This will be focused on Kata and Kumite. There will also be an opportunity to improve/practice refereeing towards the end of the course.

This will be held at Hawarden High School, North Wales

Time: 11:30-14:00

There will be opportunities for both sight seeing and also training whilst there so it will be of interest to all.

We will be making arrangements in the near future. Speak to Sensei John Barker or Stu for further information and to express your interest.

Thanks

Shihan Ian Smith

Shihan Ian Smith has been enrolled as a Member of the International Master Committee based in Japan, which is the Forum for Discussion of the Technical Standards, Instruction and the Planning of Competition Rules for Shotokan Karate

These can be accessed by clicking on ’Photos’ in the menu.

If you have any photos that you wish to be included, please get in touch.

Regards,

Stu

On Friday 18th September 2009 Shihan Akihito Isaka arrived in the UK from Japan.

Shihan Isaka is an 8th Dan Black belt and the Assistant Chief instructor of Karatenomichi World Federation (KWF). Shotokan Karate

The purpose of the visit was to teach at the KWF Wales dojo in Hawarden, N. Wales. This was the 5th year that he has visited the dojo and each year he provides students with a further insight into his special training. Students at the Hawarden dojo were joined by approximately 80 other students of varying nationalities, all eager to learn from his vast experience.

Shihan Isaka’s training is based on hip movement and the ability to ’separate’ the hip in order to move more freely and improve technique. All movements are practised at a slow speed in order to gain control over each part of the body’s movement.

Over the 2 days students were able to watch some excellent demonstrations of Shihan Isaka’s training and also participate in carrying out his method of training under his watchful eye.

Although the training appears easy, when done properly it is extremely difficult and demanding on the body.

On Sunday 20th September two of KWF-Wales’ students were amongst many others from around the country who took part in dan grade examinations.

Charles Godfrey was sucessful in achieving the level of Shodan (1st dan black belt) and Dennis Hanwright was successful in achieving the level of Yondan (4th dan black belt). Both of these gradings were taken in front of a panel of 3 examiners who were Shihan Akihito Isaka, Shihan Robert Sidoli (7th dan KWF) and Shihan Sid Tadrist (6th dan KWF).

KWF-Wales would like to congratulate both Charles and Dennis in gaining these levels of achievement and wish them all the best for their future training. We would also like to congratulate all others who were successful in their examinations.

KWF Wales would also like to express their thanks to all persons who travelled to support the event. Because of such welcomed support it may now be possible to host a similar event in the future.

Dave Scregg

On Sunday 28th June Dave Scregg and other members of KWF Wales travelled down to Luton for a course conducted by the KWF GB Chief Instructor. The course was held by the Luton branch of the KWF.

Prior to the course there was a grading where Dave was  successful in attaining his Sandan (3rd Dan). This was taken in front of the KWF GB Technical committee.

Dave has been training hard for quite some time in order to be ready for this achievement under the instruction of KWF Wales instructors, Shihan Ian Smith (6th Dan KWF) and Sensei John Barker (5th Dan KWF).

KWF Wales would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dave on his success and wish him all the best for his future training!!

Also successful on the day was Mike De Froand – Nidan (2nd Dan), Congratulations!!

Video

So that you are all aware, we are in the process of adding videos to the website.

These can be accessed by clicking on ’Videos’ in the menu.

If you have any videos that you wish to be included, please get in touch.

Regards,

Stu

SKM's 100th Special Anniversary Edition

As reported in KWF Black Belt Blog, Sensei Mikio Yahara explains Unsu kata in the 100th Special Anniversary Edition of Shotokan Karate Magazine.

KWF Wales website

KWF Wales is pleased to announce the launch of its new website at http://www.kwf-wales.org.uk/. The new website takes advantage of the latest web development tools to create a dynamic new appearance that provides online visitors quick and efficient access to up-to-date information on the club’s activities.

The site was designed by local multi-skilled IT company Mackintosh Consultants whose Managing Partner, Dr Nigel Mackintosh, noted: “We were extremely honoured to be selected by such a dynamic new group to design and develop their high-profile new online presence. The site was designed using WordPress as a Content Management System so the KWF Wales officers can quickly and easily edit their website in future. We of course first ensured that the site complied with all relevant website standards, including HTML and CSS. However, unlike many website design companies who leave their clients exposed to potential legal action, we always consider the requirements of the UK Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and we thus ensured that the site complied with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines – in order not to discriminate against people on the basis of culture, language, education, ability, material resources or physical limitations”.

We would be very glad to hear from users of the website, so please use one of the methods available on our Contact Page to tell us what you think of it or to suggest changes and/or additions to it.