Promotion Test, December 12, 2009

On Saturday December 12, 2009 students of Karate-do Shurenkan participated in a Shinkyu Shinsa (promotion exam). Students were tested on various aspects of their karate training including kihon (basics), ido geiko (moving basics), sabaki (positioning and controlling techniques), kata (pre-arranged forms), and kumite (sparring). Congratulations to the following students for demonstrating great technique and spirit and successfully attaining their newest ranks:

As a special treat, we were joined by Sensei Hiro Iwata of Karate-do Iwata Dojo, Sensei Tetsuya Sato of Shinkyokushin Sato Dojo, Sempai Satoshi Hiramatsu of Seibukai Karate (Hiratsuka, Japan), and members of Iwata Sensei's Dojo. Long-time Iwata Dojo student, Bobby Naimool, is relocating to Florida. To send him off in grand fashion, after the promotion test, Bobby had the distinct pleasure of sparring every adult student at the dojo. He did a fantastic job. I'm sure Bobby will be missed dearly by his friends at Iwata Dojo and we at Karate-do Shurenkan would like to wish him all the best on his new journey.

Eddie Potter competes in Japan, November 7, 2009

On Sunday November 7, 2009 Eddie Potter participated in the 10th Annual Kyokushin Seibukai All Japan Full Contact Karate Tournament. It was the first time that an American has participated in the event. It was also the first time a Karate-do Shurenkan student has competed overseas.

The tournament was hosted by Shihan Yukio Nishida, president of the International Budo Organization, Kyokushin Karate Seibukai. Shihan Nishida is a legend among Kyokushin Karate practitioners. In 1994 he was appointed chairman of the International Karate Organization (IKO2) after Mas Oyama's passing. In December of 1999, he established his own organization to promote karate training as a lifelong pursuit. His new system combines his experience in Kyokushin as well as traditional karate, Chinese Kung-fu, and Daito-ryu Aikijutsu.

The tournament was very well organized and the level of competition was high. In addition to the lone American participant, competitors from Canada, Hungary, Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan were on hand to do battle against the strong Japanese contingent.

Eddie had trained hard for months in preparation for this event and it showed. His match against a Japanese opponent was one of the most exciting of the day. His use of distance as well as his footwork and speed left his opponent baffled and the audience cheering. Although in the end, victory would not be his, Eddie represented himself and Karate-do Shurenkan very well. We are all very proud of him.