Congratulations to ISKF-UK Chief Instructor Sensei A. Moussaoui in passing his 6th Dan examination at the ISFK Master Camp 2010 in Philadelphia USA.

Examination board included Master Teruyuki Okazaki 10th Dan ISKF, Master Yutaka Yaguchi 9th Dan ISKF along with 13 other topflight ISKF examiners.

Plus the ISKF-UK write-up and pictures of the full weeks Master Camp.
 
>>>More details coming soon, watch this space<<<

Saturday the 8th of May saw a teams from IASK-UK ascend on Guildford Spectrum for The Shobu-Ippon International Shotokan Open 2010. Teams from all over the UK had come to participate in a wide range of competitive categories.

• Individual Kata Junior (6th - 4th kyu):
1st place Gold went to Henry del Rosario (KDA-ISKF)
3rd place Bronze went to Purpul Sharnia (Lewis SKC - ISKF)

• Individual Kata Junior (Dan Grades):
2nd place Silver went to Anton Perez (KDA-ISKF)

• Individual Kumite Boys (7th kyu over 5ft):
2nd place Silver went to Abedalah Taybi (Lewis SKC-ISKF)

• Individual Kumite Boys (6th - 4th kyu under 5ft):
3rd place Bronze went to Yassine Adjadj (Lewis SKC-ISKF)

• Individual Kumite Girls (6th - 4th kyu under 5ft):
1st place Gold went to Purpul Shania (Lewis SKC-ISKF)
3rd place Bronze went to Asha Collins (Lewis SKC-ISKF)

• Individual Kumite Boys (Dan Grades over 5ft):
3rd place Bronze went to John Ferrando (Sobell-ISKF)

• Individual Kumite Mens (Dan Grades):
2nd place Silver went to Salih Soran (Sobell-ISKF)

From right to left: 1, Lee 4th Dan, David Jones 8th Dan, Ahcene Moussaoui 6th Dan, Master Yutaka Yaguchi 9th Dan, Aissa Adjadj 4th Dan, Salih Soran 3rd Dan.

Grand Master Yutaka YAGUCHI 9th DAN: April 2010 Master Course
@ ISKF-UK, Sobell Leisure Centre, London, UK

The International Shotokan Karate Federation United Kingdom (ISKF-UK), led by Chief Instructor Ahcene Moussaoui (6th Dan ISKF), hosted a three-day seminar with Master Yutaka Yaguchi (9th Dan ISKF) at the UK Honbu Dojo in Sobell Leisure Centre, London, between the 9th and 11th April.

Master Yaguchi, 77, is ISKF Vice Chief Instructor and the right-hand man of Chief Instructor Teruyuki Okazaki (10th Dan ISKF). He is arguably the most successful instructor in the world, having mentored the likes of Masahiko Tanaka, Takenori Imura, Frank Smith, James Field and other Shotokan legends. Master Yaguchi also has the unique distinction of having been graded to Shodan by Gichin Funakoshi himself, and from Nidan to Hachidan by Masatoshi Nakayama.

The focus of this well-attended course was on correct body movement and placement, particularly as they relate to the different stances. All the major stances were covered in detail and integrated into sequences that tested one's balance, strength and coordination. Indeed, although the sessions were highly technical, the participants were all given a good workout at the same time.

Throughout the course, Master Yaguchi taught participants to ensure that the stances followed the principle of shizen-tai ("Natural position is best") so that we could execute techniques without disrupting the flow and smoothness of a movement.

One of Master Yaguchi's many impressive demonstrations was with fudo-dachi, which, he explained, many karateka make too wide and long in their attempt to make the stance "look strong". As he reminded us, fudo-dachi should in fact be as wide as zenkutsu-dachi, no more and no less - only the feet and knee position are different.

The first session was a diagnostic session that allowed Master Yaguchi to see where the participants were at in their development. Several movements were introduced, many incorporating front-leg kizami-geri. The emphasis in the second session was on techniques with kiba dachi, including their use in Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan. The third and final session touched on all the main points introduced in the first two sessions, culminating in performances of Chinte.

A Dan grading with Master Yaguchi and Sensei Moussaoui followed the final training session. The examiners were joined by Sensei David Jones (7th Dan ISKF) from Canada, who had also assisted Master Yaguchi during the three days. Before the grading, participants were asked to be mindful of everything they had been taught on the course. This included "making room" with correct hip and foot placement so that techniques could be executed effectively; using hip vibration when blocking; clearly showing the difference between "competition chudan" and "kata chudan"; and "creating a chance" before moving in to attack in kumite.

The hard work put in by participants on this excellent course paid off as all examinees passed their grading from Shodan to Sandan. Master Yaguchi was particularly impressed by the high quality of Sensei Moussaoui's kumite instruction, which was clearly evident in the standard of his students' sparring.

Sensei Moussaoui and ISKF-UK would like to thank Master Yaguchi once again for travelling such a long distance to deliver this exceptional masterclass in karate instruction. Sensei Moussaoui would also like to express his thanks to the karateka from other associations, including KUGB, SKIF and SKC England, who came to support the event.

Best wishes to all
Oss
ISKF-UK

Sunday the 28th of March saw the ISKF Grading at the honbu dojo (Sobell). Congratulation to the following students…

Results from ISKF Grading, coming soon...

Saturday the 13th of March saw a team from IASK-UK ascend on Bracknell sports centre for the 10th annual Legends Open Shotokan Championships hosted by the Federation British Shotokan Karate Union International and The Shotokan Alliance. Teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England had come to participate in a wide range of categories in a competition that proved to be a very high standard.

Results from the the 10th annual Legends Open Shotokan Championships, coming soon...

The 8 martial artists who make up the Islington Karate Team set off via coach from the Sobell Centre on Sunday, 7th June.  These eight young people had been training for the event for the past few months and most for up to 3 times a week.  They are all members of the famous Sobell Karate Club, which operates from Sobell Leisure Centre on Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays and now on Thursdays too.

This year Islington was rewarded with some astounding results, bringing home 5 medals and achieving a massive 27 points for the Borough!

17-year-old Ali Belhocine, who fought very skilfully, came 2nd in the Kumite 60 to 65kg category and was even congratulated by his opponent’s coach.  What a brilliant way to end his London Youth Games years!

Fellow fighters, Ufuk Gencyigit and Djamel Amirouche both got 3rd place in their respective categories and were delighted with their results.

Ben Tyler, who took part in both Kumite and Kata came 3rd in the boys’ Junior Kata category and was equally thrilled with his achievement.

Nur Ceylan, our only girl competing this year, came 3rd in the girls’ Junior Kata category.  Her achievement was even more appreciated as it was her very first time at the London Youth Games.

Rory Roberts, a new comer to the world of competition, is already proving to be a promising competitor.  John Ferando and Mounder Sotehi were also new to the London Youth Games and trained very hard for the event.  They are all looking forward to continuing with their training ready for 2010.

The ISKF-UK Sobell karate Club entered the Shobu-ippon Shotokan International Open 2009 on May 9th 2009. They scored very highly winning a total of 9 medals. The Junior Girls, 3rd Kyu – Dan grade under 5ft Kumite did incredibly scoring a full house and bringing home all top three medals. Sensei Ahcene Moussaoui was very proud of all those that entered into this annual competition.

• Individual kumite Junior male ( 4th kyu - under 5ft):
2nd place Silver went to Lemar Kelly, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Individual kumite Junior male ( 3rd kyu - Dan grades, under 5ft):
1st place Gold went to Salim Sahnoun, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club
2nd place Silver went to Ben Tyler, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Individual kumite Junior male ( 3rd kyu - Dan grades, over 5ft):
1st place Gold went to Ufuk Gencyigit, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Individual kumite Junior female ( 3rd kyu - Dan grades, under 5ft):
1st place Gold went to Fleur Verebely, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club
2nd place Silver went to Chloe Verebely, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club
3rd place Bronze went to Yasmine Saci, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Individual kumite seniors male(Juniors 3rd kyu - Dan grades):
3rd place Bronze went to Salih Soran, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Dojo team kumite:
3rd place Bronze went to ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club Team

For more information on the tournament please visit:
http://www.theshotokanway.com/shobuipponreport2009.html

Grand Master OKAZAKI 10th DAN: April 2009 Master Course
@ ISKF-UK, Sobell Leisure Centre, London, UK

Between 17 and 19 April 2009, ISKF UK proudly hosted a special weekend course with the legendary Teruyuki Okazaki (10th Dan), Chief Instructor of the ISKF and direct student of Master Gichin Funakoshi, who was the founder of Shotokan karate. This inaugural event was held at the Sobell Leisure Centre (Finsbury Park, London, UK), home to the ISKF UK Headquarter dojo.

The promise of expert tuition from Master Okazaki attracted a large number of dedicated karateka from all parts of the UK, as well as from countries as far afield as Italy and Estonia. Sensei Ahcene Moussaoui, Chief Instructor of ISKF UK, was extremely pleased with the turnout and the fellow-feeling among participants, many of whom were from other karate associations.

From the onset of this course Grand Master Sensei Okazaki clearly showed why he is deserving of the uppermost grade within Shotokan Karate, with Buda style wisdom conveyed through the simplest of explanation alongside illustrated demonstrations.

In all training sessions over the three days, there was a clear emphasis on the execution of correct basic techniques. In particular, Master Okazaki stressed the importance of using the lower abdomen to control the upper and lower body when punching, blocking, kicking and turning. In order to practise this, participants were taught combinations of arm and leg movements that Master Okazaki urged us to work on "even for just 15 minutes a day."

Master Okazaki also explained the many lessons we can learn from the katas passed down to us by Master Funakoshi. He was particularly illuminating on the logic of the katas' selection, the different skills and qualities they develop, and their inextricable connection to kumite.

Besides technical instruction, Master Okazaki eloquently conveyed to us his philosophy of what it means to be a martial artist. Everyone left the course with plenty to think about, and with a deeper understanding of the discipline. The general feeling consensus amongst all those who took part was that they had learned valuable lessons from an authentic embodiment of a true Shotokan Grand Master.

Dan grading with Master Okazaki
Many congratulations to the twenty ISKF UK students who passed their grading with Master Okazaki - eight obtaining 2nd Dan and twelve achieving 1st Dan. The rigorous examinations conducted under the watchful eye of the world's most experienced karateka certainly put the students through their paces and tested their budo spirit. We very much hope that Master Okazaki will visit us for many years to come to encourage ISKF UK to continue developing and succeeding.

We at the ISKF-UK Headquarters’ would like to thank Grand Master Sensei Teruyuki Okazaki 10th Dan for presenting us with such a fascinating and global insight into today’s world of Shotokan Karate. Also for showing us a vision of peaceful unity; present and future. We would also like to thank all Karateka’s that came from all over the UK and across Europe for supporting this event.

Best wishes to all
Oss
ISKF-UK

Sobell students member of ISKF scooped gold, silver and bronze medals at the 8th Legend Open Shotokan Championships, Saturday 7th March 2009, England

• Individual kumite male aged 21 and older (Senior 8th kyu - 4th kyu):
1st place Gold went to Paul Nya, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Individual kumite aged 14-15 years over 5ft (Brown/Black belts only):
1st place Gold went to Ufuk Gencyigit, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Individual kumite aged 14-15 years under 5ft (Brown/Black belts only):
1st place Gold went to Karl Rogers, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Individual kumite aged 12-13 years under 5ft (Brown/Black belts only):
1st place Gold went to Salim Sahnoun, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Individual kumite aged 11 and unger (Juniors 8th kyu - 4th kyu):
1st place Gold went to Job Ryder, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Mixed team kumite aged 16 and older (8th kyu to Black belt):
2nd place Silver went to ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club Team

• Individual kumite aged 12-13 years under 5ft (Brown/Black belts only):
3rd place Bronze went to Mohamed Oumar, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Individual kumite aged 12-13 years over 5ft (Brown/Black belts only):
3rd place Bronze went to Khalid Muruz, ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club

• Association male team kumite aged 16 and older (8th kyu to Black belt):
3rd place Bronze went to ISKF-UK, Sobell Karate Club Team

The Sobell Karate Club students, coached by former international champion and 5th Dan Ahcene Moussaoui at Sobell Leisure Centre, came back home victorious once again. The children and adult competitors scooped a staggering 10 trophies at this year’s Shobu Ippon International Competition in Guildford on Saturday, 10 May 2008.

Amongst all winning categories, the Sobell Karate Men’s Team, led by 4th Dan Aissa Adjadj and joined by Salih Soran and Omar Aounallah, won the prestigious Men’s Team Kumite (sparring) event 3-0 beating teams from Belgium, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Salih Soran went on to win 2nd place in the Men’s Individual Kumite too. 

They were successfully followed by:

Hauk Pattison – 1st Place Kata Senior (6th to 4th Kyu/ Green to Purple and one stripe Belts)

Sasha Wickham - 3rd Place Ladies’ Kata (3rd to 1st Kyu/ Brown Belts)

Ali Belhocine – 1st Place Cadets’ Kata (3rd to 1st Kyu/Brown Belts)

Ufuk Gencyigit – 1st Place Kumite Juniors (6th to 4th Kyu/ Green to Purple and one stripe Belts)

Sam Aram-Downs – 1st Place Kata Juniors (Novice to 7th Kyu/Yellow Belts under 5ft)

Fleur Verebelyi – 3rd Place Kumite Junior (3rd to 1st Kyu/Brown Belts under 5ft)

Chloe Verebelyi – 2nd Place Kumite Junior (3rd to 1st Kyu/Brown Belts under 5ft)

Hanan Moussaid – 2nd Place Kata Junior (Novice to 7th Kyu/Yellow Belts under 5ft)

The club meets on Tuesday and Friday evenings and Sunday mornings and afternoons.
For further information, email sobellkarateclubsecretary@yahoo.co.uk or call Ahcene Moussaoui on 07957 630463.