ISKF SPOTLIGHT Spring 2010 INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION

Shotokan karate-ka no matter what 44th ISKF Master Camp and their affiliation is. However, many new first time campers join the International Goodwill Tournament ISKF after they experience this camp. They are impressed because he 44th ISKF Master Camp only do many of the participants nowadays it is rare to still have an and International Goodwill return each year, but also new organization, especially one that is TTournament will be held June Shotokan karate practitioners join as large as the ISKF that has 11th - 18th, 2010. This is the only us and they are so impressed by remained traditional and has kept weeklong Shotokan karate camp the experience they return the fol- the standards of our founder that has instruction from the high- lowing year. Master . Okazaki est-ranking Shotokan Masters in The following countries have Shihan is a direct student of Master the world. This year we will have already registered for Master Camp Funakoshi and has never wavered instruction from Masters Teruyuki this year and as you can see, there from his beliefs and his principles. Okazaki - 10th Dan ISKF (US), are quite a few that will be joining He was given a huge undertaking Yutaka Yaguchi - 9th Dan ISKF us for the first time. We are looking by his instructors - Masters (US), Hirokazu Kanazawa - 10th forward to your arrival and meeting Funakoshi and Nakayama to spread Dan - SKIF (Japan), and Masaru you. traditional Shotokan karate-do Miura - 9th Dan SKI-I (Italy). throughout the world while being Assisting them in instructing will be Argentina mindful not to compromise the the ISKF Technical Committee: Australia integrity of Budo for sport. And Sensei's James Field (USA/SW), Bahrain although he travels extensively Frank Woon-A-Tai (Canada/ON), Barbados throughout the world to teach and Maynard Miner (USA/EC), Robin Bolivia share these philosophies, Okazaki Rielly (USA/EC), Najib Baha Amin Brazil Shihan wanted to expose all (USA/EC), Cathy Cline (USA/NW), British Virgin Islands Shotokan karate-ka to the best Garry Turnbull (Jamaica), Canada Shotokan Masters, which is why he Dr. Dexter Shim (Trinidad), Cayman Islands began hosting our Master Camp. Hiroyoshi Okazaki (USA/EC), Gary England At the first Master Camp there were Swain (USA/MT), David Jones Germany about 16 participants. In over 43 (Canada/AB) and Larry Loreth Guyana years, our camp has grown to (Canada/MB). A week of this cal- Japan almost 500 campers! The main rea- iber of instruction benefits all Mexico son for this is that Master Okazaki Shotokan practitioners, regardless New Zealand has always invited the highest- of rank or affiliation. Karate-ka Nigeria ranking Shotokan Masters to teach travel great distances to participate Romania at our Master Camp and since the in this camp and this is why the Russia independence of the ISKF from the ISKF prepares all year long to pro- Spain JKA, this opened many more doors vide for the best experience and Trinidad to him to invite all Shotokan instruction for all the campers. We USA Masters to teach regardless of their truly hope you will make every Venezuera affiliation. This has been very excit- effort to attend Master Camp this ing to learn from each other and year. Each year our Master Camp Of course as already stated, our extend the hand of welcome to all is successful in the fact that not ISKF Master Camp is open to all Shotokan groups. There is no other Continued on page 2

IN THIS ISSUE ISKF SPOTLIGHT A publication of the ISKF 2 ISKF Event Schedule 222 South 45th St. Phila., PA U.S.A. 3 ISKF Pan American Karate Championships T: 215-222-9382 F: 215-222-7813 E-mail: [email protected] 4-5 ISKF Sri Lanka Publisher: Teruyuki Okazaki, 5 Shoto Niju Kun Chairman and Chief Instructor of ISKF Editor: Lois Luzi 6-7 ISKF India and the Land of Buddha Assistant Editors: Hiroyoshi Okazaki 1 Continued from page 1 about their arms or legs as beings. weeklong Shotokan training camp weapons, you will not and should There is no better venue to prac- in the world that offers this. not think about their size or rank. tice these principles than at our You may think that you can And if you are humble and have a ISKF Master Camp and learn a fancy approach or what you clear mind you will be open to International Goodwill Tournament. think are "different" techniques to learning from your opponent. We train and learn from all ranks what some would call karate from However, if you let your ego fill your and cultures. Our karate can only the computer or videos. However, mind with thoughts that you are get better after a week of training you can only learn true Budo from automatically better, then you will with the highest caliber of Shotokan traditional instructors and Okazaki never grow and learn about others Masters and more importantly we Shihan will always provide to all and even worse learn about your- all become better human beings who want to learn to be a pure mar- self. You will remain stagnant and learning from one another and tial artist with the tools and be unable to see if/when true dan- appreciating the similarities as well instruction to do this. This is one ger is in front of you. If you com- as the differences. Just remember, of the many ways he is being sin- plain that you are tired of training you must keep a clear mind and do cere and keeping his word to his the same way or doing the same your best to live by the Dojo Kun instructors. basics and , this is your ego and Niju Kun. The theme for this years Master speaking. A true martial artist Camp is: Niju Kun #15: Hito no te- knows that on the path to Budo Please note: Because we want every ashi wo ken to omoe - Consider there is always something to be Shotokan practitioner - regardless your opponent's legs and arms as learned from the simplest of repeti- of affiliation to have the opportunity you would sharp swords. In this tions and that you can learn from to participate in Master Camp we precept, Master Funakoshi is telling everyone and when you do, they are will do everything we possibly can us to respect our opponent and to all in some way contributing to your to assist if necessary in the visa do so with a clear mind. You must advancement both in the dojo and process. The US is making changes always think that your opponent as a person. So keep this mindset to the acquisition of visas so we are may pose an extreme danger to you, in the dojo and in every facet of suggesting that you submit your and also, if you have a clear mind your life. Always respect others. visa application to your embassy as you can be humble to understand This is why we train, to become a soon as possible. If you would like that if no danger is imminent you better person. And this is what ISKF Headquarters, along with our can learn from them. You should makes us different from sports ISKF President - Judge Paul Ribner have this mindset regardless of who organizations. Our main goal is to to assist you please contact ISKF you are facing, whether it is a per- develop as good martial artists and Headquarters and give us your son who is larger or smaller, white we can only do this by developing complete name on your Passport belt or higher rank. If you think our character to be good human along with your Passport number. ISKF EVENT SCHEDULE

JUNE 11 - 18, 2010 ISKF MASTER CAMP & INTERNATIONAL GOODWILL TOURNAMENT Pennsylvania, USA

AUGUST 13 - 15, 2010 ISKF PAN AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Guyana

OCTOBER 8 - 11, 2010 ISKF/CANADA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Winnipeg, Manitoba

NOVEMBER 6 - 7, 2010 ISKF/US NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Sioux Falls, South Dakota

JUNE 10 - 17, 2011 45TH ANNIVERSARY ISKF MASTER CAMP &INTERNATIONAL GOODWILL TOURNAMENT Pennsylvania, USA

2012 ISKF 2nd WORLD SHOTO CUP Barbados

2014 ISKF PAN AMERICAN Mexico

2016 ISKF 3rd WORLD SHOTO CUP South Africa 2 ISKF PAN-AMERICAN K ARATE C HAMPIONSHIPS

fter four cancellations, the 11th ISKF Pan American Karate AChampionships will be held in Georgetown, Guyana from August 12 to 15, 2010. During the 8th Caribbean Karate Championships, which was held in St. Lucia in August 2009, Master Teruyuki Okazaki and Mr. Frank Woon- A-Tai discussed the possibility of the Guyana Karate College hosting the championships in August to allow greater participation of young karate-ka who are the future of ISKF karate. Mr. Woon-A-Tai immediately con- tacted His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo to secure the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as the venue. With the gov- ernment's support, Mr. Woon-A-Tai formed an organizing committee head- ed by popular businessman and sports personality, Colin Ming. Members of the committee include the GKC executive, parents of the students, friends and supporters. This tournament promises to be the best, if not, one of the best karate championships ever held. To this end, Mr. Woon-A-Tai is seeking the support of all ISKF Pan American member countries to participate in a show of support for Master Okazaki and the ISKF as a vibrant organization with the best leadership in the karate world. Even if a country cannot afford to send teams, one or two representatives would be greatly appreciated. All mem- ber countries are kindly requested try their very best to support this important event. ination. In the afternoon, karate clinics the large air conditioned hotel ballroom In addition to the championships, a will be held for brown belts, black belts, which is not carpeted and thus, suited karate symposium will be held on certified instructors and kenshusei for training. Prices start at US$86.00 Thursday August 12. This will be head- (instructor trainees). These clinics will plus 16% taxes for single accommoda- ed by ISKF Technical Committee be taught by Mr. Woon-A-Tai/Field and tion and $95.00 for double accommoda- Members, Mr. Garry Turnbull and Dr. Masters Yaguchi and Okazaki respec- tion. These are great prices and Mr. Dexter Shim, who are vice presidents of tively. Dan examinations will follow the Woon-A-Tai has blocked 100 rooms for the Caribbean Karate College. Karate clinics. participants. Details will follow soon as symposiums are not new to the All eliminations will be held on well as recommended budget hotels. Caribbean region and topics to be dis- Saturday August 14 and the finals will Guyana is the only English speaking cussed are technical, medical and legal be on Sunday August 15. A welcome country in South America. There is aspects of karate. Also on the agenda is reception is planned for Saturday great shopping for gold jewellery and it the inclusion of karate programmes in evening. The championships will follow boasts a vibrant eco-tourism in the schools as part of the curriculum. This the same successful format as the 2008 Amazon Rainforest. A visit to Kaieteur promises to be very interesting. ISKF World Shoto Cup. Falls, reputed to be among the highest On Friday, August 13, a judge's Hotel accommodation is at the single drop falls in the world in terms of refresher course and judge examinee newly built Princess Hotel. It has a casi- water volume is a must see. Looking clinic will be held after lunch. This will no. This will be the official tournament forward to your support. be followed by the judge's written exam- hotel. All related events will be held in

3 ISKF Sri Lanka By Gary Swain, 7th Dan, ISKF/US-Mt. States ISKF Technical Committee

n 2009 the ISKF Sri Lanka organi- nar took place inside the prison where they zation invited someone from the both work on a daily basis. The students ISKF Technical Committee to visit were allowed to enter and train with us. them for seminars and examina- When I first arrived at the prison Mr. tions. I was privileged to be chosen Silva presented me with the traditional for the visit. greeting of leaves. As the Commissioner of IThe trip started with a 30 hour flight to the Prisons he was a very hospitable man. other side of the world from Denver There were many of the high ranking peo- Colorado. The weather in Denver was very ple in the prison system there to greet me as chilly in April. I was greeted by 85 degree well. weather with 100% humidity. When the temperature is like this all of the time you adapt to it very quickly and it becomes comfortable. It really enhances the ability to stretch out and also prevent injuries because a person isn't warmed up. I arrived in the evening and was met at concern in Colombo where we were train- the airport by a large group of the students ing. The group still took some precautions and the instructor, Mr. Prasanna Fernando. that they thought were in my best interests Possibly the most important person who at the time and I was a little surprised by met me was my translator, Mr. Desmond this and also grateful to the group for what Samith. Desmond proved invaluable they had done. They told me it was simply a throughout the entire visit. In this picture precaution. Nothing ever happened and we Desmond is on my left with Mr. Fernando were all happy about that. We also held and Shihan Fernando, Mr. Fernando's son is trainings in a church building that was spa- on my right. The students are following us. cious and a little cooler. The seminar held there was for about 75 people. The students in Sri Lanka are just like the students all over the world. There are young people and there are older people. Some like and some would rather spar. It was a real pleas- ure to work with and get to know the stu- The training area was a very large brick dents of Sri Lanka. room with a cement floor and very high After trainings in Colombo we did some ceilings. There were about 200 students in sightseeing and went to Kandy. Kandy is this seminar and they worked well together. up in the mountains and it was a beautiful With Desmond's help I was able to learn a trip. The scenery was beautiful but I must Mr. Prasanna Fernando started training in few words of the their language, "slow" and say the drives up and back were exciting. Shotokan karate under his father when he "fast" and we all got along great. The roads are narrow and the traffic seems was three. He has been training continu- In April of 2009 the Tamil Tigers were to pick which side of the road it would like ously since then and that puts his training still in revolt and there was a little concern to drive on. Normally you are supposed to over 30 years. He wrote a book several about them. However, there wasn't much drive on the left side of the road in Sri years ago for the people of Sri Lanka that is Lanka. However, when it gets busy, that very similar to Master Nakayama's Best idea becomes mixed and therefore exciting. Karate series. It is well done and touches Kandy is the last royal capital of Sri all of the bases for good sound karate. Lanka. It is most famous for the Temple of Mr. Fernando's occupation is involved the Tooth. This temple actually houses one with the prison system of the country. His of Budda's teeth. The temple is beautiful direct employer, Mr. Lakshman Silva, is the and is inside a palace that was added to by Commissioner of Prisons. He has been each new ruler as they took over the royal very instrumental in the growth and support throne. of Shotokan Karate and the ISKF in Sri The art work and the carvings are magnifi- Lanka. He is a tremendous supporter of Mr. cent and the people flock to Kandy on the Fernando. So much so, that our first semi- ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MR. GARY SWAIN weekends and holidays to see the temple and the castle. 4 Continued from page 4 The examinations went well and almost everyone passed. There were about 20 peo- ple testing and they were going for Shodan SHOTO NIJU KUN and higher. Mr. Fernando received his Godan and, of course, did a good job. After 13 all of the seminars and examinations of course we had a party so all could enjoy Tekki ni yotte tenka seyo themselves. Awards were handed out and Move according to your all had a good time. There were many people who made this opponent trip possible. Unfortunately space prohibits all of the photos necessary to give them ere Master Funakoshi is saying credit. Just let it be said that this was a to keep yourself mentally "flexi- joint effort for the ISKF students of Sri Hble" so that you are able to adapt Lanka and I know all of them appreciated to a situation as it changes. It seems a all of the donations and the effort of those very simple thing to do, but it takes a lot responsible. of experience. When confronted by an opponent, you have to learn how to be physically and mentally connected to him. You have to clear your mind, be calm. You should be able to perceive your opponent's intentions without dis- While we were in Kandy we also visited tortion. Then you can react naturally, one of the other prisons that Mr. Silva without strategy. supervises. It was similar to an outdoor Of course in dealing with an oppo- camp and had no bars. As you can see, the nent, you can start out with a strategy, prisoners not only do what is needed to live but you should remain flexible so that but they also continue their native customs you're able to respond to a situation Below is a picture of Mr. Fernando and with a lot of enthusiasm. naturally. Once you have some under- his family. He now has another daughter standing of how to execute technique, whom I was asked to name. I suggested the then you have to learn how to "feel" name of my youngest granddaughter, Grace, your opponent's intentions, how to and they decided to use that for her. Mr. "sense" a change in the situation. You Fernando's father, next to me on the right, have to learn how to use your feelings started teaching him karate when he was to communicate with your opponent. three. He has been training ever since. The key to this-indeed the key to all we This is a family that has much to be proud have been talking about-is to maintain a of for the work they have done and the lives sense of balance within yourself. You they have touched. They are a great exam- can control a difficult situation by con- ple of spreading the Dojo Kun around the trolling yourself. You are part of the sit- world. uation, and it is part of you. Thank you for inviting me and allowing The idea of moving according to your me to be part of your training. opponent is yet another of Master Funakoshi's principles that you can and should apply to everyday life. Whether you are driving a car, having a conver- sation with a friend, making a presenta- tion at work: you always need a sense of the other person's intentions. Don't blame other people, or external circum- stance, for your condition. Remain open to all things around you, without your ego getting in the way, judging. If you start to think that something, or someone, is "right" or "wrong," you can- not see clearly what really "is." So it is important to keep an open mind, to be able to respond to every situation, whether it be an opponent in a self- defense situation, or in any other aspect of life. 5 an accident. During my stay and travels ISKF India and the Land of Buddha throughout India, I did not see one single accident. This absolutely amazed me! It's by Larry Loreth, 7th Dan, ISKF/Canada - no wonder these people understand how to block and shift out of an attacker's ISKF Technical Committee w--ay. They are developing their reaction- timing every time they get behind the n November of 2008, I traveled cious. I arrived in the middle of the night, wheel of a car. to the land of Buddha to instruct and therefore was unable to see very much The seminar started at the beginning of a seminar and conduct a Dan on my way to the hotel. However, the one my second day in India. Training took examination on behalf of the thing that immediately caught my atten- place in a school gymnasium, on a con- International Shotokan Karate tion was the level of activity ceverywhere crete floor. As can be seen by the attached Federation. Mr. Shiv Panchal, a I turned there seemed to be no end of photo, the gym was absolutely jammed resident and prominent karate instructor people and cars going in all directions. As with students. Although I do not under- Iin India, had contacted Okazaki Shihan I was soon to experience, Delhi is a very stand the Indian language, we did not have regarding membership in the ISKF and large city in a land of extremes. any difficulty in communicating. These inquired about a seminar to be held in the The next day I rested, in an attempt to people have a passion for karate. They are City of Delhi, the capital of India. When rid myself of the "jet lag" I was experi- disciplined, children and adults alike, so Master Okazaki contacted me regarding encing from the long trip overseas. Mr. instructing a class of 200 people was not a this assignment, I was fascinated with the Panchal picked me up the following day problem. The class spirit was exceptional thought of traveling to a part of the world and we went for lunch cmy first meal in you could hear the KIAI three blocks that I had never been to. Indian history India. As I am a fan of East Indian cui- away. All participants in the seminar runs deep in the martial arts, as Dharma, sine, I enjoyed the food throughout my worked very hard and never gave up known as the founder of karate, was from stay in India. However, the one thing that throughout the entire event. They showed the "Land of Buddha". I will never get used to in India is driving exceptional dedication. I left Winnipeg on November 11, 2008, in an automobile. Its go go go!. Every During my seminar, prior to their and arrived in New Delhi via London, 23 time we got into his car, I thought Mr. National tournament, Mr. Panchal had hours later cquite a trip. When I got off Panchal was going to be in an accident, arranged for local dignitaries and sponsors the aircraft at Indira Gandhi International but finally realized that although the driv- to attend the event in order to meet and exchange greetings with me. The respect and consideration I was offered during this meeting was overwhelming. Each of the dignitaries placed a wreath of brightly colored flowers around my neck as a way of greeting me to their country, and in turn I presented each of them with a gift of flowers. There was always someone beside me, attempting to make pleasant conversation and have me feel at home in a very far off place. This experience gave me further insight into the fact that peo- ple are people. Regardless of where they come from or what their religion or nationality is, respect and consideration for each other, overcomes all of our dif- ferences cjust like at Mastercamp. I particularly enjoyed meeting with Mr. Panchal and the instructors of ISKF India. Their tireless efforts to build the Indian organization and the disciplined ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MR. LARRY LORETH training that they all displayed during my Airport, Mr. Panchal and his students ers are dodging in and out, literally driving seminar impressed me very much. While were there to greet me. These individuals, inches away from the other cars on the everyone needs to work on their tech- who had never laid eyes on me before that road, they all seemed to know exactly how nique, they are no different than other stu- moment, could not have been more gra- far they could go before actually causing dents of karate anywhere else in the world. Okazaki Shihan has told us that the

6 Continued from page 6

secret to karate is ... "JUST DO IT!" ... goodwill they experienced by participating India training seminar and National and with their dedication and hard work, I in the seminar. They all want to learn and Tournament. The Dan exam went well know that they are fully capable of achiev- are prepared to work very hard to achieve and now ISKF India has four new black ing anything that they put their mind to their goals ...TOGETHER! This new belts, 2 Shodan and 2 Nidan. This result is accomplishing. organization has increased ISKF India's based on their hard work and Mr. For example, the fact that they held an membership from an original 300 mem- Panchal's dedication to building the ISKF all night meeting, the day I had spoken bers to a new organization of 500 mem- in his country. with the instructors, in order to officially bers with approximately 9 individual The seminar was very successful and as form a new ISKF India organization with dojos. indicated everyone tried to do all things a totally revised constitution and board of CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. possible to make my stay in India a pleas- directors, clearly verifies this fact. Karate Panchal and his organizing committee on ant and rewarding experience. As my students and instructors from outside of a job well done! ISKF India organized an guests wanted me to experience Indian the original ISKF India organization excellent training seminar which involved culture at its best, they took me to see one trained side by side with our students. students and instructors who came from of India's greatest treasures, the Taj They all expressed a desire to work with far and wide to attend this event and train Mahal. It is absolutely breathtaking. This each other to build on the new organiza- with us. Their National Tournament took extraordinary structure, located in the City tion that had just been formed during the place immediately after the seminar and of Agra, cannot be truly appreciated seminar. The new members informed me involved over 400 participants who com- unless you have actually seen it in person. that they decided to join the ISKF based peted over a 2 day period. I was honored No wonder it has been voted the 1st on the training that they received and the to have been a part of this initial ISKF "Wonder of the World". I visited India again in October, 2009. The training location had changed but the spirit and dedication of all participants remained the same. A number of students and instructors successfully examined for Dan level within the ISKF. Congratulations to Mr. Panchal who suc- cessfully examined for Yondan! I not only look forward to seeing Mr. Panchal and his students again this year in the Land of Buddha but also at Mastercamp, where they will continue their pursuit of perfection in the way of Shotokan.

OSU!

Larry Loreth

7 INTERNATIONAL KARATE ASSOCIATION 222 South 45th Street NON-PROFIT ORG. Philadelphia, Pa. 19104 U.S.A. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHILADELPHIA, PA permit No. 4363

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