I Have added photos from the May 09 Beerwah Tournament and the 2009 Qld State Titles. I would like to add more photos. If you have any please send to me and I will add them to the gallery.
Click on the following links to view the photos
Seikukan Members Visit Japan
Late last year Jon Rawlings, Roger McIntosh & Greg Jorgensen travelled to both Tokyo and Toyama.
WKF Congress
The Tokyo part of the visit included the World Karate Federation (WKF) memorial for John Halpin that was attended by Sensei Takemori, Kyran & Samantha Halpin, Arch Brown & Denise Austin and we three.
Arch said some fine things, of course, about our much missed John, as did his daughter Samantha. It was a good and fitting end to John’s passing.
Tokyo
WKF Opening
The other event, particularly for JR as a referee, was the WKF Tournament held at the Budokan.
Events included Team & Individual Kumite, Team & Individual Kata. Some fabulous fighting and kata. JR was in Tokyo for around 4 days prior to the commencement of the Tournament starting for Referee Training. Roger and I arrived for the John Halpin memorial and spent 6 days there.
Roger, Sensei & JR at WKF
Sensei flew in from Toyama and joined us for three days as well.
Toyama
We flew to Toyama from Tokyo, which takes around one hour and cost around A$100.
The five day visit to Toyama was quite full on with busy days and many late nights. However we did see some great sights including Tainen Takemori’s Zen Temple together with the Eiheiji Temple. Tainen Takemori is the founder of Seikukan and father of the present head of style, Sensei Takemori
- Zen Temple where Tainen Takemori studied
If you get the chance to travel to Toyama, both of these Temples are worth the trek.
Sensei Takimori and Sunada san were great hosts and looked after all of us. It is a very generous Japanese custom to pay the way for visitors with things such as meals, admission charges, expensive freeway tolls etcetera. Therefore when the Japanese contingent comes to Brisbane next, we shall certainly reciprocate.
The main reason Greg Jorgensen was in Japan and Toyama was to go for his Sho Dan with Sensei. It was a little harrowing and nerve racking but Greg passed the test and has a new belt (obi) to be proud of.
Refer http://www.seikukan.com/gradings/greg-jorgensen-receives-blackbelt-in-japan/
Roger McIntosh was also issued his Third Dan certificate by Sensei Takimori, as confirmation of his early 2008. He did well having been put on the spot!
Classes Commence 2nd Feb 2009
Junior and Senior classes at the Wavell Dojo recommence for 2009 on Monday, 2nd February. This is the second week of the School term.
There is no Junior training in the first week of the school term.
Juniors
As last year, Junior training is from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
A new class has been added on Friday night from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. JR will be conducting a class for students who want to compete in tournaments and will concentrate on Kata and Kumite for tournaments.
We look forward to training with the students this year and hope all have a successful and fulfilling year with your training
Seniors
As last year, Senior training is from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday and and Advanced class on Saturday morning from 9:00am to 10:30 am
A new class has been added on Friday night from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. JR will be conducting a class for students who want to compete in tournaments and will concentrate on Kata and Kumite for tournaments.
Visits By JR to Branches
Over the last couple of months, Jon Rawlings has visited and conducted seminars and gradings at the following branches Melbourne,Vanuatu and Buderum
Melbourne Visit
Roger has about 20 regular students and the emphasis was on basics and kata. The students are very keen and eager to learn. Roger has kept his technique at a good level for being isolated from the main Dojo. Roger was graded to 3rd Dan
Vanuatu
The visit was conducted during the school holidays so there was a very good attendance for the week. Training has held in the mornings, afternoons and evenings with a special day of beach training ( Water and Sand)
Geordie has about 30 regular students who are very spirited in kumite and have a good understanding of basics and kata. This is a credit to Geordie’s persistence and patience.
Photos will be posted in the Photo Section
Buderum
Mark has about 25 regular students mainly Juniors. Two students were graded to Junior Shodan and three Kyu Gradings were held. Mark has continued the good work started by Les and Debbie.
Photos to follow
Sausage Sizzle
All Students and Parents
There is a Sausage Sizzle at the Wavell Heights Dojo on Saturday 24/05/08 at 10:00 am
This is a Social Get Together and Parent information Session
All parents and prospective members are invited
Regards
Richard Fowler
