Shikukai Chelmsford
Archive Events Page

Report: December 2006 Sugasawa Sensei at Woodham Walter.

At the beginning of December Sugasawa Sensei visited us once again, but this time at our new venue for the larger courses at Woodham Walter, between Danbury and Maldon in Essex.

Following the usual format we held two classes; the first one for grades below 3rd kyu and the second one for those students above 3rd kyu, but as usual the numbers for the first session were boosted by seniors eager to train in both classes and maximize their time with Sensei.

A number of those training were preparing for 3rd kyu grading sometime next year and they benefited greatly from the opportunity to work through the paired kumite for 3rd kyu in some detail. In these techniques the students had to work on their Nage Waza, a chance to polish your breakfall techniques or suffer the bruises.

Refreshments and seasonal mince pies were available between classes, and the pub across the road opened up specially for us for an after training Shandy ( the benefits of local knowledge!)

21/12/06

 

 

 

 

Report: Kata course at Woodham Walter.

Click on image to enlarge.

On Saturday 18th November Shikukai Chelmsford held a workshop specifically for Kata. This was also an excuse to try out the new venue for our larger courses.

Because of demand we have needed to find a more spacious location to cope with growing numbers. The newly built gym at the Woodham Walter Primary School was absolutely perfect for our needs. Situated two miles off the main A414 road leading out of Danbury in the Maldon direction, the school sits in a cosy village location with ever-so-convenient pub across the road.

Click on image to enlarge.

The course attracted students from far and wide. Our numbers were boosted by Mike Hart and his students from Witham, also Gavin and Cheryl Meek from Hampton, Brian Stinton traveled across from Saffron Walden and we were pleased to see Ray Dixon from the Shikukai Hertford Dojo. Mark Searson, chief instructor of the Seishan organisation, a regular at the Chelmsford Dojo, journeyed across from Ongar.

After a short warm-up all students worked under Tim Shaw for Pinan Shodan. Then the class were split to study Kushanku with Tim and Pinan Sandan, which was taught by Steve Thain. This then progressed to the higher grades working their way through Chinto, while Steve's group moved on to Pinan Yodan.

Drawing on and pulling away the leg in Kushanku.
Click on image to enlarge.

While concentrating on correct form students were also encouraged to think about how they make the transitions from position to position, while keeping in mind the meaning of the moves and techniques. The key objectives were to first of all give the students an opportunity to tuck away some meaningful kata practice, but also to experience the Wado Ryu Karate-Do Renmei approach to Wado kata as propagated by masters Hironori Ohtsuka I and II.

After training a group of us adjourned to the pub across the road and then later helped Steve Thain to extricate his car from boggy ground. Next time Steve, park it in the car park! Smart Cars are not suitable for off-roading.

Click on image to enlarge.

Thanks to Sue Dodd and Sue Cumming for organising the venue, and to Gavin Meek for the photos.

18/11/06

 

 

Report: North Yorkshire Visit.

Click on image to enlarge.

On 18th March 2006, members of Shikukai Chelmsford traveled from Essex up to North Yorkshire to the market town of Settle in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park to attend a training course with Sugasawa Sensei. The course had been organised by Mark Harland 4th Dan, chief instructor of the North Yorkshire Wado Kai.

Sugasawa Sensei is no stranger to Settle, having conducted previous courses in this very beautiful part of the country. The course itself was open to all styles and affiliations and attracted students from the locality and also from further a field, including Keith Walker's students from Leeds and students from the Blackpool Budokan.

Sugasawa Sensei ran a four hour class for mixed grade adults. The initial emphasis was on the importance of establishing a secure stance and we were encouraged to focus on correct positioning while running through a range of blocking and striking techniques. Because the stance work was particularly taxing the striking/blocking techniques had to soften off, to take the edge (the corners) off the techniques. This meant that the techniques could not draw energy from the shoulders and became more relaxed and natural, with the energy coming instead from the body.

Sensei also taught the subtleties of Sokugeri, emphasizing the body movements, the striking angle and the correct action in delivering this most painful of kicks.

The class finished with Henka Waza deriving from Kumite Gata techniques. This gave us a chance to work on the Jujutsu techniques inherent to the Wado syllabus.

As is the established tradition in the North Yorkshire Wado Kai, students then adjourned to indulge in the hospitality of the Golden Lion Public House and mull over the techniques of the day and replace lost fluid.

Also part of the tradition, most of the group joined together to continue the evening at the rather excellent “Ravenous” restaurant on Settle's market square.

The long drive to Settle is always worth the effort, not just because of the training, but also because of the friendliness and openness of the Yorkshire students. Many thanks to Mark Harland and the regulars from his Dojo for going out of their way and making us feel so welcome.

24/3/06

Report: Saffron Walden Course.

Click on image to enlarge.

Saturday July 2nd saw a joint training course under Tim Shaw between members of Shikukai Chelmsford and Burwell Wado based in Cambridgeshire. The course was arranged by Brian Stinton who trains at both Burwell and Chelmsford and thought it beneficial to both groups to get together and train alongside each other and explore the common ground in Wado karate.

The studio at the Lord Butler Leisure centre was an excellent space for training, giving ample room for the three hour class.

The afternoon was divided into two classes open to all grades. The first class gave a background and historical perspective to Wado karate and the influences that shaped the Wado school as defined by its creator, Hironori Ohtsuka I. Some of these influences were later referred to in the second session, when the more easily recognised Japanese Budo and Jujutsu elements were introduced and practiced.

The first class looked at the foundation (Kihon) techniques, explaining principles of movement and the generation of power by using the natural energy of the body. This was developed into practicing the kata Pinan Nidan. The practice then went through to look at the development from Junzuki no Tsukomi into Tobikomizuki from Shizentai and ultimately in to Nagashizuki.

Kihon Gumite Gohonme. Click on image to enlarge.

The second class concentrated on Wado pairs work, with lower kyu grades working on Ippon Gumite while the senior wrestled with Kumite Gata and eventually on to Idori, taking it to the ground involving chokes and locks.

A big thank you to Sensei Jason Andrews and his students from Burwell. To Mark and Ollie for trekking across from Ongar, and particularly to Brian Stinton for coordinating and organising the course.

2/7/05

Report:
June course with Sugasawa Sensei.

Sugasawa Sensei conducted a training course and kyu grading at our Springhealth Dojo in Chelmsford on Saturday 18th June.

Sugasawa Sensei teaching the finer points of Kihon Gumite Ipponme.

Despite the hot and sticky weather the classes were well attended. Sensei started with a class exclusively for junior grades, in which the emphasis was on the use of energy and connecting techniques to the body.

Group practice of Kihon Gumite.

In the senior class movements were slowed down to enable the focus to be on all stages of the techniques, not just what happens at the end. We also practiced Bassai kata and Kihon Gumite Ipponme.

Students travelled from, Ongar, Hertford, Bournemouth, Colchester, Saffron Walden, Hampton and even Manchester!

Grading success for:
8th Kyu, Ray Pallett.
5th Kyu, David Smith.
1st Kyu, Graeme Savill.

18/6/05

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report:
Idori Workshop.



Lock against the elbow & the beginning of kotegaeshi.

We have been developing a programme of additional courses to support the regular classes and give our members the opportunity to focus on specific aspects of the Wado Ryu syllabus in more depth. This programme continued with our latest initiative; the Idori workshop.

Idori is an aspect of the Wado Ryu syllabus which has it's roots in one of the key ingredients which makes Wado (as a Japanese Budo system) unique, namely the founders origins in Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu. (see article "Wado Ryu Karate and Jujutsu")

Idori is basically defence from the traditional kneeling position (seiza). These techniques contain a high percentage of pure jujutsu applications, encompassing locks, throws, strangles, as well as defences against various grabs, kicks and strikes, as well as weapon defence.

The class gave everyone a chance to really get to grips with the techniques covered. Throughout the two hour session seven Idori were practiced, as well as other variations being shown.

14/5/05

 

 

Chelmsford Shikukai take Japan!

UK Shikukai members at Ohtsuka Sensei's Dojo Tokyo 2004
(Click on image for enlargement)

During the hottest summer in Japan since records began 110 years ago, intrepid adventurers form Shikukai Chelmsford fulfilled long-held ambitions to spend time exploring the cultural delights of Japan both ancient and modern.... oh, and also take in a little training.

Club instructor Tim Shaw, Colin Cottage, Dave Marks, Gloria Marks and George Krethlow-Shaw traveled over to Tokyo via British Airways and met up with thirty three Shikukai members arriving on other flights.

We enjoyed training with students from Meiji University, although the heat took some getting used to, but the friendliness and hospitality of the Meiji students was second to none!

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Honbu (Headquarters) Dojo of the Wado Ryu Grandmaster, Hironori Ohtsuka II. Ohtsuka Sensei made us very welcome and worked extensively with us on kata, illuminating many points and revealing to us some of the deeper philosophical aspects of Wado as well as his hopes for the future. Kazutaka Ohtsuka, son of the grandmaster, was also on hand, and as always was very open and friendly.

Training was interspersed with trips to visit the delights of Kyoto (where some of us had the opportunity to visit the Kyoto Butokuden), Nara, Takayama and Koyasan. We also visited Hiroshima where we were to train at the Dojo of Harada Sensei, Senior Instructor to our own Sugasawa Sensei. Harada Sensei had Sugasawa Sensei take the class and we were all treated to an exhaustive lesson emphasizing pure Wado principles. The Hiroshima students made us all feel very welcome and new bonds were struck.

The culmination of the two weeks stay was the International Wado Ryu Championships at the Tokyo Budokan.

All of us were struck by the friendliness of the Japanese people whose hospitality is second to none. Further trips to Japan seem assured. We would all like to extend our particular thanks to Sugasawa Sensei who smoothed the way for many of our adventures and proved to be so helpful in providing us with access to areas that would normally be difficult to enter.

1/9/04

 

 

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Successful Kumite Course.

Kyu and Dan grade students getting involved in the complexities of Wado Ryu Kumite (click on image to enlarge).

Following the success of the recent Tanto Dori (Knife Defence) course at the Chelmsford Springhealth Dojo, we decided to run a course dedicated to the pairs work (kumite) of Wado Ryu Karate-Do.

The course was designed to benefit both Kyu and Dan grades, looking at a broad range of syllabus techniques. Dan grades worked exclusively on Kihon Gumite while Kyu grades worked on Ippon Gumite, Nihon Gumite, Ohyo Gumite and Kumite Gata, according to their abilities.

Club instructor Tim Shaw focussed on some of the more contentious and difficult techniques for the seniors, making sure that the Wado principles remained intact and constant throughout the training. The course was really well supported with students coming from far a field, with new connections and friendships being forged.

It is hoped that further courses will be slotted into our calendar throughout the year, so keep an eye on our "future events" panel.

5/2/05

 

Success at Wado Academy National Championships.

Shikukai Chelmsford winners of the girls 12, 13, 14 yr old kumite. L to R; Sarah Weaver 1st place, Sinead Murphy 2nd place and Ellie Gallagher 3rd place.

Shikukai Chelmsford members competed at the Wado Academy National Championships, this year held at the Riversmead Sports Centre Reading. Our best results came when three of our girls secured 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the girls kumite aged 12,13,14 (pictured above).

Club regular David Smith also managed to take second place in the junior men's kata event. For all of our winning competitors this was their first experience of competing outside of the Dojo. I hope that this is the beginning of further success in this field. Well done to all!

2/10/04

2005 Wado Academy National Championships.

Chelmsford regulars gained some useful experience in this years Wado Academy National Championships in Reading, Berks. Although earlier than usual to accommodate the impending International Championships at the same venue, we were still able to enter a healthy and enthusiastic squad across a range of events.

7th kyu students Carl Edwards and Sam Reader in their first outing did well against much more experienced competitors and were unlucky to be outside of the medals. More fortunate Sarah Weaver winner of last years girls kumite managed to sweep to first place again.

Steve Thain battled his way into the final eight of the mens senior kata event and was beaten by the seasoned performers in this area.

All of those who competed were keen to build upon their experiences, and are looking forward to the next event.

See photos on our Gallery page.

1/5/05

July 2004 Course with Sugasawa Sensei.

Sugasawa Sensei conducted an afternoon of quality training for regular members of Shikukai Chelmsford, as well as our regular guests and visitors.

Sensei took two classes in the afternoon. The first for grades under 3rd Kyu. In this class the emphasis was on kata and the involvement of the body.

The second class of the afternoon was for the seniors and also followed a theme. This time we were invited to test our centre during our performance of kata, particularly Naihanchi and Jion. Also to understand the importance of slow movement and fast movement, action and preparation. There was certainly much to think about and I'm sure that we will all be trying to incorporate these very important principles into our training.

Numbers were boosted in the senior class by regulars from Mark Searson's group, as well as support from the Hertford Dojo and Gordon Fong traveling all the way up from Bournemouth.

Between the two classes the following students were successful in grading:

8th Kyu, Sarah Weaver. 7th Kyu, Eleanor Gallagher, Sinead Murphy, Alexandra Rainsford. 6th Kyu, David Smith. 4th Kyu, Joanna Reyes.

18/7/04

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Dan Grading Success.

Long time regular student at Shikukai Chelmsford Steve Thain succeeded in attaining first Dan at the Wado Ryu Karate-Do Academy Winter Course in February.

This year the course was over five days and was presided over by Wado Ryu Grandmaster, Hironori Ohtsuka II, son and successor to the founder of Wado Ryu.

After five days of the most enlightening and informative instruction, in which Ohtsuka Sensei revealed aspects of the art that exist beyond the bounds of the official core syllabus, Steve submitted himself for examination under an imposing and exacting examination panel.
The panel consisted of ; Ohtsuka Sensei, Shiomitsu Sensei, Iwasaki Sensei and G. Grimes Sensei.

Steve began training in Wado Ryu karate under Tim Shaw in 1987, with a short period out for college. He runs his own business and lives near Witham, Essex.

7/3/04

Excellent Result at Local Competiton.

Chelmsford Shikukai regular and old-hand Steve Thain, pulled a first class result at a local Open kata competition.

Steve had only just returned from the Wado Academy Nationals at Chippenham, where he managed to be placed inside the top fifteen competitors. This vote of confidence from a very prestigious panel of judges certainly must have spurred him on to new heights.

Steve competed in the Mid Essex Martial Arts Association Open kata competition hosted by Sensei Mike Hart at his base at Bramston Sports Centre Witham.

With an excellent performance of Naihanchi and then Pinan Godan, Steve took first place in the senior brown belt competition.
6/10/03

 

December 2003 Chelmsford course with Sugasawa Sensei.

Sugasawa Sensei visited our Springhealth Dojo on Saturday 6th December to conduct two classes and a kyu grading. Both classes were well attended and the students were treated to detailed instruction in the finer points of kihon, kata and kumite.

The junior grades class consisted of instruction in fundamental techniques and kata from Kihon Gata through to Pinan Yodan, as well as a review of Ippon and Nihon Gumite.

The second class for students of 3rd kyu and above was exceptionally well attended, with numbers swollen by the welcome inclusion of Mike Hart Sensei and some of his senior students from the Mid Essex Martial Arts Association, as well as students from Mark Searson's Seishan organization and visitors from Hertford and Bournemouth.

After a vigorous run through kihon, Sensei focussed our attention on Kumite Gata, both Soto and Uchi Uke, before moving on to Kihon Gumite Nihonme.

Grading results: 9th Kyu, Sarah Weaver, Leanne Batson. 8th Kyu, Sinead Murphy, Eleanor Gallagher, Alexandra Rainsford. 7th Kyu, Leanne Trevallion. 6th Kyu, Francesca Paterson. 5th Kyu, Joanna Reyes.

6/12/03

 

February Training and Grading with Sugasawa Sensei at Chelmsford.

Our regular visit from Sugasawa Sensei was very well attended in both the junior and senior grade classes. Boosted in numbers by students from Hertford and Bournemouth, as well as senior members of Mark Searson's Dojos.

With the junior grades Sensei was able to pay particular attention to their understanding of kata, as well as the correct form in Kihon. In the senior class after strenuous work on basics, and particular kicks, Sensei instructed the class in combination work, which all of us found enlightening and beneficial.

Between the two classes Sensei conducted a grading examination for kyu grades.
Successful candidates were:
9th Kyu, Alexandra Rainsford .
8th Kyu, Leanne Trevallion.
7th Kyu, Josie Hardy, Sophia Gorton, Francesca Paterson.
6th Kyu, Joanna Reyes.
8/2/03

Sugasawa Sensei at Chelmsford.

Once again Sugasawa Sensei visited the Chelmsford Dojo at Springhealth Leisure, Chelmsford.

Sensei conducted two classes (below 3rd. Kyu and above 3rd Kyu). In the junior class Sensei grilled the students on their basics and then spent some time working on the finer points of Ippon Gumite, Nihon Gumite and Kumite Gata. While in the senior class we were treated to an in-depth examination of the kata Jion.

Sugasawa Sensei also conducted a grading examination. Successful candidates were:
8th Kyu: Lee Carter, Greg Walker, Carl Edwards, Victory Manuel, Paul Ross.
7th Kyu: Joanna Reyes.
3rd Kyu: Elinor Fraser.

Recent Dan grade promotion for club regular.

Max Woodard gained promotion to Shodan in front of a daunting panel of examiners headed by Wado Ryu Grandmaster Hironori Ohtsuka II on the Wado Ryu Karate-Do Academy Winter Course in Guildford in February.

23 year old Max has been training since 1991, (excluding a short break for college). He began his training under Tim Shaw as a pupil at Elmbridge Boarding School, Fyfield, Essex.

 

North Yorkshire Course.

Members of Shikukai Chelmsford were yet again in the position to support a course in Settle, North Yorkshire conducted by Sugasawa Sensei.

This is now Sensei's third visit to the Dojo of Settle Wado Kai's instructor Mark Harland 3rd Dan. The course was also attended by students from Manchester and Blackpool.

As usual Sugasawa Sensei was rigorous in his technical demands, conducting pretty much a Masterclass in Nagashizuki. He was also able to explain various technical terms throughout the course, which had previously baffled members of the host Dojo, as well as putting the students through their paces in the kata Bassai.

In the evening Sensei was treated to famous Yorkshire hospitality as those of us who were staying over got together at "Ravenous", a well known restaurant with a developing reputation, owned and run by chef Richard Wallbank, who is also one of the Dan grades at the host Dojo.

Summer Course 2002.

Report by Tim Shaw

The Wado Ryu Karate Do Academy 2002 Summer Course was again located in the North Devon area, this time training took place at Edgehill College, Bideford.

Course Instructors were Shiomitsu Sensei 8th Dan, Iwasakai Sensei 7th Dan, Sugasawa Sensei 7th Dan and G. Grimes Sensei 7th Dan.

The training facilities at the college were excellent. Not only was there ample space for the large number of students training on the course but accommodation was also available on the college campus. There was additional space for overspill and this was made good use of by Shiomitsu Sensei who was able to extract the senior Dan grades and supervise training in the Idori (kneeling defence) techniques of Wado Ryu on a fully matted area.

As is always the case on a six-day course, the opportunity to really knuckle down and practice hard under the watchful direction of such senior grades tends to be a great boost to the confidence and technical understanding of the students who attend the full course. With that amount of time the Senseis are able to build your techniques from the ground up and sort out many problems in executing and understanding Wado Ryu techniques.

In all seven members of the Shikukai Chelmsford Dojo attended the course. It is hoped that next year more students will avail themselves of this greatly beneficial opportunity.