A Master of the art of Shotokan karate

Setting the example for all of us to follow Shihan Funakoshi, 9th Dan, FSKA, spent the first part of the class going over proper basic technique, placing a strong emphasis on proper stances, pulling hand, kime, focus, balance, and posture amongst other things.

 

Black belts wall to wall

Shihan Funakoshi had everyone's undivided attention as he went over in detail the next drill we were about to do. As always Shihan clearly demonstrates the proper method first, and then he goes over many of the more common mistakes all students should try and avoid making, this then leaves no doubt in each students mind as to what they should be doing, and what sort of technique Shihan Funakoshi expects from them. Few masters in the world today have his experience, his ability, or his teaching skills, and as such learning from him is always an enjoyable as well as an educational experience.

 

With close to 100 students in the dojo as you might expect the energy level was extremely high all night and with the sheer size of the WSKA dojo there was more than plenty of room for everyone to move up and down the dojo floor unimpeded. About a dozen of these students, all from Sensei Dulce's dojo, had the previous evening taken part in the Washington Shotokan Karate Association's annual Dan exam that was administered under the ever watchful eyes of Shihan Funakoshi.

 

Several students were successfully tested for Sho Dan, Ni Dan, and San Dan, our congratulations to one and all.

 

Leading by example

Sensei Gary Dunlap, 6th Dan, FSKA is seen here demonstrating the finer points of the kata Heian Godan to his group of WSKA students. Each of the guest instructors was assigned a kata to teach and I know all of the students came away with a much greater appreciation for the many small details contained in their kata.

 

From coast to coast

Good friends always go the extra mile, in this case all the way from Boston. Seen here with Sensei Dulce are, on his left, Sensei Bill Slyva, 3rd Dan, and on his right, Jim Poli, 4th Dan, and Nelson Osborn, 1st Dan. All three flew in Friday evening from Boston just for this 30th anniversary celebration and then they flew home again to the East coast first thing Sunday morning. Good friends indeed and excellent karateka.

 

The U.S.A. and England

All the way from Crawley, England to take part in WSKA's 30th anniversary celebration is Sensei Ron Silverthorne, 6th Dan, FSKA.

 

All smiles

The two senior Sempai's from our dojo who accompanied me on this trip are seen here with our host Sensei Dulce, they are, on his left Sempai Katharine Kaye, 2nd Dan, and on his right Sempai Marilyn Norman, 2nd Dan. Both students agreed that the event was first class from start to finish and from the look on their faces it is a sure bet they will be back again next year.

 

Another great seminar with one of the best

Shihan Funakoshi travels the world extensively to teach the art of Shotokan karate, and his seminars and tournaments are attended by thousands of karate students each year, many of whom travel over great distances to be there, even if it is just for one day. As affiliates the students at our dojo in Victoria, B.C and those at the Washington Shotokan Karate Association are indeed fortunate that we have Shihan Funakoshi and the Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association Honbu dojo so close at hand.

 

Time to celebrate thirty years of karate

On the last day after the training, Sensei Dulce hosted a party celebrating the 30th anniversary of his dojo at the Carillon Point Marina in Kirkland. The weather was great and so was the companionship, the food, and the entertainment. There were plenty of door prizes with the Grand Prize being round trip tickets for two on Alaska Airlines, and two nights accommodation at Circus, Circus in Las Vegas, to attend the 4th Annual Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association World Championship which will be taking place there this November 23rd and 24th.

 

My three companions

Good company, a black belt grading, a hard karate workout, the chance to make new friends, and a party on the waterfront, all added up to a great weekend and I want to thank my wife Joy, and my students Sempai Katharine Kaye and Sempai Marilyn Norman for helping to make the trip such a great success.

 

A great host and wonderful teacher

Thank you Sensei Dulce for your hospitality

Sensei Dulce was the perfect host going to great lengths to make sure that all of his guests were made to feel right at home. Those of us that were fortunate enough to have been in invited to this very special event came away with great memories and many new found friendships. All of us from the WSKI dojo look forward to the day when we can return Sensei Dulce's hospitality.

 

 

Part the clouds - see the way.

 

"The objective of karate-do is to contribute to the evolution

of the human spirit through physical and mental training."

Sensei Peter Lindsay

 

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