Bad weather cannot stop Kofukan International’s World Cup 2015

ISSUE NO. 6 AUGUST 2015

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CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE

Page 2 Mottox sponsor’s message Page 3 & 4 Junior & Senior International Championships 2015 Results Page 5 International Dan Grading results Page 6 20 years ago in Kobe Page 7 & 8 Shihan Tomiyama visits Kuwait and newest member Qatar Page 8 Kofukan Canada into its second decade Page 9 & 10 25th Anniversary for Kofukan Zimbabwe

Unexpected snow in Norway disrupted travel for Kofukan members trying to get to the World Cup in Asker on March 28 & 29. With Gardermoen airport in Norway not accepting all flights, the teams from Botswana and Nepal, and our two table officials from South Africa, Jocelyn and Kathy, had to stay over-night in Stockholm (although that is not normally a hardship!). The squad from Scotland arrived for their flight to find that, after a long delay, it was can-celled. They returned home in the early hours of the morning, but due to no flights operating from the airport in Scotland the following day, they had to set off again after a very short break to catch the only available service from Liverpool. Exhausting!

The snow did serve to make Asker look very picturesque and it was a pleasant place to have a walk around. The venue was a short bus journey from the official hotel which made for a relaxing weekend. 13 countries in total participated in the Championships, with results as shown on pages 3 & 4 reflecting a share of victories throughout the participating countries.

A great variety of food was provided at the party on Sunday night and, as we have come to expect, the performances that followed—singing, dancing and playing of musical instruments—were of high quality and enjoyed by all. As ever, our thanks to organizing teams, officials, helpers and supporters, and of course competitors, without whom we could not stage the event. We appreciate their invaluable contributions to the success of the tourna-ment . - Editor

Next year's event will be in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 23 & 24 April 2016, as agreed at the Pre-tournament meeting on Friday March 27 2015. Supporters from member countries are always welcome, so if you are interested in attending contact the organizer in your country to be kept up to date with details.

Put the dates in your diary !

Shito-ryu Karate-do Kofukan International Members’ NewsletterMembers’ NewsletterMembers’ NewsletterMembers’ Newsletter

Kofukan International thanks our sponsors Mottox for their continuing support

UNDER 16s Categories KWC BOYS KATA U/10 & 10 YEARS

1 Gal Skalicky Slov 2 Silas Thomsen Den 3 Eliot Chapman Fra 3 Antoine Charier Fra

KWC BOYS KATA 11-13 YEARS 1 Ilia Iakovlev Rus 2 Nejc Vranic Slov 3 Raman Yeudakimau Bel 3 Lan Podpecan Slov

KWC BOYS KATA 14/15 YEARS 1 Marcus Gronemann Den 2 Sebastian Gregersen Den 3 Svit Podpecan Slov 3 Aleksandar Hristov Bul

KWC GIRLS KATA 11-13 YEARS 1 Tajda Skalicky Slov 2 Matilda Pompeius Swe 3 Matilda Svardman Swe 3 Wilma Persson Swe

KWC GIRLS KATA 14/15 YEARS 1 Wilma Eklund Swe 2 Irina Sharykhina Bel 3 Klara Skalicky Slov 3 Sara Ali Den

KWC JNR TEAM KATA UNDER 16

1 Denmark 2 Sweden 3 Slovenia

KWC GIRLS KUMITE 10/11 YEARS 1 Dina Matheussen Nor 2 Sophie Mordt-Ostergard Nor 3 Matilda Svardman Swe 3 Matilda Pompeius Swe

KWC GIRLS KUMITE 12/13

1 Ylva Forberg Nor 2 Nusa Zerjav Slov 3 Tajda Skalicky Slov 3 Nea Forslund Swe

KWC CADET GIRLS KUMITE 14/15 1 Mariya Azarava Bel 2 Ally Aitchison Scot 3 Charlotte Garberg Nor 3 Stephanie Brash Scot

JUNIOR Categories KWC JUNIOR MALE KATA 16/17

1 A Pokrivac Slov 2 M Naydenov Bul 3 S Stanchev Bul 3 N Stefanov Bul

KWC JUNIOR FEMALE KATA 16/17 1 U Krasovec Slov 2 K Stisovic Slov 3 E Navichenka Ble 3 L Sillard Fra

KWC JUNIOR TEAM KATA

1 Bulgaria 2 Slovenia

3 Official Newsletter of Tani-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do Kofukan

KOFUKAN WORLD CUP 2015 RESULTS KOFUKAN WORLD CUP 2015 RESULTS KOFUKAN WORLD CUP 2015 RESULTS KOFUKAN WORLD CUP 2015 RESULTS ASKER, NORWAY 28 & 29 MARCH 2015ASKER, NORWAY 28 & 29 MARCH 2015ASKER, NORWAY 28 & 29 MARCH 2015ASKER, NORWAY 28 & 29 MARCH 2015

KWC BOYS KUMITE 10/11 YEARS 1 Roman Yeudakimau Bel 2 Ilia Iakovlev Rus 3 Mai Fekonja Slov 3 Gal Skalicky Slov

KWC BOYS KUMITE 12/13 MEDIUM 1 Lan Podpecan Slov 2 Mikkel Rasch Nor 3 Simon Eriksson Swe 3 Elias Bostrom Nor

KWC BOYS KUMITE 12/13 TALL 1 William Adierfors Swe 2 David Hoglund Sweden 3 Stefan Mijailovic Fra 3 Mads Halvorsen Nor

KWC CADET BOYS KUMITE 14/15 ME-DIUM

1 Aleksandr Hristov Bul 2 Klemen Repnik Slov 3 Mathias Hojgaard Den 3 Simen Velle Nor

S KUMITE 14/15 SMALL

KWC CADET BOYS KUMITE 14/15 TALL

1 Aliaksandr Astrouski Bel 2 Yahor Makarchuk Bel 3 Marcus Gronemann Den 3 Stefan Tomchyk Bel

JUNIOR Categories continued from p 3

KWC JUNIOR MALE KUMITE 16/17 UNDER 61KG

1 O Setshego Bots 2 A Palminder Swe 3 A Pokrivac Slo 3 N Stefanov Bul

JUNIOR MALE KUMITE 16/17 UNDER 70KG

1 K Aiderfors Swe 2 S Stanchev Bul 3 M Naydenov Bul 3 G Da Costa Fra

JUNIOR MALE KUMITE 16/17 70KG & ABOVE

1 D Vindis Slov 2 T Kasic Fra 3 M Hjerpaasen Nor

KWC JUNIOR FEMALE KUMITE 16/17 U60KG

1 E Navichenka Ble 2 G Stefanova Bul 3 K Stisovic Slov 3 S Novak Slov

KWC JUNIOR FEMALE KUMITE 16/17 60KG+

1 N Hjelm Den 2 L Sillard Fra 3 S Svensson Swe

KWC JUNIOR MALE TEAM KUMITE 16/17 1 Slovenia 2 Sweden 3 France

KWC SENIOR MALE KUMITE U67KG

1 K Molefe Bots 2 M Pithon Fra 3 A Shah Nep 3 J S Khadka Nep

KWC SENIOR MALE KUMITE U75KG 1 N Matshamekwane Bots 2 O Caiphus Bots 3 C W M Yip Nor 3 D Poulsen Den

KWC SENIOR MALE KUMITE 75KG & ABOVE

1 M Motlhabi Bots 2 T Oso Nor 3 J Osei-Baidoo Eng 3 D Koltsov Eng

KWC SENIOR FEMALE KUMITE U61KG

1 S I´nt Veen Nor 2 J Pithon Fra 3 V Wisniewski Den 3 C Vigen Nor

KWC SENIOR FEMALE KUMITE 61KG+ 1 J Kerrison Eng 2 O Tebbs Eng 3 P Udron Fra 3 T Vrbnjac Slov

KWC SENIOR MALE TEAM KUMITE 1 Botswana 2 Norway 3 Slovenia 3 England

KWC SENIOR FEMALE TEAM KUMITE 1 Norway 2 England

4 Official Newsletter of Tani-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do Kofukan

KOFUKAN WORLD CUP 2015 RESULTS CONTINUEDKOFUKAN WORLD CUP 2015 RESULTS CONTINUEDKOFUKAN WORLD CUP 2015 RESULTS CONTINUEDKOFUKAN WORLD CUP 2015 RESULTS CONTINUED As mentioned on the front page several groups had travel difficulties both arriving and departing from Norway, due to some bad weather conditions, but everybody arrived safely and the two days of competition went very well thanks to all concerned. As well as the tournament winners shown on these pages, the hosts Kofukan Norway prepared an additional award for each day of competition for the 'Athlete of the Day', that being an under 16 year old on Saturday and 16 year plus on Sunday. The awards were chosen by Chief Referee Steve Coupland (England) together with the two tatami chiefs, Lars Sorensen (Denmark) and Gary Hoyle (England). The Under 16s award went to Aleksandr Hristov of Bul-garia, who won gold in his kumite category and bronze in his kata category. The panel felt that his attitude, sporting behaviour, technique and spirit were outstanding. Rather than make an award to an individual for the Sunday event, it was decided to award the trophy to the Botswana team, who as a group had attracted every-one's attention by their athletic performances and enthu-siastic approach to the tournament. In addition, several long-standing and founding members of the organization were awarded 7th Dan grade. See page 5 for details.

SENIOR Categories KWC SENIOR MALE KATA

1 F Catterall Eng 2 L Nesser Nor 3 M Venkatramen Nor 3 S Mason Eng

KWC SENIOR FEMALE KATA 1 E Hristova Bul 2 L Palminger Swe 3 J Pithon Fra 3 C Truong Nor

KWC SENIOR TEAM KATA 1 France 2 Norway

Junior 1st Dan Tyronne Laaks (South Africa) Jan Harm Botha (South Africa) Dawid Frederick Van Der Walt (South Africa) Viashna Hansraj (South Africa) Alessandro Correia (South Africa) Sebastian Arup Gregersen (Denmark) Lyon Rowan Momple (Australia) Fatima Hamidou (Kuwait) Amina Hamidou (Kuwait) Tanaka Mazhata (Zimbabwe) 1st Dan Angelica Mejstedt (sweden) Johan Holmqvist (Sweden) Bjȍrn Olofsson (Sweden) Henrik Wallin (Sweden) Mikael Stenson (Sweden) Janine Ronquest (S.A.) John Robert Heath (S.A.) Jocelyn Joan Odendaal (S.A.) Kathleen Dorothy Burgerhoff (S.A.) Karel Hendrik Van Der Walt (S.A.) Bradley Lynton Pandy (S.A.) Andre Loots (S.A.) Sylvain Martinez (France) Alain Gayrard (France) Hugo Cayrol (France) Tamara Kerec (Slovenia) Aleš Pokrivač (Slovenia) Juš Jagarinec (Slovenia) Miro Skalicky (Slovenia) Andrea Iacovone (Norway) Fredrik Magnussen (Norway) Garth Maynard Denny (S.A.) Steven Mason (England) Katlego Disele (Botswana) Vincent Magalie (Botswana) Neil Duncan McKenzie (Scotland) Rusi Tenev (Bulgaria) Stancho Stanchev (Bulgaria) Elena Hristova (Bulgaria)

Maria Pacheco (France) Thanh Huong Nguyen-Hua (France) Thanh Liêm Hua (France) Borut Čretnik (Slovenia) Sabina Fazlič (Slovenia) Hervé Blanchon (France) Clive Petty (England) Olatlhegile Ntwayagae (Botswana) Amy Curtis (Scotland) Eduardo Raúl Olivero (Argentina) Daniel Adolfo Zúñiga (Argentina) S. Manikandan (India) Radhakrishna Pillai (Kuwait) Elrina Hartman (Australia) Glen David Baker (Australia) Gisela Silva (Portugal) Vanessa Gomes (Portugal) Carina Truong (Norway) Dimitar Troanski (Bulgaria) 3rd Dan Lena Tolvers (Sweden) Jens Johanson (Sweden) Deon Claasen (S.A.) Brogan Mathew Norman (S.A.) Graciela Beatriz Fernández (Argentina) R. Surendran (India) Sivasakti Balan (India) Vinko Gobec (Slovenia) Stanislav Rojc (Slovenia) Vladzimir Schasniuk (Belarus) Anže Siljan (Slovenia) Kannan Varuvel (Kuwait) Borislav Balgaranov (Canada) Carlos Guerreiro (Portugal) David Nlisi Hobona (Botswana) Tinyiko Edward Halimani (Zimbabwe) Vacson Dube (Zimbabwe) 4th Dan Brett Ferreira (S.A.) Danric Verster (S.A.) Nigel Denis Parsons (England)

5 Official Newsletter of Tani-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do Kofukan

Kofukan International Dan Gradings

Our congratulations to all the following members who successfully graded since the last newsletter, an impressive achievement. Good luck to everyone who will be grading in the near future.

Mihail Genadiev (Bulgaria) Artem kostyuchenko (Russia) Kirill Galkin (Russia) Igor Burykin (Russia) Sergei Shishkin (Russia) Camilla Vigen (Norway) Tobias Sparrenlȍv (Sweden) Peter Podkoritnik (Slovenia) Katja Stisovič (Slovenia) Urška Krašovec (Slovenia) Lawrence John Petty (England) Thomas Lundsgaard (Denmark) Jakob Rasmussen (Denmark) Sebastian Arup Gregersen (Denmark) Pamela Ann Thȍnell (Australia) Monique Momple (Australia) Lyon Rowan Momple (Australia) Fatima Hamidou (Kuwait) João Barreto (Portugal) Francisco Pereira (Portugal) Diogo Raposo (Portugal) João Nunes (Portugal) Gonçalo Rodrigues (Portugal) Joana Algarvio (Portugal) Mariana Belo (Porttugal) Pedro Horta (Portugal) Pedro Palma (Portugal) Camilla Truong (Norway) Bella Franzen (Sweden) Wilma Eklund (Sweden) Dana Gnina (Sweden) Boris Boychev (Bulgaria) Alexander Iliev (Bulgaria) Obvious Moyo (South Africa) 2nd Dan Jane Schȍrling (Sweden) Marc Hayden Elliott (S.A.) Robin Leigh Elliott (S.A.) Teri-Jann Ferreita (S.A.) Janvier Nzabanterura (S.A.) José Pacheco (France)

E. Sivadasan (India) Tracey Jane Archer (England) Evgeni Shavlohov (Belarus) Sergei Podymako (Belarus) Pedro Gonçalves (Portugal) Vitor Barreto (Portugal) Adriano Capristano (Portugal) Webster N Lentswe (Botswana) Gerald E S Muusha (Zimbabwe) Masuzyo Munkondya (Zimbabwe) 5th Dan Ndabezinhle Mazibuko (Zimbabwe) Otto S. Tafa (Botswana) Daniel Antonio Spinato (Argentina) Grigori Formin (Russia) Rihard Žibrat (Slovenia) Guliver Nunes (Portugal) Alexander Durrand Lyall (Scotland) Nedyalka Stancheva (Bulgaria) Lucas T Rakgampu (Botswana) 6th Dan Nelson Muthiah (Kuwait) Million Tabalume Masumbika (Botswana) 7th Dan On the 28th March 2015, during the Kofukan International World Cup, the following senior members were each awarded the grade of 7th Dan by Shihans Naoki Omi and Keiji Tomiyama : Didier Couet (France) Stephen Coupland (England) Dick Schorling (Sweden) Paul Reid (Scotland) Serge Martinet (France) Michel Depoix (France) They are to be applauded for their continuing efforts and dedication and are an example to us all. Congratulations!

N

6 Official Newsletter of Tani-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do Kofukan

NEWS … NEWS … NEWS … NEWS … NEWS … NEWS … NEWS … NEWS … NEWS … NEWS … NEWS …

On the 17th of January 1995 an earthquake that emanated from Awaji Island hit the city of Kobe. It was Japan’s worst earthquake of the 20th century after the Great Kanto earthquake which occurred in 1923. Thousands died and many buildings were destroyed. One of the buildings damaged in the quake was the Shukokai Hombu dojo in Kobe. We reported the rebuilding effort in our official newsletter ‘In Harmony’ Issue No. 8 of December 1995 with the following picture of the exterior shrouded in netting:- Our hope at the time was that the dojo be restored in time for the black belt trip to Japan in 1997. It was indeed ready for use that November; however, Master Chojiro Tani was in hospital at the time and the visit-ing group were hosted by his son, the current Soke.

20 years ago in Kobe ...

Since that time there have been quite a few trips to Japan by different groups of Kofukan members from around the world, the most recent be-ing in 2012.

This year, from November 11, will see another group of willing Kofukan black belts being led around the sights of Japan by Shihan Tomiyama at great speed. Squats and running might be useful in preparation! The following trip in 2017 will take in the 80th Anniversary of the Dosh-isha University Karate Club, with the 2019 trip being open to more par-ticipants for the Kofukan World Cup and Shukokai 70th Anniversary Championships. Many sights to see and people to meet, strange food to eat, and of course, a visit to the Hombu Dojo.

Members of the 2012 Japan Trip are pictured above inside the reinstated Hombu Dojo

* Members of Kofukan International were relieved to hear that our members in Nepal had not suffered in the severe earthquake that occurred in the region

earlier in the year. We wish every success to rebuilding efforts. Shihan Tomiyama looks forward to the time when he can return there for training. *

Shihan Tomiyama visits Kuwait and newest member Qatar

Qatar Mr. Prabu Mathivanan used be a member of Kofukan India and achieved 2nd Dan. He emigrated to Qatar a few years ago and started a karate club there. Follow-ing on from my visit to Kuwait, I vis-ited Qatar for the first time. Unfortunately Mr. Mathivanan spent some time in India recently to get married, resulting in a drop of the number of students attending. Nevertheless I was greeted with a warm welcome by Mr. Mathivanan, his wife and parents of members. As in Kuwait, they are Indian people working in Qatar. Qatar is fast developing and Doha looks much like Dubai with many tall modern buildings. The first training session took place on Wednesday 22nd April in the lounge of a student’s family flat (there are some big flats in Qatar!), where a number of children covered basic combinations and one steps. A feast of Indian food was served af-terwards. Although many modern buildings have been built in Doha, the Qatari government made an effort to build a large souq (Arabic bazaar) in traditional style and I was taken there on Thursday evening. As Fridays are holidays in this part of the world, it was full of people in the way that Friday evenings are in the West-ern world. There were many shops, restaurants and cafes there. It was so vast we could not pos-sibly investigate it all and eventually we went in to an Italian restaurant. It was run by an old Italian lady and the food was en-joyable.

7 Official Newsletter of Tani-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do Kofukan

Kuwait I flew out to Kuwait via Dubai with Emirates Airline on 16th April 2015. My first day there was spent settling down and catching up with Mr. Nelson Mu-thiah, the leader of Kofukan Kuwait. Our main concern was the affiliation of Kofu-kan Kuwait to the Kuwait Karate Federation, the governing body. It had not materi-alised despite my courtesy visit to its headquarters during my last visit to the coun-try. So we decided to make another courtesy visit during my stay. The training camp was conducted for three days from Friday to Sunday at the usual hall. The majority of students are children of Indian people working in Ku-wait. They are generally well disciplined and train hard. Training was geared to-wards basic combinations, Basic one-steps and fighting combinations, plus Pin'an katas and Hokei Kumite. At the end of the course, I conducted Kyu and Dan gradings for the first time. Two young sisters, Fatima and Amina Hamidou passed to Junior Shodan (1st Dan). As well as those gradings, Mr. Nelson Muthiah was awarded 6th Dan. He has been 5th dan (awarded by Shito-kai) for more than 15 years and has been dili-gently studying our principles since joining Kofukan. Two assistant instructors, namely Mr. Kannan Varuvel and Mr. Radhakrishna Pillai, were awarded 3rd Dan and 2nd Dan respectively. Mr. Nelson Muthiah and I visited Kuwait Karate Federation and we are happy to announce that Kofukan Kuwait is now affiliated to Kuwait Karate Federation.

The souq in Doha

Students in Kuwait proudly display their participation certificates after being

put through their paces by Shihan Tomiyama

During my stay, Mr. Mathivanan and I tried several restaurants (I’m sure that’s no surprise to readers) and found a nice Japanese restaurant. The staff are Filipinos but the food was authentic Japanese and quite reasonably priced. So we went back there a few times and I am sure it will be my regular place in the future. Friday afternoon’s session was the main event of my visit this time. It was held at a school gymnasium proudly displaying a large Kofukan banner on the wall. All the students attended, although there were many more parents watching than stu-dents training. I taught basic combinations, one steps and fighting combinations. It was followed by a little ceremony. I demonstrated Bassai-Dai kata and was presented with several gifts. Saturday was the last day and I was taken on a desert safari. We were driven in a Toyota Landcruiser among the big sand dunes, which was quite exciting and, sometimes, a bit scary. I had a good time and managed to get back in one piece. I left Qatar in the morning of Sunday 26th and came back via Dubai. I would like to thank everybody in Kuwait and Qatar for their warm welcomes and look forward to my next visit to the region.

8 Official Newsletter of Tani-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do Kofukan

VISIT TO KUWAIT & QATAR CONTINUEDVISIT TO KUWAIT & QATAR CONTINUEDVISIT TO KUWAIT & QATAR CONTINUEDVISIT TO KUWAIT & QATAR CONTINUED

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INTO THE NEXT 1O YEARS FOR KOFUKAN CANADA Kofukan Canada celebrated its 10 year anniversary at around this time last year, having expanded during those years from its base in Gatineau, Ottawa to include a new club at La Salle near Montreal. It was started by Ivailo Kraytchev, now 4th Dan, when he took up residence in Canada after moving from his native Bulgaria. He is a lawyer, a member of Quebec Bar Association, currently teaching law at Ottawa University. In 2009, another ex-member of Kofukan Bulgaria, Borislav Balgaranov, arrived to live and work in Canada, and subsequently started a club under the Kofukan banner. He has recently achieved the grade of 3rd Dan.

Didier Couet (left) with Ivailo in Paris

Ivailo returns to Bulgaria to train with that country’s Chief Instructor Tzvetan Trentchev and colleagues whenever possible, and recently spent a week in Paris with Didier Couet, 7th Dan, one of Kofukan International’s senior Dan grades, who was generous in sharing his knowledge of karate gained over several decades. Ivailo described Didier as “Un vrai guérrier, un karatéka de très haut niveau et un être humain exceptionnel” (a real warrior, a karate-ka of very high level and an exceptional human being).

Shihan Tomiyama will make his second visit of 2015 to Canada in October and the plan is for him to visit twice a year from now on. He is pictured left with Borislav Balgaranov (left) and Ivailo Kraytchev during his most recent visit. If you would like to read more about Kofukan Canada you can visit their Facebook page.

Thanks to Sensei Tinyiko E Halimani, 3rd Dan, (pictured right) for sending in this report :

Kofukan Zimbabwe 25th Anniversary and visit by Shihan Keiji Tomiyama

Shihan Keiji Tomiyama’s annual visit to Southern Africa in July – August 2015 coincided with the 25th Anniversary of the introduc-tion of Tani-ha Shito Ryu Karate – do Kofukan to Zimbabwe. Silver Jubilee Celebrations were held at Belgravia Sports Club in Ha-rare on the 1st of August 2015. His Excellency the Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe Mr Tsunakake was the guest of honour. The celebrations began with fifteen minutes of Zimbabwean traditional dance followed by welcome remarks from Sensei Ndabezinhle Mazibuko. His Excellency the Deputy Ambassador delivered the keynote address in which he emphasised the mean-ing of the word ‘oss’, which in Japanese generally means patience or perseverance; patience in your training, patience in your re-lations with others, patience in all you do. He congratulated Kofukan Zimbabwe for reaching the important milestone and encour-aged Karate-ka to persevere in their training and development, ending his speech with the single word, ‘oss’. The next stage was a demonstration of the beginning of the karate journey performed mainly by juniors (White to Brown Belt, 7 -14 years old) from the basic combinations, the basic one step sparring (Kihon Ippon Kumite) and the fighting combinations. This led to an interlude where the traditional danc-

ers entertained the guests. Sensei Pius Matambanadzo narrated the early history of Kofukan Zimbabwe. He began by thanking Shihan Keiji Tomiyama for his commitment. He described how, as karate-ka led by the late Sensei Vusumuzi Ndlovu, they started training under the Shukokai Organisation established by Sensei Kimura in the then Rhodesia (Zimbabwe’s old name). They reached a ‘ceiling’ as far as their development was concerned and Sensei Vusi and Sensei Pius were introduced to Shihan Stephen Chan (of the Jindokai Organisation) who agreed to introduce them to Shihan Tomiyama. After some discussion, Sensei Pius was sent to Norway to formally register Kofukan Zimbabwe starting this 25 year (and continuing) journey. He noted that it was at the same time that Kofukan Botswana also got registered. Sensei Pius Matambanadzo took over leadership of Kofukan Zimbabwe when Sensei Vusi passed away in 1991. Sensei Pius himself later left the leadership of the organisation to Sensei Ndabezinhle and the late Sensei Lucky Munkhondya. More demonstrations illustrating the karate journey continued with the basic kata Shiho San Shiki being

demonstrated by 7 year old Ruvarashe from the Bulawayo dojo. Other kata were performed, including Roppo Hijiate, Pinan Sandan and Seienchin. Two other styles also got a chance to demonstrate in front of the guests, that is, Bino Ryu and Aikido. The under-14 boys team demonstrated the kata Seienchin. Sensei Ndabezinhle Mazibuko continued narrating the Kofukan Zimbabwe history where Sensei Pius left off. He also thanked Shihan Tomiyama for his on-going commitment to Kofukan Zimbabwe. He described Sensei Lucky Munkhondya’s tenure as national organiser, the various portfolios that Kofukan members held in the Zimbabwe Karate Union and its affiliates. He highlighted, in particular, the role played by Sensei Pius Matambanadzo in the forma-tion of the Zone Six regional karate organisation, his bronze medal in the 1991 All Africa Games held in Cairo, Egypt, Sensei Lucky’s recognition as the Sports Administrator of the year and the various medals that Kofukan Zimbabwe won over the years. He took the story all the way to 2015. The Technical Director of the Zimbabwe National Karate Team and representative of the Zimbabwe Karate Union Shihan Paul Danisa (of the Jindokai Organisation that has been mentioned before) gave his remarks highlighting the role of Kofukan Zimbabwe in the development of karate in Zimbabwe. He made particular reference to the fact that the karate senior men’s kata team comes from Kofukan Zimbabwe and the current team captain is also from Kofukan Zimbabwe.

9 Official Newsletter of Tani-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do Kofukan

KOFUKAN ZIMBABWE CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARYKOFUKAN ZIMBABWE CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARYKOFUKAN ZIMBABWE CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARYKOFUKAN ZIMBABWE CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Further demonstrations followed covering two incarnations of Kosokun (Kosokun Dai and Chatan yara no Koso-kun), Koshiki Rohai, Shushi no kon, Kururunfa, Suparinpai, Hamahiga no Tonfa and the Pinan Bunkai Kumite. The senior men’s kata team (who are currently Zimbabwe Champions and Regional Bronze medallists) led by the Zimbabwe Karate Team captain Sensei Gerald Muusha demonstrated the kata Useishi including the bunkai. Shihan Keiji Tomiyama took over the proceedings. He thanked both Sensei Pius and Sensei Ndabezinhle for their own efforts and commitment in developing Kofukan Zimbabwe over the past 25 years. Shihan said that his visits are sponsored by his businessmen friends in Japan. They said what he is doing promotes Japanese culture and leads to understanding and world peace. He thanked them too for sponsoring his annual visits to Southern Africa and other countries. Shihan Tomiyama took time to explain that there are four main traditional karate styles in Ja-

pan (Shotokan, Wado Ryu, Goju Ryu and Shito Ryu). The founders of these styles are Masters Gichin Funakoshi, Ohtsuka, Chojun Miyagi and Kenwa Mabuni, respectively. When Shihan started training karate he did so at Doshisha University karate club. The dojo was established by Master Chojun Miyagi. When he left Japan for Okinawa he introduced it to Master Kenwa Mabuni. That makes our style unique in that it was influenced by two of the four founders of the traditional styles. He thanked his instructors Masters Tani and Fujimoto. Shihan Tomiyama also explained the Budo spirit. ‘Bu’ refers to martial arts and ‘do’ refers to the way or how we live, that is the discipline, eti-quette, respect, etc., which are more im-portant than technique. He explained the importance of kata in training and development so that we understand the essence or way in kata and told the audi-ence that he hoped children will train all their lives. He proceeded to demon-strate the katas Naihanchin Sandan, Papuren and Higaonna Seisan, facing a direction that was different from every-one else so that all who were there could get a better view. The day ended with a presentation of certificates to the indi-viduals who have worked hard for Kofukan Zimbabwe, some of whom are non-karate-ka. The rest of Shihan Tomiyama’s visit was spent in training and standardising techniques. Tanaka Mazhata graded to junior Shodan, Senseis Vackson Dube and Tinyiko Halimani were graded to Sandan, while Senseis Gerald Muusha and Masuzyo Munkhondya were graded to Yondan.

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25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS continued25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS continued25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS continued25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS continued

Deputy Ambassador Mr Tsunakake with

Shihan Tomiyama and some of the

instructors, students and dancers after the

anniversary celebration

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In our next issue I will start a series of profiles of our senior members from around the world.

Don’t forget to visit the Kofukan International website or Facebook page in case I have posted any information/news.

Until next time, enjoy your training !

Editor

Thanks to our supportersThanks to our supportersThanks to our supportersThanks to our supporters

Kofukan International would like to thank all the members of the Supporters’ Association in Japan for

their continuing friendship, support and assistance. Participants of the Japan Trip 2015 are looking forward to meeting with them once again soon.