HIS Karate-Do

First of all, there’s no training for Saturday, 23 May. That day, the Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) will be holding its yearly karate tournament at the old Manoa gymnasium. Senseis Trisha, Peter and I will be helping out with judging at the event. If any of you are interested in participating in the kata competition, please come see me for application forms…it costs $15 to enter. The SKIF in Hawaii is headed up by my friend Sensei, Victor Takemori. Sensei Vic has been a life-long student under Shotokan great, Kancho Kanazawa (Kancho is a title). As most of you know, Kancho Kanazawa is the founder and leader of the world-wide SKIF, which has hundreds of thousands of members. Many years ago, Kancho (former JKA champion) began his overseas teaching career right here in Hawaii….and Sensei Vic became one of his first students. Both men are not only great and knowledgable karate instructors, but possess fine, humble characters. Sensei Vic is in his late seventies, but still actively sharing the art of karate-do. Ironically, as you know, I never mention tournaments, nor do we do any training that is related to tournaments in our ministry. Personally, I think that tournaments [...]

Well, first of all, let me apologize for not writing in a while, my usual excuse is that I’ve been so busy at work; which, while true, shouldn’t prevent me from sending a short note once a month or so. So here’s a note that I actually started on 16 Jan (yes, nearly two months ago) which is the anniversary of the day I was saved as a christian. It gives some idea as to how our karate ministry started in the first place and why I try to be there every week. “Why Are We Here?” Kind of a strange title eh? Okay, I’m not necessarily talking about that age-old metphysical question about our purpose here in life. I’m talking about what ordinary folks are doing at a dojo or, in our case, at a karate ministry, especially on a Saturday morning, when they could be sleeping in, eating breakfast, watching tv, reading the papers, shopping, etc. My guess is that everyone’s motivation would fall into one or more of the following categories of: self-defense, exercise, conditioning, stretching, the influence of movies, interest in asian tradition, fellowship, having the kids learn some discipline, and so on. If, however, you [...]

Well, it’s a new year and one of the times of the season where one reflects on the past and sets one’s eyes on the future. We had a terrific holiday party a couple of weeks ago, thanks in large part, to the huge efforts of Sensei Trish, who planned and executed the whole event. Good food, games, prizes and treats were had by all…after all, the karate ministry isn’t merely about punching and kicking; it’s also about fellowship and enjoying the good things in life that we often take for granted. Talk about new, it was really good seeing the newest addition to the Nakasue family, Krislyn – and in a few years, a future karateka? It was also a time to realize how many new members have joined the ministry since our last party, a year ago. Let’s pray the 2009 brings more of the same and that we get to share our ministry with others. Talking about the old (haha), yesterday, we were graced by the presence of my old sensei, Ed Fujiwara, who graciously served as guest instructor. A great practice was had by all (“More down! Down, down, down!…”) Amazingly, Sensei Wayne also came for [...]