Event: 2008 WTKO summer camp
Date: July 5th and 6th-2008
Location: WTKO Honbu Dojo (#206 east 63rd street-New York City)
July 5th-2008
Class #1: 11:30 to 12:30 (Sensei Richard Amos-6th Dan)
The role of the inner thighs and armpits are often neglected in strict Kihon (fundamental) training. The connective nature of these area’s became apparent through various drills with a partner. In all backward steps and turns the toes of the Jiku Ashi (support leg / foot) must move from the beginning of the movement.
Class #2: 2:00 to 3:00 (Sensei Fred Serrichio, 7th Dan)
Partner training that utilized soft circular techniques.
Class#3: 3:15 to 4:15 (Sensei John Mullin, 7th Dan)
The essential theme of this training session, was the slow performance of basic Kihon, Kata, and Kumite.
1. Kihon- Oi Zuki, Age, Soto, Uchi, and Gedan Uke
2. Kata- Jutte
3. Kumite- Gohon Kumite (5 step sparring)
Sensei Mullin stressed the importance of isolating only the muscles that are required for the technique, and eliminating unnecessary tension. Speed and power should always follow slow motion training.
Note: Examination of Dan grades followed. I was humbly graded to the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt). The grading panel consisted of Sensei Amos, Mullin, Serrichio, and Maeda. Details of the grading are described below:
1. Tokui Kata- Jutte
2. Examiners choice of Kata- Chinte
3. Each grading panel member asked specific questions regarding various techniques in Jutte and Chinte. Some questions required a personal opinion while others required application against an attacker.
4. Jiyu Kumite against two opponents followed.
July 6th-2008
Class #4: 10:00 to 11:00 (Sensei Richard Amos, 6th Dan)
The ability to apply fundamental techniques is essential to progress in Karate. The guiding principles that are used to create techniques must be adapted to sufficiently apply them in self defense. Amos Sensei stressed the following points for Gyaku Zuki (reverse punch) from Jiyu Kamae (free posture):
1. Angle of the front leg, is not 90 degrees as it is in strict fundamental.
2. Do not lock punching arm, but rather create distance with the body.
3. Heel of the back foot may rise for mobility
Class #5: 11:00 to 12:00 (Sensei Eiji Maeda, 5th Dan)
The Kata Empi in detail.
Class #6: 12:00 to 1:00 (Sensei John Mullin, 7th Dan)
Tai Sabaki and partner training.
Doryoku,
Scott
