ISKF SPOTLIGHTS p r i n g 2 0 1 1 I N T E R N AT I O N A L S H O TO K A N K A R AT E F E D E R AT I O N

The InternationalShotokan Karate Fed-eration will host the45th Anniversary Mas-ter Camp and Interna-tional Goodwill tournament. Thisyear the camp will be held from Fri-day, June 10 through Friday, June17 at Camp Green Lane just out-side of Philadelphia. This yearpromises to be no less successfulthan past years, again we will havethe honor of having superb mastersfrom around the world join us for aweek of excellent instruction.

Every year Master Okazakibrings us the best Masters to pro-vide the highest caliber of shotokantraining. This year we will have in-struction from Master's TeruyukiOkazaki - ISKF Chief Instructor,Yutaka Yaguchi - ISKF/USA, HideoOchi - JKA/Europe, and MasaruMiura - SKI-I/Italy. Assisting themwill be members of the esteemedhigh-ranking ISKF Technical Com-mittee. The Masters will be joinedby ISKF technical committee Sen-

seis James Field, 8th Dan; MaynardMiner, 8th Dan; Robin Rielly, 8thDan; Najib Amin, 8th Dan; CathyCline, 7th Dan; Garry Turnbull, 7thDan; Hiroyoshi Okazaki, 7th Dan;Gary Swain, 7th Dan; David Jones,7th Dan; Larry Loreth, 7th Dan;Leon Sill, 7th Dan and Peter War-ren, 7th Dan.

As always, our primary goal askarate-ka, including during thisweek long endeavor, is to becomebetter people. We use Master Fu-nakoshi’s Dojo Kun and Niju Kun aslifetime guides. Every year MasterOkazaki takes time to explain one ofthe Niju Kun in detail. This year thetheme for Master Camp 2011 is NijuKun #16: Danshi mon o izurebahyakuman no teki ari, or “As soonas you leave home, think that mil-lions of opponents are waiting foryou.” Master Okazaki explains thatMaster Funakoshi wants us to beconstantly aware and alert, but notparanoid of people, or think every-one is out to hurt you. Training pre-pares one to be able to defend when

necessary and we strive to developskills to differentiate between realand false threats. At Master Camp,there are many opportunities totrain with great masters and honeyour physical and mental skills. Itaffords the chance to train all weekwith famous masters, developingnew skills and techniques, while si-multaneously starting new friend-ships with fellow practitioners. It isa unique occasion to exchangeideas, techniques, and generally in-teract with people from differentcountries, cultures, and back-grounds.

Each year the ISKF grows inthe number of member countriesand in overall membership. Thepast few years we have been nearcapacity at camp and this yearpromises to be no exception. Lastyear, there were approximately 500participants throughout the week,and over 34 countries in atten-dance. We anticipate a full camp,so if you have not registered yetplease do so soon. Master Camp isalways a wonderful learning andbonding experience with fellowkarate-ka. It is an opportunity thatyou would not want to miss.

4 5 t h A N N I V E R S A R Y I S K F M A S T E R C A M P

IN THIS ISSUE

1 - 2 45TH ANNIVERSARY MASTER CAMP

2 - 3 Master Camp Lectures and Events

Dojo Kun

4 - 5 Philippines Hosting 2012 World Shoto Cup

6 What you gain with Makiwara training

A note from Shihan Okazaki

ISKF SPOTLIGHTA publication of the ISKF

222 S. 45th St. Phila., Pa. 19104 U.S.A.

T: 215-222-9382 E: iskf@iskf.com

Publisher: Shihan Teruyuki Okazaki,

Chairman and Chief Instructor of ISKF

Editor: Marcia Ransom

Assistant Editors: Lois Luzi, Hiroyoshi Okazaki

nakoshi and Master Nakayama. Healso stated that the topic was simi-lar to Niju Kun #15- Consider youropponent’s legs and arms as youwould lethal swords. SenseiOkazaki emphasized that a truekarate-ka should never attack any-one first, but you must practiceevery day and be able to defendyourself if attacked. You must trainto have an immediate body reactionto the attack. However, in order forthe techniques to be effective onemust prepare and develop the mind.You must put your mind into yourtechniques and always be able toadapt to your opponent or the situ-ation.Sunday- Master Shunsuke Taka-hashi

Guest instructor, Master Taka-hashi - TSKF/Australia, deliveredthe lecture on health in karate.Sensei Takahashi discussed the dif-ferences in the Western and Easternapproaches to health and longevity.He stressed the importance of tak-ing care of and maintaining thebody. Sensei has a deep interest inChinese medicine and its historyand he shared many of his insightswith the audience. Sensei reviewedthe benefits of using positive andnegative energy, and yin and yangprinciples. Tuesday- Gary Swain, ISKF Tech-nical Committee

Mr. Swain discussed the princi-ples of Shu Ha Ri and some of hisinsights with relation to karate de-velopment. He covered three areasof Shu Ha Ri -namely obedience, di-vergence, and transcendence. Sim-ply put, obedience is learning therules and following them, diver-gence is to stop following the nor-mal set of rules, and then

transcendence is going beyond therules. Interestingly, come closer andcloser to together until eventuallythey touch. This is the shodan levelof karate. According to SenseiSwain, by the time one reachesgodan, your life and karate are one:karate will touch a part of your lifealmost every day. Wednesday- Dr. George Stoll-steimer

Dr. Stollsteimer lectured oncore stability and its relationship tolower extremity function. After de-scribing what the core comprises,from the solar plexus to the mid-thigh, he discussed proper body po-sitioning to prevent knee problems.He emphasized the importance oftraining the core and making itstronger to lower the risk of certaininjuries. Everyone needs to knowwhen to slow down, change a drill,or stop. We need to develop an un-derstanding of our own bodies toknow our physical limits. All train-ing should be approached intelli-gently. There is not much that wecannot or should not do, but every-thing needs to be done properly.

Once again the camp commit-tee, in particular Dr. Paul Smith,has worked hard to schedule astimulating series of lectures forMaster Camp 2011 . Below is atentative schedule of lectures andother events. Monday has generallybeen used as the day of rest and re-juvenation from a strenuous week-end of karate training and activities.This is also a great time for campparticipants to reconnect with oldfriends and build new friendshipswith fellow karate. Please take ad-vantage of the planned activitiesthroughout the day especially theevening bonfire. We will also have

Master CampLectures andEventsMaster Camp continues to be a bas-tion of spirit, intellectual, and phys-ical training. Just as MasterFunakoshi believed in developingthe mind, body, and spirit of thekarate-ka, so too does MasterOkazaki. A direct student of Mas-ters Funakoshi and Nakayama,Sensei Okazaki continues to teachand spread the philosophy of tradi-tional Shotokan karate. In addition,to the technical classes providedthere are lectures and seminars onvarious aspects of karate.

The lectures have grown from afew weekend lectures to encompassthe whole week of Master Camp.The lecture series generally beginswith a Saturday evening lecturegiven by Master Okazaki. The Sun-day evening lecture is given by oneof the guest Masters. The Tuesdayand Wednesday evening lecturescover various karate topics and areusually given by ISKF instructors.There are also morning and after-noon lectures given throughout theweek for your interest and educa-tion.

Below is a summary of theevening lectures from Mas-ter Camp 2010.

Saturday- Shihan TeruyukiOkazaki

Shihan Okazaki presented alecture on “Move According to YourOpponent.” Master Okazaki beganby sharing some of his experiencesand insights from both Master Fu-

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another salsa lesson. (Mondayevening)

In addition to the activitiesplanned for socializing, there areDan Exams. Please note that theseexams are not open for spectators.If you are not an examinee you willnot be allowed into the testing area.

Schedule of Events for MasterCamp 2011

Saturday AMISKF National Collegiate KarateAssn. MeetingSaturday, 8PMShihan Okazaki“Be aware at all times that you havemillions of potential opponents”Sunday AMNCKA Interactive SeminarDan Exam – 1st-4th DanSunday, 8PMMaster Lecture – Robin Rielly,“Writing reserch report for DanExams and Instructor Trainee re-quirementsMonday (All Day)Special ActivitiesDan Exam – 5th Dan and aboveTuesday AM Lecture/MeetingsWednesday AM“Timing with partner training” (ten-tative title) – Dr. Paul K. SmithWednesday 8PMLecture TBA – Dr. George Stoll-steimerThursday AMISKF International Goodwill Tour-nament and Judges Examination

Announcements for all activi-ties and new information will be an-nounced at meal time in the messhall. Please listen for any changesto the schedule.

Everyone who trains in karate must know the

dojo kun. At the end of each training session—whether it be at the dojo, after class, or after a

tournament, which I always call “special train-

ing”—the dojo kun is repeated all together bythe students as a reminder of why we train. The

dojo kun states the basic philosophy of karate,according to its founder and my teacher, Master

Gichin Funakoshi. Master Funakoshi believed

that, for the true karate-ka, the dojo kunshouldnot only be considered a set of rules of conduct

in the dojo, but a guide to everyday life.

Everything we learn in the dojo, we should

apply to everyday life.

Master Funakoshi further explained his

philosophy of karate, in greater detail, in the

twenty principles called the nijyu kun.Throughout his life, Master Funakoshi empha-

sized the importance of spiritual over physical

matters, and he believed that it was essential for

the karate student to understand why—not only

for training, but in the way the student lives

every moment of his life. In his book, Karate-do Kyohan, Master Funakoshi discussed boththe positive and negative aspects of karate,

warning us that karate-do can be misused if

misunderstood. He felt that those who wanted

to learn karate should understand what karate

really is—what its purpose, its ultimate objec-

tive, should be. Only then could a karate stu-

dent understand how to use karate techniques

and skills properly.

Of the five objectives stated in the dojokun, the last four tell us how to realize the firstand most important objective, which is to seek

perfection of character.

When we get to the very essence of karate,

to the ultimate purpose of training—that’s what

it’s all about: Improving ourselves as people.

If we all try to make ourselves the best human

beings we can be, we will make the world a

better place. We will help bring peace. That

was Master Funakoshi’s ultimate goal—to

make peace in the world by helping people de-

velop themselves, as individual human beings,

through karate-do. It is every instructor’s dutyto help realize this goal. And it is the responsi-

bility of every student as well. When you re-

peat the dojo kunafter class, and you say it fromyour heart, you acknowledge that responsibil-

ity.

The principles of the dojo kun are simpleand very basic. They are simply stated, and so

require little explanation. As I said before—

the basic principles of the dojo kunare reflectedin the principles of the nijyu kun. The dojo kunis the foundation of the nijyu kun.

As we explain the meaning of the nijyukun, you will see the basic, simple ideas of thedojo kuneverywhere. And again, the last fourparts of the dojo kun reflect the very first, themost important principle of all: Seek perfection

of character.

Always remember: The most important

thing you can do as a true student of karate is

to seek perfection of character. The dojo kunand the nijyu kunexplain both how and what itmeans to do so, not only in karate training, but

in the broader terms of life, generally.

Of course there is no substitute for training.

Training is the process by which we learn to

improve ourselves as people. Training is our

path to the spiritual growth Master Funakoshi

encouraged us to attain. But it is important to

understand why we train. Karate, more thananything else, is a spiritual endeavor. It is a way

to develop a person as an individual. If a karate

student does not understand this basic objec-

tive, then he or she is not really practicing

karate.

Dojo Kun

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The Philippines’ love forthe martial arts isshown by the myriad ofcombat arts it has thriv-ing in its islands. Thecountry is known as the birthplace ofArnis or Escrima. Filipinos have apenchant to study different kinds ofmartial arts. When Ferdinand Magel-lan, the Portuguese discoverer of thePhilippines, came ashore in the islandof Mactan in the 1521, he fell victim toLapu Lapu, the tribal chieftain, whowas proficient in Kali.

Foreign arts are also embracedby the islanders. Karate is no excep-tion. The Filipinos got a taste ofShotokan Karate back in 1957. Wehave a reputation of being the firstcountry to receive the first overseasShotokan instructor, TakayukiMikami sensei, who just graduatedfrom the famed JKA instructorscourse. He didn’t stay long, but even-tually was followed by Kunio Sasakisensei and then by Masanori Taka-hashi sensei. Shotokan is widely pop-ular here. Many Karatekas trainunder this style but mostly withoutany proper affiliation.

In October of 2007, a group of Fil-ipinos went to San Francisco to attendthe US Nationals, their intent was tosecure permission to open ISKF in thecountry. They were warmly welcomedby Teruyuki Okazaki Shihan andNorthwest Director Cathy Cline withJoji Mercado Sensei, who was a longtime friend of these Filipinos. In themeeting that followed, Okazaki Shi-

Since 2008, we have always heldthe Okazaki Cup in the month of Feb-ruary. The tournaments and clinicswere always participated in by hun-dreds of Karatekas from all over thecountry. ISKF Philippines, like itsparent organization, is not a club butrather a federation of clubs. At thepresent, it is the strongest and well-run international organization in thecountry.

In the 2010 Master Camp, ourcountry was given the opportunity tohost the 2020 World Shoto Cup. How-ever, Hiroyoshi Okazaki Sensei’s re-cent visit this February broughtabout a drastic turn of events leadingto us taking the opportunity to host2012 event.

We scouted several places thatcan host this big event and of the 7108islands, we settled with Cebu City,

han approved the forming of ISKFPhilippines to oversee all ISKF activi-ties and programs in the country.

This was the formal start of ISKFin the Philippine Archipelago. Al-though the promotion of technicalskill has been the main emphasis inlocal clubs, they almost never stressthe importance of the Dojo Kun andNiju Kuns. With the introduction ofthis “unpracticed” philosophy, the per-ception with regards to Karate hassignificantly changed.

Philippines Hosting 2012 World Shoto Cupby David Lay, Chief Instructor, ISKF Philippines

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Photo: ISKF Philippines

Photo: ISKF Philippines

which is a metropolis in the middle ofthe Visayas group of islands. We vis-ited the Waterfront Hotel in CebuCity and were elated to find out thattheir Pacific Grand Ballroom can ac-commodate eight brand-new competi-tion mats. With adjacent ballroomsfor the staging area, the arena alsocomes with a spacious balcony situ-ated all around the giant ballroom.This is where we can seat the specta-tors. A wide and elongated stage is

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set in front of the ballroom where wewill be entertaining the Masters andVIPs.

We intend to have the tourna-ment proper run in just two-days togive allow our guests, who have trav-elled far, to enjoy some much neededrecreation and fun. Clinics, examina-

tions and meetings are scheduled onNovember 8 and 9, 2012 and the tour-nament will be held on November 10and 11. Our plans also extend to anunforgettable opening ceremony wereour guest will certainly be enter-tained; this is with the generous helpfrom our sponsors.

Aside from Waterfront Hotel, weare also looking for cheaper hotels forthe tight budgeted visitors. In all, wewant everyone to enjoy not only the

competition and the camaraderie ofthe ISKF family, but also bring backtreasured fond memories of thePhilippines, its hospitable English-speaking people and our culture.

Cebu boasts of beautiful beaches,cheap food, souvenirs and clothes. Itis where you can partake of the native

fruits like mangoes and the famed Le-chon (roasted pig) of Cebu. It is nearthe world famous Boracay islandwhere you can find one of, if not thefinest and whitest sand in the world.Boracay offers a lot of watersports,adventures, entertainment and shop-ping that caters to the whole family.So be sure to bring not only your gisbut also your swim wear and tanninglotions.

Photo: ISKF Philippines

Hitting the makiwara is

very important to develop

good focus. Sometimes

when you hit the maki-

wara, you are thinking

only about punching. But when you prac-

tice hitting an object such as the makiwara,

and you do it correctly, all of your body’s

muscles should contract at the same time. If

you do this, even your kicks will improve.

Even though we do not practice hitting the

makiwara during class, you should try to hit

something like the makiwara before or after

class. I always say in training, that you

must concentrate on your lower abdominal

muscles. If you do this during regular train-

ing also, think about the connection from

your lower abdomen to your fist. If you

think this way, all of the body’s muscles

will be used to execute your technique.

Not all training facilities have a maki-

wara, so you should use any sturdy surface

to practice. For instance, when you train at

home, you can use a wall. This type of

practice is isometrics. Make your makiwara

position, such as zenkutsu dachi; push your

fist against the wall strongly. When you ex-

ecute your punch, push strong. You should

do this same thing with mae geri or yoko

geri. Concentrate with the connection from

your back heel which should be flat pushing

into the floor, up your leg, through your ab-

dominal muscles to the striking surface

whether that be your fist or your foot. Push

hard, then relax. Of course you should be

sure when you make contact with the sur-

face you are using that your hand or foot

contacting that surface is in the correct posi-

tion also and always maintain proper pos-

ture. Never lean forward or backward.

That way, the seika tanden or abdominal

muscles are also strengthened. Naturally, a

wall is not flexible like a makiwara, but

when this is practiced correctly, all of your

body’s muscles are benefiting. I would rec-

ommend this training for everyone.

Medical doctors and research scientists

have studied isometrics such as this and

they recommend that for muscles to develop

correctly, it should not be done every day.

So you should practice this type of training

every other day, resting in between.

Most of the time when we are training, we

are doing our techniques such as punching

and kicking in the air. We do this to prac-

tice speed and form of course, but we

should also be imagining an opponent. The

same is true for practicing on a makiwara or

contacting any surface. We must practice

contacting those types of things to develop

and the principle is exactly the same. Imag-

ine an opponent. Execute good technique

and balance. Correct breathing is also very

important. Inhale when you execute the

technique, and when you press against a

surface, exhale always concentrating on

your abdominal muscles. So as you can

see, your entire body benefits from maki-

wara training. Physically we are developing

our body’s muscles, and mentally, when we

focus and imagine an opponent our concen-

tration also develops to a higher level. And

when we do these things with the proper

breathing, overall better health is achieved.

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What you gain with Makiwara training

I would personally like to thank all of our

Regional, National and International ISKF

family for your condolences, prayers and

kind words on the loss of my Sister. Though

she will be deeply missed, I am gratified to

have such thoughtful members. Although

our ISKF family spans the globe and is

spread out throughout the world, it is times

like these that bring us all closer together. I

was overwhelmed by so much considera-

tion and it is rewarding to know that all of

our members realize that to be a true mar-

tial artist, we must first be a good human

being. I am sincerely grateful for your

thoughtfulness as well as your continued

support to myself as well as the ISKF. This

has been yet another great example that

being a part of our ISKF organization means

we are all not just members of a karate asso-

A NotefromOkazakiShihan

ciation, but rather a family of martial artists.

On a similar note: Takamichi

Maeshima, Hiroyoshi Okazaki and I would

also like to thank you for your concern for

our families regarding the disaster in Japan.

We are happy to say our friends and family

are safe and well at this time. However, we

must all continue to pray for the future

well-being for all of the people in Japan. Al-

though it may take a long time for them to

recover from this, with your prayers along

with their steadfastness, Japan will be on the

road to recovery in due course.

Photo by Mr. Villasis,ISKF Philippines

Master Gichin Funakoshi