP_3ROABnZeYo_P4XZVALJbu6-nos2SIJEfgaQqrD0sQUmsjOHuZL8U_IebRrRiqF9ooibpq1bhfyVqg9qgZM_eIWdzv5mr-oc0ErUccst13-RX2ZePoEg4GsbEyfqNnCEN/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzLwh05LrTVP_3ROABnZeYo_P4XZVALJbu6-nos2SIJEfgaQqrD0sQUmsjOHuZL8U_IebRrRiqF9ooibpq1bhfyVqg9qgZM_eIWdzv5mr-oc0ErUccst13-RX2ZePoEg4GsbEyfqNnCEN/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a>Hmmm, a tough one as I enjoy both very much. I suppose, as you come up through the grades, the learning is of course fun and fulfilling. However, I've always enjoyed teaching, even as a blue or brown belt helping out in lessons. If I had to choose now I would go for teaching. Not only<br />
because sometimes I find it difficult to practice to the level I wish to, because of the old knees and back, but mainly because I enjoy helping others to try and reach their full potential. If I can help others with the knowledge I've gained over the last 11 years and if they can one day be at a level which surpasses my own knowledge then, hopefully, I will have assisted in them getting there. Giving back is what it's all about!<br />
I've also found that teaching is also a great way to learn. Having to explain and think about how and what to teach to all different grades opens up a whole new thought process and understanding for all aspects of our karate.<br />
<br />
<b>Describe how .you yourself understand our karate journey.</b><br />
<br />
Each and everyone's journey is their own. No two are alike and you forge your own path by how you study and commit to the task in hand.<br />
<br />
<b>What has been your biggest challenge during your time at Zenshin and what has been your </b><b>biggest success (or what are you most proud of)?</b><br />
<br />
My biggest challenges have been recovering from a back fusion, hip operation where my femur was split lengthways for a clean out and two operations on each of my knees again for a clean out. I still suffer regularly from the pain of these and struggle through most weeks. I continue to try and resolve these issues but it is a constant uphill struggle.<br />
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My proudest moment was when my son, Ryan, got his junior black belt back in 2005 at the junior summer school in Lancaster.<br />
As for my biggest success - learning how to teach, hopefully! It's an art which not everyone finds easy and is a skill like all others, which must be learnt. It is also an ongoing experience, constantly changing and I'm always learning from the experiences.<br />
<br />
<b>Have you ever studied any other martial art apart from karate and, if so, how do they compare?</b><br />
<br />
No I haven't.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you have a favourite or favoured karate technique and, if so, why do you like it so much? </b><br />
<br />
I don't have any particular technique I favour. I suppose my favourite is whatever is needed at the time.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you enjoy martial arts movies and if you do, do you have a favourite?</b><br />
<br />
I do enjoy watching martial art movies, but none in particular.<br />
<br />
<b>If you had any one piece of advice to give a pupil just starting out on their karate journey what would it be?</b><br />
<br />
To always try your best and put everything into every practice.<br />
<br />
<b>What would you have written on your karate headstone? </b><br />
<br />
The mind was willing; the body not so! <br />
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<br />Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-32581614639186686012016-10-02T15:21:00.000+01:002016-10-02T15:21:00.710+01:00Karate - What's in a name?<div class="MsoNormal">
Mention the word karate to most people outside the karate
world and it probably conjures up images of breaking bricks, strange howling
noises and aggressive posturing. To some it might even suggest the Olympics. But in our
experience most people are unaware of the breadth and variety of karate styles
and philosophies. The phrase “<i>horses for
courses</i> comes” to mind. If you want to win medals, break bricks or hit ten
bales out of each other, then there are clubs that can offer those experiences,
but not all karate clubs are the same.</div>
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</div>
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Of course we practice all the necessary elements for learning a vibrant and effective self defence system, designed to deal with domestic physical violence, but the sometimes overtly aggressive image of karate can surely
be a big put off for a large portion of the general population. We suggest that
generally, fighting and the more romantic elements to Japanese martial arts,
such as etiquette and the Samurai, or budo tradition, predominantly appeal to
the young, usually young men. This is not to say others are not attracted by
the allure of martial arts, of course many are, but we’re talking about the
greater population, people who may possibly once have heard of Bruce Lee but
that’s about it. People who refer to karate, judo and Tae Kwon do as, “it’s all
the same… isn’t it?”<br />
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We’re convinced that the power of karate could touch more
people’s lives if they were just not turned off by the word karate, or those
media induced misconceptions.</div>
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In today’s world it’s easy to lose focus. For parents of a certain age, mums and dads, perhaps their children
are getting older, flying the nest, for others maybe their job isn’t providing
the buzz it once did, or never did. For sporty types maybe their sporting
ambitions or aspirations have reached their natural conclusion, because the legs,
or body, aren’t like they used to be!</div>
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But regular exercise, intellectual focus and spiritual direction continue to be important if we want to make sense of the world and remain
stable when things occasionally fall around us.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyhQZdtYJvX_eikbva8j2eG9aFGfilg1n1awYTx3J2a2McQWqFt53eJJxEO6XS5p1HpCY52sDNSIuqgLt3_LlCnBpJzw54wdcQeEzrXo7yq2bnQOX-ZBBkJVuEIpCAHk71qvIKBHlqwVZ/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyhQZdtYJvX_eikbva8j2eG9aFGfilg1n1awYTx3J2a2McQWqFt53eJJxEO6XS5p1HpCY52sDNSIuqgLt3_LlCnBpJzw54wdcQeEzrXo7yq2bnQOX-ZBBkJVuEIpCAHk71qvIKBHlqwVZ/s320/IMG_1983.JPG" width="320" /></a>Karate practice can offer that stability. Metaphorically karate,
like life, is a path. Sometimes the path is easy to navigate; other times its muddy
and unpleasant but the message is a simple one, stay on the path and keep
moving forward whatever the weather. But like all paths this one needs a
destination, an objective. </div>
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The wise Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland
recognises this as Alice arrives at a fork in the road, “where do you want to
go?” asks the Cheshire cat, “I don’t know” replied Alice. “Then it doesn’t
matter which road you take!” said the cat smiling. </div>
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Karate can provide a map for a person’s path, and offers a
chance to, keep motivated, healthy and push beyond personal limitations. We
know we’re bias but frankly karate is so much more than hitting a piece of wood,
or bowing to a sensei. Our art needs smart, intelligent advertising which broadens
appeal reaching beyond the twenty somethings into the hearts and minds of
mature adults who can fall in love with this martial art, just like we did!</div>
Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156294917597896012.post-23349347714997078672016-09-27T10:52:00.000+01:002016-09-27T10:52:40.022+01:00The View from BathZenshin Dojo instructor Pete let himself be cornered for a round of questions and answers.<br />
<br />
<b>What's your position in the club and your graded level? </b><br />
<br />
Sole instructor at Bath Club; 3rd Dan.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell us more about the Bath based club you run. For example, can you tell us about the history of the Bath class and what sort of practices visitors to the club might face? </b><br />
<br />
It was started in June 2009 by myself and Phil. Since Phil moved to take on Warmley on Sundays, it has been just me, though I get help on occasions Typically, after warm-up, we tend to start with some kihon, which can last from five minutes to 80 minutes, depending on how bad a day I’ve had at work! If there’s anytime left after this (which there is normally, at least an hour) we’ll investigate anything from kata, kihon (again), kicks, kumite, moving practice to weapons practices. We recently spent several weeks learning Jo vs Bokken and Jo kata. I try and spend one week each month on each of the ‘Ks’ (kihon, kata and kumite), though that doesn’t always work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeh12PTp413PFLqqHN9-OzR9ZCiXkB0uD3b1q95ik_YuROAb4dlOjTZW_Jq5UKcEQv-6cIfLn3NoBi_oy_Sf6LPtt6tChwmYBmN-CxjaDnVkRY9ZIVLsPKiSKqYGLfR8ykoMo_HlVPhys/s1600/IMG_5619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeh12PTp413PFLqqHN9-OzR9ZCiXkB0uD3b1q95ik_YuROAb4dlOjTZW_Jq5UKcEQv-6cIfLn3NoBi_oy_Sf6LPtt6tChwmYBmN-CxjaDnVkRY9ZIVLsPKiSKqYGLfR8ykoMo_HlVPhys/s320/IMG_5619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>How long have you been practicing karate and why did you start in the first place? </b><br />
<br />
18 years. My earliest interest in things ‘Martial Arts’ was watching the TV series ‘Monkey’; what a classic series! Then, I spent my teenage years watching martial arts films (Jean-Claude, Steven Seagal and Bruce Lee) and wishing I had the impetus to find a club and practice. It was only when my wife Hanna and I moved to Bristol, in 1997, that I managed to persuade Hanna to ring Rob and the rest, as they say, is history.<br />
<br />
<b>What do you find more satisfying, teaching or practicing and why? </b><br />
<br />
Practicing, because I can get a real sweat on – that’s hard to do on a regular basis when teaching. However, there’s always something nice at the end of a practice, when at least one of your students has grasped the main point of the practice.<br />
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<b>Describe how you yourself understand our karate journey. </b><br />
<br />
I can’t tell you about ‘your’ journey, as each journey, by its very nature, becomes a personal<br />
one. Mine is ongoing….sorry, if that’s not helpful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF1irXvuGhvDixNPrV4KWwp2pLXI6ko50kYr_WcYtbAKQyXpy5TtV2lTaFdQnLpaY1mVCJ201r-ADNzNjTjYI8x1hOg-JISVDmsW1hWOzHS1xZ_KL7NMU91Lvxv4JfLyNLVAPYdITEQRs/s1600/IMG_8271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF1irXvuGhvDixNPrV4KWwp2pLXI6ko50kYr_WcYtbAKQyXpy5TtV2lTaFdQnLpaY1mVCJ201r-ADNzNjTjYI8x1hOg-JISVDmsW1hWOzHS1xZ_KL7NMU91Lvxv4JfLyNLVAPYdITEQRs/s400/IMG_8271.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>How would you differentiate between Yin and Yang energy? </b> <br />
<br />
Hmm, tricky! I think everyone is aware of the description of Yin and Yang and the Taijitu symbol, where there is always a little bit of Yin (white) in Yang (black) and vice versa. For me Yin is an ‘accepting’ energy whilst Yang is ‘giving’. So to try and interpret that with kata, the techniques carried out in a Yin manner would be of a more receiving and re-directing nature, be it a defensive or attacking movement, whist Yang is attacking and/or entering, irrespective of the type of movement. Specifically, a Shuto-uke as a Yin movement, may use the initial hand to shoulder movement to bring your attacker in and past, or the outward movement may be to grasp/re-direct as you move into the next movement rather than to strike, whilst a Yang gedan -barai would be done entering your opponent’s space rather than just re-directing the punch/kick. But remember there is always some Yin in Yang and vice versa.<br />
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<b>What has been your biggest challenge during your time at Zenshin and what has been your biggest success (or what are you most proud of)? </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvYsr8PF888GO7mZfu7lQObA9uvBZrQ1-_rMzXQ6dUahK2v-M5i9PN1_W92evZDViPKc26r9bOqCuYsZ1NXH4meD1bjUxtYwm7_rSXdqHieHII46YyF7BJhKHtLeSzN9zFENgBaRbzxNQ/s1600/12339593_10203818455301799_2675392582680928523_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvYsr8PF888GO7mZfu7lQObA9uvBZrQ1-_rMzXQ6dUahK2v-M5i9PN1_W92evZDViPKc26r9bOqCuYsZ1NXH4meD1bjUxtYwm7_rSXdqHieHII46YyF7BJhKHtLeSzN9zFENgBaRbzxNQ/s400/12339593_10203818455301799_2675392582680928523_o.jpg" width="400" /></a>I think it probably lies outside of practice, where over the last few years, Hanna and I have been on several trips to Italy and Japan without Rob, and he’s asked me to be his spokesperson. It may surprise people (or not), but I am not a confident person, at least I wasn’t 18 years ago, and standing up in front of 50 Italians and 7 Japanese or 25 Japanese and a similar number of Italians and thanking them for their hospitality, friendship and presenting and receiving gifts on behalf of my sensei is a daunting prospect (as you know Justin, having been part of at least one of those moments). <br />
<br />
To answer your second question, I guess the biggest success I have had is that same growth in confidence, and not because I’m a 3rd dan… but more because I have become more confident in my ability to deal with life and awkward situations, and I put that down to 18 years of Rob’s teaching and practicing with all the various other 5th dans, international friends, together with all my peers and friends within Zenshin and, Formerly, Keynsham Shotokai.<br />
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<b>Have you ever studied any other martial art apart from karate and, if so, how do they compare?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLT9wgDVQ4Mmm1QaC41sBxDZt7m9Q2b7pjjOK3lO4pQb7LEEMkL4qd0o_X61_TRjNKS5349peaBwBF_TygNGWqqjHYf2l52RIIK3EnRPXcZgKHfeXLrWIT_42Yf2SmunJ1ghYLzSItaSNs/s1600/10304339_10154133650410514_2223011561128696117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLT9wgDVQ4Mmm1QaC41sBxDZt7m9Q2b7pjjOK3lO4pQb7LEEMkL4qd0o_X61_TRjNKS5349peaBwBF_TygNGWqqjHYf2l52RIIK3EnRPXcZgKHfeXLrWIT_42Yf2SmunJ1ghYLzSItaSNs/s320/10304339_10154133650410514_2223011561128696117_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>We (me and Hanna) have both practiced Tai Chi and are still practicing Aikido. Tai Chi was very useful as it had some very similar practices like ‘sticky hands’, though the emphasis can be subtly different. Hanna reminded me that Phil and I did try Kendo for a few weeks, which was intriguing, but not quite for me. Qigong with Rob is always a great practice, very relaxing and tough whilst giving you the chance to investigate how your own body moves, and whether it is your body that moves you, or you that moves your body. Finally, Aikido, this to me has an awful lot in common with Egami Sensei’s style of karate, as practised by the Yutenkai Masters. Anyone who has practiced with the Yutenkai, will have practised quite a lot of the underlying aikido techniques in a karate manner as I’ve learnt them, so the years we’ve spent practicing aikido have been enjoyable and useful. That combined with a surprising similarity with a number of the KU techniques (though the application and flow can be quite different), leads me to think that certainly aikido and our approach to karate are very similar with just subtle changes in emphasis differentiating them.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you have a favourite or favoured karate technique and, if so, why do you like it so much? </b><br />
<br />
As nothing comes immediately to mind, I would say that means ‘No’.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you enjoy martial arts movies and if you do, do you have a favourite? </b><br />
<br />
As you well know, I do enjoy a good chop-socky flick. As for a favourite, this was a difficult one. There are several contenders, but I guess if you ignore ‘samurai’ movies, then probably Bloodsport, or Hard to Kill. However, if samurai movies are included, then 13 Assasins, or The Last Samurai would be in the list too.<br />
<br />
<b>If you had any one piece of advice to someone starting out on their karate journey what would it be? </b><br />
<br />
Take your time and enjoy it. It’s not a race.<br />
<br />
<b>What do you think makes a good karate practitioner? </b><br />
<br />
An open mind, plus a willingness to learn and to try different things. Also flexibility (not necessarily physical) and, most of all, patience.<br />
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<b>Do you still run semi regular curry nights? </b><br />
<br />
Yup, five or six times a year we have a curry after practice for all those people who attend Bath on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
<b>What would you have written on your karate headstone? </b><br />
<br />
‘Do as I say, not as I do’ or, ‘Relax, relax.’<br />
<br />
Zenshin Dojohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708538702407441429noreply@blogger.com