Zanshin #18 dec2013

Newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA) Issue #18 Dec. 2013 - Feb. 2014

Ricky, Owen, Jelese, Sandeera, Michael, Kobe

Season’s Greetings ‌ to all our members and their families. Christmas comes around so quickly these days but the message of the season is never old, never lost.

Peace on earth and goodwill to all. If we can find a way to make this wish a reality for even one person it would be worth it. Our country is in deep need for the generosity of Christmas to be extended, to many more all through the year.

So be generous this season and let it extend into your lives all year long.

Be generous with your time, your money, your words, your thoughts and let us begin to build this nation of ours into a powerhouse of generosity and hope. May the promise of the Christ Child's birth bring the reality of joy and peace into your homes this season and all year long!

Regards Shihan Wesley Dexter Shim Chairman & Chief Instructor TKA (IKD)

Issue #18 December 2013 – February 2014

Contents

Christmas and New year Greetings



Christmas & New Year Greetings

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Editorial team- Simone, Dianne, Sean and Richie. May the Christ-child be the focus



TTKU National Tournament Editor’s Reflections

of the season and have a safe and holy season. 2014 is a big year for us as we will be hosting the 11th IKD\ Caribbean Karate College (CKC)\ Caribbean tournament from August 17 to 19. We hope to see all hands on deck during this time. See you next year in March and remember keep training…

 



Feature Article - Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-ATai TKA National Championship 2014

 2013 Calendar  Training Schedule  Karate in the Olympics Games

Remember in the New Year, to support the continuation of our newsletter. This is our 18th issue of Zanshin, which is now circulated quarterly. The next issue will be for March-May 2014. This gives us enough time to find ideas for topics and write something, even if it is 2 paragraphs or a photo with a caption. Please send your articles, comments and constructive criticism to Simone via email: kimoy2004@yahoo.com

TTKU National Tournament The TTKU National Tournament was held on October 25, 2013 at the Maloney Indoor Sport Arena. The TKA was represented by persons from the UWI, Tora and Tobago Dojos. While all the dojos obtained medals, the Tobago Shotokan Club dominated the TKA medal club.

Congratulations to pee wee competitors, such as, Michelle, Roshelle, Dominic, Denzel, Jelese, Ricky, Sandeera, Kobe, Owen and Michael for winning medals for the TKA. Adult competitors included Tamara and Nikita.

the Tobago Shotokan Club

Michael and Lue Fatt twins

Zanshin 2

a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)

Dominic Lue Fatt

Issue #18 December 2013 – February 2014

Editor’s Reflections

By Simone Thorne

What I have discovered throughout my Karate journey, is that there comes a point in time when one experiences what I call a Eureka moment!

My first experience was training for Nidan grading when I was forced to learn the Bunkai for Heian Nidan (see March 2013 Issue) and it actually made sense to me for the first time. From dreading it in class and crying, yes actually crying, at 4 am in the morning after what I considered an extremely tortuous Bunkai session at the IKD World Camp in June 2012, I had a Eureka moment and experienced the beauty of it and now actually love Bunkai.

reached my waist. After weeks of swimming widths non-stop, I was supposed to graduate to swimming lengths at the pool. But for some reason at times, after half the length I would start to panic and forget to breathe properly. I even reached the stage where I wanted to quit and dreaded going to classes but only continued because I had to pay my monthly fee up front and did not want to lose my hard- earned money.

After many frustrating tries, sometimes making the length, other times not and even when I did make it, I was out of breath because I would be swimming extremely fast as my aim was to reach the other end as quickly as possible. It was not a pleasurable exercise.

Then on one particularly bad day, where I felt like I was only drowning because I was not breathing properly, I decided to step back. I spoke to myself and said what would Shihan Shim say or do in such a situation. I mean I was a Nidan, I should not be panicking and giving up so easily. Then I remembered the concept of Zen. Shihan Shim would say go in a state of Zen. (In our last issue, we discussed the meaning of Zen). I did exactly that. I actually closed my eyes to achieve Zen and started swimming.

A few weeks ago, I again had a Eureka moment.

Shihan Shim always speaks about applying Karate principles and concepts to life situations to solve problems. Frankly speaking, Shihan with due respect, when you were saying these things, I would politely listen because of my training at home and in the dojo about respecting my elders. But in my mind, I would be thinking this is a fanatical man who is addicted to karate and would smile quietly to myself.

However, I was able to understand your wise teachings when I applied the concept of Zen in a non-karate setting just a few weeks ago. I started taking swimming lessons as I wanted to learn to swim. I got tired of the little ones going to the deep end and laughing at me while I stayed in water that

The Language of Martial Arts – translated!!

When people say  Japanese martial arts are the best  This art is thousands of years old  The martial arts are about building better people  High kicks are stupid

Zanshin 3

So again, I guess I have to admit, my Shihan is not a fanatical madman. He knows exactly what he is speaking about. It is probably based on his years of experience of applying it to his own life.

They really mean this ...

I practice a Japanese martial art  This style is decades old  Martial arts are about sweat, bruises and money  I can't do high kicks 

a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)

Issue #18 December 2013 – February 2014

Feature Article Synopsis of Lecture

by Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, 9th Dan (Founder and Chief Master of the IKD) on his visit to Trinidad in April 2013

Question: What is the major difference between Master Nakayama’s lineage karate (JKA, ISKF, IKD, ITKF, SKIFF, etc. and other karate (sport karate) in one word?

Answer: The Amount of Kime What is Kime?

1. Correct Application of Power 2. Speed of Technique 3. Body Expansion and Contraction 4. Ki Correct Application of Power: This is done through:  Correct Posture and Stance:  Correct use of the Seika Tandem which is achieved through use of six methods of kinetic energy: vibration, rotation, thrust, down, up and pendulum Speed of Technique: Speed is how fast your technique is going in a certain amount of time. Velocity means the same thing as speed, except velocity also means, which way (direction) your technique is going to the target.  Body expansion and Contraction - sharpness:  Zero to 10 power to zero power.

Ki: The four aspect of Ki are: 1 Mind:- Two stages; mental clarity, and mental concentration.

2 Feeling:- punch, strike, block and kick 3 Spirit:- of the Samurai; Kiai is the loud expression of your internal energy in conjunction with quick exhalation from your hara (lower stomach). It is the union of body and mind.

4 Energy:- adrenaline- An adrenaline rush.

TKA National Championship-2014 The TKA will host its national championship on Sunday 26th January, 2104 at the UWI Spec. All club members 7 years and above are expected to take part in this event which also serves as a fund-raiser for the organization.

There will be events in individual kata and kumite for all students and team kata, bunkai and enbu for brown and black belts. The contributions are as follows:  TKA members- Individual – kata or kumite alone $70; kata and kumite- $120 o Each team event- $135  Non TKA members- Individual- kata or kumite alone $75; kata and kumite- $125 o Each team event- $140 Please see Sensei Simone for registration forms.

Zanshin 4

a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)

Issue #18 December 2013 – February 2014

2014 Calendar Month January

Event Tora Dojo reopens TKA National Tournament TTKU Nationals Grading IKD International Camp Grading

Place Chinese Association

March April June July

Date/Time 7th 26th tba tba tba tba

August

17th – 19th

IKD/CKC Caribbean Championships

tba

November tba

UWI Spec tba tba Toronto, Canada tba

Grading TTKU Nationals

More Language of Martial Arts – translated!!

When people say  Breaking techniques are very important  I don't believe in grades  Grades are not important  The martial arts are about building better evolved characters

They really mean this ...  We do a lot of breaking techniques  Nobody ever gave me a high grade  There's a grading coming up and it's important  Like me (lol!)



Sophisticated arts like Tai Chi and Aikido are far superior





He's a good martial arts teacher My style is the best Competitions are a waste of time Science and leverage will always win out over brute force



  

Zanshin 5

Sparring frightens me

He's in my organization  I don't know anything about any other styles  I've never won any competitions.  Except when he's bigger and stronger than you are

a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)

Issue #18 December 2013 – February 2014

The Twelve Days of Karate Christmas If you sing this as you would in the song and do the moves with it, this is a great workout and an awesome way to keep your basics sharp and fun over Christmas!! Enjoy your Christmas training!

On the 1st day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me …

A flying mae tobi geri! (jump kick – KIAI!) On the 2nd day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me …

2 mawashi ukes (round blocks), and a flying mae tob On the 3rd day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me …

3 shita tsukis (short punches), 2 mawashi ukes, and a flying mae tobi geri!

On the 4th day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me …

4 mawashi geris (round kicks), 3 shita tsukis, 2 ma, and a flying mae tobi geri!

On the 5th day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me …

5 Kiais! (shout 5 times!), 4 mawashi geris, 3 shita, 2 mawashi ukes, and a flying mae tobi geri!

On the 6th day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me …

6 gedan ukes (sweeping blocks), 5 Kiais!, 4 mawashi geris, 3 shita tsukis, 2 mawashi ukes, and a flying mae tobi geri!

On the 7th day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me…

7 chudan tsukis (stomach level punches), 6 gedan ukes, 5 Kiais!, 4 mawashi geris, 3 shita tsukis, 2 mawashi ukes, and a flying mae tobi geri!

On the 8th day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me …

8 uchi ukes (inside hooking blocks), 7 chudan tsukis, 6 gedan ukes, 5 Kiais!, 4 mawashi geris, 3 shita tsukis, 2 mawashi ukes, and a flying mae tobi geri!

On the 9th day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me …

9 yoko geris (sidekicks), 8 uchi ukes, 7 chudan tsukis, 6 gedan ukes, 5 Kiais!, 4 mawashi geris, 3 shita tsukis, 2 mawashi ukes, and a flying mae tobi geri!

On the 10th day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me…

10 hijiates (rising elbow strikes), 9 yoko geris, 8 uchi ukes, 7 chudan tsukis, 6 gedan ukes, 5 Kiais!, 4 mawashi geris, 3 shita tsukis, 2 mawashi ukes, and a flying mae tobi geri!

On the 11th day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me…

11 ura uchis (backfist strikes), 10 hijiates, 9 yoko geris, 8 uchi ukes, 7 chudan tsukis, 6 gedan ukes, 5 Kiais!, 4 mawashi geris, 3 shita tsukis, 2 mawashi ukes, and a flying mae tobi geri!

On the 12th day of Christmas, my Sensei taught to me…

12 Jodan tsukis (head-level punches), 11 ura uchis, 10 hijiates, 9 yoko geris, 8 uchi ukes, 7 chudan tsukis, 6 gedan ukes, 5 Kiais!, 4 mawashi geris, 3 shita tsukis, 2 mawashi ukes, and a flying mae tobi geri! (from http://www.larnekarateclub.co.uk/Christmas/The%20Twelve%20Days%20of%20Karate%20Christmas.pdf )

Zanshin 6

a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)

Issue #18 December 2013 – February 2014

Training Schedule Day Time TORA- Chinese Association, St. Ann’s Directors: Senseis Nigel Forde and John George 6.00 - 7.15pm Tuesday 7.15 – 8:15pm Thursday

6.00 - 7.15pm 7.15 – 8:15pm UWI Shokotan CLUB, UWI, St. Augustine President- Sensei Dean Avril

Rank - Belts Contact #: 680-5234 All Ages, All Ranks Team training- brown & black belts (Shihan Shim) All Ages - All Ranks Dan Training (Shihan Shim) Contact #: 723 6665 All ages – ranks; Engineering Undercroft All ages - ranks Engineering Undercroft

Monday

6:00 - 7:30pm

Tuesday- SWAG No Gi required!

6:00 - 7:30pm

Wednesday

6:00 - 7:30pm

All ages - ranks; SAC

Friday

5:00 - 7:00pm

Saturday

3:00 – 5/6:00pm

Sundays

10:00 – 12:00pm

All ages – ranks; SPEC All ages - ranks Engineering Undercroft Team Training brown & black belts Engineering Undercroft (Shihan Shim & Sensei Andrew)

Real Spring DOJO, Valsayn Community Centre Dojo Directors: Senseis Theophilus Faustin and Gregory Placide Wednesday 7:00 - 8:30pm Saturday 10:00 - 11:30am Sunday 8:00 - 9:00am Tobago- Scarborough Secondary School Dojo Director: Sensei Arthur Morris Tuesday 5:30 - 7:30pm Thursday 5:30 - 7:30pm Saturday 9:30 - 12 noon KAIZEN - 1 Primco Drive, Glencoe Dojo Director: Sensei Marc Mollentheil Wednesday 3:30 - 5:00 pm Friday 3:30 – 5:30 pm MUSHIN - Ritmo del Rey Dance Studio, Long Circular Road Dojo Director: Sensei Earl Wilson Monday 6:00 – 7:00 pm Wednesday 6:00 – 7:00 pm Saturday

7:30 to 9:00am

Zanshin 7

Contact #: 645 7208 Adults and Juniors- All ranks Adults and Juniors- All ranks Adults and Juniors- All ranks Contact #: 781 7371 Adults and Juniors- All ranks Adults and Juniors- All ranks Adults and Juniors- All ranks

Adults and Juniors- All ranks Adults and Juniors- All ranks Contact #: 379 6918 Adults and Juniors- All ranks Adults and Juniors- All ranks Black Belts ; Invited Brown Belts only (Shihan Shim)

a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)

Karate at the Olympic Games Unfortunately at a meeting of the IOC's executive board, held in Russia on May 29, 2013, it was decided that karate (along with wushu and several other non-martial arts) would not be considered for inclusion in 2020 at the IOC's 125th session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in September 2013. Karate has vowed not to give up on its dream of joining the Olympic programme despite its failure to even get on the shortlist for 2020 following a controversial process which cost the sport €400,000.

Wrestling won the vote at the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Session in Buenos Aires last month having originally been nominated for exclusion after Rio 2016 by the ruling Executive Board.

They came out in top after a vote of the full IOC membership which pitched them against baseballsoftball and squash after karate had been eliminated by the Executive Board at its meeting in May. The decision was a bitter blow to Antonio Espinos, President of the World Karate Federation (WKF), as it was the sport's third consecutive failure.

On Behalf of the entire TKA members, families, extended families and friends, may each and every one of you have a Christfilled, peace-full and spiritrenewing holiday!!

See you in 2014 God Spare!

Ready and ‘kicking’ to go!

A quarterly newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association Editor-in-Chief: Simone Thorne-Mora Layout: Diana Francis Proof-reading: Sensei Richie Robertson Photos: Maria Thorne

Next Issue: The next issue will be in March 2014…..  see pictures of November grading and our national Championship  read our feature article, the Evolution of Karate by our own Shihan Shim…..……..!!