Shikukai Chelmsford
Events Page.

Report: Chelmsford successes at Shikukai Nationals.
The Shikukai Karate-Do International annual championships is a very important event on our calendar. Shikukai Chelmsford have always done well, this year was to be no exception. Although our plans were hindered by injury we were still able to muster a squad to be proud of. Mark Spice was our only male entry and as a first time competitor found himself entered into one of the most demanding pools gaining a third place in the men's junior grade kumite. The ladies junior grade kumite was an all Chelmsford affair with some creditable clashes, but newcomer Carys Morgan took the eventual title, and using accuracy and good timing was able to see off her more experienced opponents. Another surprise in the mixed junior grade kata event as Stacy Revill beat her mother Sandra down to third place (Sandra has been the winner of this event for the last couple of years, but I'm sure she'll be back with a flourish next year). The ladies senior kumite event was again dominated by the very experienced Andrea Bond from Swindon, but we were able to secure second place through Sue Dodd and third with Laura Underwood. Well done to all. Chelmsford competitors and their placing:
Category 1st 2nd 3rd Mixed Junior Kata Stacy Revill a Sandra Revill Men's Junior Kumite a aa Mark Spice Junior Ladies Kumite Carys Morgan Sandra Revill Teresa Allen Senior Ladies Kumite a Sue Dodd Laura Underwood 18/7/10
Report: Sugasawa Sensei's visit to Shikukai Chelmsford.
Once again Shikukai Chelmsford hosted Shikukai Karate-Do International chief instructor F. Sugasawa Sensei 7th Dan. The classes followed the established format, i.e. a class for grades below 3rd kyu and then a longer session for the seniors. Sensei was, as ever, keen to ensure that the students were following the vital principles which are the key to creating a 'joined-up' approach to Wado as a pragmatic and functioning realistic system. The technical demands can be quite challenging, no matter how many years you have been training, but Sensei's explanations and open approach to questioning helps each student to find their way into these more demanding aspects of the Wado system. Grading successes: Teresa Allen & Mike Holman (Chelmsford) 6th kyu; Roberto Cuiffa (Hertford) 5th kyu. Well done to all. 8/05/10
Report: Colchester weekend course with Sugasawa Sensei.
At the end of January Shikukai Chelmsford hosted a weekend course with Sugasawa Sensei 7th Dan Renshi in Colchester Essex. There were a number of reasons why we decided to depart from our usual format of an afternoon seminar at Woodham Walter. Firstly, because we wanted to create an opportunity for our students to gain exposure to Sensei's teachings over a longer period of time. Secondly, we are always keen to encourage serious students of Wado karate, from both inside and outside of the Shikukai organisation, to benefit from Sugasawa Sensei's considerable expertise and knowledge and visit us in the spirit of openness and sharing. This was also a bridge-building exercise to create an event open to Wado stylists from various affiliations to come together and train shoulder to shoulder. In addition to this, Colchester is considered to be Essex's jewel in the crown and a perfect location for a large course. We felt that we'd gone out on a limb organising such a large event and were initially anxious about the response. But our worries were unfounded as the weekend turned out to be a huge success! Both Saturday and Sunday classes was packed to the gunwales! We are incredibly grateful to the people who travelled from both near and far, without whom we couldn't have done this. Particular thanks must go out to our friends from Holland, from Southwest England, fellow students from Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Hampshire. The training itself built up nicely over the two days. In the Saturday class Sensei laid the foundations of principles of movement and deployment of energy, and on Sunday we refreshed these aspects and then built upon how this could be applied. So it was very much about understanding ‘Principle' at an intellectual level and then applying it to the physical plane. This was very much a masterclass in what it is that makes Wado such a unique, pragmatic system. Even several days afterwards students of all levels were still discussing some of the ideas presented. A big thank you to event organiser Laura Underwood for allowing everything to run so seamlessly. 8/02/10
Report: Wado & Wing Chun joint training II.
Back by popular demand; another joint Wing Chun Kung Fu and Wado Karate-Do course at Woodham Walter near Chelmsford , Essex. It has been almost a year since we last held this mini martial arts extravaganza. This time even busier than last year – the word must have got out. The Wing Chun section was taught by Sifu Nigel Clarke of the Maldon and Danbury Wing Chun group in Essex, and the Wado Karate section taught by Shikukai Chelmsford instructor Tim Shaw 6th Dan. Nigel brought along a group of keen and able students from his club, and the Wado section travelled from much further afield.	Group photo, click on image to enlarge.
	The three hour training session was split into four equal sections, each part directed towards a particular theme and spread between the two disciplines. Nigel was keen to bring in aspects of trapping and pinning, a speciality of Wing Chun. All participants were encouraged to change partners regularly; this helped to allow everyone to get to know each other and created a friendly and positive atmosphere. Both of Nigel's sections were warmly received and students from both camps appreciated his infectious enthusiasm for his art. Tim Shaw concentrated in his first section on evasions, parries and deflections, followed by some devious partnered line work. In the second section he gave the students the opportunity to appreciate some of the locking and throwing techniques from the Wado curriculum. Overall, the geniality and the open-mindedness of the participants helped to create a positively charged learning atmosphere and the time just flew by. It is hoped to build on the success and hold another course in the near future. 18/12/09

Report: Sugasawa Sensei's visit to Shikukai Chelmsford.
As part of our regular calendar of events we were again honoured by a visit from Shikukai chief instructor, F. Sugasawa Sensei 7th Dan. This particular event seems to go from strength to strength as our humble regular course venue at the school in rural Woodham Walter is now beginning to look a little too small for us. We are seeing regular support now from East London, Clacton, Hertford, Ongar, Cambridgeshire and, this time round, Martijn Schelen a Shikukai instructor from Holland made the trip across, also taking advantage of training with us at our regular Thursday night venue. As usual Sensei taught two classes throughout the afternoon and following with tradition Sensei built up his themes with sound logical explanations, giving us a rigorous drilling in Wado methodology and principles. Thank you to Sensei for his continued support of Shikukai Chelmsford. Congratulations to the following Kyu grade candidates: Mark Spice, 9th Kyu, Teresa Allen and Mike Holman 7th Kyu, Roberto Cuiffa and Ben Willbond (both of Hertford) 6th Kyu, Sandra Revill and Fran Henry 5th Kyu. 27/10/09

Report: North Yorkshire Reunion.
by Tim Shaw.

Report: Shikukai Championships 2009, Haydon Centre, Swindon.

Regulars at Shikukai Chelmsford have been energetically building up towards this Championship for the last two months. We were able to develop an enthusiastic squad of ten adults all determined to top the successes of last year. We were clear in our objectives which rested upon an even emphasis on kata and kumite, with the students keen to be recognised as solid all-rounders. This is certainly how it worked out on the day.

It has to be said that for a number of the squad this was their very first taste of competition karate. But, despite trepidation, they were buoyed along by the positive experiences of last years competitors, who were able to reassure them of the high level of command from the referees and organisers that meant that although the competition was spirited, the standard of conduct and good sportsmanship remained exemplorary.

On the day we experienced our first success in the senior grade kata event, where Steve Thain, 2nd Dan, managed to secure first place with an excellent performance of Naihanchi kata in the final. Our successes continued in the junior grade kata event where Sandra Revill yet again took first place, with a creditable 3rd place position for Stacy Revill.

The ladies junior grade kumite was an all-Chelmsford affair; Sandra Revill in first place; Teresa Allen as runner-up and Stacy Revill in third position.

The senior ladies kumite was a tough event with a battle between Andrea Bond from Swindon and Chelmsford ladies; Sue Dodd, Jo Clarke and Laura Underwood. It was Andrea's years of experience that won through in the end with Jo Clarke as runner-up and Sue Dodd in 3rd place.

Chris Mortimer was entered in the senior mens kumite against mostly a grizzled field of highly experienced seniors, who between them must have amassed over 160 years of competition experience!

Never mind Chris there's always next year.

The mens junior grade event was always going to be a tough category. Chelmsford's Matt Ellis, Mike Holman and Carl Edwards had their work cut out and after a series of bruising encounters should feel proud that they showed tremendous spirit but were unlucky in not getting into the medals.

A special mention to Steve Thain who not only had to battle with his own debilitating ankle injury, but also gave much of his own precious preparation time in order to coach junior and senior grade students for the kata event. Thank you Steve.

Overall a great day for all involved and a huge feather in the cap for the Chelmsford Dojo.

11/7/09

Report: Sugasawa Sensei at Chelmsford (Woodham Walter) June 2009.

Yet another well-supported and busy day with students traveling from far afield to take the opportunity to train with Sugasawa Sensei 7th Dan, Chief Instructor of Shikukai Karate-Do International.

On a hot and humid afternoon and following the usual pattern of running two classes Sensei treated us to intensive and focussed classes. As is usual with Sugasawa Sensei, his themes unfolded steadily and logically, with Sensei ensuring that everyone was receiving the message. Body shifting and the use of energy were his main areas of attention, the drills and paired techniques enabled us to explore the possibilities in a practical and hands-on way and everyone came away with plenty to cogitate and ruminate upon. The senior class was particularly demanding, in that we had to really draw upon our reserves to remain true to the message.

A big thank you to Sue Dodd for organising the venue and the much appreciated refreshments.

Grading results: 7th kyu; Stacy Revill, Roberto Ciuffa (Shikukai Hertford).

11/7/09

Report: Sugasawa Sensei at Chelmsford (Woodham Walter) February 2009.

Once again Shikukai Chelmsford hosted our regular course with Sugasawa Sensei 7th Dan. Following our usual format we started with a one and a half hour class for grades below 3rd kyu, but as usual some of the senior grades took the opportunity to spend further time with Sensei working through their fundamentals and benefiting from Sensei's extensive knowledge. The seniors were also able to assist the juniors with their kumite practice, and specifically help those preparing for gradings.

Both the junior and the senior classes were very well attended with students traveling significant distances to attend this event, including Jan Houblon who drove all the way from Leuven in Belgium!

The content of both classes concentrated on elements of the Shikukai syllabus and in particular the kumite drills, of Sugasawa Sensei's own unique Sanbon Gumite as well as sections from the Kumite Gata agenda. After the training and grading were completed we all adjourned across the road to the Queen Victoria for a well-earned drink.

Grading results: 8th kyu; Simon Heal, Mike Holman, Teresa Allen, Roberto Ciuffa (Shikukai Hertford).
6th kyu; Fran Henry and Sandra Revill.

1/3/09

Joint Wado Karate and Wing Chun Kung Fu workshop.

On December 20th 2008 the long-planned, long-awaited joint training course between members of Shikukai Chelmsford and the UK Wing Chun Association members took place at our regular venue at Woodham Walter near Danbury.

Despite being so close to Xmas and with so much seasonal illness around there was still an excellent attendance. The afternoon was split into two workshops; for the first ninety minutes Sifu Nigel Clarke took both groups of students through the rationale and movements of Wing Chun Kung Fu, moving on to cover and counter strategies. It was great for the Wado students to mix in with the Wing Chun guys and get a direct feeling of how the Wing Chun method works.

Nigel Clarke shows Sue Dodd how it's done.

Using the opponent's own energy and drawing him on to the technique.

With only a very short break it was then the turn of Shikukai Chelmsford instructor Tim Shaw to direct the students' attention to the techniques of Wado karate. This started with Wado staple technique, Nagashizuki and the thinking behind this particular strike; then on to strategies focussing on Irimi (entering). This was followed by throwing and locking techniques from the Jujutsu end of the Wado spectrum. The original brief was to allow the two groups to gain insights into the methods and core of another system outside of their own. The idea being in part to allow the students to refresh their perspectives on their own systems by having to step outside of their comfort zones and examine someone else's way of dealing with the same kind of problems. The net result was that it certainly gave everyone considerable food for thought, and the experience is sure to reinvigorate the practice of their home systems. Overall, a great success! More photos from this event on our gallery page.

21/12/08

Dan grading success for Shikukai Chelmsford.

It was encouraging to see so many students from Shikukai Chelmsford prepared to travel down to the South West to attend the 2008 Shikukai Autumn course. The course was located at the Olympiad Sports Centre Chippenham Wilts and presided over by Shikukai Chief Instructor F. Sugasawa Sensei. The two day course was very well attended by students from all the Shikukai UK clubs and it was good to see so many familiar faces as well as meeting new people. Central to the course was the preparation of candidates for the Dan grading examination on the Sunday. With 15 students from the various clubs preparing to take Dan grades the atmosphere was highly charged. In addition to this Sensei also had to grade 30 children on the Friday evening and a collection of kyu grades after the Saturday training. Our own Jo Clark was successful in grading for her 3rd kyu (ably assisted by Laura Underwood). In the Dan grading Shikukai Chelmsford regulars Graeme Savill and Steve Thain did justice to their concerted efforts and accrued training, with Graeme gaining 1st Dan and Steve gaining 2nd Dan. Well done guys! 27/11/08

Graeme Savill 1st Dan (L) Steve Thain 2nd Dan (R).

Report: Another successful course with Sugasawa Sensei.

Senior class group photo.

This busy and well-attended course is testament to Sugasawa Sensei's growing popularity and the continued expansion of Shikukai Karate-Do International.

The Chelmsford Dojo again played host to an afternoon of high quality instruction in Wado karate at its very best. Sensei ran two separate classes throughout the afternoon, the intention was to have the early class for the lower kyu grades and the later class for seniors, but many of the seniors opted to take part in both classes to maximize their time with Sensei.

It was nice to see Eric, John and Peter from the ELWK (Eric, being an old hand used to train under Sugasawa Sensei 25 years ago!) and Alistair from Clacton. We were also joined by the regulars from Mark Searson's Seishan group and Rob Selby has to take special mention for his epic journey from south Devon especially for the course.

Sugasawa Sensei worked hard to try to ensure that we understood the principles behind the moves we were making and not to make assumptions about positioning and form. We did a lot repetitions involving the generating of energy through body rotation, this was later incorporated into kata. As usual there was so much to take on board and physical and mental challenges to get to grips with. We are looking forward eagerly to Sensei's next visit in the new year (please keep checking our calendar for updates).

Congratulations to Fran Henry who successfully graded for 7th Kyu, well done.

6/10/08

Shikukai Chelmsford at the Shikukai Championships Swindon. Sunday July 6th 2008.
A report by John Ebel.

Sandra Revill (L) winner Junior Kata & Fran Henry 3rd Junior Kata & First Ladies Kumite.	John Ebel scores with gyakuzuki.

After 14 years since I last trained, Sensei (Tim Shaw) asked would I be interested in competing in the first Shikukai National Championships. Without any hesitation my reply was, “yes”! Then it occurred to me… I had only been back training for a month; this meant that I only had two months to get into some sort of shape for the event.

The reality struck home at this point - what was needed was some serious training. I was not to be disappointed; as well as basic training, pairs work and Kata Sensei had a well structured plan that would get the squad fit and prepared for the championships. With Sensei drawing on his knowledge and experiences of competition kumite we started back to basics.

We trained using lots of combinations involving Gyakuzuki, Maegeri and Mawashigeri. This involved moving the body up and down, changing stance, dummy moves and more importantly movement of your body sideways. Sensei also focussed on point scoring techniques which are vital for competition as apposed to normal Dojo sparring. During training Sensei kept sparring light and active but making sure that it did not lack movement and technique. He encouraged lots of continuity so if your opponent scored you did not stop you just kept going. This I found really helpful as you knew no one was going to get hurt. You were developing your fitness levels, your reaction times and more importantly, mentally prepared for employing your techniques. This also helped with the coordination of a very important aspect of Kumite; distancing and timing. Sensei and Steve Thain (1st Dan) also put a lot of hard work preparing students who were entering in for the Kata event. This was achieved by a good breakdown of the Katas, which in turn gave better understanding of its movement and purpose. It also helped that some of the Kata entrants had just recently graded, so they were well prepared for performing under pressure.

So before I knew it I was driving down to Swindon for my first competition in years. In my mindset I like to think I had realistic expectations. I was going to support and represent my Dojo. If I was knocked out in the first round it didn't matter, it would be good experience for me especially as I had just started training again.

We arrived at The Haydon Centre early as Sensei was judging; my first impressions of the centre were good. It was clean, well lit, good changing facilities, in all a very good start to the day.

At the beginning of the event Sugasawa Sensei called every one who was competing onto the mats. He gave everyone a warm welcome and thanked us all for attending. Sensei also emphasized that Shikukai is not sport karate and that this competition is merely a component of what we do. So that if these competitions are to be of any benefit to us in the long run, we must train hard in all areas. This included Kihon (basics), Yakusoku-kumite (pair work).

Before I competed I was aware that I was pretty much a spectator, so I found it really helpful that an order of events was provided giving clear and comprehensive lists of who was fighting who and what the categories were.

The day started with the Club Instructor Kata event (a demonstration event). Representing the Chelmsford Dojo was Sensei Tim Shaw. This was followed by the Senior Kata event, Steve Thain was representing Chelmsford . It was then over to the under 18 element of the championships. All different levels of Kata and Kumite followed, including beat the dummy (in which the youngest entrants were allowed to show their skills against a stationary target). It was interesting to watch this part, some of it quite humorous some of it quite spectacular. It is safe to say that if some of these youngsters stick with their training there are some future stars out there.

As events passed on it came to the over-18 elements of the championships. All of our entrants from Chelmsford were taking part in the over-18 categories. Throughout the day I found that the whole event to be well-organised and smoothly run. The Judging I thought was very professional and to a high standard. All the competitors were competing to their best, no malice, no foul play; it was an excellent reflection on Shikukai as a professional body.

With all the hard work put in by all at Chelmsford Shikukai the results we achieved are:-

These results show what we as a club can achieve, quality is never an accident only the result of intelligent effort. Under the instruction of Tim Shaw Sensei and Steve Thain it has shown that we as a club can achieve great things. Everyone that attended from Chelmsford put a great deal of effort into their categories and should be congratulated for their achievements. Well done to all!

17/7/08

Report: A satisfying afternoon of Kumite.
Special Kumite Course with Tim Shaw 6th Dan, report by Steve Thain.

A fairly last minute change of plans for Saturdays' training and grading left Sensei with a long afternoon to fill. So it was decided that our pairs work was in need of some attention.

Training started promptly with a brisk warm up as it was clear there was a comprehensive agenda ahead. In the vain hope that he may not have to keep repeating the same thing over and over again Sensei begun by reminding us of the essential principles we should maintain during our pairs work practice; excellent form, clear and concise well timed and correctly distanced attacks along with a constant vigilance against the errors of Mudana Ugoki, Mudana Chikara, Mudana Waza. This then led onto a comprehensive session covering the relevant pairsworks from our syllabus finishing promptly at 2.00 pm .

A few minutes break and then three slightly nervous students successfully completed their Grading to obtain a very well deserved upgrade. Sincere congratulations to Frances Henry and Stacey Revill for achieving their 7th Kyu and to Sandra Revill (who had to stand alone in front of the surly looking examiner) for achieving her 6th Kyu.

At 3.00pm we gathered in an adjacent room equipped with a projector and screen so that Sensei could further try to explain the origin, history, development and thinking behind our paired practice. Drawing from his enviable sources Sensei explained (briefly) the origins of Wado, its connection to various systems and why formalized paired practices have been a method used for years to transfer knowledge and the principles of a martial system. He explained how the various Wado based organizations placed emphasis on different aspects of these paired practices, yet how they clearly all had been drawn from the same source. A lot of rare photos and stories about the most influential members of Wado's history illustrated this superb insight into such a complex subject. Of course time was short and questions had to wait until later.		Lecture and Powerpoint presentation by Tim Shaw on the history and rationale behind Wado Kumite.

Joined now by even more senior students, at 3.35pm (a late start) we got back into the Dojo to begin the next session. An even swifter warm up and then straight into Kihon Gumite number two, four and five followed by six of the Kumite Gata; Uchi and Soto, Go no Sen, Jodan Chudan, Gedan. But, please don't ask me to repeat them. A useful consequence of the good turn out meant we were able to change partners constantly allowing us to avoid the bad practise that comes from knowing your attacker far too well resulting in a failure to read the actual attack and react appropriately. Each individual application of technique, the angle and pressures it had to be applied with now had to be subtlety adjusted to achieve the desired effect.

By the end of a very satisfying session we had all completed plenty of quality repetitions with varying success, the physicality could be felt on the tops of the thighs but as always it was the brain that hurt the most. There is just so much to think about, so much to absorb into both your mind and your muscles that the lure of ‘quick' liquid refreshment at the local pub was a welcome temptation. So much so that next time we must remember to give Sue a hand tidying up properly. Sorry Sue, it will not happen again.

Chris Mortimer almost at full stretch on Kihon Gumite Nihonme.

Thanks again to Sue for organizing the use of the Hall (not forgetting the excellent tea and biscuits) and thank you also to Doug Falconer and his students, who along with his Southend-On-Sea Dojo has now decided to join our growing Shikukai organisation. Finally, thank you of course to everyone else for turning up, your support is always appreciated and needed so that we can continue to justify such sessions. We always look forward to our regular visit from Sugasawa Sensei, but it is quite clear that we have many years to go before we can absorb all the information and knowledge that our own Sensei has to offer. Thanks Tim (Sensei).

More photos (to come) on our Gallery page.

21/6/08

Shikukai Chelmsford Instructor Tim Shaw teaching in Leuven, Belgium October 2007.

A report written and translated by Jan Houblon, instructor Shikukai Belgium.


Jan Houblon and Tim Shaw and a group of the Belgian instructors and students.

The main idea behind our intermediate Wado seminars, is to motivate the truly dedicated practitioners of our circle as it should be an incentive upon the average weekly training.

To my personal experience it must also be said that the contemporary British Shikukai strain, covers a tremendous martial quality and dedication towards genuine Wado. The knowledge of the curriculum is vast and deep and the willingness for improvement and refinement is always present. This attitude might be called ‘Japanese-like'. The sense and the respect for tradition, the earnestness in organizing events and establishing organisation's, the general dedication towards the ‘group”... These are all, coincidental or not (I might write another essay on this item), common characteristics for these great island-nations. Characteristics which are more or less alien for Belgians.

Anyway, in order to ‘import' the mentioned qualities and exposing the participants to it, such a seminar is a wonderful tool. Moreover, excuses as “I can not afford spending time and money to attend seminars abroad” can not be accepted anymore.

But there is more. True martial art is a never ending quest to the unfathomable wells of personal skill. A quest that only should de restricted by illness or death. The hallmark of martial skill is ‘profundity'. Apart from commanding a vast technical curriculum, an instructor should be able to give through this most important quality. Whether you are able to fulfil this or not, you can judge for yourself. Put aside your ego, compare yourself with the most proficient people you can afford to meet and make your decision. Also take in mind, that it is most important to bring your followers in contact with the highest levels of skill, as this can boost the taste for detail and quality of movement dramatically.

Therefore we had Tim Shaw as a guest instructor on 6th and 7th October 2007 . I arranged with Tim that he should concentrate on the basic elements of the pinans and how to apply them in practical applications. Throughout 2 x 3 hours of permeating and dynamic instruction, Tim shared with us his skill and insights. The leading thread of his instruction was about how to integrate trunk, hips and limbs in movement.

“It is ok to see nice ‘stills' of an action, and to remark that they are fine. But what happens in-between the ‘stills', in other words, during the action and the transition from one ‘still' to the other. Many things can and will go wrong there” he says.


Tim Shaw and Jan Houblon.

In this view, the practice of Pinan and other kata should be mainly concentrated on principles of movement. We should renounce from appreciating kata in a “bunkai” manner, because a pure causal, mechanistic approach (against action B you should apply reaction C), does not work. On the contrary, all elements of kata should have a certain universality, the same principles (i.e.Ten I , Ten Gi Ten tai) should be applicable with a multitude of limb actions.

Therefore Tim put a lot of importance on “multi-task” actions, meaning that each of the limbs might be occupied by  different actions at the same moment. This ability requires a lot of knowledge of body relaxation and a free flowing mind-set, this all illustrated by practice of some kumite gata (actually pair kata), which requires a lot of fast and free movement.

The seminar further concentrated on the analysis of different basic techniques. I will not describe them all within the framework of this write-up, but important to mention as a type example is the action “shuto uke ma hanmi no nekoashi”.

In Wado technique this action has an “irimi” function: entering the vulnerable centre of the opponent. Meanwhile the sword hand/arm describes a circular course which shields the vulnerable head over an angle of let's say, 120 degrees. In these it is very important not to consider a mentally fixed point as an impact point, but rather to consider mentally, each point on the described circle as a possible impact point.

This last rule should also apply to harai uke, naiwan and gaiwan uke and jodan nagashi uke. The idea after it is to establish a nearly natural sweeping reflex which can be applied in a multitude of situations.

However and after all, 6 hours of quality instruction means nothing. It is as reading a couple of pages out of a highly interesting book. It passes by very soon but impressions and kernels for new knowledge are lingering on, even as the good memories on the small talk in the margin of the seminar, the dinner, the nice weather and the drinks (Duvel is a nice Belgian one, is it not Tim?).
Once more many thanks.

Jan Houblon

Report: Sugasawa Sensei at Chelmsford (Woodham Walter) September 2007.


Students from the senior class. 

On Saturday September 22nd Shikukai Chelmsford once again hosted our Chief Instructor, F. Sugasawa Sensei 7th Dan, for a training and grading at Woodham Walter, which is between Chelmsford and Maldon in Essex.

As usual Sensei conducted two classes; the first for kyu grades below brown belt and the second for the senior students. In the first class Sensei worked the students hard on basics and then explained through paired drills the subtleties of distancing and timing, encouraging students to use the principles within their practice of paired techniques.

As usual it is always nice to see students traveling from outside of the area and offering us support. This time we had karateka from Ongar, Hertford, Chertsey, Hampton and Saffron Walden. Thanks again to Sue, Sue and Brian for organising the smooth running of the course.

Congratulations to the following students who successfully graded for 8th Kyu:
Carol Ryman and Sandra Revill.
And for 7th Kyu:
Nick Lennon (Chertsey), Rebecca Lennon (Chertsey) and Ryan Stolarski (Chertsey).

28/9/07

Hungarian Summer Course - August 2007.
A report by Max Woodard.

Every training session began with a particularly thorough stretching and warm up regime. Sugasawa Sensei's warm-ups were excellent, thorough, intelligent and useful. Karate-ka were knowledgeable enough to be thankful of this. Sugasawa Sensei explained the importance and meaning behind these exercises as well. This included giving information to the body, allowing the body the chance to stretch and balance itself correctly, to prevent stiffening or stubbornness in both body and mind, to focus on staying young and balanced. We also practiced kokyo-ho (breath control/exercise).

Training with Sugasawa Sensei remained straightforward and fundamental, throughout the week. This same training also had sensei's very typical accuracy and precision of practice. This was very very useful.

During the course Iwasaki Sensei treated us to some superb techniques. These were very inventive and interesting to all students, whilst remaining practical and true to the core of wado karate.

Our first additional afternoon session was for bokken practice. Iwasaki Sensei made it clear that this was not an example of wado shinken techniques. Throughout Sugasawa Sensei ensured that correct movement was maintained, and that principles were adhered to.

The second afternoon session was reserved for tanto dori practice. We had a chance to appreciate how a technique can completely ruin an attacker, whilst the defender feels as though they have done nothing, I was sure this was correct practice! Practicing the Jujutsu element of wado lead to a realisation; how beautiful these techniques are, how effective they are and how they express themselves so elegantly, almost as an artform. It was at this time that I realised what a great privilege it is to work with these sensei and to receive their teachings.

In Hungary we made good use of the spa, swimming pool and massage facilities. This area became to be known as The Beach! Part of the spa was a pool of murky coloured water, hot enough to be at bath temperature. This water is apparently full of all sorts of good stuff from deep below the ground. All I know is that after an hour or more of very pleasant relaxation in here, all my joints felt much better, and the usual summer course feeling in the knees had disappeared

The food in Hungary is incredible (it is no exaggeration to use this word!). The way it is and prepared, cooked and presented is truly outstanding, but also it struck me that the ingredients were of a high quality, natural and unadulterated. What is more the cost of these meals was very inexpensive for visitors from England . With all of the above it is no surprise that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to anyone who has a real sense of adventure and an interest in high quality Wado! A very big thank you to Csaba and Ildikó Bistrony for organising the course, booking the accommodation and their helpfulness to visitors who may struggle with the Hungarian language. To do this whilst training the course, being tired at times, and also the tricky job of translating the teachings, is a testament to their kindness and dedication. Thank you very much!

Max enjoying a drink and discussing technical issues with Iwasaki Sensei. Sugasawa Sensei far right.

For more Photographs of the Hungarian Summer course visit the Shikukai main site gallery page:
http://www.shikukai.co.uk/gallery.html

20/8/07

Report: Sugasawa Sensei at Chelmsford (Woodham Walter) June 2007.

Students from the senior class.

Despite the horrible unseasonably wet June weather we had an excellent turnout for Sugasawa Sensei's course at Woodham Walter. Both the junior and senior grade classes were very well attended with students traveling from far afield.

The junior grades worked hard on kihon as well as kata and kumite, and so experienced a well-rounded class. The senior class was also well attended and the students main focus was on Sensei's main theme of the day; understanding principles.

Congratulations to the following students who successfully graded for 8th Kyu:
John Proud, Billi Duxbury, Ben Dodd, Luke Emery and Jack Dodd.
1/7/07

Wado Instructors and Wing Chun Instructors joint training.
A report by Tim Shaw.

Nigel Clark and Tim Shaw.	Steve Mason and Steve Thain.

A cross-current of ideas and approaches can always be useful, even more so when this happens within the martial arts.

On Sunday March 11th a joint training session was organised between the instructors at Shikukai Chelmsford and some of the instructors and students of the UK Wing Chun Association based at Billericay.

I have known Wing Chun assistant instructor Nigel Clark for a number of years now and we have trained together and discussed our differences and similarities, and even ventured into areas outside of both our comfort zones. This joint training was an opportunity to push the boundaries even further.

For some time now the seniors at Shikukai Chelmsford have been expanding on their sparring skills, endeavoring to link the various parts of Wado kumite and kata to form an even closer connection to free fighting. Therefore, this was a prime opportunity to gain some first hand experience from experts in their particular field. There is little doubt that Wing Chun is a highly specialised, codified system that prides itself on its no-nonsense hands-on method. ‘Practicality' is definitely the buzz-word in this system.

Nigel treated us to a peerless demonstration of his years of training in Wing Chun Chinese boxing, punctuated with explanations of the methodology and application of this economic and extremely efficient system. Throughout this he was ably assisted by Wing Chun stylist Steve Mason.

The session was a real eye-opener, even more so when the two groups were able to exchange techniques in a free-form format. From my point of view it was strangely liberating and refreshing to be able to use elbows as well as fist and palm strikes and not to be restrained by the usual rules governing Shiai (contest fighting).

It was definitely a two-way street of ideas and approaches and throughout it remained good-humoured with both groups demonstrating an exemplary attitude of respect and professionalism. We were all suitably hyped up at the end and keen to repeat the experience, expanding the practice and building on the trust established throughout the two hours session.

Website of the UK Wing Chun Association: http://www.ukwingchun.com/

11/3/07

Training with Sugasawa Sensei - a view from outside Shikukai.

A report by Brian Stinton.

Brian Stinton with Sugasawa Sensei.

I have to confess at being a little apprehensive at being asked to write a report on training with Sugasawa Sensei at his Chelmsford courses, the latest of which took place on the 24th of March. There's a good chance that I'll reveal to the world that I'm missing the fundamental aspects of this traditional form of Wado Ryu, along with failing to give the sort of report that Tim Shaw, the regular Chelmsford instructor is looking for.

I think he is looking for the view of a Shikukai “beginner”. Clearly, Tim is committed to the Wado taught by Sugasawa Sensei whose Shikukai organisation is affiliated to the Wado Renmei in Japan which is in turn run by the son of the founder of Wado Ryu, Hironori Ohtsuka 2nd . But Tim is never one to stop thinking about what he teaches and practices and how students receive it. I think he's interested to hear what somebody coming from a different Wado lineage makes of the training. In order to put my views into some sort of context, a bit of my boring background seems necessary.

It's not that I'm new to Karate. I first walked into a Dojo early in 1981. Like most, I stumbled into a local club that practiced Karate . Somebody eventually explained that there are different styles karate styles and I was practicing “ traditional Wado Ryu ”.

Even at that early stage I was quite curious about the different styles and started to investigate other clubs. I experienced a reasonable amount of Shotokan, a bit of Goju Ryu (including one-off courses with Kanazawa Sensei and Higoanna Sensei) and some rather eclectic homegrown varieties.

It may have been my inexperience, but apart from the obvious differences in techniques, the overall concepts did not seem a million miles from what I had been practicing. The need to “focus” and use a bit of muscular tension on impact seemed common to most schools. This was endorsed by most of the written references, which of course at that time were mostly Shotokan. Then, I encountered the late Takamizawa Sensei. There was something different about the way his group practiced, even though it was apparently still Wado Ryu. Commitments prevented me from attending his club regularly so I stayed with my original association and its offshoots, as politics almost inevitably came into play. But the more fluid movement created an interest that, fed by a few more brief encounters with Japanese Wado instructors, a lot of research and many wanderings, eventually led me to Tim Shaw Sensei's dojo in Chelmsford . Which is apparently, the closest club to my home near Cambridge , which retains links with the major Japanese Wado organisations, that I could find.

I was made extremely welcome. The way they practiced their Karate immediately reminded me of what I had experienced with Takamizawa Sensei's group and confirmed that what I had been practicing for a long time was probably better described as “Wado based” rather than traditional Wado Ryu. I wanted to discover more, and after this first visit I spent rather longer discussing Karate over a post-training drink than I had intended. Tim invited me to attend Sugasawa Sensei's course two days later. I enjoyed the course enough for me to return to all of them every three months or so over the last few years (and to train with Tim when commitments allow).

Mark Searson works Wado kumite with Rob Selby. (click on image to enlarge).

So what is it that is different from the other Wado clubs that I had experienced? To me, the answer is simple – ‘principles'. Sugasawa Sensei does not teach a formulaic Karate. Combination number X, kumite number Y, the next kata for your grading etc, are not the learning objectives in themselves. Obviously, all these are practiced, but not so the student learns them “off-pat” to regurgitate for their next grading. The objective is to understand the underlying principles of fluidity, body movement, evasion and so on, that are so important in Japanese Budo and often not even mentioned in some clubs. All aspects of training are connected and logical, this is what it is that makes this Wado work as a complete system. An example that struck me was the approach to Kata. “Bunkai”, in its usually accepted form of ‘this move is in response to that attack' etc. is not practiced - yet Kata seems more closely linked with kumite than in other dojo that I have trained in. Learn the principle to apply correctly and the actual technique is secondary.

Saturday's course was fine example of this way of teaching. As usual there were two sessions, one for grades up to 4th kyu, the second for 3rd kyu and above. It is always noticeable that the first session is often attended by senior grades, taking advantage of the opportunity to get a bit of extra instruction from Sugasawa Sensei. The session started with kihon, and combinations, all of which encouraged the correct footwork, use of the body and fluidity in the techniques. The group then moved onto several pairs combinations which utilised the principles practiced in the basics, changing body position (Ten I), using the body and momentum (Ten Tai) and appropriate technique (Ten Gi) with the added difficulty of changing distance to remain just out of real danger (Mikiri). Sensei demonstrated each at varying speeds and was always on hand to correct errors or point out how to improve things. Time moved as though we were training in Dr Who's Tardis and it was time to bow out of the first session.

This gave those training in both sessions an hour to recover before the senior class. The venue's organisers and karateka, Sue Cumming and Sue Dodd, provided a welcome cup of tea and biscuits - the importance of biscuits in school staff rooms was confirmed! Thanks are due to both, for the venue and refreshments. However, not every body got to take it easy between sessions and whilst most were sipping tea, Marc Hogg successfully passed his 6th kyu grading. Congratulations!

With the arrival of more senior grades, the second session got under way. Again the class started with some basic techniques, emphasizing the importance of not only correct technique, but also the use the body and relaxation to maximize effect without unnecessary muscular effort that only slow things down. The concepts of mudana no chikara (no unnecessary power), mudana no ugoki (no unnecessary movements) and Mudana waza (no unnecessary techniques) were mentioned more than once.

A group of students from the senior class with Sugasawa Sensei . (Click on image to enlarge).

These principles, along with those were introduced in the first session were stressed in the subsequent pairs work along with the concepts of Inasu (diverting an attack), Noru (riding an attack) Nagasu (sweeping away), Irimi (entering). Several combinations were practiced around the movement of Kihon Kumite Ipponme. This highlighted just how difficult the seemingly straightforward movement is to perform correctly, even with frequent explanations and demonstrations from Sugasawa Sensei. With everybody immersed in trying to improve on the subtleties required to get to grips with the techniques, the second class disappeared as quickly as the first.

Kumite practice (click on image to enlarge).

The sessions did not involve the flashy gymnastics that many clubs and associations seem to see as prerequisite to advancing in karate. No exceptional physical attributes were required in these sessions (that's not say they were a dodle), yet working on the subtle evasion and movement was just as demanding as the “sweat session” that many expect from a course. I deliberately use the terminology for some of the principles covered, as these are seldom heard in my experience and less often explained, yet crucial in performing true Wado correctly.

After the session many choose to take refreshment in Woodham Walter's Queen Victoria , the pub conveniently located across the road from the training venue. Sadly, Rob Selby had to leave to catch a train for his 5-hour train journey back to Exmouth and did not join us, but we were joined by the longest traveling participants on the course. Jan Houblon and Pascale Van Roosendael deserve special mention for having set off by road at 5am from their home near Brussels for the course.

I should like thank Sugasawa Sensei, Tim and the other students for sharing their knowledge of Wado and for the welcome that is always offered to a Shikukai “outsider”. There must be those looking to find a comprehensive system of karate to practice or other old Karate dogs like me, who still want to learn new tricks. If you fall into these groups I would suggest visiting the Chelmsford Dojo.

24/3/07