KokorO - Seido South Wellington
Transcription
KokorO - Seido South Wellington
KokorO OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH WELLINGTON SEIDO ISSUE No. 04 IN THIS ISSUE: Quadrangular Tournament and June Grading Photos We Profile Quentin Solomon, Richard Simmonds and Amy Campbell Secret Ninja - he sees and hears everything! JULY 2009 CONTENTS CONTACT US President’s Report 3 Wisdom From The South 3 Adults’ Grading Photos 4 Profile - Quentin Solomon 5 Quadrangular Tournament Photos 6-7 Honbu Trip Update 8 Profile - Richard Simmonds 9 Kids’ Grading Photos Children’s Page Profile - Amy Campbell A Word from the Secret Ninja Dojo Timetable 2009 469 Adelaide Road Berhampore Wellington Phone: 04 389 4605 Email: [email protected] www.southwellingtonseido.co.nz IMPORTANT DATES North Island Tournament Saturday, 8 August - Sunday, 9 August; Thorndon Dojo 10-11 General Grading – Kids Saturday, 12 September 12 General Grading – Adults Saturday, 26 September 13 NZ Seido Karate National Benefit Tournament, Nelson Labour Weekend Saturday, 24 October - Sunday, 25 October 14 15 South Africa 1989 – 2009 International Event & Benefit Tournament, Cape Town 3 – 6 December Cover photo: Richard Simmonds, Adult’s Grading, June 2009. Photo: Mark Russell 2 President’s Report Osu! The last quarter has been full on for South Wellington Seido. The Quadrangular Tournament was a huge success with placings for our students in all divisions for both adults and kids. My sincere thanks to those who helped with the running of both days, especially to the marshals, scorekeepers and others who gave up their time to help make the event such a success. The latest kids and adults gradings again proved to all that our club has a high level of talent and strong spirit. With the Honbu fundraising well underway, we were delighted with the great turnout for our Quiz Night, hosted by our good friend, and the voice of Sky Sports, Grant Nisbett. Thanks to all the teams that took part and helped make the evening such a great success. I know the last few months have taken their toll on many, not only from the many events that have been on but also having to deal with the seasonal illnesses that arise. Yet I am proud to see the high spirit and determination to train is still as healthy as ever. Please take care of yourselves through the winter months and look forward to, and embrace, the challenges that lie ahead. Osu! WISDOM FROM THE SOUTH and different. Yes it’s ok to want to shed a few kg’s or become a little more flexible, but be happy with what you already have. The key is to know and appreciate what you have that makes you special instead of focusing on what you don’t have. If change is what you are after, at least with this positive mental statement, you are well on your way. When is a punch not a punch? . . . When it’s a kick. Now at this point I know you are scratching your head either trying to work out the meaning behind this riddle or whether I have lost my mind. It’s quite simple really. Although some may think the latter, the simple point is that some things are different and that’s a fact. There is no way we can compare ourselves with the 19-year-old standing next to us who can throw his or her feet around the back of everyone’s head. Nor can we compare ourselves with the 70-year-old standing on the other side of us with their mental stamina which could see them well through any grading. More to the point, this is directed at us, the Karateka. We were all made different and were never meant to be the same. Yes, we learn the same moves, techniques and so on, and try as hard as we can to come close to perfect them to mirror our instructors. But the bottom line is that our moves will never be like our instructors’. More important is that the moves that we practice will be our own. Be proud that although we all practice in the same style, we can never all be the same. Remember, you are the special one; the others are just different. Osu! Most of us have a real problem with self confidence. Whether it be weight, age, height or whatever, we all bring a certain flavour to our Karate which is unique Sensei Tony 3 Adults’ Grading 4 Privileged to learn from the tremendous trio By Quentin Solomon My journey in Seido Karate has given me so much, but the one thing that keeps true is humility. Every time I think I am good at a certain technique or kata, the next training I am brought back to the real world. It makes training a great challenge. Humility holds true in sparring classes, as it is the ultimate humbling experience to have a couple of nice little reminders in the back of the head by Sensei Tony’s foot. I say this with respect! I started Seido Karate to experience it first hand before my babygirl Mila joined. Well as you can see I stayed on while my babygirl seems to be destined to do dance, alas. She is only four so she has time to come around to the idea. Firstly I just want to say that I love Seido Karate and the South Wellington Dojo. Sensei Tony you are a choice teacher. Has anyone told you that you are a scary man when you give that ‘don’t mess with me look’ in sparring and yokusoku? Like Sensei says “there is always someone more talented, and the further up the ladder you think you are, the further you have to fall.” Well if you are a hefty weight like myself, it might be better to stay on the lower step so it won’t hurt so much. LOL. Senpai Debbie and Senpai Garry, you both are great teachers in your own right, and combined with Sensei Tony you three make a very inspiring team. All I can say is AWESOME! Thanks to my wonderful wife who shows a lot of patience when it comes to Karate, we have an understanding and although I falter sometimes, her patience for me and Karate shines through. Enough said, train hard and see you guys at the next class. I feel privileged to train with the team at South Wellington Dojo. Although training and giving everything you have three times a week can be a challenge in itself, when I hear you guys also struggle, especially during push ups, it helps me to ‘just keep going’. Osu! P.S. South Wellington Dojo is AWESOME! 5 Quadrangular Tournament 6-7 June 2009 6 7 update: New York 2010 Thanks to everyone who has supported our fundraising efforts - your support is hugely appreciated. By the time you read this, the trials and tribulations of grading will no doubt be a fading memory - but there’s an easy way to remember what you went through on the day - and at the recent Quadrangular Tournament we hosted. Photos taken at these events are on sale as a fundraiser for our trip next year. Check out the photo folder at the dojo or visit our website to view them online. * * * Thanks to everyone who supported our Quiz Night and helped make it such a resounding success. We hope to hold another one before our trip next year – so watch this space. * * * A special thanks to the following companies for providing raffle prizes and cash contributions to our Honbu fund: Curtis McLean Chartered Accountants Kingsgate Hotels InterContinental Wellington Wellington City Helicopters Weta Studios Radius Pharmacy, Island Bay Makeup and Nail Studio, Newtown L’Oreal Professional Island Bay Butchery Zuleika Food Island Bay Video Shop Bay Foodmarket Mavericks Pizzeria Bays Takeaways Island Bay Stationers Bunnings Lyall Bay Patricia’s Original Pies Hair By Ange Island Bay Butchers Artist Kelly Maiden Tasting Room Wellington Phoenix FC General Practitioner Flying Burrito Brothers Sony Playstation Sue B’s Quilting Services Makeup & Nail Studio 8 Art, karate, Zen . . . and Chuck Norris By Richard Simmonds Daniel and Johnny are tied, both one point away from victory. Daniel, barely able to stand, assumes the “Crane Kick” stance, and delivers a blow squarely to Johnny’s chin, winning the tournament. Johnny, having gained new found respect for his adversary, takes Daniel’s trophy from the MC and presents it to Daniel himself. I remember this scene from The Karate Kid movie when I saw it aged five. It was my first introduction to karate and martial arts. I wanted to be Daniel La Russo who was “The Karate Kid”. All the kids at school were mimicking the Crane Kick and people were quoting Mr Miyagi’s famous quote “wax on, wax off”. from my karate training is the power of Zen. Recently I read a book titled “The Secret Power Within” by Chuck Norris. He discusses how “Zen is a calm, clear mind, devoid of unnecessary structures and preconceptions, meeting The World and its events at the instant of NOW”. I have learned through my training that karate is about being in the right state of mind. Every time I walk onto the dojo floor I always try to put my mind in a clear state by giving a really loud osu! This helps ready my mind to accept the knowledge being passed down by Sensei and the Senpais. Martial arts (karate in particular) have always intrigued me but I had always been fearful that I wouldn’t be able to do the intense training seen in a lot of martial art films. I was no Jean Claude Van Damme or Bruce Lee. In 2008 I decided once and for all that I was going to take up karate with no excuses. I had doubts before and after the first class but I kept pushing myself to go to train. For a while I questioned what I was doing, had I bitten off more than I could chew? When I make art I try to approach it the same way as my karate training. Karate has given me a new outlook in creating paintings. Through karate training I can look at my art with an open mind. I keep patient and clear my mind while painting as it better focuses me with the piece of art. Sometimes I get annoyed when I feel a painting doesn’t work. What I now try to do is to have a focused mind to resolve problems in a positive way with the artwork. If I feel something is not working for me in a painting I keep trying until the problem is resolved. Karate has inspired me to do well in my art and to set goals for my art and other aspects of my life. The more I kept doing it, the more I came to realise that we are all learners and there is always a beginning. What I found interesting about karate is that it isn’t so much about the individual being better than everyone else but it is as much about building a good team spirit where everyone helps each other. When I have brought friends and family to the South Wellington Seido Dojo it is the first thing they notice. They are amazed at how everybody is friendly and that people within the dojo are always ready to help one another. One of the most important aspects I have learned Osu! 9 Children’s Grading June 2009 10 11 Dreamer Pat scores quiz win Our first Honbu fund raiser quiz night was held on Monday, 13 July, and was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who supported the evening and to the businesses and individuals who donated prizes. And congratulations to Pat and his Dream Team who sneaked home to cliam first place. Voirrey good show everyone! Polly Jane arrived safely at Wellington Hospital at 8pm on 3 July 2009. Weighing in a 6lb 5oz, PJ was soon introduced to a blue belt Panda by proud parents Voirrey and Russell. Both mum and baby are doing fine. 12 New friends and confidence make the pain worthwhile! By Amy Campbell OSU! I’m Amy and I am 11 years old. I love doing Seido karate and I’ve been doing it for just over a year. I graded to yellow belt in June. I first thought about starting Karate when I watched my brother grading to advanced white belt. I saw everyone’s sense of achievement and wished I could feel the same. A few weeks later the holidays came and Mum said I should give it a go. I was so nervous when I first stepped on the floor and there were butterflies floating around in my stomach the whole time. I couldn’t understand a word anyone said and I had no idea what any of it meant, I just had to copy everyone in front of me. I came off the floor sore everywhere, but oddly enough I just wanted to go to every class. My first grading occurred a few months later, I was so worried that I would forget something. I had no idea what was going on and I wondered if there would be someone I didn’t know taking the grading. I kept thinking over what I’d learnt and remembering to say a loud “OSU” and “KIAI”. It was so nerve-wracking before the grading started, but during it I realised it was just an extra-painful class. I had no idea how well I’d done and when Sensei Tony said I had passed, I was like “wow, I really did it!” It was hard and painful but totally worth it. I’m glad that I’ve joined Seido Karate and still enjoy every minute of it; I have made so many new friends and gained so much confidence and inner strength. Thank you to everyone who has taught me, I am so happy to have got this far. OSU! 13 A WORD from The Secret Ninja Every release of a new Kokoro is my favourite time of year as my voice is finally heard. Lots has been happening and there’s lots of stories to be told. I know most of you are nervously waiting to see if what I have to say includes your name. Is it true that Karen could be starring in the next Cat Woman movie? Her dress rehearsal after one of the senior classes could prove this to be true . . . It’s true that the memory of a Black Belt is a wonder to behold, filled as it is with knowledge all those kicks, blocks, strikes, katas, kihon kumites and other secrets. But forgetting to put petrol into your car . . . come on Senpai Debbie . . . For details on how to speed up your kata by missing sections out please make an appointment with Senpai Garry. We try very hard not to get caught with our pants down, but this is one for the record . . . For obvious reasons not every member was able to participate in the recent gradings . . . but surely it couldn’t have been that boring to watch that Voirrey needed something else to keep herself entertained? As always take care . . . but please be careful what you say, what you do and where you go because Kokoro #5 is not that far away and you don’t want your name in my article. It can be very damaging to your reputation. Osu! Rumours are still going around about the night Senpai Garry and Ginette were not at training but were spotted by my watchers in town together that very same night. The Secret Ninja 14 Dojo Timetable 2009 Tuesday 3.30pm – 4pm Pee Wee / Little Dragons 4pm – 4.45pm Kids Beginners 5pm – 5.45pm Kids Advanced (Blue and Advanced Blue Belt) 6pm – 7pm Adult Advanced (Blue Belt and Above) 7pm – 8pm Adult Beginners (White Belts) Wednesday 4pm – 4.45pm Kids Yellow Belt and Above 3.30pm – 4pm Pee Wee / Little Dragons 4pm – 4.45pm Kids Beginners 5pm – 5.45pm Kids Advanced (Blue and Advanced Blue Belt) 6pm – 7pm Adult Beginners (White Belts) 7pm – 8pm Adult Advanced (Blue Belt and Above) 8pm – 8:30pm Adult Sparring 4pm – 4.45pm Kids Yellow Belt and Above 8.30am – 9.30am Adult Kata 9.30am – 10am Adult Sparring 10am – 10.45am Kids Kata (White and Blue Belt) 11am – 11.45am Kids Kata (Yellow Belt and Above) Thursday Friday Fr Sunday 15 465 Adelaide Road Berhampore, Wellington 465 Adelaide Road Berhampore, Wellington Phone/Fax: 04 389 9079 Email: [email protected] Phone/Fax: 04 389 9079 Mobile: 021 781 870 Email: [email protected] www.europemodes.co.nz www.rmgcollection.co.nz Mobile: 027 451 1692 16