Shikukai Chelmsford
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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, endeavouring 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 travelling 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

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.

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: Course with Sugasawa Sensei at the Springhealth Dojo Chelmsford.

L to R, Brian Stinton, Mark Searson, Graeme Savill, Paul Emmanuelle, Sugasawa Sensei, Max Woodard, Gavin Meek, Oliver Dunn, Sandra Dunn, Ray Dixon, Steve Thain.
Click on picture to enlarge.

On Saturday May 6th Sugasawa Sensei again visited us for our regular training course plus kyu grading.

Sensei conducted two classes; the first class being for grades up to 4th kyu, but this class is becoming ever more popular with the higher grades who have the option of taking a double lesson with Sensei and benefit greatly from his explanations of the foundation techniques.

The second class being for grades above 4th kyu is always popular and attracts the senior students from far and wide. In this particular class Sensei took the advantage of clearing up any confusion over the issues surrounding the three 'Sens'; Sente, Sen no Sen and Go no Sen. He also clarified 'Gaiwan' and 'Naiwan' Uke. But mostly we worked on kihon and Kumite Gata.

Successful gradings:
Emily Havis 9th kyu, Marc Hogg and Cheryl Meek (Shene) 7th kyu and David Smith 4th kyu.

1/6/06

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