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KWF Italy Camp Report
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The KWF would like to post a summary of the KWF European Camp, the KWF Honbu’s first seminar in Europe, which ended successfully.
- April 25-6: KWF European Seminar
- April 27: KWF European Cup
- Participating countries: 25
- Participants: over 300
This time the overriding theme of the KWF European Seminar was “Ippon Waza.” In an era when the mainstream is dominated by sports Karate, the overriding theme of the seminar sought to answer the questions: “What is the KWF? What is Yahara Karate?”
In the pursuit of the one finishing blow, the KWF places the highest emphasis on koshi kaiten or hip rotation and shinshuku (maximum) compression and (explosive) expansion. Of course, over just two days, it would be impossible for everyone unfamiliar or not trained with these concepts to completely understand and master such techniques- however we do imagine that participants were able to understand that Karate is not about using just the arms and the legs, but that Karate is about harnessing, focusing and using the body to create explosive power. We do hope that for those who participated who have not been exposed to this Karate, or who only been exposed to sports Karate, which has departed from the main essence of Karate, that the KWF concept of Bugei or Martial Arts Karate based on the Kihon of koshi kaiten and shinshuku will have made a fresh impact on you.
Day 1
Practice on the first day focused on koshi kaiten, kihon gyakuzuki and hanmi to shomen. We noted that the great majority of participants were not able to perform hanmi to shomen hip movement correctly. In order to perform this essential movement accurately, at first, it is very important to understand the concept and meaning of hip rotation. Otherwise much if not all of your hard practice will be inefficient and wasteful. Yahara Sensei showed his hip movement with a participant to show his wide range of hip rotation. Mostly there is no strong attention for hanmi and shomen rotation by just moving naturally. However participants must be amazed how Yahara Sensei is able to rotate his hips smoothly and intentionally to the maximum, or as he says, “TO THE LIMIT!”
(Yahara Sensei: explaining hanmi & shomen movement )
The next part of the seminar focused on the compression of the rear leg and its role in the performance of the correct oi-zuki. It is vital that at the moment of kime that the hips are in gyakuhanmi and that the whole body holds correct “five point” form- i.e. correct form with the punch, the hikite, the front leg, the rear leg- particularly focused on maximum extension, and the hips.
（Basic gakuzuki and oizuki practice: perfect kihon is crucial）
After gakuzuki and oizuki, we practiced how to perform correct kihon Kumite. It did seem that so many people standing in front of their opponents forgot their basics, their kihon. This is something we will talk about later, but correct kihon is vital whether or not you are practicing with an opponent, and you must maintain correct kihon whether you have an opponent or not. This is an eternal theme with Karate.
(Yahara Sensei: Hip rotation）
(Practicing Gyaku-hanmi)
Following kihon Kumite, we next practiced Heian Shodan. This practice focused on making sure to correctly perform hanmi and shomen, emphasizing the differences between them. Amongst all the kata, Heian Shodan is the most important kata not only for KWF but for Shotokan Karate: KWF’s performance of Heian Shodan contains the essence, the core, the quintessence of the philosophy of KWF Karate. Also, focusing on the application of koshi no kaiten, Yahara and Kawasaki Senseis also performed Bassai Dai. We do hope that you were able to see that all the movement was focused on the hips.
(Yahara Sensei and Kawasak Senei: Gyaku-hanmi im Bassaidai)
In the afternoon, we practiced correct compression and (explosive) expansion and its role in correct Kumite. Being able to understand and perform this is the key to unlocking an understanding of the key of the Seminar, how to perform Ippon Waza.
We began with Kawasaki and Takahashi Sensei performing a display of correct jiyuippon Kumite. We hope that you were able to see that at all times, when moving freely in jiyu kumite, or at any point in a waza, including kime, you never leave kihon form.
Within Kumite, kihon waza is maintained and within that the correct use of the body is necessary to for the mechanics of the body to work powerfully and efficiently, and this is achieved through correct shinshuku. We felt that that the Honbu instructors provided model examples of the use of shinshuku in oizuki and gyakuzuki: a point we felt interesting from a different angle is that these movements these seemed to be new movements not seen before to those who were not KWF members.
At the point of kime, the rear leg must be extended to the limit and the koshi (hips) must be in gyakuhanmi, and with the correct focus on balance, this generates an explosion of power. Then as soon as kime was created momentarily, the rear leg has to bring back to the preparation position for preparing the next motion. When you “get it” you realize how very logical, dynamic and efficient it is- however, it is not so easy to do at first if you are not experienced with these kinds of movements.
(Yahara Sensei and Kawasaki Sensei: Compressing the rear leg）
Day Two
On the second day we focused on a developing a thorough grounding in shinshuku, and to do this we moved to partner training with jiyu-ippon kumite. The concept of one finishing blow and one block and finishing counter attack- this is the essence of Bugei Karate. We practice compression and explosive expansion in order to develop the power to deliver this one finishing blow.
(Yahara Sensei: Ippon demostration)
The last session of practice was on Kaiten-Ura-uchi-Ken (reverse rotation punch). One of the main exercises is to use all your body, in perfect balance, from your foot and ankles, through your waist and upper body through your back and into your fist to generate power.
This technique requires also high level of control, sense of balance and the ability to coordinate and harmonize your body’s hips, toes, ankles, knees, back, shoulders, arms and so on into a powerful weapon.
Seeing Yahara Sensei’s technique of this Kaiten-Ura-uchi-Ken against Kawasaki Sensei must surprised the participants.
(Yahara Sensei: demonstrating Haito Uraken as an application of rotation movement )
While KWF Karate is focused on kaiten and shinshuku, the method behind this it the ability to correctly move your center of balance, and this awareness of the center of gravity and the ability to shift the center of gravity correctly is found in Isaka Sensei’s training. We think everyone was surprised to see Isaka Sensei’s slow motion training and that shows how to shift the center of gravity and be in control of your body for maximum power to turn to attack an opponent from any direction.
(Isaka Sensei: Amazing hips movemnt and center of gravity)
(Yahara Sensei: experiencing how difficult and hard to move slowly)
Ultimately, what KWF showed in this seminar is the critical importance of using all the elements of the body correctly in order to generate explosive power as Bugei Karate technique. KWF approaches this path by training that teaches a real sense of control of the body and building correct muscle us. Hopefully, we were able to pass several, if not all these messages to participants.
We would, finally, like to thank all of you who took part over the two days, and wish you good training.
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The results of Europe Cup 2008 and Examinations
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KATA
Male 10-11 year old
1st. Ryan Parkin (UK)
2nd. Smirnov Kirill (Russia)
3rd. Tondini Gianluca (Italy)
Male 12-13 year old
1st. Khoroshikh Alexander (Russia)
2nd. Lian Mills (UK)
3rd. Charlie Pepper (UK)
Male 14-15 year old
1st. Di Matteo Marco (South Africa)
2nd. Mercato Mattia (Italy)
3rd. Celso Andrea (Italy)
Male 16-17 year old
1st. Vardaya Alexander (Russia)
2nd. Melnikov Sergey (Russia)
3rd. Trossi Gabriele (Italy)
Male 18-39 year old
1st. Chichvarin Alexander (Russia)
2nd. Croft Kewin (South Africa)
3rd. Evgeny Sergeev (Russia)
Male over 40 year old
1st. Hideya Isizuka (France)
2nd. Sandro Peis (Italy)
3rd. Gonzales Jose (France)
Team
1st. South Africa (B Team)
2nd. Russia
3rd. South Africa (A Team)
Female 12-13 year old
1st. Deeb Sarah (South Africa)
2nd. Mironova Ksenia (Italy)
3rd. Kukharchuk Julia (Russia)
Female 14-15 year old
1st. Pillay Prianka (South Africa)
2nd. Marchi Martina (Italy)
3rd. Kroon Tatum (South Africa)
Female 16-17 year old
1st. Johnstone Zurilda (South Africa)
2nd. Zerbinati Simona (Italy)
3rd. Wessels Lizae (South Africa)
Female 18-39 year old
1st. Tina Bellemans (Belgium)
2nd. Lardone Elena (Italy)
3rd. Ross Kobie (South Africa)
KUMITE
Male 10-11 year old
1st. Smirnov Kirill (Russia)
2nd. Jamie Pepper (UK)
3rd. Bruce-Smith Douglas (South Africa)
Male 12-13 year old
1st. Liam Mills (UK)
2nd. Kindsay Robert (South Africa)
3rd. Charlie Pepper (UK)
Male 14-15 year old
1st. Di Matteo Marco (South Africa)
2nd. Parfitt Austen (South Africa)
3rd. Genis Ruan (South Africa)
Male 16-17 year old
1st. Albu Alex (Italy)
2nd. Trossi Gabriele (Italy)
3rd. Erasmus Sjann (South Africa)
Male 18-39 year old
1st. Stuart Needham (UK)
2nd. Anton Semchenko (Ukraine)
3rd. Di lanno Lorenso (Italy)
Team
1st. Ukraina
2nd. Wales
3rd. Italy Ariccia
Female 12-13 year old
1st. Mironova Ksenia (Russia)
2nd. Akhmetshina Rinata (Russia)
3rd. Fedotova Natalia (Russia)
Female 14-15 year old
1st. Longa Silvia (Italy)
2nd. Toncelli Michela (Italy)
3rd. Pillay Prianka (South Africa)
Female 16-17 year old
1st. Johnsotone Zurilda (South Africa)
2nd. Kotze Anarika (South Africa)
3rd. Wessels Lizae (South Africa)
Female 18-39 year old
1st. Kobie Ross (UK)
2nd. Sanae Ueda (UK)
3rd. Pilar Hydes (USA)
Dan and Kyu Grading
Those who participated in the Seminar for the full two days (both days) received a service point, which was added to the points they were awarded in the Dan Examination.
Those candidates marked “*” passed the Examination without the service point.
2nd kyu
Gunn Maridal (Norway)
1st Dan
* Klencsar Balaza (Hungry)
* Nurudinov Gamzat (Russia)
Hussain Alnusaad (UK)
Hideya Ishizuka France (Japan)
Serudinov Gamzat (Russia)
Savane Frederic (France)
Alex Savva (UK)
2nd Dan
Mark Slattery (UK)
Costa (Greece)
Liam Mills (UK)
Andreas Schwalbch (Norway)
3rd Dan
* Pilar Hyder (USA)
Mike Burns (USA)
4th dan
* Babaameur (France)
Sergeev Evgeny (Russia)
Naser Guerras (UK)
Riccomagno Roberto (Italy)
5th Dan
Arno Wagner (Germany)
Semchenko Vladyslav (Ukraine)
6th Dan
* Bellemans Ludo (Belgium)
Ian Smith (UK)
Examination for Instructor, Referee, and Examinar
Instructor B
Alex Chichvarin (Russia)
Instructor D
D Riccomagno Roberto (Italy)
Semchenko Vladyslav (Ukraine)
Sanae Ueda (UK)
Bahlou Bilel (Tunisia)
Aloyan Artur (Russia)
Sergeev Evgeny (Russia)
Brilenok Oleg (Russia)
Referee B
Alex Chichvarin (Russia)
Referee D
D Semchenko Vladislav (Ukraine)
Ghloss Fabrizio (Italy)
Examinar D
Ricccomagno Roberto (Italy)
Naser Guerras (UK)
<NOTICE>
Thank to all the participants who joined the KWF 2008 European Camp. The seminer video will be shown on the KWF web site at the end of June. For people who would like to receive further infomation, please join our mailing list. We hope to see you again at the next KWF WORLD CUP in 2009.
KWF HQ
