Category: COMPETITIONS

THE 2nd OKINAWA KARATE WORLD TOURNAMENT, Okinawa 2022 第2回沖縄空手国際大会 – Impressions & final remarks

第 2 回 沖 縄 空 手 国 際 大 会

Commemorating exactly one month in which the finals of The 2nd Okinawa Karate World 第 2 回 沖縄 空 手 国 際 大 会 Tournament were held in Okinawa, after two days of qualifying and one more day of the main tournament, which saw the crowning of a new generation of dedicated and talented practitioners of Okinawan Karate, who despite the global contingency, demonstrated an indomitable fighting spirit and perseverance, values ​​that are rooted in the depths of Okinawan Karate.

We leave below some words and impressions that will always fall short to convey the sensations that the karate community had the opportunity to experience during those days.

Before moving on to the review, we once again extend our deep gratitude to the entire Executive Committee of the 2nd World Tournament, Okinawa Prefecture, and to each of the volunteers who contribute with their efforts to make this another memorable experience for those who had the opportunity to participate.

どうもありがとiうございます

———————————————————————————————–

Okinawa, Naha, August 2022

As of March 31, 2020, the statistics released by Karate Kaikan indicated that Karate is present in 193 countries and regions, with around 130 million enthusiasts around the world where at least 60 million are active practitioners of this martial art originated in Okinawa, where to date, between 350 to 400 dojos and around 10,000 active practitioners can be traced.

The current flagship project of listing Okinawan Karate at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, led by the Okinawa Prefecture Culture, Tourism and Sport Department Karate Promotion Division, joins the systematic effort developed by Karate Kaikan to promote, develop, preserve and spread this martial art that day after day adds more followers.

Among the projects sponsored by the Okinawa Prefecture (such as the Okinawa Karate international seminars, Okinawa Karate research project, The demonstration for “Karate no Hi” – Karate day on October 25) the realisation of the World Tournament continues to occupy an important space as a platform for promotion, recruitment and exchange between the participants. For this reason “The 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament”第2回沖縄空手国際大会 began on August 1 through August 9, despite the global contingency which undoubtedly impacted the travel from the attendants from overseas.

Around 830 participants, from 27 different countries, competed in kata of various styles in the adult division, to which were added the more than 1,360 participants of the 1st Okinawa Karate World Junior Tournament, an event that took place alongside the World Tournament this year.

Hosted by the 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament Executive Committee 沖縄空手実行委員会, the Okinawa Prefecture 沖縄県 and the Okinawa Dento Karatedo Shinkokai 沖縄伝統空手道振興会, the event aims to promote the entirety of the Okinawan traditional karate and kobudō. Seminars were held with the participation of around 840 participants, who had the opportunity to learn and appreciate the teachings of each of the selected masters in each style.

OKINAWa 2022: The Tournament Environment

Okinawa Times Newspaper – August 1st, 2022

“After years, the wait is finally over. The 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament and the 1st Okinawa Karate World Junior tournament will commence from august 1st to the 9 th. From the first day, masters who hold the Okinawa Prefecture-Designated Intangible Cultural Property “Okinawa Karate and Kobujutsu” will offer an inaugural demonstration at the “Special Dojo” of the Okinawa Karate Kaikan in the morning. In the afternoon, the opening ceremony will take place at the Okinawa Prefectural Budokan, where a total of around 670 participants will later have the chance to perform and exhibit their karate. On the end and the 3rd, the Junior World Tournament will be held at the Okinawa Prefectural Budokan and the Okinawa Karate Kaikan. There will be four divisions: Shuri/Tomari-te, Naha-te, Uechi-ryu and Kobudō.

After preliminary rounds for participantes form overseas, mainland Japan and remote island of Okinawa, the qualifiers will enter the main rounds. The awards and closing ceremonies will follow the final rounds.

For the Okinawa World Tournament, there will be 5 divisions. On the 4th and the 5th, the preliminary rounds for overseas, mainland Japan and remote island in Okinawa will be held. The Shuri/Tomari-te and Kobudō (Bō-Sai) divisions and the Uechi-Ryu and Naha-te divisions will be held respectively at the Okinawa Prefectural Budokan and Okinawa Karate Kaikan.

The tournament consisting in the last 16 will span from the 6th to the 7th. All divisions will complete their final rounds at the Prefectural Budokan on the 7th, where will be held the awards and closing ceremonies in the end.

On the 8th, the masters of each style will be invited to the “Okinawa Karate Seminar” for participants to get a taste of authentic karate”

TOP INTERVIEW, Okinawa Times.

The 2021 elected to the House of Representatives for Okinawa District 2, spoke about the current contingency in which the planning and development of the 2nd Okinawa World Karate Tournament took place.

In recent years, many around the world have faced hardships due various factors, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Yet it was needed in such hard times is an unyelding spirit, a quality that rest upon the core values of Okinawan Traditional Karate.

Thus it is hope that karate practitioners and enthusiast, around 130 million worldwide, will gather at the birthplace of karate, the “martial art of peace”, and fully experience both the spiritual and technical aspects that our founders have stablished.

Incidentally, as Okinawa saw the 50th anniversary of its reversion to Japan this year, the World Tournament seeks to be a place where participants can mingle and connect with fellow karatekas and gain deeper insight into the birthplace of karate. The Junior Wold Tournament will be held for the first time this year as well. It should be inspiring for the youth and the executive committee will take preventive measures in order to organise safe and secure tournaments.

The largest tournament where all the karate styles meet, The World Tournament will appraise the mans of preserving, transmitting and promoting traditional Okinawan karate. We also hope to make it an event that will push forward the registration of Okinawan karate in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Kunio Arakaki
Social Democratic Representative
for Okinawa District 2, elected in 2021

THE 8 INTANGIBLE CULTURAL ASSET HOLDERS 無形文化財, mukei bunkazai

It is well known that in Japan “Intangible Cultural Property” (無形文化財 Mukei Bunkazai according to the law) refers to those arts that have a high historical or artistic value for the country and the national government designates as the holder/s of these Important Intangible Cultural Property individuals or groups who have achieved advanced mastery of the technique of this Important Intangible Cultural Asset, in order to guarantee the transmission of traditional art. The recognition of the holders can be individual, collective or a group.

In 1997, Okinawa Prefecture designated “Okinawa Karate & Kobujūtsu” an intangible cultural property and certified three prominent authorities as holders. After that, 6 people were certified in 2000, 5 people in 2013 and 6 people in 2020. Now eight, excluding the deceased, are still making efforts to develop their great culture.

  • Masahiro Nakamoto – Okinawa Dento Kobudō ( Shinken Taira kei) Hanshi, 10th Dan.
  • Kotaro Iha – Kobudō Hanshi 10th Dan
  • Morio Higaonna – Goju ryū, Supreme Shihan
  • Seikishi Iha – Shorin ryū, Hanshi 10th Dan
  • Masanari Kikugawa – Goju ryū, Hanshi 10th Dan
  • Tsutomu Nakahodo – Uechi ryū, Hanshi 10th Dan
  • Morinobu Maeshiro – Okinawa Shorin ryū, Hanshi 10th Dan
  • Shintoku Takara – Uechi ryū, Hanshi 10th Dan

THE TOURNAMENT 

The Okinawa Prefecture is sponsoring The 2nd Okinawa Karate World Tournament in order to promote traditional Okinawa Karate and the future of this ancient martial art, by creating an opportunity for Okinawan karate enthusiast from all over the world to gather and interact with each other at the “birthplace of karate“, as well as properly preserving and passing on the techniques and spirit of Okinawa Karate, which we inherited from our predecessors who systematised its practice.

Several events were carried out within the frame of the tournament such as the Enbukai – public demonstrations-, seminars, opening and closing ceremonies, exchange meetings and the tournament itself. The latter maintained the same categories for each division that were used in the first version held in 2018.

  • Juniors Male – Juniors Female 少年男子 – 少年女子 (newly implemented in 2022)
  • Adults I Male/Female 成年Ⅰ男子 – 成年Ⅰ女子
  • Adults II Male/Female 成年Ⅱ男子 – 成年Ⅱ女子
  • Seniors Male/Female シニア男子. – シニア女子

Recognised as a powerful platform to capture the attention of the world and promote the values inherent in the practice of Karate, on this occasion it has allowed all of us who enjoy the practice of Karate in Okinawa to learn valuable life lessons, at the hands of two great and honorable competitors.

In the record below, captured by Ageisho Japan, you can see the Passai Sho kata executed by Yashiaki Kohagura, 70 years old Shorin Ryū Hanshi, 9th Dan, who in 1994 lost his eyesight. Despite what we can all recognize as a hard blow of life, in an event like this we have been fortunate to see how the world of excuses for not doing something can be subjected to nothing after seeing such an act of overcoming and courage.

The second moment was carried out by 90 years old Yoshitoshi Sato sensei, Shorinji Ryū – Seishinkan Karate do Renmei, who despite prevailing contemporary beliefs, presented an inspiring Sesan kata within the framework of the qualifying rounds for competitors from remote island of Okinawa, mainland Japan and Overseas – Senios Male シニア男子 division.

Yashiaki Kohagura, 70 years old Shorin Ryū Hanshi, 9th Dan
Yoshitoshi Sato sensei, Shorinji Ryū – Seishinkan Karate do Renmei

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE FIVE DIVISIONS: Naha-te, Shūri/Tomari-te, Uechi Ryū & Kobudō 那覇手系の部, 首里・泊手系の部, 上地流系の部, 古武道 (サイ – 棒)

NAHA-TE; is based upon the Chinese martial art that spread to Kume Village, which Kanryo Higashionna taught to his pupils after he studied in Fuzhou, China. His direct descendant Miyagi Chojun, founded Goju-ryu and the katas are characterised by their emphasis on physical strength.

SHURI/TOMARI-TE; Shuri-te developed in Shuri首里 during the days of the Ryukyu kingdom and was passed on from Matsumura Sokon to Anko Itosu. His pupil, Chochin Chibana founded later Shorin-ryu, and Gishin Funakoshi was the founder of Shotokan-ryu. Tomari-te developed in Tomari, a port of trade. Kosaku Matsumora is considered the forefathers this martial art. Kata of both Shuri and Tomari-te are characterised speed and flexibility.

UECHI-RYU上地流; Kanbun Uechi learned the martial art from Oangai Noon, and Kanai Uechi, his son, incorporated modern elements in order to complete the Uechi-ryu system, an style characterised by training the physical body to its utmost limits, reason why it has gained hight acclaim as a martial art that may be used in actual fight.

KOBUDŌ古武道; after the satsuma clan invasion to RyūKyū 琉球, individuals were prohibited from using bows, arrows and swords. As a consequence of this, people studied ways in which to turn everyday tools into weapons and this knowledge was passed along to develop Kobudō古武道, a unique martial art founded in Okinawa that find its development alongside karate 空手

Through a scoring system, on August 4 and 5, the preliminary rounds for people from overseas, mainland japan and remote island of Okinawa were held to determine the 12 competitors that will join the main tournament along the four from Okinawa, determined earlier this year. And so, on the 6th, the main tournament began with the round of 16 and quarter-finals determining the qualifiers who would fight for the top positions the next day at the Prefectural Budokan Arena.

THE ROAD TO THE FINALS – Okinawa, July 2022

沖 縄 空 手 世 界 大 会 – FINALIST LOUNGE DIVISIONS – OKINAWA 2022

The arrival of our team to Okinawa took place about a week before the start of the tournament and the planning included acclimatisation training both physically and technically at Uechi sensei’s dojo as part of the final preparation for the event.

The very high levels of humidity will always represent an important aspect to consider in the acclimatization process, especially for those competitors who come from the southern hemisphere, which at this time of year are going through the winter period.

Added to the high temperatures, the body responds differently from the physiological point of view, permeating individual perception and performance in the kata execution. The management of breathing and the search for the proper balance in the levels of muscular contraction become a primary objective during the preparation, which must begin well in advance by being able to identify a low, medium and high execution intensity, which should be fundamentally based on the self-perception of effort – “Knowing yourself, is the beginning of all wisdom“, Aristotle use to said.

一心流沖縄伝統空手道協会 – スンスウ形 – 沖縄2022

“The four days of competition became very intense from a mental point of view as I tried to maintain concentration and a balanced emotional state for everything I felt was at stake. It was a very special preparation to get to that moment.

Considering that the first participation in 2018 did not have a happy ending, managing expectations also became a key issue during the process”

diego rodriguez,
when asked for a quick impression
in an interview with a local newspaper in sweden.

As the days passed, the levels of confidence increased and the mental factor took over. Nerves and expectations will always play a role in instances like this and knowing how to handle them should always be part of the specific training process.
How to position yourself in the main tournament, within the 16 competitors with the highest score, begins in the qualification round and the score obtained, which determines “the path to the final”

Performances with excessive tension, loss of balance and competitors forgetting the kata are some of the things that can be observed frequently. After all, it has been 4 years of waiting to earn the classification and a position in the final tournament that ensures a relative peace of mind on the way to the final.

Round of 16 and Quarterfinals were held in one day, leaving the semifinal and final for the next, creating a state of tension in which again the mental factor plays an important role.

Focusing on a years-long preparation process for a tournament with such specific and particular objectives, I believe, guarantees learning and growth even when medals and podiums are not achieved. The cultivation of the indomitable spirit through constant training regardless of the circumstances day after day and year after year awakens ever higher levels of technical and, above all, mental understanding. Commitment to oneself is the only thing one has the power to control because circumstances change every day, but those things that one wants most in life I believe, must always remain as the beacon that guides us.

On the last day of competition, you can only see the select group that made it to this stage. Despite the tough competition with truly exceptional performances, the human quality of all the competitors stands out, who, despite the results, interact with a genuine intention of friendship and happiness for having given their best. This is one of the essential objectives of the event: to create an opportunity for Okinawan Karate enthusiasts from all over the world to meet and interact in “the birthplace of karate”, as well as to preserve and properly pass on the techniques and spirit of Okinawan Karate”

ISSHINRYU, SILVER AWARD – SHURI/TOMARI-TE KEI 一心流首里・泊手系 銀賞

首里・泊手系 銀 賞 – 沖 縄 空 手 世 界 大 会

Seishinkan Budō, through its founder, Osvaldo Rodriguez sensei, set foot on Okinawan soil for the first time approximately 28 years ago, with the aim of establishing a direct link and knowledge from the birthplace of karate. Through constant visits with some students on occasions and individually on others, the link with Okinawa through our sensei there increased with as the time passed. The commitment to support the expansion and preservation of Isshinryu has been a cornerstone of our school since the earliest days alongside Grandmaster Angi Uezu and Uechi Tsuyoshi sensei today.

World tournaments have always been a great platform for promotion and attracting the attention of enthusiasts around the world. Our school has always been present in the versions since 1995 with Okinawa Karate Kobudo World Pre-Tournament, seeking to position and represent Isshinryu as high as possible, a task that we have finally been able to achieve on this tour.

All those who were directly involved over the years and from all over the world agree that this has been a historic moment. Osvaldo Rodriguez sensei, together with Diego and our former students, sincerely hope that this will be a significant contribution to the work that Uechi Tsuyoshi sensei carries out as a representative of the style at the Karate Kaikan and who was ultimately responsible for positioning the Isshinryū katas on the official list. We sincerely understand that it is not a simple task.

  • 金賞 – 銀賞
  • 金賞 – 銀賞
  • 銀賞
  • AWARDS CEREMONY
  • PODIUM OFFICIAL PHOTO
  • ISSHINRYU SUNSU KATA – Finals
  • 金賞 – 銀賞 – 銅賞

And finally, at 3:30 p.m. on August 7, 2022, Diego Rodriguez, who lives and teaches Isshinryū Karate in Sweden, entered the Okinawa Prefectural Budokan Arena, together with Osvaldo Rodriguez sensei, to dispute the final of the Shuri/Tomari-te Kei, Male I category on the Court 1. In front, the 27-year-old representative from Okinawa, who ended up taking the gold award in what was a great presentation by the two karateka.

The great triumph was without a doubt having had the chance to present, in the words of Diego himself, “one of the best katas of my last training period. It has been here, in Okinawa, during these two weeks that I have been feeling that my kata has matured, I keep discovering more elements to pursue in my training“

Once again we thank all those who followed us and sent their best energies throughout the tournament. For keeping us in your thoughts and for following each presentation of Alfonso Lavanchy and Diego Rodriguez in each division and opportunity they had to participate.

首里・泊手系 銀 賞 – 沖 縄 空 手 世 界 大 会

“It is impossible for me not to thank our sensei in Okinawa, Tsuyoshi Uechi, for walking a path that should not be easy. Despite being a humble person and a low-profile sensei, standing up and showing Isshinryū in Okinawa is not an easy task within a culture that places such tremendous value on hierarchy, legacy and respect for traditions. I consider myself deeply honored to reap the efforts made by him and a lot of people who have been traveling to Okinawa from abroad for many years trying to accomplish things and support this effort.

I believe that a beautiful achievement takes a long time and ultimately involves lifetime considerations. They require a huge and coordinated effort of people so that everything is in the right place at the right time. For this reason, my gratitude to Osvaldo Rodriguez sensei and all those students who have supported our dojo. To those who have traveled to Okinawa for the last 27 years since Osvaldo sensei stepped on Okinawan soil for the first time, seeking knowledge and supporting Uezu Angi sensei -who was the man who ultimately gave us an opportunity, opening the doors of Okinawa for all of us . To the best of our abilities, we work every day to contribute to the preservation of Isshinryū on the path that Uechi sensei leads today in the Karate Kaikan, and I hope that my achievement is a humble contribution to this lifelong effort.

I predict that many people from Isshinryū will come to Okinawa now, especially in 2026, with the certainty that they have a place, a true platform to display the fruits of their efforts in a truly beautiful stage where tradition meets new, combining core values of traditional-karate with the modern, giving rise to friendship, cultural exchange, and most importantly, a place to promote Karate and Okinawan culture“

FINAL REMARKS

The logistic deployment of the organising committee of the second world tournament can be appreciated through the links that the reader can find below. Seishinkan Budō Sweden invites you to visit the following links of interest, where you can find from the final results of the tournament, videos of the inaugural demonstrations to the full streaming of the award ceremony and the entire event via Youtube.

VIDEOS:

PRELIMINARY ROUNDS for competitors remote island of Okinawa, mainland Japan and overseas (Video)

MAIN TOURNAMENT – Round of 16, Quarter Finals & Semifinals (Video)

MAIN TOURNAMENT – Finals (Videos courtesy of Ageshio Japan) –

RESULTS:

by Diegoisshinryu

2020 FIRST TERM ACTIVITIES: Summary & Evaluation

SEISHINKAN 2020 2Stockholm Sweden, July 2020.

Arriving in the middle of 2020 and according to the calendar of activities for this year, a group of Seishinkan should be in the second week of training in Okinawa, within the framework of the tour scheduled last year and which contemplated various activities in  Karate Kaikan 沖縄空手会館 and a series of trainings with Uechi Tsuyoshi and Tokumura Kensho sensei.

As expected, the event was not left out of the global health crisis that has affected all countries, forcing changes to be made and events suspended.

Below and as usual since last year, we review the most relevant activities carried out during the first period of 2020.

SHISA RYU KYU SF

 

TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO EUROPE – Winter Camp & 2020 Tokushinryu Cup

TOKUSHINRYU EUROPE

February  28th – March 1st, Copenhagen Denmark, 2020

With the usual attendance of kobudokas from Germany, Sweden and Denmark, the 6th version of the Tokushinryu Kobudō Europe Winter Camp and 5th Tokushinryu Cup took place at the facilities of the Valby Shibu in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Jim Sindt Sensei

Friday was the official event’s kick off with a session of just over two hours led by experienced instructor Jim R. Sindt sensei, personal student and representative of Hanshi Patrick McCarthy 9th dan.

Sindt sensei holds 6 dan in Koryu Uchinady and 4th dan in Yamane-Ryū Kobudō and he was the special guest that the organization had with the aim of enriching and contributing to technical growth through other perspectives related to the training and development of traditional weapons.

tikushinryu-2020-winter-gassuku-1-copy

The session was oriented to the use of the Sai, through an exercise developed by McCarthy sensei and which has the particularity of being in continuous evolution as it is the focus of contribution of the Koryu Uchinadi groups in the world, therefore, you can frequently see multiple variants (Click here for videos)

TOKUSHINRYU CUP 2020

Making its debut the WUKF point scale system in all rounds, the 5th version of the Tokushinryu Cup was carried out, whose logistics was led in this occasion by Martin Frederiksen sensei, who has been following and contributing closely the incorporation of the kobudo as a division in the last national tournaments of the WUKF. This effort also adds to the one developed by Lars Andersen sensei who is emerging as one of the Kobudo leaders in the region by being the new kobudo coach of the national team (WUKF Danish Team)

TOKUSHINRYU CUP – 2020
JUDGES BRIEFING
1st Place – Diego Rodriguez
2nd Place – Andreas Mitschkewitz
3rd Place – Nilas Hjalte Lundt Simonsen

To provide an international standard, the tournament was held under international WUKF rules and external judges supplemented the refereeing work.
Three rounds using points and not flag system, determine the podium for this 2020 Tokushinryu Cup as follow:

1st place: Diego Rodriguez, Seishinkan Sweden (Tokushin no Nunti Sai – Final round Kata)

2nd place: Andreas Mitschkewitz, Joshinkan Germany (Chatanyara no Sai. – Final round Kata)

3rd place: Nilas Hjalte Rundt, Tokushinryu Denmark (Tokumine no Kon – Final round Kata)

TOKUSHINRYU CUP -2020 Podium
TOKUSHINRYU CUP -2020 podium

SHISA sin fondo

 

ISSHINRYU KARATE & KOBUDO WORLDWIDE – 2020 Virtual Tournament

Isshinryu no Megami 一心流の女神

April 18th – May 10th, Puerto Rico 2020.

During May, the initiative promoted by Eduardo L. Gonzalez sensei, Isshinryu Puerto Rico, was carried out, which aimed to mobilize Isshinryu groups around the world within the framework of the event called “Isshinryu Worldwide 2020, Virtual Tournament”. The event took place from the situation generated by the still current health emergency that affects the world and that has forced to drastically modify the functioning of societies, directly affecting the practice of physical activities and sports. Undoubtedly, all the Isshinryu dojos and practitioners in the world have also been affected, so this initiative was in search of supporting them.

The event consisted of organizing a virtual tournament in which the competitors participated by performing a karate kata and / or Kobudo which they had to record and upload to the event platform to be evaluated by a panel of 7 judges. The score would be delivered after the deadline, determining the podiums in the different categories that would later give way to the Karate Kata & Kobudo Grand Champion division.

In order to find an adequate balance in the evaluation of the kata, the panel of judges formed it this time:

  • Russell Gunnyrusp Best Sensei
  • Javier Martinez Sensei
  • Eduardo L Gonzalez Sensei 
  • Alexis G. Morales Sensei
  • Pablo Molina Sensei
  • Osvaldo Rodriguez Sensei
  • Andy Sloane Sensei

The deadline to upload the videos on the event platform was May 3 and the results would be published a couple of days later. Some of the most relevant criteria to consider were an “adequate sequence of movements, appropriate use of positions and posture and the ability to stay in focus. Strength and precision in the execution of basic techniques, demonstrate courtesy with attitude, good spirit, good effort and contact correct visual and observation of the basic elements kata: strength levels, contraction and expansion of the body and changes in the speed of techniques”.

Eduardo L. Gonzalez sensei was very optimistic and gave a positive balance of the activity:

EDUARDO GONZALES SENSEI - Isshinryu Puerto Rico

Being these the 1st Isshinryu Virtual Tournament, more than 50 competitors from different parts of the world attended, many of them exhibiting great technical quality. The task from the beginning was challenging when having to find a team of judges that allows balancing the evaluation. We have R. P. Best (9th dan), Javier Martinez (9th dan), Alexis Morales (8th dan) Osvaldo Rodriguez (7th dan), Pablo Molina (7th dan) and Andy Sloane (6th dan).

The competition was divided by sex, age and ranks, which gave a total of 35 first places in the respective divisions and with two Great Champions in Kata of Karate and Kobudo. With the participation of students from Puerto Rico, the United States, Argentina, Chile, the Dominican Republic and Sweden, the winning school with the highest participation was determined by the highest number of podiums reached by each group.

  • KATA KARATE GRAND CHAMPION: Antonia Arevalo, Seishinkan Budo School, Chile 
  • KATA KOBUDO GRAND CHAMPION: Diego Rodriguez, Seishinkan Budo School, Sweden.
  • SCHOOL WITH THE LARGEST PARTICIPATION: Seishinkan Budo School – Chile. Determined by best average performance after a triple tie between Chile, Argentina and Puerto Rico.

The quality and professionalism of the karateka was of the highest possible level for which our Association congratulates and recognizes them.
Thank you for making this event a great success and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Eduardo L Gonzalez
Pablo Molina
Founding members of APOIKK.

PODIUM PERFORMANCES:

  • Karate Kata Grand Champion performance – Antonia Arevalo, Seishinkan Budo School, Chile. Isshinryu Karate – Sunsu Kata (Click Here)
  • Kobudo Kata Grand Champion performance – Diego Rodriguez, Seishinkan Budo School, Sweden. Isshinryu Kobudo – Shishi no Kon Kata (Click Here)
  • Karate Kata 1st Place (3rd to 5th dan) – Diego Rodriguez, Isshinryu Karate Sunsu Kata (Click Here)
  • Kobudo Kata 1st Place (3rd to 5th dan) – Diego Rodriguez, Isshinryu Kobudo Urashi Bo (Click Here)

Considering the large number of Isshinryu groups around the world, the realities and challenges of each one in normal times, this initiative proved to be a powerful platform that allowed participants to be motivated to show the results of the regular training processes in each region, being able to appreciate the technical differences but above all the large number of practitioners involved with the systematic practice of Isshinryu. Undoubtedly, the challenge remains for leaders to be able to concentrate criteria, promote exchange activities that allow each group to permeate different perspectives with which the practice of martial art in the world is approached. The long-awaited summit will continue to be able to organize a worldwide event in which the number of Isshinryu groups that can exchange training, contribute to the growth and strengthening of Okinawa Karate grows.

From Chile the initiative was highly valued, and from the beginning a team willing to participate was coordinated, thus supporting an activity that was characterized by the use of communication platforms and social networks to see the realities of different practitioners around the world. Along with this, he gave extra motivation to many of the participants to prepare the best possible performance given the individual conditions due to the health situation.

Seishinkan Budo School thanks the organising team and judges for the time invested in this activity, looking forward to the second version that will allow us to continue cultivating exchange relationships worldwide.

Link of interest: courtesy of Eduardo L. Gonzalez sensei, here you can find the link to the event where more details and all the audio-visual records are still available – CLICK HERE – 

SHISA sin fondo

 

SEISHINKAN

2nd TERM ACTIVITIES: Foreseeable Future

With the progressive but also uncertain reopening of the borders of many countries in the European Union added to the particular situation of each region (Okinawa for example, with more than 54 days without registering contact cases and the South American continent going through the winter season with a rather diverse picture of realities) it creates a rather bumpy panorama in which it is difficult to predict at this time how the activities scheduled for the second semester will develop.

  • “OKINAWAN KARATE NORDIC SEMINAR, in the footsteps of Grand Master Chotoku Kyan” –  Stockholm Sweden.

The organizing team is closely monitoring the situation, waiting to make a final decision as soon as possible to determine the suspension of the 2020 version of the event, which has been acquiring traditional edges for the past 2 years.

“The 1st Okinawan Karate Nordic Seminar, Sweden 2018” – Click Here

“The 2nd Okinawan Karate Nordic Seminar – Helsinki 2019” – Click Here

NORDIC SEMINAR FINLAND 2018 OFICIAL.jpg

  • SEISHINKAN BUDO SCHOOL, Okinawa tour 2020.

Deferred until further notice with possibilities of being carried out in early 2020.

SHURIJO CASTLE - 2018

“OKINAWA 2018: Training Sessions & Rank Promotions” – Click Here

  • TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO EUROPE, Summer Camp & Tokumura Cup 2020, Nakskov, Denmark.

Suspended by the organizing team, which until now leaves the past “2020 Winter Camp & Tokushinryu Cup” as the only camp in the organization that will bring together the European kobudokas this year.

  • WUIKA & TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO EUROPE South America Tour, Concepcion, Chile 2021.SOUTH AMERICA - CHILE TOUR 2018 -2019 OFFICIAL

The project promoted by Diego Rodríguez and strongly supported by the WUIKA organization in Europe and South America that invites any member of Isshinryu and / or Tokushinryu to participate in the exchange and travel to the headquarters of WUIKA and Seishinkan in South America with Diego Rodríguez sensei is in the evaluation stage, considering the situations facing both continents regarding the health crisis and the final decision is expected to be made as soon as possible.

Interested parties are welcome to express their interest in being part of this experience that already has wonderful results in the first version carried out in 2018-2019.

“WUIKA & TOKUSHINRYU EUROPE South America – Chile Tour 2018-2019” Click Here

 

SHIZA solo sin fondoSeishinkan Budo School Europe is hoping that the entire community is healthy and strong in the face of the current health situation. Perseverance in Budo, strength and patience in the Karate & Kobudo training

 

by Diegoisshinryu

IWKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 – London UK

IWKA ISSHINRYU WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP LONDON UK 2019 OFFICIAL

London, July 28, 2019

Being 12:00 hrs on Sunday, Michael Calandra sensei ended the Kobudo seminar, the last official activity of the event called IWKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019, LONDON UK (Click here for further details) that took place from July 25 to 28 at the Redbridge Sports & Leasure Center’s facilities in London, England.

The event that featured an exceptional logistic deployment of the Gosshin Isshinryu Karate organization, led by Muthusamy Ramathas sensei and closely supported by Calandra Michael sensei, who traveled from New York to receive the more than 36 clubs and schools of Isshinryu with 450 participants from 10 countries.

The event had the relevant participation of Kichiro Shimabuku Sensei, first-born son of the late founder of Isshinryu and president of the Isshinryu World Karate Association (IWKA) who traveled from Okinawa to also lead the Isshinryu seminar sessions.

SHISA RYU KYU SF

 

ISSHINRYU KARATE & KOBUDO SEMINARS

一 心 流 空 手 古 武 道 

Isshinryu no Megami 一心流の女神

From noon on the 25th, the day was full of training with the different seminar sessions for children, beginners and black belts that were led by:

  • Kishiro Shimabuku sensei, IWKA president Hanshi 10th dan: Isshinryu Karate Basics & Kata sessions. 
  • Michael Calandra sensei, IWKA 8th dan: Self Defence & Okinawa Kobudo sessions.

With a strong emphasis on the Isshinryu basic principles, blockages and stances, Kishiro sensei later gave way to the practice of the Seisan and Seiunchin kata, which were reviewed during the two hours of seminar with the black belts.

IWKA SEMINAR OFFICIAL.png

ISSHINRYU SEMINAR – IWKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
SHIMABUKU KISHIRO – IWKA
ISSHINRYU KATA SEMINAR – IWKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ISSHINRYU KATA SEMINAR – IWKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ISSHINRYU KATA SEMINAR – IWKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
SELF DEFENCE SEMINAR, by Michael Calandra sensei – IWKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, London UK

IWKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

SHISA RYU KYU SF

 

ISSHINRYU 2019 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

沖 縄 一 心 流 国 際 大 会

ISSHINRYU WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2019, London Uk

Different Isshinryu organisations, schools and clubs gathered during the 26 and 27 to contest the podium of the 14 categories of black belts sorted by gender, age and ranks for the divisions of Karate Kata, Kobudo Kata (traditional weapons) and Kumite (sparring).

The organizing committee of the event determined to give full confidence to the team of REFEREE MEETING - IWKA World Tournament 2019referees of the WUKF (World Union of Karate Federation) so that they could carry out the task of providing justice during the tournament. With this purpose, the event agenda considered a meeting for coaches and referees during the morning of Thursday 25 with the aim of clearing doubts, transparent regulation and joining criteria in general terms for the evaluation of competitors in kata.

Mr. Liviu Crisa, WUKF president, expressed great satisfaction of seing the organisation for the first time in europe of the Isshinryu World Championship.

 

LIVIU CRISAN - WUKF President

“My happiness is even greater when I hear about the decision to use WUKF rules for running this championship and I am looking forward for a long and fruitful collaboration between WUKF and IWKA.

WUKF is the home of all karate-ka from all the nations that need fair and hight level competitions and an educational program that hope to make the world better”

The high score was set for the “Grand Champion” trophy dispute in the kata division, which had as its premise the exclusive use to compete of Sunsu, the main and unique kata of Isshinryu Karate.

DIEGO RODRIGUEZ – World United Isshinryu Association / Seishinkan Budo School
DONALD WASHABAUGH – Isshinryu World Karate Association

After a tight first round that had Kishiro sensei as an observer in the front row, the Chilean representative of WUIKA and Seishinkan Budo School Diego Rodriguez (1st Place Karate Kata & 1st Place Kobudo Kata, Male 30-44, 3rd – 5th dan Black Belts), tied in score with Donald Washabaugh (1st Place Kobudo & 2nd Place Karate Kata Male Masters 6th dan and up), representative of the local IWKA organisation, forcing an extra round of tiebreaker which gave the winner to the local representative for a tight difference.

Dazzling participation also had the WUIKA team that this time brought together athletes from the United States, Denmark, Chile and Romania, who together added a total of 101 medals in addition to 5 Grand Champion trophies.

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TONNI CHRISTIAN – Denmark
WUIKA United States podium
LARS ANDERSEN SENSEI- WUIKA Denmark, Kobudo Division 6th dan and up
LARS ANDERSEN SENSEI – Denmark
NELLIE BRADSTED – WUIKA Denmark, Kata karate Female 30 – 44 1st & 2nd Dan and Diego Rodriguez Sensei from Chile.
GEORGE CRACIUNESCU student’s podium – WUIKA Romania & Diego Rodriguez sensei from Chile.
Karate Kata podium – Haslev Karate Skole Denmark students
LARS ANDERSEN SENSEI- WUIKA Denmark, Kobudo & Karate Kata Division 6th dan and up &
LARS ANDERSEN & MADS NØRBY – WUIKA Denmark, Kobudo Division 6th dan and up along with John Ingram Sensei
DIEGO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI – WUIKA CHILE Kobudo Kata Male 30 – 44 3rd – 5th Dan
SHELBS MCLANE – WUIKA United States podium

SHISA RYU KYU SF

 

WORLD UNITED ISSHINRYU KARATE ASSOCIATION: One Team, One Hearth

WORLD UNITED ISSHINRYU KARATE ASSOCIATION

Four countries, two continents, three Isshinryu organizations and eight Isshinryu clubs / schools met for the first time in history to bring the WUIKA team to life, attend a Isshinryu World Championship and achieve historic results with a podium presence in virtually all divisions of the event, including Kumite, Karate Kata and Kobudo Kata.

An association that stands out for the search of the technical aspects of Isshinryu that unites its members, the regional directors seek to create instances that benefit the growth of all members of the association, who come from different schools, clubs and organizations of Isshinryu, by what this world championship presented as a magnificent opportunity to share with all the members who traveled to form the team that was inscribed in history.

WORLD UNITED ISSHINRYU KARATE ASSOCIATION

In this regard, Osvaldo Rodriguez sensei (Isshinryu Karate 7th dan, Seishinkan Budo School & WUIKA South American director), comments: “The initiative to bring WUIKA together in London was something positive and I really regret that we could not have been more people integrating the team and supporting the participation of South America. I think the first approach of USA / Europe and South America was a big step”.

We mentioned that Rodriguez sensei could not be present in London being on the eve of a new trip to Okinawa to visit Uechi Tsuyoshi & Tokumura Kensho sensei.

On the other hand, John Ingram sensei (Isshinryu Karate 9th dan, Ingram´s Okinawan Karate & WUIKA director United States) who traveled with 19 athletes comments “I was extremely impressed and proud to see how our membership from around the globe pulled together. Personally I have never seen anything so impressive in my nearly 50 years in Isshinryu “, referring again to the group consisting of clubs and schools from 4 different countries, whom he could also see in action on the front line when being appointed within the team of referees of the event, being in charge some of the categories of Kumite (sparring) and kata.

Lars Andersen sensei (Isshinryu Karate 7th dan, Joshinkan & WUIKA Europe director) was also very impressed by the number of schools and instructors working together as a team, however “it must have been a lot more dojos. Denmark had 3 dojos represented. I was proud to see how well the dojos worked together. This was the first time that a lot of instructors and students met and I think that a lot of friendships were made”.

LARS ANDERSEN SENSEI – WUIKA Europe
JOHN INGRAM SENSEI – WUIKA United States
OSVALDO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI – WUIKA Sudamerica

In conversation with the three regional directors, they were also asked for their opinion regarding the technical level appreciated in the WUIKA team during the championship in London and what are the projections regarding upcoming calendar activities. These were their comments.

JOHN INGRAM SENSEI
JOHN INGRAM SENSEI – WUIKA United States

“I was very pleased with the level of kata and kumite of ALL WUIKA clubs. I believe as an association we hold a high standard and that was evident at the IWKA championships. I am very proud of the work my partner Lars Andersen Sensei has done in Europe. He has developed a very strong base and implemented a consistent curriculum. Our partner in South America, Osvaldo Rodriguez Sensei has a very strong group as well. His Seishinkan representative in London, Diego Sensei confirmed that!

Several of the Isshinryu dojo’s in Europe only compete in full contact kumite. Some of them are interested in the semi contact kumite under WUKF rules. My plan is to video some drills that will aid them. I think if we continue to all work as a group each sharing our strong points we will be raised to a higher level.

The only event scheduled now is our Gasshuku in Florida oct 24-27. In the future, Lars Sensei asked me to possibly plan our 2020 WUIKA / Tokushinryu gasshaku for Florida close to the date for IHOF (Isshinryu Hall of Fame). That way those from out of the USA could include a trip to Tennessee. We are only an hour and a half from Disney, Kennedy space etc. Lars Sensei also wants to plan a trip for me to come teach in Denmark within the next couple of years. All of our kata are very close. I would like to share some of the small differences in what Mitchum Sensei taught. I believe some of the small differences are due to the fact that Mitchum Sensei also trained in Shorin with Kinjo Chinsaku who was Master Shimabuku’s best Okinawa student”

SHISA RYU KYU SF

LARS ANDERSEN SENSEI
LARS ANDERSEN SENSEI – WUIKA Europe

“Regarding the level shown by the athletes who made up the WUIKA team, I must say that I was impressed by the standard, but we need to work more on posture, timing and Hiki Ashi.

The WUIKA directors in the US and Europe have decided that we will fully support the IWKA World Championships, so I hope to that WUIKA members will support the next World Championships in India. For future events I hope to set up a black belt training camp in Denmark in November 2019.

SHISA RYU KYU SF

OSVALDO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI
OSVALDO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI – WUIKA Sudamerica

“I was following closely the details of the event through social networks and especially through Diego, who traveled to represent us. In what I could appreciate and based on what I know of the various Isshinryu groups, I have no doubt that the level of WUIKA was among the best of the event and that working together all this will become noticeably powerful in the future.

I believe that bringing together people from the USA, Europe and South America to work on the weaknesses and strengths of each group will be a great wealth for all our students and future generations of Isshinryu. I certainly believe that the Kumite is the weak part in relation to the regulation and I think WUIKA should aim high on this. The WKF regulation or the closest to it should be working north”.

SHISA RYU KYU SF

There is no doubt that Isshinryu, despite being an Okinawa-born style with deep roots in its principles and values to this day, had a massive growth around the world, mainly the United States due to the large number of marines stationed in the island by the historical process by all very well known. The rest of the world followed to this process and as a result thousands of practitioners follow the “One heart style“一心流 in some way.

For this reason, as a result of a worldwide effort to unite Isshinryu students, an organisation was born that serves as a platform for serious practitioners to train under regional directors in different parts of the world, stimulating a sense of belonging and a deep respect for to the different roots of its practitioners. These joint efforts and a look towards a shared vision result in moments like those experienced during the last Isshinryu World Tournament in London.

KISHIRO SHIMABUKU SENSEI & IWKA LOGISTICAL TEAM

Finally, WUIKA, Seishinkan Budo School and the writer wish to express their deepest thanks and highlight the tremendous team work deployed by M. Ramathas sensei and Goshinkan Isshinryu in London.

We also express our gratitude to the support of Michael Calandra sensei, who traveled from the United States to attend the process and also, to accompany Kishiro Shimabuku sensei closely.

And last but not least, Kichiro Shimabuku sensei himself, who at 80 years of age maintains the vitality and energy of the Okinawan people, which allows him to provide the possibility for his students and Isshinryu enthusiasts to practice at his side and enjoy his teachings.SHISA sin fondo

Mention and special thanks to John Ingram sensei, Osvaldo Rodriguez sensei and Lars Andersen sensei, regional directors of WUIKA, for agreeing to deliver some words regarding the event and future plans of the organization.

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu

DIEGO KANJI sin fondo

DIEGO RODRIGUEZ INZUNZA

Seishinkan Budo School Europe

Traditional Isshinryu Karate

Go Dan

 

 

by Diegoisshinryu

IWKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – LONDON UK 2019

image-2019-06-20-at-18.04-e1561188578843.jpg

London, England 2019.

Between July 25 and 28, 2019, the IWKA 2019 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP will take place for the first time in Europe in the city of London, England. The event is hosted by the Seishinkan Martial Arts USA (Michael Calandra sensei, Isshinryu 8th dan, direct student of Kishiro Shimabuku sensei) and Gosshin Isshinryu Karate London UK (R. Ramathas Sensei, Isshinryu 5th dan, IWKA director in the UK), and will have the presence and support of the president of the IWKA (Isshinryu World Karate Association) Master Kishiro Shimabuku, who will also be teaching technical seminars of Isshinryu with Calandra sensei.

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The event, which is open to all Isshinryu groups in the world, will have participants from all over Europe, the United States and South America, who will take part in the empty hand Kata, Kobudo kata and Kumite divisions. Referee seminars will also hosted by Essam Shereif, Vice President of the WUKF (World Union of Karate-do Federation), who was present at the last WUKF World Championship in Bratislava.

Diego Rodriguez sensei will attend the event as a representative of Seishinkan Budo School South America and will be part of the WUIKA team (World United Isshinryu Karate Association) that in this opportunity gathers representatives from organizations in the United States (led by John Ingram Sensei) and Europe (led by Lars Andersen Sensei) and South America (led by Osvaldo Rodriguez Sensei). This will also be the first event to which WUIKA presents itself as a team, complementing in this way the work that has been developed over the last few years with the aim of serving as a platform for all serious Isshinryu practitioners (regardless of what organisation it comes from) to train under the aegis of regional directors around the globe.

WUIKA 2019

The WUIKA team will assembled in this opportunity of Isshinryu students from the United States, Chile, Romania, Sweden and Denmark belonging to the different schools that make up the World United Isshinryu Association.

Seishinkan Budo School Europe already wishes all the participants the best of success in the event and that it also results in a magnificent opportunity for meeting and training for all the Isshinryu practitioners in the world.

Isshin Ryu, The one-hearted way.

LINKS OF INTEREST:

Event Host: Goshin Isshinryu Karate

Event Application: 2019 IWKA World Championship

———————————————————————————————————-

MIZU GAMI

ISSHINRYU KARATE & KOBUDO

2019 IWKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – LONDON UK

by Diegoisshinryu

THE 1st OKINAWA KARATE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT 2018 第1回沖縄空手国際大会

Okinawa, August 2018.

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

Image result for takeshi onaga okinawa
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.

Image result for karate kaikan
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

OPENING CEREMONY

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.

 

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“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
MAIN TOURNAMENT
DIEGO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI
SEISHINKAN – CHILE TEAM

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.

 

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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

OKINAWA LOGO

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).

 

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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 Shinkokai Choko 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 Shimbukan - Akamine Hiroshi Sensei Seminar

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
Ryukyu Kobudo Seminar – Okinawa 2018
KAICHO HIROSHI AKAMINE – DELL HAMBY SENSEI & Diego Sensei – Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan Seminar

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

SEMINARS

THE 1st OKINAWA KARATE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT 2018

SEISHINKAN

by Diegoisshinryu

31st SHINGORYU CUP – NÆSTVED, DENMARK.

Denmark, May 2018

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.

OKINAWA GOJU RYU IOGKF
SHINGORYU CUP 2018 – CEREMONY CEREMONY
OKINAWA ISSHINRYU SEISAN KATA
KATA FEMALE DIVISION PODIUM
ISSHINRYU SEISHINKAN
BUSHINKAN KARATE DO – DENMARK
SHONGORYU CUP – NÆASTVED 2018

Seishinkan Europe attended the event and for the second year in a row and Diego sensei managed to get the first place in the senior kata category for the 2nd time. (Click here to review the 2017 version of the Shingoryu Cup)

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.

(Click here to watch more videos of Shingo Ryu cup 2018 & 2017)

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.IMG_1556 (Edited)

The podium of the senior kata division was as follows:

1st Place: Diego Rodriguez Inzunza, Isshinryu Seishinkan. Sweden

2nd Place: Kenny Bruun Rasmussen, Bushinkan Karate Club. Denmark

3rd Place: Florin Bodeneu Constantin, Isshinryu Toratoshi. Romania.

WUIKA EUROPE TEAMWORLD UNITED ISSHINRYU KARATE ASSOCIATION

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.

SEISHINKAN

Texts by Diego Rodriguez

Videos courtesy of Mads Nørby

Images courtesy of  Bushinkan Karate-Do & Karate News

 

by Diegoisshinryu

TOKUSHINRYU EUROPE WINTER CAMP & 2nd TOKUSHINRYU CUP

WINTER CAMP 2018 OFFICIAL

Denmark, March 2018

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

MARTIN FREDERIKSEN SENSEI & DIEGO RODRIGUEZ SENSEI TOKUSHINRYU CUP 2018 1st PLACE
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.

TOKUSHINRYU CUP WINNERS

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

RANK PROMOTION 2018

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
NIDAN EXAMINATION – MARCH 2018

Click here to review the page with the official list of Tokushinryu yudansha around the world.

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.

TOKUSHIN NO YARI KATA

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More information about the Tokushinryu Kobudo Europe Winter Camp & 2nd Tokushinryu Cup

KARATE NEWS DENMARK

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Photos & Images courtesy of Allisson Teran and Anders Uhrenfeldt

by Diegoisshinryu

2nd SUMMER GASSHUKU & TOKUMURA CUP – NAKSKOV 2017

TOKUMURA SENSEI
TOKUSHINRYU KOBUDO – NAKSKOV 2017

Denmark, September 2017

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.

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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.

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MORE TOKUMURA CUP & SUMMER GASSHUKU NEWS IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Karate News Denmark 

by Diegoisshinryu

1ST PLACE SHINGO RYU CUP NÆSTVED DANMARK

SHINGO RYU CUP 2017
1st PLACE – SHINGO RYU CUP NÆSTVED DANMARK 2017

On May 6th, 2017, in the framework of the 30th anniversary of Shingo Ryu Cup, a new version of this event was developed in the city of Næstved, Denmark. Competitors from Romania, Chile and all parts of Denmark mainly gathered at the Næstved Arena to compete in the Kata and Kumite categories.

 

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After the cordial invitation of Sensei Lars Andersen, Sensei Diego participated in the representation of Seishinkan in the category of Kata obtaining a meritorious first place, besides a wonderful and unexpected recognition to the best technique of the championship.

MORE SHINGO RYU CUP NEWS IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Seishinkan Isshin Ryu Chile

Karate News Denmark

by Diegoisshinryu

OIKKA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, BORDENTOWN, NJ.

SEISHINKAN

usa-2016-26
Okinawa Isshin Ryu Seishinkan Chile

New Jersey – United States, August 2016

On 19 and 20 August 2016, took place the first version of the world championship OIKKA organization in the city of Bordentown, New Jersey, in honor of Grand Master Angi Uezu. This event was attended from Denmark Sensei Diego and other representatives of the school Seishinkan from chile achieving very important results. After nearly a year of intense preparation in the physical and technical aspects, the results filled with pride those who led the process in the organizational part and the development of training programs for the competitor. Sensei Diego was linked intensely in this process and in implementing it, especially Kumite preparing the group until July, prior to their trip to DenmarAmong leading competitors across the United States, South America, Europe and India, sensei Diego achievement crowned World Champion in the category of Kata Karate and Kobudo, which complement a brilliant career for the past 10 years.

OIKKA World Championship Bordentown NJ
Kata Karate – Kata Kobudo World Champion
Kobudo & Kata World Champion OIKKA World Championship Bordentown NJ

A sporting achievement of the delegation, also adds the important mark left school OIKKA Seishinkan Chile in the technical and human level that was shown during the event.

Click here to watch some videos 

SEISHINKAN BUDO SCHOOL

by Diegoisshinryu