Talkback Archive 2007

26/12/07 - I have a question. After many years of training should I be trying to create my own kata? I have looked around and opinions seem to vary. I feel Iam at the stage I can come up with a kata that suits me and I would like to make it available to your association if anyone at JKA is interested. Andrew P. Mount Waverley.

18/12/07 - Great site but you should sell things. Carl Levin Prahran

10/12/07 - I used to train in Shotokan with the KUGB and I still remember how hard it was. Since then I have concentrated on half marathons, marathons long distance biking and swimming and recently I took up ultrathons which has got to be pushing the limit of human endurance. Every time I train and every time I reach a wall I think about my karate instructor telling me to keep going which I somehow do. I suppose keep going is a mantra for life and I'm thankful for the disipline I got from karate. Good luck to you all. W. Jackson Port Ryrie.

09/12/10 - Oss. Your long running story by sensei shoji has appeared on an italian karate blog (details given). The translations are hilarious.

02/12/07 - I read on Karate Underground that you mistreated a Scottish visitor to your training repeatedly insulting him and insisting that he stands to attention or stops pointing his feet at the instructor or something. Is that how you treat beginners? Tim Lord Colchester UK
Thanks Tim. If someone can tell us where, when, what happened and to whom, we will happily respond.

28/11/07 - Hi, I notice you guys don't market any merchandise, do you know if the book Dynamic Karate is available on line? A. Kelly Ivanhoe VIC

23/11/07 - Hello, its Greg again I will be going back to the US in January to visit family and there is a big JKA tournament on in Colorado. will do a report for your site if you like. G. Thales Packenham VIC

17/11/07 – Thanks for an interesting read. Having done shotokan and shitoryu karate in the past and now training in okinawan goju I think japanese styles do not have any depth for example explaining how techniques are applied infact the okinawan systems are based mostly on application not repetition training and the atmosphere in the dojo is very different. I thought you might be interested to know my observation. P. Leatham Seattle Washington
Thank you very much

13/11/07 – There is a lot of talk about the JKA on karate forums like KU these days but it is mostly criticism of the ‘politics’ or the way seminars are run or having a go at instructors. As a former member I have yet to see a proper open discussion with balanced opinions on the subject of JKA, why don’t you start one? Shawn Rawlinson York UK.
Thanks Shawn this is an information only website. We don’t participate in public debates, we will leave that to the experts.     

09/11/07 – Hello, it’s nice to discover JKA in Australia. I visited a Martial Arts festival in the United States last month and the Aikido and JKA people were the only ones who displayed respect for each other during the demonstrations. The other guys were jumping about in all kinds of weird uniforms doing all kinds of weird acrobatic stuff. It was a beauty parade I think the Aikido and JKA guys wished they hadn’t come to. G. Thales Packenham VIC

07/11/07 – How much does it cost to train in a class please? I want to join a reputable club. Jacob Pervis Chadstone VIC
Thanks Jacob. If you go to our Dojo Directory link and contact the instructor at the dojo nearest to you, he or she will be able to explain about fees and anything else you need to know.

06/11/07 – Great site. I trained in shotokan karate for 6 years in the 80’s but arthritis in my arms and shoulders finally caught up with me. Nothing would please me more than to be able to move like I once did. Keep up the good work. James G. Ryde NSW

02/11/07 – In the news and events link I read about the JKA Autumn gasshuku. You reported about the defending side in kihon kumite being told to keep an attacking mindset. How can this be, given the basis for the art is there is no first attack in karate? Paul Stokes Kent UK.
Thanks Paul. Karate Keiko is full of attacks. That doesn’t mean to say the object of Karate is to attack first. Hard, intelligent training is entirely consistent with principle of “Karate Ni Sente Nashi”.

29/10/07 - I started karate would you believe in 1968 in Japan while working at Toyota. I was a JKA dojo and the instructor as I recall was Mr Takematsu. We trained near the factory at Nagoya. I can remember the look on the faces of the students when I joined as a 6 foot 3inch 220lb 22 year old. I still have an interest in the art but it's not enough to make a serious attempt at returning. Good luck with your wonderful pages. Ben Shearer Milwaukee WI USA

24/10/07 - hi. i'm having a lot of trouble with remembering kata moves even the keais in the heians. i just manage with gradings but i'm dead scared of competition so i make excuses to avoid them. do you have any advice you could give me. Davis Locke Wales UK

23/10/07 - JKA Sohonbu Autumn International Gasshuku Report: thank you for sharing this article with us. To get some insight into training at 'the top level', is inspiring. Whether, or not we will end-up attending these such seminars is not known, but it does gives us something, at a higher level, to aspire to. To have "goals" is an essential part of making progress. When we have little awareness of the seminars at Honbu, it is common for mid-level instructors to fall into a routine, and find motivation difficult to maintain. Reading articles such as this one, just makes me want to go training. Thank you for sharing this experience with us. Dion Risborg JKA Adelaide Metro

17/10/07 - I do shotokan similar to JKA. Your website has a few dead links, otherwise it's great, any chance of an interview with Sensei Sugiura coming soon? A. Harvey Perth WA

13/10/07 - Oss. My name is Milt Greenbaum from New York. I did JKA karate many years ago with sensei Mori Maasataka. I will be in Australia for Christams catching up with old buddies and I wondered if I could train with you guys. Reading your site has inspired me to dust off the old gi and dig out my belt. I would appreciate any response before I take off on December 15th. Thanks and warm regards Milton G New York USA.
Thanks Milt, of course you can train with us. Please call when you arrive.

08/10/07 - i was in JKa from when i was about 5 to when i was 8 in south africa and then i moved to victoria and i couldent find eny jka dojos that were near me.I had done realy well even making it to the s.a. national to come second in my age group and lost to a 12yr old. where ar the dojos in vic thanx.
Thank you Meeka. Our Dojo Directory on the JKA Victoria website tells you where our Dojos are. You can contact our Instructors anytime.

05/10/07 - We want to start JKA Botswana Instructors Training Program and I would like to have guidance from JKA Victoria. Regards, Tshepho Bathai JKA Botswana – Chairman Botswana Karate Association - Vice President
Thank you Tshepo. JKA Botswana comes under the African/Mid East region of JKA World Federation we suggest that you contact them in relation to Instructors guidance or technical matters. The head of your region is Okamoto Sensei based in Egypt, there is a website so contact should be straightforward. You might be interested to know that a person from Botswana called Utlwang Toko (nickname TK) passed his black belt grading here in Melbourne last August. TK was studying in the Victorian regional town of Bendigo.

29/09/07 - I did budokan karate and I’m interested in trying JKA but what does JKAWF mean? Is it different to JKA or a branch? and who runs it? Alan Ridout Waverley NSW.
Thanks Alan. JKAWF is an acronym for Japan Karate Association World Federation the governing authority for JKA Karate worldwide. It consists of 4 regions; Asia Pacific, Mid East & Africa, Pan America and Europe.

28/09/07 – Have JKA joined the Olympics yet? Grant Petrie North Sydney.

16/09/07 – Hi can you help me please? What would be a good and up-to-date reference for JKA katas? I live in regional Victoria but I don’t have enough time to train at a formal dojo. I came to Australia from England via Canada always having done my training with JKA. Looking forward to your reply. T. Millar Wagga Wagga.
Thanks. There are many JKA Kata reference books. We wouldn’t recommend one over another, however the latest ones issued by our world headquarters would be the most relevant.

12/09/07 - My question does not have anything to do with Karate. I hope you can help me anyway. I have been researching my family's geneology on my Mother's side. Her maiden name was Sannaghan, it is an unusual and old name, I was wondering and I know he must be very busy if Chase Sannaghan would be kind enough to give me a little info on his background. My mother\'s name was Mary Sannaghan, she was born in Motherwell, Scotland her father's name was Hugh and her Grandad's name was Michael, whom I believe was born in Ireland. Any help he can give me on this would be greatly appreciated. We could be long lost cousin. Thank You and hoping to hear fr you soon. Sincerely, Elizabeth Davidson
Thanks Elizabeth. We will be in touch soon.

13/09/07 - Hello, im interested in finding another Dojo, as i recently moved from Phillip Island. I was practicing Shin Nami Kai Karate style with Sensei Daryl Kew. I do not mean to offend or be rude, but i do wish to know how serious and intense is the training? Is it possible that i can come and observe for a short time. Regards, Beau Lambrou
Thanks Beau. You are welcome to observe our training. Go to the 'Dojo Directory' link at our website and contact the instructor at whose dojo you want to visit. If you are near town, we suggest you come to MSAC. Good Luck

09/09/07 - KATA CONVENTION. Good evening from Milano Italia. JKA kata is under review in standardisation of techniques by your shihankai. Can those standards be made to the public karateka of other federation? That is my question. Marco Lo Zitto Italy

04/09/07 - Is Shunsuke Takahashi sensei in Melbourne, Australia now? I was one of his students while sensei was teaching in Brisbane, Queensland. I am now living in USA. If Takahashi sensei is over there, please say hello and give my best regards to sensei and his family for me. Thank you. Kinya (Ken) Kawamoto USA
Thanks Ken. Sensei visits us regularly, we will pass on your message.

30/08/07 – Reading some of your articles, thanks for the information. A. Nugent Peakhurst NSW

26/08/07 – Dear Friends, I live in Brisbane. A friend of mine in Central Queensland is training JKA at Emerald, she wants to know if you have clubs in these locations; Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, please include class times, and their locations and instructors names. She has to go down to Mt Beauty after her October grading in Emerald. And she wants to keep training (her instructor is Glenn Johannson. If you please send me the details to pass onto her, I would be Grateful. Also if you have a class in Brisbane, my suburb is Corinda, 4075. Thanking you very much. Michael Hogan Corinda, QLD
Thanks Mike. The only JKA Dojos in regional Victoria are in Mildura and Bendigo, all others are in the Melbourne metropolitan area. There are several Dojos in the Brisbane area, go to our national website www.jkaa.com.au for details.

23/08/07 – Karate huh? You guys are a bunch of brainwashed yesmen. Stop wasting your time bowing and oossing ‘cos the nuts in the street would have a knife in your neck before you straightened up. K. Deschamps Norwich UK.
Thanks very much. Only if you bow long and low enough to make it easy for them.

19/08/07 – I agree, too many loud opinions equals distraction. Leave the noise to the ego boys. Hey that rhymes……. Adam Lucert - Poole UK

16/08/07 – It says in part 24 of the Master Shoji story that he joined the JKA and got 3rd dan. Does that mean he was from another style beforehand? Paul Ferris Doveton VIC
Thanks Paul. By saying that he joined the JKA, Shoji Sensei means he entered the JKA Honbu Dojo. His alma mater Takushoku University was and still is a JKA affiliate.

11/08/07 - Dear Shihan OSU, I saw your website in the internet and I felt very happy over that. I am a in India Karate - Shotokan. My chief Karate Master passed away in Jun 2004 and afterwards I did not affiliate with any group. But I am conducting Karate classes individually without getting affiliation from any other club. I know something in Shotokan also. I want to get SHOTOKAN Affiliated for India in your club along with SHOTOKAN also. I may kindly be informed whether there is SHOTOKAN Style also in your club. My club name is SEISHO KAI SHOTOKAN KARATE DO INTERNATIONAL, SHOTOKAN at present. Now I have branches 8th State in india Kindly inform the details about the shotokan Karate Affiliation with you I have conducted 1st Asia Karate Open Champion Ship 2007 on 27th & 28 January 2007, at Gandhi Stadium Salem City, Tamil nadu, India. I am going to conduct International Karate open champion ship 2007 on january 12th, 13th, and 14th 2008 at Salem, TAMILNADU, India. I invite you to India. If you accept my Affiliation, I would meet you in Japan. Expecting your reply very soon. OSU J.K.RAJA President All India Unit Shotokan Karate Federation Please send me Reply I am very interested to join your Federation
Thanks, we have passed your correspondence onto the head of JKA India.

09/08/07 - I agree, start a forum and air your laundry. Serious karate people should speak openly and get their views out. Pat McArdle Newport VIC
Thanks Pat. Serious Karateka should shut up and train.

06/08/07 - Yeah, so why don't you have a forum? Subjects like "what is authentic Shotokan?" would be great to debate on a JKA website but every time I come here there's a mum looking for class times or some dork wanting to buy a dogi. Sites like Karate Underground are streets ahaed of this. Yannis Pappas Glen Waverley VIC
Thanks Yannis, you are absolutely correct. Chit-chat is just not our bag, there are enough opinions out there to keep everyone happy without us piping in.

02/08/07 – My friends and me are having a debate about what is authentic shotokan………
Thanks Robert. Your Talkback went on to raise 6 or 7 points that we either can’t answer or are best debated on an open forum like Karate Underground. This is not a forum it’s an information only website. Good Luck.

26/07/07 – I READ ON THE INTERNET THAT OKAZAKI HAS LEFT JKA AFTER A BIG DISPUTE. ANOTHER LOSS, WHY? AND HOW MANY MORE WILL LEAVE?? THE ONCE PRESTIGIOUS ALL JAPAN CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL BE REDUCED TO A FARCE SOON. KEN READE PAYNTON ENGLAND.
Thanks Ken. Okazaki Sensei has indeed left JKA. The reasons for that are not known to us. We don’t understand the connection you make between an overseas instructor leaving and the JKA All-Japan tournament becoming a farce. The eliminations for the latest ‘all-Japans’ earlier this month had to be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium with 12 courts on the floor to cater for the sheer number of entries. Some farce!

21/07/07 – Oss. Can you recommend a JKA club in New South Wales please? I’m 2nd Dan with the KUGB visiting the Sydney area in August. Josh M. England
Thanks Josh. For a list of Dojos, go to the JKA Australia website via our Links page.

18/07/07 – Thanks for the continuing story of shoji sensei, a great commentary on karate seen through the eyes of a master from another era. Gil Chalmers Lewisham UK

14/07/07 – Have you stopped doing interviews? If not can I suggest you approach one of the many masters outside of your own jka style? T. Johns Aldershot UK

12/07/07 – Dear Sir I would like to introduce my company. We are premium supplier of the martial art uniform………
Thank you very much.

11/07/07 – can you please recommend a good dojo in the kew area, i’m new to australia having studied shotokan in europe. Angela Oattes Kew VIC
Thanks Angela, we can recommend Kew JKA Dojo. You will find details in our Dojo Directory Page.  

09/07/07 – Great site guys. Congratulations to Nishimura Shihan on 25 years in Melbourne and his recent Birthday. Keep up the great work with the site. Could you mention our Championships in Coolah NSW 4th of August 2007 Thank You. Mark Ellis Coolah JKA.
Thanks Mark, we certainly will.

05/07/07 – I heard that Tanaka Sensei is coming to Melbourne next March, is this true and will I be allowed to train? A. Graham WSKA Coburg VIC
Thank you. Yes Tanaka Sensei has confirmed that he will be here for the JKAA national seminar and championships next year as guest of our Chief Instructor. As such he will be instructing JKA Karateka. If you are a JKA member you can train.

01/07/07 – Oss. Please can you tell me when this year’s all Japan Championships will be held I can’t find any information anywhere. Tom Knighton Fairfield VIC
Thanks Tom. July 7th and 8th at the Nihon Budokan, will you be going?

29/06/07 – Is japanese karate association anything like kyokushinkai? my son is raving about karate but his 2 mates do different styles and i dont know which one to take him to. L. Elms Brisbane South QLD

27/06/07 – Hi JKA Vic webmaster. I write about martial arts for a hobby and would like to submit one of my articles to assist you. Can I send it to you at talkback? Jason Cavanagh Seymour VIC

22/06/07 – Just heard the terrible news regarding the death of the JKA senseis from South Africa. Do you guys know what happened? Lucas Froland Sweden
Thanks Lucas. All we know is that two JKA seniors died suddenly. This is indeed terrible news and a very sad time for the Karate world.

21/06/07 – Oss Can you tell me what shodan-ho means? My son does shotokan and got this at his grading last weekend but we are not sure what it is? The instructor shook his hand so I suppose he passed. Andy Davis Carlingford NSW
Thanks Andy. Best to ask the person or the group that awarded the grade to explain.

16/06/07 – I started karate about a year ago (not jka) but watching all the online jka videos has helped me. Can you recommend any good kata books? A. Jacobs Campsie NSW.

14/06/07 – Hi sensei. Just to let you know you have a few dead links on your site, apart from that it is very nice. Gareth Rae, Mentone VIC.
Thanks Gareth.

08/06/07 – Thanks for the ongoing story by master Shoji. It’s great to read about a remarkable person who lived through the early days of organised karate. His vivid recollections make very interesting reading. As a former JKA member I still feel a strong connection to the art and take in as much as I can from sites like this. Tammy Logan. Regina Canada
Thanks Tammy, you are welcome.

03/06/07 – Just stumbled over your site. I did JKA style karate for a while in the US and found it very good for overall fitness, speed etc, maybe the best traditional style, but it’s not that good for surviving a real violent threat to your life. I now do Real Combat a grappling based hybrid and I can see that karate is not as good as I thought. How can pretty katas be any help from assault these days??? Adam Lacey London via Bondi

03/06/07 - Oss Vic JKA. Is it ok to train for the 2 months I willl be in Melbourne on long service holidays. I'm an old hack from England (KUGB) and I don't think I can stay away from the dojo that long. Please let me know if I will be welcome to train. July - Sept this year nearer Melbourne the better. Dave Ashbridge Lincoln UK
Sure Dave. Give us a call when you arrive.

28/05/07 - plz send pictures or any information of omer.cukovic to my hotmail on: ur_champ_93@hotmail.com i would really appreciate it. thank you ibrahim cukovic VIC
Thank you Ibrahim. Can you send us some contact details please.

26/05/07 - I hope D. Johnson is correct and Ken Funakoshi comes to Australia. Will JKA be hosting the visit? Oss Tom Hills West Footscray. VIC
Thanks Tom. This will sound strange, but we don't know much about this particular Funakoshi Sensei.

22/05/07 - Hello, I am looking to join a club that can increase my fitness and help me lose weight. I have done kickboxing before ans saw great results. Can you please let me know if your classes are suitable for me (28 yo female) and if there are any classes near Berwick? Thanks. Emily Vanderwalt BerwickVIC
Thanks Emily. Yes our classes are suitable for you, please go to our Dojo Directory page to see where your nearest Dojo is located then contact the Dojo Instructor.

20/05/07 - About 2 - years ago i trained under Nishimura Takaatsu Sensei in east keilor and would like to thank sensei for where he has gotten me 2 today, since leaving i have represented victoria and have traveled interstate to compete this would not be possible with out senseis help i would like 2 get in touch with sensei and find out what he is doing now please pass on my name and email address to him thank you, Jospeh Palamara Essendon Victoria.
Thanks Joseph. We have passed your email onto Sensei.

13/05/07 - My brother wants to know is there a Shotokan Dojo near the Maidstone area in victoria. I train in another style but have trained a few times with Ian Cook from Healesville. I am impressed with the style that is why I am recommending it to my brother in that area. Thank you. Greg Moore
Thanks Greg, all of our Dojos are listed on the Dojo Directory page.

19/05/07 – DEAR SIR, HOW R YOU I KNOW YOU R ALSO FINE SIR MY SELF JASWANT SINGH I AM A KARATE INSTRUCTOR IN INDIA .I AM START KARATE IN SINCE 1989.SO MANY STUDENTS I HAVE TRAINEDS.SO PLZ WE HAVE INTERESTED YOUR EVENTS 2007.PARTICIPATIONS MAIL LETER/ SEMINAR /INVITATIONS LETTER 2007. THANKS & BEST REGARDS JASWANT SINGH. PUNJAB INDIA
Thanks Jaswant.

12/05/07 – Anyone old enough to remember DIM MAK the death touch craze that fooled a few around the world in the 70’s will be glad to know it is still being pushed as a legitimate martial art. Go to YouTube and punch in DIM MAK and see the guys, it’s a scream.

09/05/07 – Going by popular opinion [the main trad karate websites blogs articles etc] there is a big swing back to roots-based karate. By that I mean the VERY traditional approach. Have you read (5 links provided) I say, here here! the less blue dohgis covered in patches the better. S. Howarth Guilford, Surrey UK  

06/05/07 - Oss. Can you tell me who the current All Japan JKA champion is please? Phil Drecker Unslow UK
Thanks Phil. You can see the all-Japan results from 1957 until today in our Results Japan section.

02/05/07 - I was reading your report from the 2007 Australasian Titles held in Taupo, when I noticed an error. I checked it against the result page of the JKAA website. In your report you say that final of the men's Kumite was between Andrew Carey and Noriyuki Nakazawa, but the results on the JKAA website would suggest that the final was between Noriyuki Nakazawa and Ben Skennar from Northern Rivers Dojo as it has Ben as 2nd place getter. Ben is a long time friend of mine, and has been training for many years, upon hearing of his result in NZ through the grapevine, I was pleased for him, and it’s a shame that your report is not accurate, as it does not show credit where credit is due. Andrew (no email address provided)
Thanks Andrew, you're absolutely right. All fixed, sorry for the mistake.

01/05/07 - Good afternoon. I'm interested in training at Albert Park dojo. Is it ok to call over and watch a class? David Purcell Port Melbourne VIC
Thanks David. Of course, please visit us anytime.

27/04/07 - I have just visited a website and saw a kata demonstration on you tube by sensei kenneth funakoshi. aparently he is coming to australia this year, will you be covering the visit? D. Johnson Mount Waverley VIC

23/04/07 – Hello there. Does a JKA black belt need to know all the katas? I’m not even sure I know the compulsary ones. D. Marshall Petersham NSW
Thanks. It depends on what you mean by “know”. JKA Dan grades should have good knowledge of the 5 Shiteigata and 4 Senteigata. They would also have one (and often more) favourite advanced Kata. Depending on rank and time spent training, they would also have a reasonable grasp of most of the others.

20/04/07 – Oss. As an old shotokan practitioner I decided to start karate again after a long break of seven and a half years. I left because I was bored because the instructors at my old club just walked around counting. I thought I could replace karate easily so I tried gyms, running clubs and even mini triathlons but all I got was fitness the mental aspects were missing. Really there is nothing else for me than karate. Having read some senseible things on sites like yours, I am very clear now and ready to get back into karate. David Plant Rochester UK

16/04/07 – This is probably a very common question but I hope you can give me advice. I am not very supple and I can’t do any side kicks higher than knee height. What would you suggest? Jonathon Taylors Lakes VIC.
Thanks Jonathon, ask your instructor for advice.

12/04/07 – Thank you sensei for contacting me and my apologies for late reply. I have decided I can’t find enough time to devote to karate and I’m probably too old to get much out of it but your note is appreciated.
Thank you. Steve Murray Albert Park VIC.

08/04/07 – Oss. Can you please add a link to the new World Shotokan Alliance WSA. We are a group of like minded black belts from 11 different countries all endeavouring to get away from the politic and use our karate time for only training. Our common belief is that the shotokan community has been sold out to petty disagreements and interests outside of the dojo. Please show neutrality and post our link. Kind regards Franz Wulff WSAD Berlin Germany.
Not another one!

07/04/07 – Hi. What’s a fair price for a Tokaido ultimate size 6? I went through the Tokaido website and didn’t get much change out of 300 dollars. Peter Raglan Forrest Hill VIC
Thanks Peter. That sounds about right. You can buy other brands far cheaper here in Australia.

03/04/07 – Just returned from europe where i watched a WKF event in the Netherlands. The standard is high but it’s ridiculous to have to score 8 points. One of the problems is trying to bloody remember who’s scored what. I agree with you JKA guys, test the skills but keep it as close to the real-deal as possible. ps oss sensei Stark. Steve Wren 2nd dan kyokushin Caulfield VIC

01/04/07 – I heard that Takahashi and Nishimura were changing channels to join the new Luty show ‘the biggest loser’. Only Jokin – APRIL FOOL ha! ha! Richard Cranium. Kogarah NSW.
Thanks Richard (Dick). We got all 17 copies of your email with variations, were you afraid your stupid gag might not reach us?

28/03/07 – Great report from the Funakoshi Gichin World Cup. Did you know that Machida’s brother was a mixed martial arts champion in Brazil? L. Cesarewicz Glen Iris.

27/03/07 – When will we see more interviews? I like the dedication to karate and loyalty to JKA your guys all show, very inspiring. Why don’t you approach a high ranking person from another style. I’m sure they would have something interesting to say. Jeremy K. Carramar NSW
Thanks Jeremy. We are not that great at interviewing, so naturally we keep it to our own people, but you never know...

26/03/07 – Congratulations to all the JKA Victoria central and southern region students who tested and passed grading exams on Friday – great effort. Also, to the Victorians who trained, competed (especially our new national champions) and graded at the Australasian seminar in New Zealand last week, very well done. W. Stark JKA Vic Hombu Melbourne. 

18/03/07 – I haven’t seen any updates for a while, is your site running out of stuff to publish or finished? Trent, Brighton VIC
Thanks Trent and a fair question. The JKA Vic website will definitely continue.

15/03/07 – I did wado karate with a guy called Trevor in Oakleigh in the 90’s. Just looking to get back into it. I might drop by a class soon, thanks for the site. John Reece Huntingdale VIC

10/03/07 – I have tried to contact you 3 times now regarding Saturday classes near the city but get no reply. Are you not interested in getting new members? Trish Carter Prahran VIC
Thank you Trish. This is the first we’ve heard from you. Sure we are interested in new members, go to Dojo Directory and contact the Instructor nearest you.

09/03/07 – Good day to you. My 12 year old son is learning Japanese language at school. He has been given an assignment requiring some research on the Martial Arts. We found your website and I would like to thank you for the resource, it sure is helping Ryan with his homework. Thanks JKA Victoria M. Madden Caroline Springs VIC

07/03/07 – I am 3rd dan in shotokan visiting from Israel. I recently visited a Sydney dojo I think was JKA with all very good standard but the kata detail was only familiar. It seems I am doing a very old kind of kata; example is the shuto in kata heian shodan, I am taught to bring both hands from the side similar to a circular motion but Australians start with one arm outstretched and the blocking arm on top and behind ear. There are very many other differences for example my kicks are shorter and snappier than the others. I need to ask where is the source of technique for your karate? I am interested to know and respectfully ask your comment. N. Fleischman (back home in) Tel Aviv.
Thanks for your email. The global reference point for JKA waza is the technical board of the JKA World Federation. Good luck with your Karate.

03/03/07 – My son did goju karate for 3 years and left. He has started with GKR and he has been asked to take his black belt in 2 months. For this he needs to do a shoto-kan kata. Can your association assist with a DVD please. Kind regards Margaret Stokes. East Melbourne.

25/02/07 – I been hearing a lot about JKA in Australia recently. Has Australia really split and who is the chief over there now. T. Chambers Newtown, Johannesburg SA.
Thanks. Nothings changed that we know of, but please keep us up to date.

22/02/07 – Can JKA compete in AKF tournaments? Ken Edmond Black Rock
Thanks Ken, yes it can. 

17/02/07 – You can’t ignore all the other styles guys, this site is too one-sided. Hassan Altona VIC
Thanks Hassan, we are a member’s information site concerned with JKA Karate.

17/02/07 – WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD SITES GONE? Hello brother karateka. Did you realise you are a rare thing a traditional website with thoughtful content and no chest-beating agenda. Keep it up, all the other good ones are selling things now, what a joke! Ray Olsen NY USA

11/02/07 – Oss why doesnt JKA compete in the NASA series? It’s better than any other tournament going around. D. Green Lakemba NSW

08/02/07 – I read an article about the head kancho and top instructor of gokanryu karate who are both are South Australians claiming strong backgrounds in traditional karate. The head instructor said he started with JKA as a boy and reached black belt, is that true? Shane Smith Geelong VIC
Thanks Shane, it doesn’t really matter much whether it’s true or not.

06/02/07 – Can you tell me the protocol for visiting another JKA club? I am a shodan living in England and I will be coming to Western Australia to work in April. Michael Goddard UK.
Thanks Michael. JKAA contact details are on the association website. www.jkaa.com.au Please contact us when you arrive.

03/02/07 – Thanks for a nice site. Who writes the articles? P. Bolton Salford UK

02/02/07 – Good site but you should have a technical page. S. Wright Camberwell VIC

31/01/07 – Osu guys. Can I please copy part of one of your articles “Is Karate Enough” to use on a blogsite? I want to make the point that there are sensible Shotokan groups teaching and presenting themselves in a realistic way. Adam Blackhurst Mona Vale NSW.
Thanks Adam. Sure, go ahead, but there are plenty others.

28/01/07 – Could you please get your chief to contact my office sir. I have specialised in martial arts marketing program of unparalleled reward. I have unmatched business propositions for any school and style with any testimonial from karates, judos, and many others. Ritesh Patel Bangalore India.

27/01/07 – Hi from the prairies of Canada. I was a spectator at the JKA World Championships last August and I want to send my belated congratulations to the organisers of the event. It was absolutely fantastic, a credit to Australia. Oss Kim Steiger. Regina Saskatchewan.

22/01/07 – I’m an old member of South Melbourne dojo, I was looking at karate on youtube where there is plenty of JKA and then I just found the site and was transported back to the 80’s and some scary times courtesy of a certain 2 young instructors OC and WS. My regards to all. Fond (kinda) memories. Paul S. Prahran

18/01/07 – Hello Aussies. Can you tell me where I can train while in Perth and Melbourne next month? Harry Bracey Kent UK
Thanks Harry. The JKA Victoria Dojo Directory will give you the information for this state.

17/01/07 – Dear Sirs I am a student of Karate in Portugal, I would like to have a nice photo of Master Gichin Funakoshi and Master Nakayama, would it be possible for you to send me a good digital photo of each one of this Masters? If possible I would like a photo of each Master in Seisan or standing. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Best Regards, Filipe Sancho Portugal.
Thanks Filipe. Most images of these masters are already online, try google images. We don’t have any that we can send but you are welcome to right click the ones on this website. 

04/01/07 – Thanks for the reply. The NSW Traditional Shotokan sports Challenge open to all-comers is now confirmed for April 21. Most shotokan styles will be there, I tried to attach a copy of the application form but it rejected, please give me an email address and I will mail it today. If you know any other senseis who are interested please send me their details. Allan Traynor Carlingford NSW
Thanks Allan, unfortunately we won’t make it. We will be busy with the Victorian Pro Shoto Knock-out, Last Man Standing Classic that weekend, maybe some other time.

02/01/07 – To our instructors, students and friends; thank you all for a fantastic contribution to JKA Victoria in 2006. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year and every success in 2007. W. Stark Vermont VIC.

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