SKC England First Anniversary Course
5th and 6th February 2011

The first anniversary of SKC England was approaching and our hard working committee had promised us something good.  They delivered in the shape of Sensei Toshiaki Namiki 8th Dan, Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Shotokan Karate-Do Federation** from the USA, who was our instructor for the weekend.  A twinkling eyed, enthusiastic Sensei schooled by the Masters in the traditions of budo.  Friendly, English speaking and with a wealth of knowledge he was keen to impart.  The winner of many tournaments in Japan, he has a great pedigree

Saturday morning was taken up with numerous kumite drills Sensei learnt from years of competition.  I for one enjoyed the fresh approach giving me many new ideas.  After a short lunch break we studied kata and their bunkai.  Sensei Namiki spared none whatever their grade from his constant probing, challenging us to think for ourselves and not just to accept what we had been told.  Great emphasis was placed on zanshin and eye movement.  “Does it work?  Really?” asked Sensei, “Show me”.  This is the foundations of karate.  Does it work?

We went home to prepare ourselves for the next morning.  Sensei warmed us up for what was to come with intricate kihon routines.  Then came kumite.  Slow, medium pace, fast, faster.  Slow, medium pace, fast, faster.  Backwards defending, forwards attacking on and on.  With a dry mouth and sweat flowing freely, visions of long cold drinks flashed before my eyes!  Enjoyable memories of my early days in karate came back to me.  Sensei Namiki was testing our spirit as well as our bodies.  Friendly he may be, soft he is not.  At last the lunch break came.  Sensei split the course into teams headed by senior instructors, each team demonstrating a different kata.  After much instruction and practice, the teams repeated the demonstration in front of the whole course.  I was surprised at the improvement everyone achieved in such a short time.

I am sure I speak for all members of SKC England in thanking our committee for their efforts over the past year and in looking forward to further growth in the membership of the association, the constant improvement of our karate and the spreading of the true spirit of Karate Do.

Paul Davis

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**(see website under “special Guest Instructor” for full profile)