Spring is a week away and soon the warmer weather will be here. It makes training nicer, the joints bend easier and toes are more supple when warm. Term three has been fantastic, following on from a strong grading at the end of term two Sensei Don has been testing a few new ideas in the dojo.

Harrisdale Dojo

We are yet to have any good news regarding our lease at Harrisdale Senior High School, it looks like Forrestdale Hall will remain our new home in that area. One advantage is that it is air conditioned and when the football and soccer games end in the ovals next door parking will improve too. We are actively seeking a new location in the Harrisdale/ Piara Waters area for Wednesday night training, so watch this space, you know I will be shouting it from the roof tops when a new venue is secured.

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Tournaments

There is a distinct difference between kata for tournament and kata in the dojo. Tournament kata is a performance- competitors are judged on their speed, athleticism, grace, timing and presentation. A kata taught in the dojo is often for the purpose of grading as well as training and deepening a students understanding of the karate techniques being unpacked. Tournament karate in general is often criticized as not being authentic, and of being a misrepresentation of the art, I argue that tournament karate and traditional karate are two sides of the same coin, and need to be addressed as such. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Below is some excellent footage of tournament kata at the 2020 Olympics, just held. I sincerely hope that the petitions being put forth to the Olympic Committee to have Karate re-instated in 2024 will be successful. If you missed the games and want to catch up – 7plus coverage on catch up tv for the next three months.

We are working towards holding a Kofukan Australia Tournament on October 31st 2021 – the venue is to be confirmed, but now is the time to begin training!! This competition is open to all students – from tiger cubs to shodans. Let Sensei Don know that you want to sign up and keep an eye out for registration information on our Facebook page.

Brown and Black belt seminars – on Sunday a brown belt seminar was held at Baldivis dojo, one of many that run this year. If you are a Shodan or Brown belt there is still time to take advantage of these great training seminars in 2021. There is no cost to members, and you will have the opportunity to train with students and Instructors from our neighboring Kofukan dojos. Bring along your syllabus and get the help you need for your next grading. You can register here to attend the next session.

MERA PEAK

Sensei Don is planning an expedition to Mera Peak, Nepal in January 2023 or 2024 depending on when it is safe to travel there. You can find more information about the climb here. Talk to Sensei Don if you are interested in going and you willing to undertake the necessary training and conditioning to get you there.

Grading and end of term dates

Kwinana – Last day of training in term three is 21 September 2021

Baldivis – Last day of training in term three is 24 September 2021

Forrestfield – Last day of training in term three is 25 September 2021

Grading – Kwinana – September 23rd.

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SHOPPING

Karate Gear Shopping – looking for a gift for that hard to buy karate-ka in your life? Check out our store at Karateforlife.shop