In the traditional karate world, Sensei David Jones (8th Dan) really needs no introduction. Chief Instructor for ISKF Alberta, Chairman of ISKF Canada, member of the prestigious ISKF Technical Committee, A-class instructor and A-class international referee, very few people can match his credentials and experience.
It was an honour, therefore, to welcome Sensei Jones to lead the annual ISKF UK spring course in London from 28th to 30th April 2017. Over the three days, participants from around the world were treated to a masterclass in kihon, kata and kumite.
The emphasis throughout was on correct, purposeful and mindful execution of techniques to enable all karateka - whether Kyu grade or Dan grade, young or old - to improve and maximise their potential. For example, Sensei Jones highlighted the principles of contraction and expansion, and of hip rotation and hip vibration, through a series of demanding yet thoroughly enjoyable exercises. Several participants were lucky enough to be asked to demonstrate techniques for Sensei Jones, who always gave invaluable personalised feedback to help them take their karate to the next level.
Particularly memorable were the innovative kicking drills performed from the floor; the detailed analyses of advanced kata such as Sochin and Bassai Sho, including Sensei Jones's superb renditions of them; and Sensei's inspiring and often humorous karate anecdotes, including one about having practised nothing but moving up and down the dojo in basic stances for eight months non-stop 'because I wasn't happy with them'. This story neatly summarises the seriousness and determination with which true karateka seek perfection.

Sensei Ahcene Moussaoui (7th Dan), Chief Instructor of ISKF UK, would like to thank Sensei Jones for taking the time to travel so far to deliver such a successful, well-received course. Sensei Mousssoui would also like to congratulate those who deservedly passed their Dan gradings.

Saci triumphed in both the boys’ Under-5ft kumite and the junior sambon kumite, and his team-mate Yassine Adjaj also secured a gold medal in the Over-5ft junior sambon kumite category.
Adjaj added a bronze medal in the boys’ event, while Sobell also picked up a fourth gold in the men’s 7th to 1st kyu kumite event, courtesy of Del Andrew.
There were silver medals for Frank Setbol (boys’ Under-5ft kumite) and Sami Elbadawi (Over-5ft kumite) and the club also collected another four bronzes.
Those went to Sharnia Welsh (girls’ kumite), Natalia Rodregues (junior sambon Under-5ft kumite), Adam Moussaoui (peewee sambon kumite) and Teddy Seatory (peewee kata).
Seventh dan black belt Ahcene Moussaoui, who trains the Sobell fighters, said: “It was an amazing day – the team showed great spirit, attitude and etiquette.”
For more information about the club, call 07957 630 463 or visit www.sekukarate.co.uk or www.sobellkarate.com

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Sobell Karate Club claimed six gold medals – more than any other team on the day – in the SEKU Portsmouth Open tournament.
The stand-out performance came from 18-year-old Ben Tyler, who beat Harry Miller to win the final of the men’s individual black belt kumite (sparring).
Del Andrews won a gold medal in the men’s individual category (3rd to 1st kyu), while Deniz Gencyigit was victorious in the youth individual kumite.
Sohib Bousbai took first place in the boys’ individual (5ft) section, while there were also gold medals for Oussama Bousbai (junior individual kata, 3rd kyu and above) and Natalia Rodrigues (Peewee individual kata).
The squad also collected two silver medals, courtesy of Sohib Bousbai in the junior sambon kumite and Adam Saci in the Peewee individual kata.
Saci added a bronze medal in the sambon kumite, while Tyler, Gencyigit and Andrews teamed up to win bronze in the men’s team kumite.
For more information about the club, who train five days a week at Sobell Leisure Centre, call 07957 630 463 or email info.sobellkarate@gmail.com

The Islington club entered 11 students in the tournament – which attracted 850 in total – and were rewarded with one silver medal and five gold, including three for kumite.
The latter trio of medals went to Panni Hailis (boys’ 12-13 years 5ft and over), Farhan Jahur (boys’ 14-15 years 5ft and over) and Deniz Gencyigit (boys’ black belts 14-15 years).
There were also gold medals for Rakib Matin, in the cadets’ 16-20 years 8th to 4th kyu category – where Hasib Fazli also earned silver – and Del Andrews (21 and over 8th to 4th kyu).
The other members of the squad, who train five days a week at Sobell Leisure Centre, were Ben Tyler, Emma Gencyigit, Sakib Mamun, Oussama Bousba and Sami Albadawi.
Training is led by Sensei Ahcene Moussaoui, a 6th dan black belt who is an experienced international competitor and was part of Algeria’s national squad before moving to London and representing England twice at the European Championships.
There are a wide range of classes, with students ranging in age from five to 65. For more information about the club, call 07957 630 463 or email info.sobellkarate@gmail.com

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The inaugural weekend course with Sensei Jean-Pierre Fischer 8th Dan former French Coach, winner of both the French Kata competition 14 times and 6 times European Kata champion as well as 6 time finalist of the World Championships. Today he travels around the world spreading his knowledge through instruction of Shotokan karate. He also regularly instructs at Sensei Hideo Ochi JKA annual courses in Germany.

The two day course was held over the weekend of 4th & 5th February 2012 at the Sobell Leisure Centre, London. Despite the heavy snowfall over much of Europe which severely delayed and cancelled many flights Sensei Jean-Pierre Fischer managed to make the journey into the UK. With just under a 100 karatekas’ attending both days of this course.

The first day of the course Sensei Jean-Pierre Fischer focused on the application and preservation of the first four Heian Katas for all grades with regards to the formation and understanding of how these Katas should be used as the foundation to more advanced Katas as well as their origins, and acceptable variations within the JKA. During the brown and black belt session, Sensei Jean-Pierre Fischer instructed a detailed overview of Tekki Shodan, Bassai Dai, Bassai Sho; translating and demonstrating the technical effectiveness of the Heian Katas within the more advanced Katas.

The following day Sensei Jean-Pierre Fischer focused heavily on Heian Godan Kata, using extractions of Heian Godan within Kinon line work to drill down and highlight general class reoccurrences and address those necessary key points.  After which he then went through Jion Kata with all grades, explaining that much of the technical detail they have been taught over the two days will enable them to manage their understanding of this Kata. This was successfully received by the class and any new forms within the Kata were explained and practiced by his leadership.

During the afternoon the inaugural ISKF Competition was held. The result of which will follow shortly.

Sensei Moussaoui and ISKF-UK would like to thank Sensei Jean-Pierre Fischer 8th Dan for his excellent class in karate instruction. Sensei Moussaoui would also like to express his thanks to the karatekas from other associations, who came to support the event.

Best wishes to all
Oss
ISKF-UK

Sobell Karate Club, the Honbu Dojo of ISKF UK, proudly hosted a three-day course from 30 April to 2 May 2011 with Sensei Hiroyoshi Okazaki 7th Dan ISKF, nephew of the legendary Master Teruyuki Okazaki 10th Dan, Chief Instructor of the ISKF.

The main theme of this very well attended brown and black belt course was correct and accurate movement, particularly in relation to kata.  As 18 times USA Kata Champion, four times Pan-American Kata Champion and runner-up in the kata categories of two JKA World Championships, Sensei Okazaki was able to impart a wealth of knowledge through impressive demonstrations of his exceptional skill.

On the first day of the course, participants developed their speed, kime, dynamism and focus through combination kihon (utilising gyaku hanmi age uke, haito and shuto uchi), as well as through the katas Heian Shodan, Tekki Shodan, Bassai Dai and Hangetsu, over three hours of detailed instruction.

Among the many things Sensei Okazaki impressed upon us on that day was the importance of driving the hips forward in attack, using the hips to turn sharply, ensuring that stances do not break when performing certain movements, clearly differentiating chudan and jodan strikes, and minimising wasted movements.

The second day consolidated and developed on the skills practised on the first day.  Sensei Okazaki focused on the katas Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Empi, Jion and Kanku Dai.  Participants were also challenged to perform Heian Shodan in reverse and back to front.  The emphasis was on making hipwork more efficient and effective.

On the final day of the course, participants were guided step by step through the katas Sochin, Gojushiho Sho and Kanku Sho, as well as some of the kihon required for the higher Dan gradings.  Sensei Okazaki also went through some useful kumite combinations with kizami zuki and gyaku zuki, which demonstrated his experience as a fighter as two times USA Kumite Champion.

A tough Dan grading with Sensei Okazaki and UK Chief Instructor Sensei Ahcene Moussaoui 6th Dan ISKF followed the training.  As a Senior Instructor, Technical Committee Member and graduate of the Instructors’ Course, Sensei Okazaki proved to be a highly professional and demanding judge. 

In total, five passed Shodan, four passed Nidan and one passed Yondan.  The success of those who achieved these Dan grades is a tribute to the dedication of the students and the skill and dedication with which Sensei Moussaoui and his wide network of ISKF UK clubs continue to teach traditional Shotokan Karate.

Sensei Moussaoui would like to thank Sensei Okazaki for having made the long journey over to the UK despite a busy schedule, and for the inspiring instruction he gave us.  In addition, Sensei Moussaoui would like to note his gratitude to the students and instructors from other associations and abroad, including those from Estonia, Ireland and Dubai, who took part in the course.

Best wishes to all
Oss
ISKF-UK