Please read the whole of the Main Page for details of what's NEW to TSW
THE SHOTOKAN WAY - EDITORIAL
Welcome to the 9th May Edition of TheShotokanWay, the 10th Edition so far this year.
In the last Edition we had the first of our two part exclusive video interview with the undoubted ‘Father’ of Welsh Karate Mike O’Brien 8th Dan, Chief Instructor of the Karate Union of Wales. Here we present the second part of this excellent interview. Here he continues to tell us about his experiences spreading karate throughout Wales, his time spent with many wonderful karateka, and his plans for the future.
The article in this edition comes from James James. Over the last year, James has provided us with a series of case studies, looking into the historical backgrounds of the Shotokan Kata. We have had the Heian Kata and the Tekki Kata in 2007 and early 2008, and now we present the next part in this series. Here in this article ‘Bassai Dai Kata Notes’ he discusses the confusing, and possible misunderstanding of the history of the kata, the interesting debate about its possible Chinese connections and the development of the kata over the years.
Last Year, Michael R. Berger sent me a copy of his new book ‘MasterClass: Kicking Techniques’, the book that exclusively looks at the many wonderful kicking techniques that make up the shotokan system. As we like to use the material in the order it is completed, simply to be fair to the contributors, we are only now getting around to presenting this review. Please read our review of this excellent book, which presents the many common and not so common kicks of Shotokan in an interesting and coherent way, which makes for excellent reading.
Lastly we would just like to say that this weekend, we are travelling to Guilford for the Shobu Ippon International Open – the much awaited competition that celebrates traditional competition and fully shows that Traditional Karate is as popular and vibrant now as ever. If readers of the site are in attendance, please do come up and say hello, we would love to meet you in person.
Many thanks all, and we hope training is fruitful, enjoyable and nourishing.
Sign up to theMailing Listfor news and updates on the world of Shotokan Karate
Read Below to find out who won the Xmas Special Raffle...
Next Edition Coming on the 23rd May 2008
This is just the beginning!
COMING SOON...
<
Many Thanks to BudoPromotions and Bernard Rose for video footage and photograph.
‘Born Fighter’
Dave Hazard is a legend in the world of Shotokan Karate. In this, his long-awaited autobiography, he writes candidly about the events in his life and the people who have helped shape him into the man he is today. Beginning with the lessons he learned, particularly from his Mum, whilst growing up in the East End of London, Dave goesonto talkabout:
His first Karate lesson – and his time at the Blackfriars dojo
His relationship with Eneoda Sensei – his guide and mentor forthirty years
Failing his first ever grading – and the reasons why he never failed again
Fighting in the KUGB Nationals and as part of the national team
Living and training in Japan – particularly his time in the infamous ‘Hornet’s Nest’, the JKA Instructors class, training alongside such greats as Osaka, Sensei, Iida Sensei, Tabata Sensei and Tanaka Sensei
Regular sparring sessions with Yahara Sensei
Why Master Nakayama was a giant and a genius
His first meeting with Stan Schmidt Sensei
Learning to become a Sensei in his own right
His relationship with Mick Dewey
Establishing his famous Brighton Dojo and, later, the Academy of Shotokan Karate
His attitudes and approach to training and combat.
However, this is far more than just a Karate book.Dave is as well known in the tough streets, bars and clubs of the East End of London as he is in the best Karate dojo. In chapters with such headings as ‘A room full of Daves, a box of chocolates and a sawn-off shotgun’,‘I’ll end up on Death Row and you’ll fly home to your palace!’, and ‘If you want to fight him, you’ve got to fight me first’, Dave shares many of his adventures and experiences ofreal fighting. He also talks openly about his personal life, his family, friends, loves and losses, and the private battles he continues to face. Whilst some of the material may not be suitable for youngsters, many of the stories are told with great humour as Dave’s natural gift for story-telling shines through on every page.
Born Fighter is Dave Hazard’s humorous, insightful, inspiring, violent and occasionally tragic story. Above all else, it is unflinchingly honest – and through Dave’s honesty we are reminded that the greatest battle we all face is with ourselves.
This book is one of the most exciting and most anticipated books of the year. Order your copy (£17.99 - Hardback) online or instore from WHSMITH, WATERSTONES or most other good book stores to ensure that you read the autobiography of one of the greatest living Martial Artists in the World.If the stores are not in stock, then don't forget to order it to be sure you purchase what will soon be a collectable 1st edition of this superb book.
ISBN: 9781844544806
If you have anything that you would like to have placed on this ever-expanding Research Centre and E-Mag please contact us at
It has come to our attention that some people are viewing text glitches in their browsers. Please make sure you refresh any pages you are viewing as this seems to be rectifying the problems. If you have bookmarked us then please ensure that you update the bookmark regularly, as we have updates to the site almost daily.