英国空手白浪会 Shiranamikai Karate
Ohta Sensei, Chief Instructor of The Japan Karate Association in England, visited Shiranamikai this December to lead keiko. A brilliantly constructive lesson as always; technical, and with a full-body workout. We finished off with a master class on the kata, Sochin!
It was great to welcome our karate association’s Chief Instructor, Ohta Sensei, back to our dojo for a brilliant training session and grading.
Although we hosted these special classes online and in the dojo with limited, and age-appropriate numbers, this was the first time since 2020 that we were able to open the session up across age bands. It’s almost unbelievable to think that nearly two years has passed since the onset of the covid pandemic, but inspiring how, despite all the restrictions and closure of facilities, Shiranamikai students continued with karate training online, outside and by whatever means possible.
Well done all. There were some hard-earned certificates and new belts this time.
Ahead of our return to group training, Shiranamikai Karate members took photos of themselves with the theme ‘cherry blossom’.
The aim was to foster the spirit of togetherness by creating a montage despite being unable to meet up in person.
The last year has shown us unprecedented challenges but we persevered, stayed in touch, and continued with training.
Cherry blossom hails the start of spring and calls to mind a feeling of renewal. Now is our chance to move forward as we resume our outdoor karate sessions, and look ahead to what we can achieve together.
One of the many benefits of studying karate is that it can be practised anywhere, regardless of space, and without the need for equipment, making it an ideal activity in which to participate online.
Back at the beginning of October 2020, The Japan Karate Association invited member countries to submit a modified version of the kata Tekki Shodan, performed in a space of just one metre wide instead of the usual two metres.
This was a good challenge for students across the world while ensuring practise of one of Shotokan’s fundamental stances: kiba dachi.
Shiranamikai members’ entries were submitted alongside other JKA England clubs, and the final results announced today by Tokyo Headquarters. Well done to all those featured!
Despite all that happened in 2020, we continued to practise as a club whether inside the dojo wearing masks or training outside at a distance, and during tighter restrictions, online in our own homes.
2021 looks set to be a tough year too, but together we can face whatever comes our way!
Physical activity is more important now than ever before. If you are looking for something for yourself or a member of your family then our karate classes could be just what’s needed.
Our association’s Chief Instructor, Ohta Sensei, delivered a special class for Shiranamikai students at the end of 2020.
Adults just missed out on being able to attend in person due to increased tier restrictions that came into force in England on the day. But with Sensei’s keen eye, there was nowhere to hide, even when at an online height of just 10cm!
Each year since 2009, we have enjoyed Japan Matsuri London, a cultural showcase for all the family, including: martial arts, food demonstrations, flower arranging, documentaries, theatre, music and dance.
This year it took place online in the form of Japan Matsuri Presents, and was a great example of how we can all overcome challenges and continue to enjoy our hobbies, interests and passions, by coming together, however possible, in difficult times.
Shiranamikai recorded a karate demo session adjacent to Trafalgar Square and The National Gallery, the home of the festival for the last few years, which was broadcast as part of the 2-day event.
Well done to the Executive Committee and team at Japan Matsuri and to all participants. Shiranamikai is proud to have been a part of it!
We had a fantastic, 2-hour karate training session at the weekend with The Japan Karate Association in England’s Chief Instructor, Ohta Yoshinobu Sensei.
Masks were donned, windows opened, hands washed, distance observed, trained hard, gradings passed – congratulations to all!
When’s his next visit? Not soon enough!
All of our classes have been running live online since 24th March. We have a stable, interactive feed, with instructor-student interaction just as we would in our regular sessions.
Let’s not forget the importance of looking after one’s mental health in these challenging times. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine of the beautiful spring weather to exercise, whilst maintaining a safe distance from others. And indoors, follow the sessions, watch the details, check the technique and practise safely.
Feel free to reach out via the contact form. Email is still the best method of contact for club members and I will send session weblinks and updates using this method so make sure the club email address is added to your email whitelist, and Follow our Twitter and Facebook accounts @Shiranamikai
Follow Gov.uk and NHS.uk advice.
Stay safe, stay in touch, and keep practising!
Austin
Shiranamikai instructor, Austin Biesty, talks with London-based TV correspondent Alexander Khabarov about the measures adopted by the karate club in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
With gyms, schools and halls closing because of concerns about virus transmission by touch and being in close proximity, we moved to hold a contactless class outside, thereby also ensuring good ventilation and distancing by remaining at least two meters apart.
One of the unique benefits of many Japanese martial arts is the ability to practise effectively without contact. Karate training comprises three core elements: Kihon (fundamentals), Kata (set patterns), and Kumite (partner work). Having already dropped the kumite aspect we were able to continue practise whilst adhering to official guidance.
In budo, the overwhelming aim is the development of oneself, and as such, by being able to continue practising alone but with direction, one places a much higher demand upon their own state of mind and physical form than they would do when facing an opponent directly.
Alexander, it was lovely to chat!
See part of our TV broadcast feature…
And how quickly things change! We had the pleasure of the next morning’s sun together which was to be our last lesson in person before moving all sessions online.
