Talkback Archive 2006

29/12/06 - I’ve heard that Michael Ettingshausen will be attending Ray Morcombe’s Summer Training Camp. Is this true? Michael has left JKA, right? If Ray values Michael so highly, why doesn’t he join Michael? If Ray is SO unhappy with JKA, why does he want to stay? Concerned karate-jka@hotmail.com
Thanks. We can’t help you, these people are not from JKA Victoria.

28/12/06 - Am formally (japanese) trained in ShotoKAI style, which is a little different from the bulk of this forums members training. I am looking for any other highly graded SHOTO KAI practioners, at least shodan, prefer sandan plus, to re-establish connections with this style. If you know of one, or you are one, please reply to this posting. Regards Jamie Byrne.
Thanks Jamie. We are not aware of any Shotokai instructors in the Melbourne Area.

28/12/06 - I last did karate (shotokan) 40 years ago in Africa. I am now 59 years old, but keep very fit and would like to resume karate. I am an airline pilot and as a shift worker have problems making regular training. What I would like is to have occasional private tuition in the basics and katas. I live in Albert Park, Victoria. Please could you let if know if this possible, and if so a contact. Thank you. Steve Murray Albert Park VIC.
Thanks Steve. We will be in touch.

27/12/06 – Oss do you know anything about the Shotokan sports Challenge coming up in Sydney in February? Will your guys be there? A. Traynor Carlingford NSW
Thank you, and no to both questions.

22/12/06 - Thank you for confirming with me that Tanaka sensei will be attending your Australasian national championship tournament in New Zealand next March. I will definitely attend. Can you advise cost per session etc. Mark Reece Richmond NSW
Thanks Mark. Tanaka Sensei along with several other prominent JKA masters will be the guest of Takahashi Sensei and JKA New Zealand in Taupo next March. If you are not part of JKA Australia, enquiries can be made by contacting JKANZ directly.

20/12/06 – You didn't answer my last message, can you please advise if you are part of WKF in Australia. I plan to remain affiliated but I want to try JKA when I come to Australia. Jude Hess Harare Zimbabwe
Thanks Jude. The WKF is a multi-style organisation represented by one group in each country - AKF in Australia. Membership of the AKF can be done by state - JKA Victoria is not a member.

17/12/06 – Osssssssssssssssssssssssss! boy was that hard. I'm practising my osses because my son has been told to do it with a big strong voice and I want to know what the hell it's all about. Why would a young lad of 8 be told to repeat oss loudly 20 times a day? are you guys nuts? Ewan Murphy Mornington VIC. PS my son's name is (name provided)
Thanks Ewan. JKA Victoria doesn't have a member by that name. We do use the word but you must be getting us mixed up with something else.

17/12/06 – Good morning. Just a note to thank the organisers of last Saturday’s competition and grade exam at msac. As a friend of one of your students I was only an observer but it was very nice to see such order and good behaviour by all the students. Well done JKA Victoria. Jenny Coates South Melbourne
Thanks Jenny, that's very kind of you.

14/12/06 - Hi Can you please inform me when and where the 2007 national competition will be held. Frank Hatzigeorgiou Melbourne
Thanks Frank, the 2007 nationals will be held in Taupo New Zealand. JKANZ celebrates its 30th anniversary next year.

13/12/06 - Good morning. I've just relocated to Bendigo from Ballarat and understand there may be a Shotokan dojo nearby. I'm just after some info about the club as in classes/fees/times/etc. I've have previous training in other styles, but not strictly Shotokan. I'm 44y old and looking for a traditional style, not a full contact knock-down mixed martial art hybrid style that is so prevalent now [not that i have anything against them, but just as a preferance]. I look forward to any help you can give me, or even if you steer me in the right direction. Kind Regards, Mike Van Den Broek Bendigo VIC.
Thanks Mike. We will be in touch

11/12/06 – Hi. I notice some shoto-kan people at the national all styles circuit, are they JKA? Rob Holloway Lakemba NSW

09/12/06 – My name is Liam Oswald. I am a KUGB brown brelt 2nd kyu from England I am about to leave here for Thailand where I will be staying for 2 months then coming to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, USA and Brazil. I plan to do karate in every country. Can you send me details of training in Australia please. L. Oswald Warwick UK
Thanks Liam. The Dojo list for JKA Victoria is on our website with training times and contact numbers.

07/12/06 - hi can you tell me if gloves are allowed in jka please. s. campbell melbourne

04/12/06 - Hey guys so the sites back up again. Just when I was about to tune out, talkbacks are hilarious but when's the next article coming? Dale Fenwick Tottenham VIC

01/12/06 - Oss is it true that shotokans Tanaka sensei is to visit Australia next year? My sensei was in Japan recently and he heard it from one of the other masters. If he is, will the training be open to anyone? Mark Reece Richmond NSW

28/11/06 - Hi there are you part of WKF in Australia? Jude Hess Harare Zimbabwe

26/11/06 - To JKA Victoria, thank you for the World Championship report it was great I was lucky enough to be there, infact I loved Sydney so much I've decided to move over. I will be in touch, kind regards oss R. Harvey Suffolk UK.

23/11/06 - Oss I notice your website has not been updated for a while, I have been looking forward to Master Shoji's next instalment will it be continuing? Cliff Jacobs Armadale NSW
Thanks Cliff, yes it will. The webmaster has been away for a while, our apologies.

20/11/06 - Hello. I am an ex JKA member from Colorado USA. My company recently opened an office in Melbourne where I have relocated and I'd like to check you guys out. What is the situation with overseas black belts training in your instructor class? Phil Ottenly Richmond VIC
Thanks Phil. Yes, just call the number in our Dojo Directory or come along before or after a class. We will explain membership details when we see you or you can click the Structure link on the homepage.

18/11/06 - My goodness what a fine site! I didn't know you existed until an hour ago. Good articles and nice information, thanks. Do you have a magazine or mailing list I can join? F. Telford Watford Gap UK

15/11/06 - Good work. I read some of the articles over 2 or 3 times, very informative thanks JKA Victoria. Prue Collins Cork Eire
Thanks Prue.

14/11/06 - hi there are you guys affiliated to any all styles organisation? i want to join a good group to competes with other karates i have been member of finnish karate union part of world karate federation. thank to you L H berwick VIC

11/11/06 - Great site. I’m glad you don’t have a photo gallery, I can’t take any more karate posing. It’s everywhere on websites, in books, magazines and the higher the guy the more seriously marshall he looks. Joke - How do you find a waterfall, a cliff and a shinto shrine all in the one day? Follow a karate man with a camera! Dave Jarvis Middlesex UK.
Thanks Dave, very good.

11/11/06 - Oss. Is it customary in JKA to allow a visiting senior grade to take the class? I run a small independent club doing shotokan style but I don’t know how to handle black belt visitors. G. K. Hampton Park VIC

08/11/06 - Hi there. I had a couple of half-hearted tries at getting back to training and I was on the brink of giving up until I read your article “Just Train”. Thanks for the inspiration to go forward with a clear mind. J. Fotheringham Newmains Scotland.

05/11/06 - Oss why don’t you do a proper complete history of karate there’s a lot of misunderstanding about it. Tania Chalmers Brighton VIC
Thanks Tania. We agree but not here, we are not historians.

03/11/06 - Take it as read, karate works!! Ed Daykes Dee Why NSW

29/10/06 - I read with interest David Owen's articles and was wondering when Part 3 of his warming up and stretching article was being posted. Karen B.
Thanks Karen. David is resting with a pulled muscles sustained during an inadequate warm up, so he has had plenty of time to complete part 3, it should be up soon.

28/10/06 - The subject is power. What is it that distinguishes karate that works from other karate? Let me answer. Training to maximise power. All the other stuff can take a back seat if you cannot generate power. Heavy breathing, fancy stances or flippy-quick kicks and punches are warped by-products, karate is about power and when you add some technique, watch out. S. Kenny St Leonards NSW.

27/10/06 - Thanks for a great site, when will you interview a high-profile US shotokan person? Sensei Ray Dalke would make a great subject and so would sensei Robert Fusaro and others Gaye Sellers Atlanta GA
Thanks Gaye.

23/10/06 - Yes, editorial 11 made me want to fight for the good old aussies. Great motivational speech all about the underdogs fighting above there weight. Yes in all sports except Karate it seems as far as the results from sydney are concerned. Erick Von Larrsen - The Mighty Dane
Thanks Erick. The results in Sydney were the best ever by Australians but Japan prevails so we need to keep improving.

18/10/06 - Karate and joints. I did karate in Holland for about 12 years now living in Clayton in Melbourne and wondering if I should go back to a class. My problem is severe tennis elbow and sore knees. I am not arthritic but I don’t want things to get worse can you help with some advice? Peter Roosveld South Oakleigh Vic
Thanks Peter. You should get a medical opinion on whether high impact training will aggravate your condition before you do anything.

18/10/06 - Where’s the next Shoto cup? Grant Breazley Wagga VIC
Thanks Grant. The next Funakoshi Gichin Cup, as it is now known, will be held in Japan.

15/10/06 - KATA KOMITE KIHIN IN THAT ORDER - DOMU ARIGITA GASAI- MAS. M Templin Vic Uni karatebu Footscray VIC
Thnaks vry mach.

10/10/06 - I read your report, quite good but Kurihara’s kata was nothing special infact pretty ordinary the judges decided he was the winner before he even started. In kumite the judging was terrible. One guy, Oishi didn’t even raise his flag when Shimizu was swept and ipponed by the Brazilian. If you watched closely you would have see this and biased judging everywhere, always appearing close but wrong. As for behaviour, I thought it was good that some coaches were confident enough to question the Japanese. How else are they going to beat them? A. Fowler Shotokan Ni-dan (not JKA) Central Coast NSW
Thanks. We did watch closely, very closely and as the report said, the judging in this tournament was excellent. Shimizu was beaten by a competitor from Argentina, not Brazil, close but wrong.

06/10/06 - Hi guys and gals, Great site. I am the webmaster of www.centralwestkarate.com Central West Karate and would like to submit the address as a link to your links page. It is the website for Coolah, Dubbo, Dunedoo and Merriwa. These dojo's are all under the instruction of Sensei Mark Ellis. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Steve Williams NSW.
Thanks Steve, done.

05/10/06 - Some of the replies to the talkbacks are rude. Why don’t you treat people with more respect? Evan Jones Shotokan Black Belt - Highgate UK
Thanks Evan.

01/10/06 - Oss me and my sister are 8 we passed our 6 kyu grading last week we are very happy our mum said we could send a message to talkback. Judith Sears Highgate UK
Thank you Judith. Congratulations and good luck for the future.

28/09/06 - I heard that JKA master Tetsuhiko Asai has passed away. I never trained with him but he was always said to be a radical “out there” instructor. I hope there is a good record of his work in karate, condolences. Mier Rattenburg Durban South Africa.

28/09/06 - CONGRATULATIONS AUSSIES. What a great result in Sydney. Osu JL. Thornbury Shotokan VIC

26/09/06 - I liked the editorial. Who writes your stuff fellas? JH Harte Tamworth NSW
Thanks, we do it ourselves.

23/09/06 - Good report, it was a great tournament but I didn't agree with some of the judging in the morning. What happens when a stalemate is reached in gumite? S. Edgar Ryde NSW
Thanks Steve. There is always an outcome. A re-match can be called or a majority decision can be arrived at by the odd number of judges.

21/09/06 - My son loves karate of all kinds he even wears his uniform to bed! He is preparing for red belt one, do you have any suggestions for a 10 year old to pass? Sandy McC. Kangaroo Ground VIC

19/09/06 - Do you have a doju in Hampton? C. Mulligan Hampton VIC
Thank you. Please check our Dojo Directory

14/09/06 - Hello, where can i get a dvd of the world championships? D. Trainor Middlesex England
Thanks. Keep visiting the JKAA website, it should be available soon.

14/09/06 - I attended the 10th Funakoshi Gichin Cup to see my friend who is a JKA member in Japan. My main impression was for the conduct of the karateka, it was good to see so many young people behaving so well, the courtesy taught in karatedo is very pleasing. Congratulations to the organisers. Hiromi Noda Sydney

12/09/06 - Thanks for a very good report re the Funakoshi world cup. The standard of the top guys in jka is amazing, I was mentally involved in many of the fights and katas which were very dramatic. Shane Drew Paramatta NSW

08/09/06 - Dear fellow martial artists. I am researching the learning experience of beginners in three Japanese disciplines; karate-do, aiki-do and ken-do. I am doing it using westerners against a control group of Japanese students of the same age. I have identified specific criteria that allow me to measure increases in fitness, coordination, speed and levels of satisfaction. I have also set specific criteria to measure increases in technical ability. I am presently trying to establish timeline criteria that can be used for each discipline with regards to the time taken to achieve the first dan stage. Could you please advise how long it takes on average for a person with no prior experience in JKA to reach this milestone? Kane Wade Melbourne.
Thanks Kane, you’re joking aren’t you.

05/09/06 - I drop by your site every couple of weeks that was an interesting email from Avi Jaworowski. He runs a bayside pharmacy near where I live, I wonder why he was asking such a question. Harry Coen Brighton
Thanks Harry, maybe it was because he wanted to know the answer.

02/09/06 - YOSEIKAN-RYU KARATE PRESENTS "2006 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS" This will be the tournament of the year. All Open divisions will have Samurai swords for 1st & 2nd place. DATE: 29th October 2006 VENUE: Morley Sport & Recreation Centre - Perth TIME: 9.00am APPLICATION FORMS: Available on our website yoseikan-ryu.net Regards Branco Bratich

31/08/06 - My ex colleague Walter Stark told me the JKA world championships was in Sydney so I went along. As an ex traditional stylist (Wado) I still love karate but it’s impossible to train with such a busy schedule. I was completely enthralled by the ability of the competitors and quality of karate on display, JKA is definitely Ichi Ban! Steve Dornan Newcastle NSW

27/08/06 - OSU to all aussies thank you for putting on a fabulous world titles, the japanese were incredible and it was tops to see 2 of your girls in the kumite finals. PAUL B Johannesburg SA

25/08/06 - I'm an ex KUGB brown belt I was in Sydney for the World Championships, what an experience. It was worth going just to see the JKA masters Tanaka, Oishi, Ueki, Mikami, Sugiura, Mori, Osaka etc etc. The competition was brilliant now I really wish I had kept training. Well done Australia, oss Glenn Cowan Liverpool England via Singapore.

22/08/06 - I would like your email address & I would like you to visit our forum on www.karateacademy.co.za You have a fantasic site. well done!!! Miguel Karate academy South Africa.

21/08/06 - What an awesome comment on sports Karate, it is as if it was taken out of my own mouth! "Budo-education-of-life" Miguel Karate academy South Africa.

20/08/06 - An excellent article. Very lucid, well written and casts light on an often misunderstood issue. Thanks! Paul Botha South Africa.

19/08/06 - I'm very interested in taking up karate again since giving it up due to work commitments 12 yrs ago. I am requesting an appointment to come an view your classes and the oppertunity to ask questions should the need arise. I am very keen and highly motivated and would be delighted to hear from you regarding an appointment. Yours Sincerely, Kathleen Scott
Thanks Kathleen. One of our Instructors will contact you.

17/08/06 - Just a note to say great site. Lots of good info and fresh ideas. Good to see a site that’s 'alive'. Keep up the excellent work. Kobus Malan AJKA California
Thank you Kobus. We appreciate your kind words.

14/08/06 - Please email me or telephone (contact details provided) regarding the rules in Karate Clubs regarding participants of different Grades sparring against one another - say a Black Belt against an Orange Belt? Thanks Mr Avi Jaworowski Brighton VIC
Thank you sir. There are no such “rules” other than what might be imposed by individual clubs or organisations. Whatever JKA does may not apply elsewhere.

12/08/06 - To the Aussie Taipans - go well and Gambatte Kudasai! The Instructors, Technical Committee and members of JKA Victoria.

11/08/06 - Hi there. Nice site and you have some interesting people. Why don’t I see any of your guys or gals in martial arts magazines? Dale McGhee Dumfries UK
Thanks Dale, we’re a very shy bunch down here.

09/08/06 - Can I contact karate man George Mikhail please? Tanya P. Somewhere in Europe travelling.
Thanks Tanya, yes go ahead and contact George.

05/08/06 - I am new to karate after doing Brazilian grappling. I love the basics training but the step sparring is not realistic, I am ready for free fighting but I’m not allowed because of my junior grade. Karate can learn a lot from the wrestling arts. Elcio Beradin Elsternwick.

03/08/06 - GO AUSTRALIA - good luck & go hard, to all the young Aussies, who will represent JKA Australia at the Funakoshi Gichin Cup in Sydney - 17th to 20th of August. D. Risborg Adelaide SA.

03/08/06 - Good evening sensei. We are the world standard supplier of karate dohgi model from great TOKADO of japan we welcome your value enquires and very pleased to serve your great asocaition as sole supplier. In this you can never be disappoint on service or first rate qualities. Please accept our brochures of all martial arts goods making more sure of this offer to you. I am your most oblige supplier looking forward to this pertnrships. Ali Saddiqi city sports apparel Lahore Pakistan.
Thanks very much Ali.

02/08/06 - Just a note to say I like your work. M. Mouncey sandan Wado Ryu Lowestoft UK

30/07/06 - Who are the leaders of JKA these days? I left in 1990 but I will never forget the incredible training. Great to visit your site and read all about it again. Paul Loftus Newcastle England
Thanks Paul, you can catch up with things in the JKA by hitting the Sohonbu website link on our links page.

27/07/06 - Hi I’m looking forward to visiting Melbourne for 4 weeks in November. Would it be possible to train at your Honbu dojo? Liv Young JKA Wales
Thanks Liv. Just call when you get here, you are very welcome.

22/07/06 - more interviews and more tributes please. FG Chattwell
Sure, can you suggest any subjects?

21/07/06 - Hi iam trying to find out some information for my friends daughter who will be at this meeting in september . i have been try to down some maps but so far no luck . As thay are staying at Lidcombe and will need to shop for the week and thay will need to close to shops , So a web page with a map that i can download and print out for him would be greatly appreciated. Thanks So Much Have A Kicking Good Time Graham C
Thanks Graham. You have the advantage of knowing us but the converse does not apply.

20/07/06 - JKA All Japan Championships Results 2006. Kumite 1. Shimizu 2. Sugiyama 3. Okuma/Itoh. Kata 1. Kurihara 2. Kobayashi 3. Taniyama. David Weidemann Belgium
Thanks David. That’s hot off the press only yesterday.

18/07/06 - Lost kata. Hello I note that jka has dropped jiin as a kata. Can you enlighten me as to the reason please? I thought it was a beautiful form. I heard that it was too close to jion but you could say that about bassai dai/sho and gojushiho. Master K Enoeda always taught it, infact I did it for my second dan grading. Why would such a nice kata be dropped? G. Butler Reading UK.
Thank you. Jiin is not on the official JKA kata syllabus but it’s still widely practiced.

15/07/06 - Thank you for a fine resource. From my perspective, jka is a newcomer to the karate family. The old Okinawan traditions are the grandparents and they seem to be considered this way by the Japanese majors. I see so much youthful exuberance in karate these days in the US at least, and none of what I would call ‘grounding’. Nice to visit you. D. Lothair Allenton PA USA.

14/07/06 - Before I begin I would like to complement JKA Victoria on the excellent web resource for Karateka. Well done and keep up the excellent work. I would like to provide feedback on the article I just read in eDitorial 10, “Sports Karate - Is there such a thing?” It was very enjoyable to read and I identified with it entirely. I could see both sides having experienced them myself as a young karateka in central Queensland. I would like to share my thoughts and feelings on this topic as I think it is important and warrants discussion in the karateka community. After a wonderful few years I left karate as a result of injury from over training. This was for the National titles in the early and mid 90’s. I remember my intense competitive training and remember well the events clearly of a snapped cruciate ligament and torn medial in my knee and the months of recovery afterwards. These weren’t the only memories. I recall with admiration those who instructed me, the Brimblecombe families, our local legend Mostyn Fletcher and numerous others of those day gone by. They taught me respect, modelled trust and compassion and guided me on a path of discipline. I recall also having to fill in a form for my teacher when I entered senior high school. For the field listed as “religion” I wrote “Budo”. My year teacher thought I was having him on, and perhaps I was in a way for it was only a word I knew and had little knowledge of what it was and what it meant. I do recall that my training in Karate was at that time providing more ethical and moral guidance in my daily decisions than any other spiritual alignment my parents had nominated me to. I returned to Karate months later after my injury with trainings ending in two very painful incidents where my knee dislocated and I lied in agony defeated on the floor surrounded by junior member in horror with how my leg “pocket knifed” itself back into place. I did not return because in those days karate were about winning and that being second was a shame. I was an unfortunate lesson and it has taken me some years to realise that there is more to karate than medals and podiums. Now with a successful career and a young family it is with comfort now I am returning to Karate seeing the benefits it brought me as a child that there is more to what I was learning than winning and competing. Budo is what I seek in returning but as we near the eve of the Gichen Cup 2006 in Sydney I am not oblivious to the wants of others in pursuing karate as a sport. If I can I will be there and will admire the judges and cheer on the entrants. There will always be a place for the competitive students but the challenge is meeting the balance between the two. I will enjoy seeing respect being given and the formalities of the occasion a wonderful mix of Western and Eastern cultures in harmony as we should be. I do not know how it is today having been out of a Dojo for the best part of twelve years but when I was a karateka it seemed you had to be chosen or invited to compete which I think was a good system for instructors. It could have just been that it was a long way and if you were going to compete then it would be by invite for a seat to the tournament. Regardless this process ensured us students were respectful and maintained a balance between what I now regard as budo and enjoyed as competition. Steve Williams Dubbo, NSW
Thanks Steve.

10/07/06 - Do you crazy bums still do bunny jumps and knuckle punch press-ups? I tried telling my son that shotokan training in Australia was torture but he thinks I’m dreaming. G. W. Canada

08/07/06 - Good site. I used to do JKA in England but I didn't ave time when I came to Australia, just too busy. Any clues about that special editorial? G. Lissouf Hampton VIC

05/07/06 - Does your jka chief instructor ever visit Australia? I have trained with all the top shotokin masters in the world except sensei sugiura, if I could train with him it would make my ambition complete can you help? Paul Tyers Gold Coast QLD
Thanks Paul, we’re not quite sure what kind of help you need.

02/07/06 - At last a worthwhile JKA website with substance thank you. I’m sick reading cut-and-paste histories and boring bios. I notice you don’t have the new JKA Europe site on your links page. It’s ok but the English is poor. Keep up the good work. Jason Paxton Dorset UK
Thanks Jason, we will add that link.

30/06/06 - Hi, we are looking forward to visiting Australia in August and supporting the South African team at the world championships. As a spectator, will I be able to record inside the arena, will that be possible? See you all soon. R. Dempsey. Durban, South Africa.
Thank you. That’s a question for the organisers. You can make contact at the JKA Australia website from our links page.

27/06/06 - Hi, I’m a father of three and I want to involve my boys in an activity that will help them develop into good adults. I have done some research on martial arts in Melbourne and with my short stint in karate I think it is the way we will go. I notice some styles offer “lifesaving strategies” claiming that what they teach will save your life. Can you please tell me what I can expect from training with JKA. Sam Doherty Prahran VIC
Thanks Sam. It would be impossible to say that training in JKA Karate will save your child’s life, but we are certain that it is a great way to develop physical wellbeing and give students an appreciation of how to respond to confrontation.

27/06/06 - I read interview of Brad Hoffman with interest. After reading your site my question “Is budo just toughness” I think good to be tough guy and show spirit and have serious mind to fight people but what need for tough personality if he chooses to handle another way with situations of his life. Fighting is not only the budo way of life budo is also gentle as “gentleman” standing as a defender to people and life. Fabien Delane Belgium.
Thanks Fabien.

25/06/06 - I was wondering if the Avondale Heights dojo is still open (as not on website anymore)? If so, could you please give me details so I may attend and/or discuss joining. Is this the Hombu dojo? I remember visiting the website some time ago and noting that would be the dojo I should visit/join. Jodie Benson VIC
Thanks Jodie. We will be in touch.

22/06/06 - hey all i am an ex jka student I reached my blackbelt under sensei nishimura
i would like to let him no if dats possible that i hav got a new email and hav started karate with a different style shito-ryu, i am now off to brisban to represent victoria in competitions if u could lrt him no that would be great thank you. Joseph Palamara Essendon VIC
Thanks Joseph.

17/06/06 - That was a good discussion with Brad Hoffman. I really like your personalities and what they have to say. Everything there is good quality keep it up but give us more. Please don’t become a webcast or blog site, there’s too many of them allowing anyone with a cause to chant their mantra. Tim Seaforth Norfolk UK

14/06/06 - Well done to Brad Hoffman (Interview), you are not alone, there are others who COMPLETELY agree with you. And, as you say in the interview - OUR TIME WILL COME. Ossu! Dion Risborg JKA South Australia.

12/06/06 - Good resource well done. C. Hermann Hartwell VIC

10/06/06 - What’s R. Mitchell on about? If ever someone was on an egotistical high-horse, it was him in that email. P. Clemens Adelaide SA

08/06/06 - I know Abingdon’s R. Mitchell, we are in the same year at University. Cool it Rupert, if your karate was anything like your words you’d have been arsed years ago. Pity you are a coward hiding behind your computer screen. How can you generalise? JKA aren’t the only show-offs in karate. That guy who teaches you is a great example. Chester Burkes Oxon UK.
Thanks Chester. Can you blokes argue about your names or something and leave us out of this.

05/06/06 - Hi, I actually met master Shoji many years ago in Japan at JKA Headquarters. He had charisma as a teacher and well-train body. I think he was in early fifties and doing powerful technique every time. Oss M. da Silva Espana

03/06/06 - There is a JKA club near Berwick please? I am two months in Australia from Russia and trained with Tanaka Sensei special class at Budapest during for some years may I join you please Andrei Komykin Berwick VIC.
Thanks Andrei, the nearest JKA Dojo for you is in Noble Park, good luck.

01/06/06 - Hello, it’s about time JKA got off its high horse and started to focus on training. All I see and hear in Europe now is egotistical instructors strutting around proud and defiant that their karate is superior to everything else. JKA this JKA that, give it a break fellas and get back to earth. My instructor is one of the most humble men I know. He left JKA without a whisper and now runs a huge organisation in the south of England. He is very much respected in the shotokan circle and certainly teaches what he lives - a real karateka. R. Mitchell Abingdon Oxon UK.
Thank you, this isn't Europe mate.

27/05/06 - Thanks for a nice visit, I like the interviews and tributes. It’s inevitable that we will be reading a lot more of these obituaries since there are many great masters from the Nakayama school now in their 70’s and 80’s. This is a good incentive to re-unify karate as much as possible. By bringing these together we will have a lot of knowledge to draw upon, anyway thanks again. Oss Patrick Keane Lancaster University UK
Thanks Patrick.

27/05/06 - hey, i used to train at the avondale heights dojo for about 9 years and achived my black belt there, but have currently stopped, i would like to thanks to everyone who helped me achive that. joseph palamara Victoria
Thanks Joseph.

23/05/06 - I am an "ex" JKA Karateka and I would like to return, but at 46 and not having done to much exercise for a long time I am wondering if it is a good idea. Pending the OK from my GP, would it be best to come in at the ground level again (white belt) and see how it goes? What nights are the beginners on and where is the closest dojo to the Camberwell Junction? Regards, Thom Moore Camberwell VIC
Thanks Thom, we will be in touch.

22/05/06 - Hi, I manage a website called martialartsabc.com and I think your site would be of interest to the visitors that regularly browse my site. I have gone ahead and given you a link plus a description of your site from my page at http://martialartsabc.com/japankarateassociation and I'm just contacting you to check it is ok to have done this for you? I would greatly appreciate a link back to my site and if you are happy to do this then to make it easy for you (code included). I look forward to a mutually beneficial link partnership and I wish you all the best with your site for the future. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. Kind regards John Martial Arts ABC P.S. Keep up the good work!

21/05/06 - HELLO I'VE PRACTICED KARATE FOR 11 YEARS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE OF WORK I HAD TO QUIT FOR SOME YERAS, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT ARE THE UP DATED RULES FOR COMPETITION BOTH KATAS AND COMBATS THANK YOU VERY MUCH. MARCO ANTONIO PERALTA

21/05/06 - I am a young boy who like this game very much.Learn it in my school.i want to jion your team so that i can be a master one the in life time.i would tell much when you relpy me. Good bye...I hope to here from you. Dorvi Bright
Great, thanks.

20/05/06 - Having just returned from Australia I am very disappointed I didn't find a JKA Dojo in Melbourne. I was training boxercise all the time I was there meaning I missed 6 weeks of my karate. PL Andalsnes Norway
Thanks. You must have been living under a rock.

20/05/06 - Which style of JKA is this? R. Pembleton Belgrave VIC
Thank you.

17/05/06 - Hello. I am interested in beginning a jka club in Tasmania. Can u tell me who to contact and the process for joining. I was a second dan in shotokan in Suffolk England, I assume my grading is recognised internationaly. Please contact me on (details provided). E. McCann Hobart TAS
Thank you. Could you please contact us again, the number you gave was not connected and your email is rejecting.

13/05/06 - Oss. Do you have a dojo in Dandenong? I want to re-start karate with a reputable organisation. Cal Lorimer Nth Dandenong Vic
Thanks Cal. Check out the Dojo Directory page, there's a JKA Dojo in Noble Park.

13/05/06 - Good site, good reports, good stories, karate is great, I was a 4th kyu but I lost the use of my legs in a road accident 2 years ago and won't be able to join in again. I will keep visiting your nice site. Troy Riley Bayswater Vic.
Thanks Troy

11/05/06 - Are you guys involved with any of the traditional blog sites? they are really good for broadcasting messages, all the big names in MA are there. David Clayton Wrexham UK
Thanks David. We don't have messages to spread, this is just a members information site.

07/05/06 - Hi just to let you know I caught up with my old pal big Garry Knight. A Wado mate of mine saw his post on your site and told me. I had Gazzas phone number and called him last night. I did try JKA in Melbourne but the training was plain crazy and my working hours restricted my spare time so regrettably I stopped. Nice site by the way. Justin Johnson Rocklea NSW.

06/05/06 - I wrote some time ago to congratulate you on your article about karate in real situations. I am at home recovering from a serious assualt where I was beaten unconscious in the street by a person or a gang I didn't even see coming at me. I am now looking to get into a self defence school that teaches very real stuff. Barry Williams. Harrow UK.
Thanks Barry, sorry to hear about your plight.

28/04/06 - Hi. Does anyone there know Justin Johnson, he arrived in Australia in 1999 from Tyneside UK he did karate with the KUGB and wanted to take it up in Melbourne. I’m trying to find Justin as I was a mate at school with him, thanks in advance. Garry Knight Newcastle England.
Thanks Garry, sorry we don’t have a person by that name training in JKA Victoria.

25/04/06 - I’m not in a club but I know some karate moves. Having just found this site and taking 4 hours to wander through I ask if you could pls include some JKA kata videos or training pictures. Everything else is very good. R. Hide Altona VIC.
Thanks. Kata videos are great but they have limited merit when it comes to actually improving your ability, the same goes for books. Why don’t you join a club?

25/04/06 - Is ken funakoshi a chief instructor in jka? Luke Oliver Brisbane.
Thanks Luke. No

24/04/06 - Congratulations on a great site. I have been away from karate training for about 15 years and really loving getting back into it again. I was shocked to find that Enoeda and Kase Senseis had died, funny I had to read it on an Australian website! I also was told that Yahara, Abe and Asai had left JKA together but split again! but I wasn’t shocked to find that out. I will visit here regularly now. Kier Laidlaw Hawick, Borders Scotland.

23/04/06 - Good to see a strong traditional site without all the bs I had to sift through to find a proper dojo for me and my son. Pity I live in the UK, I’d join you guys in a minute. P. Grove Newton Abbott UK

18/04/06 - i live in gujranwala pakistan. and i wanna know is there any club in gujranwala near model town. this site is quite good. plz inform me as early as possible. your's truly fahad mansoor.
Thanks Fahad, we don't know. Try visiting the website of JKA Pakistan at www.jkapak.netfirms.com

16/04/06 - Hello, I did kyokushin k1 knockdown karate here in Japan for 2 years and now I’m doing a bit of JKA. Just glad to have done at least 2 styles because each is taught in a very one-sided way, almost as if there are no other martial arts out there. I suggest that anyone taking up a martial art should do as many as they can for about 3 to 5 years then stick to one from then on. Good site too by the way, I found the link at KTJW. Ossu Derek Smith Osaka Japan.

12/04/06 - Thanks for a great website. I’m building one for my clubs and you have given me some great ideas, I won’t copy anything but the layout is exactly what I was looking for. Hank Kenny Wisconsin USA

09/04/06 - Could you please let me know if the Kew Dojo still exists? I tried the mobile phone number for Kim Parker on the web site, but it was the wrong number...I would like to attend a beginner's class and Kew is close to where I live... Please let me know who to contact in Kew...Kind regards and thank you for that. Susan DV.
Thank You Susan. Kim has been in touch now, welcome to JKA.

08/04/06 - I am an old former student of JKA who attended the nationals in Adelaide. It was great to see everyone still so passionate and determined and doing their best. I recognised some faces from Victoria but I didn’t get the chance to say hello. Is Oma Chukovich still training? It looks like you are all training hard, all the best, thanks. P McL. Adelaide SA
Thank you, we’re glad you enjoyed the championships. Sensei Cukovic trains privately now.

07/04/06 - Hi i laughed at Michael Sho Makka’s email. You guys get the last laugh though, after his performance in the f1gp !! RS. Glen Eira VIC
Thanks Ralf.

03/04/06 - Love you site. I wonder about kiai to, why is it one or two and not more? You could do a lot more in kanku for example, can you help? Jan Novacs Balnarring VIC
Thanks Jan, good question. One answer would be that the number of Kiai's used in JKA Kata is standardised, but there maybe another answer if you think about the objective of Kata in terms of Budo.

01/04/06 - Whats faster, an F1 car or a karate mans punch? Michael Sho Makka Japan
Thanks Michael, you have a great April Fools Day too.

29/03/06 - Oss Sensei's, Is it possible for someone to let me have training days and times as I believe they different to the website? Myself and Mick look forward to training again. Regards. Laura Hamilton (nee Kempster)
Thanks Laura. Sure, we will be in touch.

27/03/06 - Dear Sir, I hope you will be fine and would find this mail in the best of your luck and health. I saw your Internet Web-site and studied deeply I am Black Belt 3rd Dan of Shotokan Karate. I am one of the tope Certified Coach Refree/Judge and player of country from Pakistan Sports Board, Pakistan Sports Trust and Pakistan Karate Federation. I am three times National Champion in Pakistan and besides this I am Chief Instructor of Shotokan Karate International Pakistan (S.K.I.P) and affiliated with (KUGB) UK. I am also Coach (wapda) Department, which is Governments of Pakistan team. I have ten karate clubs in Gujranwala. Besides, Six District is working under me. I want to become a member of your Federation, I will be very thank full to you if you accept me as a member of your Federation and send me your membership details as soon as possible. Thanks With Kind regars Sensei Abdul Razaq Chief Instructor Shotokan Karate International Pakistan.
Thank you. JKA Victoria is part of JKA Australia an affiliate of the JKA World Federation in Japan. Pakistan is already affiliated with JKAWF. Membership applications must come through the established local organisation. Please contact JKA Pakistan at www.jkapak.netfirms.com

25/03/06 - I HAVE STARTED MY SON IN KARATE, THINK ITS JKA I WAS A 1ST DAN BUT I CANT DO IT NOW DUE TO HIP REPLACEMENT. DO THEY STILL DO KNUCKLE PUSH-UPS AND MAKIWERA? M. HODGISS RICHLANDS QLD

23/03/06 - Heya again!..we just wanted to say a huge well done to everyone at grading it was a really funny night! he he!..you all did great! now we have to wait until june! bet it will go quickly though!..luv ya!..amy sofy & mollie x..x..x3 omegoes!x..x..x.. UK

21/03/06 - Why do the jka shotokan katas all have 2 kaia shouts and not 1 or 3 or 4? Hailey G. Cranbourne VIC
Thanks Hailey. Not all JKA Kata have 2.

18/03/06 - Good morning Sirs. Let my intruduce my prestigious company of safe and clean martial art equipments now producing for exclusive Australian needs at your special prices instruct and students alike of ages…….
Thanks, we know the rest.

17/03/06 - Happy Paddy’s day from Ireland how did I find your site I was looking for club in Dublin!! Nice site though Chris Devlin Eire.

17/03/06 - Hi I was looking for a karate instructor in the Mildura area for me and my young brother and I saw a website Robert Matthew karate. It said he “took part in Nishimura's Instructors Course, based on the infamous JKA Instructors Course conducted at JKA honbu dojo in Tokyo”. And it said he “represented JKA Australia at events in both Japan and New Zealand on numerous occasions”. Can I contact him? I didn’t see him on your instructors list. Tim M. Mildura VIC
Thanks Tim. All JKA Instructors and black belts in the state of Victoria are listed on this site. Ex-members have certainly represented Australia but no-one by that name has ever been in the National team (or even the squad). Also, the JKA Instructors course may be a lot of things, but it isn’t “infamous”.

14/03/06 - hey hey! chase here i was wondering does breathing have anything to do with attacking and if so how? Chase Sannaghan Melbourne
Thanks Chase.

13/03/06 - Sensei I currently live in Scotland and I am a member of the Grampian and Northern Karate Assoc. I am a 7th Kyu. I am moving to Melbourne in July of this year and i am hoping to continue my training. We train using Sensei Kase's methods under Sensei Brian Bothwell (6th Dan). Do you think it would be easy enough for me to join a Dojo and train while I am in Melbourne. Could you advise me on this. Many thanks Stephen Brown Scotland.
Thanks Stephen. Yes, you can certainly train with us, please give call us when you arrive.

11/03/06 - I used to do judo with master Yamada and a little bit of shotokan karate in Frankston. I was thinking of doing it again but put it off, you know how it is. After all the scary stabbings in Melbourne I want to definitely start again incase I become a victim. Where is the nearest JKA Dojo to Berwick? Liam Grey Berwick VIC.
Thanks Liam. All JKA Vic Dojos are listed on this site but if you want to learn weapon defence techniques in a short time, we can’t help you.

10/03/06 - Hey! we just came across this website randomly! it's good though, got alot of usefull information!..we just came here to wish evry one the best of luck for thier grading!! it's just over a week now and we hope you all pass! :) So good luck to everyonve form Billericay JKA and Colchester you can do it!! :) oss..x AmY..SoFy...MoLzIi Billericay JKA UK
Thanks. Yes good luck in the grading everyonve.

09/03/06 - Oss to all our friends in JKA Victoria. My parents are visiting Melbourne for the Commonwealth Games this month and I possibly will be in Australia in August to support the England team at the JKA Karate World Cup. It’s a big Aussie year for us Harvey’s. R. Harvey Suffolk UK.

08/03/06 - Will there be Master class before or after the World Championship in Sydney? Nev Tsekov JKA of Russian Federation.
Thank you Nev. All details for the August Program are on the JKA Australia website. Click the link on the homepage.

05/03/06 - Congratulations to everyone who participated in Takahashi Sensei’s Melbourne Summer Seminar and grading examinations, particularly to our 5 new Yudansha. A JKA Black Belt is a special thing, wear it well and never stop training. Oss, W Stark JKA Victoria Honbu Dojo.

05/03/06 - I got here by clicking your link at “karatethejapaneseway” thanks for putting up a fine website. May I suggest you use some articles by non-JKA people? I think it would give a nice balance. Jay Green Warrnambool VIC
Thanks Jay. Yes, there are some fabulous articles and article writers around, probably better than ours, but this is a resource for JKA people, so that’s our priority. If we did use other material it would be related to Budo Karate.

03/03/06 - I too think the Shoji story is great, an insight to the feelings of a great master. Did he have another job outside of karate? Steven Walsh Larbert UK.
Thanks Steven. Any work Shoji Sensei did was done so that he could pursue his karate.

03/03/06 - hi chase here. I have been told by several people that karate origanly came from China ,then others say japan. could you please cprrect me on this one?.oss bye and sorry about the anoying talkback messages before. bye.
Thanks Chase. Go to the Homepage, click on History and read all about it.

28/02/06 - Hey JKA Australia I’m hearing you fellas are the real deal! I need to get down there one day and see it for myself. Good site too. K. Marburg Richmond VA USA

26/02/06 - I haven’t seen any new tips on the site for a while, are you going to do some more tips? H Grosse East Melbourne
Thanks, yes we are.

23/02/06 - How can I join this JKA Victoria Roll of Honour? Alma Zabala
Thanks Alma. To appear on the Roll of Honour, just send the number and date of your JKA Dan registration (it's on the certificate), the Dojo you trained at and your Instructors name. We will check out the details and get you onto the Roll straight away.

20/02/06 - I like your website. The Shoji story is a little quaint but gives a very good insight into post-war Japan and the early days of a karate master. How may more episodes are there? Well done. Ouss. Robert Donnelly Bristol UK
Thanks Robert, there’s a lot more to come.

18/02/06 - Thanks for a great visit. I try to train every day and look for interesting material on the web. Boring timewasting karate sites are the last thing I want to see, so anything like yours to keep the interest levels up is appreciated. Tim Younger USKF New Mexico USA
Thanks Tim, you are welcome.

16/02/06 - Hrmm...nope you got it wrong I'm not older than him no way! I'm just over ten years younger than him! and plus you don't know what club i go to so i don't think you know who he is heehee! well he might have an idea who he is though?! Oh yeah i know im rubbish at spelling an i type quite quickly so I'm sorry if theres a few mistakes! sorry oss Liz
Thanks Bev (heehee)

14/02/06 - I am looking for a good traditional school of any style for my son of 14. He loves karate, aikido, judo etc but I can’t decide where to go. Are you interested to give me more information and perhaps meet my son? George Temple South Melbourne VIC
Thanks George. We don’t need to meet your son so long as he complies with our basic requirements for joining JKAA. This site contains most of the information you need. If you need any further questions answered please call one of the numbers on Dojo Directory page.

14/02/06 - My name is Lutz Baumgartner. I am new in Australia form Switzerland, I have trained with sensei Ochi Hideo 8th dan of JKA and highest instructor of Germany. What do I do to train with your association and do you have a dojo near Beaumaris/Sandringham where I am temporay living. Oss Lutz Beaumaris VIC
Thanks

11/02/06 - Hiya Liz again, hee hee so who do you think it is I'm in love with then i mean you say your gonna let him know! hee hee i do love him yes but i don't just go to karate because of him i go because i enjoy it so much!:) Shame the only thing sopping something from happening is age diffrnce: anyway...oss!
Thanks Liz. The young guy in question is flattered to know that an older lady has her eye on him. Didn’t you learn to spell at school in the old days?

08/02/06 – ask for world karte touranament invitation letter 2006. TEJINDER SINGH BLACK BELT 2DAN
Thanks very much.

05/02/06 – Hello, I train and teach at JKA Silicon Valley in California. I'm visiting Melbourne on business this week and would like to train if I can make the time. Could I ask, is there a dojo close to the Melbourne central business district, and would it be possible to drop in to train? Thank you in advance for the help. Osu, Fred Borda
Thanks Fred. Yes JKA people are very welcome to train, call us when you arrive.

05/02/06 – Hi I’m interested in starting karate again. I did a form of shoto-kan in Melbourne in the 1980’s I only reached brown belt one stripe but I think I know your instructors from some training we did together when our sensei wanted to join JKA. Just one thing, I’m happy to start at white belt but will my previous experience help at gradings? Drew L. Heidelberg VIC
Thanks Drew. Success at JKA gradings depend on how you perform at the exam.

03/02/06 – I found true love at JKA i think they know who they are, i wish they could love me bakc but age is the big diffrence:( karate is really enjoyable though, i have built up my confidence and strength and i recommend it to anyone really trust me try it out! Oss, Liz. (contact details withheld)
Thanks Liz. You could only be talking about one person. We will make sure he gets this and we won’t mention a word to anyone!

02/02/06 - the phone number for Bev Cook on website is wrong. it should be 0407 827 787 Steve, Bendigo.
Thanks Steve, fixed.

01/02/06 – I am writing to see if you are able to supply the new JKA kata books. Do you have any information on them? Are they available from JKA headquarters? is there a video version or internet version? Oss, domo Tom Grant Canada
Thanks Tom. This is an information only site, we don’t sell anything.

29/01/06 – Was JKA ever part of the shotokan international and is it still going? Debra Hailes Sandhurst UK
Thanks Debra. JKA stands alone, it is not associated with any group. If you are referring to SKI, an ex JKA member started that organisation on his own, we don’t know much about it.

29/01/06 – Hi. I do JKA karate in England our chief instructor is sensei Ohta who is just brilliant, do you know him? BD Cleveland UK

27/01/06 –Your karate dojo kun is very impressive and I read everywhere that karate is character-building. My son has been off the rails for 3 years, he has been in trouble for serious assault and has a bad problem with alcohol and drugs. I am looking for anything that can save him from destruction. How can I get him started at JKA? P.G. Syndal VIC
Thanks. If your son has a criminal record, he can’t become a member of JKA Victoria, otherwise, check out our Dojo Directory and get him to contact us or come along for a visit.

24/01/06 – oss! hello it's chase here, one of the sensei once said to me to try and find a stradagy of some sort when fighting in close. since then i have wondered about that and would like to know if you could try and explain to me what that means?.. also who replys to these messages?....oh one more thing i was just wondering if i could get a location on how to get one of those jka jackets. oss C. Sannaghan MSAC
Thanks Chase.

23/01/06 – Good morning sir. We are premium supplier of finest goods for martial art. Please visit our prestige website for big discount of uniform, weapon, badge, bag and many more items of martial…… SV Muhali Khan Pakistan

20/01/06 – Can anyone attend the shoto cup? How do I get tickets? How much do they cost? Are there any packages? LW Mentone Vic
Thanks. Please contact JKA Australia (link on links page) with your questions.

16/01/06 – hey its me agian yep its chase!. I would just like to know is it possible to buy one of those jka jackets? i really like them iv seen a lot of them around and id like to know if i could maybe buy one? Also id like to ask another question, with the roundhouse kick why exicute the kick then bring it back why not go the full 360? ok oss. C. Sannaghan MSAC
Thanks Chase

16/01/06 – Hi, I'm interested in starting karate, so i was wondering if i could have the contact number for the East Keilor or Avondale Heights Dojos? Also, how much does it cost exactly to start and per term/month? If i wanted to start, do i just come by to the nearest dojo or do i call first and make an appointment? Thanks, Amy.
Thanks Amy. Go to our Dojo Directory.

15/01/06 - I am a student, originally training in JKA GB, and now at the Feilding dojo in JKA NZ. I am visiting Melbourne (well, more Geelong) from Jan 25 - 6th February. I was wondering if I could visit Nishimura-sensei's dojo to do a couple of sessions. I had the fortune to train under Nishimura sensei at the last NZ gasshuku, and found his style of instruction excellent. Coming up to my Shodan grading under Takahashi-sensei in March, I'd really appreciate it. I would also like to meet Sensei-Stark, a fellow Scot! Louis Irving - New Zealand.
Thanks for contacting us Louis. Yes, give us a call when you arrive.

14/01/06 – Oss. Please tell me is the 10th Funakoshi Gichin Cup open to all stiles of karatedo? My style is very interest in attending. Udo Maier Bremen Germany
Thanks Udo. Applications are invited from peak bodies of JKA affiliated countries, not styles or individuals. The only requirement is that the country making the application is a member of the JKA World Federation. The JKA peak body in your country will be able to advise if you are eligible.

11/01/06 – Thank you so much for the continuing story by Hiroshi Shoji, I love it. Would you be able to put any pictures or illustrations along with the story? Thanks. J. Lyle Castle Hill NSW

08/01/06 – Hello I'm a past student of Walter Stark from the Billanook Dojo of some 2 years ago and I was wondering if I could be directed as to where I can contact him. Regards, Julian Dunn
Thanks Julian, we will be in touch.

07/01/06 – hi chase here again. i have always wanted to know does karate have any relationship with the samurai? Also i hope everyone had a merry x-mas and a happy new year. i can’t wait to start training again. Chase Sannaghan JKA MSAC
Thanks Chase. Karate is a relatively modern thing with no direct connection with the Samurai but the Budo tradition, known as Bushido to the armed warriors of old, is certainly linked.

04/01/06 – Hiya! my name is Amy i go to Billericay JKA, my friend introduced me to karate. first of all i wasn't so sure about it but after a few lessons i got into it! I go with two of my best mates and we have a fun time there, it's good because we don't muck around there we let each other get on with learning! we get time to play a quick game at the end which is really fun with all the little kids! hehe! See you all at the next Karate lesson! oss! x Amy

01/01/06 – That’s a lot of great information you have on this site. I have just left my unit after a special unarmed combat weekend with a very competent JKA Instructor. Just settling down now with a beer and trying to find out more about JKA. Your site is the best I’ve seen so far. K. Krasner US Army Reserve Idaho

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