Adventures of a Karate-ka

Good Morning everyone!

The Springdale Karate Club has finally made their website official. We've been working on it for a few months, and finally got something we think everyone will enjoy.

We've posted some common videos on it for the time being, and will post and replace some with our own content as we get the chance to film with our Sensei.

Have a great day and stop by and visit:

www.springdalekarateclub.ca

Ossu

Fall Camp 2009:

What a great camp we had this fall with Master Okazaki, Sensei’s Field. This was my first training with Master Okazaki and, although there was a lot to learn, what really stayed with me was his telling us to “go back to the beginning” and “to move forward, you must go back”. It was his way of saying we must never forget the basics and always practice and return to them. This is the foundation of Shotokan karate and should never be forgotten.

Master Okazaki was a student of Master Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan, as well as Master Nakayama and was sent to the US in 1961 to spread Shotokan karate to the Western world. He was only supposed to be here for 6 months but as we see, he has remained here to teach us the Way. I also had the honor of testing for Nidan with Master Okazaki and I must say it was rather intimidating to perform in front of such a legend in our art.

It was truly an honor to train with these gentlemen and continue to carry on their teachings to the next generation of karateka.

Oss!

Sincerely,

Matt Tomory

During the camp Master Okazaki taught us a series of basic combinations to practice outside of our regular karate classes.  The combinations started simple, but with each session he added more complexity, focusing on hip rotation and the development of more powerful techniques through proper body mechanics.  We also practiced one step sparring with multiple attackers, starting basic then moving up to multiple attackers with random attacks.

There are a couple of points that stand out for me from my time with Master Okazaki.  First was the importance of training outside of formal karate classes, even if it is for a short amount of time. He stressed the point that if we can train the basic combinations he taught us for 15 minutes each day outside of class our performance in class would significantly improve over time.

Second, was the concept of Seika Tanden.  I realized that though simple in appearance this concept can potentially have a profound impact on my practice of karate. Master Okazaki referred to seika tanden as a point located slightly below the navel, in the lower abdomen.  If a karateka  can  focus their mind at this point during a movement, the movement will be biomechanically correct and naturally have strength, power and flow.    For example, if we are punching without focusing on this point, our punches can potentially come from our upper body, shoulders and arms.  However if we do the same punch yet focus our minds on seika tanden then we naturally integrate our full body into the punch and generate much more power.

Since that weekend I now have a new mantra when I practice, “seika tanden, seika tanden, seika tanden.” Thank you Master Okazaki!

Andrea Lore

Master Okazaki 09 Fall Camp Phx