Issue # 4 June 2012
seek perfection of character
be faithful
endeavour
respect others
refrain from violent behaviour
The Trinidad Karate Association -TKAis a non-profit organization and currently one of the largest active organizations in Trinidad and Tobago teaching traditional Japanese Shotokan karate.
Welcome Welcome to our 4th issue of Zanshin. We hope that the newsletter is useful to our readership and we continue to welcome articles, comments and constructive criticism from everyone. They can be sent to Simone via email: kimoy2004@yahoo.com. As the TKA is now focusing on preparing its national team to participate in the First Inaugural World Shoto Cup in July, Toronto, Canada, this issue will provide some of the achievements of the TKA in past tournaments. All our members are asked to acquaint themselves with this information as we have to market the organization.
Inside Editorial
Parents, please go through the newsletter with your children so that they too can, from an early age begin to understand the art form they are practicing and what their organization, the TKA stands for.
Profiles Karate terminology 2012 Calendar 1. TKA Achievements 2. Training Schedules
Regards Shihan Wesley Dexter Shim Chairman & Chief Instructor TKA (IKD)
3. Dojo Etiquette 4. Feature 5. News & Updates 6. Events
Zanshin
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a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
1. TKA Achievements PAST INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS Since its inception, the TKA national team has participated in international tournaments and has produced formidable competitors. In 2004, Trinidad placed third overall at the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) Pan-American Championships in Panama and in 2005 and 2006 they placed first overall at the 6th and 7th ISKF Caribbean Championships in Antigua and Trinidad respectively. More recently, the team: • placed second overall at the 8th ISKF Caribbean Championships held in St. Lucia, 2009 • placed 2nd at the ISKF Pan-American championships held in Guyana in 2011 • was part of the team that placed 3rd at the World Karate Federation(WKF) Central American & Caribbean Championships Karate(CCCK) Tournament held in Barbados in April, 2011 and • placed third at the Caribbean Karate College(CKC)\IKD Caribbean Championship held in August 2011, in Grenada. The Trinidad and Tobago TKA contingent also continuously receives special trophies at such tournaments, for example, inter alia, for being the most supportive country and for having the best competitors. As a member of the TTKU, which is the national representative for the World Karate Federation, TKA athletes are also selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the various WKF events such as the Caribbean Central American and Pan American Championships in 2011and the Pan–American Junior Championships held in Brazil in August, 2011. The Table below provides a synopsis of a few of the past tournaments in which the TKA participated and won medals. Tournament WKF Pan American-Panama JKA\WKF Caribbean- Antigua Central American & Caribbean Games-Colombia JKA\WKF Caribbean- Trinidad ISKF World-Canada ISKF Caribbean-St. Lucia ISKF Pan American-Guyana WKF-CCCK-(Barbados) 9th CKC\IKD Caribbean- Grenada
Year 2004 2005 2006 2006 2008 2009 2010 2011 2011
Placing 3rd 1st NA 1st NA 2nd 2nd NA 3rd
Gold NA NA 1 8 1 7 2 NA 5
Silver NA NA NA 5 2 10 4 1 9
Bronze NA NA NA 4 8 9 2 8 4
NA- Not Available
2012 Calendar Month
Day
Event Details
June
Saturday 30th
Grading
Tuesday 3rd – Monday 9th
IKD Shoto Camp and Inaugural International Cup Pan American Junior Championships Dojo Closed Camp with Senseis Paul and Alice Bernstein from Barbados TKA Awards Dinner
July August August October
tba Saturday 13th Saturday 13th
Zanshin
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Time
Place Chinese tba Association Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada (See details below) Mexico
Details to be announced later
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
2. Training Schedules Day
Time
Japanese Terminology Rank - Belts
Levels of Authority
TORA- Chinese Association, St. Ann’s Directors: Senseis Nigel Forde and John George 5:00 - 6:00am
Adults - Brown and Black
6.00 - 7.00pm
Juniors - All Ranks
6.00 - 7.00pm
All Ages, All Ranks
6.00 - 7.30pm
Junior Team - Brown and Black
6.30 - 8.00pm
Adults Team - Brown and Black
Thursday
6.00 - 7.00pm
All Ages - All Ranks
Friday
5:00 - 6:00am
Adult Team - Brown and Black
Sunday
10.00am - 12 noon
All Ages – All Ranks Team Training
Monday
Tuesday
UWI Shokotan CLUB, UWI, St. Augustine President- Sensei Avril Dean Monday
6:00 - 7:30 pm
All ranks - UWI SPEC
Tuesday
6:00 - 7:30 pm
All ranks - Engineering Undercroft
Wednesday
6:00 - 7:30 pm
All ranks - Engineering Undercroft
Friday
6:00 - 7:30 pm
All ranks - Engineering Undercroft
Kareteka- Someone who practices Karate Dan- The title accorded to a Karateka when he or she reaches a senior level. Sempai- a more senior Karateka who has not achieved the level of Sensei Sensei- A teacher or instructor of Japanese martial arts such as karate or judo; a Sensei must have attained second Dan or above Shihan- Chief Instructor; a Shihan or (Master) must have attained the Rank of 8th Dan
Real Spring DOJO, Valsayn Community Centre Dojo Directors: Senseis Theophilus Faustin and Gregory Placide Wednesday
7:00 - 8:30pm
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Saturday
10:00 - 11:30am
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Sunday
8:00 - 9:00am
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Tobago- Scarborough Secondary School Dojo Director: Sensei Arthur Morris Tuesday
5:30 - 7:30pm
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Thursday
5:30 - 7:30pm
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Saturday
9:30 - 12 noon
Adults and Juniors- All ranks
Shihan Shim giving instructions
KAIZEN Dojo Director: Sensei Marc Mollentheil Friday
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Sunday
10:00 – 11:30 am
MUSHIN Dojo Director: Sensei Earl Wilson Monday
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Wednesday
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Young Karatekas in training
See Tips for training under Dojo Etiquette pg. 4
Zanshin
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a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
3. Dojo Etiquette >> We continue from last month’s introduction of Dojo Etiquette and will examine the proper behaviour expected of all Karatekas while in the dojo. Parents are asked to guide their children towards a better understanding of this Section. Etiquette in Class
No talking is permitted unless asked. It is really a sign of respect that you listen to the instructor taking the class. All too often students start talking when they are not the focus of attention e.g. when the instructor might be watching a fellow karateka who is called out to the front of the class to do a kata (a prescribed form of movements where one pretends to be fighting an imaginary opponent or opponents) or if the instructor is showing a fellow karateka a technique. When told to line up you should do so quietly and in grade order ensuring that the lines are straight and that that you are standing in musubi-dachi. Standing in musubi-dachi feet form a “v”
When you pair up with a fellow karateka greet them by bowing and saying "oss". When you leave them again, bow and say "oss". These are ways of thanking them for the opportunity they have given you to work and train with them without causing any injury to you. You should always pair up by making sure that your senior grade has a partner first. If they already have a partner (i.e. their senior grade) than you should pair up with someone who is your own grade and failing that with your nearest junior grade. Strictly speaking when in partners it is the junior grade that should collect and return any equipment used, for example, punch bags and the putting down and picking up of mats. If you cannot train for the entirety of the lesson arrange with the instructor to be excused at a prearranged time. The instructor will then allow you to leave at that time and this should allow for the minimum of disruption to the class. When told to sit down during a lesson always sit with your legs crossed and keep quiet. When the instructor addresses you in class always acknowledge that you have heard what he/she has said by saying "oss sensei". This is a way to show appreciation that your instructor has taken an interest in making sure that you are carrying out a technique correctly. Instructors should not be ignored in class. Students Listening to Their Instructor Sitting with Their Legs Crossed
Gi and Belt During the lesson, before adjusting or tidying up your gi (or in fact doing up your belt that may have become loose) you must bow and "oss" and then turn away from the front of the class. Once you have carried out these adjustments you should turn back to the front of the class and bow and "oss" again but not too loud. Apart from this, your belt should not be taken off in the dojo. If you need to wear your gi in the street either to or from the dojo (which you should avoid doing if at all possible) it should ways be covered by an overgi or failing that a suitable tracksuit. Source: Shihan Dexter Shim, 8th Dan
Zanshin
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a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Profiles: Profession: Retired Karate Dojo & Location: Realspring, Curepe Name: Theophilus Faustin
Position in TKA: Director, Realspring Dojo Affiliations: IKD Number of Years in Karate: 29 Rank: 3rd Dan - Sandan Karate Qualifications: Trainee Instructor Achievements: Silver medalist in Kumite, TKA National Tournament Karate Goals: To be an effective Instructor and to gain knowledge necessary to teach people the right thing Mentor: Shihan Okazaki Personal Philosophy: There should never be hatred. Always forgive and move on. Likes: Disciplined people; Calypso music’ Slow tunes and the “Blues” Dislikes: ill-disciplined people Best Memorable Moment: At a club tournament in San Fernando when I used the “sweep” technique on a competitor and won the match. Advice to Young Karatekas: Be fair and honest all the time. Treat all Karatekas, even those junior to you with respect
Profession: Retired
Name: John George
Position in TKA: Director Karate Dojo & Location: Tora, St. Anns Affiliations: IKD Number of Years in Karate: 30 plus Rank: 4th Dan Yondan Karate Qualifications: Class C Judge, IKD Instructor Achievements: Silver medalist, Senior Division TKA Nationals Mentor: Shihan Dexter Shim and Senseis Frieda Shim and Ian Benjamin Personal Philosophy: Live by the grace of God Likes: Church; helping people Dislikes: unpunctuality Best Memorable Moment: Training at 4.00pm in Toco, sitting in sieza position on the sea shore and getting hit by the waves. At around 10.00pm that same night, being told I had to train again and had to train in the wet gi. Advice to Young Karatekas: Apply the principles of Dojo Kun to daily life
Zanshin
5
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Profiles: Name: Arthur Morris Profession: Upholsterer Director: Tobago Shotokan Karate Club(TSKC) Karate Dojo & Location: TSKC, Tobago Affiliations: JKA\ IKD\ITKF Number of Years in Karate: 34 Rank: 2nd Dan - Nidan Karate Qualifications: Trainee Instructor Karate Achievements: Silver medalists in many National tournaments Karate Goals: To obtain the highest rank possible Mentor: David Chen Leung Personal Philosophy: Knowing self Likes: nature; elevated views Dislikes: people who manifest prejudices and biases Best Memorable Moment: An international demonstration I witnessed when Master Tanaka came to Trinidad and did workshops/seminars Advice to Young Karatekas: It is not a quick fix, it is a process. Mistakes are part of your growth and development Name: Nicole Lambie Profession: Veterinarian Affiliations: TTKU Karate Dojo & Location: UWI Shotokan Club, St. Augustine Number of Years in Karate: 25 Rank: 5th Dan- Godan Karate Qualifications: Trainee Instructor, B Class Judge Karate Achievements: Nomination for Sportswoman of the year by FCB Sports Foundation; Gold medalist in many TKA and TTKU tournaments; 2010 CCCK bronze medalist, team kumite; 2011 CCCK silver medalist-team kata; CACG bronze medalist, team kata Mentor: Shihan Dexter Shim Personal Philosophy: Aspire to make your best better Likes: animals, parang Dislikes: dishonesty Advice to Young Karatekas: Apply Dojo Kun to your daily life
Zanshin
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a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
4. Feature >> Grading Grading exercises form an important part of any martial art. This article will provide insight into the system utilized to grade students of Karate. The IKD Karate-do Rank System The IKD system of ranks consists of two levels: dan and kyu. Each level is made up of 10 ranks. Beginners who commit to the study of karate-do are considered 10th kyu after their first class. It takes 2 1/2 to three years of training and meeting the requirements of each kyu exam to attain the rank of first dan (shodan). To attain A group of 4th kyu karatekas performing the kata for higher dan ranks takes a lifetime of study and training. grading Age and experience are factors taken into consideration when higher dan ranks are awarded. The ninth and 10th dan ranks are usually reserved for the vice chief instructor and the chief instructor of an international organization. They must be at least 60 and 70 years old respectively. Students at the kyu level wear coloured belts and black at the dan level. The belts utilized by the kyu levels are as follows:
10th kyu - white belt 9th kyu - white belt with yellow stripe 8th kyu - yellow belt 7th kyu – orange belt 6th kyu - green belt
5th kyu - blue belt 4th kyu - purple belt 3rd kyu - brown belt 2nd kyu - brown belt 1st kyu - brown belt
For instructional purposes, ranks are a practical way of identifying both the level of experience and level of technical development of the individual student. Since ranks within the IKD are standardized, the technical standard is consistent across the organization. The Sensei can assess a student’s progress, based on the individual’s length of training and the prescribed requirements of rank. For the student, the goal of reaching the next rank serves as a motivational tool.
JAPANESE TERMINOLOGY Common techniques that all beginners should learn Kiba-dachi
Soto Ude-uke
Uchi Ude-uke
Horse-back stance
Outside forearm block
Inside forearm block
Zanshin
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a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Feature cont’d>> Grading The kyu ranks are further divided into regular full ranks and ‘B,’ or conditional ranks. Since there is no exam for 10th kyu, 9B is the lowest of the earned ranks. A ‘B’ rank signifies that the karate-ka is lacking in some area of their techniques, and more work is needed to bring it up to standard. Ranks are achieved by testing; each rank has its own special test. Minimum age and time in rank are factors affecting promotion to a higher rank. Testing involves the execution of certain fundamentals (kihon and kumite) and kata designed for the rank before a panel of examiners. For example, when examining a student up to the rank of 6th kyu, the examiner will look at the students’: correct stance correct posture correct technique and degree of power (this changes dependent on the level of the student). ‘sparing’ part of the grading syllabus! At 5th kyu, however, all the above apply with additional th emphasis on side attacking. At 4 kyu, all the above also apply with the only change being an additional emphasis on hip rotation and blocks and counters. At 3 rd, , 2nd and 1st kyu, all that applies from 10th kyu to 4th kyu is relevant with additional emphasis on: correct application of power correct speed of technique correct body expansion and contraction.
In black belt examinations, half ranks are not used. You either pass the exam or are asked to retest after 3, 6, or 12 months. Secondly, no stripes or any other indicator of rank are used at the black belt level. It should be noted that the higher dan ranks also come with various time in grade and age restrictions so that above 4 th dan, there are limited people at those ranks. For example, to be eligible to take a 5th dan examination the student is required to have a minimum of 5 years of training after receiving 4th dan.
JAPANESE TERMINOLOGY Common techniques that all beginners should learn Oi-tsuki
Gyaku-tsuki
Kizami-tsuki
Lunge punch
Reverse punch
Leading hand jab
Zanshin
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a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
5. News & Updates >> Fund-Raising The next proposed fund-raiser is a Health Q. This will be held on Sunday 10th June, 2012 at Fatima College, Mucurapo Road. The Health Que will feature healthy food and drink such as brown rice, salads, lean meat, fish, etc. There will also be a small Citizens Advice Bureau where persons can get advice on selected health issues and there will be demonstrations on different aspects of exercising and treating injuries. Tickets will be on sale shortly. Please support.
Dojo News KAIZEN Congratulations on the opening of TKAS newest dojo- Kaizen. The Dojo’s philosophy is “continuous improvement” and is currently located at Glencoe but is expected to shortly relocate to Woodbrook. The Chief Instructor, Sensei Marc Mollentheil conducts training on Fridays and Sundays from 3:30p.m to 5:00p.m and from 10:00a.m to 11:30a.m respectively. There are eight members in the Dojo. Three of these students participated in the recently concluded TKA 2012 Nationals and all won gold medals in their respective age groups. The challenge of the Dojo was starting with children who did not have any other seniors to emulate other than their Sensei.
UWI The UWISK continues with its initiative- SWAG Tuesday. This novel method of training was originally born out of the need to wash one’s gi, as members of the Club train three days in a row, viz, Monday to Wednesday. As a result of this, on Tuesdays students usually ended up in plain clothes. Sensei Dean perceived this as an opportunity to move away from ordinary training regimes and introduce new methods such as inter alia, track training in the field by the UWI SPEC. Tuesdays became "Swanky Tuesdays", a dress down day with no Gi, no belt, no ranks, and everyone from Sensei to Kohai were all equal, simply all Karatekas. With the invitation for some of the seniors to join the National Team training classes held in Chinese Association, came the absence of some of its Senseis and Sempais on Tuesdays. This resulted in the death of Swanky Tuesday. The students decided that this was not an appropriate situation and taking matters in their own hands, introduced the "ShotoKan We All Get" initiative. SWAG Tuesday as it is more familiarly referred to is training organized and run by the students for the students with many of the classes focused on fitness and improving physical capability. Through the grueling work-outs, the class picked up a second moniker STFS (Swag Tuesday Fitness System).
Fist conditioning
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Leg strengthening
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
TKA CHAMPIONSHIPS
Results 2012 KUMITE Brown & Black Male: Senior Adult Junior Female: Senior Adult Junior Boys: 10-12 Yrs Green to Purple Boys: 14-15 Yrs White to Orange Boys: 10-12 Yrs Brown & Black Girls: 10-13 Yrs Green to Purple Girls: 10-13 Yrs KATA Brown & Black Male: Senior Adult Junior Female: Adult Junior Boys 16-17 Yrs Boys 14-16 Yrs Boys 10-12 Yrs Girls 14-16 Yrs Green to Black Girls 10-13 Yrs Green to Purple Girls 14-16 Yrs While to Orange Boys 10-12 Yrs Boys 7– 9 Yrs KATA & KUMITE Brown &Black Boys Green to Purple Girls 7-9 Yrs
Rank 2nd
1st
3rd
Gregory Placide: Realspring Dean Avril: UWI Darron Jackson: UWI
Carlos Parris: Palm’s Club Andrew Breedy: UWI Dave Manick: UWI
Ian Benjamin: Tora Thaddeus Tempro: UWI Adrian Cruickshank: UWI
Chrissaline Norman: Tora Tamara Joseph: UWI Sabrina Khan: UWI Rickie Mangroo: Tobago
Simone Thorne-Mora: Tora Nataki Hypolite: UWI Kelly Borde: UWI Denzel Lawrence: Realspring
Maria Thorne: Tora Katherine Ann Pyke: Tora
Dillon Lee: Kaizen
Simon Carvalho: Kaizen
Kobe Joseph: Tobago
Prashant Birbal Realspring Brennan Campbel: Kaizen Iyanna Doyle: Realspring
Safiya Doyle: Realspring
Gabrielle Low Chew Tung: Tora
Gregory Placide: Realspring Dean Avril: UWI Dave Manick: UWI
Ian Benjamin: Tora Adrian Moreno: Tora Darron Jackson: UWI
Tamara Joseph: UWI Kelly Borde: UWI Joshua Voss: Tora Devin Norman: Tora Denzel Lawrence: Realspring
Nikita Fnety: UWI Sabrina Khan: UWI
Katherine Ann Pyke: Tora
Jessie Gonsalves: Tora Peter Ahloy: Tora
Isaiah Colthrust: Tora Ethan Forde: Tora
Gabrielle Low Chew Tung: Tora
Safiya Doyle: Realspring
Simon Carvalho: Kaizen Dillon Lee: Kaizen
Brennan Campbell: Kaizen Indar Jafar: Realspring
Rivaldo Villaroel: Realspring Akil Thomas: Tobago
Dominic Lue Fatt: Tora
Terrell Taylor: Tobago
Michelle Lue Fatt: Realspring
Roshell Lue Fatt: Realspring
Leo Grant: Tobago Dieron Davidson: UWI
Rayanne Ambrose: Tora Iyanna Doyle: Realspring
Devina Birbal: Realspring
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Makeda Charles: Tora
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Japanese Terminology
6. Events >>
Tournament Related Aspects of Karate
Inaugural International Cup July 7 - 8, 2012, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
Bunkai
To date, the following persons will represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Inaugural International Cup:
Officials:
Dojo
Tora:
Realspring:
Tobago TKA:
UWI Shotokan Club:
Shihan Dexter Shim, Sensei Frieda Shim, Sensei Nigel Forde Sensei Ian Benjamin Participants/Competitors
Juniors: John Ahloy Peter Ahloy Isaac Cozier Devin Norman Ethan Forde Isaiah Colthrust Anthony Thomas
Adults: Katherine-Ann Pyke Daniel Shim Thaddeus Tempro
Safiya Doyle Iyana Doyle Denzel Lawrence Dominic Lue Fatt Michelle Lue Fatt Roshelle Lue Fatt Ray-Anne Ambrose
Kobe Joseph Ricky Mungroo
Practical application of the techniques learnt in kata. It involves pre-determined attacks and the student performing the kata responds with defenses, counterattacks, or other actions, based on a part of the kata. Enbu
Seniors Ian Benjamin Nigel Forde Simone ThorneMora Christelin Norman
Gregory Placide Maria Thorne
Choreographically arranged fight, normally practiced in tournaments. Sentei Kata These are kata selected by an examiner for grading or judge for a tournament. Sentei katas are usually chosen from a list comprising: Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Empi and Jion Tokui Kata These are the “free choice” kata that are chosen by a candidate for grading or tournament. These are a person’s favorite kata(s) Shitei Kata
Keron Davidson Andrew Rudder Avril Dean Marc Anthony Phillip Tamara Joseph, Natakki Hypolite Nikita Fenty Nicole Lambie Julian Nicholas Marcus John Alain Tang Choon
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Katas that are mandatoryin gradings and tournaments. Shitei katas are usually the Heain katas Shorin Kata Movements are performed with the mind and body-set of being flexible, soft and slow, with quick sharp movements. Shorei Kata Movements are performed with the mind and body-set of being strong and solidwith solid movements, strong-hard foundation.
a newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association (TKA)
Training for the Inaugural International Cup
the July ISSUE‌ will provide information on different aspects of Dojo training. A monthly newsletter of the Trinidad Karate Association Editor-in-Chief: Simone Thorne Mora Layout: Diana Francis