Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Do

3 weeks ago

Day 5

On returning to Stefan Sensei’s dojo I was thrilled to see students who could not make the earlier class in the week. It was explained that exams were being held at this time of year so class numbers were going to be small.

This was not the case and I was amazed of the commitment made by everyone. So much so, nobody wanted to leave so we continued the lesson.
I think everyone enjoyed the lesson where we studied the applications in pairs from Gekiha. After the lesson we stayed around to chat and I got to know the students and their families.

A very good class, the tiredness creeping up, we made our way home ... See MoreSee Less

Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Do

3 weeks ago

Day 4

For for some people studying karate every day might seem a bit excessive for me that’s what I enjoy most of all. It’s the medication I need for my illness. Sharing ideas and techniques with like-minded people is very rare and it is difficult to find someone who thinks the same. Pietman sensei is one of those rare people whose interest in karate is the same as mine.

Today we studied kumite, how to take then advantage by getting a unconscious reflex from your opponent, relaxing his guard, allowing you to attack strongly. Pietman and i continued many repetitions using the kamae from Unshu, Siafa and Sanchin katas.

The most important part of kumite is to ask yourself “ how do I get to my opponent safely, “ he is not just going to let me. Long karate stances will inhibit your ability to change direction quickly. Short stances are faster and much easier to change direction if your advance is restricted . Pietman is much bigger and taller than me. While discussing kumite with Daniel Sensei of the Shinbukan, i asked how i would i defeat Pietman in kumite. We laughed when he said “ use a 12bore shotgun”!

I forgot to take mine but i understood Daniel’s point.

When you have safely arrived on your opponent, it is foolish just to strike without continuing being careful and considering your own defence. Neutralise his weapons, covering his guard, sealing his guard and trapping his leg to stop his kick must be seriously considered.
Pietman and I spent many hours using different kameas from kata, always thinking of attacking safely, finding a way in without sacrificing yourself to a counter attack.

After time we came to the conclusion a 112 bore shotgun would be easier but not so enjoyable ... See MoreSee Less

Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Do

3 weeks ago

Day 3

I was looking forward to seeing my friend Richard Kloosman Sensei and his students again. My previous visit before the pandemic was very enjoyable, everybody enjoying the lesson.
After going through the basics with the junior class we had discussions on kata and its connection with kumite. The students questions answered with an explanation and demonstration. This was also a good lesson for me as it made me understand that conversation can be seen as kumite. Sometimes one or two words is enough for someone to understand. The similarities can be found in kumite. It may not be necessary to use multiple techniques when just a few will suffice

Hearing and seeing must be considered when demonstrating anything, Working with Pietman Sensei gave the students a visual demonstration on how the technique works. During his demonstration on Stefan Sensei, I explained why the technique works. Many thanks to Stefan Sensei, i hope he recovers soon ... See MoreSee Less

Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Do

3 weeks ago

Day 2

Students from Nihon Goju Ryu Karate Do Renmei 日本剛柔流空手道連盟 hing for our own personal Mokuteki 目的 aims, hopes or purpose.

In Gakushu no Jutsu 学習の術 the art of studying is very important, Lessons are passed on both through the Kuden (spoken tradition) and Densho ( written tradition). These traditions are the essence and foundation of our teachers. Pietman and I follow the teachings of Yonemoto Sensei 米元先生 and we often discuss the subtle variations in our execution of technique. After much discussion on the differences, II was reminded that we are all different branches of the same tree, but we should all grow together.

My good friend Daniel Tennent Sensei gave me good Anji 暗示 hints to share with Pietman. During study, Pinan kata was looked to more deeply and the principle of Kakari no Sen 懸の先, Machi no Sen 待の先 and Tai Tai no Sen 体々の先 to help us better understand these stratagies and as such recognise them within the kata 型, for application in our Kumite 組手 While seen by many as a basic kata, we discovered that Pinan has many benefits we had not seen before and we must contiue to study, and practice the examination and application of kata itself . ... See MoreSee Less

Kyudokan Goju Ryu Karate Do

3 weeks ago

Day 1

My trip to Cape Town, South Africa had been arranged before the world lockdown. Having been many times before i was looking forward to going to the various dojos and teaching students i had met before and meet new ones.

After getting off the plane and freshening up, Pietman sensei took me to Stefan Sensei’s dojo. I had never been there befor and was greeted with smile. I could see they were all eager to learn.

The session went very well, the lesson covering all aspects, kumite, bunkai, kata and kihon. Pietman and i separated the class into different grades. We all enjoyed the lesson but before we had realised, it was time to go.

I’m looking forward to the next lesson during the week ... See MoreSee Less