Harpenden Dojo 15/05/08

Shihan's may 2008 tour, started at Sensei Brian Owen's Dojo in harpenden. The first class was for all grades and it was great to see so many young karate-ka. Shihan demonstrated advanced basics, which he managed to explain in a way that even the young karate-ka understood. A great class to start this weekend of seminars.

The second class was simply inspirational! Once again shihan minakami concentrated on advanced basics, which we carried through to Kihon kata, Heian Shodan and Heian Nidan. Everyone at the seminar now understands how many different ways you can actually practice kata.

Shihan gave some of his brilliant philosophical teachings that included a story about a sword master and a tea ceremony master, where the point of the story was the karatekas attitude and state of being during training and fighting.

The more I see Shihan's karate, the more I realise the amazing level of his karate.

Visit this page for more pictures and reviews over the next few days.

Group Picture Of the all Grades Class

Group Picture Of the Senior Class

Senior class in action

Shihan keeping a watchful eye on the juniors

Zanshin group shot (without Imogen MIA)

Biggleswade Dojo 16/05/08

Shihan started the Biggleswade class with chokuzuki and the correct way to maximize the punch with the minimum of effort. Shihan explained the use of the knees, legs, body and their importance in karate kihon. We then moved onto mae geri (front kick). Shihan explained how the snap back is the most important part of the kick, we then practiced an exercise that worked on the snap back of the kicking leg. Mawashi geri (roudhouse kick) was next and the same principles were applied.

In the second class Shihan showed us how to apply his style of movement into Ten no Kata, emphasising the knees and flowing natural movement.

Everyone was very excited and came away with enough information to enable them to lock themselves away for twenty years, then practicing daily, what shihan had showed them.

A great 2nd day with shihan.

Shihan's Unique Punching Exercises

Shihan's Ten No kata

1st class Group Shot (all grades)

Senior Class Group shot

Zanshin Members Going To the Spain World Championships Got The shihan Treatment!