Message From the National Coach Sensei Ron Mattie

Transcription

1 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, 2010

2 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, THE HARMONIZER Volume 15, Issue 1 March, 2010 In this issue: Message from the President: p.2 Message from the National Coach: p.2 From the Editor s Desk: p.3 Simcoe South Shindo Tournament: p.3 Martial Arts and Personal Security: p.4 Black Belt Grading In Ontario: P.10 Western Canadian Visit Edson and Grand Prairie: p.11 Delhi Karate Tournament 2009: p.13 Sayulita Wado-Kai February 2010: p.15 Upcoming Events: p Message From the President In memory of Master Shintani Sensei Denis Labbé The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation 2010 elections are now complete. The Provincial Representatives are: BRITISH COLUMBIA: Sensei Dennis Olsen ALBERTA: Sensei Heather Fidyk NORTHWEST TERRITORIES: Sensei Alex Pinto SASKATCHEWAN: Sensei Crystal Johnson MANITOBA: Sensei Scott Lints ONTARIO: Sensei Marco Reyes QUEBEC: Sensei Roger St-Arneault The Regional Representatives are: BRITISH COLUMBIA: Senseis Jane Wilson and Dennis Olsen ALBERTA: Senseis Kevin Bowes, Rathe Mokelky, Kelsey Ross, and Shane Shepherd NORTHWEST TERRITORIES: Senseis Lorraine Tremblay and Alex Pinto SASKATCHEWAN: Sensei Crystal Johnson ONTARIO: Senseis Jim Lebrun, Raymond O Connor, Kris Reynolds, Neil Prime, Shane Lepp, and Darwin Sherman QUEBEC: Sensei Roger St-Arneault There are a number of key events planned for the 2010 season, including the Western Canadian Championships, the Shintani National Memorial Tournament, and the National Team Tryouts. There are also events planned to celebrate the 60 th anniversary of Sensei Shintani s involvement in karate. People compete for a variety of reasons, and some of these reasons are better than others. Reasons may vary with time depending on where the karateka is in his training. Some participate to seek glory or trophies to bolster their pride. Others compete to learn, teach, perfect their caliber or character, or measure their skill, and some compete to socialize with friends. At some tournaments, competitors just want to get in and get out due to other commitments. This takes away from the learning process of a tournament. There is much to learn from watching a tournament, attending clinics, socializing with other competitors, and attending the tournament banquet. The people that take the time to do this tend to become leaders in their groups. They start to make networks with other groups and make lifelong friends from across the province or country. I have seen great things as a result of positive tournament attitude. The friendships, humility and sharing of knowledge to help each other improve, are all things Sensei Shintani would be proud of. So in the New Year, let s try to influence competitors to commit to the whole day at a tournament as opposed to the in and out process that we have seen in the past. The Sensei of the dojo is the role model and can guide students by his or her encouraging words and example. Let the tournament be a tool to better your skills and character. On the cover: SWKKF founder Sensei Masaru Shintani performs punching techniques (photo provided by Sensei Ron Mattie) Message From the National Coach Sensei Ron Mattie As I travel across the country to various tournaments, in and out of our organization, I see a wide range of tournament attitudes. Unless you are there to damage someone or to show bad sportsmanship, your attitude should suit your needs and character.

3 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, From the Editor s Desk Jeff Gervin Errors and omissions: Sensei Crystal Johnson of Saskatoon has brought to my attention several errors and omissions that occurred in the December 2009 edition of the Harmonizer. There is a new club in Redvers, Saskatchewan, under the leadership of Sensei Jeff Fenrick, that was not included in the list of new clubs. In addition, the club listed as LW Wado-Kai is now called the Kazoku Wado-Kai Karate Club. Finally, I apparently failed to notice that the town of Warman was misspelled. My apologies to Warmanites everywhere. Simcoe South Shindo Competition By Sensei Marco Reyes On February 20, 2010, a total of 18 karateka participated in the Shindo kata competition at the Simcoe South Annual Tournament. Because of these increased numbers, the tournament offered a Shindo competition for juniors. Historically, only a few juniors compete with Shindo at the Simcoe South tournament, and it was amazing to have this response. Congratulations to all! Your motivation with Shindo is an inspiration to everyone within the SWKKF. I occasionally receive inquiries regarding why I failed to include coverage of a certain tournament, or didn t include notice of a particular upcoming tournament. I am limited to reporting on those tournaments that either (a) I attend and make a report on my own, or (b) someone else sends me a report. That is where you come in, gentle reader...i will most definitely report on your tournament if you send me the information! This is your newsletter, so please keep those articles and pictures coming in. This edition of the Harmonizer features a lengthy article titled Martial Arts and Personal Security by Sensei Morgan Duchesney. Sensei Marco Reyes has included a report on the Simcoe South Shindo Competition. Senseis Darren Marshall and Darwin Sherman have submitted reports on the Edson and Delhi clinics and tournaments. Sensei Peter Ruch provides an update on the Sayulita Wado-Kai club in Sayulita, Mexico. Of course, we have the ever-present Messages from the President and National Coach, and Sensei Mattie has also included a brief report on a recent black-belt grading held in Welland. I have also included notices on the upcoming SWKKF Western Canadian Championships in Saskatoon and the National Tournament in St. Catharines. Please try to come out and support these events you won t be disappointed! I hope to see many of you in the upcoming clinics and tournaments. Until next time, Jeff

4 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, Martial Arts and Personal Security By Sensei Morgan Duchesney Table of Contents: Enhancing Awareness Through the Martial Arts Concept of Zanshin Fight or flight: The Psychology and Physiology of Confrontational Situations Training to Overcome Limitations of Fight/Flight Reactions Warning Signs of a Potentially Violent Assault Legal Aspects of Self-Defence Five Stages of Violent Crime Habitual Acts of Personal Violence (HAPV): Hanshi Patrick McCarthy Most Common HAPV: Man Attacking Man Types of Attacker Most Common HAPV: Man Attacking Woman Types of Attacker Protecting Yourself: Five Habits of Safe People Analysis of 28 Months of Ottawa Citizen Reported HAPV in the Ottawa-Gatineau area: September 2006-January 2009 ENHANCING AWARENESS THROUGH ZANSHIN: In order to avoid or effectively manage interpersonal conflict (including potential violent assaults on your person), it is helpful to develop zanshin, the ability to live fully in each moment so you may be always aware of your environment. Zanshin is the ability to concentrate fully when necessary, ignoring all distractions. Developing Zanshin Through Martial Arts Training: Focused and consistent training will: Improve your self-defence potential when you train hard with total concentration Improve your awareness of your genuine skills and limitations: martial arts abilities, age, health, etc. Program automatic useful physical responses to danger into your system Reduce the panic tendency through the rehearsal of violent scenarios Generally toughens the mind, spirit and body Daily meditation by stationary kneeling or seated abdominal breathing will: Improve your mental acuity and concentration Reduce stress Increase your sensitivity to the needs and intentions of others Improve your awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses Good nutrition, moderation in alcohol consumption, and sufficient sleep will: Enhance physical and mental energy Reduce negative stress reactions Improve concentration (Continued on page 5)

5 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, (Continued from page 4) FIGHT OR FLIGHT: THE PSYCHOLOGY/PHYSIOLOGY OF CONFRONTATIONAL SITUATIONS All potentially violent encounters are predicated to a greater or lesser degree on the concept of fight or flight. Both you and your attacker will be affected by the fight or flight response. Fight or flight is a physiological/psychological response to a threat. During this automatic, involuntary response, an area of the brain stem will release increased quantity of norepinephrine which in turn causes the adrenal glands to release more adrenaline. This increase in adrenaline causes faster heart rate, pulse rate, respiration rate. There is also shunting of the blood to more vital areas, and release of blood sugar, lactic acid and other chemicals, all of which is involved in getting the body ready for fighting the danger (a tiger, a mugger), or running away from the threat. Feelings of fear and impending doom are common. TRAINING TO OVERCOME THE LIMITATIONS OF THE FIGHT/FLIGHT REACTION: Some individuals are naturally assertive and aggressive but most people are hesitant to commit a violent act, even in self-defence. However, everyone can learn to overcome this natural hesitation if they receive and practice the correct skill set. The greatest liability to a person in danger is hypervigilance, which is a fear-induced state of paralysis. This response can be managed using the following methods: Training realistically (crisis rehearsal) to reduce your reaction times under stress Practicing with partners of all shapes, sizes, ages and genders Repetitive training to hard-wire automatic response Enhancing fitness Accepting the unpleasant fact that once violence is initiated, survival is your number one priority things might get very messy Understanding that the stress of a violent attack will: Cause a mass-adrenaline dump into your system Sharply elevate your heart rate Increase your strength Cause muscle tremors Decrease fine motor skills complex techniques will suffer WARNING SIGNS OF A POTENTIAL VIOLENT ASSAULT The person who attacks you may be intoxicated, mentally disturbed, seeking to rob you, or just plain nasty. Never underestimate their willingness or ability to hurt you. While the following warning signs are not definitive, they do provide a reasonable way to assess a potential threat. Being aware provides you with an opportunity to either exit the situation or prepare for self-defence. A person about to attack you may exhibit: Blinking/protruding eyes with dilated pupils Raised eyebrows Flushed or pale face (flushed generally indicates anger, pale usually indicates fear. Research is unclear on signs of anger vs. fear but both pale and flushed coloration indicates arousal.) Twitching hands and legs Sweaty palms A sudden turn away: most people find it hard to attack someone while gazing at their face Hand behind head: possible indicator of anger, frustration A squaring of the torso toward you Person enters your personal space (this varies by culture for instance, Caucasian Canadians of British ancestry have a large personal space compared to other ethno-cultural groups. (Continued on page 6)

6 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, (Continued from page 5) LEGAL ASPECTS OF SELF-DEFENCE: Advance warning of a potential violent attack on you or another person is the key to effective selfdefence. Unlike police officers, regular citizens must wait for an attacker to actually initiate a physical attack before they can act in self-defence. Under Canadian law, a pre-emptive strike is considered assault and trained martial artists may be held to a higher standard of care than an untrained person. This is a fine line to tread and the key factor is the level of force employed. In self-defence only the minimum use of force is allowed to protect you or another person. The level of reciprocal force allowed operates on a sliding scale depending on the seriousness of the threat to your health and safety. Zanshin will assist you in interpreting the intentions of a potential attacker. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal judgment. FIVE STAGES OF VIOLENT CRIME: Once you have established that a potentially violent attacker possesses the ability and opportunity to attack you, look for these elements in their behaviour: Intent: The criminal assesses options concerning criminal intentions such as robbery, swarming, etc. Interview: The criminal may observe or speak to you to assess your potential as a victim Positioning: The criminal begins to physically prepare to attack you (for example, by moving behind you or above you) Attack: The actual act of violence (empty hand, knife, pepper spray, etc.) Reaction: Follows the successful commission of an offence against you. Needless to say, this scenario is to be avoided by your successful evasion or use of technique. HABITUAL ASPECTS OF PERSONAL VIOLENCE (HAPV): Hanshi Patrick McCarthy According to martial arts researcher Patrick McCarthy, humanity has always faced the phenomenon of HAPV. He and others have theorized that martial arts techniques evolved from the necessity of dealing with a wide variety of physical assaults. As well, since most HAPV are perpetrated by untrained individuals, these attackers are unlikely to be familiar with the techniques employed to thwart their violence. This fact increases the effectiveness of proven techniques. According to my research the following list represents the most common HAPV likely to occur in Canada and the US. Considering generalized cultural similarities, this list could also tentatively apply to Europe and Australia. HAPV: MAN ATTACKING MAN: Large circular punch to head or face (haymaker) Single hand lapel/wrist/hair grab and large circular punch to head (haymaker) Wild flurry of unfocused punches to head/face from various angles Clinching: Crude standing grappling with attempts to punch head/face or throw to ground and punch head/face Crude linear kicking Prone struggle with attempt to mount and punch head/face or pound head into ground with possible: Hair pulling Biting Eye-gouging Single or double-handed choke attempt Side headlock Circular or linear attack with blade or stick-type weapon Single hand lapel-wrist hair grab and attack with blade or stick-type weapon (Continued on page 7)

7 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, (Continued from page 6) TYPES OF ATTACKERS: MAN ATTACKING MAN Intoxicated stranger: wild flurry of punches Sneak attacker: sucker punch/charge and tackle from all angles Habitual street fighter: tough, aggressive person who fights for recreation and has little fear/ much experience/quick, strong, adaptable/takes offensive and thus offers openings Gang: intent to ground and kick opponent Attacker armed with blade or stick-type weapon Martial artists/boxers: More predictable than untrained attacker but potentially more dangerous because of skill/experience Other factors: After-the fact attack: beaten/frustrated attacker resumes attack and/or employs handy object as weapon Excited delirium: attacker under the influence of drugs (crack cocaine/pcp/ methamphetamine/anabolic steroids, etc.) or mental illness: attacker impervious to pain, increased strength and speed, irrational Athleticism: aggression fuelled by contact sports like football or combat sports like MMA MOST COMMON HAPV: MAN ATTACKING WOMAN Over-arm bear hug from behind Double wrist seize from the rear* Over-arm bear hug from front Underarm bear hug from behind Underarm bear hug from front Single wrist seize* Single wrist seize from the rear* Hair seize from behind* Hair seize from front* Single or double-handed front shove Back or forehand slap Single arm across neck from behind Single arm across neck from behind with wrist seizure Single hand choke from front* Double hand choke from front Single hand lapel seize from front* Double hand lapel seize from front Rear straddle with various seizes* Prone straddle with single choke/lapel seize Prone front straddle with double choke/lapel seize *Often with addition of slap or punch to face or head *All of the above may occur in a domestic situation, as a simple HAPV, or as a prelude to a sex ual assault. TYPES OF ATACKER: MAN ATTACKING WOMAN Male date or intoxicated acquaintance intent on sexual assault Spouse intent on sexual assault Man intent on robbery Man intent on simple assault (usually intoxicated) PROTECTING YOURSELF FIVE HABITS OF SAFE PEOPLE Avoid dangerous places and solitary risk-taking (Continued on page 8)

8 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, (Continued from page 7) Constantly scan your immediate environment: look, listen, smell, touch Trust your instincts about possible danger Be aware of the difference between threats to your ego and threats to your safety Carry a fake wallet, hidden cash and a charged cell phone with 911 on speed dial Stay fit, learn to fight, and practice regularly Remember that your wits and empowered survival instincts are your best defence. ANALYSIS OF 28 MONTHS OF REPORTED HAPV IN OTTAWA-GATINEAU URBAN AREA: OTTAWA CITI- ZEN September 2006-January 2009 The table and analysis below represent 28 months of reported HAPV in the Ottawa Citizen, a local newspaper published in Ottawa. I must state that, while these newspaper reports were rarely rich in detail, they do provide enough raw data to make some tentative conclusions about the state of interpersonal violence in a Canadian setting. I think the main difference between Canada and the US in this regard would be the greater frequency of crimes involving firearms in the U.S., but I will leave definitive conclusions to criminologists. Since it is very likely that many HAPV go unreported for reasons like fear of reprisal I do not claim that the information presented here is definitive. However, I present this informatioin both to address the topic s importance and also to possibly inspire other researchers to dig deeper and present the more precise information likely contained in the files of law-enforcement agencies. As a martial artist who teaches women s self-defence I focus my instruction on teaching defenses against the type of HAPV most likely to occur. I might add that my efforts to seek richer data from law enforcement met with little success as the agencies I contacted were completely unwilling to share their files with anyone not officially and actively working for a university. They erected such an obstacle course of discouraging administrative Reported Acts of Interpersonal Violence In Ottawa-Gatineau area: Ottawa Citizen: September 2006-January 2009 Type of Attack Number of Incidents Fatalities Notes Stabbing and/or slashing Sexual assault /58 victims female Empty hand striking/ kicking Various blunt-force weapons Group attacks (swarming) 9 Pepper spray Strangling/choking 3 3 Biting 2 Total barriers that I decided on the limited course of research presented here. Since I am not a statistician, I will leave the calculation of percentages to interested readers. Again, I emphasize the tentative but suggestive nature of the facts I present. (Continued on page 9)

9 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, (Continued from page 8) Analysis of findings: This analysis mainly addresses sexual assault against females by males because 57 of the 58 reported victims of sexual assault were females attacked by males. The majority of the reported attackers were men between the ages of but again, the details beyond that fact are too limited to justify further comment. As well, while the paucity of detail forbids me from attempting to establish a direct correlation between the testimonial evidence of survivors of sexual assault and the numbers below, I will state that violent seizing seems to be the most common prelude to sexual assault. I base the curriculum of my women s self-defense instruction on this assumption and teach accordingly. Types of attack (Sexual assault against women) Seize and fondle: 16 Seize, fondle, and sexual assault: 25 Seize, fondle, and sexual assault with weapon: 2 Seize, fondle, and sexual assault after punches: 4 Seize, fondle, and sexual assault after victim bound: 2 Seize, fondle, and sexual assault after victim forced into vehicle: 6 Seize, fondle and sexual assault from vehicle: 4 Arm seized and sexual assault: 1 Seized from behind and sexual assault: 6 Seized, choked and sexual assault: 1 Seized from bicycle and sexually assaulted: 1 Seize, fondle, and sexual assault in prone position: 3 Fatalities: Seized from bicycle, sexually assaulted and drowned: 1 Seized, beaten, sexually assaulted and repeatedly stabbed: 1 Cases with active resistance: Struggle and run: 3 Struggle, strike and run: 6 Location of Attacks: Indoors: 8 Outdoors: 50 Reported Times: Early morning: 2 Late morning: 7 Afternoon: 14 Early evening: 7 Late evening: 5 (Other instances unspecified) Age of Victims: Under 13 years: years: years: 9 (Other ages unspecified) CONCLUSION: Everyone has the right and the innate potential to defend themselves. While regular participation in martial arts is helpful you need not be a black belt or an MMA competitor to survive a violent attack. Reputable martial arts organizations, law enforcement, and community groups are always ready to advise you regarding personal security and self-defense training. Get informed, be aware and stay safe. You and your family are worth protecting! Sources: Personal accounts from female students of self-defence Individual martial artists and police officers Research and theories of Hanshi Patrick McCarthy (Continued on page 10)

10 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, (Continued from page 9) Government of Canada sources: Status of Women, Statistics Canada Introduction to Psychology, 9th edition Ottawa Citizen (for HAPV in Ottawa-Gatineau) Author s karate/training/research/teaching experience Author Biography: Sensei Morgan Duchesney is a Canadian writer and martial artist who has published work on martial arts, political economy and international affairs. He has operated Ottawa Karate Jutsu for 14 years, teaching karate and women s self-defence as a member of Sensei Paul Leonard s World Congress of Shintani Wado-Kai Karate. His website is Black-Belt Grading in Ontario Submitted by Sensei Ron Mattie The Welland dojo hosted a black belt grading on February 6 th, Participants came from as far as Quebec and Saskatchewan. Sensei Rathe Mokelky from Calgary joined us and helped with the instructions. He was later presented with an award bearing the picture of the late Sensei Roland Day. Sensei Day was Sensei Mokelky s first instructor. The day started at 9 am and ended at 4 pm, followed by a Chinese buffet. The participants went through a variety of drills, conducted by excellent instructors such as Sensei Denis Labbe, 8 th dan, Sensei Ray Poulin, 6 th dan, Sensei Alain Bisier, 5 th dan, and Sensei Rathe Mokelky, 6 th dan. Welland had four black belts move up in rank. Rod Sumbler was graded to Yodan, Dianne and Danny Mattie to Sandan, and Kristen Ryan to Nidan. All four have been major contributors to the success and operation of the Welland dojo. Congratulations to all. Senseis Denis Labbe, Alain Bisier, Dianne Mattie, Danny Mattie, Rod Sumbler, Kristen Ryan, Ron Mattie, Ray Poulin, and Eddy Poulin.

11 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, Western Canadian Visit Edson and Grand Prairie Submitted by Sensei Darren Marshall On January 14 th, 2010 I traveled to Calgary where I met a close friend and associate Sensei David Blanchet. Upon arrival, we had the usual sense of elation at getting to see each other again. Sensei Dave and I spent a few moments catching up as we had grown up in karate together and then caught our next flight to Grand Prairie where I was to teach at his dojo that evening and finally meet his students. The history of this meeting is very significant to both of us as we have lived and trained together since 1988 in Wawa, Ontario. We moved together to Lindsay, Ontario, and started the Lindsay Wado Kai Karate School with Sensei Sandford DeWitt in Since then Sensei Dave has started Peace Region Wado Kai Karate School and I enjoy meeting him once or twice a year to visit with family and see his children (who are like my long lost niece and nephews). We always get in multiple hours of karate together while I visit, but this trip was specifically for karate and to see his students and dojo. We planned on travelling together to Edson for the workshops and tournaments that weekend so it seemed a perfect time for me to make the trip. We arrived in Grand Prairie at approximately 4 pm and we had class to start at 6 pm. We quickly cleaned up while Dave s wife (ever the consummate host) made us a small snack before class. Dave s children were just getting home from school and I cannot express the conflicting sense of melancholy and happiness I feel knowing I am missing them growing up as each time I see them they have grown so much and have so many more developmental skills. The children are outgoing and definitely have the Blanchet charisma that I am so familiar with in their father. We arrived at the dojo at approximately 5:15 pm and I was extremely impressed to see one student already on the floor practicing her kata. Such dedication does not go unnoticed. We changed and went through the usual warm up banter and preliminary discussions. The students arrived and the dojo was packed; parents watched at the sides and kids as well as adults participated on the floor. I met the students and Sensei Dave let me instruct them with my own flavor of a workout. We worked on basic and advanced skills during the 3 hours in class, letting the kids go after the junior class times. It is beneficial to have the adults start during the kids class because the parents get to interact with their children during the class and all the kids get extra help from adults while we train. In addition, adults that start during the kids class are usually well warmed up for their own class, which allows the instructor to jump right into intermediate and advanced techniques. The students were impressive. We had a lot of fun together and we worked on kata concepts and various techniques taken from the katas. After class the parents and students of the adult group had a brief meeting. All voices were heard at this meeting and it seemed that no one was left out; I was filled with a sense of pride at the level of involvement in the group. Active involvement within any club is important as it denotes a vibrant club that can sustain itself. I was not disappointed at all. Sensei Dave s dojo has floor to ceiling mirrors all along one wall. There are heavy bags along the back wall for training on. The opposite wall from the mirror wall has 10 various Century Bobs in size from child to adult for the students to practice on. The floor is covered with excellent mats and I sincerely hope that some of you reading this will get to go there and train with this group. After class Dave and I went home and visited with my brother who also lives in Grand Prairie and had a relaxing evening with the kids. After an exhaustive day of traveling and having fun in karate I drifted off to sleep with little fists poking me in my dreams. Uncle Darren, Uncle Darren. The following day it was off to Edson, which is approximately three and a half to four hours drive from

12 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, Grand Prairie. We organized the vehicle train and split up the children in vehicles and we were off. I know most of you in the Western Provinces appreciate the beauty out there with the wilderness and scenery that is outside your back doors. Being from Ontario I truly appreciate how beautiful and awesome the scenery is and the vastness of the mountainous terrain. The time getting to Edson seemed like minutes to me while I enjoyed the views and company of Sensei Dave and his family. We started the workout in Edson that evening and it was again a wonderful night for working out. It was the first time I would get to see my own Sensei Rick Levielle in almost two years and I looked forward to being able to show him how I have developed and hopefully get some much-needed instruction. The workout was phenomenal! We broke into groups with ground fighting being offered by Sensei Troy from Edson which was very informative. Then we switched to Sensei Norm Volk, Sensei Danny McCoy and Sensei Rick Levielle for the second half. All instruction was great and very encompassing. I spent my time working with various students and Sensei introducing myself and trying to get to work with everyone I possibly could. The Sensei in Edson were very friendly and accommodating. Thanks to Sensei Chris and Sensei Sylvie for the warm welcome. After the workout a nice get together and dinner at Boston Pizza was experienced and some much needed time and conversation with my Sensei was enjoyed. Again, I went to sleep with little fists poking me in my dreams. Uncle Darren, Uncle Darren Saturday s tournament was so enjoyable it seemed to go by in a flash. I helped with the warm ups at the beginning, judged most of the day, and competed in the black belt division afterwards. We helped out with a small demonstration in the middle of the tournament where some Shindo was displayed by Sensei Walter, who did the Kushanku version of Shindo while another yudansha completed the kata beside him to show the spectators the similarities of the form. Sensei Rick and I demonstrated briefly some bunkai applications from Pinan Shodan and Pinan Sandan which was very fun as well. Competing in the Black Belt division was very fun. I competed against Senseis Dave Blanchet and Doug Scabar for the first time in years! Thank you for the honor senseis. The tournament was wrapped up with a King of The Ring performance by most of the yudansha which was spectacular to watch. I would like to congratulate everyone who was present as it was a great showing of fellowship. Win or lose, it was a wonderful experience for us all. Saturday night we enjoyed each other s company and I was able to talk with many Sensei from different parts of Alberta. It was an absolute pleasure to share each of their company and a special thank you to Sensei Sylvie from Edson for opening up her home to so many of us. Sunday morning s workout with Senseis Rick Leveille, Danny McCoy, and Norm Volk was great. They put us through our paces and reminded me of several things I need to work on. A special thank you to Sensei Shelly for the wonderfully powerful strikes to the guts! Sensei Rick allowed me some time on the floor to instruct which I was truly grateful for and had a wonderful time. Thank you Senseis! The ride back to Grand Prairie and subsequent good byes to Dave s family and my brother left me feeling warm inside. The trip to the airport left me with that usual lump in my throat where you know it is time to say good bye. I was very happy to be returning to my own family yet torn knowing that I was going to miss another 6 months or a year of watching Dave s children grow. On the final stretch to the Grand Prairie airport Sensei Dave received a call and handed me the phone. A little voice on the other end who was evidently crying said Thank you Uncle Darren, we miss you! One of the major things I love about being the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation is the ability to go anywhere and be welcomed and accepted. Now that is really what karate is about. Sensei Darren Marshall

13 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, Delhi Karate Tournament 2009 By Sensei Darwin Sherman The Annual Delhi Karate Tournament and Clinics were held from November 12-15, In all, there were three days of training with top-notch blackbelts in the organization, one day of competition, and an evening of socializing. At the Simcoe clinic on Thursday, guest instructor Sensei Danny McCoy started the events with a long relaxation to empty our minds and drain all inhibitions so that we could clearly and effectively practice karate. Sensei Dennis Labbe took over and taught basics along with a technique which he called the block before the block. This made sure we were using full pump on every technique ensuring that every technique was solid. Sensei Bruce Perkins focused on having us use both sides of our body for every technique. He called it the pulley- action. Imagine your hands are attached to a pulley, he said. When the front hand pulls back, the pulley is pulling the other hand forward at the same time. During his session Sensei Danny McCoy asked us to consider how power is generated in karate, and, more importantly, how to maximize power generation. Power is generated through proper use of stance, hip action, and forward motion. Power is maximized by using these attributes correctly. Guest instructor Sensei Norm Volk, who is a student of Sensei Mc Coy, enlightened us with the ABC s of the fighting circle. This is a concept he uses to help describe the different zones of closerange fighting. In the A or Alternative zone, one is still far enough from the opponent to choose whether to run away or stay and fight. Closer in to the opponent is the B (bunkai, battle zone, or bent arm zone) and C (close, clinch, choke) zone. The kids class was on Saturday morning. Senseis Perkins, McCoy and Volk captivated their audience. The thirty students in attendance were very attentive and focused; you could have heard a pin drop in the dojo. I think Sensei Norm had a riot with the kids. On Saturday we had a shindo workout with Sensei Perkins. Shindo sometimes is a difficult thing to deal with. After many years of studying martial arts with your hands separated, you then have to connect them together with the shindo. At first it may seem awkward, but as time goes on your

14 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, brain no longer resists the idea. When the lights finally come on, many new possibilities open up. Sensei Bruce tried to help our brains conquer that awkward feeling by getting us to concentrate on the fulcrum point of the shindo. What helps improve the fulcrum point of the shindo is pulling the hand back on the shindo rather pushing the shindo out. If you pull the shindo back, the other end of the shindo will move more quickly. On Saturday evening we enjoyed a fantastic chicken and cabbage roll supper organized by Sensei Katrina. Drinks went down well and fun was had by all. Prizes were won by the lucky ones and if you weren t lucky... well, then you bought something either at the silent auction or the live auction. Thanks go out to all the people who donated items or their time to make this year s dinner and fundraiser a success. Simcoe South donated a basket, Simcoe North donated a basket and Delhi also donated a basket for the cause. Have you ever run a marathon? Well this is what it must feel like. On day four, competitors from across Ontario showed up for Delhi s annual event. Following the warm-up, Sensei Shannon Kaye named off the categories. One of my duties this day was to organize the score keepers. I have to thank all the parents and senior ranking students that I called upon to help. With their assistance and the help of Sensei Tom Foster, there was not much stress. The scoring system has really simplified the job of the score keepers. After all the battles have been done, it is fun to hear participants talking to each other about their day. Some are quite happy and some are disappointed with their performance but in the end everyone has had a fun day and are thinking how they may improve this day s performance for the next tournament. The black belts competed last and unfortunately most of the spectators had left. The competition was fierce and exciting, watching each sensei trying to out-manoeuvre their opponent. The kata and shindo looked very strong and it is getting harder to determine the better katas. I was glad I was not the judge of those events. The events came to a close with the distribution of the medals. I had a good time participating in the week s events. Sensei Darwin Sherman

15 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, Sayulita Wado-Kai February 2010 By Sensei Peter Ruch I again had the opportunity to visit the Sayulita Wado-Kai Karate Club in Sayulita, Mexico. Sensei Terry Orr showed me their new workout area that was built last fall. The surface is very smooth, and you don t damage the skin on the bottom of your feet. The dojo is out in the middle of the schoolyard with no roof to protect against the sun. I had an opportunity to do some technical training with the students. They were so eager to learn and they were very proficient in a matter of minutes. It was great to be in Sayulita again working out with Wado Kai students. Sensei Terry as always was a terrific host and assisted in the translation. I m still learning Spanish but it s better if I use Japanese. Sensei Peter Ruch instructing the karateka at the Casa Buena It was great to talk to Sensei Terry and bring him up to date on some of the activities of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. When I returned to Bucerias, I sent him the latest edition of the Harmonizer. I was able to present Sensei Terry with a donation from the Fort Erie Wado Kai Karate Club to assist his club in the cost of the new concrete dojo pad and anything else he wanted to do. Front Row: Gaililea, Jade, Jasmin, Brody, Trae, Gamea, Enrique, After the workout, they again played Karate Football (Soccer), which is a great way to learn the karate techniques and have fun doing it. Maybe in the future Sensei Terry will share the rules of the game and others can try it at their clubs. If you get a chance, drop Sensei Terry an and let him know some of the things you are doing at your club. It may give him some ideas. E- mail for Sensei Terry is terrorr99@gmail.com. Sensei Terry Orr accepting the donation from the Fort Erie Wado Kai Karate Club presented by Sensei Peter Ruch

16 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, Western Canadian Championships Warman, Saskatchewan April 8 th, 9 th & 10 th Thursday Night Clinic Guest Instructors Senate Members Saskatoon YMCA, nd Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Junior Clinic 6:15pm to 7:30pm Adult Clinic 7:00pm to 9:00pm Friday Afternoon - National Team Workout/Clinic Any Students Welcome to Participate Saskatoon YMCA, nd Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Workout/Clinic 1:00pm to 3:00pm Friday Night Clinic Guest Instructors Senate Members Warman High School, 201 Central Street East, Warman, Saskatchewan Junior Clinic 6:30pm to 8:00pm Adult Clinic 7:00pm to 9:30pm Pre-registration for Tournament 6:00pm-9:00pm Scorekeepers Meeting 6:30pm to 7:00pm Western Canadian Championship Tournament SATURDAY APRIL 10 th, 2010 Warman High School, 201 Central Street East, Warman, Saskatchewan Registration 8:00am-9:00am Black Belt Meeting 8:30am Bow in and Division Assignments 9:00am-9:30am Kyu Belt Competition Starts 9:30am Black Belt Competition & Team Competition TBA Banquet Catered by Chianti s Restaurant Of Saskatoon Brian King Center, th Ave North, Warman, Saskatchewan LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE AT TOURNAMENT Costs: Thursday Night Clinic ONLY Friday Night Clinic ONLY Saturday Tournament ONLY Clinic & Tournament Package with pre-registration Discount price for Black Belts who are judging FREE (this is our regular saskatoon class) $10/participant (Max $25/family) $20/competitor (Max $50/family) $25/participant (Max $60/family) $15/Black Belt (both clinic & tournament) Banquet (pre-order of tickets is required): Kids (5-10 years old) $8 Adults (16+ years old) $13 Youth (10-16 years old) $10

17 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, Western Canadian Championships Warman, Saskatchewan At the Tournament Saturday, April 10 th Pancake Breakfast Saturday April 10 th 7:00am to 9:00am Warman High School, 201 Central Street East, Warman, Saskatchewan Cost $4.00 per person, please contact Sensei Crystal if you have a large group coming BBQ Lunch Saturday April 10 th 11:00am to 2:00pm Warman High School, 201 Central Street East, Warman, Saskatchewan Sandy Lockhart Photography Saturday April 10 th All Day Warman High School, 201 Central Street East, Warman, Saskatchewan Sandy will be taking action photography during the tournament itself but will also have a studio set up if you would like to get Karate Portraits or Karate Cards made. Sign up sheets will be available on Friday night and Saturday to book your session time. All portraits must be pre-paid. Drop in Childcare Saturday April 10 th 9:00am to 4:00pm Warman High School, 201 Central Street East, Warman, Saskatchewan The Saskatoon YMCA is helping sponsor childcare for the tournament. Chelsea and a helper will be available to look after younger siblings and free up parents for the tournament and scorekeeping. Childcare will be located in a classroom at the school. T-shirt Sales Walking Track - Warman High School, 201 Central Street East, Warman, Saskatchewan Chinese Auction Walking Track - Warman High School, 201 Central Street East, Warman, Saskatchewan We will have many prizes available for kids and adults. Tickets will be sold throughout the day and the prizes will be awarded at the banquet. Team Canada Olympic Men's Hockey Jersey Signed by Team Canada members! Walking Track - Warman High School, 201 Central Street East, Warman, Saskatchewan We have a signed Jersey from the GOLD Medal Winning Team! We will be selling raffle tickets starting at the tournament with the draw being made at our Spring Grading. Price is $10 per ticket or 3 for $25 Information Wall Walking Track - Warman High School, 201 Central Street East, Warman, Saskatchewan There will be a wall with pictured and information about the SWKKF Senate and National Black Belt Team. Be sure to check it out!

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20 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, SWKKF National Team Selection June 25-27, 2010 Welland, ON The following is a short summary of the process by which the team will be selected. The selection will occur through a weekend of karate events. The candidates will be selected based on various categories, including level of fitness, coachability, and an evaluation of kata and kumite in a competition setting. By the end of the weekend the best athletes/competitors will represent the team. A selection committee will consist of 5 members, the team coach and 4 others which will be approved by the senate from past team members, ranking yudansha and/or senate members from across the country. The team will remain at 7 members, 5 men & 2 women. The weight categories will be for men under 60kg, under 80 kg and over 80kg, women would be under 60kg and over 60kg. The two remaining men s positions will be called wild cards, and each will be from different weight category. (These weight categories may change before the selection weekend to best align with the WKF weight classes.) Alternate team members (2 nd place finishers) will also be selected in each weight category. Alternate team members would be included in all communication that is sent out to the SWKKF team members, including training and competition schedules, training and nutritional guidelines, and travelling schedules. When training sessions are held in close proximity, alternates would be invited and expected to attend. The weekend event is to be held June 25 27, The retiring national team will compete one final time at the Shintani National tournament. Information on accommodations will follow. A non refundable fee of $ must accompany all applications by cheque or money order made out to the SWKKF National Team. Itinerary for the weekend: Friday, June 25, pm to 7pm Fitness evaluation Friday, June 25, pm to 10pm Workshop Saturday, June 26, am to 12noon Advanced basics and kata evaluation - workshop Saturday, June 26, :30 to 5pm Ippon kumite and kumite evaluation workshop Saturday, June 26, :30 to 10pm R&R time Sunday, June 27, am to 1pm Kata & Kumite competition evaluation Sunday, June 27, pm Awards (subject to change) The applications to be received on or before June 1, Please mail them with payment to the following address: Kris Reynolds 104 Colborne St W Lindsay, ON K9V 3T3

21 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation National Team Tryout Application I am trying out for the team I am only participating in the workout Name Rank Address: Phone #: address: Passbook no. Birthdate (yyyy/mm/dd) Club: Sensei: Age: Gender: Weight: Height: Any disabilities, allergies, or medical problems: How flexible is your schedule for travelling and working out? A $100 check or money order MUST be attached to this application. Non-refundable Payable to: SWKKF (National Team) Mail to: Kris Reynolds, 104 Colborne St. W., Lindsay, On., K9V 3T3

22 THE HARMONIZER VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 MARCH, Advanced Shindo DVD Now Available! The long anticipated third installment of the Shindo series is now available. To order your copy contact Central Purchasing Cost is $25 plus shipping. SHINTANI WADO KAI KARATE FEDERATION CENTRAL PURCHASING 22 Ridgeway Avenue Pinegrove Subdivision R.R. #1 Simcoe, ON N3Y 4J9 Phone Orders: WADO KAI Or online at under the STORE section. THE HARMONIZER IS PUBLISHED UNDER THE MANDATE OF THE SENATE OF THE SHINTANI WADO-KAI KARATE FEDERATION (SWKKF). THE SWKKF DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR STATEMENTS OF FACT OR OPINION MADE BY ANY CON- TRIBUTOR. STATEMENTS MADE BY INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT REFLECT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF THE SWKKF. ACCEPTANCE AND PUBLICATION OF ARTICLES, ADVERTISEMENTS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES DOES NOT INDICATE ENDORSEMENT OF SAME BY THE SWKKF AND THE SWKKF ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY.