Ganbatte Ganbatte - Kyokushin Karate

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KYOKUSHINKAI
KYOKUSHINKAI
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA
01
HAKOAH DOJO
DOJO
HAKOAH
NEWSLETTER
NEWSLETTER
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22 00 00 99
Ganbatte
this issue
Shihan’s Message 2009 P.1
New Year, New
Classes…
Tri-Nations Tournament report P.5
Kyokushin : Beyond Identity P.7
New years are all about change
Fighter Profile : Y. Uchida P.6
and reinventing yourself right?
Hakoah dojo is introducing a
novice
class
specifically
designed
to
focus
on
YES WE CAN…! Shihan Trevor Tockar
technique, form, and movement
Welcome back to all students; 2009
Monash Room, and we are sure that you will enjoy
promises to be an exciting year for the
training in this excellent environment, with a larger
dojo.
matted area, punch bags, equipment, natural light, etc.
SENPAI SARAH… Whilst Sempai Sarah will be living
OUR SENSEIS & SENPAIS… 2009 has started very
and training in Japan, we are fortunate that Sempai
well, with big Dave Solomovic having returned from
Alex Karnasopoulos from South Africa has arrived in
uchi deshi training at honbu in Japan, and with senior
Sydney and will be working fulltime in the dojo, and will
karateka such as Sensei Jonathan Chriqui showing a
be responsible for the children’s classes. It is also
wonderful commitment to our dojo. Sensei Jonathan is
anticipated that we will be starting new novice classes
a tremendous addition to our dojo, and we hope and
for adults, as well as some self-defense classes for
trust that his relationship with us will be long and
ladies.
happy. Sempai Anthony continues to impress with his
UPCOMING LOCAL
SENPAI ALEX… commenced her training many years
constant improvement, while Sempai Graham Levy
EVENT
ago in SA under the instruction of Shihan Tockar, and
adds fantastic spirit and enthusiasm to every class.
reached her brown belt before Shihan Tockar
Sempai Graham has developed remarkably as a
emigrated to Australia. Sempai Alex continued her
karateka, and is an inspiration to all of us. Sempai
training in SA under Shihan Kenny Uytenbogaardt, and
Digby Beckley will hopefully find that his work
was awarded her 2nd dan black belt by Kancho Matsui
commitments do not interfere too much with his
in 2007. This was a remarkable achievement, as
training, and that 2009 will see him on the floor on a
Kancho set a very high standard, and failed all the 14
regular basis. Sempai Digby is the epitome of what we
remaining candidates for black belt and above.
want to see in our students – a strong fighter, but
Sempai Alex operated her own dojo in SA (Tamashi
always an absolute gentleman.
dojo in Camps Bay), and succeeded in becoming the
Sempai John Barker continues to get better and
South African open champion in both kata and kumite.
better, and we trust that the birth of his 1st child later
THE DOJO… We are fortunate that we have been
this month will not distract him too much! [cont. pg. 2]
for
kumite,
and
targeted
at
novice belts (up to and including
5th kyus – yellow belts).
A women’s self defence and
combat class is also coming into
the mix, which will focus on
Kyokushin-
and
Aikido-based
self defence and combat training
with lots of bagwork and drills.
BRING WATER! ☺
The
Hakoah
gashuku
is
scheduled for 13-15 March with
Shihan Kenny Uytenbogaardt
from South Africa. Diarise &
don’t miss it!
NEW INSTRUCTOR
Sempai Alex has joined Hakoah
dojo and will be running the kids,
novice and women’s self defence
& combat classes.
given the full-time use of the Monash Room on the 2nd
floor of the Hakoah club until the club closes down
later this year. We have set up a very well appointed
Upcoming
International
Events
Due to the anticipated arrival of her
second child (and potential karateka),
Sempai
2009
Tracy
Schneider
has
stopped training. We wish her all the
best, and look forward to seeing her
The annual US Weight
on the floor later this year. We also
Category Championships 2009
hope that Sensei Ed Levine will find
will be held in Los Angeles on
the energy to get up early enough to
the 25th of January.
make the journey from the Central
More info: www.karateuswc.com
Coast to get to training in 2009.
We also look forward to some
The North American Weight
Sempai John’s contribution to the
Japan. Sensei Lyle’s knowledge,
Category Tournament will be
dojo is invaluable, and we are
experience and ability is matched
held on March 28th in Montreal,
expecting much from him in 2009.
only
Quebec.
Sempai
character, and his continued support
Andrea
will
no
doubt
by
his
humility
and
fine
combined training with our good
friend, Sensei Jeff Krug of the
Shotokan Karate Coalition, on a
more regular basis.
EVENTS 2008… The year 2008 saw
continue to lead the way in 2009 as
is invaluable.
our most dedicated and devoted
SATURDAY
CLASS…
some wonderful highlights for our
karateka. Sempai Andrea’s loyalty is
Sigun Rick Spain, of Wing Chun
dojo. The year started with a very
highly valued.
Emanuel
Kung Fu and Brazilain Jiu-Jitsu.
nice article about Shihan Tockar and
Championships, hosted by
Solomovic has unfortunately had to
Sigun Rick’s fantastic ability and
Kyokushin NYC and under the
go back to Macau, after spending a
attitude is quite unique, and having
direction of Shihan Gorai will
short time with us over the New Year
him train with us is an honor and a
take place in New York City,
period, but we look forward to his
pleasure.
The
return
Sempai
morning class has
Michelle Albert has returned to
also seen a number
training, and we are very pleased to
of martial artists from
again have her with us. Sempai
other
More info: www.kyokushin.ca
The All American Karate
USA in June.
More info:
www.kyokushinkarate.com
th
The 4 World Weight Category
st
later
Sempai
this
year.
MORNING
Arts magazine, with the two of them
appearing on the front cover.
Saturday
styles
Sigun Rick Spain in the Blitz Martial
Sempai Anthony, in his first
“The way of Kyokushin
is hard training, strong
and
fighting, good manners,
Michelle was very involved in the
organizations
initial set-up of the dojo, and her
training with us, and
respect, humility &
knockdown
tournament,
performed
magnificently at the
national
champs
in
Brisbane, scoring a
continued involvement is welcomed.
we hope that our
Sempai Nicholas from Canada has
friends
joined us, and we hope that he will
Shotokan
enjoy his training in Australia. From
continue with regular training with us.
opponent from Shihan Corrigal’s
what we have seen, Sempai Nicholas
Sensei Elliot, are you listening?
dojo in Canada), and giving the
is a true kyokushin karateka, with
The attendance from time to time of
Aussie national champion, Sempai
Tournament, Seniors’ World
great attitude and ability. And of
Sensei Darren Parrott from the Blue
Steven Cujic, a real run for his
Tournament, 5th Youth World
course, there is Sensei Lyle Abel,
Mountains
money in the semi-finals, losing on a
Tournament, and World Kata
who obtained his yondan in Japan in
Dallast from Griffiths, together with
points decision after extra time.
Tournament.
November
having
some of their students, adds much to
Dave Solomovic, Sempai John
Shukokai
our Saturday classes, and we hope
Barker and Jun Chung also put up
he
had
to see much of these fine gentlemen
excellent
obtained a Sandan grade. Sensei
in 2009. Also, the visits that we have
nationals.
Lyle is one of very few people to
had from Sempai John Sherman
In August 2008 we took a team of
Tournament will take place in
have obtained such high grades in
have been greatly enjoyed, and it is
Australian fighters to South Africa,
November this year, in Tokyo,
two different styles and to have done
hoped
this
where they competed in a tri-nations
Japan.
so by being graded by the head of
formidable fighter will find his way to
tournament with South Africa and
More info: www.ikohonbu.com
the respective organizations in
the dojo on a regular basis in 2009.
Great Britain. The tournament was a
Tournament is schedule for 21
rd
– 23 of August 2009, in Chiba,
Japan. This event comprises the
World Weight Category
Tournament, 8th Women’s World
More info: www.ikohonbu.com
changed
karate,
The 41st All Japan Open Karate
2007,
styles
in
which
after
from
style
determination”
from
and
and
and
elsewhere
of
Sensei
anticipated
that
first fight (against an
will
Gary
great knockout in his
performances
at
the
World Peace
Kyokushin competition brings
fighters of many countries to
stand against each other on the
mat
which
natural
brings
sense
of
about
a
patriotism
amongst witnesses as we cheer
on our hometown favourites.
But
I’d
like
everyone
to
remember Kyokushin’s guiding
principles of Sosai Masutatsu
YES WE CAN…! [cont]
great success, with Sempai Anthony
respect
again
international
performing
extremely
well,
of
the
Japanese
instructors,
members to attend, and also expect
people such
as Sensei
Darren
may be interpreted many ways;
as compassion for our fellow
mighty
Parrott and Sensei Gary Dallust to
first fight. Sempai Steve Cujic was
achievement. Uchi deshi training at
be attending with their students. We
the star performer from Australia,
honbu is the toughest training that
also hope that Sensei Graham Rose
reaching the finals and losing in a
anyone can possibly imagine.
of the Kyokushin Karate Union will
in a broader sense, Kou can be
close decision against South Africa’s
An outstanding event in 2008 was
be
considered to be compassion
Jason Dawes.
the visit to Australia of Shihan
students. A grading for some of black
toward
society as a whole. We, as
attending
with
some
of
his
man,
nation,
honour
and
respect for the family. However,
human
beings
and
a
Kenny Uytenbogaardt (7th Dan)
belt students will be held during this
demonstration of Yagyu-Shinganryu
from South Africa. Shihan Kenny,
time.
Jiu-Jitsu
2,000
who was originally a student of
On 4 March Shihan Tockar will be
spectators enraptured, while Sigun
Shihan Len Barnes and Shihan
celebrating his 40th anniversary as
Rick Spain’s demonstration of Kung
Tockar, is a Kyokushin legend, and
a Kyokushin karateka; it was on 4
Fu and Mixed Martial Arts left the
the all-styles seminar conducted by
March 1969 that he first stepped on
and beyond any discrimination,
crowd awestruck by his ability. It
him was a great success.
the mat as a student of Shihan Len
whether
might be mentioned that the crowd
Other excellent events include the
Barnes, and we hope to celebrate the
religion, politics, or thought and
included a number of South Africa’s
joint
with
event in the traditional way (i.e. with
ultimately contribute to World
leading martial artists, including our
Shihan Nic Cujic at his dojo in
a hard training session and some
good
that
friend,
performed
his
we
salute
Sarah
for
and
and
piety. The word, “Kou” (piety)
scoring a stunning knockout in his
Sempai
Dave
Oyama and the meaning of filial
Shihan Trevor Tockar
left
the
training
session
held
Kyokushin
karate-ka,
devote
our time and effort to promoting
international exchange above
Peace.
nationality,
[Competitors]
race,
may
Shihan
Chris
December, and also the outstanding
beers afterwards).
Shukokai
Karate
training session with Sensei Graham
There
(Sensei Lyle’s previous teacher), and
Rose earlier in the year.
tournament in June, and there are
Sensei Chris Barnes, the son of
UPCOMING EVENTS 2009… 2009
tentative plans to have one or more
opposite them, but at the end of
Shihan Len Barnes.
promises to be a very busy year. The
of our students travel to New York to
the day, we stand side by side;
Another milestone in 2008 was the
year again started with an article
participate in this major international
a family united by the power of
acceptance of Dave Solomovic as
about
Blitz
event. There is also a prospect of
Kyokushin”
an uchi deshi (special student) at the
magazine (the special collector’s
Dave Solomovic taking part in the All
honbu dojo in Tokyo. Only 3 students
edition
Japan Weight Group tournament in
at a time are accepted for uchi deshi
Fighting Techniques” published in
Tokyo in late March.
training, and Dave lasted the grueling
January).
The
training
the
Shihan Kenny Uytenbogaardt will
championships will be held later this
process!) and had the opportunity of
be making another visit to Australia in
training with some of the world’s
March, and a special weekend camp
Thompson
of
(losing
18
kilos
in
Shihan
Tockar
containing
in
“Instructor’s
finest fighters. The reports from
(gashuku) is to be held 13-15 March.
Japan are that Dave gained the
We hope and expect all our senior
is
the
North
Australian
American
national
year, and a strong representation
from the Hakoah dojo is anticipated.
begin competition with a deep
urge
to
defeat
the
person
Kancho Shokei Matsui
(from the 9th World Open
Karate Tournament report,
2007)
TRI NATIONS
TOURNAMENT
(South Africa)
GALLERY
Senpai Graham & Sarah at
Shihan Kenny’s dojo
Patriotic on Table Mountain Senpai Graham & Anthony
YES WE CAN…! [cont]
Shihan Trevor Tockar
We will continue to promote good relations with other
replacement for Sempai Sarah, and Sempai Alex will also
styles and martial arts during 2009, and will be inviting
have the support of such people as Sempai Graham and
various instructors to train with us and conduct classes
Sempai Michelle in teaching the children.
on Saturday mornings. We will also be looking to have
In referring to the children, special mention must be made
more joint training sessions with Shihan Nic Cujic and
of Wilson Dulieu, who distinguished himself by winning his
Shihan Con Kakatsos.
division in the regional championships hosted by Shihan
KIDS CLASSES… The children’s classes will resume
Nic Cujic.
as soon as school starts at the beginning of February
CONCLUSION… The Hakoah dojo is growing, and some
2009.
fine karateka have emerged. The spirit is excellent, and it
As usual, classes for 5-8 year-olds will be from 4.15 –
is very pleasing to note that the strong spirit is matched by
5.00 pm on Mondays & Wednesdays, and classes for 9-
friendliness, courtesy, humility and good manners. There is
12 year-olds will be from 5.00 – 6.00 pm on Mondays &
simply no room at the dojo for braggarts or bullies, and
Wednesdays. Additional classes will be held for the
anyone with poor attitude (no matter what grade) will be
most advances students, while extra classes will be
asked to leave the dojo. As Sosai Oyama often said, he
added on an “as needs” basis.
would rather cut off a branch than allow a whole tree to be
We currently have about 60 children training on a
infected, and he had no hesitation in expelling even the
regular basis, and hope to increase this number
most
substantially in 2009.
organization.
The children did very well in 2009, and Sempai Sarah is
The way of Kyokushin is the way of hard training, strong
to be congratulated for having done such a magnificent
fighting,
job. The children who had the opportunity of training
determination. Shihan Tockar and the senior instructors will
with this incredible martial artist were indeed privileged.
show the way, but it is up to the individual students to make
Fortunately, in Sempai Alex, we have a very capable
Chris Barnes, Shihan Trevor and
Senpai Sarah
Team photo on Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
good
practitioners
manners,
from
the
respect,
international
humility
it happen. As President Obama says: “Yes, you can!”
OSU!
Australian Team with Shihan Joe
Claronino (Great Britain)
senior
and
GALLERY
th
40 All Japan
1-2 Nov 2008
Tokyo, Japan
Kyokushin – Beyond Identity
Senpai Alex K
Perhaps only a practitioner will
Glaube Feitosa said, “karate not only
It is these elements that we strive to
understand this, but Kyokushin
changed me in terms of personality
pass on to all our students through
truly
goes
and character, but in every aspect of
the discipline of karate, so that they
beyond defining you. Karate may
my life”. Kyokushin lives in our very
too may live by this set of unwavering
start off being something that you
being, and our commitment and
and honourable principles.
do, like a sport or a hobby, but it
devotion to it determines the way we
Kyokushin is a way of life; on the
doesn’t take long for the principles
perceive and interact with the world.
outside an identity that we wear not
and philosophy of Kyokushin to
This means we not only take respect,
only when we’re in dogi or when we
speak deeply to you; to start
determination, and humility into every
are training… but something that we
identifying with it and feeling it in
situation, but into every thought and
ARE in every second, every moment,
your very core.
action.
every breath…
is
something
that
Senpai Sarah’s Farewell
Damianov (Bul), Taniguchi
(Jpn), Tanaka (Jpn)
th
8 European Open
22 Nov 2008
Varna, Bulgaria
Women Kata Winner
Izabela Sularz (Pol)
Saturday the 31st of January was a sad
day for Hakoah dojo as it marked senpai
Sarah’s final day of training in Sydney…
With much vigour and intensity, senpai Sarah gave
Finals
Navarro (Esp) & Gogonel (Rom)
the 90 minute class her all as usual and was
relieved when Shihan Tockar’s little “going away
present” (a few bruises and some stiff muscles) was
over ☺
Brunch and a handing over of a gold kanku took
place after class at Shihan’s home.
Senpai Sarah departs on Monday, February 2nd for
Tokyo, Japan. Her Kyokushin family wishes her all
the best.
Above: Thumb up!
Above right: Sarah’s last class
Right: Shihan Tockar hands over
a farewell gift
Finals
Sypien (Pol) & Cherneva (Bul)
International
Fighter Profile
and aim at the chance to knock out
while at the same time maintaining
an arsenal of techniques to be able
to set off at any point in time. We can
say
Yoshiaki Uchida
内田義晃
that
Uchida’s
fighting
style
resembles a Samurai. “I want to
knock out with one sure strike.
Before, if I won in the first round that
Uchida fought his first All Japan
tournament at age 21! His profile is
included in this newsletter not
because of his incredible talent,
skill or determination, but because
he
is
officially
Senpai
Alex’s
was satisfactory to me, but now I
want to knock out; I want to explore
Ichigeki”.
People
make
comparisons
with
Uchida, Matsui and Kiyama but
Uchida just brushes it off. In the 38th
All Japan Open, Uchida was the only
favourite favourite ☺
Japanese fighter in the Top 4. A loss
Just before the All Japan Weight
Category Karate Champs, Uchida’s
for the 1st time by a non-Japanese;
mentor and coach, Shihan Koichi
humiliation, dishonor, defeat. In the
Kawabata said to him “Soon, Kyoto’s
final
Uchida will become Japan’s Uchida
Armenian, Artur Hovhannisian with
and then, the World’s Uchida”. Three
his
years later, Uchida has succeeded in
became a real champion in this
winning two consecutive All Japan
moment.
Opens
Of the 9th World Tournament in 2007,
Champs
to
become
the
HEIGHT: 6 feet 1 inches
38th All Japan Open Tournament
Japanese Ace… “To win in the World
(185cm)
2006 - 1st Place
Tournament is not a goal or a dream,
WEIGHT: 100kg
(Defeated Artur Hovhannisian)
it is my duty. My loss would mean a
he
defeated
infamous
Uchida
said:
Japanese
the
towering
Hizageri.
“I
want
strength
Uchida
to
prove
in
this
tournament. I train very hard so I can
loss for my country. I must win.” His
DOB: June 22, 1983
COUNTRY: Kyoto, Japan
would mean the conquering of Japan
37th All Japan Open Tournament
2005 - 1st Place
(Defeated Osamu Shiojima)
mission [was] to defend the title
garnered by his predecessor, Hitoshi
Championships 2005 - 3rd Place
(Lost to Artem Pukas)
Japanese fighters have a certain
strength that doesn’t show up on any
Kiyama in 2003.
We associate particular skills to
22nd All Japan Weight Category
show the power of Japan but I feel
chart. I don’t know if it’s accurate to
certain fighters such as Teixeira’s
say it’s something innate in our
pummeling punch, Lechi’s tornado
culture, but I believe I carry things
backspin
Tanaka’s
with me that transcend time”. This
gedan mawashigeri and so on. But
unique persona is what makes him
kick,
Kentaro
we wonder what skill to associate
an
21st All Japan Weight Category
with Uchida. Even if we look back on
Japan.
Championships 2004 - 4th Place
this fight history, nothing comes up. It
(Lost to Oleg Lukyanenko)
seems
Uchida
can
manage
all
techniques with ease and has no
2004 4th Fukui Open - 1st Place
notable weakness. He can be sharp
unexplainable
expectation
in
Excerp from the 9th World Open
Karate Tournament Handbook.
TRI NATIONS
TOURNAMENT
(South Africa)
GALLERY
Tri Nations Tournament Report
Senpai Anthony
On 9 August last year the Tri-
Nicholas Ariel couldn’t compete
Incredible and eye-catching Yagyu
Nations
due to injury.
Shingan-Ryu
tournament was held in Cape
The afternoon session included the
everyone’s appreciation.
Town, South Africa, with Australia,
first round of the men’s divisions,
Sempei Steven continued on to
South Africa and Great Britain
with Steven, Anthony and Huss
defeat his opponents in the next
competing.
making it through. John and Kane
two bouts, showing why he is
came
Kyokushin
Karate
very
to
Senpai John (Aus) & Senpai
Ayanda (SA)
strong
Australian champion. The final was
fighters, but both fought well, doing
fittingly between Australia’s best
members from Hakoah Dojo –
themselves, their team, and country
fighter, Steven Cujic, and South
Sempeis Anthony Tockar and John
proud.
Africa’s
finest,
Barker,
Sensei
Jason
as
David
The
entertainment
Dawes.
After
Garcia,
Huss
included the final rounds of the
grueling
rounds,
Aridah and Nicholas Ariel. Shihan
men’s full-contact divisions, as well
emerged the victor, with Australia
Trevor Tockar was the coach of the
as the women’s finals, tameshiwari
taking silver.
team, with Si-gung Rick Spain,
(wood-breaking)
several
The team still had another week
Sempei Sarah Lappin and Sempei
demonstrations. There was a large
after the tournament to enjoy Cape
Graham Levy accompanying the
and vocal crowd at the UCT sports
Town. For some of the fighters it
team to help coach, manage and
centre,
was their first time outside of
mentor as well as to perform some
watched closely.
Australia, and it was a memorable
demonstrations. Sensei Joy Cujic,
The first section was tameshiwari,
experience for all of us. We had
Sempei Steven Cujic and Zac
and the Australians all performed
great times with our new South
Higgs rounded off the rest of the
well, with Sempei Steven leading
African friends, from Zac’s missing
Australian contingent.
the way. Then came the fighting,
eyebrow to Si-gung’s introduction
The tournament consisted of both
and Huss and Sempei Anthony
to brandy and coke and from
Solomovic,
full-contact
well
against
much
The Australian team included 6
as
up
moves
Kane
and
evening’s
and
and
each
event
was
two
close
Sensei
and
Jason
semi-contact
were both beaten in the quarter-
‘Shihan Dude’ to Sempei Graham’s
fighting; both men’s and women’s
finals, after two hard-fought battles.
gutsy black belt confirmation. A
divisions. Steven Cujic, Anthony
Si-gung
Nicholas
special thanks to Shihan Kenny
Tockar, John Barker and Huss
performed their Wing-Chun and
Uytenbogaardt for organising the
Aridah fought for Australia in the
BJJ demonstration, which went
tournament, and Alex and Debbie
Men’s Heavyweight division, with
down very well with the crowd.
for being such great hosts and
Kane
They were followed by Sempeis
showing us all around.
Garcia
fighting
Men’s
Lightweight. David Solomovic and
Rick
and
Sarah and John, who did some
Facing up on Camps Bay Beach, Cape
Town, South Africa
Long way home – sign post at Cape
Point
KIDS CORNER
Mums & Dads please help fill in the crossword below to help your karate kid with their
terminology. You can also copy this page and help them practice their writing. (PS: they have
to practice their speaking too so make sure they’re pronouncing correctly ☺)
Crossword :: Learning Direction
Psssst…
3
1
Across
Please remember to make
2 “left” in Japanese
sure you have filled in an
4 “front” in Japanese
application form and that your
details are up to date. We
Down
don’t want you to miss out on
1 “back” or “behind” in Japanese
2
any celebrations, events or
3 “right” in Japanese
commendations.
You can email
alex@kyokushinsydney.com for
any changes, or to request a
4
new application form by
email.
You can also call Senpai Alex
on 041-461-8330 if you have
any questions or queries ☺
How to Fold your Karate Dogi
Respect for your training kit and equipment is important. Always wear a clean and neat dogi
and carry your dogi with pride and honour. Fold your dogi as follows (indicated in the pictures
below):
1
Lay your dogi top out
neatly and place your
folded pants in the centre.
61-67 Hall Street
Bondi, NSW
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Ganbatte Issue 01 February 2009
2
Fold the sides in then
the lower end as
indicated above.
3
Roll the package up
from the bottom fold
as shown in the photo.
4
Wrap your belt around
the rolled dogi and tie
with a square knot (like
you do when your dogi
is on).
Crossword Answers: 1-ushiro, 2-hidari, 3-migi, 4-shomen