British Wadokai News -Archive 2008
A note about competition entries for BWK students
British Wadokai is affiliated to the WKF through virtue of its membership of the English Karate Federation which is the organisation that holds the WKF mandate in England. Therefore, all BWK members are also members of both the EKF and the WKF by default. WKF members can only have 'sporting relations' with groups recognised by the WKF.
All British Wadokai Members who compete in organised National/International events, must only compete in sanctioned World Karate Federation (WKF) events. These would be, for example, those run by British Wadokai or the English Karate Federation. If you need clarification on this matter please contact: Liz Legg at admin@wadokai.co.uk
British Wadokai Instructor of the Year
Many congratulations to Paul Elliott (6th Dan) Renshi,
of the SEMKA group, for achieving the prestigious
award of British Wadokai Instructor of the Year. Paul
Elliott Renshi has been at the forefront of converting
his group back to the ‘original’ Wadokai syllabus and
principles that were introduced into the UK in the early
1960’s by Ohtsuka Meijin and Suzuki Hanshi. His hard
work has not been easy as he has been confronted by
resistance on many fronts. However, with the support
of his most loyal students and instructors within his
own membership, he has achieved much in a very
short time. He has been true to himself and SEMKA and
has been very successful due to his tenacity ‘to get the
job done’!
Well done Paul Elliott (6th Dan) Renshi & SEMKA for
your continued loyalty to British Wadokai!
British Wadokai Yudan Results 26th October 2008
On the 26th October 4 applicants attempted various Black-belt grades, but on this occasion only
two managed to get the grade this time around. The two that passed were, Oren Teichmann 1st
Dan: Written;
82.6%, Practical;
88.8% and Dominic
Wakefield:
Written; 83.4%,
Practical 83.5%.
Congratulations &
Well Done from
British Wadokai!
British Wadokai Karate Standardisation Course
The British Wadokai Karate Standardisation Course Part 3, held at the Horsham DKW Karate Club, was this time
well attended. The course was held at the Kingslea Junior School, Kingslea, Horsham on the 26th October 2008.
The Course consisted of Idori-no-gata, Tanto-dori-no-gata, and Muto-dori-no-gata.
Those in attendance were; Gordon Hoare (5th Dan) Renshi, Stephanie Bulley 1st Kyu, Oren Teichmann 1st Dan, Robbie Baldock 6th Kyu, Mark Brown 1st Kyu, Dominic Wakefield 1st Dan, Daniel Mannion 1st Kyu, Bradley Russell 1st Dan, Connor
Chatfield 1st Kyu, Paul Elliott (6th Dan) Renshi, Michael Rapley 6th Dan, Nicola Whelch, George Beet 2nd
Dan, Fallon Rayman 1st Kyu, Ian Hunter (6th Dan) Renshi.
Message from Sensei Swift
Just to reiterate to all members. The BWK Annual Kata & Gyo National Championships are open to British Wadokai INDIVIDUALS as well as Clubs. If you wish to compete at this event, and your club is not being represented, then you are entitled to attend as an INDIVIDUAL competitor of British Wadokai. Please see attached Application Form, fill in required fields, and send it in as soon as possible. Looking forward in seeing you all there.
Gary Swift 7th Dan
7th Dan Promotion for Norma Foster, Canada
Norma Foster of Canada recently received her 7th Dan promotion, making her the highest ranked female Wado-ka in the World!
She is also the only female WKF referee and is currently the chairman of the WKF Gender Equity Committee. In October of 2002, Ms Foster was inducted into the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame. The bulk of her Wado training was accomplished under the tutelage of Mr Toru Arakawa and Dr Hideho Takagi of the JKF Wadokai. She was born in 1952 in Edinburgh, Scotland and currently resides in Vancouver, Canada.
Congratulations & well deserved on behalf of us all at British Wadokai.
Follow this link to view an interview with Sensei Foster - www.aiwakarate.co.uk/norma_foster.php
British Wadokai Kata & Gyo Competition 22nd November 2008
The BWK kata & Gyo Championships are probably one of the biggest
highlights, in the Wado Calendar, for us at the British Wadokai. The organisers
of this event work hard every year to ensure that this event is as
successful as it can be. However, it’s success is only down to those who
support it. Each year there are more excuses than competitors and we
would like this year’s event to be one of the biggest.
Facilities rental is
never reasonable, so costs are always a premium in any of these events.
So, in order for us to get the best in quality medals, certificates, facilities,
1st Aid coverage, etc., we ask that everyone in British Wadokai try their best
to attend.
Remember, British Wadokai only has only ONE Kata tournament a year, so
let’s pull out all the stops and support OUR OWN event. Whether you are
an individual, run a club, a white-belt or black-belt, please support this
event as best you can.
Additionally, if you do run a club, make sure ALL your students are aware
of this event, and even if your club won’t be representing this year; please
allow your students the opportunity in representing themselves and entering
as individuals.
This is the BEST ‘starter’ Competition, and it IS one of
the very few that is just Wado - please support your own association by
representing yourself within it!
For an Information Pack & Application Form,
please contact Paul Elliott Renshi. 54, Billingshurst
Road, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12 3LW.
Email: semka@btopenworld.com
Open to all BWK/EKF Licensed Members only.
Grading Results
Kyokai Plymouth Pass 4
Kyokai Karate Club, Plymouth, of British Wadokai, conducted a Kyu grading on the 7th October 2008 and
passed 4 students. Corey Howe 7th Kyu (3rd Class), Ryan Maffey 2nd Kyu (2nd Class), Samuel Robathan 2nd
Kyu (3rd Class), and Jodie Robathan 2nd Kyu (3rd Class).
Hakutsuru Cranleigh Karate Club Pass 1
Hakutsuru Karate Club, Cranleigh, of British Wadokai, conducted a Kyu grading on the 26th September 2008
and passed 1 student.
Heather
Bulley 2nd Kyu
(3rd Class).
Congratulations
to you all!
Goshin Jutsu Course 27th September 2008
The Goshin-jutsu Course was a great success, with students visiting from many clubs and associations within the Wado network.
The Instruction was split into three sections and highlighting three elements crucial within martial-arts’ based principles of self defence.
Ju-ho principles, where the classical/traditional Kaisetsu elements are taken from Kata and put into the ‘pliable’ elements
of Wado and transformed into self-defence concepts.
Go-ho, where the more ‘confrontational’ elements of self-defence are covered.
And Chi-ho, where the Ki/Chi combat is delivered.
Instructors on the course were; Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi (Kaisetsu/
Ju-ho), Paul Elliott (6th Dan) Renshi (Chi-ho), Michael Rapley 6th Dan (Go-ho). Due to the success of the course the Instructors
have suggested they will ‘up the stakes’ by organising a Part 2 Course. This will repeat many of the elements already covered,
plus introduce some more devastating & advanced principles not normally covered within the Dojo environment. (Full report below).
On the 27th September 2008 British Wadokai held it’s first ‘Open’ Goshin Jutsu Course, which was hailed as a huge success. It
was lucky that Tanbridge School had its
Sports Hall free, as it soon became clear
that the gymnasium could not cater for the
masses in attendance.
Goshin Jutsu simply means ‘Hard Mind
Method’ which is a collective term for a
method of techniques used primarily for
self defence situations.
Instructors in attendance were Gary E
Swift 7th Dan, Kyoshi, teaching self defence
through the applications of Kata.
Paul Elliott 6th Dan, Renshi, teaching self
defence through development of Chi.
Mick
Rapley 6th Dan, teaching self defence using
wrist locks, grabs and streetwise techniques.
72 students attended and got to grips with the various techniques that were explained to
them. The first hour was dedicated entirely to the younger students and they were taught
according to their age and ability.
Sensei Elliott gave a talk on safety to his group and when he asked them if someone attempted
to take them should they run to a house or hide in the woods I was surprised to
see how many of the kids opted for the woods scenario. It would seem that kids are becoming
less aware of the dangers surrounding them at a time when knife crime and bullying
is at the highest that it has ever been and so for that reason alone courses such as
this are not only justified they are essential. The younger students were collected and the
course then progressed to the older children, adults and higher grades.
The group was
split into three sections, adults and children 3rd Kyu and over, adults 4th Kyu and under
and children 4th Kyu and under. Each group was sent to one of the Sensei and then rotated
around the Dojo in a clockwise motion throughout the rest of the course.
Sensei
Swift detailed
the Kaisetsu/Bunkai of
various Kata moves. He showed in great detail the
application of the moves and then took that a
stage further by adapting them for various situations.
He detailed the vulnerable points and the
strikes used to give the students an in depth view
of why Kata is practised and how its application
can be used for defence in threatening situations.
Sensei Elliott showed the groups various methods
of harnessing their chi energy and how to channel
it for greater effect. Grounding exercises showed
the students how to remain in solid and unmovable
stances if attacked which would mean less
chance of them being knocked to the floor where
they would become vulnerable. Sensei Rapley demonstrated wrist locks, throws, headlocks and various other means of unarming
an assailant in the quickest and most effective manner. It was clear to see that the techniques would work against much
larger and stronger opponents and this was demonstrated effectively.
Parents are always welcomed to stay and view all British
Wadokai Courses and those that did commented that they were very impressed with everything that had been imparted to the
students and with
how the techniques
had been structured
to account for the
differing ages and
abilities. British
Wadokai are now actively
looking into providing more
courses like this in
the future.
Article written by Liz
Legg. BWK Registration
Officer.
Minimum Requirements Are Not Being Met
Many of the applications, received from individuals this year, for British Wadokai Yudan Shinsa have been
deficit of AT LEAST one element.
At present, the MINIMUM requirement for Yudan Shinsa is as follows:
Official intervals/minimum training requirements for Yudan applicants:
a. SHODAN; 52 BWK DOJO TRAINING SESSIONS = 78 hours. From 1st Kyu to 1st Dan. (1st Kyu to 1st
Dan = 9 months). 1 of each (consecutive) Part 1, 2, and 3 Standardisation Course. Minimum
age 11.
b. NIDAN; 208 BWK DOJO TRAINING SESSIONS = 312 hours. From 1st Dan to 2nd Dan. (1st Dan to
2nd Dan = 24 months). 2 of each (consecutive) Part 1, 2, and 3 Standardisation Course. Minimum
age 16.
c. SANDAN; 312 BWK DOJO TRAINING SESSIONS = 468 hours. From 2nd Dan to 3rd Dan. (2nd Dan
to 3rd Dan = 36 months). 3 of each (consecutive) Part 1, 2, and 3 Standardisation Course.
Minimum age 20.
d. YODAN: From 3rd Dan to 4th Dan = 48 months. 4 of each (consecutive) Part 1, 2, and 3 BWK Standardisation
Course.
e. GODAN: From 4th Dan to 5th Dan = 60 months. 5 of each (consecutive) Part 1, 2, and 3 BWK Standardisation
Course.
NB: All BWK members wishing to pursue Yudan Shinsa must have attended the minimum BWK Standardisation/
Advancement Courses (please refer to Yudan Shinsa Application Form). In respect to 'Dojo
Training Sessions' this does NOT include 'teaching hours’.
So basically, if you are attempting the rank of Shodan you should have attended 1 X Part 1, 2 & 3 Standardisation
Course and have achieved a minimum of 78 hours Dojo Training Sessions since 1st Kyu.
Nidan 2 X Part 1, 2 & 3 Standardisation Courses and achieved 312 hours Dojo Training Sessions since 1st
Dan.
Sandan 3 X Part 1, 2 & 3 Standardisation Courses and achieved 468 hours Dojo Training Sessions since 2nd
Dan.
Most of the recent applicants were unable to show these minimum requirements, PLUS, one applicant was unable
to show any constant training sessions at all.
Because of these appalling training records the BWK Chief Instructor has passed the following: ALL FUTURE
YUDAN SHINSA APPLICATIONS WILL BE REFUSED if the minimum requirements have not be
met. Applications will be refused and returned if one or more of the minimum elements are missing
from an application - THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.
If people can’t be bothered to attend the required
Standardisation Courses or usual Dojo Training Session, then the BWK Chief Instructor can’t be bothered
to assess them. Standards are dropping, and it’s obvious that the source is from the non attendance in
training requirements - No Training - No Grading. Many applicants also think that just because their ‘time
has come’ to grade, even though they have not trained, they are ‘entitled’ to grade - this is purely a misconception
and totally misguided. You only get out what you put it..
For further clarification of these minimum requirements, please refer to the British Wadokai Regulations available
on the British Wadokai Website & Forum and in every Wado Comprehensive & Grade Syllabus Book.
Additionally, all applications will be sent to the British Wadokai Administration for verification of requirements.
The majority of students who have applied for this year’s Yudan Shinsa (1st to 3rd Dan) DID NOT HAVE these‘minimum’ requirements’. One applicant wasn’t able to show Standardisation Course OR usual training session
requirements.
Many students attempt the Yudan Shinsa ‘blindly’ thinking that they can perform a perfect ‘mistake free’ performance
in front of the Examination Panel. Many students come away very disappointed with both their performance
and result - Don’t be one of these statistics – TRAIN FOR IT!
Preparation Information for British Wadokai Yudan Hikki Shiken
British Wadokai Karate-do Federation Written Examination preparation notes within the Wado Comprehensive.
All required elements of learning will be found in the Wado Comprehensive, obtainable
from your Instructor, at the price of £15.00. This includes a free CD-Rom of Kata, Ohyo-gumite, Kihon-gumite, Idori-no-kata, plus much more.
The first element of the written examination will explore your personal mental attitude. Many of these
‘attitude’ questions may be repeated elsewhere in the examination, so you may have to consider these
at all times.
Revision elements:
Preparation for Shodan Written Examination.
1. Personal mental attitude questions.
2. Kind of hand (striking areas, etc.)
3. Kind of foot (striking areas, etc.)
4. Fundamental elements (basic techniques/translations, etc.).
5. Fundamental Principles of Wado Karate.
6. Knowledge of Kata.
7. General Knowledge and History of Wado Karate.
8. Name all Popular Stances.
9. Knowledge of Vulnerable Points.
10. Names of bones on the human skeleton.
Preparation for Nidan Written Examination.
1. Personal mental attitude questions.
2. General Knowledge and History of Wado Karate.
3. Kata knowledge.
4. Stance knowledge within various elements of Wado Karate.
5. Knowledge of Wado Principles.
Preparation for Sandan Written Examination.
1. Personal mental attitude questions.
2. A deeper understanding of General Knowledge and History of Wado Karate.
3. Advanced Kata knowledge.
4. Stance knowledge within advanced elements of Wado Karate.
5. Knowledge of Advanced Wado Principles.
British Wadokai and Wadokai England
British Wadokai has dissolved membership with Wadokai England.
It is unfortunate that we must announce that we are no longer affiliated to Wadokai England.
It is our opinion that affiliation to Wadokai England has now become detrimental to the advancement and
benefit of all members within British Wadokai. It was decided that it would be best for
British Wadokai if we retracted membership as soon as possible. British Wadokai was a
member of Wadokai England since 1999, one of the longest established members. Gary E
Swift 7th Dan had been General Secretary for almost 7 years. However, international
Wado politics and National Governing Body policies, had burdened the situation between
the two organisations to such a degree that it was obvious that the two groups would be
unable to work together any further.
British Wadokai will now focus on its own direction and continue to follow the pure
Ohtsuka Meijin Wado syllabus that was introduced to England by Tatsuo Suzuki Hanshi in
the mid 1960’s.
I would like to express my thanks to Paul Elliott 6th Dan and Liz Legg, BWK General Secretary,
for their dedication, honesty and support to British Wadokai.
British Wadokai will still remain a loyal supporter to the National Governing Body, the English
Karate Federation (EKF), which are also members to the World Karate Federation
(WKF).
Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi
Sad Passing of Ishikawa Naoki Sensei
It is with great regret and heavy heart that I must announce the passing of another Wado legend, Sensei Naoki Ishikawa 8th Dan. Sensei Ishikawa passed away on Thursday the 21st August 2008, and he will be missed by all those who were touched by his wisdom. I would like to express my condolences to his family and students. He will be sorely missed. Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi.
Wado Course Disaster!
Following the ‘disaster’ at the last Wado Standardisation Course at Pomphlett Dojo, it has now been
decided to conduct the majority of future Wado Standardisation Courses at Horsham, Sussex. Just
two students attended the Part 2 Course, at Pomphlett Dojo on the 28th June, these were Nick Fowle
2nd Dan and Darren Queenan 1st Kyu.
The response signals a lack in enthusiasm in Wadokai Southwest membership
to attend ‘extra’ training sessions outside that of the normal Dojo environment,
and subsequently will be reflected in their future grade scores.
12 students attended the Southern Course the following day at the Horsham Dojo.
However, even this number was not ‘brilliant’, to say the least. Again, can students
keep up standards if they refuse to attend these invaluable courses?
As all BWK members know, for Yudan Shinsa, a Black-belt will lose 10% of his mark
by not having a consistent Dojo to train in. Additionally, he would also lose a further
5% by being unable to produce proof of his Standardisation Course training history. So
by not attending these courses many students
may find their percentage marks deficient before
they even attend the Grading.
Gyo Event
The British Wadokai Kata Championships, to be held in November, will now include a Gyo Event. This
event is open to all pairs. Stipulation of the rules follows that of the conditions reflected within Yudan
Shinsa requirements. Gyo must be balanced between participants (equal amount of activity), possess no
‘props’ (weapons, aids, etc.), and last no less that 60 seconds. For further information, please refer to application
form.
Congratulations Mick Rapley 6th Dan
On the 12th of July 2008 Sensei Mick Rapley was presented his 6th Dan by the Chief Instructor
of British Wadokai, Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi, at the British Wadokai Budo Course.
Sensei Mick Rapley has been training in Wado-ryu since the 1960’s and was the inspiration
to many of the UKKF/UKKW Southern membership within Surrey and Hampshire from that
time.
He was one of the first ‘home-grown’ Wado-ka to be awarded Black-belt by Tatsuo Suzuki
Hanshi, and he has retained
the traditions
and teachings as laid
down by the first Wado
Instructors, which included
Tatsuo Suzuki
Hanshi, to land on our
shores from Japan.
British Wadokai are
very fortunate to have
such an asset to the
ranks and it was a well deserved
award to
highlight this iconic and
momentous occasion.
As far as British
Wadokai are concerned we are proud to have Sensei
Mick Rapley still with us guiding our future and
retaining our historic traditional Wado-ryu values
and treasures.
Plymstock School of Karate Closes
The Plymstock School of Karate, run by Zoë Swift (4th Dan) Tashi, has closed it’s
doors for the last time. On June the 4th, Sensei Zoë Swift 4th Dan announced
that the Karate Club, which has been operating since 2004, has to close due to
personal reasons.
However, the Kyokai Karate Club, run by Gary E Swift (7th Dan)
Kyoshi, has decided to bring the minimum age down from 14 years to 11 years to
help cater for the ‘keener’ junior students wishing to continue their Karate training.
The Kyokai Karate Club runs a disciplined club, and it is hoped
that many of the more serious students, who have been displaced
due to the closure, will find a home at Kyokai.
For those interested in training at the Kyokai Karate Club you will find
the Dojo situated at the Pomphlett Methodist Centre, Pomphlett
Gardens, Plymstock, Devon. PL9 7BL. Training sessions are on
Tuesday at 7pm (sharp) to 8.30pm.
British Wadokai Karate Demonstration
The Wado-ryu Karate Demonstration, held at HMS Drake in Plymouth, Devon, on the 15th June
2008 went very well.
Those in attendance included (in no particular
order);
Demonstration Team:
- Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi
- Zoë Swift (4th Dan) Tashi
- Graham Chuck (6th Dan) Renshi
- Paul Hammond 4th Dan
- Mark Flynn 1st Dan
- Luke Stinchcombe 1st Dan
- Connor Chatfield 1st Kyu
- Fallon Rayman 1st Kyu
- Tom Green 1st Kyu
- Adel Gibson 1st Kyu
- Ryan Maffey 3rd Kyu
- Trevor Wicket 5th Kyu
- Lily Swift 9th Kyu
Everyone present put their heart & soul
into their demonstration pieces, and I was very proud of
everyone there. A special mention also to Liz Legg for
her hard work, especially on her Japanese pronunciations,
on the PA system.
I would like to thank
all those who took
part - It was most
appreciated. I would
also like to thank
those
members of
the Kenkyukai Wadoryu
Karate-do, in
their invaluable support
to this event.
Gary E Swift (7th
Dan) Kyoshi.
3 Medals at E.K.F. Southern Regional Karate Championship
Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham hosted the 2nd E.K.F. Southern Regional Championships on Sunday 25th May 2008.
The turnout was disappointing but to be expected as the event was held midway through the Bank Holiday and half term. Nevertheless Fallon Rayman and Connor Chatfield both attended.
Read the full report here
British Wadokai Restructures Squad Affairs
Due to the geographical implications regarding Squad Affairs within British Wadokai,
and the necessity in attempting to bring students to the necessary levels, each club
will be responsible for their own Coaching Programme for their athletes.
For example, British Wadokai Kyokai will be running Kata & Kumite sessions independently
as from this year.
Attempting to bring all the members under one roof has proved to be both costly and,
in many aspects, impractical.
Clubs wishing to send competitors into the tournament circuit may enter their own students
under the British Wadokai banner by simply 'pre-fixing' and stating on the application
forms: British Wadokai Kyokai, British Wadokai Plymstock, British Wadokai
Cranleigh, etc.
With these new implementations it is hoped that this will help many instructors and
coaches with the flexibility that they need for the preparations and involvement in future
events.
Three New Brown Belts for Kyokai Karate Club
Recent promotions for Kyokai Karate Club include Jodie Robathan 3rd Kyu, Sam
Robathan 3rd Kyu and Ryan Maffey 3rd Kyu. The standard
was very high, and well over the above-average
marks required for their grades. The next generation of
students have a lot of pressure to beat their scores.
However, they are not resting on their laurels as their instructor,
Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi, has some very
devious revision for them to do in order to prepare them
for the challenging Black-belt written examination, as
well as for their 2nd & 1st Kyu preparations.
On behalf of the British Wadokai — Well Done to all
three of you!
Medals in Lambeth
RSA Lambeth Open Karate
Renshinkai Southern Academy (RSA) hosted the 7th Lambeth Karate Open Tournament (LKOT) on Sunday 04th May 2008 at the Brixton Recreation Centre.
The dynamic duo of Fallon Rayman and Connor Chatfield headed off to compete.
Fallon was entered into four different categories and the day saw her compete on every mat and visit A&E!
Kata was first, Tatami 1. In a competition dominated by Shito Ryu and Shotokan Fallon knew medalling in kata was always going to be hard. To say it was a large group would be an understatement. There must have been between 40 and 50 competitors. The category was mixed, 10 – 15 yrs and 2nd kyu and over which explains the size of the round! Fallon could see that Rachel Newey and Jack Newey of Khalsa Karate were both in her category and with Rachel medalling at the EKF National Championships she pretty much figured out that if the judging went as expected then Rachel would win it by a mile and deservedly so. Therefore, Fallon chose to use the event as a platform to showcase her Wado Kata.
The kata was judged on points and the scores were high. Midway through the first round the group was split in half and it was decided to run the event on two areas and take the four highest scoring kata from each mat through to the final. Off to Tatami 2! She chose to perform Suparimpei and her scores totaling 21.9 were enough to leave her in the lead for a long time. However, Rachel was still to compete as were many others. The round finished with Fallon just nudged into 5th position on her mat by .3 of a point. Unfortunately, her score was not enough to take her into the final even though it was higher than the scores from two competitors from Mat 1 who did make it through. Hey Ho, it’s a toughie, higher scores but different judges so hard to really make a judgment. As expected the day belonged to Rachel who added another gold to her growing collection.
Kumite next, Tatami 3. This time is was Fallon who stormed her way to Gold looking every inch the Champion. Harry Cannon, Khalsa Karate, kindly coached her to victory and deserves much of the credit. Harry has competed for England on the EKF National Squad and gave Fallon many tips which she made full use of during her bouts. Fallon fought outstandingly in a very tough category, girls 10 – 15 yrs, open grade, under 40 kgs. Fallon weighs 28.4 kgs and is only a 1st kyu so she did exceptionally well.
Next was more kumite, Tatami 4. Girls, 10 – 15 yrs, open grade, under 45 kgs – could she do it again? Not quite but very nearly! She stormed into action, again with Harry in her corner, and did her best but it wasn’t quite enough. She ended the event in 4th position after taking some heavy blows. The girls were all taller, stronger and really meant business. In hindsight it was probably too much to ask of her but she gave it her all. To finish 4th in this event took real courage and determination. The referees were scoring the hard contact techniques and she came off the mat with a black eye and her arm hanging to one side. She refused point blank to have medical attention in case that prevented her from competing in her final category the pairs kata event.
Fallon has been practicing very hard with her grading partner, Connor Chatfield, and they both stood a really high chance of medalling and were very much looking forward to the event. Fallon soldiered on despite the pain but in the end the event was cancelled due to lack of time.
Fallon ended the day in A&E having her arm Xrayed luckily it was just badly bruised. It is good to see her back on top form and looking good for the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Scotland at the end of the month.
Connor was also entered into four events. The pairs kata was cancelled, which was unfortunate, but that still left three events for him to contend with.
His Kata event was first, Tatami 1. The category was mixed, 10 – 15 yrs and 2nd kyu and over which saw him pitted against Rachel, Jack and Fallon. He chose to perform Unsu, a Shotokan Kata, and his score of 21.8 was enough to make the final cut on Mat 1 and take him into the final. Connor performed Wanshu but as expected the other more experienced competitors pushed ahead and Connor was not in a medalling position when the event ended.
Connor now had a bit of juggling to do. His two kumite events were called simultaneously and he had to compete on Tatami 2 & 3 at the same time. Quite some feat!
Connor competed in both the Male 10 yrs to 15 yrs, any grade, under 45kgs and also the Male 10 yrs to 15 yrs, any grade, under 50 kgs
It must be noted that this is Connor’s first season on the competition circuit and he has only recently begun to compete in the kumite events and was yet to medal.
Connor has also only recently graded to 1st kyu and so the odds were really stacked against him.
Suprisingly it was the lower weight category that gave him the most trouble.
First round of the lower weight group saw Connor take a kick to the groin that knocked him for six but he battled back and somehow scrapped through into the next round. Buoyed by this victory he transferred tatami's to compete in the heavier weight category where he stormed his way to Bronze. His first kumite trophy and very well deserved. Just enough time to collect his trophy then back to compete in four more rounds of the lower weight group. Connor picked up a punch to the face and a kick to the head and yet he bravely battled his way through to take his second bronze of the day. It was great to see Connor finally begin to reap the rewards for his kumite as well as his kata.
The end of every competition sees Connor’s confidence grow and I am sure the elusive kumite gold cannot be very far away.
From my perspective it is great to be a part of watching these two kids grow in confidence and ability and never more so than now when karate looks like being back in the running for the London Olympics in 2012. Watch this space!
Promotions within Kyokai Karate Club
Connor Chatfield received his 1st Kyu Certificate
from Chief Instructor, Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi,
of the British Wadokai Karate Federation.
Connor, a resident of the Horsham DKW under the direction of Gordon Hoare 5th Dan, travelled to Plymouth in Devon and received his promotion after his grading at the Kyokai Karate Club (Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon) on the 15th April 2008.
Connor not only excels at traditional Wado Karate,
but has also had many achievements and awards
from the competition circuit. Like his grading partner,
Fallon Rayman, who also passed her 1st
Kyu with flying colours the month previous, we all feel at British Wadokai that Connor and Fallon are
very much an asset due to their abilities to perform
extremely well as ‘all-rounders’.
Congratulations & well deserved!
Gary Swift 7th Dan Kyoshi
Promotions within Mushin Karate Club
Mushin Karate Club Kyu Gradings on the 25/04/08 resulted in the following promotions: Ryan Pruce 9th Kyu, Thomas Lee 8th Kyu, Chloe Lorenzo 6th Kyu, Kieran Sampson 4th Kyu, Jamie Dimelow 3rd Kyu.
Wadokai England Present a Training Course with Ticky Donovan O.B.E. 9th Dan
20th July 2008 Training Session / Course with Ticky Donovan O.B.E. 9th Dan
Wadokai England have organised a special kumite training course with Ticky Donovan O.B.E. 9th Dan. This course will be 'open to all' EKF Members. It will also be open to karateka of any age and grade as WAdokai England Squad Coaches, Winston Williams 5th Dan and Stennett Harvey 4th Dan will be on hand to assist the younger students or those of a lower grade.
For WKE Squad member's this course will count as one stamp towards the amount of training sessions needed to be eligible for selections.
Wolverhampton Sports Arenas
Racecourse Road Industrial Estate
Racecourse Road
Wolverhampton
WV60QU
Tel 01902 420827
www.wolverhamptonsportsarenas.co.uk
The venue is booked from 11:30 - 3:00
The price for this course will be £15:00 for Juniors and £20:00 for Seniors (16+)
The training session will begin promptly at 12 and run for one and a half hours, a half hour break and then resume for another hour. The session will be held as one group. The doors will be open from 11:30 for registration and for the students to warm up ready for a prompt 12:00 start.
Ticky is the current England National Squad Director and is renowned as the 'Worlds Most Successful Coach'. Often heard to say "make it happen". Ticky is also the Chief Instructor and Founder of Ishinryu Karate
3 times British Champion
British, European and World Team Champion
British Team Manager / Coach – World Champions Taipei 1982, Holland 1984, Australia 1986,
Cairo 1988, Mexico 1990
Ticky was an appointed delegate on the interim Board of the English Karate Federation (National Governing Body of Karate) 2007/08.
He is also an appointed delegate on the Board of the English Karate Federation (National Governing Body of Karate) 2008/09.
This course will be invaluable for all students that are interested in improving their kumite but will also provide an excellent training opportunity for traditionalists and even kata students.
Any queries please contact Liz Legg, Wadokai England Squad Co Ordinator
Email: admin@wadokai.co.uk
Tel: 01483 527973
Success in Scotland
Fallon Rayman and Connor Chatfield competed in the 4th Scottish International Open Karate Championships which were held at Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh on the 19th and 20th of April 2008.
Countries in attendance were England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, France, Belgium, Latvia and Lithuania.
Fallon was up first with her kata event which was run under WKF flagged rules. She was also one of the first to compete and she performed Jion kata which took her storm through to the second round 3 : 0. Although repeating the kata was allowed Fallon was careful not to repeat the mistakes of the Europeans where she performed two kata against her opponents three and that mistake cost her the Championship title. Therefore, she decided to do a different kata each round and so she chose Wanshu for the second round and went through 2 : 1. By now the standard was exceptionally high but another faultless Kata took her through into the semi's 3 : 0. This pitted her against a very strong Latvian competitor. Fallon tried her best but lost out 0 : 3 but was happy to settle for the Bronze. The top three in this category were the best from the rounds and their skills shone. Fallon could have beaten the girl that took the silver but lost out in the draw. It happens.
Next was kumite. Fallon stormed through the earlier rounds with some of the best kumite that I have seen her execute. She was clearly back on form and it showed. She had a one minute rest before the final and just narrowly lost out to the Scottish Champion. However, Fallon has been ill recently and so her fitness was impaired. Running up and down Arthur's Seat the day before like a loon probably didn't help much either!
Connor had rather a wait before he competed in his kumite and just lost out in one of the earlier rounds when a head kick was disallowed due to very slight contact.
Both Fallon and Connor really shone over the weekend and really enjoyed the competition which was very well organised and interesting to take part in.
Congratulations Jim!
Our friend and Instructor, Jim Taylor, has recently graded to 4th Dan. Everyone at BWK would like to congratulate him and wish him all the best as he continues on his karate path. Well done Jim!
Wadokai England Squad Training Session
Sunday 9th March was the first Wadokai England Squad Training Session held in Wolverhampton.
Fallon Rayman and Connor Chatfield both trained in the kumite at the session because they continually receive excellent kata training from Sensei Swift 7th Dan.
The fight off's unfortunately found them paired against each other. Fallon has the measure of Connor at the moment and won the bout 4 - 1 with two 'over the tops' and one nihon although Connor executed a perfectly timed gyak.
The next bout was 'first touch wins' and Fallon was pitted against a young male adult Dan grade. She wasted no time in scoring against him too avoiding press ups for the losing team. Connor recover well from his earlier bout with Fallon, notched his kumite up a level and took the first point during his match.
Winston Williams, WKE Squad Coach, is extremely pleased with the progress that Fallon has made and with two bronzes under her belt already this year things are looking good for this season's circuit. Connor is relatively new to the squad and at the moment he is doing very well.
United Kingdom Karate Open
Connor Chatfield, Fallon Rayman and Shannan Rayman competed at the United Kingdom Karate Open that was held in Brierley Hill, Dudley on the 24th February.
England, Wales, Iran and Ireland were all in attendance making this Connor’s first experience of international competition.
Sensei Paul Campbell holds the event annually in February and September. Shannan competed here last year and achieved gold in the kumite and silver with his kata so he was hoping to do well here again.
The AMA were also holding their international event in Nottingham and so it was surprising to see quite so many competitors and the categories were full.
Connor and Fallon were both up first for kata and were placed in the same category for the second week running. This week the kata was judged using the flag rules. With over 30 competitors and repecharge the event looked like it would be running for some considerable time!
The rules were alternate kata and taking on board the tactical mistakes of the previous week Connor chose to perform his best kata, Wanshu. An outstanding display saw him flagged through 3 – 0 to the next round.
Fallon was next and for the second week running she chose to perform Seienchin. Unfortunately the flags went against her this week and saw a swift exit out of the event.
Almost two hours later Connor stood up to do his second kata, Seishan. The flags at the end of the round saw Connor just lose out by 2 – 1. This category finally ended after three and a half-hours!
Shannan was up next on a different area and he performed a very strong Bassai. Unfortunately, his competitors perfectly executed Jion just pipped him to the post by 2 flags to 1 by the eventual winner of the event. However, Shan did not hear his name called for his repecharge and so was disqualified missing out on a potential Bronze for British Wadokai.......
Kumite followed and Connor was first up out of the three. He had been sparring and warming up with Shannan in the training area and had been picking up some last minute tips. Connor’s kumite has improved so much in a just a week and that saw him take the lead with a well timed gyakuzuki. However, the referees’ decisions went against him today with most points being decided by the ‘reconsider’ and the points just did not go in his favour on this day.
Shannan was next to take to the mat. Shannan’s kumite was very sluggish last week but this week was a complete turnaround. Shannan is on the EKF National Squad and trains regularly with Sensei Ticky Donovan, however, he cannot select until June when he will be 16. This week scores of 10 – 1 and 9 – 0 saw him storm his way into the final which he won comfortably 8 – 0 with 35 seconds still on the clock. Competitors, coaches and spectators came and gathered around the mat to view his bouts which were full to the brim with sanbons, take downs and sharp gyakazukis which were literally ‘picking off’ his opponents. It was nice to see Shannan back on form after crashing out in the first round of last weeks event.
The day ended with Fallon’s kumite. Fallon is on good form and it showed. She stormed her way into the semi final but narrowly lost out to the eventual winner Madeline Moore so had to settle for the bronze this time out. Fallon’s kumite is improving all the time and she is looking good for this season.
This was a very good days work from these three members of the squad.
TKA London Karate Open
British Wadokai Squad members Shannan and Fallon Rayman (Kyokai Karate) and Connor Chatfield (Mushin Karate Club) traveled to Goresbrook Sports Centre in London on the 17th February 2008 to compete at the TKA London Karate Open.
This was the first outing for the squad in 2008 and they were thoroughly looking forward to the event, which was organised by Joe Anderson, Chief Instructor of Toyakwai Karate.
The competition was extremely well run and organised and the venue was large enough for them to run six areas simultaneously so the event ran smoothly. Tiered seating was on one side of the venue saw the spectators had a good clear view and the seats were padded - luxory!
As usual the competition began with kata, which the organisers elected to score using the points system.
Unfortunately, Fallon and Connor were in the same category. Fallon performed her kata first. She looked at the vast numbers of karate ka in her category and made a rough guess that a cut of approximately 8 would be taken into the next round and then the best of those would then go through to the final. As kata, at her level, cannot be repeated in subsequent rounds she played safe and performed Seienchin. She chose to save her technically better kata for the following rounds. Her kata was accurate and sharp and the three judges awarded her scores of 7.1, 7.2 and 7.2 respectively. The score of 21.5 was enough to put her into a very comfortable lead. However, there were higher scoring kata toward the end of the round.
Connor was next up and chose yodan. He also saved his better kata for the following rounds. A solid and focused kata saw him score 6.9, 7.2 and 7.0 and that total of 21.1 saw him sat in 6th position. Connor is relatively new to competitions at this level and was hampered by travel sickness so this was a very good score considering the circumstances.
Both Fallon and Connor looked to be going through to the next round to perform their best katas and looked certain to medal.
However, both their tactical decisions fell short when the organisers chose not to take a cut through and instead award the trophies to the highest scored kata of that round. This meant that Fallon and Connor did not get the chance to perform their best kata, which was disappointing.
The results were called out and Fallon had to settle for the bronze this time out. Connor was very unfortunate not to medal at this event.
Shannan was in the following category and fell into the same trap. He held back with Seishan and performed Bassai Dai in the first round. His kata was sharp and he was judged with scores of 6.7, 6.8 and 6.9. His score of 20.4 saw him end the round in 4th place and miss out on a medal by 0.1 of a point. Shannan has worked hard on his kata recently and it has really improved.
Next up was the kumite. Connor and Shannan both went out in the first rounds of their kumite by 2 – 0, Connor gave points away for contact but his movement and timing have really improved, Shannan was just not as sharp or as focused as he usually is and it showed.
Fallon did really well with her kumite. She is back on top form following her recent session with Wayne Otto. The first round saw her win very comfortably 7 – 0 but she went out in the semi’s 4 – 0 to the eventual winner and with no repecharge she just missed medalling this time.
All three competitors really enjoyed their day and are looking forward to the 24th February when they will be competing in the West Midlands.
Wayne Otto Seminar
The 20th January 2008 again saw various members of British Wadokai undertake intensive training with Wayne Otto O.B.E. 9 times World and European Karate Champion, England National Coach and Kumite Karate Consultant.
This karate seminar is an annual event hosted by Surrey Karate Club which itself belongs to the Wado Renmei Academy.
The seminar was outstanding, as always. Sensei Otto has a unique and humorous way of imparting his knowledge to students and if you should ever get the chance to attend one of his courses the opportunity should not be missed.
The course consisted of
- the demonstration and teaching of effective techniques
- training using fight scenarios
- strategies and tactics
- kumite training drills
- reaction and timing techniques
- the importance of mental preparation for competition
- advice on performance testing and analysis
- and the planning and time line preparation for major tournaments
Members attending the course were Shannan Rayman, Fallon Rayman, Connor Chatfield, Oren Teichmann and David Sykes. Our thanks to Corin Pegden, Chief Instructor of Surrey Karate Club www.surreykarate.co.uk for organising this fantastic course and allowing us to attend.
February 18th 2008
We have re-vamped the British Wadokai Website ! It will now be fully maintained by Liz Legg - the BWK's General Secretary who has a huge backlog of content to upload!
Her husband, Jel, will continue to look after the technical side of the website but with 14 other karate sites to maintain including the EKF a little delegation has been required to ensure this site is keep fully up to date! We hope you enjoy the new format.
A note about competition entries for BWK students
All British Wadokai Members who compete in organised National/International events, must only compete in sanctioned events run by either British Wadokai, Wadokai England, English Karate Federation and the World Karate Federation (you will be in breach of your licence and membership if you compete in events outside of the aforementioned Governing Bodies.