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Shikukai
Chelmsford
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Report: North Yorkshire Reunion.
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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! 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
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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 |
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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). 1/3/09
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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.
21/12/08
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Dan grading success for Shikukai Chelmsford.
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Report: Another successful course with Sugasawa Sensei.
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. |
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Shikukai Chelmsford at the Shikukai Championships Swindon. Sunday July 6th 2008.
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
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Report: A satisfying afternoon of Kumite. 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.
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. 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 |
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Shikukai Chelmsford Instructor Tim Shaw teaching in Leuven, Belgium October 2007.
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Report: Sugasawa Sensei at Chelmsford (Woodham Walter) September 2007.
In the senior class we practiced the timings of Nagashizuki and Kihon Gumite and were able to look in some detail at Kihon Gumite Gohonme. Sensei also worked with us on the practice of Seishan kata. Sensei always encourages a lively question and answer session and, as many of us have been training with him for a good few years, we were able to explore some burning technical issues which gave us much food for thought. We all came away inspired and eager for more training and physical understanding of Wado 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. 28/9/07
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Hungarian Summer Course - August 2007.
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).
For more Photographs of the Hungarian Summer course visit the Shikukai main site gallery page: 20/8/07 |
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Report: Sugasawa Sensei at Chelmsford (Woodham Walter) June 2007.
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: |
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Wado Instructors and Wing Chun Instructors joint training.
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![]() Nigel Clark and Tim Shaw. |
![]() Steve Mason and Steve Thain. |
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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

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
Archive NewsClick on the above link to view past news events from Shikukai Chelmsford. |
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