Goju-Kai Seminar

The second "2015 All Japan Karatedo Goju-Kai Association Kanto Regional Kata Seminar" took place on September 13 at the Minami Nagasaki Sports Center. Around 50 participants attended, learning Sanchin, Tensho and the Kaishu kata, either in preparation for upcoming grading examinations or to refine their understanding as practitioners and teachers.
The day kicked off with everyone doing many of the traditional warming-up exercises together, as well as sanchin and tensho.  After lunch, participants were divided by rank into smaller groups to study various kata. 
I was fortunate enough to be put in the group taught by Iwakawa Sensei, who had us run through every kata from Gekisai Daiichi to Suparinpei, and explained many applications. 
In the wrap-up session in the morning, accurate basics, or kihon, proper breathing and maintaining abdominal tension were stressed as a solid foundation for good kata, while constant and varied practice of applications in realistic situations to deepen understanding was emphasized in the afternoon.

  

General Overview of Goju Ryu Karate

This video shows the history of Gojuryu through demonstrations by Higaona Sensei, displaying many of the warming up, pair-work and training exercises used in the style. The clear explanation in English helps to understanding many key points.

Traditional Karate Belt Tying & Gi Folding Techniques

I have covered the standard way of folding the dogi uniform in a previous post. This video reiterates the process, despite the overly dramatic music at the end, and earlier shows the accepted way to tie a belt or "obi."  

The belt is wrapped round and looped over twice, so to end up with the embroidered belt logo or brand mark on the right, one should start with it on the right side, facing outwards. It isn't difficult to learn, but requires a little practice.

2015 Goju-Kai Kata Seminar

The second "2015 All Japan Karatedo Goju-Kai Association Kanto Regional Kata Seminar" will be held on Sunday, September 13 from 10:00 to 16:00 at the Minami Nagasaki Sports Center in Tokyo. The kata to be taught will be Sanchin, Tensho and the Kaishu kata.  As kata are constantly being modified, it is a good opportunity to learn the latest officially sanctioned way to perform them. The seminar is particularly useful for practitioners who often train unsupervised or without a teacher of sufficient expertise to ensure a correct and thorough understanding of the kata. Applications to take part on the seminar must be made formally through the the Goku-Kai association. The Japanese name of the seminar is:

平成２７年度・剛柔会関東地区本部・第二回形講習会

The Roots of Karate in White Crane

This Chinese documentary with English subtitles explores the roots of karate in the White Crane style of Kung Fu. Just observing some of the techniques and practice methods in the video reveals deep similarities with Gojuryu, which is said to be a combination of White Crane with the original Okinawan "Te" style of fighting. At a very fundamental level, many seemingly different martial arts share the same principles and require the same levels of dedication. 

No "Renshukai" Session on August 24

There will be no evening session of "Renshukai," at Shinjuku Sports Center on August 24 as the center is closed on the fourth Monday of every month.  The next evening session is Friday, August 28.

Yoko Uke Tai Sabaki

This is a chuudan yoko uke, or mid-level side block, while moving forward in sanchin dachi. The movement of the arms, trunk and legs should be in accordance with each other, with the trunk or hips leading the way. The head and spine remain erect and in line with the trunk. The hiki ken, or non blocking arm, plays a key role in the coordination of the technique and should not be neglected. As the hips draw the advancing leg into and then away from the body, the body naturally crosses the center line; this is the essence of sabaki, or "side-stepping," an attack. The movement of the feet is such that they do not leave the surface of the floor but rather slide across it in suri ashi. The center of gravity of the body is thus maintained over the legs throughout the move. Breathing is harmonized with the body's motion. This technique is found in the kata Gekisai Daiichi.