Yoshukan Receives Style Recognition

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1 Volume 8 Issue 2 Newsletter of the Yoshukan Karate Association July 2005 Yoshukan Receives Style Recognition Kancho Robertson with the NKA Technical Committee at his NKA Godan examination in 2004 As a member of the World Karate Federation (WKF), this style recognition also establishes the Yoshukan Karate Association as a globally-recognized system and association. Of particular interest to our students is that they can now receive NKA diplomas for 1st and 2nd Dan examinations automatically and can test for NKA rank thereafter. The style recognition also allows our association to have NKA-level examiners sit in on Yoshukan exams and provide NKA dan rank (as well as Yoshukan rank) for 3rd Dan and up. The Yoshukan Karate Association now has official recognition and has established itself as a legitimate system. The system is the result of over 35 years of study by Kancho Robertson and brings together two primary systems (Chito Ryu and Yoshukai) into one new style, Yoshukan. Kancho Robertson also references various other influences (Kyokushinkai, Shotokan, Taekwondo, Judo, JuJitsu, Iaido, Ryu Kyu Kobudo, Kali) that have helped define the Yoshukan system. Students are encouraged to review their Technical Manuals so as to have a good understanding of the roots of their art. Inside This Issue YKA Receives Style Recognition Yoshukan Honbu Dojo Open House Dojo Olympics 2005 Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 As the old saying goes: The best way to predict the future is to understand the past. Sensei Karl Sutton teaches at Academy Page 4 NKA Technical Committee Recognizes YKA The Yoshukan Karate Association received Style Recognition status from Canada s most senior Technical Committee on May 7, The Technical Committee is lead by Hanshi (Grandmaster) Masami Tsuruoka, 9th Dan. Other committee members are: Kyoshi Shane Higashi, 8th Dan (Kancho Robertson s former teacher); Sensei Takeshi Uchiage 8 th Dan; Sensei Yoshiaki Sato 8 th Dan, Sensei Suenori Tominaga 8 th Dan and Sensei Alex Waith 6 th Dan. Sensei David Chong, 4th Dan (seen in photo on the far right) is the liason/coordinator for the NKA Technical Committee and a former dojo-mate of Kancho Robertson. The committee met in Halifax, NS at the annual national championships and reviewed our style recognition application. The committee then sent our association a written confirmation of Style Recognition status (below). Representing Ontario at the Nationals Crazy Sushi Night Out! Kids s Summer Camp a Success! Yoshukan Examinations Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Hen Shu Ho - Upcoming Events Page 8 Y o - S h u - K a n H o u s e o f c o n t i n u o u s i m p r o v e m e n t a n d d e v e l o p m e n t

Page 2 YOSHUKAN HONBU DOJO OPEN HOUSE The Academy of Yoshukan Karate held an open house on April 23rd, 2005 to celebrate the opening of the dojo and the new

Instructors (Shihan Louise Provencher, Sensei Rebecca Khoury and Sempai Jacques Chaurette) and students from the Academie de Yoshukan Karate and the NDG Karate Club

s ranged from senior Karate Ontario teachers, officials and Directors to local educators and the media.

Kancho Robertson, Sensei Steven Dreschel, Sempai Annalisa Larocca and Sempai Renée Robertson.

2 Page 2 YOSHUKAN HONBU DOJO OPEN HOUSE The Academy of Yoshukan Karate held an open house on April 23rd, 2005 to celebrate the opening of the dojo and the new headquarters of the Yoshukan Karate Association. Instructors (Shihan Louise Provencher, Sensei Rebecca Khoury and Sempai Jacques Chaurette) and students from the Academie de Yoshukan Karate and the NDG Karate Club came into help celebrate the opening. Three events were scheduled for the big day: Dojo Olympics 2005 (article in newsletter); Kegami Baraki (new year celebration) and the annual Kancho Party. The dojo had record attendance with over 200 spectators and 24 dignitaries in attendance. The V.I.P. s ranged from senior Karate Ontario teachers, officials and Directors to local educators and the media. Nicholas Ray Steckowych demonstrates Tameshiwari (Testing of the spirit) at the 2005 Dojo Olympics Rogers Television ran a special on the event with interviews of Kancho Robertson, Sensei Steven Dreschel, Sempai Annalisa Larocca and Sempai Renée Robertson. Yoshukan Québec students attended in a caravan and slept over in the new dojo. They also brought some great competitors in: Sebastian Calistru; Henri Tchibozo and Kira London-Nadeau. The event was wonderful success with record attendence and a party that went into the wee hours. The Academy, and association, received wonderful support from their students, branches and provincial karate community. Sensei Steven Dreschel demonstrating with Rogers Television Reporter Aren Abellanoza receives his Top Performer, 6-9 Years Award with Sensei Bill Carr, Sensei Rebecca Khoury and KarateOntario Team Coaches: Sensei Kathryn Laidlaw and Sensei Susan Adaskin Looking on

Page 3 DOJO OLYMPICS 2005 SEVEN YEARS STRONG! The DOJO OLYMPICS recently celebrated its 7th year with another great display of karate athletics and sportsmanship.

events. The juniors begin preparation a few months in advance on such events as: Roundhouse Kick Marathon; Karate Relay Races; Speed Reverse Punch; Power Kick; Tameshiwari (Board Breaking!

This year s TOP PERFORMERS are: i 6 to 8 Years: Aren Abellanoza i 9 to 11 Years: Matthew Derrick-Huie i 12 to 15 Years: Gillian Hinton A terrific roster of officials attended this years events

Dan, Chief Instructor, Goalmax Karate; Susan Adaskin, 4th Dan, Coach of Karate Ontario Team; Marion Green, 3rd Dan; Kathryn Laidlaw, 5th Dan, Coach of Karate Ontario Team, Former KO President; Sam

Louise Provencher, 4th Dan, Former Canadian Kata, Kumite Champion, Former World Chito Ryu Champion; Antonio Terra, 4th Dan, 2nd Vice President of Karate Ontario Board of Directors; Romualdo Ferri,

Karate Ontario Technical Committee, NKA Technical Committee Administrator; Darlene Ferri, 3rd Dan. Richmond Hill Karate and Fitness Center; Nancy Perrin, Principal.

3 Page 3 DOJO OLYMPICS 2005 SEVEN YEARS STRONG! The DOJO OLYMPICS recently celebrated its 7th year with another great display of karate athletics and sportsmanship. Started in 1998 by Kancho Robertson, Sensei Betty Gormley and Sempai Annalisa Larocca, the event pits two junior teams (Dragons and Tigers) against each other in a series of karate-type athletic events. The juniors begin preparation a few months in advance on such events as: Roundhouse Kick Marathon; Karate Relay Races; Speed Reverse Punch; Power Kick; Tameshiwari (Board Breaking!); Kumite (Sparring); Kata (Forms), Flexibility Challenge and Sensei Says. V.I.P. Officials judge each event and then select three overall champions at the end of the competition. This year s TOP PERFORMERS are: i 6 to 8 Years: Aren Abellanoza i 9 to 11 Years: Matthew Derrick-Huie i 12 to 15 Years: Gillian Hinton A terrific roster of officials attended this years events including: Jim Jennings, 5th Dan, Karate Ontario Team Coach; Frank Jennings, Instructor and Coach, Jennings Dojo; Patricia Jennings, 3rd Dan, Instructor and Coach, Jennings Dojo; Hasan Bratic, 4th Dan, Chief Instructor, Goalmax Karate; Susan Adaskin, 4th Dan, Coach of Karate Ontario Team; Marion Green, 3rd Dan; Kathryn Laidlaw, 5th Dan, Coach of Karate Ontario Team, Former KO President; Sam Moldezki, 6th Dan, Chief Instructor Shito-Kai, Coach of Ontario Team, Former KO President; Karl Sutton, 3rd Dan, Canadian Kumite Champion; Rebecca Khoury, 3rd Dan, Former Canadian Kumite Champion; Louise Provencher, 4th Dan, Former Canadian Kata, Kumite Champion, Former World Chito Ryu Champion; Antonio Terra, 4th Dan, 2nd Vice President of Karate Ontario Board of Directors; Romualdo Ferri, 5th Dan, Chief Instructor Richmond Hill Karate and Fitness Center; Chris Johnston, 3rd Dan Karate, 3rd Dan Aikido; Dana Tkacz, Karate Ontario tournament and membership Director; David Chong, 4th Dan. Karate Ontario Technical Committee, NKA Technical Committee Administrator; Darlene Ferri, 3rd Dan. Richmond Hill Karate and Fitness Center; Nancy Perrin, Principal. Hillcrest Public School; Ronni Hannon, Teacher, Hillcrest Public School; Dick Grant, Karate Ontario Team Photographer; Olivia Grant, Woman s National Champion; Bill Carr, 6th Dan. Former International Competitor, National Judge, Chief Instructor Bill Carr School of Karate; Mark Pridham, 4th Dan, Member of Karate Ontario Board of Directors, National Judge; Isao Yabunaka,7th Dan, Karate Ontario Technical Committee; Betty Gormley, 3rd Dan, Chief Instructor, Academy of Yoshukan Karate; and Steven Dreschel, 2nd Dan, Instructor, Academy of Yoshukan Karate. Dojo Olympic athletes line up to begin the competition Kira London-Nadeau competes at the Flexibility Challenge Junior Team Captains: Peter Furlan and Renée Robertson lead their teams to new heights of performance. Congratulations to all the competitors for their terrific efforts and for helping the DOJO OLYMPICS celebrate another year of karate excellence.

Page 4 SENSEI KARL SUTTON CANADIAN CHAMPION AT THE ACADEMY Sensei Karl Sutton taught a

Sensei Sutton is one of Canada s top competitors and has represented Canada

He is widely respected as a team leader and takes a keen interest in helping our junior

Sensei Sutton taught our academy students various types of footwork, combinations and

He was assisted by Karate Ontario Junior Team Captains, Erica Mackay and Chris De Sousa

Academy students loved the training and commented on how positive, and motivating,

He kept the pace moving for the entire session and yet our students enjoyment of the

4 Page 4 SENSEI KARL SUTTON CANADIAN CHAMPION AT THE ACADEMY Sensei Karl Sutton taught a Competition Karate class at the Academy on Saturday, March 19, Sensei Sutton is one of Canada s top competitors and has represented Canada internationally at the Pan Am Games and various international competitions. He is widely respected as a team leader and takes a keen interest in helping our junior athletes prepare themselves for international competition. Sensei Sutton taught our academy students various types of footwork, combinations and ring strategy over a 21/2 hour session. He was assisted by Karate Ontario Junior Team Captains, Erica Mackay and Chris De Sousa Costa. Academy students loved the training and commented on how positive, and motivating, Sensei Sutton is. He kept the pace moving for the entire session and yet our students enjoyment of the training kept them firing on all cylinders. Sensei Sutton teaches a special class Friday evenings at his dojo on Nashua Dr. and is a mentor to many of our provincial and national team athletes. The Academy looks forward to Sensei Suttons next visit and wishes him continued success as he transitions from one of Canada s top competitors to one of Canada s top teachers.

Page 5 REPRESENTING ONTARIO AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Renée Robertson had the opportunity to compete at her first National Championships this past April, 2005 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

bracket since 12 years of age). The experience is terrifically motivating as our young athletes travel together, train together and represent their province.

5 Page 5 REPRESENTING ONTARIO AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Renée Robertson had the opportunity to compete at her first National Championships this past April, 2005 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Competing successfully in 2004, Renée made the provincial team for both Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring) and represented Ontario in the year old category (Renée has been competing in this bracket since 12 years of age). The experience is terrifically motivating as our young athletes travel together, train together and represent their province. The competition brings together the best of the best from each province to compete in their age/weight categories and vie for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Gold medallists then become members of Canada s National Team and represent Canada in International Competition and at the Pan Am Games and Competitions. Yoshukan Instructors, Shihan Louise Provencher and Sensei Rebecca Khoury (both former national champions themselves) coach the Karaté Québec team and are active participants in the events. Although representing Québec, they were often found coaching Renée on the sidelines as she prepared to compete.she couldn t ask for better support. On the 4 th day of competition, the teams parade into the gymnasium carrying their provincial flag, wearing their team track suits, following the traditional piper and officials. News media are present and the spectators receive a wonderful treat watching the two finalists per category battle it out for Gold and Silver medals. To cap off the event, there is a formal banquet and dance where awards and recognition are presented and the athletes blow off steam with a late night dance and party. Overall a tremendous experience for any athlete fortunate enough to attend. We look forward to many more Yoshukan Athletes representing their provinces and country in the years to come! Renée (2nd from right) and Teammates with Gold Medals in Team Kumite, Year old division BOOK NOW FOR CRAZY SUSHI NIGHT! The Academy of Yoshukan Karate will be hosting our annual Crazy Sushi night on Saturday, September 24 th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. 3 Specialty Menus (Chicken, Beef, Vegetarian) are prepared for Academy attendees and awards and recognition follow dinner. The evening is a great opportunity for your families/partners to meet your crazy dojo-mates and have a relaxing, fun evening sharing dojo stories. Please see Sempai Annalisa Larocca to book your reservations. Hope to see you there! Photo by: Amy Fine Yoshukan System DVD s now available. Contact Sensei at: iaito@sympatico.ca

) Kids Summer Camp at the Academy of Yoshukan Karate in Mississauga,

8 new juniors joined Academy students to spend a week learning karate,

Assisted by Camp Counselors, Samantha Lacktin and Natasha Campbell,

Nicholas Steckowych, Taylor Brydges and Madison Brydges to help guide

The juniors made their own musical/budo instrument (à la Karate Kid II)

6 Page 6 KIDS SUMMER CAMP A BIG HIT! Sensei Betty Gormley coordinated and lead the first (but not the last!) Kids Summer Camp at the Academy of Yoshukan Karate in Mississauga, Ontario. 8 new juniors joined Academy students to spend a week learning karate, playing budo games and doing crafts. Assisted by Camp Counselors, Samantha Lacktin and Natasha Campbell, Sensei Betty had the juniors (ages 4-12) take two classes/day and work on a specific craft. The kids also had Leaders-in-training, Peter Furlan, Jake Robertson, Nicholas Steckowych, Taylor Brydges and Madison Brydges to help guide them through their activities. The juniors made their own musical/budo instrument (à la Karate Kid II) and Hachi-maki (headbands). Their favourite game was clearly Storm the Castle where they had to work their way up levels and not get caught (by flashlight) along the way. A wonderful addition to our Academy program and a sure bet for summer For more information or to register your child, please contact Sensei Betty

Page 7 HANSHI KENZO DOZONO INSTRUCTS JUNIORS AT HONBU DOJO Hanshi (Grandmaster) Kenzo Dozono recently taught a JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR (JDS) at the Academy of Yoshukan Karate in Mississauga.

7 Page 7 HANSHI KENZO DOZONO INSTRUCTS JUNIORS AT HONBU DOJO Hanshi (Grandmaster) Kenzo Dozono recently taught a JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR (JDS) at the Academy of Yoshukan Karate in Mississauga. Hanshi Dozono is one of only a few of Canada s Grandmasters and has been involved in teaching budo for over 40 years. Although small in size, Sensei Dozono is large in stature and is the current Chairman of the Karate Ontario Technical Committee and a direct student of legend, Hirokazu Kanazawa Sensei. Sensei Dozono conducted a wonderful seminar for Academy and Karate Ontario juniors on the importance of basics and budo. Along with his extraordinary technique, Sensei has a 10 th Dan in humour and kept the parents and spectators in stitches as he described his philosophies and training ideas. Sensei also had assistance from Sensei Antonio Terra and Sensei s son, National Champion, Hiro Dozono assist him in his demonstrations. Sensei Dozono also demonstrated a very dynamic Tai Chi set (his system of karate incorporates both karate and tai chi). This in spite of a recent knee operation. Many of our juniors commented that it was one of their favourite seminars yet and that they look forward to learning from Sensei Dozono again at a future JDS. Kancho Robertson was the originator of the JDS and is now turning over management of the program to Sensei George Usher of Brad Jones Dojo. We wish George continued success with this popular program! YOSHUKAN EXAMINATIONS The Yoshukan Karate Association holds Black Belt Examinations twice/year (August, December) at the Honbu Dojo or summer camp. Kancho Robertson is present at each Yudansha (Black Belt exam) and either Kancho or Shihan Provencher must be at each Brown Belt exam. Their attendance ensures the Association maintains its quality standards and that there is a senior instructor at each exam. In addition to Kancho Robertson, various senior Karate-do teachers from outside our system are invited on occasion to participate as active examiners for our Black Belt levels. Typically, the invited examiners are National Karate Association recognized Class B (5 th Dan +) or Class A (7 th Dan+) examiners. Their attendance allows our association to provide NKA diplomas, as well as, Yoshukan diplomas, if the examinee wishes. As they are contemporaries of Kancho Robertson, they also provide valuable input and observation to the students and association as a whole and their participation is valued and welcome. Along with the physical examination, candidates are required to complete a 200-question written examination (Shodan level only) and Essay for each Dan level up to 4 th Dan. The exams and essays are an important part of the examination process testing one s knowledge of Yoshukan Karate history and curriculum. 5 th Dan level candidates are expected to break new ground by a thesis on one aspect of budo training. The thesis is the candidates opportunity to develop new theory or practice that will be integrated into our system. This keeps our association growing and the 5 th Dan candidates as true Professors of our system and art.

8 Page 8 Page 8 HEN SHU HO BUNKAI 2005 Upcoming Events Demo Team Practice: Brown/Black Belt Practices: Karate Ontario Tournaments: Junior Development Seminars: Brown/Black Belt Exams: Yoshukan Quebec Camp -August 5-7, 2005 Sensei Dometrich Seminar -August 14, 2005 Sensei Peter Giffen Seminar -August 27, 2005 Winter Hours Begin -September 1, 2005 Academy OPEN HOUSE Crazy Sushi Night Out Academy Exams: Year of the Rooster -1st Friday of every month 6:00-7:30 PM -1st Wednesday of every month 6:30-8:00 PM -Humber College, September, November, TBD -September 17, 2005 Sensei Hasan Bratic -November 19, 2005 TBD -August 5 th 2005 (Quebec), August 27th, 2005 (Ontario) -September 3rd and September 10th, PM -September 24th, 6:00 to 9:00 PM -Last Saturday of each month ZANSHIN is published quarterly by the Yoshukan Karate Association Address: The Academy of Yoshukan Karate, 2355 Royal Windsor Drive, Unit 9, Mississauga, Ontario, L5J 4S8 Phone: (905) iaito@sympatico.ca Web:

June ZANSHIN is the official newsletter of the Yoshukan Karate Association

June ZANSHIN is the official newsletter of the Yoshukan Karate Association June 2009 ZANSHIN is the official newsletter of the Yoshukan Karate Association Photo by Ian Barratt The Yoshukan Karate Association is celebrating it s 5th year of existence this coming August, 2009.