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January 19, 2012

Zoe Collard founder member of SNSKC
South Notts Shotokan Karate Club was founded by Sensei Rob Manning 4th dan twenty-six years ago. In that time an impressive cohort of black belts has graduated from his school of karate. What is it I enjoy so much about the teaching style at my club?
I shall tell you. There is a unique blend of intelligence, seriousness, commitment, preparation, encouragement, humour and the merest soupçon of frustration when we as a class just don’t ‘get it’. It is this last secret ingredient which makes us all try that bit harder not to disappoint our teacher.
When we do start to ‘get it’, we are rewarded by one of Sensei Manning’s insightful analogies or stories. Last night for the senior class it was an allusion to the ‘instructional attack from behind’ by fellow Sensei and respected friend Phillip Gandy 5th dan at the Koblenz Airport Dojo, Germany. An attack I witnessed. Little did I know at the time that Sensei Manning’s familiarity with a variation of Gojushiho-sho was to ensure his release from a strangle-hold that seemed insurmountable.
From the club’s formidable list of black belts, five * trained last night:
THE CLUB’S CURRENT BLACK BELTS include:
Stephan Pacel 3rd dan
Ian Lea 2nd dan
Josh Ludlow 2nd dan
*Zoe Collard 2nd dan
Alan Lea 2nd dan
Myles Ponsonby 3rd dan
Ian Kelly 3rd dan
Teddie Henderson 2nd dan
Gobe Hobona 2nd dan
Helen Cain 2nd dan
*Rory Cave 1st dan
Martyn Collard 1st dan
Caroline Todd 1st dan
Charlotte Bonardi 1st dan
*Kerry Lee 2nd dan
Audrius Mickalauskas 1st dan
Caroline Rees 1st dan
Ryan Skilton 1st dan
*Steve Cassapi 1st dan (kata only for 2nd dan)
Dave Newbury 1st dan
Rachel Tyler 1st dan
Tom Ludlow 1st dan
Jack Robson 1st dan
Anthony Mills 1st dan
Sheri Newbury 1st dan
Oliver Wood 1st dan
Becky Cassapi 1st dan
*Alex Townsend (Occasional Honorary Member)

Sensei Manning instructs Gojushiho-sho

Kerry Lee (left), Rory Cave, Steve Cassapi and Alex Townsend

Anyway, on to the main class and an allusion to darts:
“Try to make your kicks every bit effective and accurate as your punches. Think of darts and try to hit the treble twenty consistently.”
Forty of us drilled kicks and punches and tried for 180 every time!

Sensei Phillip Gandy 5th Dan Reports

January 12, 2012
Hello Richard,
I am glad that the experience of “CSKC” was a good one for you, we were all impressed with your good attitude and commitment. Barbara (1st Dan Mary’s Mum) took 96 photos!!! Attached are a few of yourself. Unfortunately, the lighting in the dojo is not conducive to taking good photos!
Richard, you do have the makings of a being a good shodan, but above all else you must show a positive attitude during the grading. I hope that the “minor” adjustments that we discussed were of some help to you.
Best regards
Phillip

I face Sensei Roger Beresford in kumite. His control and speed is breathtakingly brilliant. Not for one nano-second did I feel at risk.

Ist Dan Mary, whose Mum Barbara took this picture, is a constant inspiration. She trains not only at Chesterfield SKC but also with me at South Notts SKC

Outstanding teachers of Shotokan Karate, Senseis Roger Beresford and Winston McLeish teach at Chesterfield SKC

My next blog will describe those ‘minor adjustments’ to which Sensei Philip Gandy refers and there will be more photos. I am still processing my lessons and can confirm that not only were they profoundly instructive and insightful, but also great fun to put into practice. Learning is a pleasure with Sensei Gandy. His relationship with his karate-ka and their parents is warm, respectful and trusting. It’s a good place to go to learn karate.

Sensei Gandy takes me through Heian Godan in our one-on-one session

The Dog’s Proverbial’s

Philip Latter

9 January, 2012

I have finally got round to my last report from the ESKA Championships. On the Saturday afternoon Richard and I walked back to the hotel, talking about what to with the rest of the day. Richard needed to collect his thoughts on the interviews he had conducted so far and prepare for his interview with the Russian Head Coach, which was scheduled for 6.30. I wanted to see some of Bielsko-Biala. We went our separate ways and agreed to meet back in the lobby at 6.00.
 
Having deposited anything I didn't need in my room, I went down to reception to order a taxi. In reception I faced 2 setbacks. First a coach load of tourists was checking in, second I had left my key in the room. The key could wait, the issue of transport into the 'centrum' was more pressing. What to do? I could queue at reception, which could take some time or try the bus stop at the front of the hotel.
 
Whilst perusing the timetable, my fortune changed. A taxi dropped a passenger off at the hotel. Sitting comfortably in the back of an Audi A6, I did what I always do when confronted with communication difficulties in those situations. I talked a little more loudly and pointed at the map. Within 10 minutes, I was standing outside the Cathedral in central Bielsko.
 
I do like to walk round a Cathedral, but unfortunately it was closed, so I set off to see the town. Living in Kettering, I felt that I could relate to Bielsko-Biala. Kettering doesn't have a cathedral, but they are of a similar size and are close to places of greater size and importance. In Kettering's case Leicester and Peterborough and Bielsko's, Katowice and Krakow. Both have a river, the Biala and the Ise and a football team.
 
It was starting to get late. I was feeling a bit peckish and fancied a beer. The old square offered up a few options, none of which looked promising. I was especially unsure about the Dog's Bollocks and not convinced it was open. As I was walking back across the square, some teenagers went in. Feeling that, to quote Alan Partridge, I 'very much have my finger on the nub of youth', I took a chance and went in. They say don't judge a bar by its name (something like that); the inside was not what I was expecting. Dimly lit, it was a cross between an old country pub and a basement wine bar. It felt as though folk or possibly jazz music should be playing in the background. In fact it was heavy dance music and drum 'n' bass, which took away some of the atmosphere, but I loved the place anyway.
 
I ordered a beer and settled at the table in the window. My eyesight is not great in gloomy light, so after trying in vain to make out the menu, I went back to the bar and asked the young lady serving what was available. I settled on the tuna melt baguette. For my second sitcom reference, I give you Last Of The Summer Wine. In one episode, Compo had prepared himself a huge doorstep cheese sandwich. Cleggy makes a comment about having three square meals a day, to which Foggy retorts, 'Yes, but not all in one sandwich.' Well, I was presented with what can only be described as the baguette equivalent of Compo's cheese sarnie. Top Nosh. I had another beer to celebrate.
 
Here's a thing: during our conversation she apologised for her poor English. As we have already established from my approach in telling the taxi driver where I wanted to go, my Polish is non-existent. I couldn't even pass muster in his fallback option of German and yet the waitress is apologising because she thinks her English is inadequate. Ho hum.
 
 
 
 





KUGB Dan Grading Syllabus – 1st Kyu to 1st Dan

Richard Buller

6 January, 2012

When first I saw the Grading Syllabus from 10th to 1st Kyu, then attended my first lesson, it felt like a bridge too far. Two left feet, two left arms, the reflexes of a snail: as I toiled through my first hour of Karate I considered not attempting a second lesson.
However, I was praised and encouraged over that first hour. Perhaps I wasn’t that hopeless after all? That was three years and two month ago. With the exception of one temporary pass at Purple and White, the rest have been full passes. My attitude has been praised at every grading.
KIHON
All begin from free-style kamae.
Kizame Tsuki, Oi Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki
Mae Geri, Oi Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki,
Yoko Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki
Mawashi Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki
Ushiro Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki
Mae Geri, Yoko Geri,Mawashi Geri,Ushiro Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki
Mae Geri, Oi Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki. Step back, Gedan Barai, Gyaku Tsuki, Kekomi, Uraken, Oi Tsuki
Same leg: Mae Geri, Yoko Geri, Ushiro Geri – all whilst maintaining balance
KATA
List (a) Candidate chooses from:
Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Enpi, Jion, or Hangetsu
List (b) Examiner chooses from:
Any Heian Kata, or Tekki Shodan
KUMITE
All Items listed:
Ju Ippon Kumite with Jodan and Chudan Oi Tsuki Chudan Mae Geri Chudan Yoko Geri Jodan Mawashi Geri and Chudan Ushiro Geri attacks.
Ju Kumite
I have been fortunate along the way. Senior Senseis have made the time to help me with individual tuition. I thought it might be helpful to include Stefan Pacel’s text on Bassai Dai:

Kata: Bassai Dai: Prepared by Stefan Pacel for Richard Buller January 2011

1) Drive forward, morote uke (assisted block)in kosa dachi (cross leg stance).
Feeling like you’re being pushed by the hips from behind. Fist and front foot land together
2) Turn, prepare, then uchi uke block
Hips half facing, hanmi ie. pulled all the way back
3) Prepare and make gyaku uchi uke
Hips & shoulders full twist gyaku hanmi (not front facing)
4) Turn full soto udi uke,
Hips & shoulders gyaku hanmi, remember to use preparation before the block
5) Prepare, uchi uke
Hips and shoulders all the way back
6) Front foot back through the centre, full preparation (front hand) then step & block soto udi uke
7) Prepare & gyaku uchi uke
Hips & shoulders full twist gyaku hanmi (not front facing)
8) Back foot moves, stand up feet shoulder width, hands prepare to the side, the reach out left hand open, Tate shuto
9) Punch, touch, twist (& block)
10) Punch (square facing again), touch, twist (& block)
11) Step through shuto uke in back stance
12) Step forward shuto uke in back stance
13) Step forward shuto uke in back stance, then immediately backwards shuto uke in back stance
14) Transfer weight forwards into front stance, hand in a crescent shape pull down & touch the wrist
15) Knee up through the centre, then side thrust kick yokogeri kekomi gedan, whilst pulling the hands back. Land facing the other direction, shuto uke in back stance
16) Step forwards one last time shuto uke in back stance
17) Step back feet together rising slowly with a double age uke style move.
Roll your hands up so that you land everything together i.e. hands finish as your legs straighten. Control the backwards movement, use your leg muscles and don’t lead with your bum.
18) Break open and lift your knee sharply, thrust forward with double hammer fist strike, then push off your back foot shift forward and make straight punch
Remember shoulders square and that feeling of someone tugging your belt forward as you drive into the punch.
19) Turn, make open hand downwards block as you prepare by your face with the other hand and make gedan shuto uchi strike and nagashi uke block past the face (just like heian godan).
There’s a big weight transition forward into front stance here, really push yourself with the front stance.
20) Pull back manji uke feet together
Again same principle control the backwards movement, use your leg muscles and don’t lead with your bum.
21) Twist on the spot knee sharply up and make gedan barai (good solid preparation) land in side stance
Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you pull your back hand right back.
22) Reach across preparation and make back hand block kake uke, feet stay solid, hips twist in and back, no knee movement.
23) Keep your hand the same height kick it with a crescent kick mikazuki geri then land in side stance with elbow strike empi uchi.
24) Drop your right hand into hammer fist strike tetsui uchi then repeat twice.
Timing of this bit is one… One, two.
25) Hands to your hip in preparation kosa gamai then make yamazuki in front stance.
Think back to the practice against the wall for hand positioning and remember not to stick your bum out.
26) Pull back feet together and hands to your hips kosa gamai
Same comment again about controlling your backwards movement, not leading with the bum!
27) Sharp knee lift then yamazuki in front stance
28) Repeat actions 26 & 27
29) Keep your weight on the front leg, turn 270 degrees, bring your arm round in a circular motion and strike over with uraken gedan.
Try to remember that feeling of throwing your opponent from the yamazuki position, also the feeling of making the forearm block to a mae geri kick.
30) Repeat on the other side
Time your hip thrust with your uraken strike.
31) Half step forward at 45 degrees and step shuto uke
Remember, strong preparation
32) Pivot on the spot bringing your front foot and hand round to 45 degrees looking away from your hands (in the direction of travel of your next move)
33) Step feet together strong preparation and forward shuto and kiai.
Finally return to yoi ending the kata with the same balance and poise as your started controlling the backwards movement, using your leg muscles and not leading with your bum.

possibly the finest karate teaching in Nottingham

Richard Buller

5th January, 2012

I have woken up with a head full of things to write about. First of all, I want to say how marvellous it was to train again last night with an outstanding teacher of karate, Sensei Rob Manning 4th dan of South Notts Shotokan Karate Club (KUGB). But then, he too has an inspirational leader …

Sensei Andy Sherry (left) of the Karate Union of Great Britain at the ESKA European Shotokan Karate Championships 2011

Why such praise?
Well, Sensei Rob Manning is a great communicator. Thoughtful, intelligent, with my kind of humour, limitless patience and an encyclopaedic memory for names. He has ambition for his students. His lessons are well-planned. If I had to pick a fault? Difficult … perhaps over-generous with his time. I shall have to check-it-out with his wife Tracey before I committed finally on this one.
Anyway, last night. We had a reference to Dad’s Army and sloppy drill, a call-to-arms with the offer of specialist training for all volunteers at Keyworth on Fridays, in preparation for the regional Championships and I was called out for the first time to demonstrate a set of teaching exercises. I loved it and felt very proud.
To ‘blow away the Christmas and New Year cobwebs’ we drilled:
Mawashi Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki
Age-uke, Gyaku Tsuki, Uchi-uke going forwards and back
Mae Geri, Yoko Geri,Mawashi Geri, Ushiro Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki
Our kata was Heian Nidan to count, which I nearly got right.
A hot shower at the marvellous Holme Pierrepont facility, laughter, exchanges of news and stories, a nod from the Sensei that a February grading might be on the cards and an offer from Alex Townsend to design jewellery for Mary’s next birthday. Does it get any better than this?

Indomitable Spirit

Sensei Rob Manning 4th Dan

South Notts Shotokan Karate Club, Keyworth

December 18, 2011

One of the fundamental objectives of training in karate is to develop skills that can be used in lawful self defence. Most of us will never have to defend ourselves of course; but some of us might.

The headline in the Nottingham Evening Post for Saturday Dec 17th 2011 read: “Teen fought off 18 stone attacker”. We hear of these kind of things happening on the national news with depressing regularity - but this incident was in Keyworth, literally a ‘stone’s throw’ from our dojo.
The female victim was confronted by a man armed with a 10 inch kitchen knife and a stocking over his face. After initially collapsing in panic there came a point during the ordeal when she found the will to fight back. She managed to swing her legs up around the attacker’s neck and squeezed as tight as she could and he dropped the knife enabling her to escape. There was no suggestion that the girl was a martial artist; but she had a martial attitude. She found the will to fight.
The founder of karate, Gichin Funokoshi said many profound things, among them was this: 
“spirit first, technique second”.
Those who train in karate, or indeed any fighting system, will overlook this lesson from the master at their peril. Authentic training in the dojo, and by that I mean training that has real potential  to develop functional self defence skills, has to be tough. You must regularly visit places during training sessions where you ‘override’ the instinct to give in. As the pro cyclist training for the Tour de France ‘suffers’ for hours in the saddle as he climbs mountain after mountain, mile after mile, so too must every karate-ka ‘suffer’. Whether it’s drilling repetition after repetition in kihon practice, pushing the boundaries of courage in kumite, or maintaining perfect form in kata when the body is all but spent, there must be discomfort to overcome.
Sensei Terry O’Neill 7th dan of the KUGB recently said this in an interview with sports writer Richard Buller (http://www.richardbuller.com/styled/styled-2/styled-3/index.html):
“Karate enables self-defence amongst many other things, including confidence and fitness. But the most important thing is the notion of ‘will’. The ability to transcend the discomfort and pain of training and injury to deliver beauty in the form of a perfectly performed kata, for example”.
The international Rugby ace, Jonny Wilkinson had this to say about training:
“Why train? Well, apart from the need to build strength and stamina, I think a major point of training is being able to strengthen yourself mentally – to be able to push yourself outside your comfort zones. What I’m talking about is being able to understand what it feels like to think you can’t go on, but then actually manage to do so, to go further; or to be able to approach a session knowing that it’s going to be incredibly tough and that you’re going to be in some kind of physical discomfort, yet not to fear that session, to actually look forward to it. That sort of attitude training, mental toughness if you like, can be the difference between winning or losing”.
The development of technique is of course important, and good technique can overcome untrained brute strength. But technique won’t work without the will; but will can work without the technique. The human animal is capable of achieving phenomenal things if aroused enough. The assault victim said:
“I knew I had to act quickly and I had absolutely nothing to lose”.
This is where instinct plays a huge part; our innate ability to solve a problem we’re confronted with; to allow the situation to tell us what to do and provide the answer; to improvise according to what’s happening to us. And karate techniques honed through hours of ‘suffering’ in the dojo must never be allowed to get in the way of this natural process; they must enhance it.
As I understand it, the teenager who fought off her attacker thankfully achieved this remarkable outcome without a knowledge of any technique. That tells us something about the power of will and the instinct to survive; and it’s very heartening. 
With correct training and proper understanding, the techniques of karate  provide extra physical skills to improve our chances of surviving a violent encounter.
But they won’t work without an indomitable spirit.

Respected Friend and Sensei …

Richard Buller

Friday 24 December, 2011

Quite a day yesterday and my commitments no doubt tested the patience of friends Jon Straw and Sensei Rob Manning, who had invited me to join them for latte and millionaire shortbread at the David Lloyd Sports Centre in West Bridgford.

What made it testing?

A background commitment to collect from the Queen’s Medical Centre recovering friend and fellow gifted bridge player Michael Moreton (Chief Immigration Officer, retired). Michael’s discharge – no, Mary not release – it’s a hospital not a prison – switched from 5pm to a range of times up until 8pm and then back to 5pm, before I refused to be available until 6pm.

And when I arrived at 6pm?

We were delayed again because Michael’s medication was not ready for dispensing. Maybe Mary’s diction was right after all.

Right, what to report?

I had my annual Well Man Check-up with Karate Blog Nurse Sharon Ward, who pronounced my pee:

“Excellent! No blood, no sugar, no protein, no (something else, possibly nitrates and no potassium). Blood pressure normal. Given lifestyle and test results – chances of heart disease in the next ten years 7%. Very impressive and you look fit and well, Richard.”

Significantly, given the family history of diabetes and dodgy potassium levels this amounts to a tribute to the medical benefits of Shotokan karate with the KUGB. I have now avoided a range of diseases that claimed my Grandpa and Dad for over 21 years.

I have renewed Sharon’s contract for 3 years and paid her bonus of 20%.

Sensei Vlade Zekavica 5th Dan of Guernsey SKC called to exchange Christmas Greetings and we chatted about his ambitions for 2012. Sensei Vlad has another qualifying year to complete before 6th Dan eligibility. Nevertheless, he trains with total commitment for his grading.

Sensei Elio Giacobini Italy’s Team Coach Kumite has been in touch about my visit in 2012 and to wish me a Happy Christmas.

I meet with Sensei Elio Giacobini, Team Italy Kumite Coach

I have published part 2 of my ESKA Poland interview with the Russian Head Coach on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80-Nvgadq0U&feature=g-upl&context=G269b8aeAUAAAAAAAAAA

Confidant and close friend Kerry Lee 2nd dan has offered to broker a 2012 interview with Sensei Garry Harford 7th Dan.

ESKA referees pose happily for Richard Buller's Karate Blog. Sensei Garry Harford (3rd from right) will hopefully appear in these pages in 2012.

Otherwise, not a lot more to report, apart from the last class of the year at SNSKC. Over 40 enthusiastic karateka trained at Holme Pierrepont. Sensei Manning did brief me on the details of the class, but I confess that the rigours and demands of the day have wiped clean my memory bank. I shall ask later today for another summary.

Sorry, Sensei.

In the mind of the Sensei – Terry O’Neil 7th Dan

Richard Buller

14th December, 2011

Sensei means ‘Teacher’ but the term applies only in the dojo. The word conveys an understanding of Karate, not life. My computer skills are woefully lacking and so I seek help from another who can do better than just peck at a keyboard.

I do not subscribe, therefore, to the notion of mystery and myth surrounding the martial art of karate. Of course, I see a range of teaching styles as I go about my work, from the modest and approachable to those who would keep distance between themselves and their students.

A Man for All Seasons - Sensei Terry O'Neil 7th Dan (left) with Richard Buller 1st Kyu

These are the truths I have come to realise over time:

Shotokan is studied as a university level art form. Karate has a ‘whole language’ of its own. Ours is a sport which teaches you another language – Japanese – respect for others, a code of behaviour – such as in the bow itself - and an understanding of the physical and mental development of body and mind.

Generally, tough people don’t go into karate. There is no contact in karate. We do not hit anyone. For those who want the contact, there is boxing, wrestling, judo … Karate enables self-defence amongst many other things, including confidence and fitness. But the most important thing is the notion of ‘will’. The ability to transcend the discomfort and pain of training and injury to deliver beauty in the form of a perfectly performed kata, for example.

I abhor violence. I would never vote for corporal or capital punishment. Fighting is a last resort, but what about when people need ‘hitting’?

To develop my thesis of hitting others and control: you only get good at hitting by hitting. An assailant might use a weapon and attack the anatomical weak-spots. However, although karate is a martial art form involving best use of body and good exercise, there is no contact. The karateka’s weapons are fists, arms, feet and so on and we have to prove that our weapons are properly formed and on target. For this reason, there is merit in the breaking of wood. Some wood is unbreakable, of course, but the breaking is an indicator of the transmission of power. Would you believe that 80% of students never use a punchbag? Most will never know whether they can use their karate or not.

Let me offer another example. I have been asked over the years to teach self-defence by business men travelling to dangerous parts of the world. Could I teach them to defend themselves in one or two hours?
My advice?
“Don’t go.”
“But I have to.”
“Then carry something; a good pen. Practice with the pen or pencil by driving it into a dart board. Wear sensible shoes, like those you have on (Church’s Brogues). Be ordinary in your dress and try not to stand out.

Linda La Plante (LLP) tells the following story of a prison visit interview with a violent convict (VC):

VC Who f’ing dressed you this morning?
LLP Startled (Prison Officer advises VC to settle down or the interview ends)
VC You’re expensively dressed and at risk. If I see something valuable that I want, I take it.
LLP Why?
VC Because I can. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no reason not to. I see it, I want it, I take it.
LLP But you have been caught and punished.
VC It won’t happen again. I have been caught, once, because I left them alive”.

What else was discussed with Sensei O’Neil?

The nature of weaponry, for example:

The analogy of a pair of Doberman attack dogs – you might manage to defend yourself against one, but not two. Doberman’s cannot be multi-handled like Alsatians;
Pepper spray, its efficacy and the legal and health and safety arguments ranged against its use;
The superb PR24 side-handled baton, since taken out of Police Service use because of its capacity to inflict series injury;
and much more, but that’s quite enough for now.

The Sensei’s Tales – Sensei Terry O’Neil 7th Dan of the KUGB and Simon Oliver Sensei JKR UK

Richard Buller

12th December, 2011

Let me tell you a Tale of consequences:

“Hi Richard,
  Herewith details of the session tomorrow with Terry O’Neill.
  The dojo is a little tricky to find. It’s very close to the Bendigo Pub in Sneinton. If you were standing looking at the Bendigo statue outside the pub of the same name, the dojo would be on your right (but forward of the pub itself). It’s the first floor of a Victorian community centre on the corner. You have to buzz at the door to be allowed in!
  Enjoy yourself if you decide to go. I’ve also put the details up on the Facebook page.   Rob”

(… Manning 4th Dan KUGB, South Notts Shotokan Karate Club …)

And at 9am. prompt, because you never know what awaits the early bird, I pressed the buzzer and waited at the door patiently, in full expectation of at least a one hour wait for anyone to turn up.

The door was opened by a kindly gentleman who took my card, appraised me for a moment and invited me in for ‘a coffee out of the cold.’

Qualified Chef Hans Bretlaender and I become friends as we chat over coffee at the Cafe Sneinton, Sneinton Hermitage Centre, NG2 4GN

“So who uses your restaurant, Hans?” “Anyone who’s hungry. Would you and Mary like to be our guests next week at our Christmas Party?” “Seriously?” “Of course, seriously.” “We would love to. Thank you.”

“I think your karate colleagues have arrived …”
and indeed they had.

There followed not one, but two detailed and absorbing interviews, a photographic and filming opportunity and an adrenaline shot of such magnitude that Sensei O’Neil kindly took the time to settle my nerves with ‘Poyntonic’ Merseyside humour.

“So, are you settling down now, Richard?” “Thank you yes, Sir. My hands have stopped trembling.” “Call me Terry.” “Oss, Sensei!”

But first the interview with European Head of Ryobukai, Simon Oliver Sensei.

European Head of Japan Karate Do Ryobukai, Simon Oliver Sensei, Chief Instructor JKR UK of Budo Promotions

“I was with the KUGB from 1976 to 2002 … Terry O’Neil has been a major influence in my life since I was a teenager in Liverpool … he is one of a number of regular visitors to my Dojo, including Sensei Bob Rhodes and Kiyoshi Yamazaki 8th Dan Japan Karate Do Ryobukai/Shindo Jinon Ryu … the difference between our form and Shotokan? Not significant. We have the same katas but include a range of other katas as well… Budo Promotions is my business interest … (I see you write a successful blog on Duplicate Bridge) … are you aware that Sensei Enoeda’s widow is an enthusiast and plays a good hand of bridge? You would like an introduction? She’s a good friend, but is in Japan at the moment. An interview you say and a hand or two of bridge? You’re happy to travel to London? I’ll have a word with her (but make no promises) …”

As we talked, I met the charming Marie Pedro (Simon Oliver’s partner) and we talked about her daughter Alexis aged 18 years, studying Fine Arts at Central St Martin’s University, London. The multi-talented Alexis is a Shodan in two karate forms.

Sensei Terry O’Neil entered the building and greeted me with warmth and humour. I confess. It was an over-whelming experience.

Vibrant, humourous, modest, perceptive, gifted - Sensei Terry O'Neil spends an hour settling me down and gives me a Master's level, individual tutorial on the ethos and nature of karate

"So Richard, do you follow the rational of my argument?" "I do, Terry. You have picked a thread which starts with my nerves at meeting a top flight Sensei, defined and constrained the definition of Sensei, drawn parallels with other life skills, explained the character and nature of karateka in the context of other martial arts and fighting sports - from the assertion that 'generally, tough people don't go into karate, they take up contact sports like boxing and judo. You illustrate the underlying uncertainty of one's ability as a non-contact karateka to inflict the disabling blow and use as an analogy the example of equipment in other sports such as tennis where you actually hit something. You further illustrate your point with a fascinating reference to your friend Linda La Plante's disturbing prison visit interview with a murderer. The inference to be drawn? Will the karateka be able to disable the ferocious predator given that 90% of students do not even use a makawara. For this reason, you assert that the breaking of wood indicates a transfer of power and has merit as a training device.

“How am I doing so far?

“Not bad. You must be with the same therapist and on the same medication as I am. But you forgot to mention the tempering of weapons and the testing/untested analogy of swords, the like-minded character, commonality of rules, language, convention such as bowing and the difference between a blow and counter in karate. The first allows full contact and it’s up to you to defend yourself with what must be a controlled response. Right, it’s time to train. Please take as many photos as you like and feel free to wander anywhere during the class to do your job.”

“Thank you, Sensei O’Neil.”

“It’s Terry, Richard.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNkPBSmpBFU&context=C24895ADOEgsToPDskKZT1Lp16eUoYILeNMY7koA

Check out the YouTube video for the interview below with Head Coach Victor Maschenko of Karate Russia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGKT_e1pGE8&context=C25578ADOEgsToPDskLcpoLsUgGOfHIhPhuVhdwA

Interview Victor Maschenko Head Coach Shotokan Karate Russia

by Richard Buller

Sunday 27th November, 2011

Staying at the Orbis Magura, Bielsko-Biala has been a lucky choice for this Reporter.
Last night (Saturday, 26th November at 7.30pm.) I interviewed the Russian Shotokan Karate Coaching Team led by the impressive, astute and wise

Head Coach Victor Maschenko, supported (on his left) by Judge Yury Chally.

It is fair to say that conditions for communication were perfect: a large-enough round table, the entire management team present, two able translators in self-effacing yet charming: Kukhtinor Sorgey and Anna Trafimova and stunningly, a growing audience as the entire Russian Squad gathered around the table to listen respectfully and intently throughout.

It was a lfe-changing, pivotal experience for myself and colleague/cameraman Phil Latter who took the pictures.
We agreed an interview strategy: it was to be an international strategic overview of Russian Shotokan Karate and it’s developing reach. Was I comfortable with this? “It’s what I am trained for Sensei. I am a 1st Kyu with a writing, legal and business studies background.” “Then I am happy to proceed. I trust you.”
“In our country we have developed an annual National Championship which seeks to identify the best of the best from all Regions of Russia. Following the championship we run two sports camps. One in the mountains and one in the lowlands. The process is cyclical. From it we produce a Youth Team of under 20′s and an Adult Team of over 20′s.
My strategic vision for Russian Karate has its roots in our history, national character and fighting spirit.
For example, after 1995, the once secretive, widespread and illegal passion for martial arts changed radically. A sure fire way to create a passionate following for any activity is to prohibit it.
We Russians love martial arts.
We want to win medals.
We entered the world stage in 1995 and whilst we achieved medal success, it was as a result of Russian spirit, rather than a thought-through coaching and training regime.
In 1995 I was a competitor aged 18, but I could see the way ahead. The way to medals would be hard. We had no professional coaches. Analysis showed results were based on our spirit, a will to win and the mistakes of others, rather than a normative system of development.
Now our training process is multi-layered and wide-ranging. Examined training programmes are in place for Judges, Coaches, Medical, scientific and psychological support.
However, we need to develop in the fields of Administration and Management Information. As much as I want to, I cannot answer your questions in these areas.
We would like you to come to Russia, visit with us and report.

Victor Maschenko develops his strategic theme: 'We want to win medals'

Shall we give you some dates to work with?”
“Yes, please, Head Coach Victor Maschenko. It would be a privilege.”
Our meeting ended in laughter, mutual respect and affection.
I know we shall all meet again.

Arriving in Bielsko-Biala to report on the ESKA European Karate Championships, November 2011

Richard Buller

8th December, 2011

Reporters Philip Latter and I arrive at the Orbis Hotel to be greeted warmly by the Austrian Coaches. Coach Dragan Leiler is particularly helpful and arranges our photo shoot.
Would the Head Coach be available at the Stadium for interview later in the day?
Absolutely!
Phil and I wave off the Austrian Karate Team as it heads for the stadium. Happy, vibrant young karateka and their generation’s finest.

(Yesterday’s photos of our journey to this point are included: my meeting with Bozena Niemiec at the excellent and welcoming Ibis Krakow will leave me smiling for years to come).
Richard Buller

Interview with Head Coach Ofelio Michielan of Italy

By Richard Buller 7th December, 2011

I joined the Italian Shotokan Karate Coaching Team at lunch today (Friday, 25th November, 2011) to discuss an outline for our 2pm. interview. I have some passable Italian, but whether it would be up to the task remained to be seen.

The national Coaches of Team Italy kindly agreed to an interview at ESKA 2011. Kumite Coach Elio Giacobini (left), Head Coach Ofelio Michaelan (2nd left) and Kata Coach Pasquale Acri (right),

Ofelio Michielan pauses to consider

What ground should we cover? Well, the interview was an important opportunity to explore a number of related issues, asserted Ofelio Michielan. These included, for example:
The Italian perspective on the European competition itself,
Italian technique in the context of current World Karate,
The role of Hiroshi Shirai 9th Dan in the development of Italian Karate,
The evaluation process.
And so we engaged in discussion, from which the Head Coach presented some thoughtful, corporate conclusions.
These are his words:
“We are here to do our best for our athletes. This is not our natural contest. We are a traditional School. The Federation in Italy has been part of the Traditional Karate Federation since 1965, with the arrival of the inspirational Hiroshi Shirai 9th Dan from Japan …
We have a good base in technique and a long period of traditional study. We are trying to understand if our traditional way can interface with the Sport Karate Way.
We are in ESKA because we believe it to be a serious organisation, modelled on the vision of Sensei Enoeda.
I wish to stress that traditional does not mean ‘closed’. We are open to commonality and evaluation; to produce totality and a lasting outcome. We know that competition rules evolve and change …
Of course, we do not know how the results will come out for Italy this weekend. Nevertheless, our outlook is positive and we shall learn from the experience.”

Kumite Coach Elio Giacobini expresses confidence in his traditional teaching methods, but looks to the future

As our time ran out I was invited to contact Giuseppe Perlati, General Secretary of the Federation of Italian Karate to arrange work-shadowing with him as part of my development as a reporter on pan-European Karate matters. Of course, I accepted with alacrity.
Oss!

Time spent with Sensei Andy Sherry of the KUGB and Sensei Ewald Roth of Austria

By Richard Buller 6th December, 2011

An abundance of photographs, meetings and interviews at the ESKA European Shotokan Karate Championships Poland 2011. So much material that I shall wait until Monday before I attempt a schedule for publication.
However, my time with Sensei Andy Sherry of the KUGB, Gordon Mathie Chief Coach Scotland KUGB and Ewald Roth Chief Coach Austria have stood out today.
Sensei Sherry for the warmth of his greeting in particular: "May I have your picture please Sensei?" "Only if you’re in it!"
How about that? Once in a lifetime!
That plus two generous offers to work-shadow senior karate figures in Austria and Italy. It does not get any better than this, surely?
My list of names of generous karate Coaches and Karateka is long. Be sure that if we have spoken, I shall write about you and show our picture! If not, then please let me know.
Richard

Keep Your Distance!

By Sensei Rob Manning 4t Dan of South Notts Shotokan Karate Club

November 17, 2011

“Distance: a space or interval between two things”.

That’s the definition of the word in my Oxford English Dictionary. But I am concerned in this article with something slightly more combat specific: ‘fighting distance’. A working definition of this concept might be:

“The space between you and your opponent at any given moment in time.”

The space between you and your opponent is effectively your ‘field of play’ and it is never fixed. In fact even at its greatest it’s a pretty short ‘court’ - nowhere near the length of a tennis court or cricket wicket; and shorter than a table tennis table, where at the closest your opponent would be 9 feet from you. At it’s shortest of course, there is no space between you and your opponent at all – not even the width of a net!

Because your opponent is actively trying to kick, punch or grapple (or any combination of the three) the living daylights out of you, it’s imperative to start with this premise:

once the space between you and your opponent is such that he or she can hit you, in other words you are in range, expect them to try – and succeed if you are not already dominating that space.

They are likely to succeed because the space between you at this point will be so close, that unless you are one step ahead of them and anticipating what they will do, you will not be able to prevent it if they do it. Or rather when they do it.

Too many fighters ‘drift’ into this hitting zone without realising it and then wonder why they get hit. It’s like an unwitting soldier wandering into the range of a sniper – the outcome’s inevitable.

So the starting point has to be keeping out of the hitting zone using agile movement until you decide to enter. But here are a couple of issues to think about: the first is that you are not in total control of the space between you and your opponent. It’s very fluid and can change in the blink of an eye. So you may be out of the hitting zone now, yet slap bang in the middle of it…now! The second is that you can’t stay out of the hitting zone indefinitely unless you are possessed with super-human powers and can deliver effective blows without touching. I certainly can’t do that and I approach things on the basis that you can’t either; the upshot of this then is that you will need to enter the hitting zone at some point in order to, well, hit your opponent.

The crucial thing is that when you enter the hitting zone you need to be the one doing the hitting; so you must be in the ascendency, dominating proceedings, taking the initiative in some way. If you’re not, you have to expect that your opponent will be.

Here’s an interesting observation: once you’re in the hitting zone (unless there’s a referee enforcing the rules of engagement as in competion kumite, or boxing) either one of you can effectively frustrate the hitting by eliminating the space between you by taking hold and clinching. Once in a clinch not only is the space between you and your opponent essentially zero, it is also no longer fluid; you are now grappling, the better grappler has enormous control, and fluidity is only likely to return if both of you decide it’s in your interests to allow that to happen. So what conclusions can be drawn from this? In reality you can’t ‘dwell’ in the hitting zone for any length of time, like you are at liberty to do to some extent when the space is greater. You either deliver a decisive blow or blows which ends the fight; your opponent does that to you; or you are grappling (I won’t entertain the other option where neither of you are able to deliver effective blows and the encounter is decided either by exhaustion or boredom!).

The space between you and your opponent also has a massive impact on the effectiveness of the hit. Quite literally. If the space between you isn’t right at the moment of contact, the blow will fail. It might fall short of the target, hit the target but lack penetration, or it might be stifled. Of course, the space between you at the point of contact is dependent on your control of the space beforehand and your ability to recognise when the moment is right to strike (your timing).

You have a variety of different types of blows available to use, from strikes using the elbow, to kicks using the foot. At the moment of contact the space between you and the opponent needs to be such that you are able to deliver the technique in a mechanically sound and effective way. This can be achieved in two ways: either you consciously decide the technique you wish to deliver and engineer an opportunity to deliver it by controlling the space between you and your opponent; or the space between you and your opponent tells you without conscious thought which technique to deliver. The latter is more instinctive and associated with more experienced fighters. Great fighters do both.

So understanding correct fighting distance is about appreciating the dynamic nature of the space between you and your opponent, controlling it if you can, and seizing the moment!



The Building Blocks of Achievement

By Sensei Rob Manning 4th Dan of South Notts Shotokan Karate Club

September 27, 2011

If you are going to achieve a high standard in any area of human endeavour there is an inescapable, universal fundamental principle: get the basics right. For the basics are the building blocks of achievement, without them, real progress is at best limited.

The key is to develop your basics to an advanced level. And you do that by good quality practice. Once that is achieved, you can add to your repertoire with relative ease. This is because the more complex or elaborate skills are derived from the basics. The most flamboyant rock guitarist, for example, has to be able to hold down the strings on the fret board cleanly; honing that basic skill to an advanced level was a pre-requisite.

During the learning process we can easily be ‘seduced’ by the complex or the elaborate because it is more exciting than the basic. It’s quite a natural reaction. We see the expert’s greatness and are wilfully blind to the very obvious fact that it was borne out of thousands of hours of training in the basics. This flash of greatness was the tip of a very big iceberg involving a lot of sacrifice and probably suffering hidden below the water line.

What’s important to appreciate is that the performance of a complex, elaborate skill is not great per se. It is only great if it is performed to a high standard; and those who can do that have one thing in common – they honed the basics first.

So developing the basics to an advanced level is necessary as a platform upon which to build the repertoire of the world class performer; so too is maintaining that level. That’s why the basics must be constantly revisited and honed.

So what are the basics? They are the core skills, essential attributes and fundamental principles. And the objective of basic training is always to enhance these in some material way.

Good basics are the building blocks of achievement and without them you will struggle. Acquire them, maintain them and you might just achieve greatness!



Training in the ‘Discomfort Zone’!

By Sensei Rob Manning 4th Dan of South Notts Shotokan Karate Club

September 25, 2011

There is an uncomfortable truth about real training and practice (in anything): it’s hard, very hard. Each session is challenging. It has to be because you’re striving to improve, to develop beyond your current level. So you are always in the ‘discomfort zone’. This is a place most people avoid if they can. But the ‘discomfort zone’ is also the ‘learning zone’, it’s where you improve. It’s that special place where the brave are rewarded with progress!

Progress happens because you keep making sorties beyond the boundary of your current competence until the boundary itself eventually shifts. This experience is usually physically and mentally gruelling; and it’s also psychologically tough. Why? Because you necessarily experience failure and you make mistakes. And the natural reaction to that is disappointment and often misguided dissatisfaction with the training regime itself. But ’experiential learning’, or ’learning by doing’, is all about failing and making mistakes in a safe environment - and learning from the experience.

So those who understand the process of ‘learning by doing’ don’t get disappointed or dissatisfied, they get inspired - because they know they are improving.

Those who don’t understand the process, or who don’t want to tolerate the discomfort, will retreat to their comfort zones and stop improving. It will only be a matter of time before they stop training altogether or move to an environment where the comfort zone is tolerated. Those who dwell there are like minded souls and they are content.

But they are not really training!

Membership Information 2011 for South Notts Shotokan Karate Club

By Sensei Rob Manning

January 21, 2011

GENERAL

Karate is a system of self defence and physical culture developed and refined in Okinawa and Japan. There are several fundamental styles of karate but use slightly different training methods and place varying degrees of emphasis on issues such as the speed, strength and range of techniques practiced. Shotokan emphasises a balanced development of all of these aspects, taught within a system which instils confidence and self control.

KARATE UNION OF GREAT BRITAIN

The KUGB is a democratic non-profit making organisation and is affiliated to the official European and World governing bodies. It has almost 12,000 members throughout the United Kingdom. The KUGB has clubs established in many sports centres, universities and schools and is recognised by Sport England.

SOUTH NOTTS SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB

The South Notts Shotokan Karate Club was established in Keyworth in 1985. The SNSKC is affiliated to the Karate Union of Great Britain the original governing body for Shotokan Karate in this country.

OBJECTS OF THE CLUB

The objects of the SNSKC are to:

a) foster and develop the art, sport and practice of Shotokan Karate in Keyworth and South Nottinghamshire;

b) organise and regulate club training, special courses and gradings;

c) unite persons locally wishing to learn and practice Shotokan Karate;

d) provide the opportunity for members to compete in regional and national competitions;

e) provide the opportunity for members to be selected onto the Central Region Squad and the England Squad;

d) develop the following, in respect of each member of the club:

i) a high level of skill in Shotokan Karate;

ii) an ability to apply the techniques of Shotokan Karate in lawful self defence;

ii) overall good health, fitness and wellbeing;

iii) qualities of commitment and dedication;

iv) a strong, confident and determined character.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE SNSKC

1. There are three types of club membership:

a) individual junior (8 – 16 years);

b) individual senior (over 16 years);

c) family (spouses, parents/guardians & children, siblings).

2. Application for club membership is made through liaison with the club instructor.

3. Club membership is renewed annually on payment of the annual subscription. This becomes due on 1st January each year and must be paid no later than 31st January.

4. A pro rata subscription fee is payable by those joining the club during the course of the membership year.

5. The annual subscription fee is as follows:

a) individual junior – 3 x junior training session fee;

b) individual senior – 3 x senior training session fee;

c) family – 3 x senior training session fee.

6. Club membership may be refused or terminated at the discretion of the club instructor.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE KUGB

1. Each member of the SNSKC is required to hold a valid annual licence issued by the KUGB.

2. It is the responsibility of each member to apply to the KUGB for a licence, immediately following acceptance into membership of the SNSKC.

3. It is the responsibility of each club member to ensure that his/her licence is up to date by renewing it annually.

4. The KUGB licence enables the member to enjoy the benefits of KUGB and SNSKC activities.

5. A current KUGB licence affords the member insurance cover in respect of certain loss or damage occasioned during training.

6. The KUGB licence must be produced by the club member at every grading examination or KUGB training course attended.

THE CLUB INSTRUCTOR

The instructor at the SNSKC is Rob Manning 4th dan who is a qualified black belt karate coach. He was awarded his black belt 1st dan in 1983 at the age of 18 and established the club in 1985. His introduction to karate competition was in 1980 at the age of 15 when he won the Central Region junior kumite event as a purple belt. Later the same year he came third in this category at the Shotokan Cup, the national individual championship. Rob’s proudest competitive achievement came in 1987 when at the age of 22 he became the National Students’ Champion by winning the senior men’s kumite event and taking 3rd place in the kata. The following year in 1988 Rob spent a month training at the headquarters of the Japan Karate Association in Tokyo, Japan. During a training session under Sensei Mikio Yahara 8th dan, Rob fought Richard Amos 6th dan who is now resident in New York as the chief instructor of the World Traditional Karate Organisation. On his return from Japan, Rob was runner-up in the 1988 Central Region senior men’s kumite event fighting former World Kumite Champion Dean Hodgkin in the final.

For many years Rob was a member of the successful Trent SKC kumite team and along with team mates Graham Millward and John Dornan won numerous tournaments. Rob has also been a member of the Central Region Squad under the direct tutelage of Sensei Frank Brennan 7th dan for many years. In 1988 Rob was privileged to be selected by Sensei Brennan to join a representative kumite team which travelled to Gent, Belgium to fight the Belgian national team at their annual championships. Rob won both his fights with ippon using his favourite leg sweep/punch combination defeating a well known Belgian international fighter in the process. Around this time Rob was invited by Sensei Andy Sherry 8th dan to train with the British team which was at the height of its World dominance. During this era the British team was captained by Frank Brennan and included Ronnie Christopher, Elwyn Hall, and Dean Hodgkin amongst other notables. Rob trained with the national squad at the famous Liverpool Red Triangle Dojo and at Crystal Palace.

Rob continued to actively compete during the 1990s. In 1996 he was runner-up in the London Shotokan Open men’s kumite event, and in 1999 he placed 3rd in the Central Region men’s kumite. Rob retired from competitive karate in 2000 at the age of 35. Rob now devotes his time to developing the SNSKC and attends specialist courses in areas such as first aid and coaching. He still regularly trains on advanced karate courses with leading instructors in order to maintain a high standard of tuition at the club. He is enormously proud of the achievements of his club members many of whom have enjoyed success in competitions, achieved high dan grades, and been selected for the regional and national squads.

THE CLUB’S CURRENT BLACK BELTS

Stephan Pacel 3rd dan

Ian Lea 2nd dan

Josh Ludlow 2nd dan

Zoe Collard 2nd dan

Alan Lea 2nd dan

Myles Ponsonby 2nd dan

Ian Kelly 2nd dan

Teddie Henderson 2nd dan

Gobe Hobona 2nd dan

Helen Cain 2nd dan

Rory Cave 1st dan

Martyn Collard 1st dan

Caroline Todd 1st dan

Charlotte Bonardi 1st dan

Kerry Lee 1st dan

Audrius Mickalauskas 1st dan

Caroline Rees 1st dan

Ryan Skilton 1st dan

Steve Cassapi 1st dan

Dave Newbury 1st dan

Rachel Tyler 1st dan

Tom Ludlow 1st dan

Jack Robson 1st dan

Anthony Mills 1st dan

Sheri Newbury 1st dan

Oliver Wood 1st dan

Becky Cassapi 1st dan

TRAINING

1. The training at the SNSKC is structured into three main sections. Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different grades of students:

a) kihon (basic techniques);

b) kata (set combinations of techniques);

c) kumite (sparring).

2. To facilitate training, club members should obtain a karate gi (karate suit) within a reasonable time of joining the SNSKC.

3. The following equipment should be obtained and worn at all times when training:

a) groin guard (men and boys);

b) chest protector (women and girls).

4. The following equipment should be obtained and worn during kumite (free sparring) practise:

a) gum shield;

b) white mits (KUGB approved);

5. Club members should ensure that their karate gi is clean and that their fingernails and toenails are kept short.

6. Club members should attend training sessions on time. In the event of being late club members should kneel at the edge of the dojo to await an invitation from the instructor to join the class.

7. Club members who arrive at the dojo early may change into their karate gi and wait at the edge of the dojo for the arrival of the instructor. Club members should not commence training or engage in any other vigorous exercise, warm up or activity in the absence of the instructor. Once the instructor is present in the dojo, club members may begin to warm up and/or otherwise appropriately prepare themselves for the start of the session.

8. Club members should sit quietly at the edge of the dojo if the instructor requests that a club member or group of club members need not participate in a particular aspect of a training session.

9.Training fees are payable at the beginning of each training session.

GRADING

1. Club members will be invited to take periodic grading examinations.

2. Gradings are conducted by senior external examiners from the KUGB. There are nine grades below black belt with 9th kyu (orange belt) being the first.

3. Club members must have a minimum of two months’ training experience prior to the first kyu grading (novice – 9th kyu) and have trained on average at least twice per week.

4. Club members must have a minimum of three months’ training experience between each subsequent Kyu grading (9th kyu – 1st kyu) and have trained on average at least twice per week.

5. Club members must have a minimum of six months’ training experience between attaining full 1st kyu status and grading for 1st dan black belt and have trained at least twice per week.

6. Club members who have achieved the minimum training experience will be entitled to undertake the appropriate kyu/ dan grading examination only when invited to do so by the club instructor.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLUB INSTRUCTOR

The instructor at the SNSKC undertakes to:

1. instruct in Shotokan Karate so as to ensure correct development of karate techniques, spirit, etiquette and standards;

2. to provide and maintain a safe training environment within the dojo so as to minimise the risk of injury to club members;

3. train regularly so as to continually improve his personal standard;

4. at all times set a good physical, mental and moral standard to students;

5. ensure that high standards of dojo etiquette are explained and maintained;

6. ensure that the KUGB’s instructor guidelines for teaching children are applied;

7. ensure that relevant coaching qualifications are up to date;

8. ensure compliance with the legislation regarding CRB checks;

8. keep a record of the names and addresses of each club member including emergency contact details;

9. keep a record of attendance to be consulted in order to determine eligibility for grading examinations;

10. keep a record of all grading results;

11. encourage all club members to be as fully involved as possible in SNSKC and KUGB activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLUB MEMBERS

Club members undertake to:

1. abide by the rules of the SNSKC and the KUGB;

2. foster and develop his/her personal interest in Shotokan Karate;

3. endeavour to develop and maintain a high standard of technical ability in Shotokan Karate technique, spirit and etiquette;

4. train regularly and with enthusiasm so as to improve their personal standard;

5. observe high standards of dojo etiquette;

6. ensure that all techniques are controlled when practicing with a training partner or partners;

7. involve themselves as far as possible in courses and activities organised by the SNSKC and/or the KUGB;

8. conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to membership of the SNSKC and in accordance with the rules of the SNSKC and the KUGB;

9. uphold the true spirit of karate by refraining from aggressive and violent behaviour;

10. to use the skills developed through membership of the SNSKC outside the dojo only in lawful self defence, the defence of another or the prevention of crime.