congratulations! it`s a website

14Th November 2015
The Official SEKU News Letter
in association with
Zanshin Press
CONGRATULATIONS!
IT’S A WEBSITE
www.sekukarate.co.uk
It has been a long time coming
but now it is here at last! The New,
Fresh and Highly Sophisticated
SEKU WEBSITE. Already looking
great and getting better with the
tweaks, improvements and the
additional information that is being
added to the site from time to time.
locations are cross referenced on a Google
Map at the top of the page. This helps you
to locate any of the clubs and is really quite
a swish improvement. In addition, the
‘Zanshin Press’ Tab links you a page on the
Machi Dojo Website that gives you access to
all the present and back issue News Letters,
‘SEKU Update’ and ‘Squad News’ going back
to 2007 when we started producing the half
yearly publications.
It has many of the familiar tabs such as
‘News’, ‘Events’, ‘Gallery’ but the ‘Register’
Tab has an improved comprehensive list
all the SEKU Clubs, with instructor’s details
and Contact Numbers etc. plus the club
It’s now down to you to make good use of
the site by making it a ‘Favourite’ on your
web browser so all the latest information will
be available to you from your Phone, your
Tablet of Computer.
For more information on clubs, training times, news plus up & coming events visit the SEKU WebSite
www.sekukarate.co.uk - SHOTOKAN OF ENGLAND KARATE UNION (1982 - 2015)
BATTLE OF GIBRALTAR
2015 has been a busy year for
‘Gibshot’ (the Gibraltar Shotokan
Karate Club). We finally formed
the Gibraltar Shotokan Karate
Union of which Frankie Hatton is
now President & Chief Instructor.
The relationship between the club
and SEKU remains the same, the
club is still affiliated to SEKU whilst
recognizing its own identity within
the country of Gibraltar. One of the
main benefits is that ‘Gibshot’ now
have a regular slot in one of the local
schools, Governors Meadow School
that the Government allocated to
the club and this support should now
increase our class size.
spent two days on the course himself
as a student. The course was a 3 hour
instructor class on the Friday afternoon
plus 3 hours on Saturday and 2 hours
Sunday ending with a grading. The
next visit is next Spring and yes we
will be going again”.
He also went on to say, “Gibshot has
also been in the market with it’s first
inaugural Gasshaku. Being the first,
I wanted Sensei Dewey to be there
and who else but Sensei Hazard to
complete the pairing. We had a small
gathering but two 3 hour training
sessions totally rocked it for our
students. Sensei Hazard as always
Left to Right: Senseis Mick Dewey, Frankie Hatton and Dave Hazard.
When I asked Sensei Frankie Hatton
what else has he been up to he said
“A couple of us went to the JKA Spain
Spring Course held in Chiclana back in
June. Naka Shihan was the instructor
and Akita Sensei from Germany also
took us places we don’t often push
ourselves to and also reminded most
of the students a box is necessary
when in the dojo. Sensei Dewey totally
messed everybody’s head by taking us
through his deconstructed version of
Panoramic view of the JKA Spain Spring Course held in Chiclana
With Naka Shihan and Akita Sensei
Kihon kata. Everyone including some
senior Spanish visitors shook their
heads in disbelief how such a simple
kata could catch us out. Fantastic.
Gibshot is very grateful and very lucky
to have had the pleasure of two of the
UK’s top instructors in our dojo.”
As always Sensei Frankie Hatton will
be at the Portsmouth Open Karate
Tournament and if you don’t see him
you will be bound to hear him on the
microphone keeping us all informed.
His finals words were “See you all at
the POKT and good luck.”
Senseis Mick Dewey, Frankie Hatton and Dave Hazard line up with everyone
for a photo opportunity and an Advertisement for the Sponsors
THE
SEKU
PYRAMID
This has been a mega year for the
grading of senior instructors. It all
began with Sensei Mick Dewey’s 8th
Dan grading in September 2011.
Yes that was four years ago and it
only seems like yesterday. Since
then, both Sensei Mervyn O’Donnell
Association Secretary and Chief
Instructor of Portchester KC attained
Machi Dan in and Sensei Brian Smith
Chief Instructor of Lovedean KC was
awarded 7th Dan in June 2014 .
This year the awards have been flowing
with a string of 6th Dan Grades.
Sensei Terry Olver & Sensei Steve Hollister
at the September Instructor Class
Firstly, at September Instructor Class
the SEKU Squad Coaches Terry Oliver
and Steve Hollister, received their
awards. These two have worked hard
to train, promote and support the
Squad and it’s members over the past
7 years, taking them all over Europe
to compete against the world;s best
and come home time after time with
a stash of awards and outstanding
performances. In addition, 2 years
ago they took part in the WJKA
World Championships in Remscheid,
Germany. Both came home as World
Champions, Terry in the Veteran Mens
Kumite and Steve in the Veteran Mens
Kata.
This was followed by a further three
awards at the October 2015 Black &
Brown Belt Course held in Portsmouth
at the Priory Sports Centre. Sensei’s
Mark Elliott – IOW Karate, Alan Lewis
– Crofton School of Karate and Paul
Moreby – Bromley Karate Academy
were each awarded 6th Dan. All three
of them have been loyal members of
SEKU since it’s inauguration in 1982
and before and have made a major
contribution to the Associations
success over the years. As our more
mature members of SEKU , they
are also a great inspiration to us all,
continuing to train and practice a high
level of karate and seldom missing
the opportunity to take part in SEKU
events whether it be competitions,
Squad training or simply to assist and
support others both in and outside
the Dojo.
So after the promotions, this is how
it looks now at the top of the SEKU
Pyramid:
M Dewey 8th Dan - SEKU
M O’Donnell 8th Dan - SEKU
B Smith 7th Dan - SEKU
M Elliott 6th Dan - IOW KaratE
A Lewis 6th Dan - Crofton SKC
P Moreby 6th Dan - Bromley KA
T Oliver 6th Dan - Chichester KC
S Hollister 6th Dan - Saltash KC
R Langdale 6th Dan - Gosport KC (SKI)
S Crowe 5th Dan - Portsmouth KC
P Uren 5th Dan - Plymouth KD
N Sanders 4th Dan - Locksheath KC
M Bradley 4th Dan - Newport IOW
F Cappleman 4th Dan - Portchester KC
H Hollister 4th Dan - Saltash KC
M Jupp 4th Dan - Newport IOW
A Shorkey 4th Dan - Newport IOW
You are probably aware that Kyu Grades
and Dan Grades are earned by taking
grading examinations and this goes all
the way up to 4th Dan. After 6th Dan
(Yon Dan), grades are awarded by the
SEKU Technical Committee based on
merits. Subsequently, being presented
with 5th Dan or above is a rare and
special occasion and only comes after
years of dedication to SEKU and the
ancient martial art of Karate Do. May
one day you will be a senior grade
also.
CHILDREN'S XMAS
COMPETITION
This year Portsmouth will be hosting the
‘Junior Christmas Karate Championships’
on Saturday 5th December 2015. This is
a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to
experience the excitement of competition
in a Professional environment. Many of the
senior black belts and SEKU squad members
of today had their first taste of competition
at events like this. Children find this type of
event less intimidating, as the judges will make
allowances for inexperience and the occasional
lack of concentration etc.
The rules of the contest allow competitors to
have more that one chance to proceed in a
particulate category which gives them the
chance to have another go and do better and
they often do. So if you’re a Pee Wee or a Junior
Student or a parent of one, make sure you don’t
miss the great day. On the other hand if your
too old to take part, you can still take part in
the event as a Referee/Judge, Desk Official or
spectator and make it a day to be remembered.
Sensei Alan Lewis, Sensei Mark & Sensei Paul Moreby
at the October B&B after recieving their certificates
THE PAUL
In our March Issue of ‘SEKU Update’ I
told the story of Paul Wilson, the 1st
Dan from Portsmouth KC who was
planning to cycle from Portsmouth to
Plymouth B&B Course in order to raise
funds for his son Fraser, to travel to
Kenya and teach Karate to children.
So on Friday 10th July Paul set off
to complete the challenge he had set
himself but little did he realize how
rewarding his adventure would be.
Paul tells his story so read on and be
inspired to set yourself a challenge.
It was a clear dry summer morning
but pretty uneventful until I reached
Southampton and cycled passed St
Mary’s, Southampton football ground.
Being a Loyal Pompey Fan, I gave them
a friendly hand gesture as passed by.
Once through Southampton I began to
make my way into the New Forest. The
views were great and it was turning
into a glorious sunny summer’s day so
I decided to stop off at Lyndhurst for
coffee and toast. I needed to fuel up,
(well that was my excuse anyway).
I reached Bournemouth around
lunchtime but rather than making
another fuel stop pushed on round to
Poole. No! I didn’t see Harry Rednap
as I wheeled through Sandbanks
so caught the Chain Ferry over to
Studland. Not too long after I reached
Corfe Castle and had a nice lunch there
before hitting the road again. This is
I started 7 am from Cosham, on the
outskirts of Portsmouth, wearing a
yellow high-viz top with a Pompey
Karate Badge on it and feeling full
of eager enthusiasm about the task
ahead.
A spot of lunch at Corfe Castle
Paul with son Fraser and daughter Gracie
shortly before the start
where the hills began to get tough
but the scenery was fantastic which
took my mind of the hills. I eventually
reached Weymouth but got lost
soon after. I had tried to keep to the
quiet roads which had its drawbacks
but I pushed on to Bridport via the
Abbotsbury Hill which was a bit of a
monster. I’m not ashamed to admit
that I pushed the bike the last bit but
the reward was a nice ride down hill
WILSON STORY
into Bridport. In hindsight I should
have stayed in Bridport for the night
but I’d booked a hotel in Lyme Regis
so I carried on and just outside of
Lyme Regis I encountered the biggest
hill yet. However, with thoughts of
a hot shower, refreshments and a
comfortable bed I pushed on and got
to the hotel about 8 ish. The hotel was
much better than I expected, in fact
quite posh, so I naturally fitted in well
(ha ha!). I got changed and ventured
out for a well-deserved pint. The hotel
bar was bit too posh for me but found
a great pub and met some friendly
locals. There was a curry house next
door which was a real bonus! The day
was over and I had knocked up 109
miles and now some deep sleep was
in order.
I slept like a log and ‘Day Two’ started
with the works breakfast as I needed
to fuel up for a day of hills. I set off
to Exmouth soon after breakfast along
the coast road via Seaton, Sidmouth
and Budleigh Salterton. Although, very
hilly, the sights where fantastic. You
don’t realise how beautiful this part of
the world is until you are out there, in
the saddle sucking in large quantities
of air and enjoying the panoramic
views.
I made it to Exmouth where I caught
the ferry across to Starcross then
made my way down to Dawlish, going
via the nature reserve. I pushed on
to Teignmouth and stopped at an
excellent cafe at the Station. The
locals all seemed to meet hear which
suggested it had to be good. I wasted
no time and got stuck into the biggest
pasty I could find, (well, when in Rome
as they say). I met some great people
there who where very interested in
my trip. I think they thought I was
nuts and between you and me, I was
begining to think they might be right.
After my fill I rode on to Torquay where
everyone seemed to be on either a
Stag or a Hen Night (if only I was 25
years younger). I had an ice cream
instead, (life in the fast lane eh?) and
I forged on to Ivybridge via Totnes
but got lost again so I had to jump
on the train to Ivybridge. It was a 10
mile ride and time was getting on. I
got off at Ivybridge and back in the
saddle, making my way to Plymouth
and finally arriving around 7pm.
The final fuel stop was at the Barbican
where I had a few pints in order
to replenish my liquids. 72 miles
completed making it a total of 181
miles in 2 days. I was shattered
but extremely pleased with myself
as I stared into my pint mug and
contemplated what I had achieved.
In hindsight, if I had to do it again,
and I would at the drop of a hat, I
would do it over 3 days. I met some
great people and saw some wonderful
sights on my journey and wouldn’t
have done it without the overwhelming
support from my friends, (mostly on
social media) and especially my fellow
karateka.........Osss!
Paul raised £550 but his experience
turned out to be priceless.
Fraser teaching Karate in Kenya
PAWS FOR THOUGHT
This little fellow is a Black Labrador
called Felix who is training to be a
Guide Dog. Lovedean Karate Club are
sponsoring his training over the next
two years and this will enable someone
less fortunate than us to benefit from
one of these unique and wonderful
animals.
Sensei Brian Smith had been looking
for some time to find a suitable charity
for Lovedean to support and then last
year he went to the NEC in Birmingham
and ............... Brian explained,
“I came across an exhibition stall
promoting Guide Dogs For The Blind.
It appeared at the time that the
charity came to me more me to them.
This association has NO government
funding and to be able to help train
one of these unique animals over two
years is a small price to pay. The cost
of training a guide dog amounts to
almost £30k, I am only too pleased
that LKC is able to help.”
In this world where it appears that so
many people are out for what they can
get, it’s just great to hear stories of
selfless acts of kindness.
Guide Dogs For The Blind - 0845 372 7433
THE DAVE HOOPER VIST
TO CHICHESTER SKC
Friday 16th October 2015 saw the visit
of Dave Hooper to Chichester Shotokan
Karate Dojo. Dave is a popular and
frequent visitor to CSKC with his
simple and concise demonstration and
communication of karate-do.
To those unaware of Hooper Sensei,
a brief resume would read something
like, ‘resides in Tokyo, Japan, and
has done since he was 17. He trains
at the JKA Honbu dojo and others
which previously include Takushoku
University. He teaches at various JKA
dojo in Tokyo and internationally. On
this point I emphasise, that it is I that
has made this statement. Mr Hooper
is quite a humble gentleman and to
get anything out of him regarding
his achievements or pedigree would
probably result in a mere shrug of the
shoulders.
replenished lost fluids in our local pub,
which strangely enough is literally 2
minutes from the dojo door!
Dave Hooper will be returning to the
UK in July/August 2016. CSKC will be
hosting at least 2 training sessions of
which all SEKU members and karate
friends are invited.
Thank you to
members of the Portsmouth Honbu
dojo, Crofton KC and Seishinkai Kings
Cross for supporting us.
OSS!
Terry Oliver 6th Dan
The training on the night was the
typical JKA Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
Three words that sound simple
however we all spend an age trying to
perfect to the best of our ability. One
point Sensei made during the evening,
which resonated with me and is also
heartening for club instructors is that
while a class can consist of grades
ranging from 9th-7th Kyus up to 3rd4th Dans everyone can be practicing
the same thing. It is just the emphasis
on a particular aspect that may differ.
Interestingly, I have also heard Sensei
Dewey and Sensei O’Donnell saying
something similar to me over the
years!
The content of the class was relatively
straight forward however the focus on
particular aspects and the work rate
made the evening interesting and
all too short. Needless to say, we
Left: Dave Hopper and Terry Oliver
Soaked in perspiration
after an energetic session
2016 DIARY DATES
Saturday 14th November 2015
Portsmouth Open Karate Tournament - Mountbatten Centre
Saturday 5th December 2015
Xmas Junior Competition – Portsmouth
Sunday 17th January
Instructors Class - Portsmouth
Sunday 7th February
Black & Brown Belt Course with Dan Grading - Newport – IOW
Sunday 14th February
Referee & Judges Course - Venue to be Confirmed
Saturday 5th March
Legend Karate Competition - Bracknell
Saturday 19th March
SEKU Championships - Mountbatten Centre
Sunday 10th April
Referee & Judges Course with Assessment - Venue to be confirmed
Sunday 12th June
Instructors Class - Portsmouth
Sunday 10th July
Black & Brown Belt Course with Dan Grading - Portsmouth
Sunday 11th September
Instructors Class – Portsmouth
Sunday 11th September
Club Secretaries Meeting
Sunday 9th October
Black & Brown Belt Course with Dan Grading - Plymouth
Saturday 19th November
Portsmouth Open Karate Tournament - Mountbatten Centre
Saturday 3rd December
Xmas Junior Competition - Portsmouth
SEKU KARATE CLUB WEBSITES
In addition to the SEKU website at www.sekukarate.co.uk many clubs are taking
advantage of the world wide web and creating their own window to the world
Bembridge Shotokan Karate Club - Mike Stilgoe (1st Dan)
www.bembridgekarate.co.uk
Bognor Regis Karate Club - Glen Frame (4th Dan)
www.bognorregiskarateandkobujutsuclub.co.uk
Bromley Shotokan Karate Academy - Paul Moreby (6th Dan)
www.bromleyshotokankarateacademy.com
Chichester Shotokan KC - Terry Oliver (6th Dan) - www.chichestershotokankc.com
Crofton KC - Alan Lewis (6th Dan) - www.croftonshotokan.co.uk
Isle of Wight Karate & Martial Arts Academy - Mark Elliott (6th Dan)
www.isleofwightkarate.co.uk
Locksheath KC - Nicky Sanders (4th Dan) - www.locksheathskc.com
Lovedean KC - Brian Smith (7th Dan) - www.lovedeankc.co.uk
Machi Dojo – Uxbridge - Ken Lyons (2nd Dan) - www.uxbridgekarate.weebly.com
Neville Lovett KC - Jim Sutherland (3rd Dan) - www.nevillelovettkarate.talktalk.net
Newport KC - Malc Bradley (4th Dan) & Mick Lambert (3rd Dan)
www.newportiowkarate.co.uk
Plymouth Karate-Do - Paul Uren (5th Dan) - www.plymouthkaratedo.co.uk
Portsmouth KC - Mick Dewey (8th Dan) - www.portsmouthkarateclub.co.uk
Portsmouth University KC - Phil Bryant (3rd Dan) - Portsmouth University website
Portchester KC - Mervyn O’Donnell (8th Dan) - www.portchesterkarate.co.uk
Worthing Karate Club - Nick Polley 3rd Dan - www.worthingkarate.co.uk
If your SEKU website does not appear on this list or if your details have changed
Please contact contact Ken Lyons - kenlyons [email protected] or 07885115432