Aloha Shihan Lowe, OSU

      Yachiyo and I attended Shihan Lowe's funeral today. It was very moving ceremony with many well known karatekas in attendance. The Canadian delegation in their bright red blazers, the Hawaii Shihans and Senseis in their dark blue blazers stood out making the ceremony special Kyokushin style.



Many local Karate Senseis were here to say theor farewells. Shihan Correigal from Canada gave a moving tribute to Shihan Lowe and family members gave insight to Shihan Lowe as a loving and caring husband and parent.  Michael, Shihan Lowe's son, placed his father's black belt on his casket.
       The Burial Service was held at Nuuanu Mortuary and Gardens under the bright Hawaiian sun. It was closed with Matsui Kancho leading all in a Chudan Tsuki farewell.
        Shihan Lowe is now with Oyama Sosai and looking over Kyokushinkai's future.

Aloha Shihan Lowe.... OSU!

PC Problems

        SORRY FOLKS, HAVING PROBLEMS UPLOADING MY VIDEOS! PLEASE BE PATIENT WHILE THIS NON-GEEK TRIES TO GET THE PC FIXED. I KEEP GETTING THIS SILVERLIGHT MESSAGE WHICH FREEZES THE COMPUTER. GAAAAH! PROBABLY HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH NETFLIX. 

      MEANWHILE, PLEASE ENJOY THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE. (^^)

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fpmc%2Farticles%2FPMC3158382%2F&h=xAQBJYxT9AQCC-D0sBietHlluWd1rt0C2V4-CdHS2al6iXA

Recommended Reading

      I came across this article in the Karate Thoughts blog by Charles Goodin.  A very good and inspiring article which I recommend to all. Enjoy (^^)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3158382/

Update (^^)

(^^) Aloha everyone! It has been awhile since I last posted. We just had our annual promotion test yesterday. I had the video camera all set up but.........forgot to push the record button. Oh well,
The kids and mommies all did well. We will passing out new belts at the next class.
It seems as though both Yachiyo and I have caught a cold. With my recent pneumonia episode, I really need to make sure it doesn't get worse! Should be back to normal next weekend with the Monthly newsletter and One Point Lessons.

OSU!

Sorry, no One Point Lesson this week.

Had to attend wife's awards ceremony tonight. No time to do a video.
奥方の表彰式のためワンポイントレッスンは出来ませんでした！

This week's One Point Lesson (^^)

     Yachiyo was able to finish work in time to make it to practice!! (^^) Tonight we took the opening movements of Saifa aka Saiha from Goju Kai and Kyokushin and compared them. Naturally depending on the movement the application changes.

First, the opening movements of Saiha by Tamura Sensei and Yachiyo

Goju Kai's basic application of the movement by Tamura Sensei.

Kyokushin applicaiton by Yachiyo

     One of the important things we all learn from doing the applications of the Katas are that depending on the angle, positioning and opponent's attack, the movement may not work as planned. (^^) It is imperative in your training to try out the various angles and attacks and see if the movement is applicable. Just a change in grip can greatly affect the waza/technique.

     Also remember to include non-complaint drills to the movements so that we do not get fooled with our own effectiveness of the waza. Compliant drills have its purpose and is an important step in learning the waza and application of movements and should not be left out of the training program.

Side kick drill

       It is important that this drill is done slowly so that you can work on your balance, muscle control and accuracy of your side kick. The same drill can be done with all othe kicks. Caution: when you do the applicaton of the side kick defense against the gedan mawashi, be rest assured your thighs will be hurting from the impact. Be prepared for the pain. Aginst a high mawashigeria side kick to the stomach is effective.

A good speed reaction drill also. The key is to counter when the attacker raises his knee to chamber.

Have fun training! OSU!

This week's One Point Lessons (^^)

      I fired Yachi as photographer after last week's debacle. (^^) Lesson learned. Don't let someone else do things you can do yourself. Gahahahaha
     The first OPL is directed towards beginners. It is a Ido Drill using Shikodachi and Zenkutsu dachi. The primary focus is in the hip movement. Of course other Kihon movements such as Hikite and proper alignment of the stance is also emphasized. Mahalo to Sensei Tamura and his student Rei for their assistance.

    The second OPL is for advanced Students. Tamura Sensei performs Shisochin. The basic Bunkai from the Kata is the elbow joint break. It is done in the tradaitional (classical) format as well as in Shinzentai format drill.  Included at the end of the video is a basic use of Koken aka Chicken Beak against a thrust and wrist grab.

         Please remember that there are other applications for the waza. The important thing to think about is "why Shikodachi and the dropping of the hips" and also "why go forward" in reacting to an attack. By undestanding the "whys" I believe it makes your Kata better and not as Oyama Sosai used to say "a dance".