Between 01/08 and 08/08, the Prefecture of Okinawa together with the Karate Kaikan, surprised us with a world-class logistics to host the so-called “1st Okinawa Karate International Tournament” (第1回沖縄空手国際大会 ) whose name is due to the fact that currently the Olympic Committee only estate that holds the possibility to organize “World Tournaments” and deliver the respective “titles”. However, with a participation framework of more than 1746 competitors from 49 countries of the 5 continents, the level was at the height of an event that was highlighted by the relentless emphasis on maintaining the high standards of execution of the traditional katas of the respective lines: Shuri / Tomari-te Kei, Uechi-Ryu Kei, Naha-Te Kei and Kobudo.
As part of the event, various activities were carried out, including the inauguration of the monument in honor of the 232nd anniversary of Sakugawa Kanga, a master known as Tōdē Sakugawa, (who is remembered for creating the bō – staff kata Sakugawa no kun), honoring in that way Shurite and the Shorin Ryu the past july 28/29
Mr. Takeshi Onaga – Okinawa Prefecture Governor
In the words of Mr. Takeshi Onaga, Governor of the prefecture and spokesperson for the Executive Committee of The 1st Okinawan International Karate Tournament, the main objective of the tournament was that “Okinawan karate enthusiasts can meet and establish connections to inherit and develop skills correctly. and spirituality of this modality of karate, systematized and transmitted by our ancestors, as well as to promote the development of traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo, which are, in turn, a legacy of our ancestors, who preserved and transmitted it generation after generation “
In support of this mission and as a result of the systematic efforts of the Prefecture of Okinawa to preserve, transmit and develop Okinawan karate, “The Karate Kaikan” (Click here for further info) was inaugurated on March 4th, 2018, facilities that include museums, shops, dojos and libraries dedicated one hundred percent to contribute to this mission. This is the place where it was decided to hold the first Okinawan karate tournament.
KARATE KAIKAN – OKINAWA, AUGUST 2018
THE 6 ROLES OF KARATE KAIKAN
Contribution to character building (valuing civility)
Telling people that it is the birthplace of Karate
Contact among each school inside the prefecture and inside/outside the country
Cultivating trainers and successors
Passing on the essence of Karate
Promoting training on Okinawa, the home of Karate
THE TOURNAMENT – Preliminary Rounds & Main Event
As has been the trend in the last events held in Okinawa, our organization was present to participate in this event and together with the school of Mirzon Zambrano sensei (Okinawa Goju Ryu Jinbukan) and Diego sensei’s adhesion from Europe, Chile was represented splendidly by 11 competitors, who took part of the Karate and Kobudo competitions in all the divisions.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
“We will hold the 1st Okinawa Karate International Tournament , aiming to create a place where Okinawa Karate enthusiasts gather in Okinawa and deepen exchanges, to properly inherit and develop the skills and spirituality of Okinawa Karate which was systematized by our ancestors and handed down until today, and to further promote the development of Okinawa Traditional Karate and Kobudo for the future”
THE 1st OKINAWA KARATE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Okinawa representative team, who made the qualification round in May 2018, were waiting and observing the turn of Japan & Overseas that took place on August 2nd and 3th to determine who would accompany the homeowners in the main tournament.
Naha-te Kei – Uechi-ryu Kei – Shuri / Tomari-Te Kei and Kobudo Sai-Bo, were the four categories performed in the Okinawa Prefectural Hall of Martial Arts (Budokan) Arena and the Karate Kaikan, Special Dojo, where the hundreds of competitors gathered to start the fight for the podium.
The category of Shuri / Tomari Te Kei, with a margin of participation close to a thousand competitors, was the division that registered the most attendance, classifying the main tournament only the best 32 of each division (Junior Female / Male I-II, Seniors Female / Male I-II).
DIEGO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI
MAURICIO LOPEZ & FERNANDO SMITH – SHURI-TE / TOMARI-TE KEI – Adults II
SEISHINKAN – CHILE TEAM
MAIN TOURNAMENT
DIEGO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI
Diego Sensei(who qualified 1st in the preliminary round, Seniors I) and Mauricio Lopez(Seniors II) were the representatives who managed to advance in their respective groups to the main event that began on 04/08. Isshinryu Seisan Kata, Isshinryu Sunsu Kata and Isshinryu Kusanku kata (Click here to check the videos), were chosen to present until unfortunately, the high standards regarding “root / origin of the kata” (the katas presented should be as little modified as possible, thus maintaining the pure lineage of each ryuha) were a difficult obstacle to overcome for both, who fell in the first round before relentless judges with the standards that in front of the prefecture of Okinawa just a few days before, they promised to maintain.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Naha-Te Kei and Kobudo Bo and Sai were the divisions chosen by the Chilean representatives of Goju-Ryu Jinbukan, led by Mirzon Zambrano sensei, and who, as expected, also qualified to the main tournament from the preliminary rounds, not without some previous tiebrakes they had them busy during the entire day.
The overall balance of the team was positive, mainly because the first objective was achieved, which was to represent Chile and Isshinryu in Okinawa, supporting Uechi Sensei at the same time in his work as the only active representative of Isshinryu Karate at the Karate Kaikan and, on the other hand, It is always positive to see how and where is the standard in Okinawa related to the kata execution.
In this way, the “1st Okinawa Karate International Tournament” had on the podium those who faithfully maintained the traditional katas, far from the spectacular and bombastic presentations to which we are already very acclimated in the West.
THE SEMINARS – Isshin-ryu/Shorin-ryu & Ryukyu Kobudo
Once the tournament was over, a series of seminars was started on 06/08 by the instructors chosen by the Executive Committee based on the recommendations of the four organizations affiliated with the Okinawa Dento Karatedo Shinkokai (the same as for first time in history, worked together to carry out the event).
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
As expected, the representatives of Seishinkan and Isshinryu at the event, participated and supported the seminar lead by Tsuyoshi Uechi sensei,Isshinryu Okinawa Traditional Karate-do Association 8th Dan together with the Board Chairman of Okinawa Dento Karatedo ShinkokaiChoko Kyuna Sensei, Okinawa Shorin Ryu Hanshi 10th Dan, who held the Shuri-Te Kei seminar. All the Kihon, Basics Movement and applications, kotekitae (Okinawa Traditional condition training) and Seisan Kata were the topics covered by more than two hours of seminar, which counted with the maximum allowed of participants (50) coming mainly from the Shuri-te line.
Ryukyu Kobudo was the other covered area during the participation in seminars, this time by Akamine Hiroshi Sensei, Okinawa Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan 9th dan and assisted very closely by Dell Hamby Sensei, 6th dan. Bo and Sai were the weapons covered during two hours of training that contemplated techniques and basic applications, kihon and a kata of bo and sai respectively. As expected, massive assistance from practitioners of various Kobudo lines took the available places.
RYUKYU KOBUDO SHIMBUKAN SEMINAR – Alfonso Lavanchy – Seishinkan Santiango de Chile
Both seminars, of high technical and theoretical value, contribute significantly to the growth and research work carried out by the directors of our school in South America and Europe, contributing to the development and strengthening of Karate and Kobudo in the regions.
Text by Diegoisshinryu – Pictures courtesy of Karate Journal & Seishinkan South America
After the “2016 OIKKA World Karate Championship, Allentown, New Jersey” (check the article here), Diego Sensei moved and settled definitively in Northern Europe, where he successfully carried out the work of representing Seishinkan, establishing connections, contributing to the growth of Isshinryu and initiating his training in Tokushinryu Kobudo of Master Kensho Tokumura in the organization led in europe by Sensei Lars Andersen.
As a result of this joint effort between the WUIKA organizations in Europe and South America, activities such as the past “WORLD UNITED ISSHINRYU KARATE ASSOCIATION & TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO EUROPE TOUR – ROMANIA 2017” (check the article here) have been developed, and this August 2018, after their participation together to the team at the 1st Okinawa World Championship, Diego sensei will be visiting the Seishinkan Hombu Dojo in Chile to conduct a seminar whose main objective will be to review the basic principles of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo, with a new perspective that goes in support of the work of growth and consolidation carried out by the directors of WUIKA South America & Seishinkan in the region.
This activity is presented as a prelude to the great event called “1st TOKUSHINRYU & WUIKA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA TOUR – CHILE 2018 – 2019″ (click here for further info) scheduled for the end of this year and that will include a new visit of Diego sensei with two students of WUIKA Europe, who during a month, will be part of a series of trainings and seminars carried out in different dojos of the organization in the country.
SEISHINKAN BUDO EUROPE
SEISHINKAN EUROPE – GREECE 2018
SEISHINKAN BUDO EUROPE
Some of the topics of this coming seminar will be oriented towards the following areas
Basic principles of the main Kobudo weapons (tichu, sai, bo, tekko, tonfa)
Seishinkan Budo School & WUIKA’s board of directors hopes that with the realization of this event as a prelude to the end of year tour, our students and all the Okinawan Karate & Kobudo enthusiasts can gather, build connections and deepen their knowledge together with expanding horizons regarding the practice and development of this art in its purest and most traditional form.
We are looking forward to meeting you all during this coming events.
Text by Diegoisshinryu – Images by Allisson Teran
You can check some of the last activities of Diego sensei by clicking the following links
The event called “1st WUIKA & TOKUSHINRYU EUROPE, SOUTH AMERICA CHILE TOUR, 2018 – 2019” had last month its end with the return of guests that Seishinkan had for a month in South America, Chile.
Towards Romania, George Craciunescu and Alex Covasa sensei, and to Sweden Diego Rodriguez Sensei, started their return trip on January 10th to their respective homes with the mission of sharing this experience and inspiring new generations to work for the development of this and other similar projects in the short and long term.
Next we present the last update with the details of the activities carried out during the tour, and as a finishing touch, we leave a brief account of the experiences lived by the protagonists.
1st KIDS SEMINAR 2018 – Seishinkan San Pedro de la Paz.
Diego Rodriguez sensei together with the Honbu Dojo instructor’s team led by Magaly Inzunza sensei, carried out the first official tour activity hosted on this occasion by Jose Miguel Riesco, who has been this last time focused on solidifying a group of students characterised by being in the age range of three and seven years old.
Two days of sessions aimed at formative karate, were attended by about 25 students from the clubs and dojos of the city, who received important lessons, tasks and challenges to face until the next visit.
JOSE MIGUEL RIESCO (Seishinkan San Pedro, Chile) – DIEGO RODRIGUEZ (Seishinkan Europe) – MAGALY INZUNZA (Chief Instructor, Seishinkan Chile)
The children’s activity was aligned with the institutional mission of Seishinkan and the educational / training project carried out in partnership with institutions that seek to strengthen the educational process of children through the regular practice of Karate Do.
2018 BLACK BELT & INSTRUCTOR’S SEMINAR – Seishinkan Honbu Dojo, Concepcion.
From December 13 to 16, the annual course of instructors and examination of black belts of the Seishinkan organization took place in Chile, where George and Alex sensei had the opportunity to participate in the training sessions and witness the examination of three applicants for Shodan black belt who also, fulfilling the standards of our school, presented their research and documents that led by title:
“HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT OF ISSHIN RYU IN SOUTH AMERICA”, by Antonia Arévalo
Supported by previously developed works, tried to move towards the clarification of facts that are still part of a dense confusion. A true challenge without a doubt, which requires a deep process of investigation in addition to a broad and comprehensive historical vision not only of local facts, but of Isshinryu itself as well.
“”CONTRIBUTIONS OF SPORTS KARATE TO TRADITIONAL KARATE”, by Rodrigo Aqueveque.
Brief presentation that goes in the quest to make disappear the thin line between the sporting and traditional aspect of karate, sustaining at the same time that it is the latter that represents if any doubt the solid foundations of the sporting aspect.
“HOW TO DETECT AN EMERGENCY HEALTH STATUS IN A KARATE CLASS””, by Yhara Rodriguez Inzunza.
Dissertation that seeks to deliver general and specific guidelines to follow in case of facing a situation that requires first aid attention; information very relevant for instructors who develop in a systematic way the karate classes with different age groups.
It was also carried out a talk where Diego sensei presented the results of a research process started 5 years ago and whose results have come to light the last 3 in the framework of the project carried out in Europe.
The research entitled “Need and Relevance of a Sustainable Leadership in Martial Arts Organizations” carried out in 2013, together with “Ichi go Ichi e: The Path of Inner Strength” in 2014, are the theoretical basis that sustains the results exposed during a discussion that lasted for more than two hours in the “Gladys Matus” auditorium in the San Sebastian University, the author’s Alma Matter. With this, Diego Sensei also met the Seishikan standards by closing the 5th Dan graduation process initiated in Okinawa, Japan, within the framework of the organization’s past tour to the Karate Do island.
INSTRUCTORS GASSHUKU CHILE 2018
YHARA RODRIGUEZ – Shodan Rank test
INSTRUCTORS GASSHUKU & BLACK BELT RANK TEST – CHILE 2018
INSTRUCTORS GASSHUKU CHILE 2018
GEORGE CRACIUNESCU – OSVALDO RODRIGUEZ – DIEGO RODRIGUEZ. Instructors Gasshuku, Chile 2018
A whole weekend of training and pleasant moments of sharing, were the perfect framework to officially welcome the guests who arrived from Romania only a couple of days before the second capital of the country, Concepcion.
2nd KIDS SEMINAR 2018, Seishinkan Haruki Dojo, Los Angeles
From December 20 to 22, Seishinkan Haruki dojo, led by Pamela Diaz Seguel, was responsible for host the second seminar and children’s training scheduled on the tour’s agenda.
George Sensei leading a kids session – Los Angeles Chile 2019
George Sensei leading a kids session – Los Angeles Chile 2019
DIEGO SENSEI leading a Children Karate Class – Los Angeles Chile 2019
WUIKA EUROPE & WUIKA SOUTH AMERICA – Los Angeles Chile 2019
Magaly Inzunza Sensei leading a kids session – Los Angeles Chile 2019
George Sensei leading a kids session – Los Angeles Chile 2019
George Sensei leading a kids session – Los Angeles Chile 2019
ALEX COVASA & JOAQUIN ALVARES – WUIKA TOUR 2018- 2019
OSVALDO RODRIGUEZ & GEORGE CRACIUNESCU during the Kids Seminar in Los Angeles, Chile. WUIKA Tour 2018 – 2019
With a large number of participants considering the festive season, one of the fundamental objectives of the visit was met: instructors from both continents exchanging experiences and knowledge about how to best develop the task of teaching the youngest in the different dojos of Isshinryu around the world. A tremendously enriching experience for all participants that seeks to strengthen the transcendental work of karate in supporting the training and education processes of the generations of the future and, at the same time, the instructors who carry out this task
SEISHINKAN HARUKI DOJO – Los Angeles Chile – WUIKA Europe, Chile Tour 2018 -2019
The final touch to close the activity on the 22nd, was a general training led by Osvaldo Rodriguez Sensei and an exhibition of Tokushinryu Kobudo (Click here for more Videos) that had Diego sensei at the head, accompanied by Kobudo students from the Honbu dojo of Concepcion.
Following the tradition of some dojos in Okinawa, on December 31, 2018, from 23:00 hrs, until January 01, 2019 at 00:45, the 1st Toshikoshi Keiko took place; last and first training that dismisses the old year and welcomes the new one with special energy and enthusiasm for those who are part of this tradition.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
With the participation of Miguel Angel Ullivarri Sensei (Kendo Concepcion and former president of the federation in Chile) George and Alex sensei became part of the history of our school to be part of the group that had an appointment for the first time to share this training, which followed a pleasant evening to the rhythm of “Kanpai” and music in the purest Ryukyu style.
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO SOUTH AMERICA 2019 SEMINAR & RANK PROMOTION, Seishinkan Honbu Dojo, Concepcion
Between the 4th and 6th of January, 2019, the first official activity of the year took place in the Honbu Dojo. Students from the most dedicated Tokushinryu groups in the country along with George and Alex sensei, gathered during this weekend to align the curriculum, share experiences and why not, receive a little inspiration for the Do.
Kata, Kihon, Bunkai and Kumite of the main weapons (Bo, Sai, Tekko, Ticku and Tonfa) were part of the topics developed during the days that were also complemented with the valuable contribution of Diego Rodriguez sensei (Tokushinryu Kobudo Europe), who was in charge of transmitting a bit of the perspective and way of approaching the practice of Kobudo by the students in Europe, thus fulfilling another of the fundamental objectives of the tour.
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO RANK PROMOTION
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO SEMINAR, CHILE 2019
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO SEMINAR, CHILE 2019
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO SEMINAR, CHILE 2019
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO SEMINAR, CHILE 2019
IVAN PARRA SENSEI (Seishinkan Takeshi Budo) – DIEGO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI (Seishinkan Europa) – MAURICIO LOPEZ SENSEI (Seishinkan Honbu Dojo)
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO SEMINAR – CHILE 2019
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO SEMINAR – Tekko Kihon
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO SEMINAR, CHILE 2019
Mauricio Lopez, Alfonso Lavanchy and Joaquin Alvares closed their Shodan graduation cycle in Tokushinryu Kobudo, which began last August in Okinawa, with a practical examination and also presented their research and documents on the following subjects:
“THE 5 MOST RELEVANT LINES OF OKINAWAN KOBUDO: STYLES AND TEACHERS”, by Mauricio Lopez Quiróz.
A historical look at the past of Okinawan Kobudo; lineages, their forerunners, teachers and outstanding students with the aim of delivering a solid perspective on how they came to shape the styles and schools that we know today.
“THE TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO ORIGINS”by Alfonso Lavanchy Needham.
A look at the historical past and the bases that sustain Master Kensho Tokumura in the creation and development of Tokushinryu Kobudo.
“BIOGRAPHY OF KENSHO TOKUMURA SENSEI: Life, History and Principles”, by Joaquin Alvares Noranbuena.
“I teach Budo,” Tokumura sensei often says. Those who have had the opportunity to meet him and the fortune of training with him in more than one occasion, will be able to find in him everything they need to know about his Kobudo style. A look at the history of a dedicated practitioner of Karate and Kobudo with a vast experience that he does not hesitate to share. Dissertation and work that contributes to the better understanding and the Tokushinryu Student’s contextualisation of the in the Honbu dojo of South America.
Added to the group of students who ascended in the Kyu ranks, the seminar and last official activity of the tour had a magnificent framework of participation that also included the visit of sensei and instructors from other schools who are interested in starting their practices in Tokushinryu Kobudo.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
GENERAL COMMENTS & THANKS
“Since I heard from Sensei Diego about this program, in early 2017, I figured out how beautiful it can be and I then said that I must sign up! During the summer of the same year, when I was announced that I was going to participate I was very happy and at the same time a little scared, now that my dream of travelling to Chile had become an imminent reality. My first thought was the long period, which included the winter holidays that I will spend there, away from my family back home. I said then that such an opportunity should not be missed and that I have to be prepared for such feelings when the time comes to go. Once there, after a long but very beautiful journey, the first impression of this country on another continent, so far away, was that it resembles much with my country, Romania. People, alike friendly and eager to help. These things helped me feel more integrated than I expected. Having always kept in mind the purpose of this trip, I tried to spend as much time in the dojo and in the training rooms to discover the training style of the Seishinkan School. I was really impressed by the technical level I found there. The students of this school, led by Sensei Osvaldo, have shown that they have a very good technique and a high level of understanding of this art. One of the many things I’ve seen and that I really liked was the fact that there’s a lot of emphasis on courtesy and the traditional Okinawan way of doing things. Here it was obvious the close link of this school with the roots of our Okinawa style. Our host, Sensei Osvaldo, is a wonderful man with a pungent energy. Always with the smile on his lips, he took care that everyone would receive the necessary corrections while practising in the dojo, being very understanding and patient. This has been a great deal and made me come to all the training and seminars with great pleasure, trying to assimilate as much new information as possible. His vast experience in the world of martial arts, in different styles, has made the resulting technique extremely efficient and powerful. Although I knew quite a lot about Sensei Osvaldo, once I met him, i was always surprised by his way of being, through the modesty and friendship he has shown me. Equally, SenseiMagaly – Sensei Osvaldo’s wife -, who focuses her work on children, has devoted me a lot of time to discuss and explain the work techniques she uses in training which is of great use to me given that here, in Romania, I teach Karate to many children. We had very long and interesting discussions, a real help for me, I was able to assist and work with her during the sessions and seminars held during the period when I was there. I really felt the desire to share with me her great experience in working with children. This is priceless for me, reason for which I want to thank again on this occasion. The whole team of practitioners of this school has been very friendly to me for the entire duration of my stay there. I have had many social activities where I feel part of their team. I do not feel for a moment I was an outsider, regarded with scepticism. More than that, Joaquin and Macarena – a fantastic couple who was responsible for me all the time – quickly became my best friends on another continent. They took care that my experience outside the dojo was there to be as good as possible, full of interesting activities in a wonderful country. Also, my good friend Sensei Diego, who has spent a lot of time and effort in the last year to improve my technique, was responsible for creating this unprecedented event for us. Just like we already know, characterised by professionalism and seriousness, he always ensured that things are in order for me and that I have the most pleasing experience possible. I know that everything of what I have lived and found in Chile was not at all haphazard or luck, and that’s why I want to thank him. In conclusion, the whole experience in Chile gave me more than I expected, both from the point of view of the martial arts and the perspective of a tourist. It is a very beautiful country, with special people and where you can have unforgettable and extremely helpful experiences in your career as a martial artist. It was definitely not the last time I will be travelling to Chile!”
ALEX COVASA
WUIKA Europe
Isshinryu Karate Romania
Nidan
“—I hope that the future of karate will be just about having fast techniques, or being strong. I want people to understand the spirit of karate. Make more friends, help the weak, learn more each other and live a meaningful life through the practice of karate. This is karate —“
I stop to think about the process and final result of this project and to define it, I choose this simple words of an outstanding teacher in Okinawa.
For my part, I send a sincere and enormous thanks to all those who were part and made this project possible. To the directors of WUIKA in Europe for supporting this dream from the start, to George, Alex for the trust placed in our work and dare to be part of this tour and history.
To Osvaldo Rodriguez Sensei in Chile for the tremendous deployment and logistic team in Chile that hosted the different activities in the different dojos and groups at every opportunity; everything was splendid
It is my most sincere wish as a student and member of the board of directors of Seishinkan & WUIKA that activities like this are increasingly frequent and that it involves more and more people and organizations related to our mission and vision. For this reason I leave the concern and the mission to those who are inspired by this type of activity, to contribute to its happening again. It depends on us.
Sincerely, your partner and friend in the practice of Budo”
DIEGO RODRIGUEZ INZUNZA
Seishikan Budo School
Godan Isshinryu Karate Do
Stockholm, Sweden
————————————————————————————————————-
Stockholm Sweden – November, 2018.
Less than a month after the delegation of WUIKA Europe begins its trip to South America to be part of the event called “TOKUSHINRYU & WUIKA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA – CHILE TOUR 2018-2019” , we publish a new update detailing the most relevant activities and the schedules that will take place in different dojos, thus fulfilling the main objective of the tour.
Regular training, Black Belts & Children Master Classes, Technical Seminars and Rank Promotions are some of the most outstanding events whose details are presented below.
WUIKA INTERNATIONAL ISSHIN RYU SEMINAR: December 20 – 23 of 2018
Contact & further information: secretariaseishinkan@gmail.com
MASTER CLASS FOR YOUNGSTERS & CHILDREN: December 12th and 14th, 2018.
Hosted by Seishinkan Dojo’s in San Pedro de la Paz, Chile.
Contact & Further information: Jose Miguel Riesco +56 998841725 – secretariaseishinkan@gmail.com
TOSHI KOSHI KEIKO (new years eve training and celebration)at the Seishinkan Honbu Dojo, Concepcion Chile. From 31/12/2018 at 23:30, until 01/01/2019 at 00:30
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Without further ado, the WUIKA & Seishinkan Budo organizations cordially invite all Okinawan Karate and Kobudo enthusiasts to participate in the first international event of these characteristics, which aims to be the first of many to take place in the years to come.
With great joy and enthusiasm, Seishinkan Europe wishes to communicate that the two people who have decided to be part of the project described in this article are Alex Covasa sensei and George Craciunescu sensei. Both dedicated budokas belonging to the Joshinkan school of Lars Andersen sensei, current representatives and active members of WUIKA Europe in Romania and are currently working hard in the consolidation and expansion of Isshinryu in the region.
The Seishinkan organization, through its president, Sensei Osvaldo Rodriguez and its representative in Europe Sensei Diego Rodriguez, wishes to thank on behalf of all our members, the trust placed and the effort made by all in this project, which seeks to develop the mission of Seishinkan and contribute to the goal of WUIKA to “unify, promote and strengthen the Isshinryu around the world, through providing instances of training and exchange among its members around the world”
Being just a couple of months away from being carried out, the executive committee works hard on a month-long agenda that considers special trainings, the examination of black belts of Seishinkan students, visits to the dojos in the country, historical talks and above all generate the exchange that allows this to be only the first of many similar events to develop among students from different schools, organizations and in different continents.
——————————————————————————–
Europe, March 2018.
In December of this 2018, Diego sensei will be travelling to Chile, as part of a tour organized jointly by Seshinkan Europe and South America. This tour includes carrying out a series of training in Isshinryu Karate and seminars of Tokushinryu Kobudo, and thus contribute to the growth, updating and above all, consolidation of Tokushinryu in the region, in addition to visiting the hombu dojo of Seishinkan.
A relevant aspect of this project is that it provides an opportunity for an active member of WUIKA (World United Isshinryu Karate Association) and/or Tokushinryu Kobudo in Europe to be part of this tour with Diego sensei and thus generate the opportunity for an exchange that enhances cultural growth, human and above all in the martial art of both parties.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
THE PROJECT
The tour includes the departure from Europe on December 15, 2018, and will run until January 10, 2019. The Seishinkan and WUIKA South America organization will receive the student who decides to be part of the trip during their stay and will be able to participate in all daily training in the various disciplines (Isshinryu Karate, Tokushinryu Kobudo, Kendo and Aikijujutsu) developed in the different dojos of the country and participate in addition to the seminars and activities scheduled during the tour.
The great challenge then, for those who have the sincere desire to undertake this adventure, will be on the one hand to cover their flight tickets and be willing to live a new experience that involves enjoying the end of year celebrations away from home. However, a pleasant stay, much training and growth will also be part of this experience.
DETAILS:
Departure:15/12/2018 (aprox)
Return:10/01/2018 (aprox)
Travel Itinerary:
Europe (local airport) – Santiago de Chile (SCL) – Concepcion (CCP)
Concepcion (CCP) – Santiago de Chile (SCL) – Europe (local airport)
Expenses to be covered by the interested party:
Roundtrip flight tickets
Sufficient funds to cover personal expenses.
Expenses to be covered by Seishinkan:
Staying and basic meals. A student from our school will be happy to receive anyone who wishes to be part of this project.
Participation in seminars and trainings during this period in the dojos that you visit.
Who can participate:All students of Isshinryu and/or Tokushinryu Kobudo in Europe, of legal age, who are interested and able to travel. There is no minimum rank requirement, however, the desire to travel, train and grow is essential.
Deadline: There is no deadline to make the decision but the interested parties are encouraged to contact us and start managing the tickets as soon as possible to get them for a good price.
Limit of participants:Being the first time that a project of this magnitude is carried out in our organization, there is a limit of quotas for those who want to participate, which is why we recommend to contact us as soon as possible.
This project is aligned with the mission and specific objectives of Seishinkan, which are aimed at “Providing their students with opportunities to constantly nourish themselves from diverse sources of knowledge related to the practice and development of Martial Art in general, and Isshinryu Karate & Tokushinryu Kobudo in particular, and orienting them in this way towards the maximum practical and theoretical development ” and “establish networks and alliances with different organizations of Oriental Martial Arts, national and international and contribute in this way to the enrichment of the practitioners of both organizations”.
Also, the tour has the support of the WUIKA and Tokushinryu Kobudo organizations in Europe and South America that, through their respective directors Lars Andersen sensei and Osvaldo Rodriguez sensei, have expressed their total cooperation and enthusiasm in that the activity is carried out with the greatest of successes and the first of many to come.
Finally, it is considered important to mention that the project also comes to realize one of the deepest yearnings of the author, who has also been one of the main engines that guide and promote his daily work in terms of martial art and its project in Europe, which is about to complete its second year.
From this moment Seishinkan Budo School is attentive to the hundreds of doubts that will surely invade the minds of many, which is why I cordially invite you do not hesitate to contact me to guide them in the best way possible and in this way together make it possible this longed-for project.
A wonderful climate and an always peaceful city, it was the perfect setting for the realization of the 31st version of the traditional Shingoryu Cup, carried out at the Arena Næstved in Denmark, last Saturday, May 5, 2018.
With an organization that has already accustomed us to a very good logistics deployment and excellent organization, the event had a framework of assistance that bordered the 200 competitors belonging to the 31 karate clubs coming mainly from Denmark, Romania and Sweden.
It should be noted that the Shingo Ryu Cup, is an open karate event for all styles, so the categories of kata are quite attractive and varied in terms of technique and principles of each style. This year, stand out among the participating styles, Kyokushin, Oyama Ryu, Ashihara, Goju Ryu IOGKF, Shotokan and Isshinryu, being these last two those who reigned the podium this 2018.
ISSHINRYU KARATE DO – SEISAN KATA
BUSHINKAN SHOTOKAN KARATE DO – JION KATA
After three previous rounds, the final of the category was disputed between a competitor belonging to the Shotokan style, who made a wonderful presentation after which, Diego sensei performed the Kusanku kata, in a version with competitive timing but maintaining the bases of Isshinryu.
In this way and by unanimous decision of the judges, the representative of Seishinkan and Isshinryu is crowned champion for the second year in a row with a splendid performance.
The podium of the senior kata division was as follows:
1st Place:Diego Rodriguez Inzunza, Isshinryu Seishinkan. Sweden
This event also turned out to be a wonderful opportunity to reunite the Isshinryu family in Europe, as it brought together the various schools, clubs and practitioners from Romania, Denmark and Sweden who, in turn, represented WUIKA and Isshinryu in a very good way.
Seishinkan participates in the acknowledgements for the effort and support of WUIKA Europe through its representatives who were supportive throughout the event. A sensei Lars Andersen, Mads Nørby and Martin Frederiksen.
We extend a cordial greeting and thanks to the organization of the 31st edition of the Shingoryu Cup waiting to see you again in 2019.
Texts by Diego Rodriguez
Videos courtesy of Mads Nørby
Images courtesy of Bushinkan Karate-Do & Karate News
JOEN NAKAZATO SENSEI – OKINAWA SHORINJI RYU KARATE
The event, held for the first time in Scandinavia, was organized by the school Shorinjiryu Sweden, led by Robert Iversen Sensei and had representatives from Finland, Sweden and the special participation of Diego Rodriguez Sensei from Chile, who is currently based in the capital of Sweden.
The various training session was developed by the following instructors:
Robert Iversen Sensei, Okinawa Shorinji Ryu Sweden, 7th dan.
Kim Mitrunen Sensei, Okinawa Shorin Ryu Seibukan Finland, 5th dan
DIEGO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI – Okinawa Isshinryu Karate & Kobudo
The training sessions were aimed at showing and developing the similarities in the techniques and principles of the three styles. This is how the training itinerary was divided into:
The overall balance of the activity was positive on the part of the instructors and participants who valued instances like these to develop greater perspectives of Okinawan karate and enrich their training process in each style.
BO BASICS
SHORINRYU SEIBUKAN – KIM MITRUNEN SENSEI
BO BASICS
ISSHINRYU PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
ISSHINRYU SEISAN KATA APPLICATIONS
ISSHINRYU BASIC APPLICATIONS
ISSHINRYU SEISAN KATA TRAINING
ISSHINRYU BASIC BUNKAI
ISSHINRYU SEISAN KATA BUNKAI
Participants from other styles of karate such as Shotokan rated the instance as a great opportunity to learn more about the origins of their style and discover similar principles and techniques in Okinawan roots.
The event is planned to take place annually and rotationally in the different Scandinavian countries, with the following meeting being scheduled for 2019 in Helsinki, Finland, and organized at that time by Kim Mitrunen sensei and the Shorin Ryu school of that country.
OKINAWA SHORINJI RYU
OKINAWA ISSHINRYU KARATE & KOBUDO
OKINAWA SHORIN RYU SEIBUKAN
Seishinkan Budo Europe and the community of Isshinryu in the region highlight, support and appreciate the initiative to create a common space for the practice, development and promotion of Okinawan karate and Kobudo with an integrating perspective and in search of the universal principles that characterize the martial art practiced by thousands of people around the world.
—————————————————————————————————————————————
Pictures courtesy of Lasse Centervik & Shorin Ryu Seibukan Finland.
With a magnificent logistical deployment and excellent organization by Tokushinryu Kobudo Valby Shibu, the 5th Winter Camp and 2nd Tokushinryu Cup took place, an event attended by representatives and kobudokas from Sweden, Germany and various regions of Denmark.
The event held on March 2, 3 and 4, focused various activities and training sessions aimed at delivering new perspectives of training, various guidelines and updated technical standards in the various katas and general curriculum of Tokushinryu Europe.
SAI vs SAI KUMITE
PECHIN KUMI SAI DRILL
NUNTI SAI BUNKAI
SAI vs KAMA
The training sessions by Lars Andersen sensei were dedicated to developing Tokumine no Kon Renzoku bunkai Kumite (click to watch), whose base is in the kata proper and in the first two steps of the bo kihon. By performing the kata with a partner, he gives a new perspective on training and understanding the kata itself. Pechin Kumi Sai (click to watch) was the other topic of bunkai, which gives a base to develop different variants of double weapon against double weapon.
The session with Jan Overgaard sensei was dedicated to the bunkai and principles of the Sai and Nunti Sai.
2nd TOKUSHINRYU CUP
TOKUSHINRYU CUP 2018 1st PLACE
MARTIN FREDERIKSEN SENSEI & DIEGO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI TOKUSHINRYU CUP 2018 1st PLACE
In the framework of Winter Camp activities, the 2nd Tokushinryu Cup was successfully carried out for the second year in a row, whose main objective is to grant the participants the opportunity to demonstrate their technical level through the execution of the various katas in a competitive environment and the instructors, the possibility of observing the competitors and evaluating in what level the general technical standard of the organization is found in the different dojos.
The applied regulation continues with the standard used in the events of previous years, that is, long weapon in the first round, short weapon in the second round and free option from there. According to this regulation and after four rounds, Diego Rodriguez Sensei is crowned champion after having presented the following katas: Tokumine no Kon, Hamahiga no Tonfa, Tokushin no Nunti Sai and Chatanyara no Sai.
The medal table was left in the hands of the following representatives:
1st place: Diego Rodriguez Sensei, Seishinkan. Stockholm, Sweden.
2nd place:Michael Guddat, Hamburg, Germany.
3rd place:Tonni Christian Petersen, Gotokukan Hvidore, Denmark.
GRADUATION & BLACK BELT EXAMS
As usual, during summer and winter training, exams are held for those who are prepared and authorized by their respective instructors.
In this opportunity, Diego Rodriguez sensei presents a test for 2nd dan, within the framework of the special training program that started almost 3 years ago and which has been constantly monitored by Jan Overgaard sensei as a mentor and Lars Andersen sensei as director of Tokushinryu in Europe. The organization also welcomes Pernille Hansen, the new shodan who officially begins the long growth and learning path in Tokushinryu Kobudo.
NIDAN EXAMINATION – MARCH 2018
PERNILLE HANSEN – SHODAN TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO EUROPE
Seishinkan Europe wants to extend its deep thanks at to Tokushinryu Kobudo Valby Shibu for the splendid organization and hospitality and to Tokushinryu Kobudo Organization for his constant support.
The last activity carried out by the author during that weekend was a technical training with Jan Overgaard sensei, in which he reviewed general kata details, Nunti Sai bunkai, Tokushin no Yari and Tokushin no nunti Bo.
Next March 17th and 18th, 2018, will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, the event called 1st OKINAWA KARATE & KOBUDO NORDIC SEMINAR, SWEDEN 2018, IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GRAND MASTER CHOTOKU KYAN”
The main objective is to carry out a historical/practical revision of the styles developed from Kyan sensei’s teachings, such as Shorinji Ryu, founded by Joen Nakazato sensei (1922-2010), Shorin Ryu Seibukan founded by Shimabukuro Zenryo (島袋 善良)sensei (1908-1969) and Isshin Ryu founded by Shimabuku Tatsuo (島袋龍夫) sensei ( (1908-1975).
JOEN NAKAZATO SENSEI – OKINAWA SHORINJI RYU KARATE
The event organized by the school led by Sensei Robert Iversen, Kyoshi 7 Dan (first foreign student of past grandmaster Joen Nakazato Hanshi 10th Dan), will gather representatives of these styles in Scandinavia to carry out two days of training for all lovers of Karate and those who seek to delve into the roots of the more contemporary styles derived from Shorin Ryu.
INSTRUCTORS OF THE SEMINAR
SHORINJI-RYU: Mr Robert Iversen, Kyoshi 7th Dan (first foreign student of past grandmaster Joen Nakazato Hanshi 10th Dan).
OKINAWAN KARATE NORDIC SEMINAR, STOCKHOLM SWEDEN 2018
GRAND MASTER CHOTOKU KYAN 1970-1945
JOEN NAKAZATO (first to the left) & GRAND MASTER CHOTOKU KYAN IN A PRE-WAR PICTURE AFTER TRAINING
Chotoku Kyan ( 喜屋武朝徳) is one of the most popular names in various historical sources related to Okinawan Karate, both in its origin, development and the significant influence it had on the styles that were founded later on from its teachings.
Born in the year 1970, in the city of Shuri, Okinawa, Kyan sensei stands out for being a tremendously cultured man, with knowledge of Chinese and Japanese literature, the undoubted legacy of his father, Chofli Kyan, a man also tremendously cultured and well educated who served as an officer of King Shotai, the last to reign over the until then known as Ryukyu Kingdom.
Various historical sources describe Kyan sensei as a man of slim build and with repeated health problems, making him look more like a scholar man than a karate teacher. It is presumed that he could also have presented problems in sight, which would explain his nickname “Chanmī-gwā” or “little squinty-eyed”.
Between the years 1882 and 1886, he travels with his father to Tokyo in various embassies of the king, to continue with his training and studied at the same time, Chinese classics at the school known today as Nishogakusha University.
Back in Okinawa, in 1890, Chofli Kyan realized the potential of his son, now 20 years old,
SOKON “BUSHI” MATSUMURA
to become a fighter and aware that he could no longer provide the severe training that he required, to take advantage of his privileged power in the court, to take it to Sokon Matsumura, the King’s main instructor.
From the year 1892, Chotoku Kyan had the opportunity to train with all the most outstanding karate instructors in Okinawa, arriving at a solid base in the Shuri Te. Some of the most prominent ones were Matsumora Kosaku sensei, with whom practice the Tomari Te and learns the kata Chinto and Oyodomari Kokan sensei, Tomari Te, from whom he learns the Passai Kata.
In 1910, he travelled to a Yaeyama Island to learn Tokumine No Kun, but upon arriving on the island Kyan found that Tokumine, who had been exiled to the island for fighting the police with his Bo, had died. The landlord where Tokumine had lived offered to teach at the now famous Chotoku Kyan, the Bo kata of Tokumine. In the year 1922, he learns the Kusanku kata from a man named Yara.
Some of the students of Master Kyan were Arakaki Ankichi, Shimabuku Taro, Shimabuku Tatsuo (founder of Isshin Ryu), Shimabukuro Zenryo (remained a constant student until the death of Kyan and founder of Shorin Ryu) and Nakazato Joen (founder of Shorinji Ryu).
JOEN NAKAZATO SENSEI – OKINAWA SHORINJI RYU KARATE
SANSHIN KATA
Kyan Sensei was one of the survivors of the battle of Okinawa in 1945 but died of starvation for delivering his food to children who needed more than him. This story is tremendously known for human courage in such hard times that they took Master Kyan to be known as “The Saint” and his grave is visited frequently to know his legend.
MONUMENT OF KYAN CHOTOKU, located at the side of the parking lot of the Kadena Town Youth Center, Okinawa.
TATSUO SHIMABUKU SENSEI, ISSHINRYU & THE LEGACY OF GRAND MASTER CHOTOKU KYAN
Shinkichi “Tatsuo” Shimabuku (島袋龍夫) Sensei, born in Okinawa in 1908 and founder of the Isshinryu (一心流) style, records a very peculiar life as a peasant’s son and with a very hard childhood. Being the first of ten children, at age 13 he began his training in martial arts under the tutelage of his uncle, who later sent him to study Shorin Ryu with Master Kyan.
Shimabuku sensei was an innovator but also one of the most accomplished traditionalists of his time who mastered the finest principles and techniques of Okinawan Karate ( 沖縄空手) and Kobudo (古武道). He learned from great masters the most important systems of the island such as Naha Te, Tomari Te, Shuri Te and Kobujutsu. Under the tutelage of Chotoku Kyan sensei, one of the most perfectionist and severe teachers of the time learns the principles of Shorin Ryu.
DAI SENSEI TATSUO SHIMABUKU
Tatsuo Shimabuku 島袋龍夫(1908-1975)
MAKIWARA
ISSHINRYU KOBUDO – SAI KATA
SANSHIN KATA
SHIMABUKU SENSEI -AGENA DOJO, OKINAWA
His training with Kyan sensei began in about 1927, in the village of Yomitan, Okinawa. In a short time, Shimabuku would become one of the best students of Kyan, learning from him the katas: Seisan (十三), Naihanchi (ナイハンチ), Wansu (ワンシュー), Chinto and Kusanku/Kūshankū (クーシャンクー), in addition to Tokumine nu kon and basic Sai. He also began his study of “Ki” (or “Chinkuchi; (チンク”) “in the Okinawan dialect) by which Kyan was best known.” Shimabuku studied with Kyan until 1939.
WUIKA & SEISHINKAN Europe cordially invites all those interested to participate in the first version of this event, which is planned to be held in each Scandinavian country once per year.
More information on the following link or write us directly.
Seishinkan is a school of traditional Martial Arts of Okinawa Japan, which in 2017 celebrates 30 years after having officially opened its doors in 1987. Today, with a strong pedagogical orientation and a multidisciplinary approach, Seishinkan tackles the practice of Karate-dō, Kobudō and related arts as central axes to guide the daily work of our dojos and representatives in different parts of the world, providing a powerful added value to the process of regular training of our students.
Molded under the hand of the west and rooted in Okinawa, Seishinkan has been a school chosen voluntarily throughout history by many people as an alternative of growth; a practice that goes beyond the physical perspective and technical aspect that aims to satisfy the most profound needs that at first, we have difficulty defining and visualising, besides granting in many cases, the bases to develop later the own path in other oriental arts.
Today, ad portas to end the 3rd decade of operation of our school, we went to review a bit of history, the philosophy that holds and at the same time has been shaping what is now recognised as a school with solid foundations in Budō.
Back in the years, our school was recognized under the name of SESSHIN 接心. Instructors camps, made at that time less frequently, focused mainly on the development of topics that would promote the understanding of the correct way to practice martial arts, which all students shared in a rather unconscious state.
Strictly speaking, Sesshin refers to a type of meditation carried out in certain Buddhist monasteries. Especially prolonged, it is done once a month from April to August and from October to February. Commonly practised by some Buddhism schools, it provides, according to experts, a powerful tool for the observation of the inner personality.
The literal translation of the kanjis of Sesshin would be “recollection of the spirit“, “touching the spirit “,” touch the essence“
A detailed description is made by Smed (2001): “Meditation begins at three in the morning in summer and at four in winter continuing until late at night with intervals to eat, perform exercises and relax. In the monasteries, during the period of meditation they pronounce themselves speeches daily and before that, the environment is available for the practice to be performed…”
In the book “Zen and Martial Arts: Presentations”, the same author mentions the Sesshin carried out in his dojo as “long instances in which calm and silence reigned in all the immobile postures of Zazen and then give rise to the Kumite. Regardless of the notions of victory or defeat, the great lesson of these sessions was that it did not matter if the kumite was placed inside or outside, in any case, it will always be against ourselves, therefore, it will always lead us to the spirit of the path”.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
On the other hand, the literature related to the study of Buddhism, also points out that Sesshin corresponds to the retreats of the monks to the temples where the main activity is meditation; Buddhist practice by excellence whose meaning can be understood as “cultivation, training of the mind”, assuming therefore a certain predisposition so that the practitioner is situated in reality. According to the practitioners, Sesshin “helps people to look inside and thus get rid of feelings like greed, anger and ignorance”. It is here also where different KUSEN (Ku, the mouth Sen,education, teachings, Oral Teachings of the master during the Zazen) take place and that in the case of the initiates, they try to deepen in the existing relations between meditation and action (Deshimaru, 2002).
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
In the context of our school, it represents the first signs of a particular way of living and feeling the martial art, which has been finding its development and evolution until today.
From it, originate the idea of our camps / seminars; an activity that grants a unique seal and characterises our organisation, where long training sessions are carried out and also meditation sessions until late at night in search of the development of the denominated, by those then, “Sesshin Warrior“.
In the beginning, a Sesshin Warrior must be strong in mind and body, always prepared for the unpredictable; be balanced in their way of life and governed by the following moral code:
SESSHIN LOGO THROUGHOUT THE 80’S
It must be in harmony with the Law of Pure Potentiality.
Shall understand, accept and live harmoniously with the law of Karma.
You must learn the law of detachment.
You must cultivate a strict code of self-discipline.
Must understand, seek and live the law of Dharma.
You should cultivate patience, respect and moderation wisely.
You must practice the “Give” law.
SEISHIN:
Origin and evolution of a Philosophy.
Our school established in 1992 the link officially with the OIKKA (Okinawa Isshinryū Karate & Kobudō Association), an organisation founded by grand master Angi Uezu. Throughout the years and with several trips to Okinawa, Osvaldo Rodriguez sensei continues to develop the foundations that sustain the philosophy of the Sesshin school, until in 2006 and as part of a new tour to Okinawa, a trivial conversation with Uezu Sensei takes unexpected rivulets: thanks to his guidance and advice, the name that identifies our school is finally revealed.
“SEISHIN”, BY UEZU SENSEI
That which varies substantially is found in the literal meaning of the ideograms that express Seishin, specifically in the kanji “SHIN”. The kanji originally selected, according to Uezu Sensei, did not correspond to what was wanted to express in reality nor did it represent the spirit of our school. For this reason, the kanji Shin of “Heart” is modified, by that of “Spirit“.
“SEISHIN IS A LIFE STYLE REFLECTED IN THE MOVEMENT OF OUR SCHOOL THROUGH ISSHINRYŪ, KENDŌ, KOBUDŌ AND AIKIJUJŪTSU. THE KANJIS REFLECT THE WAY OF SEEING AND TEACHING THE MARTIAL ARTS USING THEM AS TOOLS TO EDUCATE AND INSTRUCT THE INNER WARRIOR. IT IS RELATED TO HARMONY, SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT AND IS STRONGLY LINKED TO THE SUPERIOR LAWS THAT GOVERN THE UNIVERSE”
At this point, it is important to understand what the true meaning of contemporary Oriental Martial Arts has been, and specifically those that relate to our regular practice. It is public knowledge that martial arts emerged strongly linked to the development of the old war conflicts in Japan, at a time when man faced face to face with the truth of living or dying.
Towards 1868 and with the beginning of the Meiji restoration 明治維新, Martial Arts ceased to relate directly to the war and became considered “psychophysical education systems, based on the regular practice of self defence techniques with or without weapons, oriented to sublimate the natural aggressiveness of the human being “(Gomez, 200., p.1), giving a turn towards the inner growth of man and socially useful purposes.
KENDO
OKINAWA
KENDO
OKINAWA, 1837
OKINAWA
OKINAWA
The Budō武道 was born, a modern term normally used to indicate the practice of martial arts as a way of life that embraces the three dimensions of the human being (Body – Mind – Spirit). Added to this, is the fact that there was an important group of karate masters who believed and rescued the high formative and educational value that some combat methods had and decided to turn these practices towards the internal development of their students.
Budō is the soul of Seishin, and being this a set of Japanese Martial Arts whose practitioners are governed by a set of ethical rules referring to their application in a similar way to what the code of Bushidō 武士道 represents for the ancient samurai, it will not be strange find values and transversal principles in each of them.
WHERE TO BEGIN: “THE DŌ”
Having understood the true goal of the practice of Martial Arts, you can begin to develop a path that must be travelled to meet the highest essence of each practitioner and thus lead to the discovery of themselves.
Understanding Budō武道 as a path of personal refinement that should impact the student in its three dimensions, have established different stages that must be experimented with the goal of making progressive and methodological the transit of each one through the art he is practicing.
1st stage: Etiquette and Good manners; necessary to have an appropriate vocabulary and environment to the context of a traditional Dōjo.
2nd stage: Physical development; as a consequence of a regular and systematic training, the basic and complex physical and psychomotor qualities are stimulated, giving the student a dominance and increasing discipline of his own corporality.
3rd stage: Technical Domain; obtained through the systematic practice of the Kihōn, Katas, Self Defense and Kūmite inherent to each Ryūha. Strongly develops mental strategies for the control of variables such as anxiety and fear, stimulating self-confidence and self-efficacy of the student. It corresponds to one of the fundamental pillars for the next stage, given which stimulates the mind-body union in every action.
4th stage: Mind and Spirit; where it is necessary to adapt the behaviour to a strict ethical and moral code that, together with the understanding and application of the principle Ichi Go Ichi E at all times, certain mental faculties will awaken that will help the development of an unbreakable union between body, mind and spirit.
SANSHIN KATA BY DIEGO SENSEI 2014
ETIQUETTE – UEZU SENSEI 2006
IVAN SENSEI & DIEGO SENSEI
SANSHIN KATA BY DIEGO SENSEI 2013
SEISHINKAN BUDŌ SCHOOL, THE INSTITUTION:
Mission & Vision; a look towards the future
OKINAWAN KARATE & KOBUDO FEDERATION, CHILE. 2004
In the field of leadership, the importance of building a mission and institutional vision is widely recognized and until today, deeply studied.
Since the Institutional Vision is the one that fundamentally projects a mental image of the possible and desirable future, it must have the capacity to incorporate the dreams of those who conform it and to build an ideal to orient itself. It is intrinsically related to the values and principles of the organization that gives it its own stamp, an identity.
The Mission, on the other hand, constitutes the “reason to be” of an institution, corresponds to a broad purpose, that makes sense towards all the actions to be developed, determining “who serves” the organisation and what “needs satisfy”, making it distinguishable from similar ones (Lavin & Cols., 1997).
Seishinkan Budō School recognizes in both, important tools to improve the understanding process of which are the general, specific and transversal objectives of our organization, facilitating the transmission of values and tasks of the same.
“Behind respect, discipline, perseverance, etc., often, without realizing it, there is a much deeper meaning than we think when we practice a Martial Art. Many people ask if there is something more behind the technique, or only and exclusively the whole thing is reduced to a mere physical exercise “
Magaly Inzunza Sensei.Sesshin Institute, 1989
“Internal recollection, meditation and true knowledge within oneself are very difficult to achieve in today’s world … “
“… It is important to ask what I am looking for, where do I want to go? and then develop a strong will and great confidence in your Sensei, to achieve a single triumph: the triumph of the Spirit”.
Osvaldo Rodriguez Sensei. Isshinryu Sesshin, 1991
“Now, as we go deeper into the Physiology of Exercise, we will also do it in the knowledge of ourselves and more specifically of what happens to us while we have the privilege of being in the Dojo”
Enrique Bardiza. Physiology of Exercise, Vol 1. Sesshin Institute, 1989
The above quotes correspond to various excerpts of what for years has been one of the most unique features of our organization. The elaboration of writings, memoirs and volumes about different topics has been a trend that has evolved since 1987 to this days. From this, the following can be extracted:
Research Orientation. The cultivation of the mind through study, readings, development of a career of higher education or related studies, build a powerful link that will lead to obtaining one more step towards obtaining a “powerful personal philosophy”.
Unique Institutional Seal.That gives a powerful added value that allows generating objectives for the integral education of the Seishinkan Student. Stimulates the ability to transfer various knowledge, making them permeable to the practice of Karate-Dō.
Recovery of Educational value,revaluing what karate Masters envisioned decades ago.
“… the same happens in the Martial Arts, where a serious and competent organization gives credibility and confidence to the practitioner’s belt”.
Magaly Inzunza Sensei. “Martial Arts”. Sesshin Institute. 1987
“… the foregoing results in the need and relevance of effective leadership in increasingly complex organizations”.
Diego Rodriguez Sensei. “Need and relevance of a sustainable Leadership in org. of Martial Arts”.
Isshin Ryū Seishin. 2013
And on the other hand, the previous quotes, extracted from the most recent research and reports, show the growing concern that has arisen regarding the institutional value that Seishinkan has been gaining with greater intensity.
In summary, all the above corresponds to the process that has been taking place during the last three decades of operation of our organization that today continues in a constant process of evolution, marking milestones in various areas related to the daily work of the same, and making necessary establish and clearly define our identity to all members of the community.
Therefore, supported by the literature of the specialised area and based on the years of development of Seishinkan Budō School, the author presents an approach to the Institutional Mission and Vision of our organisation.
INSTITUTIONAL VISION
Seishinkan Budō School aims to become a recognised and distinguished martial arts organisation at national and international level, for the high standards in human, technical and professional quality of all its members. Due to its unique way of contributing to the integral development of human beings through the systematic practice of karate and related arts, its objective is to rescue, revalue and validate the deep educational and formative roots that make Karate and Kobudō of Okinawa unique and that has been transmitted through generation in generation up to our hands.
Presentation of the Research “Need and relevance of a sustained Leadership in Martial Arts Organizations”, San Sebastian University, Nov 2014.
INSTITUTIONAL MISSION
In addition to preserving the roots of Okinawa’s traditional arts, the central commitment of Seishinkan Budō School is to contribute to the integral development of the human being using the Oriental Martial Arts as the main tool due to its high philosophical and formative content, rescued decades ago by the Okinawan masters and preserved until today by thousands of dedicated practitioners around the world.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
Maintain the legacy of all masters who represent the purest essence of Okinawan karate and kobudo, related martial arts and specifically the Isshin Ryu founded by Master Shinkishi “Tatsuo” Shimabuku.
Promote the codes and principles of Master Shimabuku.
Rescue the high value and philosophical content of the Okinawan Martial Arts and apply them to the formal and non-formal education system.
Use the Karate-Dō & Kobudō as a valid way of integral education of the movement, delivering a new alternative and field of study for the physical activity and motor skills sciences.
Provide space and support to any organization and/or school that promotes the values and principles of Okinawan Karate-Dō and related Martial Arts.
Establish networks and alliances with different organizations of Oriental Martial Arts, national and international and contribute in this way to the enrichment of the practitioners of our organization.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Nurture constantly our students of different knowledge concerning the practice of Isshin Ryū Karate dō, oriented towards the maximum theoretical and technical development of all Seishinkan students.
Provide opportunities for professional development, through the training of instructors capable of successfully performing the teaching of karate and kobudo as a physical activity.
Provide to parents and guardians who trust in our children’s project, an alternative to support the school education process of their children through the regular and systematic practice of Karate & Kobudō.
Provide support to formal and non-formal education organizations that decide to incorporate the practice of martial arts into their educational curriculum as a way to contribute to the integral education of their students.
Stimulate and generate in our students the ability to transfer the Dojo’s learning to everyday life.
Deliver practical tools for personal development
Nurture your students of solid philosophical foundations that contribute to the search of a personal path of grow.
TEXTS EXTRACTED FROM THE MEMORY “RIOKY BUDŌ – THE WAY OF THE INNER STRENGTH ” & “NEED AND RELEVANCE OF A SUSTAINED LEADERSHIP IN MARTIAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS”
Research developed by Diego Rodriguez Inzunza , on the occasion of his examination for 4th dan, YON DAN, in 2014. Organization Seishinkan, Chile
Between the past 2 and November 14, 2017, an unprecedented event took place, that mobilized various organizations from different countries with the aim of carrying out a tour through several Isshinryu and Tokushinryu’s dojos in Romania.
Diego Rodriguez Sensei of Seishinkan Europe, was sent as a representative by the WUIKA(World United Isshinryu Karate Association) and Tokushinryu Kobudo Europe to contribute to the development and expansion of both Isshinryu and Tokushinryu in Romania. The organizations, through the representative in Europe, Lars Andersen Sensei, have relied on the work of our organization to contribute to this promising project of unity and strength of the different serious Isshinryu organizations that have traditional roots and connections with Okinawa.
In this framework, the event “WUIKA & TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO TOUR, ROMANIA 2017”, is part of the strategic plan of WUIKA to “bring together all the Isshinryu organizations around the world with the only goal of growing, expanding and sharing knowledge and training of the traditional Isshinryu to the new generations”.
WUIKA & TOKUSHINRYU EUROPE TOUR 2017
WUIKA & TOKUSHINRYU EUROPE TOUR 2017
The dojos that were part of this tour, and to whom we extend our deep thanks for the organization, enthusiasm and hospitality are the following:
General basic principles, stances and Isshinryu kihon were the topics developed in all the Dojos, in addition to some general corrections in various katas.
Andreea and Alex sensei were promoted to Nidan, 2nd Dan by WUIKA, after having presented the technical program for the respective grade and having received the pertinent corrections.
ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES
KARATE KID STAGE
POSTURE AND BASIC TECHNIQUE
KICK BASIC
SEISAN KATA
SEISAN KATA
KICK BASICS
UPPER BODY BASICS
BASIC ISSHINRYU APPLICATIONS
KIHON STAGE
BASICS
ISSHINRYU KOBUDO TRAINING & CORRECTIONS
OKINAWA ISSHINRYU BASIC
BASIC APPLICATIONS
UPPER BODY BASIC APPLICATION
BASIC ISSHINRYU APPLICATIONS
Several conversations about the relevance and impact of the activity and future projects also took place during the tour. Parents, political authorities and students expressed their joy and support to the hosting senseis for the activity and also provided the warmest welcome to Diego sensei in each of the dojos that were part of the activity, a situation that will undoubtedly turn this tour into something memorable.
ANDREEA DIANA – NIDAN, 2nd Dan WUIKA
ALEX COVASA – NIDAN, 2nd Dan WUIKA
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO EUROPE
George Craciunescu sensei was in charge of hosting the Tokushinryu Kobudo seminar at his school. Review and correction of the complete curriculum until the 1st Kyu and some katas was part of the content of the different training session.
It is worth mentioning that we have the relevant presence and collaboration of Pavalati Roman Sensei, member of Tokushinryu in Romania, who, together with Diego sensei, made a joint effort in correcting technical details, in addition to sharing several training sessions with George and Alex sensei in order to review more advanced katas.
The opportunity was also taken to examine the students who then presented all the technical curriculum required by Tokushinryu Europe for the respective kyu ranks. They were successfully approved and exhorted to continue their training with the same effort and dedication.
C.S. RYUKAY, Tokushinryu Kobudo – George Craciunescu Sensei
KIHON GENERAL CLASS
KYU RANK TEST
KIHON GENERAL CLASS
TOKUSHINRYU EUROPE – ROMANIA TOUR 2017
PAVALATI ROMAN – RODRIGUEZ DIEGO – CRACIUNESCU GEORGE – COVASA ALEX TOKUSHINRYU EUROPE – Romania 2017
GENERAL COMMENTS AND EVALUATION
The overall balance and perception of the activity by students, senseis and responsible organizations has been positive, highlighting the relevance and need to generate new instances of exchange and training that ultimately benefit the future generations of Isshinryu.
For our part, we highlight tremendously the disposition of the authorities and the way in which they have developed the policies that allow giving space to these instances of growth.
We reiterate our thanks to the representative of WUIKA and Tokushinryu in Europe, Sensei Lars Andersen and his school, Joshinkan for sponsoring and contributing significantly to the realization of the activity and for sharing the ideals in the teaching and expansion of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo.
To the various clubs, their senseis, students and parents for supporting this initiative in Romania, which allowed us to set an important precedent for the future of Isshinryu in the country and the world.
C.S. PHOENIX DOJO’S WELCOME
C.S RYUKAY – GEORGE SENSEI & ALEX SENSEI
C.S. SHINOBI JUNIOR BLACK BLET
C.S. KOKORO’S FAMILY
C.S. RYUKAY STAGE
ISSHINRYU: THE WAY OF ONE HEART
C.S KOKORO’S INSTRUCTOR
LUMINITA DAN SENSEI
MIHAI SENSEI GIVIN AN IMPORTANT RECOGNITION TO SENSEI DIEGO FOR THE SUPPORT AND TEACHINGS DURING THE ACTIVITY
C.S. HIKARU DOJO’S FAMILY
BOGDAN SENSEI & DIEGO SENSEI
GEORGE SENSEI – ALEX SENSEI
ISSHINRYU ROMANIA’S FAMILY
ISSHINRYU ROMANIA’S FAMILY
Finally, we wish to express our joy and greater enthusiasm to see how Isshinryu & Tokushinryu contributes to the ultimate goal of Budo through its disciplines: build better people, with a strong mind and body, noble spirit and above all with a good heart.
Last September 2017, the second version of the already established Tokumura Cup & Summer Gasshuku in the city of Nakskov in Denmark, which gathers approximately 45 practitioners from the different dojos of Europe, is completed.
The activity was successfully organized by Lasse Jensen and Dorthe Jensen sensei, both belonging to the host dojo.
Three days of intense training in each session led by the instructors Lars Andersen Sensei, Mads Nørby Sensei, and Per Søresen Sensei who made corrections and unified the technical standard in the curriculum for Tokushinryu Europe.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
After several sessions and corrections, there are many aspects to improve in various katas and aspects of the curriculum.
The Tokumura Cup, developed during the morning of Saturday, had as winners after several rounds to the following senseis. 1st ROMAN PAVALATII SENSEI, Torakai Romania. 2nd DIEGO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI, Seishinkan Sweden. 3rd MARTIN FREDERIKSEN SENSEI, Honbu dojo Denmark.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
MORE TOKUMURA CUP & SUMMER GASSHUKU NEWS IN SOCIAL MEDIA
Our school established in 1992 the link officially with the OIKKA (Okinawa Isshinryū Karate & Kobudō Association), an organisation founded by grand master Angi Uezu. Throughout the years and with several trips to Okinawa, Osvaldo Rodriguez sensei continues to develop the foundations that sustain the philosophy of the Sesshin school, until in 2006 and as part of a new tour to Okinawa, a trivial conversation with Uezu Sensei takes unexpected rivulets: thanks to his guidance and advice, the name that identifies our school is finally revealed.
SEISHINKAN BUDO SCHOOL EUROPE 