Shotokan Scorpion Karate Association

Blast from the past:

Popular television entertainment show Gladiators. I was the only Gladiator of Indian origin in the history of Internatio al Gladiators

Greetings.
Karate All Styles Training Seminar.
Collaboration:
Hakki Guldur Shihan and Ravi Moodley Shihan.

All are welcome.
Oss!

Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)
世界松濤館空手協会
Welcomes
Affiliate:
Ruwan Ranasingh Sensei

Country:
UAE, Dubai

Contact:
E-mail
[email protected]
What's app
+94777031888.
For any enquiries for affiliation in UAE, please contact our representative
Oss!

Karate-do.

"To search for the old is to understand the new.
This is a matter of time. In all things man must have a clear mind.
The way, who passes it on straight and well".
Funakoshi Gichin.

Wishing all well in the true spirit of Karate -do.
Oss!

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‼️ NEWS ‼️
Die EKF Senior Championships finden neu vom 25.-29. Mai 2022 in Ganziatep (TUR) statt.

Les EKF Senior Championships auront désormais lieu du 25 au 29 mai 2022 à Ganziatep (TUR).

Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)
世界松濤館空手協会
Happy New Year to our facebook group of members, students, friends and their families.

Let us have a safe, healthy and prosperous 2022.

Take care. God bless.

Oss !

Happy birthday to my dear Libera. Wishing you many more.

" I loved you then, love you now and forever "

Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)
世界松濤館空手協会

Wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to HMNC Rana Sensei : Head Representative of SKAW Bangladesh, for the best festive wishes. We wish you, your students and their families all the same.

2022 is a great year to look foward to with our:
> Evolution tour to India & Nepal.
> Masters training camp in Switzerland > SKA World championship
> specific dates & venues to be announced early 2022.

Take care, be safe. God bless.

Oss !

Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)
世界松濤館空手協会

Affiliate:
Peter Bibby Sensei

Portfolio:
>Head of SKA World referring committee.
> WKF 'A' referee.

Country:
Lanchasire, England

Affiliation enquiries.
[email protected]

Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)
世界松濤館空手協会
Would like to take this opportunity to wish all our instructors, students, colleagues, friends and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Take care, be safe, God bless.

Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)
世界松濤館空手協会

Affiliate:
Malligajun Goud Rangu Sensei

Country:
Telengana & Uttarpradesh

Affiliation enquiries.

Contact: [email protected]

Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)

Affiliate: Mohammad
Reza Rajaei Sensei

Country :
IRAN.

For any enquiries about affiliation
and other SKA World matters in IRAN.

Contact:
E-mail: [email protected]

Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)
世界松濤館空手協会

Affiliate:
Naveed Ahmed Sensei

Country:
Pakistan

Country affiliation enquiries.

Contact: [email protected]

Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)
世界松濤館空手協会

Affiliate:
Raju Mathews Sensei

Country:
Kerala, India

Contact:
[email protected]

Well done to Ibrahima Konate Sensei from SKA World - Senegal. The team under his head coach guidance achieved: Bronze-6, Silver-3 & Gold -1. Team Senegal we are all proud of you. Regards SKA World - Switzerland. Oss.

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INTERVIEW WITH HIROYOSHI OKAZAKI, 8 DAN – CHIEF INSTRUCTOR – ISKF INTERNATIONAL

The Name Okazaki needs absolutely no introduction at all. It is a name that, it could be argued, goes synonymously with not only karate in America, but JKA karate full-stop. I am of course referring to the legendary and iconic Teruyuki Okazaki. In this edition however we have an interesting interview with a younger generation of the Okazaki family – nephew and proud carrier of the Okazaki name and legacy Hiroyoshi Okazaki. The son of Teruyoshi Okazaki, also a direct student of Master Gichin Funakoshi, it seems somewhat inevitable that Hiroyoshi would soon follow in the family’s footsteps and become a karateka to contend with. Today, within ISKF, Hiroyoshi is one of its most senior members, and as a 7th Dan, is helping to further propagate the ISKF and Okazaki way. This is an insightful and interesting interview with someone that will undoubtedly be a significant force in the future of American karate. I hope you all enjoy!!! – Shaun Banfield
Questions by THE SHOTOKAN WAY

(Shaun Banfield) Hello Sensei Okazaki. Thank you for being so willing to give us this interview. I am very looking forward to speaking with you and hearing your thoughts.

(Hiroyoshi Okazaki) Thank you for having me.

(SB) You are of course the nephew of Master Teruyuki Okazaki 10th Dan, so perhaps this may sounds like an odd questions, but could you please tell us a little about how you first got involved with karate?

(HO) I was introduced to karate when I was early teens. My father Teruyoshi Okazaki (older brother to Teruyuki Okazaki) is a serious karate practitioner who is also a direct student to Master Gichin Funakoshi. He practiced at the Waseda University back in the day. They both took their 3rd dan examinations under Master Funakoshi at the same time.

When my family lived in Tokyo, my father took me to Waseda Univ. to train with him.

When I decided to study abroad in the US, my father and uncle agreed that I must practice karate in order for me to live independently in the US, so I joined the Japan Karate Association before I left Japan.

Right before I joined JKA I had a chance to see the demonstration at the JKA HQ. It was the beginning of the year opening ceremony in the late 70s. The demo was very impressive.

(SB) Do you remember who was involved within the demonstration?

(HO) Sensei Asai, Ueki, Tanaka, Isaka, Osaka, Yahara, Imura, Omura and other trainees at that time.

(SB) You mentioned your father Teruyoshi Okazaki. Can you please tell us a little about him, both as a father and as a karateka?

(HO) Basically it is one in the same. He was a strict father, and is very methodical and doesn’t rush into things. For instance, he thinks things through and does a thorough research to make educated decisions. He likes things to be kept neat and everything in its place.

(SB) Did he ever tell you stories about his time at Waseda University?

(HO) He told me that karate back then is different from karate today. He said it was a rigorous training and everyone trained for perfection of character and to build their character not for competition karate, winning or losing. The training was based on basics and the kumite was always basic sparring such as 1 step to 5 steps. The kata training was repetition training – that was the main point. Outside of group training everyday he practiced on the makiwara. He said that the soul of karate training is the makiwara and that is also the fundamental and principle of karate training. My father also said that because the makiwara is stationary and doesn’t move, if you cannot hit at a stationary target then you would not be able to hit a moving target. He believes the biggest difference between now and then is karate as Budo and karate as sport. Sport karate is following rules and it is the judges who decide who is the winner and who is the loser. Real Budo karate is based on real fighting situations or self-defense, not winning or losing. Basically it is training with the attitude that it is life or death. In the past, the training method was such that they trained with the mindset that they knew if necessary they could cause serious injury or even death. In Master Funakoshi’s Textbook he never mentions tournament however he often mentions self-defense situations. Master Funakoshi prohibited tournaments or competitions between other styles such as Goju Ryu, Sh*to Ryu and Wado Ryu.

My father also stated that in normal practice time now basic training is how to make a point. Therefore the basic training lacks ‘kime’. This is because in the basic training they only kick or punch in the air they do not practice against a sandbag or do makiwara training. Nowadays the people who train do not hit the sandbag or makiwara at all and as a result do not have real power.

(SB) And how about Sensei Funakoshi? Did he ever tell you about his experiences with him, could you share this with us?

(HO) Master Funakoshi came to visit Waseda University every Saturday. He wore traditional Japanese attire and then he would change into his gi. He would always observe training with a smile and had a look of satisfaction on his face. He was always in a good mood. However, he was reticent and reserved. He never had a chance to have a conversation with him because back then the Master was unapproachable.

My father said he did have the opportunity to take him to the noodle shop to eat. He always ate hot plain noodle soup even in the summertime. When he ate he took his time and ate 1 noodle at a time! And he would never sweat even in the summer. After he finished eating he just smile and said, “it was delicious”. Just looking at his eyes my father said he could feel that Master Funakoshi was the epitome of a martial artist. His eyes were focused and expressionless.
¬¬¬¬
(SB) We have touched on your Uncle Teruyuki Okazaki. How has he influenced your karate?

(HO) I have seen his karate on videos, and some times you can witness him training with students during class (every Wed. Night at the HQ dojo). In old films you can see that his techniques are just amazing. When you actually see, hear, and feel his techniques, it’s incredible. His movement is like a machine while at the same time he moves with fluidity –his movements are natural and smooth. It is both impressive and can be scary as well.

(SB) Can you please tell us about his character, both inside and outside of the dojo?

(HO) Organization wise, he is extremely organized. He genuinely cares about each individual member. The honbu dojo is kept very traditional while at the same time he can be very innovative to new ideas and technology. Outside of the dojo he is a friendly person and approachable. His oldest friend and student, Robert Sandler always best describes my uncle saying that “he can be tough as steel and soft as cotton”. I think that is a very good description of him.

(SB) Do you have any fond/important stories of your experiences with Master Okazaki that you could share with us, as readers would love it!

(HO) I remember when I first arrived in the United States and he picked me up at the airport he asked me what I thought about the US. I said everything is big. I was skinny teenager, so he said you have to eat a lot and forced me to eat all the time. He took me shopping for clothes and the clothes here are made much larger because Westerners have longer arms and legs than Japanese. When my uncle saw this he said, “You have to kick a lot and punch a lot to make your arms and legs grow!”

(SB) In what year did you enrol on the ISKF Instructor Program?

(HO) After I became 2nd dan, so December 1982.

(SB) What were your reasons for enrolling on the Instructor Program?

(HO) It was a natural progression for my training.

(SB) And do you think becoming an instructor is an important natural progression for martial artists? What are the benefits you take from teaching?

(HO) It is basically digging deeper down into Budo – the martial arts world. When I was competing, I was training more for competition. Nothing else. I had a clear goal in front of me. Becoming an instructor gave me the opportunity to improve myself physically and mentally. It forced me to go back to the basic so that I can teach correct basic technique (strong foundation) for beginners. Many of the karate practcioner who somehow reached advanced level with serious weakness often don’t have good basic technique, therefore they create bad habit. That actually slows their skill development. The benefit for me to fix their problems is huge. I have to work harder to explain, show and remind them the proper basic training is important for their progression.

I believe that when a student practices hard for a long time and if they have a good instructor their techniques will improve and help them to step up to the next level physically, mentally and spiritually. That kind of success helps one to see the real meaning of Budo. I believe in Budo and if I make others believe in it that is an accomplishment.

(SB) And who were the main instructors on the program at the time?

(HO) Shihan Teruyuki Okazaki , Takayuki Mikami, Yutaka Yaguchi, Shojiro Koyama and Shigeru Takashina at the Master camp every year.

(SB) Can you please tell us a little about what the training consisted of whilst on the program? Could you describe what day to day life was like as a trainee instructor?

(HO) The Instructor Trainee Program at ISKF Headquarters is held once a month.

I would say 90 percent of trainees have their own jobs. They are either part time instructors who already have or rent a dojo, so they cannot attend instructor trainee classes every day at ISKF HQ. Dojo.

However, as a full time trainee like myself, I had an opportunity to train in the morning, afternoon and in the evening. As a trainee I was responsible to assist teaching in the evening class and also assist Okazaki shihan at the Universities. In addition I had various tasks at headquarters such as office duties as well as cleaning and washing all the instructors’ gis, I did whatever needed to be done and I was also a full-time student at the university at the same time.

(SB) How would you describe your experiences on the program? What was the hardest and most rewarding parts would you say?

(HO) The hardest was the examination to become instructor. The experiences in the program were just training and learn. Okazaki shihan emphasize not only techniques, but more on philosophy on Budo, so it was very interesting. The examination on the other hand was the most nerve-racking experience. I had to stand in front of Masters Okazaki, Mikami, Yaguchi, Takashina and Koyama and they asked me a question. I answered which I believed to be a good answer. But their facial expressions were that of doubt and confusion. I cannot even blame it on language misinterpretation because they asked me in Japanese and I answered in Japanese. The most rewarding part was passing and then becoming a member of the ISKF Technical Committee.

(SB) You have enjoyed a very successful competitive career am I correct? How important is competition to you?

(HO) I wouldn’t say enjoy, I’d say it was a great experience. Tournaments and examinations are a part of training. It is a totally different experience to put you into doing karate in a different situation. It is difficult because you have to control yourself physically, mentally and spiritually ready. Physically your body has to react – mentally you have to concentrate and control that situation. Competition was important to me because it was the only time I got feedback from the masters. They watched me compete and afterward would give me feedback. It was not good but constructive feedback. It was always something I should do to get better. Competing also gave me the opportunity to study myself on video, which is important to improving myself.

(SB) Can you tell us a little perhaps about your most memorable fights?

(HO) My most memorable fight was when I got kicked in the eye in a national tournament. My retina became detached and I had to have surgery, which ended my competition career.

(SB) And who would you describe as your most challenging opponent?

(HO) All opponents are challenging.

(SB) At the ISKF Championships, all competitors conduct the kneeling bow prior to beginning. What is the purpose of this do you think?

(HO) It is Master Okazaki’s way. He always says that it doesn’t matter whether you are in a tournament or at camp. Wherever you train is the dojo. We always emphasize traditional training and everything is dojo training. Also in tournaments, it calms competitors down and reminds them what the important principles of our karate are. Master Okazaki also always gives a 10-minute basic training before the tournament and this actually helps everyone to relax.

(SB) What are the most important aspects of ISKF karate do you think?

(HO) To follow Master Funakoshi’s principles in the Dojo Kun and Niju Kun.

(SB) People often speak about your dynamic and very relaxed movement. How have you achieved this relaxed style?

(HO) I don’t know about very relaxed. I try to make my movements as dynamic as possible within my range. I am still struggling to make myself relaxed. For example, when I perform kata, if I understand the bunkai of the technique I perform better. Bunkai is a personal interpretation and I need to find the right one for myself.

(SB) What is your favourite kata and why?

(HO) Kata training is also a natural progression and you must always challenge yourself. My favourite katas have changed from time to time, for instance, it was Empi, then Kanku Sho and then Unsu. When I was competing I would always challenge myself to work harder at my katas and gradually work on harder katas. However, I now know that all the katas are difficult and if you truly challenge yourself you will always learn from all of them. At this time my favourite kata is Bassai Sho because it has interesting bunkai and requires coordination, body control. It is difficult for me and I must continue to challenge myself.

(SB) Is kata closer linked to kihon or kumite do you think, and how should one practice kata to ensure they make the most of the experience?

(HO) You must understand the bunkai in order to understand the kata and you must practice it and try it with a partner – as in skin ship and that is basically kumite. To better understand the principle of karate you must practice the kihon – basics. You often have to go back and refresh your memory mentally and physically you must practice the basics so they are all linked together. You have to practice all of them in order to progress long-term. People who just do competitive martial arts without practicing basics reach a certain level of competence and never progress beyond that, they stay the same.

(SB) Central to ISKF karate is the emphasis placed on Dojo Kun and Sensei Funakoshi’s 20 Principles. How important are these to you?

(HO) If you read them you know they are very important. Those guiding principles are hard to follow. In the dojo you are in a perfect environment to follow them but once you step outside of the dojo there are so many distractions you forget about dojo kun. Outside of the dojo you can express your feelings and opinions and you may even argue with people. In the dojo you do not talk back to your instructor or senior. You have to be humble, open-minded and to have a clear mind so you can observe and learn. When you study and know the Dojo Kun and Niju Kun they help you to understand each environment and behave accordingly. Non karate-ka do not have that.

(SB) Very few associations place as much emphasis on the perfection of character, favouring emphasis on the technical and physical aspects. What are your feelings about this?

(HO) Perfection of character does not come without hard training. Yaguchi Shihan said in order to achieve perfection of character it takes a lifetime and I agree with that. Perfection of character comes from hard training mentally and physically meaning you have to train your whole life.

(SB) Which carries more weight do you think, emphasis on self-defence or emphasis on improving your personality and character?

(HO) Strong technique is important in self-defence because you never know who the opponent will be. As you get older you cannot rely on muscle strength so you rely on your technique. This is important because if you study your technique you gain strength in character and also improve your skills. I believe that personality and technique is inseparable. By practicing your technique you basically learn about yourself. The way you train is crucial to the aspects of developing your character.

(SB) Can you please define your interpretation of Budo karate, and how it differs from karate that does not follow the Budo path?

(HO) All of the masters I have met through the years are special people. They are seekers of the truth and make a contribution to society to make the world a better place. That is their intention and their goal. On the other hand, there are fake martial artists who are concerned about fighting and winning and making lots of money and think of martial arts as a business. They basically promise your achievement without long hard work. Many Westerners believe that physical practice is the only thing that will help their progression in their art. There is not much emphasis on sincerity, politeness, humility, loyalty, honor and courage. If they understand these qualities it would help people to succeed in Budo and in life.

(SB) Are there any points that you would like to discuss that I have neglected to ask you about?

(HO) Not at this time.

(SB) Can we take this opportunity to say thank you for this opportunity to give you our questions, and may we wish you every success for the future!

(HO) Thank you.

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Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)
世界松濤館空手協会
Oss to all.
The Origin of the name Karate-do.
Kara - empty
Te - hand
Do - way.

The name Karate-do (The way of the empty hand) is said be introduced in 1929 by Funakoshi Gichin (1868 - 1957). It is uncertain whether or not Funakoshi really invented his name?. Nevertheless , he helped make it popular through his life works. Master Hanagusuku Chomo(1874 - 1945) seems to have already used these characters in 1905. This art used to be called Okinawa-te ( Hand of Okinawa. Tode (China Hand), or simply Te( Hand).
However my understanding and reality is not in accordance with the believe of the old world order. Times have changed. Let us be in reality and comfort for what is best for you and your family.
Regards.

Oss!

.shotokankarate.world

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Pic 1:
The original Tiger as drawn by Hoan Kusigi. With his signarure top right corner.

SKA World
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How to Bow(Ojigi / お辞儀) correctly???

Bow is "Rei" but generally we Japanese call it also "Ojigi".

Depending on the situations and to whom you bow, we Japanese choose a correct Ojigi type spontaniously but very carefully.
Japanese must do Ojigi always correctly for the better life in the society.

There are 3 levels:

1. Eshaku(会釈 /bow angle approx.
15 degrees) This is normal one and used very often. For standard hello, light appreciation and apology to close friends, younger people, own family, etc....

2. Keirei(敬礼 /bow angle approx. 30 degrees) This has more respect.
Usually to elder people, customers, Senseis, etc.
Used also for hello, appreciation and apology.

3. Saikeirei(最敬礼 /bow angle approx. 45 degrees)
The deepest Ojigi. The most respect.
This is used when you apologize, and showing the deepest appreciation(usually to elder people, Sensei, Senpai, your customers, etc)
For hello???
Never do it so often like Eshaku.
This is really the last one, otherwise Saikeirei would become very cheap one.

And you will get backache too!
(4). Dogeza(土下座)
Forget it. If you know this, you watch Samurai movies too much.
Please don't forget when you do Ojigi:
- You bow in "Kiotuke" 気をつけ(stand straight and stay).
No walking Ojigi! It's rude.
- If you use Ojigi for appreciation or apology, you can do Ojigi several times. The other take it more seriously.
- For me, it's OK that you can use Eshaku and Keirei correctly, as we use them in Budo very often.
However as non-Japanese don't be too much Japanese with exaggeration, as those of them look very unnatural.....strange sometimes for us(sorry!)
My advice, just be natural!

Oss

Welcome !
To our affiliate 2021/2022:
Nelito Saibá Senpai from Mozambique.
For any enquiries about affiliation
and other SKA World matters in Mozambique.

Contact:
E-mail: [email protected]

Welcome !
To our affiliate 2021/2022: Mohammad
Reza Rajaei Sensei from IRAN.

For any enquiries about affiliation
and other SKA World matters in IRAN.

Contact:
E-mail: [email protected]

SKA World family would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Konate Sensei from SKAW - Senegal for resourcing in France for two months to improve his karate technique and following the evolution of karate. The trip lasted two months. The basen Conin life guard club welcomed him and allowed him to validate and go through the various phases at the level of French Karate. The content of the activities covered coaching, combat training, teaching physically and mentally. As part of the cultural exchange program I will be scheduled to participate in the international Basel open in Switzerland. To exercise all that he had learnt. Special thanks to all that assisted him.
SKA World is proud of your achievements.

Oss!

Regards.

Lussanne, Switzerland.
Beautiful French speaking part of Switzerland.
Great warmth, professionalism and hospitality.
Hospital Chuv was were I had completed my forth and hopefully final nose surgery.
46 years of extensive fighting in high level competitions.
Recovery is going well.
Thank you to all for your warm sentiments, particularly my SKA World
family.

Oss !

Shotokan Karate Association World (SKAW)
世界松濤館空手協会ý

Basic Kata - Part 2:
Part two of this section includes the group of "basic katas". It is said that one of Gichin Funakoshi's teachers, Itosu Yatsune, known as the "holy fist," developed thse katasfor the purpose of practicing basic techniques. The name heian comes from the contraction of the characters for heiwa and antei (peace and stability). "Pinan or pian" are synonymous for heian that are used in other Karate styles. Each one of the heian katas starts with a blocking technique to demonstrate its peaceful character.

Heian Kata:
1. heian shodan - heian beginning level.
2. heian nidan - Heian second level.
3. heian sandan- Heian third level.
4. heian yondan - Heian fourth level.
5. heian godan - Heian fifth level.

Tekki:
The roots of tekki kata are though to the Chinese. Originally known in Okinawa as naihanchi, the tekki katas were given their new names by Funakoshi Gichin himself. The first character of tekki means iron, the second, horseman. The most frequently used stance in this kata is kiba-dachi (straddle-leg stance)

1.tekki shodan - Tekki beginning level
2. tekki nidan -Tekki second level.
3. tekki sandan - Tekki third level.

Regards

Ravi Moodley
President/Chief Instructor
Switzerland 🇨🇭

E-mail:
.co.za

.com
[email protected]
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+41779167595

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Shotokan Karate Association
世界松濤館空手協会

Part 1:
Kata is a typical training format the East Asian Martial Arts and has no equivalent in the different Western Arts.on the island of Okinawa and in China, the practice of kata was the actual art of the fighting systems. Through kata, the knowledge was passed down from generation to generation and they are still the textbook of the art. Kata is the foundation that teaches the body stances,movements, and the principle of using hands and legs. It teaches breathing, tranquility, secureness, rhythm, fighting spirit, and power of decision. Kata is not a simple training of the body that can be done shallow but an austere training form. It is a fine, classical way of learning based on the experiences on the battlefield during the fight for life or death.

Kata is comparable
to the games of Go and Shogi (Japanese chess) and starts and ends with bow. Kata is not an accumulation of basic techniques but is constantly flowing like circulating blood and must be filled with life. Adherence to the following three points are therefore essential: strength and weaknesses of power, slowness and quickness of technique, extension and contraction of the body. The karateka always has to pay attention to the correct number of hand and foot movements (enbusen) and to realize the specific nature of the kata and the meaning of its techniques.
Kata is next to kihon and kumite, the third pillar of Karate-do. All three are independent but inseparable and together form the Art of Karate-do.

I sincerely hope that this could shed more knowledge on the subject.

Kind regards

Ravi Moodley
Switzerland 🇨🇭

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世界松濤館空手協会

Wishing all our friends and their families a happy Eid Mubarak.

Have a blessed day.

Regards
Ravi Moodley

Switzerland 🇨🇭
E-mail:
[email protected]
What's app:
+41779167595



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