ISKF SPOTLIGHT SPRING 2008 INTERNATIONAL SHOTOKAN KARATE FEDERATION look forward to a week of the best instruction, lectures, special events, and the 42nd annual International Goodwill Tournament. From begin- ner to advanced level karate-ka you will receive an experience that will keep you coming back. Your understanding of techniques, stance, kata, kumite, and your mind and body will all become enhanced. Master Camp is your opportunity to take home a wealth of knowledge that you will not find anywhere else. This year Master Okazaki has asked us to focus on - "Teki ni yotte tenka seyo" or "Move accord- ing to your opponent". This is one of karate's twenty guiding principles or Nijyu Kun. Every year we focus on one principle from the Nijyu Kun. "In Perfection of Character" by, Teruyuki Okazaki, Master Master Teruyuki Okazaki, right, Master Hirokaza Kanazawa, left Photo by Steven Major, ISKF/US Okazaki interprets each of the twenty principles. CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE "So keep an open mind, work hard, and don't be attached to your plans and desires: AT MASTER CAMP flow with the situation you're aster Camp 2008 training methods and philosophy. in and move according marks the second Before 2007 this could never have to your opponent." year we will be been a reality. Last year at Master presented with the Camp 2007 the final vote was cast Chapter 13 Perfection of Character opportunity to and signatures obtained making the Teruyuki Okazaki train with three of ISKF declaration of independence Mthe most skilled karate masters the from the Japan Karate Association He reminds us that this principle world has known. Last year we official. is not only about kumite as one This year we will celebrate our were introduced to the legendary Continue on to page 4 Master Kanazawa and his karate first year of independence. You will IN THIS ISSUE ISKF SPOTLIGHT A publication of the ISKF Page 2 Upon the sands of history lie the bleaching bones of 222 South 45th St. Phila., PA U.S.A. organization that refused to observe basic democratic principles T: 215-222-9382 F: 215-222-7813 Page 3, 4 Celebrating our coming of age: The 2008 ISKF World Shoto Cup E-mail: [email protected] Interview with Isidor Peled 6th Dan, Chief Instructor Israel Publisher: Teruyuki Okazaki, Page 5 Master Funakoshi’s Niju Kun Chairman and Chief Instructor of ISKF Master Okazaki awarded rank of 10th Dan Editor: Naseema Sami Page 6 -11 ISKF Up Coming events Assistant Editors: Hiroyoshi Okazaki Lois Luzi Examinations/Tournament results 1 UPON THE SANDS OF HISTORY LIE THE BLEACHING BONES OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT REFUSED TO OBSERVE BASIC DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES An ancient proverb made up by the President of the ISKF The purpose of this column is to that on matters of important policies reflect some of my thoughts we observe a democratic process about the far reaching effects of which the JKA did not grant to us. the separation of the ISKF. Our His statements reminded me of the members have been advised of classic tale of the highly respected the events of the past decade and successful French general who .which finally culminated in the sever- looked out of his headquarters win- ance from the JKA. dow and saw his troops marching off From the time I majored in histo- so he ran out and said “ I must follow ry at the University of Pennsylvania, I my troops because I am their leader.” have always wanted to write a few Our Chairman has exercised great paragraphs about how events thou- patience for many years and the time sands of years ago show us the light to move forward is now. He has our today. So here goes. overwhelming support and confi- There is an innate desire in dence. The ISKF is now freed from human minds to express their own the restraints and policies that were wishes and decisions as to how they imposed without our input. On a per- right - Judge Paul Ribner, President of ISKF live, how they progress and how they left - Master Teruyuki Okazaki presenting honorary 5th sonal note I have been with our group fulfill their own destinies. This Dan to Judge Ribner in the 1970s from the time Chairman Okazaki first explains, in part, why great empires work. Authoritative dictates that are launched the East Coast Shotokan have not survived and why colonial- issued without a consideration of the Karate Association , and I have seen ism ultimately dissolved A few exam- effects on the entire body of members our ISKF expand throughout this ples, out of many that could be cited, are simply not acceptable. Our hemisphere and even onto other con- are the Babylonians, the Romans, the Chairman, Master Teruyuki Okazaki, tinents. The story of the spectacular forces of Alexander the Great, and made numerous attempts to have a growth from a quiet beginning in lately the USSR. On a smaller, local dialog with those in command, but his Philadelphia to the present position scale, organizations that are run by a efforts were met with indifference or where we are emerging onto the world few in an authoritarian manner where- ignored, and certain promises that scene is a tribute to the Chairman and in they impose their will on all the were made were broken. This type of the many men and women who other members are limited in their rule certainly saves a lot of time but is worked with him, and this fascinating ability to achieve great results. Times against the best interests of our mem- story can be told by others at another change, and our capacity to survive bers. The matters I write about here time and place. and thrive must reflect flexible and have been well documented in great The enhancement of our prestige diverse views. Whole species have detail and need not be repeated in and reputation is accelerating as we disappeared because of inability to this column. continue to pursue the principles adapt. Those who have no ability to At the June 11, 2007 meeting of which have characterized our practice innovate and use the give and take the ISKF Board of Directors I was of karate as a physical art, a sport, found in a democratic environment inspired by the remarks of our and character training. I eagerly look do not accomplish what they other- Chairman, who said, in the course of forward to the First ISKF World wise could.. The ideal of democracy his statement about the goals of the Shoto Championships in Toronto, within our own Federation is a potent ISKF the following: Canada this coming fall. This event force that leads to accomplishment will reaffirm our position as a world that otherwise might elude us. “ …But I said, as a martial class organization. Our greatest days Although it seems so obvious to us, artist, just as Master Funakoshi said, I are ahead. the fact that our delegates come from will follow the majority, and if the diverse countries with different cul- majority of the countries say they JUDGE PAUL RIBNER tures, economies governments and want to be independent, I will follow President, ISKF priorities absolutely require that our the majority and support them 100%.” policies have the flexibility that can only exist within a democratic frame- Our Chairman further emphasized 2 Celebrating Our Coming of Age: The 2008 ISKF World Shoto Cup By Jin Tan, 5th Dan (Tournament information can be found on the ISKF and ISKF Canada Websites.) he 2008 ISKF World Shoto important event I will ever host. All my col- Cup will be held this leagues, students, and friends have pledged October in Toronto, their help to make this a resounding suc- Canada. It marks the com- cess." ing of age of our organiza- For reasons of accessibility, Toronto was tion, the International perhaps the logical choice for the tourna- TShotokan Karate Federation, as a full- ment. Aside from being one of the top fledged, independent, global organization. karate countries in the world, Canada is "I am expecting more than 40 countries known for its hospitality and will be ready to to take part in the tournament, which is a "welcome our ISKF family from around the few more than what they had last time in world." Australia," says Sensei Frank Woon-A-Tai, Sensei Woon-A-Tai is one of the the man in charge of organizing the tourna- staunchest supporters of the ISKF. The con- ment. "I understand that Jamaica alone will fidence that Master Okazaki and Master field over 50 competitors." Yaguchi show in him is based on a long- "Visitors will have a great time," promises standing relationship that goes back to the Sensei Woon-A-Tai, Chairman and nament committee, Hazel Lord. She has a early seventies. Technical Director of ISKF Canada. "This is gift for planning events such as this. I also "I have known Mr. Woon-A-Tai for a one of the few world championship tourna- want to thank Tim Mahoney, who designed long time," says Master Okazaki. "I met him ments to be held in a downtown venue, right the logo and the medal, and I want to thank when he was still living in Guyana, when he in the heart of the city." Jin Tan, my writer. I wish I could thank was developing the karate organization Although this is the first ISKF World everyone by name; it is not my intention to there…he then moved to Jamaica and then Shoto Cup as a global organization, Sensei leave anyone out, but the constraints of to Canada.