一、人格完成に努むること
hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
Each person must strive for the perfection of one’s character.

一、誠の道を守ること
hitotsu, makoto no michi o mamoru koto
Each person must be faithful and protect the way of truth.

一、努力の精神を養ること
hitotsu, doryōku no seishin o yashinru koto
Each person must endeavour (fostering the spirit of effort).

一、礼儀を重んずること
hitotsu, reigi o omonzuru koto
Each person must respect others and the rules of etiquette.

一、血気の勇を戒むること
hitotsu, kekki no yū o imashimuru koto
Each person must refrain from violent behavior (guard against impetuous courage).

Some clubs also recite a shortened English version to the same effect;

• Seek perfection of character
• Be Faithful
• Endeavor
• Respect others
• Refrain from violent behaviour

Please be mindful of these five ‘Rules’ and always do your best to uphold them.

The four day 2012 World Cup program includes seminars from Kenichi Fukamizu Shihan (8th Dan), Karl Marriott Shihan (8th Dan) both Junior and senior tournaments and other events.

Packages are available for participants including access to unlimited events, accomodation and food…through to individual event participation.

For more information please ask your instructor, or contact the Queensland’s USKU body and event organisers at worldcup2012@usku-karate.com

The weekend focused on Technical elements of Asai-ha Shotokan-ryu Karatedo, and included drills focusing on fluidity of movement and balance work. We were also taught Kashu kata. The seminar was a great end to a big 2011, and all attendees walked away with a big level up (and lots to work on).

For some video hightlight of the seminar check out this YouTube video or Andre Sensei’s summary blog of the seminar Karate Seminar Report: Christchurch, New Zealand (December 2011)

Congratulations to all competitors, and in particular the following succussful USK entrants.

10-14 yrs Intermediate Girls Kata
3rd Stina Uden

Premier Girls Kata
2nd Jaqueline Siu

Boys Premier Kata
1st Joseph Izumi

Mens Novice Kata
3rd Cameron Prescott

Mens Open Kata
2nd Simon Tavendale

10-11yrs Girls Kumite
1st Jaqueline Siu

Mens Veteran Kumite
2nd Cameron Prescott USK

On Saturday October 23rd five students from USKU New Zealand sat black belt gradings in Takanabe town, Miyazaki prefecture Japan, the home of Universal Shotokan Karate.  Gradings were assessed by Kenichi Fukamizu Shihan (8th Dan) and Carl Marriott Shihan (8th Dan).  10 pople in total graded for either shodan, nidan, sandan of yondan – 8 of these travelled internationally for the grading.

Successful USKU New Zealand students where;

Nidan
Jenny Nixey

Shodan
Simon Tavendale
Lori Ternent
Joseph Izumi
Jaqueline Siu

Congratulations to these five.  A testiment to a long intensive course of disciplined training – remember Shodan is just the begining!

The two week trip included several days of sightseeing while travelling from Osaka down to Takanabe Town in Miyazaki prefecture, Kyushu island in Japan.  Sightseeing included the famous golden pavilion – Kinkakuji, Ryoanji zen gardens, Kiyomizu in Kyoto and the peace park in Hiroshima.  It provided a few days of break after over a year of hard training towards the dan gradings waiting down south.

Takanabe is the home of Universal Shotokan Karate, so the opportunity to sit dan gradings here had special significance.  On top of the grading was several seminars, and the 13th USKU karate tournament with over 300 competitors from around the prefecture, and internationally.  In total 29 competitors travelled from 4 countries to compete and learn.

The international event attracted some attention, and was featured in several news paper articles an also a radio interview.  Several international senior members were also invited to experience Kendo, Judo and Taiho Jitsu (the art of arrest) thanks to the Takanabe Town police station.

The next Japan visit is scheduled from late 2013, with 2012 being hosted by USKU Australia in Queensland.

17 students first performed a well coordinated Heian Shodan, before intermediate students performed Empi as a team followed by individual kata’s.

The festival attracts thousands of people each year, and this year although the blossoms weren’t in full bloom the weather was good.  Throughout the day other sports and culture clubs gave demonstrations.

Jacqueline Siu, Joseph Izumi and Kelly Siggs perform Empi to a crowd at the IPC Spring Festival, September 2011.

Hayden holds a JKA (Japan Karate Association) shodan since grading under Naka sensei in 2010 and was one of a team of 12 JKA New Zealand competitors selected to complete in Thailand. Preparation for the event has been a big focus for 2011, with many hours of additional training, karate camps and seminars. Additional effort was required by Hayden being the only representative from Palmerston North having to travel to Auckland often to train with the team.

Unfortunately a change in circumstance has meant that Hayden will not be able to travel to Thailand with the team, but he has already been earmarked as a key contender to represent New Zealand in the event next year. A testament to hard training, and a strong focus required to excel at this competitive level of Karate.

Congratulations Hayden on this achievement!

A big thank you to TSKF for the invitation and hospitality over the weekend. A seminar was conducted by Takahashi Shihan over Friday and Saturday preceding the tournament. An additional adventure for the weekend was being forced to overnight in the National Park due to the snow conditions on the return trip home.

Gold
Kata boys 3-1kyu under 150cm – Joseph Izumi
Kata boys 3-1kyu over 150cm – Sam Siggs
Kata mens 9-7kyu – Cameron Prescott
Kata womens 6-4kyu – Julia Tanner
Kata mens 3-1kyu – Simon Tavendale

Silver
Kata womens black belt – Jenny Nixey
Kumite womens black belt – Jenny Nixey
Kata mens 6-4kyu – Brads Stevens
Kumite boys 3-1kyu under 150cm – Joseph Izumi
Kumite womens 6-4kyu – Julia Tanner
Kumite womens 9-7kyu – Desiree Angus

Bronze
Kata dojo team – Jenny Nixey, Sam Siggs, Joseph Izumi
Kata women 9-7kyu – Desiree Angus
Kumite boys 3-1kyu over 150cm – Sam Siggs
Kumite mens 6-4kyu – Brad Stevens
Kumite mens 9-7kyu – Cameron Prescott

June
11th / 12th (Saturday, Sunday) – Edmond Otis Seminar, Napier

July
7th (Thursday) – Intra-Dojo Tournament
21st (Thursday) – Kids Grading
23rd (Saturday) – Adults Grading

August
25th (Thursday) – Intra-Dojo Tournament

October
13th (Thursday) – Intra-Dojo Tournament
15th to 31st – Japan Trip. Shodan gradings, Tounament and Seminar

November
24th (Thursday) – Kids Grading
26th (Saturday) – Adults Grading

December
22nd (Thursday) – Kids prize giving and last training for 2011