PSJA Annual Kata Clinics By Anson Hisao Pang San Diego, CA The Pacific Southwest Judo Association, PSJA, welcomed Ms. Eiko Shepherd, 7th Dan, USJF Kata Development and Certification Chairperson to San Diego for the annual PSJA sponsored Kata clinics that were held November 19th, 20th and 21st, 2010. It is always a pleasure and a great opportunity to attend clinics given by Shepherd Sensei, who is a student of the Kodokan and also Ms. Keiko Fukuda, 9th Dan, one of Dr. Kano’s original students. The series of three Kata clinics were scheduled by Eva McCatty, PSJA Kata Chair, assisted by Bruce Knight, PSJA VP of Development. The clinics offered this year were Kodokan Goshin Jutsu, Nage‐no‐kata and Kime‐no‐kata. Twelve Judo Dojos participated. There were 61 judoka who came from all over San Diego and some traveled from Los Angeles to attend. In addition there were numerous spectators. The first Kata clinic had Sensei Shepherd leading 17 judoka in Kodokan Goshin Jutsu, Self Defense Techniques. Goshin Jutsu was developed in 1956 to defend against danger from others. Participants learned to defend against unarmed attacks such as being held or preventing striking from a distance and defending against armed attacks from someone using a knife, stick or a gun. Afterward a very informative clinic, San Shi Dojo sponsored a wonderful dinner and club members, Mrs. Matsubara and Bill Caldwell, made delicious curry for everyone to share. 1 Photo courtesy of Eva McCatty Kodokan Goshin Jutsu hosted by San Shi Judo Dojo, Head Instructor Ernie Matsubara, 5th Dan The 2nd Kata clinic was Nage‐No‐Kata, Forms of Throwing. The turnout was excellent there were 45 participants and Heisei Dojo had wall to wall judoka. Photo courtesy of Bruce Knight Judoka listening to an explanation of Nage‐no‐kata Nage‐No‐Kata taught by Shepherd Sensei deepens the participants’ knowledge and understanding of Judo. Beginning with ukemi, she urges judoka to breathe in prior to performing Zempo‐Kaiten. Your body is filled with air and cushions the impact along with proper ukemi technique. “Ukemi does not have to hurt.” Shepherd Sensei said. 2 Photo courtesy of Eva McCatty Warming up for Nage‐no‐kata While Kata improves kuzushi, tsukuri and kake, the unbalancing, fitting in and executing in randori and shiai or free practice and contests, it also gives judoka experience with both right and left sided throwing techniques. Photo courtesy of Eva McCatty Nage‐no‐kata hosted by Heisei Judo Dojo (Head Instructor Matt Ozaki, 6th Dan) On Sunday Shepherd Sensei presented the finer points of her always excellent instruction in Kime‐No‐Kata, Forms of Decisive Action or combat. Shepherd Sensei illustrated the fundamentals of attack and defense in two groups, Idori or kneeling and Tachiai or standing techniques. The twenty techniques included 3 striking, knife and sword attacks to vital points on the body. Expert knowledge of these techniques can be very useful in real life and death situations. There was a good turnout for Kime‐no‐kata; the last in the series of PSJA sponsored Kata clinics. There were 17 participants who represented many PSJA and some NANKA clubs. Photo courtesy of Eva McCatty Hosted by San Diego Judo School, Karen Maestro, 3rd Dan and Eva McCatty, 5th Dan Several judoka attended all three clinics one of whom was Bruce Knight, Head Instructor for the North Island Judo Club. When asked to comment on the clinics he said. “…it was a great experience. The Kata Certification session gave me and others the chance to test for Instructor/Judge Certification…” Bruce Knight’s comments expressed the feelings of others who, because of personal commitments are unable to travel to National Clinics and therefore, really appreciate having high quality instruction and the opportunity to become certified made available at a venue closer to home. 4 .