Teruyuki Okazaki, 10th Dan
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
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
Master Course attendees
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