British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine September 2017

BRITISH KARATE KYOKUSHINKAI MAGAZINE Celebrating the 41st Open National Tournament at K2 Crawley September 2017

Kokoro Dojo “Right Mind, Right Heart, Right Spirit

Dojo situated at: Bishops House, Windhill, Bishops Stortford, CM23 2NF email: kokoro.bkk1994@gmail.com

Chief Instructor: Liam Keaveney (7th Dan)

EDITORIAL Welcome to the 2017 online edition of the BKK’s Kyokushin Magazine. Our Kyokushin Magazine began publication in the early 1980s and we have published a magazine every year with the exception of 2016. We hope to upload past copies of the magazine to ISSUU in the very near future.

My thanks and appreciation to the following who have helped, during the past decades, in producing the magazine: Grant Kinnaird, Sean Keaveney, Linda Keaveney, Trevor Gorrard, Jo Merth, Tony White, Ollie Potter, Michael Keaveney and David Pickthall. I would like also to thank Keith and April Mays (Reigate Carpet) for their continued support of the BKK and our tournament at K2.

Now in the 21st Century I am indebted to Michael Keaveney for both his guidance and idea to publish the future BKK magazines online which will give national and international access to the publication and hopefully be an attractive forum for future sponsors of the BKK. Thank you also to the contributors to this edition including Wai Cheung, Tony White, Jacqui Philips, Lia Howlett, Lee Swiggelaar and Jane Charman.

A thank you to our corporate sponsors of both the magazine and the National Tournament at K2 – including: Buildbase, Bonners Music, SFB, Medlock, OK Bouquet, Miles Barbers and Kyokushin UK Limited. Dojos who supported by advertising included: Hastings and Bexhill, Weymouth, Crawley, Eastbourne, Dunmow, Wimbledon, Kokoro, Leyton, Biggleswade, Westhill and Staines Tigers.

Sadly, Steve Worrell died this year and a short tribute appears in this magazine.

Congratulations to the BKKs new San Dans : Kenny Jarvis, Leigh Kiss and Hristo Lyubenov – and all the other Dan promotion mentioned in the magazine The 41st Open National Knockdown tournament sees our new BKK Chief Referee, Shihan Andrew Turner (6th Dan), after the retirement of Shihan Alex Kerrigan (7th Dan). Shihan Alex continues as the IFK Chief Referee.

We also print Hanshi’s message which includes a brief succession overview for IFK and BKK to guarantee we move forward a stronger organisation I publish here for the first time a short interview from 1987 – and I have let thirty years pass before publication. There are few disclosures in the interview but it is just a “snapshot” of Sosai’s thoughts after the 4th World Tournament when Japan’s dominance at the World Tournament finally weakened.

Life is about change and sometimes that change can be imperceptible. Nothing stays the same, no matter how we feel or wish to keep the status quo. Development is dependant on positive change.

With this in mind we need to continue the legacy established by Sosai Oyama and his international instructors of the 1960s including Steve Arneil, Shigeru Oyama, Y. Oyama, Tadashi Nakamura, Ashihara, Bobby Lowe and others – time now has arisen for the next generation to continue the legacy of Kyokushin Karate, nationally and internationally.

Finally, thank you the BKK membership: the Shihans, Senseis, Senpais and Kohais alike that keep the organisation afloat by their support and enthusiasm.

Enjoy this magazine and enjoy the BKK’s 41st Open National Knockdown Tournament.

Liam Keaveney Editor

Contents 7

HANSHI STEVE ARNEIL’S MESSAGE Hanshi Steve Arneil reflects on the last fifty years

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BEHIND THE SCENES Lia Howlett looks behind the scenes of the 5th IFK World Tournament in Romania

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DOKUSO GEIKO What happens to your training when the tournaments and gradings come to an end?

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What were Sosai Oyama’s thoughts on Kyokushin Karate?

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SUMMER CAMP 2017 A glimpse into what it is like to attend Summer Camp

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2017 BKK GRADING PROMOTIONS This year’s promotions

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2016 BRITISH OPEN RESULTS Results from last year’s British Open Tournament

JUNIORS ROUND UP Tony White reviews the past twelve months and looks at the future of the BKK Cadet Teams

SOSAI OYAMA INTERVIEW

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BREATHING FOR POWER AND FOCUS How ‘reverse’ abdominal breathing can help to direct energy

KYOKUSHINKAI MAGAZINE Kyokushinkai Magazine welcomes articles and photographs for publication from our readers. However, any views and opinions expressed in contributors material do not necessarily represent those of the Editor or publishers of Kyokushinkai Magazine. All rights reserved. “Kyokushinkai Magazine and its Editor reserves the right to edit, alter or revise any material submitted for publication should it be deemed necessary�.

REACH US Editorial Office: 58 Highfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2NQ, England.

Tel: 01245 256891 | E-mail: liam.keaveney@btinternet.com

Publisher: British Karate Kyokushinkai Editor: Liam Keaveney Artwork: Engine 47 Ltd.

British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

HANSHI STEVE ARNEIL’S MESSAGE

The BKK’s Magazine is published in the week of our tournament at K2 and in a different format which has exciting possibilities.

Our recent BKK Summer Camp was a great success and I thank all my instructors and students that attended from home and abroad. I hope that next year will be even better.

My travels this year have been limited and it is my wish to concentrate more within the BKK along with my Shichi Dan instructors: Alex Kerrigan (7th Dan), Liam Keaveney (7th Dan) and David Pickthall (7th Dan) in the forthcoming year. In addition to this, I hope my other high grade instructors will assist and support them and me in our efforts.

Over the past few years I have ensured that there has been a clear succession strategy within the International Federation of Karate and I have discharged this responsibility. In doing so, I have established a Board which includes: David Pickthall (Vice President), Liam Keaveney, Eddy Gabathuler, Alexander Taniushkin and Mike Monaco. Beyond the IFK Board I have established various Sub Committees – using high grade instructors from around the world. I am heartened to oversee the work that they are doing for the IFK. It is now over fifty years since the creation of the BKK and in that time there have been many ups and downs. I have tried my best to keep the standards of both karate and grading at a high level.

As with my international organisation it is now time that I allow my BKK instructors to take a more active roll in the future of the BKK. Let me make it very clear – I have no intention of retiring or indeed stepping back in my responsibilities within the BKK. But I do feel that the organisation needs to be clear in its future and how it maintains stability through the generations to come. With that in mind I will rely on David Pickthall, Liam Keaveney and Alex Kerrigan to ensure the future, future stability and progress of the BKK. It also goes without saying that I hope all BKK high grades (Shihans, Senseis and Sempais) and dojo operators will work with me and those mentioned above, in the years ahead – and together carry on my work and my vision nationally and internationally.

My family has been very important to me and I cannot express my gratitude enough to them all for their support over the past decades. Their understanding and indeed encouragement have made it possible for me to carry on my work with the BKK and IFK with conviction and enthusiasm for over fifty years.

2018 is only around the corner and I am looking forward to the new year ahead and I hope to see many of you at the BKK tournaments and courses throughout the year.

Osu, Hanshi Steve Arneil (10th Dan)

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BKK Shichi Dan instructors with Hanshi Steve Arneil (10th Dan) Shihans Alex Kerrigan, Liam Keaveney and David Pickthall.

BEHIND THE SCENES LIA HOWLETT (2ND DAN) GIVES AN INSIDERS VIEW OF THE ORGANISATIONAL DETAILS BEHIND THE RECENT 5TH IFK WORLD TOURNAMENT HELD IN ROMANIA Words & Photographs: Lia Howlett

Lia Howlett and Christian Hirsch

British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

As you all know, the 5th IFK World Tournament was organised by IFK Romania and hosted in Sibiu – on the 27-28 of May of this year. The tournament was the biggest one yet boasting over 400 participants from 40 countries and 7 organisations. It was a great event in every sense of the word.

But what does organising such an event entail?

Well, a whole book could be written about it and perhaps Sensei Cristian Hirsch will put pen to paper and write such a book – I am certain it would be a useful guide for anyone looking to host a martial arts tournament of such magnitude. For now, I will try to give you a quick glimpse behind the scenes to share just a few things involved.

IFK Romania is a relatively new member of the International Federation of Karate. However, since joining us in 2013, they went from one dojo to fourteen attracting enthusiastic karateka who created a positive and electrifying vibe in this new organisation. Hanshi’s teaching visit in 2014, the openness of the course and the relaxed and friendly relationships IFK aims to cultivate with other organisations has helped build a good reputation of the newly formed IFK Romania and with it, it brought cooperation and support between like-minded people. When Sensei Cristian and Sensei Dodi attended the BKK Summer Camp in 2014, little did they know that they would return home committed to undertake one of the biggest challenges of their lives so far.

Indeed, the planning for the 5th IFK World Tournament started as early as 2014! The most important things that needed to be resolved were booking a suitable venue and accommodation.

You’d think with such advance notice, booking the Transylvania Sports Hall in Sibiu as the main venue for the Tournament would be an easy task, but it wasn’t! The Hall is in great demand for many national and international events and finding a weekend that suited all parties took some negotiating.

Securing suitable accommodation proved even more challenging for several reasons. Sibiu is a great cultural, artistic and sports centre and has a strong tourism industry. It hosts festivals every week from end of March till end of October and so hotels tend to be fully booked. Securing enough rooms in a small number of hotels based mainly on the promise of customers during a very busy period

took some convincing. The hotels also needed to meet certain criteria the IFK has put in place to ensure that all participants (fighters as well as officials) have a good and equal standard of comfort during their stay and that no fighter, delegation or country is disadvantaged in any way. Not knowing at this stage how many participants (fighters, officials and spectators) would be, added an interesting challenge, but in the end, the organisers have secured four hotels for the event.

Of course, none of this could happen without financial support so the organisers started searching very early for partners and sponsors to help them deliver the event. Being a World Tournament and thus quite a prestigious event, it has attracted the attention of Sibiu County Council. This was a fantastic boost. They, together with the Hall management, have been extremely accommodating, allowing the organisers access to the hall for setup well in advance of the tournament and making the necessary changes needed to accommodate our event. In total, there were around 30 partners and sponsors supporting the event.

Time passed quickly especially when there were so many things to arrange and so many details to sort out. The tournament paperwork was put together, the website was set up and published and questions started coming in from interested parties. A media campaign was put in place and the tournament was promoted as much as possible online, on radio, TV, papers and even on advertising billboards.

Promotional videos and interviews were shared online and the event started to build up.v A few weeks before the tournament the entries started coming in. Few and far between to begin with creating a fear of under attendance, however, as the entry deadline approached, dealing with entries became an around the clock job. As entries were coming from all over the world, time zones lost their meaning. It was always daytime in some part of the globe and it was easier and faster to follow up incomplete or problematic forms as soon as they came in rather than a few hours later. Sleep became a bit of a luxury for Sensei Cristian and his team at this point. They were working shifts dealing with entries pretty much 24/7. The deadline for entries was extended by two weeks to allow some panicky late comers to submit their documentation as well as to allow the organisers some breathings

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space. However, this had little impact on the volume of entries and it soon became apparent that the numbers of the 5th World Tournament would exceed the ones of the 4th World Tournament.

The event had to be scaled up to accommodate an increased number of entries. The entries had to be dealt with. They had to be reviewed, checked, double checked and verified. Incomplete entries had to be chased. Correct information was vital in insuring fighters were allocated in the correct categories, sometimes even failing to register a gender on the form could create confusion as the name would not always give a clue whether the fighter was male or female.

As the deadline for entries came and went, the team almost sighed a sigh of relief. There were well over 400 entries and although some might come to nothing, it was obvious that this tournament was going to be the biggest one yet!

Everything they have planned over the past three years was coming together but it was bigger than expected – to cater for so many, things needed to be scaled up - more hotels rooms needed, more internal transport sorted, more food and water for the fighters, more people to help with registration and sign in on the day, with the medical check-up etc. It was a good problem to have though. The team has worked very hard to provide all of this and to meet all the participants’ requirements.

Of course, an event like this also comes with its share of paperwork and red tape. The size of the tournament meant that special measures needed to be ready to be put in place in case of emergency.

An international event of this size and variety of counties attending was feared that might attract a terrorist attack, so the local police, gendarmery, immigration department and the Emergency Inspectorate needed to be satisfied that everyone’s safety is guaranteed. That was a grilling afternoon for Sensei Christian!

The week of the tournament was a bit of a blur – things were happening at a fast pace as teams of volunteers were working pretty much around the clock to deliver everything needed for the event.

People started coming in, they were picked up from the airport and delivered to their hotels.

Three different transport firms were used to cover everyone’s transport needs regardless what part of Romania they were landing in. Information was

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flying between teams in all directions, everyone needed to know what was going on. Every change needed to be managed.

It was very rewarding to see the participants’ excitement. The enthusiasm and happiness of people was a welcome boost to everyone who worked so hard to organise the event. The buzz of seeing old friends again and of making new friends. Chatting to everyone and everyone feeling very happy to be there and very positive about the experience so far.

Whilst the fighters’ check-in and medical took place, the referees came together for a morning’s seminar – going over the rules together, discussing different scenarios, clarifying uncertainties, asking questions, rehearsing the entry and exit protocols etc. everything needed to make sure that these people from all over the world, speaking many different languages, are ready to work together as a team to provide the best possible experience for the fighters on the day. The seminar was followed by a country representatives’ meeting and a coaches’ briefing. There was also an official press conference with local and national media.

During this time, the competition hall was being prepared – a podium was set up in the middle as the main fighting arena with two more tatami set up – one on either side. The lighting, cameras, monitors and sound system were installed and tested. The official tables were set up complete with computers and printers. Over 30 volunteers worked all day to get the hall ready. In another part of town the draws were being made. It was necessary for a completely new computer programme to be written for the draws as the old programme could no longer be used. This added to the challenge of the event however, the developer was with us every step of the way and it insure the programme did its job.

By Friday evening everything was ready – well almost!

On Saturday morning the organising team were at the hall bright and early getting things ready for the day ahead. Coaches brought in the fighters and officials from their respective hotels and we were all set to go on time! The opening ceremony with everything it entails went according to plan and after the fighters’ march in and the line up, everyone was rearing to go.

And that’s when disaster struck! If it wasn’t so stressful at the time, it would have been funny really! Everything that was in the organisers’ power was under control! The one thing that wasn’t in the organisers’ power went wrong: the wi-fi went down in the building and without it there was no access to the internet, no internal network, no display, no way for the computer and the printer sitting on the same table to talk to each other! The fighting order was meant to be printed and posted on the wall during the opening ceremony, the internet feed was meant to be set up during this time as well and a host of other things that were meant to happen didn’t. And there wasn’t much anyone could do about it at that short notice.

Announcements were made by each table about the running order and as much as possible fighters were notified. Priority was given to the categories that were immediately coming on the mat with the promise of giving out information on other categories as soon as possible. Fighting got on the way! During this time, a printer cable was procured and a printer set up and working. The running order was published and this allowed participants to relax a bit and focus on what they were interested in. The issue was resolved relatively soon after – we say now – but at the time, it seemed like an eternity.

As the tournament continued things settled; the only concern was trying to keep to schedule and not overrun too much although that wasn’t really in our hands. At the end of the day, after the fighters and officials returned to their hotels, the organisers stayed back and prepped the hall for day two of the event. The two side tatami were removed and another raised podium was installed with a bridge between the two. The second podium was to be used for the day two show as well as the awards ceremony. The hall was cleaned and all rubbish was collected, the official tables tidied up and readied again for day two.

Sunday started in a similar manner to Saturday – with people turning up early and setting up – the coaches with fighters and officials being on time.

Yet somewhere in between time just disappeared.

It wasn’t that there was a lot to do, there wasn’t,

but everything seemed to take longer to do than then day before. The long Saturday was taking its toll. We started half an hour late (and that was at a push!) It wasn’t too bad and there was even a glimmer of hope that we might make this time up.

Fighting was taking place on one mat only on this second day and if there were a few quick knock outs. It wasn’t meant to be though. By this point in the tournament fighters were more equal and the fights were balanced and went the distance.

It was a good day though and a much calmer day for the organisers. It did get hectic at the end – I didn’t realise how hard it is to sort out winners’ certificates for the awards ceremony when a few hundred people are screaming of the top of their lungs supporting their fighter. It’s very distracting!

The time between the end of the tournament and the sayonara party was spent mostly clearing up the hall again and then just having a quick shower and getting ready. Some of the volunteers stayed behind to finish taking apart all of the set up to get the hall ready for use of the Monday.

The event went well and although most people didn’t walk away with a trophy, hopefully, they walked away with a good and lasting memory.

For Sensei Cristi and his team, this wasn’t the end though. Besides helping each team with their departure and travel arrangements, there was also sorting out paperwork needed by some teams or individuals, linking with the official partners, sponsors, service providers, the IFK Board and Members, doing the required paperwork (so much paperwork!) etc. There’s work still happening as we speak!

However, things are winding down and soon IFK Romania will send out a full report on this fantastic tournament, containing much more factual information about the tremendous amount of work that went into organising and delivering and event of such magnitude.

What you have read above is just the tip of the iceberg really.

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5th IFK World Tournament Results Men’s Lightweight - 70kg

Men’s Under 21 Heavyweight + 80kg

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Marsel Mansurov - Russia Sergey Chmunevich - Russia Komanov Ivan - Bulgaria Redondo Cardoso Daniel - Spain

Anatolii Zhuravel - Ukraine Iurii Borisevich - Russia Ryoya Tokunaga - Japan Hyshko Andrii - Ukraine

Men’s Middleweight - 80kg

Men’s Cadets (Under 18) - 60kg

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Artem Nazaretian - Russia Solovev Artem - Russia Mohammad Asadi amin - Iran Georgi Doychev - Bulgaria

Telman Mamedov - Russia Ivan Grinchuk - Russia Kyrylo Kryvyi - Ukraine Nikita Sedov - Russia

Men’s Heavyweight - 90kg

Men’s Cadets (Under 18/60) - 65kg

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Igor Riadnov - Russia Jonas Rosin - Sweden Emanuel Lebo - Austria Kantemir Beslaneev - Russia

Mark Vologdin - Russia Vladislav Shabanov - Russia Gevorg Gevorgyan - Armenia Andrii Krainiuk - Ukraine

Men’s Super Heavyweight + 90kg

Men’s Cadets (Under 18/65) - 70kg

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Vitalii Ishakhneli - Russia Vasily Samadurov - Russia Aleksandr Karshigeev - Russia Dmitrii Solovyev - Russia

Karol Brejtfus - Poland Roman Nerushaev - Russia Gergely Fekete - Hungary Yani Krastev - Bulgaria

Men’s Under 21 Lightweight - 70kg

Men’s Cadets (Under 18/70) - 75kg

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Ivan Tumashev - Russia Ghanbari Mohammad sadegh - Iran Nikita Zeziulia - Russia Shen Berkdzhan - Bulgaria

Pronk Damian - Netherlands Emin Aliev - Russia Andrey Mikheev - Russia Alexandr Tronyagin - Kazakhstan

Men’s Under 21 Middleweight - 80kg

Men’s Cadets (Under 18) +75kg

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Oleksandr Svynarenko - Ukraine Alexander Bezrukov - Russia Viacheslav Solovev - Russia Tamás Rétfalvi - Hungary

Szymon Olpinski - Poland Bogdan Gabriel Pralea - Romania Zoltan Kotuly - Hungary Daniil Ermakov - Russia

Women’s Lightweight - 60kg

Women’s Cadets (Under 18) - 55kg

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Anna Efremova - Russia Artemova Rimma - Russia Ekaterina Arapova - Russia Madena Bozianu - Romania

Alisa Zelenina - Russia Anastasia Romanova - Russia Arailym Tubekbayeva - Kazakhstan Uliana Tyulina - Russia

Women’s Heavyweight + 60kg

Women’s Cadets (Under 18/55) - 60kg

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Agata Winiarska - Poland Olga Ivanova - Russia Alexandra Pecinka - Austria Anzhelika Sabaeva - Russia

Anna Cheremiskina - Russia Ekaterina Shemina - Russia Lyubomira Nikolova - Bulgaria Kitti Kreitl - Hungary

Women’s Under 21 - 60kg

Women’s Cadets (Under 18/60) - 65kg

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Kseniia Doronina - Russia Szilvia Antal - Hungary Lara Seydel - Germany Anastasia Shvydun - Russia

Elena Zaykovskaya - Russia Tamara Bindraban - Netherlands Mariela Lyubenova - Bulgaria Aina Bolat - Kazakhstan

Women’s Under 21 +60kg

Women’s Cadets (Under 18) +65kg

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Antonina Ismailova - Russia Elena Suchkova - Russia Rebeka Paulovics - Hungary Musaeva Makka - Russia

British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

Daria Soloveva - Russia Nadezhda Kolotilo - Russia Szonja Neuherz - Hungary Valeriya Pochebyt - Russia

CRAWLEY 01293 614114 PROUD SUPPORTERS OF BBK NATIONAL TOURNAMENT AT

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DOKUSO GEIKO “to practice by oneself” Words Liam Keaveney (7th Dan)

“Discard your expectations and preconceived ideas.

Abandon any method of knowing what might limit your horizons. When your expectations are discarded, the mind expands and reality expands along with the mind. Rather than just perceiving where things are and where they have been (boundaries) you can begin to see the direction in which things are going. There is obvious power in apprehending the probabilities of the future, but moreover a subtle power will develop, a power that brings insight and development.

You can then sense your potential ability to direct events with the force of your mind - the path of personal power.”

The above paragraph came from Lao-Tzu “Tao Te Ching” under the title of “Absolute”. There comes a point in your training life that tournaments, gradings, etc. come to an end and then one needs to transform one’s outlook as to why we train. This is a difficult transformation as up to a point we have always been “goal” led – i.e. the next grading, the next tournament will have been milestones in our path of training and, to a point, measures our personal advancement.

All of a sudden there are no more goals, as such, and we are left in the wilderness, maybe for quite sometime, as we struggle to find meaning and maybe direction - as our bodies weaken with the advancing of years. We then have the need and desire therefore to increase our spiritual ability as our strength wanes. Teaching, in many ways, fills the gap but its our own personal training and development I am talking about here.

The path therefore to continual improvement lies perhaps in one’s mastery of our own self-discipline on virtually all levels of life. To improve the boundaries of what would appear to be the limits of mind and body can lead to a spiritual strength that is capable of weathering the storms of adversity.

The ability to control emotions is perhaps the most difficult part of self-reliance.

The human feelings of joy, anger, happiness,

sorrow, love, and hate effect and guide the life of the individual as well as the lives of those in immediate contact with and around us. This affect can be truly immense. In general, as human beings, we are motivated by our desires. These desires are often of a selfish nature and tend to lead us away from basic goals of advancement and betterment for the benefit of mankind.

The desire of recognition, wealth, and power can sway many to a course of irregularity, which easily can become destructive. The Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu stated that “Freedom from desire leads to inward peace.” An attempt must be made to overcome ourselves through the constant training of the mind, body, and spirit in a rigorous approach – as indeed Sosai Oyama did.

We must set aside laziness, despondency, selfpity, and the attitude of indifference so that we may rise to new heights rather than stagnate. This can be very difficult for a number of reasons. This challenge originates from oneself to oneself, and it must be met. It is a natural attitude for one to blame others, and our situation, when things don’t quite go right. Such negative thoughts only hinder progress. Self-reliance is an important part of discipline. The chief responsibility for a human being’s future, happiness and prosperity rests in the hands of the individual.

The ability to cope with all forms of adversity must be developed on a physical, psychological, and spiritual basis. Standing on one’s own two feet and following the course in life that is chosen requires a great deal of self-reliance, self-confidence and individuality if we are to obtain our goals. This can only be fulfilled when one accepts and correctly uses positive individuality and to this end this is the guiding principle for our training.

The Japanese the term “Renshu” means training and the term “Keiko” means practice. When we are 17

training, generally we are either giving instruction or taking it. However, Renshu can be literally translated as “forging (or polishing) lessons” – which means hard training and continuous work doing many repetitions of Kihon (basics) to sharpen our technique as opposed to just learning new material and techniques.

If we then look at Keiko in a different light and give it a deeper significance – Keiko can be seen as a method of learning from the past to understand the present (Keiko Shokon) – we then can see that it is training with an attitude of learning by doing, a spirit of direction that leads to character development and physical cultivation – and ultimately a deeper understanding and enlightenment through mastery of the art of karate through hard and constant practice but with no real goal as an end-game – just training, perhaps, to eventually (if your fortunate)

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to, as Sosai Oyama said (in the Dojo Kun) “all our lives through the discipline of karate we will seek to fulfil the true meaning of the martial way.”

Finally, we must never forget the term “Nanakorobi yaoki” because our training, throughout our lives, will be fraught with disappointment, failure and frustration. Many fall by the wayside because of this sense of failure and frustration – and this is understandable. We should try and develop a “never give up attitude” but this does take much effort and introspection.

By our teachings and instruction from the founder of Kyokushin Karate (Sosai Oyma) and our current teachers we have an obligation (Giri) and duty to continue training and with a correct attitude and outlook and in essence this duty prevails above all else as a rational and reason to train perhaps?

Shihan Nick Da Costa (6th Dan) performing a breaking demo at Crystal Palace

JUNIORS ROUND UP Words & Photographs Tony White

In the first two years of my term as GB Under 18’s Coach I have been working hard to build up an experienced team of instructors to develop the BKK’s youngest karateka. Juniors & cadets are an important part of any karate organisation, and it is vital that they develop both the physical and mental strength to prepare them for senior level training and competition.

I am honoured to be working with a high level team of instructors including Sensei Chris Davies, Sensei Wai Cheung, Sensei Mike Woods and Sensei Sunil Tailor. Most of these instructors began their Kyokushin training as juniors, and bring with them the very best experience of national and international competition & training within our organisation. I would also like to thank Sensei Michael Charsley from Verwood Dojo for his support of the juniors & cadets and sharing with us his vast knowledge of fitness & personal training.

Both England & Wales have sent under 18’s teams to compete abroad in the past 12 months with some fantastic results and many podium places. The BKK have some really excellent up-and-coming talent amongst our junior fighters. Notably Luke Davies (Wales), Kobe Spinney (England), Sophie Hobbs (Wales), Mia Morgan (Wales), Luke Sabey (England), and Denis Sorokins (England) have all excelled in the last 12 months and show the BKK has a bright future ahead. There are many more names I haven’t mentioned here, and some superb younger students who will no doubt be featured in future publications of this magazine.

Luke Jones (Wales) has fought internationally on many occasions since moving up to Cadet level, and is showing the grit and determination of a future knockdown champion. Dylan Baldwin who recently moved up to senior level, is also following in his elder brother Luke’s footsteps, and has proven to be a strong competitor in the tournaments he has entered.

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Holly Davies, Jessica Charsley, Jamie-May Rowlands, Alicia Bennett and Beth Salvi are part of our current cadet girls team, and the experience they have gained from fighting both in the UK and abroad will prepare them for moving up to the senior novice event at the 2018 BKK National Tournament.

Monthly training sessions for under 18’s are held in both England & Wales to which all BKK members are welcome to attend. Please see the EVENTS section of our website www.gbkyokushinkai.com for the dates of forthcoming sessions.

The Future The system of clicker (point scoring) fighting within the BKK gives our juniors an opportunity to experience kumite competitions in a safe environment, where good movement is necessary to win a fight. At the age of 16, juniors move up to ‘cadet’ level, where they are permitted to fight full contact under the Kyokushin Rules system.

Point scoring competitions such as clicker have an important place for juniors because they encourage less experienced fighters to compete against more accomplished competitors in a safe environment, which gives them more confidence. This form of fighting was developed to build balance, speed, accuracy of technique and coordination.

Clicker fighting encourages fighters to become more technical and promotes the importance of movement and strategic fighting when faced with opponents of different abilities and sizes.

When the BKK took some junior fighters over to Belgium last year to compete in an IFK Rules Contact Tournament, the GB competitors dominated their categories. The movement and speed of the BKK fighters was of a higher standard than the foreign competitors who had only trained knockdown

Mike Woods, Sunil Tailor, Wai Cheung, Tony White, Chris Daves and Michael Charsley

techniques from a young age - this is without doubt due to the skills they have learned through clicker fighting in the UK. There are suggestions within the BKK that contact tournaments should be introduced at a younger age.

Over the past eighteen months we have held some trial events using the IFK Under 16’s Kyokushin Rules. As is the case with seniors, the taking part in contact fighting should be a personal choice made by each individual student. No pressure should be put on children to take part in such events.

There are some students who have the natural ability and hunger to fight in contact tournaments, and nurturing this would indeed help them to “hit the ground running” when they reach cadet level as they would already have competition experience in this fighting form. If the coaches and parents feel it appropriate, these students should not be restricted, providing all possible safety precautions are in place.

I hope that we will soon have opportunities for

juniors to take part in both types of fighting within the BKK, built on a platform of solid, traditional Kyokushin kihon and kata training. The BKK needs to progress, whilst maintaining our traditions, professionalism and the utmost safety standards for which we are internationally recognised.

I am immensely proud of all of our juniors & cadets.

I have seen so many grow from young children, to teenagers and through to adulthood. I have been there with them when they’re training hard, and helped them with their nerves and emotions at tournaments. I see their elation when they win, and also their disappointment when they don’t.

I am though, most proud when I hear of how confident and successful BKK juniors and cadets have become in their everyday life, and know for sure that this success will in part, be down to their Kyokushin training. Kyokushin is something that will be with them forever. Kyokushin teaches us all how to overcome barriers, be stronger when things seem difficult, and most of all gives us the confidence and determination to succeed in whatever we set our hearts and minds on.

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SOSAI OYAMA INTERVIEW Words Liam Keaveney Photographs Liam Keaveny’s Archive

British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

Recently I have been going through my archive of all old letters and documents spanning over forty years and happened to come across a letter from Sosai Oyama dated 28th January 1988. I had attended the World Tournament in Tokyo and the Branch Chief Training Camp in November 1987. At the time I was associated with Power Karate Magazine and I was hoping to interview Sosai for our BKK Magazine.

The Fourth World Tournament was indeed a pivotal moment within the International Kyokushin Organization. The success of non-Japanese fighters was unparalleled and that sent a shockwave throughout the world. This was the first time there was a serious threat to Japan’s dominance.

At the time I really did not fully understand the significance of this and naively was disappointed when Sosai did not wish to be interviewed.

To my surprise I received a letter from Sosai at the end of January 1988 and he had answered the questions that I had left at Honbu. The answers were very brief and Sosai did apologise in the letter saying “I am afraid I cannot give you sufficient answers for your questions….”

It is almost thirty years since I received this letter and I felt that, for the record and posterity, I would publish (in part) the interview. It does not illuminate very much and in some instances what is not said is of more significance.

Liam Keaveney: For many years you criticised tournaments within weight divisions. Why in the past year or two have your introduced weight division tournaments in Japan.

Sosai: Budo Karate has no weight divisions. Only sport karate has. However, the weight division system is used all over the world except in Japan.

As some people insisted, I wanted to give them a chance to try it out. But the All Japan Tournament will never be with that system.

Do you think Kyokushin Karateka fighters have changed since the last World Tournament.

Japanese fighters have changed a lot. I think the Japanese team did not have a real star as Mr. Makoto Nakamura or Mr. Keiji Sanpei before. But generally spoken, the level went up.

What is your feeling regarding a non-Japanese winning the tournament.

I would be glad if a non-Japanese fighter would win the tournament, because it will prove that the level of Kyokushin goes up in other countries.

How have the Japanese competitors compared to the last World Tournament.

Their level went up.

What would be your message to all Kyokushin Karateka over the next 4 years prior to the Fifth World Tournament.

Train hard with Kyokushin spirit. Think about my theory of the circle and straight lines.

What are your aspirations for the Kyokushinkaikan in your lifetime.

I want to give the best facilities for Budoka to train.

Outside Japan which countries do you feel have the strongest fighters?

Generally speaking, Europe is very strong.

Especially Switzerland and Sweden and England have strong competitors.

Who for you stood out as exceptional in this World Tournament and why?

Mike Thompson and Andy Hug. What separates the Japanese from his western counterpart?

There is no difference between them.

What advice would you give to the young fighters of today in preparation for the Fifth World Tournament?

Be humble and try your best to build up your own ego.

What have been your main disappointments in the Kyokushinkaikan in your lifetime?

I have never been really disappointed in the Kyokushinkaikan. Life is full of ups and downs.

What have been your great successes in the Kyokushinkaikan.

I have made a lot of efforts and I am so happy that I have been rewarded in some extent.

27

What do you feel about other karateka from different styles joining Kyokushin. Does this happy often in Japan.

I will give a welcome to any other styles if they want to join Kyokushin. It happens often in Japan.

For you personally who has been your most successful fighter?

Howard Collins.

British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

What changes and developments would you like to see in the International Kyokushin Organisation.

I would like to build a new International Headquarters, a Honbu as big as the Kodokan, not for my person, but for all students over the world, in order to eternalise Kyokushin.

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SUMMER CAMP 2017 Words Lee Swiggelaar

Photographs Danail Petrov

Summer Camp is the time when Karateka from their respective dojos come together to train under Hanshi Steve Arneil and his top Instructors, in order to improve their skills. It is also a time to meet other Karateka and to make new friends.

Those grading train hard under the watchful eyes of Hanshi, Shihan Liam Keaveney and Sensei Moss Ageli.

Day One I have attended Summer Camp for the past five years. I took my training very seriously, as my ambition was to be the best I could be.

2013 was my first year at Camp. When I went in to register, there in the hall were Shihan Mara da Costa, Shihan Stuart Wright and Shihan Nick da Costa. Shihan Nick da Costa was a name I knew from my early training in South Africa. Not knowing anyone other than my then Instructor, Sensi Marious Petro, I was introduced to all the Instructors present.

Day One is National Grading day for all those striving for their Black Belts. A gruelling day for all levels, especially those grading for 3rd Dan, because apart from their very strenuous training, they were required on the last day, to explain and perform their own Kata in front of everyone present. The grading results would not be known until the evening of the last day.

At the time I prepared for my Shodan, I was training at the Kokoro Dojo. Although I was told I was not ready, I didn’t give up. It took a punishing five months of hard physical training before I was told I was ready. My application was duly signed and that year I was successful.

Although Hanshi and Shihan Liam took the Grading, the various sessions were taken by Shihans David Pickthall, Nick da Costa and Sensei Tony White . Depending on levels, sessions were split into groups. Shihan Janine Davis took a Kata session and Sensei Moss a Weapons session. The evening session was taken by Hanshi. Nervously waiting in the Hall we were asked to line up in grade order. The evening was hot and the session hard. All Kihons and Katas being performed many times under the scrutiny of the Instructors.

Day Two Day tw started at 6.30am with everyone waiting on the field for Hanshi to say “line up”. After a twenty minute warm up, we were split into three groups.

One for a Fitness session with Shihan David, all the people et that took their grading went with Shihan Liam and Sensei Moss, whilst the remainder stayed with Hanshi going through Kihons and Katas, some of which were performed in reverse order!

Following breakfast, the next session started with a warm up with Shihan Liam, consisting of stances, punches and blocks by the hundreds. Hanshi then took the rest of the session which comprised Kihons and Katas in more detail and the various ways these could be varied when fighting.

The afternoon session took place on the field and started with a warm up with Hanshi on basic Kihons.

Following this we were split up into groups, Sensei Moss taking a course on weapons and Shihans Nick and Janine taking a Clicker session, Shihan David a Bag Work session and Shihan Liam a Self Defense course. The evening was free.

Day Three This again started on the field at 6.30 in the morning. All were in good spirits, those that had graded waiting in anticipation for their results at the end of the day.

It was a long hard day. Split up into two groups, the day started with a warm up session with Hanshi and a fitness session with Shihan Nick. I stayed with Hanshi’s group as I wasn’t always able to get to the Wimbledon Dojo to train under him and I wanted to make the most of training with Hanshi. Hanshi had been a man with a mission, starting his very tough training with Mas Oyama in Japan. When training under Hanshi it is “train hard, fight easy”.

Breakfast followed these sessions, after which came the penultimate training session, the last big one comprising bag work and fighting.

Lunch followed the morning session. After a short rest break came the last Session. Again everyone waited in the field for the call to “line up”. The afternoon started with a motivational talk from Hanshi, following which Shihans Nick and David took a twenty minute warm up and a tough bag work session. Tired and hot, the call came to “pad 31

Maria Da Costa, Chris Davies, Liam Keaveney, Tony White, Hanshi Arneil, David Pickthall, Nick Da Costa, Moss Ageli and Janine Davies

up people” which meant a very tough last hour.

Summary

Those that had been grading were asked to line up, and being Kyokushin, we all fight. All put their heart and soul into the last hour of fighting, following which everyone shook hands and embraced, relieved that they had survived Camp.

Life is a journey. Those attendees had chosen the Kyokushin path, all wanting to be the best and become a Black Belt. A tough path with a lot of “blood, sweat and tears”. A very proud moment to be presented with a Black Belt.

We were all asked to go to the grading hall and line up in grade order. Hanshi delivered his speech.

The grading students were called to one side. Those taking 3rd Dam were called forward to explain and perform their own Katas, all very impressive.

Many thanks go to Hanshi and all the Instructors for everything they had done to make it a great Summer Camp and for all the work they do throughout the year. The Organization is well respected by other countries, demonstrated by their Karateka’s attendance at Summer Camp.

Following this, the results were called out. All the 3rd Dan graders were promoted. The other Dan grades were called out, those that were unsuccessful would need to carry on along their journey and try again.

Also, a big thank you to everyone that turned up to Camp, which is what makes Summer Camp the success it is. See you all next year.

Hanshi thanked everyone that had attended Supper Camp, especially those from around the World. An emotional time. The evening celebrations would no doubt go well!

British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

OSU Lee Swiggelaar (1st Dan)

In association with Kokoro Dojo 33

.

suppor=ng the BKK at the OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT

www.leytonkarate.co.uk

www.dojotraining.co.uk Tel: 07976 732103 British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

STEVE WORRELL • 1961 - 2017 •

With the utmost regret, the BKK must announce the loss of Sensei Steve Worrell 4th Dan, 1961-2017.

Sensei Steve battled his illness with true Kyokushin spirit but tragically passed away on May 14th 2017.

Since joining the BKK in 1976, Steve’s unfaltering commitment to Kyokushin Karate has inspired and helped so many. A talented fighter, Sensei Steve first fought for Great Britain in 1979. He ran the Westcroft dojo alongside Shihan Paul Baker and was a dedicated assistant Great Britain Knockdown Coach.

Sensei Steve was an exceptional coach, untiringly devoted to pushing fighters to fulfil their potential. Sensei Steve not only helped some of the BKK’s greatest fighters, he empowered and encouraged all his students to better themselves.

Sensei Steve inspired those he taught, was admired by all and will be greatly missed.

By Jacqui Philips (2nd Dan) 35

2017 BKK GRADING PROMOTIONS San Dan Kenny Jarvis Hristo Lyubenov Leigh Kiss

Bethnal Green Kokoro Kokoro

Ni Dan Gary Hawkins Blake Collins Dawid Ozga

Crawley Crawley Crawley

Sho Dan Sam Hassanyeh Jessica Charsley Rustom Framjee Jamie May Rowlands David Girt Steven Morton Nikolay Mandev R. Gabriela Parvu Aaron Sheehan Jason Roome Max Da Costa Robert Busauskas Eddie Corcoran Tom Frith Andrew Lewis Oliver Wassall Anton Trampon Matthew Bury Sophie Hobbs

British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

Wimbledon Verwood Wimbledon Cwmbran Verwood Eastbourne Kokoro Bridgend Ynysybwl Ynysowen Ilford Milton Keynes Milton Keynes Crawley Bridgend Loughborough Bethnal Green Bethnal Green Mt Ash

SHIHAN DAVID PICKTHALL • 7th Dan Promotion •

Congratulations to Shihan David Pickthall who was promoted to 7th Dan by Hanshi Steve Arneil and the IFK Board at the recent World Tournament in Romania.

Shihan David in his role as Vice - President of the IFK has in the past ten years worked tirelessly with Hanshi to develop the IFK and he has added a different dynamic to the membership of the IFK. In addition, his charismatic and personable character has uniquely contributed to the support of the IFK from other organisations such as Shinkyokushin, Kyokushinkaikan and many more.

37

Weymouth Kyokushinkai Karate Wishing all fighters the best of luck. OSU

Sempai Errol (2nd Dan)

07810 646188 www.weymouthkyokushinkai.club

Training Nights:

Tuesday 7.30-9pm Thursday 6-8pm

Venue: Wessex Karate Academy, Located at Unit A4, 83 Lynch Lane, Weymouth. DT4 9DN All are welcome

British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

WESTHILL KARATE CLUB TRAINING MONDAYS 7.30 - 9.30 PM Broomgrove Community Centre Malvern Way TN34 3PY

WESTHILL KYOKUSHIN KARATE CLUB WISH THE BBK EVERY SUCCESS FOR THIER 41ST BRITISH KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT.

MILES

Barbering & Shop Wivenhoe, Essex 07938 550277

James Miles SRSB We wish the BKK every success with the 41st British Open 2017 at K2 Crawley.

In association with KOKORO dojo.

39

2016 BRITISH OPEN RESULTS Open Women’s Lightweight

Novice Men’s Middleweight

1st (47) Emma Markwell - BKK Westcroft 2nd (60) Magdalena Gustaityte - WKO Lithuania Shinkyokushin (Budora) 3rd (63) Rocio Maldonado - Spain Rengokai 3rd (56) Lilla Herczeg - Hungary IKO Matsushima

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

(31) Wiktor Lesiak (IFK Ireland) (29) Tom Kaminsky (BKK Docklands) (32) Serge Hudas (BKK Loughborough) (28) Griegorz Zawada (London Shootfighters)

Novice Men’s Heavyweight Open Women’s Heavyweight 1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

(137) Csenge Szepesi - WKO Hungary Shinkyokushin (129) Marina Sobanina - Russia Independent (128) Irina Valieva - WKO Russia Shinkyokushinkan (133) Diana Cantero Perez - Spain KWF

Open Men’s Lightweight 1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

(85) Khasei Magomedov - WKO Russia Shinkyokushin (67) Dimitriy Moisseyev - WKO Kazakhstan - Kostanay (73) Maksim Voitov - Russia FKR (84) Daniel Redondo - Spain Rengokai

Open Men’s Middleweight 1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

(101) Aleksandr Drozd - IFK St.Petersburg Russia (103) Dmitrii Rodichkin - IFK Russia Penza (100) Claibourne Henry - IFK USA (102) Eldar Ismailzade - IFK Russia Penza

Open Men’s Heavyweight 1st (141) Vladimir Artyushin - WKO Kazakhstan - Kostanay 2nd (146) Aleksei Gorokhov - IFK Nizhny Novgorod Russia 3rd (157) Pablo Estensoro - Spain KWF 3rd (162) Kestutis Radvilla - WKO Lithuania Shinkyokushin (Rifas)

Novice Women’s Heavyweight 1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

(37) Maria Zeraschi (IKKU Cardiff) (35) Lauren Lewis (BKK Eastbourne) (34) Stacey Dunne (IFK Ireland) (33) Allanah Arthur (IFK Ireland)

British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

(39) Dan Williams (BKK Verwood) (40) Ben Watson (BKK Westhill) (41) Fizan Ashraf (BKK West Yorkshire) (42) Seweryn Lesiak (IFK Ireland)

Cadet Girl’s Lightweight 1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

(1) Olivia Pickthall (BKK Crawley) (2) Jaime May Rowlands (BKK Cwmbran) (4) Aoife O’Grady-Corcoran (IFK Ireland) (3) Nadera Ahmed (BKK Ilford)

Cadet Girl’s Heavyweight 1st 2nd 3rd

(22) Bethany Salvi (BKK Crawley) (23) Amber Morris (BKK Dunmow) (24) Stephanie Jenkins (BKK Rhondda)

Cadet Boy’s Lightweight 1st 2nd 3rd

(8) Callum Pearce (BKK Verwood) (6) Luke Jones (BKK Mountain Ash) (7) Connor Fitzpatrick (IFK Ireland) (13) Riordan McCready (BKK Crystal Palace)

Cadet Boy’s Middleweight 1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

(21) Dylan Baldwin (BKK Mountain Ash) (16) Zdenek Kuzilek-Gonzalez (BKK Ilford) (20) John Joe Lawlor (BKK Invictus) (18) Shane McLoughlin (IFK Ireland)

Shihan Jeff Whybrow 41

BREATHING FOR POWER AND FOCUS Words Jane Charman (2nd Dan) Photograph Liam Keaveney

It is widely accepted that good nutrition and hydration are necessary for the healthy growth, maintenance and repair of bone, muscle, tendons and ligaments. Of equal importance to the body’s function is an efficient respiratory system that allows for adequate intake of oxygen, coupled with the efficiency of ridding the body of carbon dioxide and other waste – breathing and cellular respiration.

affect happens if you try to push a heavy object, in essence, a similar force that we want to create when delivering a technique.

In this article we will look at ‘reverse’ abdominal breathing concentrating on the generation and distribution of power and energy giving one the means to direct energy in a specific manner.

To practice Reverse Abdominal Breathing start in whichever stance or posture you feel most comfortable. Inhale through your nose. Slowly draw your abdomen in and up. The upper chest will naturally expand as oxygen fills your lungs. As you inhale, contract the muscles of your perineum.

The perineum is the area between the anus and the lower edge of the pubis at the front of the pelvis. The central point of the perineum is called the Huiyin in Chinese and is also known as the Root Chakra in Yogic traditions. This is the focal point for Reverse Abdominal Breathing. By contracting and pulling up the Huiyin you are able to concentrate on the abdominal area. Focus on keeping a smooth and relaxed motion. When the lungs are full, exhale through the nose, release the Huiyin, and push the abdomen out and down. Practice filling the lungs to maximum capacity and emptying them out completely with each breath. The pressing out and down of the musculature during exhalation has the effect of sinking your weight into your Hara and creating Ki energy.

Reverse abdominal breathing is the breathing method that enables the concentration of force to be focused on a single point in the execution of a technique. In practice Reverse Abdominal Breathing can be much more difficult to master than Abdominal Breathing simply because it reverses the natural flow of the breath, with regular practice the abdominal muscles strengthen and breathing becomes naturally strong. The process trains the practitioner to focus on the ‘Hara’ during exhalation. Have you ever tried blowing up a balloon while keeping one hand on your abdomen?

You will notice as you blow out, your abdomen naturally expands instead of contracting. This demonstrates that Reverse Abdominal Breathing is a breathing method that infuses power. The same

Ki refers to the natural energy of the Universe, which permeates everything. All matter, from the smallest atoms and molecules to the largest planets and stars, is made up of this energy. It is the vital force of life. It is the source of every existing thing.

Ki has many manifestations. Different philosophies and cultures call it by different names. The Indian and Hindu yogis call it “Prana.” To the Kung Fu and Tai Chi practitioners of China it is known as “Chi or Qi.” Ki is your connection to the very flow of the universe and the prime moving force within the human body. Ki cannot be seen or measured, it cannot be touched or captured. It is everywhere yet we have no way to touch it, make it tangible, or even prove its existence. Therefore Ki is a difficult concept to accept. For martial artists, Ki is

Breathing is a process that is controlled by both central and peripheral nervous system. We breathe 15 to 20 times a minute without thought. However to a large extent we have the ability to control the rate and depth of a breath. As stress levels are increased on the body, the importance of breathing becomes paramount and can influence whether the brain responds with the freeze, fight or flight response under these conditions. When performing martial arts’ breathing is used for the efficiency of delivering strength and accuracy of a technique.

British Karate Kyokushinkai Magazine

generated when we train the body to use breathing to maximise energy and practice using it in harmony with a technique. By breathing out while tensing the Hara and Huyin (reverse abdominal breathing) one can create a vast reservoir of Ki which can be use to enhance techniques.

During this breathing process, the tongue is up, touching the top palate of the mouth just behind the front teeth and the air is expelled from the nose with a slightly audible hiss. There is also a feeling of the abdominal walls contracting down with the exhalation.

In order to create a store of KI it is essential to breathe both in and out through the nose. During inhale you are bringing fresh oxygen and Ki into your body. When you exhale you are expelling carbon dioxide that contains all the toxins and poisons that have built up within the lungs. If you are exhaling through your mouth you are also expelling Ki from the body. However, if you are continuously expelling the Ki you never give it a chance build up into the rich source of energy needed to complete your techniques to their maximum effectiveness.

By exhaling through the mouth the Ki energy is simply dissipated back into the world. Breathing out through the nose, however, completes a closed circuit. By exhaling through your nose, the Ki energy, instead of being expelled with the carbon dioxide, is transferred to the hara. With each breath in, more Ki enters the body and circles down to the hara growing stronger and stronger (it is important at this point to remind ourselves of the importance of correct Abdominal breathing where we learn to utilise full lung capacity in the first instance)

Once sufficient Ki has been generated this way you are able to expel the Ki with tremendous force. This is the Kiai where the breath is expelled through the mouth. This is the reason that there are usually only a few techniques within each Kata where you Kiai. An important factor of Kata training is that it teaches us to build up sufficient Ki energy and then expel it in one strong technique. If you try to Kiai with every technique, you quickly become fatigued since you are expelling Ki with every breath.

Remember that you need to practice both Abdominal and Reverse Abdominal Breathing techniques in order to create and use the Ki energy effectively.

Always start with Abdominal Breathing. It is the best method for getting your body infused with energy and oxygenating your muscles. Once you are ready, use Reverse Abdominal Breathing to enhance your focus and power. Regardless of what kind of training you are doing. No matter how intense the workout is…always remember to breathe.

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