shintani · 2017. 6. 17. · advanced combination techniques. this was an opportunity to see who...

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The Harmonizer Volume 19, Issue 8, September 2012

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 8 SEPT. 2012 In This Issue: Pg. 2 Message from the President Pg. 4 Student Registration Info Pg. 5 2012 Scholarship Recipients Pg. 6 Katas DVD – Vol. 4 Pg. 7 Black Belt Grading - ON Pg. 11 Life as a Wado-Kai Karate Kid Pg.13 Martial Artists and Survivors of Abuse Pg. 16 How I Got Started in Karate Pg. 19 Shotokan Karate in Mexico Pg. 23 World Championship Cancun 2012 – Alexandre St. Arneault Pg. 25 Shochu Geiko, Summer Training Camp Pg. 27 There’s a New Karate Club in Town – London, ON Pg. 28 Letter from the Editor

On The Cover: Shochu Geiko – submitted by Sensei Neil Prime

Message From the President In Memory of Master Shintani Sensei Denis Labbe The Summer is coming to an end. Welcome to the fiscal year September 2012 – August 2013. See you all in the upcoming clinics and tournaments. The following are the SWKKF Calendar of Events for 2012-2013.

Western Canada September 28-30th , 2012 – Dynamic Karate Association/Hokusei Karate – Clinic – Darren Humphries/Sandro Reffo

October 26-27th, 2012 – Synthesis Martial Arts – Black Belt Grading/Clinic – Jeff Gervin

November 9-10th , 2012 – Glanmorgan Wado Kai (Calgary) – Clinic and Tournament - Kevin Bowes

November 16-18th , 2012 – Moose Mountain Karate Club – Clinic and Tournament – Joan Adam

January 18-20th , 2013 (Tentative) - Edson Wado Kai Karate – Clinic and Tournament - Chris Marler

March 1-2nd , 2013 (Tentative) – South Calgary Wado Kai – Clinic and Tournament – Heather Fidyk

April 5-6th , 2013 – Saskatoon/Warmen Wado Kai – Clinic and Tournament – Crystal Johnson

April 12-14th , 2013 – Whitecourt Wado Kai Karate – Clinic and Tournament – Shelley McGregor

April 19-20th , 2013 (Tentative) – Riverbend Karate – Clinic and/or Tournament – Bill Hynes

May 3-4th 2013 – Alberta Black Belt Grading – Host - TBA

Visit our website www.shintani.ca

for more information on SWKKF

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Eastern Canada

October 12-13th, 2012 – Kawartha Lakes Wado Kai – Tournament – Kris Reynolds

October 26-28th , 2012 – National Team Workout – Ron Mattie

November 16-17th , 2012 – Delhi Wado Kai – Clinics and Tournament – Spring Kaye

December 7-8th , 2012 – SWKKF – Senate Meeting – Denis Labbe

December 8th, 2012 – Oshawa-Whitby Wado Kai Karate – Juniors Tournament - Jose-Carlos Garcia

January 19th , 2013 - Fort Erie Wado Kai – Tournament – Charlie Piscitello

January 26th ,2013 – Timmins Wado Kai – Tournament – Willie Lebrun

February 2nd ,2013 – Thunder Bay Wado Kai – Tournament – Denise Baxter

February 23rd ,2013 – Shindo Federation of North America – Clinic – Jim Atkinson

February 16th , 2013 (Tentative) – Simcoe South Wado Kai – Tournament – Tom Foster

March 2nd ,2013 – Hanmer Wado Kai – Tournament – Gilles Dupuis

March 22-23rd , 2013 – Nordik (Hearst) Wado Kai – Clinic and Tournament – Michel Gosselin

March 30th , 2013 (Tentative) – SWOR Wado Kai – Tournament – Roger Frigault

April 12 –14th , 2013 – Michipicoten Wado Kai Karate – Clinic and Grading – Michel Gosselin

April 27th ,2013 – Welland Wado Kai – Tournament – Anne Readhead

May 24-25th , 2013 – Clinic & National Master Shintani Memorial Tournament – Denis Labbe

June 1st , 2013 – Black Belt Grading – Host Welland Martial Arts Centre – Denis Labbe

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Dear Sensei, A friendly reminder that 2012-2013 registration fees for students in the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation will vary depending on your club location due to different provincial tax. For students in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec and NWT, the registration fees are $42.00. For students in British Columbia, the registration fees are $44.80 and students in Ontario, the registration fees are $45.20. Everyone who registers will receive a book with a 2013 sticker or a 2013 sticker to put in their book if they currently have one already. The registration form will be send to all Club Representatives (Instructors). Please be sure that all the required information from each student, which includes their names, age, sex, instructors and their book numbers are filled in. Please type or print information clearly on the form. Send your registration to Sensei Dawn Lewis or Sensei Jim Lebrun depending on which province you live in. The registration books will be processed and send by: Dawn Lewis - Central and Western Canada 60-4742 Pasqua Street Regina, Saskatchewan SAS 6L1 Jim Lebrun - Ontario and Quebec 24 Silverdale Place London, Ontario N5Z 4A7 In Harmony, Sensei Denis Labbé President Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation

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Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation

Scholarship Committee

August 6, 2012 Kelsey Ross (Chairperson) 5622 168A Avenue Edmonton, AB T5Y 0K4 Media Release: The SWKKF Scholarship Selection Committee has selected the 2012 recipients. Laszlo (LJ) Veszi of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Ashleigh Fidyk of Calgary, Alberta are the successful applicants. Please distribute this information and thank all other applicants for their application. Sincerely, Kelsey Ross

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Releasing Soon! Katas – Volume 4 We currently have Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3. The Federation is adding Volume 4 in the Fall.

The 4 katas on this DVD will be: • Sankio • Seisho • Teisho • Chocodo Order in the fall can be placed with Central Purchasing - they can call or email Central Purchasing: Call: 1-866-923-6524 or 1-866-WADO KAI E-mail: [email protected]

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The Delhi dojo hosted a black belt grading on June 2, 2012 and by all accounts it was an outstanding event; extremely well-organized and efficiently run. Sensei Jim Atkinson extends his appreciation to all the volunteers and the seventeen senior Senseis who so competently comprised the grading (Joseki) board. Everyone arrived just after 8 a.m. Some socialized a bit with new and longstanding friends; others were off in a secluded corner getting focused. We all have our own methods to calm nerves and settle in for what is always an intense day. Sensei Denis Labbé, Hachidan set the right tone for the whole day by gathering those to be graded in the cafeteria to review the written test and for those of us lucky enough to have known and studied under his direction, an opportunity to share personal stories about Sensei Shintani. Sensei Denis emphasized the importance of

Black Belt Grading in Ontario – June 2012 Submitted by Sensei David Brunarski, Godan

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following Sensei Shintani’s example in developing good character, humility, respect and caring for each other as integral members, students and instructors of the Shintani Wado Kai Federation. The actual grading followed the Wado Kai Grading Manual format that can be accessed on the Shintani website. For more information about grading requirements, the written test and format please go to: http://www.shintani.ca/swkkf/black-belt-grading-information Sensei Jim Atkinson, Rokudan directed us through the first ninety minutes (accounting for about 5 of the 8 pounds of sweat that I personally lost). He directed us on “all basic techniques: hands, feet and stances”. This was followed by a very brief gulp-fest of liquid replenishment before returning to the floor. Sensei Bruce Perkins, Shichidan had us perform advanced combination techniques. This was an opportunity to see who knew how to listen to directions and ask for clarification if unsure. Remember this advice because it recurs throughout the whole day. Sensei Ron Mattie, Seichidan performed all kata with us and set a very high standard. Again, listen for the instructions and follow the count. “Slow for form” means just that and “in sequence with spirit” does not imply that you go so fast and

wild that you lose the effectiveness and flow of each technique. It was an excellent group though and for the most part we demonstrated our best form. After a very brief lunch we returned to the floor for two-step kumite demonstrated by Sensei Tim McCullough and me. This was followed by Sensei Sanford DeWitt, Godan compelling us to adopt the correct attitude and level of intensity required for more advanced combinations and two-step kumite. Randore and controlled free-style kumite finished out the day and most of us. Whew!

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During the wrap up and presentation of certificates, Sensei Jim Atkinson reinforced how important it was for all of us to follow and hold dear, Sensei Shintani’s philosophy and purity of style. Sensei Atkinson also announced the embodiment of this as demonstrated by a young man who was on the floor to receive his Shodan. Brandon Marques recently received Delhi’s “Junior Citizen of the Year Award”; a notable achievement indeed. Sensei Mattie also acknowledged that Sensei Tim McCullough demonstrated exceptional understanding, form, and explosiveness in every technique. Twenty-nine in all were promoted: eighteen advanced to the rank of Shodan; four to Nidan; two to Sandan; three to Yodan and two to Godan. (See chart). Congratulations to all and thank you for the honour of presenting this report.

Going to the rank of Shodan

Name Instructor Club Evaluator

Rebecca Lacroix Bruce Perkins Simcoe South Rod S. / Eddy P. / Scott H. Amy Belsey Bruce Perkins Simcoe South Rod S. / Eddy P. / Scott H. Jason Crevits Bruce Perkins Simcoe South Rod S. / Eddy P. / Scott H. Robert Wingrove Bruce Perkins Simcoe South Rod S. / Eddy P. / Scott H. Sarah Henry Bruce Perkins Simcoe South Rod S. / Eddy P. / Scott H. David Damude Joe Pryun Port Colborne Rod S. / Eddy P. / Scott H. Brandon Marques Jim Atkinson Delhi Luciano C. / Tom F. / Rod P. Katie Nettling Jim Atkinson Delhi Luciano C. / Tom F. / Rod P. Jennifer Cuthbert Jim Atkinson Delhi Luciano C. / Tom F. / Rod P. Helen Khairallah Charlie Piscitello Fort Erie Luciano C. / Tom F. / Rod P. Mike McDonald Gord Derii Hamilton – JCC Luciano C. / Tom F. / Rod P. Chris Hourmouzis Gord Derii Hamilton – JCC Luciano C. / Tom F. / Rod P. Mitchell Brown Denis Labbe Welland Henry B. / Spring K. / Shannon K. Ryan Lubocki Denis Labbe Welland Henry B. / Spring K. / Shannon K. Kevin Neil Rod Sumbler Welland Henry B. / Spring K. / Shannon K. Laura Castles Rod Philips North Simcoe Henry B. / Spring K. / Shannon K. Brodie Hicks Sanford DeWitt Kawartha Wado Henry B. / Spring K. / Shannon K. Karen Dykxhoom Jeremy Barrick Barrie Henry B. / Spring K. / Shannon K.

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Going to the rank of Nidan


Allan Zolaturiuk Bruce Perkins Simcoe South Sanford D. / Kris R. / Darren M. Katrina Marques Jim Atkinson Delhi Sanford D. / Kris R. / Darren M Rick Topp Tim McCullough Port Dover Sanford D. / Kris R. / Darren M Shannon DeForest Denis Labbe Welland Sanford D. / Kris R. / Darren M

Going to the rank of Sandan


Fort Scolaro Rod Sumbler Welland Sanford D. / Kris R. / Darren M Randy Mullin Ron Mattie Welland Sanford D. / Kris R. / Darren M

Going to the rank of Yodan


Doug Farrell Jim Atkinson Delhi Bruce P. / Walter F. / Brian C. Dean Brown Denis Labbe Welland Bruce P. / Walter F. / Brian C. Michael Rust Darren Marshall Toronto Bruce P. / Walter F. / Brian C.

Going to the rank of Godan


Tim McCullough Bruce Perkins Simcoe Ron M. / Denis L. David Brunarski Bruce Perkins Simcoe Ron M. / Denis L.

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Life As A Wado-Kai Karate Kid: By Robert Curwain With a New Year approaching, a massive wave of eager white belts on its way, and the ever-anticipated black belt gradings at the end of the road, I like to look back on my journey and reflect on the good times, the bad times, and the times that will stay with me forever. And itʼs all thanks to one very special, very dedicated group of people that I am proud to call my Federation Family. When I was a young boy growing up in the middle of nowhere, life wasnʼt too interesting. I had my acting and my music to keep me occupied, but since I was getting picked on at school for being the “artistically different kid”, I needed something to aid my lifestyle. I needed a way to channel my frustration and convert it into something extraordinary. Thatʼs when I discovered the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation.

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I joined up when I was only 10 years old, in the lively town of Simcoe, Ontario. Back then, I was rowdy and had an energetic lifestyle. Once I was there for a few classes, I knew that karate was something that I wanted to see through to the very end. I managed to use the angst and stress in my life to my advantage, because with every class, I became more aware of my surroundings and more eager to learn. Countless workouts, shindo clinics, and tournaments later, I have become the man I am today: disciplined, respectful, with improved reflexes and skills that most people could only dream of having. It gives me pride seeing a group of new belts enter the dojo for the first time, and coloured belts return with a higher rank and a new goal. Sometimes I will see that one kid that reminds me of myself when I was his or her age. But I know from experience that if you stick with karate long enough, you may just grow up to become the leaders at the front of the room, bowing you in at every class, the men and women that donate their time to the Federation and make our society a better place. As I head for college in the near future, there is no doubt in my mind that even though I am leaving Simcoe, my karate will stick with me for many years to come. So to all those reading this article right now, I have this to say: have a great year, see you at the tournaments, and thanks for being a part of the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation.

Submitted by: Sensei Garry Laplante

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Martial Arts and Survivors of Abuse

As a Martial Artist and a survivor of abuse, I have found Martial Arts to be beneficial in my healing journey. But I have also found some instructors and students don't know how to use this knowledge to their own benefit. There are some things that survivors, therapists, and martial arts instructors need to be aware of when considering martial arts training.

Abuse comes in many different ways. There is physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse. Abuse can be a one-time occurrence or go on over years. Abuse affects a person in many different ways, such as low self-esteem, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Some impacts can be seen, others are hidden deep inside. The trauma will always be a part of the person's life, and will never go away.

Martial Arts training can help abuse survivors to regain some control over their lives, increase self-esteem, and learn how to prevent themselves from being a victim again. But there are a few things you should be aware of, about abuse, both as a teacher and as a student.

As a Martial Arts teacher you will notice from time to time that your students might not behave in a way you would expect. Perhaps a student suddenly seems to lose control and go berserk on their training partner. Or perhaps the opposite happens and all of a sudden they pull completely away and withdraw.

Both of these are examples of how a person might react when a traumatic memory is triggered. The best way to describe a trigger is something, person, place, smell, touch, or even emotion that suddenly reminds the person of past abuse and this causes the person to become trapped in their mind back when the abuse was happening, and not in the current situation. In their mind their training partner has become their abuser. This causes a fight or flight response.

So what can you, the teacher, do in this situation? First of all try to give the person space and time to get themselves back under control. Do not touch them, unless you need to prevent them from hurting someone else or themselves. Remind them they are in the present and not stuck in the past. Tell them they are safe. Encourage them to take deep breaths from the diaphragm. Afterward, do not pressure the person to talk about what they are dealing with, as this can trigger them as well. If a student does talk about the abuse, and you are willing, listen, be supportive and not judgmental. Be aware of your own needs and know when hearing someone's story may be traumatic for you the instructor. Be aware that if a minor student does share about abuse it must be reported to the authorities.

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There are some ways to make a safe environment for abuse survivors: Always ask before touching someone, or let them initiate the contact. Never force someone to work with a partner, especially on close contact and grappling techniques. If you know a student is a survivor, you can give them advanced warning of when you are working certain self defense techniques. This way they are prepared ahead of time, but be aware some people may use this information to stress and worry till the next class. If you are working a technique the student does find very triggering, partner them with a more experienced martial artist who is aware of the situation, and can handle any difficulty if it should arise. You can also offer classes and workshops specifically focusing on the needs of abuse survivors. These would have a larger focus on self-defense, and prevention.

As a Martial Arts student there are some things you can do to make your martial arts training safer and more effective for you. When starting the martial arts take time to check out several styles and clubs before choosing a club to train with. No two clubs are exactly the same. Look for a club you feel comfortable in. Watch how the instructors treat the students, and each other. Most martial arts clubs will allow you try a class or two for free before signing up, though you will have to sign a liability waiver.

If you are comfortable, tell the instructor you are an abuse survivor. You don't need to give details. This allows the instructor to to be aware of your needs and know how to react in situations. If you are seeing a counselor or therapist, let them know about your martial arts training. Your counselor or therapist may suggest you avoid certain things till you are further along in the healing process.

You should also learn what triggers you. You can use this knowledge in two ways: you can avoid the things that trigger you, or with the help of a more experienced martial artist and counselor or therapist, learn to work through the trigger. For example if a choke hold is triggering, you can work with a partner on ways to get out of the choke hold. This allows your body to re-learn how to react to the situation.

Martial Arts is a wonderful way to help in the healing process of abuse. Survivors can go from being a withdrawn, scared person with low self-esteem, to a strong, powerful, in control person who can face the world head on.

My own personal experiences in martial arts have been mostly positive. I discovered once I had mastered the basics of a form, the repetition created a meditative state that helped me to focus on something other than the memories of the abuse. To this day I still use forms as a method of calming and focusing myself when dealing with strong emotions. I did and still do have some issues doing groundwork with male partners, other than my husband. I am continuing to slowly work past these and continue on the healing journey.

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Written by Joanne Johnson Joanne Johnson has been studying various martial arts since 1993, when a counselor suggested martial arts training might help her deal with her own past abuse. Joanne holds a 1st degree black belt and is an instructor and club manager at Living Water Martial Arts. She also is a brown belt in Wado Kai Karate and helped her husband Dave Johnson run the Olds Wado Kai Karate (1996-1998) and NW Arkansas Wado Kai Karate ( 2004-2009). She also co-leads a woman’s recovery group for survivors of abuse. She has been married for 15 years and has 2 children.

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How I Got Started in Karate – By Shannon De Forest

I began karate at the age of 6 and half years old. My older sister got me into it.

When I was young, I always wanted to know how to defend myself for a real life situation. Being in karate means a lot to me because it has helped me with my self-esteem. As I went through the ranks, I learned more katas and more stances that I’ve never learned before. It was hard to learn and remember all the katas that I’ve already learn before because I was in school and there was so many katas to remember from the other ranks that I’ve been too.

Since starting karate I have met a lot of nice people who share the same interest I

do, and it is great experience going to tournaments and going against people you’ve never seen before, and getting to them. Every year since 1998, I have enjoyed being in the junior class, but when I got my purple belt I started going to the adult classes because I was a little too old for the junior class, but I stilled went to the junior class to help out the high ranking black belts, in with whatever then need help with. After starting karate in 1998, I have always wanted to go back to karate every year because I was in it for the exercise, self-defense and my self-esteem. I started karate under the guidance of Sensei Neil Prime, but now I am under the guidance of Sensei Denis Labbe.

When I was 15, I got told that I was going up for my first degree black belt in

February of 2008. So the day after my 16th birthday, I had to go up for the pre-grading evaluation thing in Welland. I was kind of mad that the evaluation was the day after my

Me doing Pinan Shodan with the other white belts.

Me getting ready to do my kata at the St. Catharines Interclub Tournament

Me fighting at the St. Catharines Interclub Tournament

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birthday because I wanted to have a good weekend with my friends and not worry about anything for that weekend.

On February 9, 2008, was the day I went from brown to first degree (Shodan)

black belt. I believe that everyone was nervous this day, but I believe that the 3 brown belts were more nervous than the others because the black belt grading was different than all the other grading’s that we have been too in the past so many years.

In July of 2010, I moved to the Welland club for many reasons (not going into

details). Since being here in Welland, I have found it more helpful to my learning of karate. Since joining the Welland club, I have learned some of filler katas that I never learned and my mandatory katas that I need for my next grading. In late 2011, I found out that the black belt grading was being pushed back to June of 2012.

I was looking forward to the grading to February because all the black belt grading’s have been in February. So the pre-grading evaluation was in late December early January. I had trouble breathing at this pre-grading evaluation because my asthma just got a bit worst in late 2011.

The 2012 year is was going to be an exciting year for me because I was going up

for my second degree (Nidan) black belt and I was graduating from Niagara College. In May of 2012 Sensei Denis Labbe has been getting the all the brown and black belts that were going up for grading, ready the grading day. I was really happy that Sensei Denis Labbe was working with all the brown and black belts that were going up for grading because it really helped me with getting all my techniques and katas good for grading. On June 2, 2012 was the black belt grading in Delhi, Ontario.

Me and the rest of the St. Catharines Crew when went up for the black belt or higher ranking black belts, in February of 2008. Received my orange belt

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There were a lot of people going up for the black belt or next rank of black belt. I

can honestly say that I was nervous, but less nervous then I was 4 years ago when I went for my first degree (Shodan) black belt. Congratulations to the 2012 Black Belt Grading in Delhi, Ontario. After the black belt grading was over, Helen Khairallah and I were driving back to the Niagara Region, and I called home telling my mom and dad that I got my second degree (Nidan) black belt and that Helen got her first degree (Shodan) black belt.

My parents were proud of both of us. I also told my parents that my older sister

and I could fight against each other at tournaments now because we are both second degree (Nidan) black belts. 20 days later I graduated from Niagara College.

Me getting my Second degree (Nidan) black belt.

The Group Graduation 2012

Me

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SHINTANI WADO KAI KARATE MEETS SHOTOKAN KARATE IN MEXICO

2012 – by Sensei Peter Ruch

Over the years as Darlene and I travelled to Bucerias Mexico I have always written a story about my time with Sensei Jose Luis Duenas Castaneda and his students.

This time I will only report on a few items and leave the rest to Pictures.

This year Sensei Corry Ruch, my daughter arrived in Bucerias with her Karate Gi and with the permission of Sensei Jose, she instructed one of the Black Belt classes in Kumite Techniques. Needless to say, if you have ever been in one of her classes, you know how exhausted you would be in the end. Sensei Jose invited Sensei Corry back another time saying that his dojo was her dojo.

I was asked to teach several classes and with the Black Belts I taught Naihanchin.

It was a great class and in the end they all knew a Wado Kai Kata. Next year in addition to reviewing Naihanchin I will teach them Wanshu. Teaching the Black belts our kata will help them get their certificates for International Refereeing.

Enough said, now for the pictures.

Sensei Peter Ruch presenting Sensei Jose Luis Duenas Castaneda with his 2012 Affiliate Sticker

Sensei Luis was the first Black Belt in Mexico to Affiliate with the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation

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Sensei Peter with Sensei Jose Luis Duenas Castaneda and some of his ranking Black Belts

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Sensei Peter instructing Naihanchin Kata

Sensei Corry Ruch starting the warm-up for the Kumite Instruction

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Sensei Corry always making new friends

Sensei Jose Luis Duenas Castaneda with Sensei Corry

Sensei Jose tells Corry that his dojo is her dojo as he invites

her back again.

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KARATE-World Championship Cancun 2012, Alexandre St-Arneault,

double world champion.

From the 16th to the 22nd of July the world championship of karate unfolded, taking place in Cancun Mexico. This championship gathered the best karatekas from all countries. As Alexandre could for the first time compete in an official division (14-15 years old), he will represent Canada with his trainer, Roger St-Arneault, 7th dan. In addition to his regular training during the season, Alexandre St-Arneault underwent specialized intensive training in Rouyn-Noranda, but also went through specialized training in Montreal for 9 days with a referee and a world trainer from the World Karate Federation, François Persico, with the goal of preparing himself for this championship. This trainer and these training sessions became a necessity due to world-class athletes that had had this trainer and who became his training partners. Alexandre who trains normally more than 9 hours per week, prepared himself for this world championship with more than 130 hours of training from June 1st to July 13th. Imagine then the number of hours training aside from the cardio sessions this athlete had to go through. With all the sacrifices that this athlete accepted, he is finally rewarded for his efforts.

Alexandre who evolved in the 14-15 year old junior earned himself two gold medals in kata and combat. He has become a real star having been asked to have his picture taken and being congratulated by people of all countries in the four corners of the world.

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For having supported Namibia and as Roger St-Arneault has coached a few athletes from this group, the 65 participants of that nation have decided in the spirit of friendship to support Alexandre by chanting CANADA. A strong friendship has been created between Alexandre, Roger St-Arneault and the members of that delegation. Also, Roger St-Arneault who has proven his vast international experience has been asked to provide a development clinic in that country. In kata, Alexandre, during the tournament, was awarded tenure in the first round and was obligated to do a Shitei kata (imposed kata).

He performed the JION kata and was awarded a net advantage. In the finals, he performed a superb showing with the kata UNSU, one of the most technically difficult katas to win the favour of the judges 5 to 0, thereby becoming world champion in kata at the junior level. The applause came from everywhere. In combat, Alexandre who had shown himself throughout the preliminaries (4 combats), saw himself arrive in the finals against a Mexican from the area. During the finals, Alexandre who led throughout the combat was marked a point at the last second to prolong it. In overtime, the combat was again equal and the combat lasted more than 5 minutes when Alexandre got a lung cramp. He looked at his adversary and told himself that he would not win, that he was about to be defeated. He then put forth an extra effort and marked the deciding point that gave him his second title of world champion. Emotion peaked for the father and son at the end of the tournament. It must be noted that Alexandre holds the titles of WORLD CHAMPION in the 2 disciplines in his category. The beauty of world championships is the friends that we can make across the world and for this championship we have made hundreds of new friends. Thanks to his medals, Alexandre left more grown-up from the event. Congratulations, Alexandre (double world champion).

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Shochu Geiko / Summer Training Camp

By Sensei Neil Prime, Rokudan

There were some strange noises in the woods that weren’t normally heard at our local

boy scouts lodge at Camp Wetaskiwin in St. Catharines. Typically these noises are heard in a dojo, but we took advantage of a beautiful summer day and joined up with 60 martial artists from 10 different clubs (5 different styles) with 7 instructors sharing a bit of what

their style was about.

Sensei Steven Foley (Godan, Shotokan) from Kitchener, started the day by teaching the basic movements, turns and strikes utilizing a bo. He blended these movements into a

rather nice bo kata. We compared some of the movements in the kata to our shindo, but with a much longer weapon you must adjust your range and grip. Good thing we started

this early in the morning and outside where it was still relatively cool with lots of room to manipulate the 5 foot bo. I did however notice that the closest person to me was about 15

feet away. Not really sure why?

Sensei Ron Mattie (Sichidan, Wado Kai / Yodan Iaido) from Welland, focused on Iai at this event. He showed us how to properly hold a sword, draw and replace it. Once we had the idea of how to properly hold the sword, he took us through 2 waza (short katas) and then utilized the practical application of the techniques using partners. I can assure you that my partner was very glad that I was using a dull, wooden practice sword. Yours truly, Sensei Neil Prime (Rokudan, Wado Kai) from St. Catharines taught the bases of weight drop and hip movement (tai sabaki) that dominates our style of Wado Ryu. I tried to demonstrate how to use this with a front hand strike combined with a turn and drop, a block and 2 ranges of kicks. All techniques draw on the similarities of using the hips. Sensei Bob Toth (Godan, Goju Ryu) from St. Catharines compliments his karate with the Philippine of Kali. This is a small stick (24 inches or less) that can resemble a number of striking or stabbing objects, more commonly a knife or short bladed sword. He showed us the foundation of how to block and counter using a single weapon and covered the 5 main movements that much of the techniques are based on. We quickly started using partners once people had an idea of how walk through the angles of attach. We soon realized that a 6-movement pattern became a 12-movement pattern when you have a partner and if you want, you can call it a kata too J Sensei Mark Matthews (Rokudan, Goju Ryu) from Guelph is a Use of Force Instructor at the Ontario Police College. He started his seminar by teaching a number of kihon kumite

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techniques that are part of the base of Meibukan Gojyu Ryu style. These are utilized to practice both striking and blocking strategies and both partners would practice each side of the routine. He left us with a use of force technique that he teaches at the Police College. It was a very simple but very effective defense against someone grabbing you. I’m kind of glad my name wasn’t Roberto (his student) while he was demonstrating. Sensei Brian Thomas (Yodan, Goju Ryu / Judo) from Cambridge took us to the mats. For a solid 45 minutes we did break falls, tumbles, rolls, bounces, grunts and groans. We did some kihon with partners where we were introduced to hip throws, shoulder throws, side throws… more throws… more rolls… more tumbles… it was absolute non-stop fun! Sensei Ken Trebicock (Nanadan / 7th degree Goju Ryu) from Brantford finished the day with an excellent introduction to Meibukan Gojyu Ryu. About 50% of the people at the camp were from this style so he lined us up so that we had people familiar with instruction on both sides of us. He started and finished the class with traditional Goju katas. Although some of the stances and angles of techniques are different that what we practice, it was very easy to follow along because there were more similarities than differences. He took us through a very interesting kihon drill (again using partners) that covered high, middle and low blocks and strikes. I noticed very quickly the senior students utilizing tai sabaki. Special thanks to Sensei Bob Toth of the St. Catharines Martial Arts Centre who organized this wonderful event and invited Sensei Ron and myself to participate as instructors. He opened this up to his friends and as a result, we made new friends too. I have already communicated to a number of people from the camp regaurding upcoming events and possibly more opportunities to train and share ideas and techniques from various styles of the martial arts. I was very proud to be joined at the camp by Senseis Darren Marshall, Henry Bergen, Randy Mullin, Brad Van Reenen and kyu belts Kent Graham, John Voyer and Gary Lederich who all represented Shintani Wado Kai Karate in the highest regard.

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There’s a New Karate Club In Town!

By Jodi Lebrun Sensei Jim and I are thrilled to announce that we have officially (and very happily) settled in here in London, ON and our new Karate Club opens its doors to students on Mon. Sept. 10th. We have been busy spreading the word and have gotten a really positive response so far. We have freshened up our blog, which you can visit at: http://www.personalbestwadokai.com There will be posts on karate, wellness, fitness, nutrition and creativity. I will also be sharing my RYT200 training journey with you, as we will be offering Yoga classes in 2013! We are really excited about being able to offer our karatekas a well-rounded workout. We also have our Facebook page where you can follow along for local happenings: https://www.facebook.com/personalbestwadokaikarate If you are in the London area or know someone who is, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] for more information. Namaste.

Sensei Jim, in the air, at the National Tournament, this past May.

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THE HARMONIZER IS PUBLISHED UNDER THE MANDATE OF THE SENATE OF THE SHINTANI WADO -KAI KARATE FEDERATION (SWKKF). THE SWKKF DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR STATE- MENTS OF FACT OR OPINION MADE BY ANY CONTRIBUTOR. STATEMENTS MADE BY INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT REFLECT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF THE SWKKF. ACCEPTANCE AND PUBLICATION OF ARTICLES, AD-VERTISEMENTS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES DOES NOT INDICATE ENDORSEMENT OF SAME BY THE SWKKF AND THE SWKKF ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY.

Letter from the Editor I just love this time of year. The kids go back to school, the seasonal colors are gorgeous, and best of all, Karate begins again! I have a feeling that this is going to be an amazing season. I would like to thank everyone that submitted to this issue. What a collection of inspiring articles! I encourage you all to continue to share your stories, take pictures at the tournaments and your workshops and send them to me. If you have any questions or ideas for future issues, please email me at [email protected]. Jodi Personal Best Wado-Kai Karate Club London, ON www.personalbestwadokai.com [email protected]

shintani · 2017. 6. 17. · advanced combination techniques. this was an opportunity to see who...

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