1. WKF GS Mr. Nagura:
“Sport kumite is earning points for skillful
combat techniques and strategies with
the ability to overcome fear…”
#2. 2015
Ryutaro Araga:
scheme of speed, agility and quickness
Chidori ashi, kosa ashi, syumoku ashi…
Lessons for juniors in school Gorubani

3. CHANG, KUANG-HUEI
AKF president
АKF NEWS 4
SPOTLIGHT 10
WKF GS Mr. Nagura:
“Sport kumite is earning points for
skillful combat techniques
and strategies with the ability to
overcome fear…”
TECHNIQUE 8 New rules 2013. Part 1.
24
Lessons for juniors. It is within
the power of the child, but not
within the power of the adult
28 Ryutaro Araga: scheme of speed,
agility and quickness
34 Chidori ashi, kosa ashi,
syumoku ashi…
40 Science of Antonio Oliva Seba (Part 2)
KNOWN AND UNKNOWN
KARATE
43 History of four styles
HELPFULL 48 To solve the problems together.
Karate consultations
GUEST OF «AKF magazine» 16 Mission is possible or hopes and
dreams of Tareq Abdesselem
CONTENTS

4. Committee for considering
of the sports to be included
in the Olympics “Tokyo – 2020”
Members of the committee:
• Takeshi Aoki – Managing Director and
Deputy Chairman of the Japanese Olympic
Committee
• Toshiyuki Akiyama – Deputy Mayor
of Tokyo
• Sukeichi Okazaki – Executive Director
of the Association of Physical Education
of Japan
• Atsuko Toyama – Ex-Minister of Education
of Japan
• Tomiaki Fukuda – Chairman of
the Wrestling Association of Japan
• Fujio Mitarai – Chairman of the Business
Federation of Japan.
• Toshiro Muto – General Secretary of
the Organizing Committee.
* Revision of the project is negotiations where the IOC and the
Organizing Committee check the readiness and preparation for the
Olympics.
What to do with
a “postponement”?
February 4–5, Tokyo the revision of
the project* of Olympics and Paralympics 2020
was held, where big changes occurred related to
the inclusion of additional sports in the program of
the Olympic Games.
It was originally planned that the decision will
be made in July of this year, but now the decision
and discussion of this issue were postponed until
August, 2016, the year on the eve of the Olympic
Games in Rio de Janeiro. In addition, the decision
which should be taken by the Organizing Committee
on additional sports expected to be included and
submission of this decision to the International
Olympic Committee has been extended until this
September. Although we expected this decision to
be taken in February-March, now we have a six-
month postponement.
Seven people were included in the
commission, which will consider
additional sports.
In Japan, the committee considering additional
sports for inclusion in the Olympic Games 2020 will
select a short-list, and then the list of sports will be
presented to the International Olympic Committee.
This committee consists of seven members and
three observers indicated to the right.
The list of additional sports contains: karate-
do, baseball, softball, squash, roller sports,
wakeboarding, billiards, bowling, etc.
Since temporary postponement occurred,
the project team of JFK “Tokyo – 2020” has decided
to examine in more detail all the requirements,
eligibility conditions and other criteria of
IOC to develop action plan and demonstrate
the attractiveness of and compliance of karate-do
to be included in the Olympics.
The decision on inclusion in the Olympics
sports is rescheduled for August next year.
The Considering Commission
of Japan consists of seven persons.
Karate-do deploys active promotion and advertising campaign.
Posters and advertisements are at railway stations and subway!
4

5. A B
In February of this year in the Tokyo subway trains
an advertisement was aired, stating the intention to
introduce karate-do to the Olympic family.
Heroes of the clips are Ayumi Uekusa and
Ryo Kiyuna, the members of the national team,
presented the kata and kumite movements.
15-second clip appeared on the screen every
20 minutes. The main moto is “We want to put
on karategi at the Olympic Games 2020.”
The poster with this moto was presented
during all February at many Tokyo railway stations:
Kasumigaseki, Meiji Jingu, Shiodome, Shinbashi,
Yoyogi, Tatsumi.
We hope that this advertising campaign will
provide the desired effect and karate will become
a subject of discussion for many people, not only
for those who are not indifferent to the subject of
the presence of one of the most popular martial
arts in the list of Olympic sports, but also for those
who have recently been far from karate.
We want to put
on karategi in 2020.
Karate-do shows
the entire world
the beauty of the culture
and traditions of our
country.
We want to put
on karategi in 2020.
Karate-do shows
the entire world
the beauty of the culture
and traditions of our
country.
5
#2. 2015

6. All Budo support Karate-do!
Karate in the Olympic Games
Budo Promotion Council 2015
submitted a resolution to
the Ministry of Education of Japan.
Promotion of karate-do to enter the Olympic
sports (organizers: Budo Federation, Japan
Budokan Association, Budokan of Japan).
The meeting of the Budo Promotion Council
is held annually, but the current event will enter
the history of martial arts as one of the most
unique. The Council adopted a resolution, the main
essence of which is as follows: “When preparing
for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games held
in 2020 in Tokyo, we will do our outmost to support
the inclusion of karate-do in the program of Olympic
sports.”
Budokan of Japan and JKF have already agreed
that in case of karate-do entering the Olympics as
pre-tournament (the year before the Olympics) will
be held at the Budokan of Japan.
Budo martial arts
associates to come together
The resolution includes, several organizations
which expressed their will to support karate-do,
they are as following: Budo Federation, Japan
Budokan Association, Budokan of Japan and nine
organizations of Budo (aikido, karatedo, judo, kendo,
kyudo, jukendo, shorinji kempo, sumo, naginata).
Thus, karate received impressive support.
The resolution adopted by the Council was
submitted to the Ministry of Education of Japan.
At the presentation ceremony, Mr. Minister Hirofumi
Shimomura said: “We would like to pass all
the heritage of traditions of Japan through the “do”
philosophy in judo, kendo, karatedo, kyudo, etc.
at the Olympics in Tokyo.”
Takeshi Maeda, the Chairman of Budo Federation (left) presents a
resolution to Hirofumi Shimomura, the Minister of Education.
The Board was presented by the members of the following
organizations: Budo Federation, Japan Budokan Association,
Budokan of Japan and nine organizations of Budo.
“When preparing for the Olympic Games
and Paralympic Games in 2020 in Tokyo, we
will do our outmost to support the inclusion of
karate-do in the program of Olympic sports. In
particular, Budokan Judo Hall of Japan will be
equipped with all the necessary equipment...”
(from the resolution of the Council)
6

7. Yuri Iwata, Mahiro Takano, Rika Usami Ayumi Uekusa Performance
of Mahiro Takano
Press conference in honour
of Karate-do Ambassadors
Welcome
the Karate-do Ambassadors!
Appointment
of three Ambassadors
February 1, Tokyo, the press conference
in honour of the appointment of Ambassadors was
held to promote karate-do to become the official
Olympic sports.
Three persons were appointed as Ambassadors.
Rika Usami, the World Champion 2012, Yuri Iwata,
the Goodwill Ambassador of the city of Yokohama,
4-year student of the faculty of medicine at Keio
University. The third Ambassador became Mahiro
Takano, two-time champion of Japan among junior
schools and who is popular on YouTube.
The participants of the event were admired by
the exhibitions of Usami and Yuri. After completion
of the demonstration, the audience burst into
applause.
Then the sportswear created by Descente was
demonstrated. The eminent athlete Ayumi Uekusa
acted as a model.
Ayumi in new vestment, which is not adapted
for trainings, has demonstrated kata and kumite
movements, showing the beauty and charm of
karate-do again.
Yuri Iwata said: “By 2020 I hope to become
a mainstay and support for athletes as health
professional.” Usami assured everybody in an
effort to take seriously her new status: “I want to
put all the efforts to the realization of our dream of
entering karate-do the Olympics.”
And young Mahiro Takano, who is popular
in mass media, described her goal as follows: “If
I will train a lot and surely achieve success. And
someday I hope to win the “gold” at the Olympics.”
Press conference in honour
of the appointment of Ambassadors
7
#2. 2015

8. Part IV
If the “red” has
hansoku-make…
“Red”
C1
HS
“Blue”
C2
No
“Red”
C1
HS
“Blue”
C2
HS
What to do when the “red” has already C hansoku, and while both
athletes commit unlawful acts, which relate to violations of C1 category?
If the referee declares: the “red” receives a hansoku, the “blue” wins,
cannot the “blue” already receive C1 warning after this? And what to do,
when C1 hansoku warning is given to both the athletes?
Both athletes break through tsuki simultaneously
Before you declare the “blue” as a winner,
you need to give C1 warning to the “blue”.
Under the new rules, both athletes can get
points simulta­neous­ly. As well as the warnings can
be given simultaneously (it was also in previous
rules).
For example, the “red” has already C1 hansoku,
while the “blue” has not warnings, and they both
delivered tsuki. Two referees show red flags, two
other show blue flags. In this case, C1 hansoku
shall be declared to the “red”, and C1 warning
to the “blue”. In a case when the “red” receives
hansoku, the referee says: Hansoku to the “red”,
the “blue” wins and declares the “blue as a winner.
But is it possible to complete the fight not declaring
C1warning to the “blue”?
In such situations, the Chief Referee should
observe the following procedure: 1. To declare
hansoku to the “red”, 2. To declare warning to
the “blue”, 3. “Yame” and the victory of the “blue”.
The side referees, as we have already pointed
out in previous issues of the magazine, should
express their opinion to Chief Referee using flags.
Now we will consider the following situation,
and when the “blue” and “red” having already C1
hansoku, break through tsuki at the same time.
New rules
Answers to
the questions
Seminar for referees:
8

9. “Red”
C1
HS
“Blue”
C2
No
“Red”
C1
HS
“Blue”
C2
HS
April 1, 2013, All-Japan Karate Federation has introduced new rules of the competition.
All the referees try to explore the latest requirements and understand them. According
to new rules, the functions of the Chief and Side Referees, as well as the Inspector
of the match, have changed noticeably, which caused a lot of questions relatively
the controversial moments.
А Before announcing: the “blue” wins, you shall declare C1 warning to
the “blue”. If both the “blue” and the “red” got hansoku, the match has
no winner.
When the “red” has already
the C1 hansoku warning and
both athletes perform tsuki
simultaneously.
When both the “blue” and
the “red” has already the warning
C1 hansoku and the athletes
perform tsuki simultaneously.
Hansoku to
the “red”
Hansoku to
the “red”
Hansoku to
the “blue”
warning to
the “blue”
“Yame”
“Yame”
The “blue”
wins
Nobody
wins
Here the Chief Referee shall take actions in the
following order: 1. To declare hansoku to the “red”,
2. To declare hansoku to the “blue”, 3. “Yame” and
the match finishes without a winner.
If an athlete has won at the expense of
the opponent’s C1 violation and was injured, he
can continue the struggle only after physician’s
examination and with his permission.
An important point: if the athlete wins next match
due to hansoku again, he has no right to continue
his participation in competitions. Id est, if the athlete
wins twice at the tournament due to the opponent’s
C1 hansoku, he can no longer perform further.
This rule has two grounds. The first one concerns
the injury of the athlete. If his opponents got C1
hansoku, it says that he suffered a serious injury, and
he must drop out automatically of the contest for his
own safety. The second reason is that if this athlete
missed twice serious attacks, then he has problems
concerning his protection, so it would be better to
stop the fight.
By the way, kata also may have the situations
when hansoku is awarded to both the “blue” and
the “red”.
When performing the technique, the “red” can
forget the actions and stop. And the same can occur
with the “blue”. In this case, the Chief Referee takes
the advices of the Side Referees, confirms the validity
to declare hansoku to both athletes. Then gestures
“Hansoku” to the “red”, “Hansoku” to the “blue” and
gives a signal the match is completed. This means
the match has not a winner.
(To be continued)
9
#2. 2015

10. Toshihisa Nagura
Born on April 5, 1946. He went to Keio School, then moved to Futsubu School. He
began to study karate at the same period.
In 1969 he graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Keio University and
joined the Sumitomo Corporation. He worked in Tokyo, New York and Hong Kong.
He lived more than 12 years abroad.
He is a Deputy Chairman of the Board of Karate Physical Education of Mita Keio
School, the Permanent Director of Yakumo Gakuen and karate-do Shihan.
As a Permanent Director of JKF, he has given the title of Kyoshi of 7 dan. Toshihisa
is a referee of kumite and kata. He is accredited as a karate-do coach of the Japan
Association for Physical Education and is the head coach of the karate section
of Kieo School. In Hong Kong, he was the head coach of the national team and
the technical advisor of the Amateur Karate Federation. He won multiple prizes
in the Sports Masters Japan; he also won in the 6th category of kumite and in the
third category of kata in 2012.
In 2013, he was appointed as the Permanent Director of WKF.
The last November, the Board of permanent directors of the World Karate-
do Federation (WKF) was held in Bremen, Germany, when Toshihisa Nagura,
the Permanent Director of the Japan Karate-do Federation, was appointed
to the post of the General Secretary of WKF. For the first time in 20 years the
representative of Japan occupies such a position in the leadership of WKF.
Nagura is a key figure in the movement to integrate karate-do in the list of official
sports of Olympics and Paralympics-2020, which will be held in Japan.
10
The World Karate
as viewed by Nagura
PROFILE
10

11. 11
#2. 2015
11
#2. 2015

12. TWO important points
in work of the
General Secretary
What is behind
the appointment as the WKF
General Secretary?
It was a surprise for Nagura to
be appointed as the WKF General
Secretary. He has lived and worked
abroad for a long time, where he
practiced and trained karate-do,
thus he was not almost involved
in the activities of municipal and
prefectural federations of Japan,
and had little in common with any
of the Asian Federation (AKF) or
even more so with WKF.
In 2013, he was appointed as
the Permanent Director of WKF
according to the recommendation
of JKF and supported by the WKF
management. In 2014, Nagura
was appointed as the General
Secretary.
Why was Nagura appointed as
a General Secretary? Perhaps,
this decision was stipulated by
the hope that karate-do to be
included in the list of Olympic
sports, as the upcoming Olympic
Games 2020 will be held just
in Tokyo. To implement this idea,
“local” person is required who
possesses extensive international
experience, broad outlook,
practical skills and the ability
to build relationships with all
the stakeholders.
What is the
work of the
General Secretary?
The work of the General
Secretary can be divided into two
paragraphs, one of which is the
realization and implementation of
the decisions taken by the Board
of the WKF Permanent Directors,
the other is an interaction
between five continents.
Decisions of the Board of
the WKF Permanent Directors
relate to the following aspects of
activity:
1. The annual plan.
2. Control over the official
competitions such as the Premier
League, World Cup, etc.
3. The reorganization of
the Committees, etc.
The Office of the General
Secretary is in Spain. Since
January 2015 one more office was
launched in Tokyo. The members
of the judicial committee, technical
and other units are in different
countries, but regular contact
is maintained at all the levels.
Karate-do
to the Olympics!
D a i l y a c t i v i t i e s o f
the Secretariat take the most
part of the running time, but
now the main focus is still
on the integration of karate-
do to the Olympic sports. This
is an important and a priority
task which was set by Nagura for
himself since the days of work as
the WKF Permanent Director and
a member of the Federation to
promote karate-do to the list of
official Olympic sports (*).
This organization had made
a loud statement since the early
days of its establishment not only
in Japan but also far beyond its
borders. In particular, negotiations
were organized with Mr. Bach,
the President of the International
Olympic Committee, and with Mr.
Craig Reedy, IOC member.
Now, when Nagura became
the General Secretary, aspirations
of WKF and JKF merged. “Com­
pared to other sports, karate
has great advantages,” Nagura
declares confidently.
December 8, 2014, IOC
approved the “Agenda 2020”,
which aims to make changes to
the development of the Olympic
movement. In accordance with
this document, the organizer
of the Olympics – in this case,
Tokyo – to offer additional sports.
Well, the rule is very encouraging
for the activists of the Olympic
movement.
The negotiations
are in the process…
When “Agenda 2020” was
approved, JKF together with
WKF starts to negotiate with
the Japanese Olympic Committee
(JOC) and Tokyo Organizing
Committee for the Olympic Games
(TOCOG).
Initially JOC determines
sports and recommends them
for consideration in TOCOG.
This organization is preparing a
proposal for additional types of
games and submits them to IOC.
It is planned to be implemented
in March. “Such as there were,
we have to finish the discussion
12

13. THEATER 1
Action 1
THEATER 2
Action 2
Above / The 22th
World Karate-do Championship. Press conference, where Nagura speaks as the WKF General Secretary.
Nagura won the Stu­dent
Games of Kan­to region
and Eas­tern Japan region.
He became the winner of
the Student Games of Japan.
* Project team of JKF
（公財）全日本空手道連盟 Japanese Olympic CommitteeJapan Karate-do Federation
JOC
Tokyo Organizing Committee
for the Olympic Games
TOCOG
International Olympic
Committee
IOC
World Karate-Do Federation
proposal
the decision
is positive or negative
Recommendation
The submission
of appeal
The submission
of appeal
The way to the Olympics
Photo with colleagues from karate-do section of
Keio School, Mr. Isao Obata, the First Chairman
of JKF and the Universities Federation, is in
the first row in the center, Wuko Bojiro Takaki,
the Director of JKF, the predecessor of the WKF
General Secretary is on the right, Nagura is the
first in the second row from the left edge.
in Japan until the end of March,” explains
Nagura.
In the last December year, the Secretariat
with JKF in person of Mr. Sasagawa, its
President, met Mr. Abe, the Prime Minister
of Japan, Mr. Shimomura, the Minister
of Education, Mr. Kishida, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Mr. Takeda, the Chairman
of JOC and Mr. Mori, the Head of TOCOG,
requesting to assist. Earlier this year, Mr.
Antonio Espinosa, the President of WKF,
visited Japan.
13
#2. 2015

14. Nagura says the following
about the possible outcome of
taken steps: “Before TOCOG
issues its proposals and submits
the list to IOC, Japan will be
the arena for the talks. The main
roles in this process belong
to JOC, TOCOG and JKF. Then
the next phase takes place, when
the active actions will be deployed
in Europe. JOC, TOCOG and JKF
adhere to a common position.”
According to the plans
of the IOC, the decision of
the possibility of inclusion of
a supplementary sport will be
taken at the meeting in July. Then
the main question for all world
karate practitioners will be solved.
Traditional
and sport karate
How will traditional karate-
do be affected by the active
transformation? Would not
the certain base planted by
the founders of this kind of martial
arts be lost?
It has been said about
the conflict between supporters
of the sport and traditional
karate many times. Although
WKF is an organization whose
main objective is the inclusion of
karate-do to the official Olympic
sports, it is not deemed there that
the emergence of a new karate
will has negative impact on the
very essence of martial arts.
On the contrary, the Olympics
will be a sign of recognition of
Karate-do as a global sport
that is likely to accelerate
the technical development of
karate. Furthermore, the national
federations will receive political
support in their countries, as a
result of improved conditions for
the development of both athletes
and federations themselves.
“In Budo, the unity of mind
and body are needed in addition
to refined technique of traditional
Japanese martial arts, says
Nagura. – A technique that we are
working on and bring to perfection,
on the one hand, is dangerous, if
it is applied in reality against a
person because it can lead to very
serious injury. That is, we teach
and refine waza throughout a life,
but will never be able to apply this
practice. Indeed this essence of
Budo attracts us.”
Nagura held this position
and as the WKF Permanent
Director. Despite the differences
in language, culture, religion,
political system, such opinion
is shared by many fans of
the sport abroad. WKF proposes
to hold competitions using
All the beauty
of karate is in
the contradiction
14

15. the karate-do technique. To
make this possible, the concept
appeared in the sport karate as
follows: “If the opponent was
attacked, the attacker receives a
penalty.” That is a contradiction:
it would seem, all the beauty and
charm of Karate-do is strong
and powerful punches, and then,
according to the rules, the strikes
are prohibited.
The concept of the fight
in Budo Karate states: “Sport
kata is an independent reflection
of the elements of the techniques
without contact with a partner…”
“Sport Kumite is earning points
for skillful combat techniques
and strategies with the ability to
overcome fear…”
Is it possible that sport karate
class will be lower compared with
Budo Karate?
Earning points here goes
through a demonstration of your
best technique, which must exceed
the ground and the strongest
opponent technique, combined
with a demonstration of respect
for the opponent. The result
of the meeting is decided by
the team of referees according to
the amount of points. Opponent
shall not be injured.
“Karate fights themselves are
very beautiful. In this regard, I do
not see any difference between
Budo and karate as a sport,” says
Nagura.
Spectators take great plea­
sure, when they see mastery of
traditional karate techniques,
admire staginess of “hot” kumite
performed by the world champions.
But if you think about what really
touches the soul of the viewer,
you realize that the case is in
the beauty that is present in both
the Budo Karate and sport Karate.
Hence, both Karate can coexist
and grow together.
Plans for the future
At the moment, the biggest
and most ambitious goal is to
enter the Olympic Games 2020.
What tasks will emerge for WKF to
be implemented, when achieving
this goal?
In 2017, the issue shall be
decided on what sports are to be
included in the Olympic Games
2024. The main objective of WKF
is to add karate to the list of
Olympic sports and after 2024.
Therefore, global issues are solved
in the process of the preparation
for the Tokyo Olympics that
affect karate after the event.
Nagura feels the full measure of
responsibility entrusted to him
as the General Secretary, and
feels a sense of gratitude to all
those involved in the world of
karate: “We have achieved a lot,
and this is also a great merit of
Senseis, who helped to spread
karate throughout the world.
WKF includes 189 countries and
regions, and it is not easy to join
them. But we rallied and became
one family for a common dream –
to be full members of the Olympic
movement.”
United we stand,
divided we fall
15
#2. 2015

16. or hopes and dreams of Tareq Abdesselem
It is no exaggeration to say that the lessons were mainly held in the learning mode. Techniques performed
by Darkhan Assadilov and Rinat Sagyndykov, Guzel Gafurova and many other guests became invaluable
lesson, especially (taking into account rather young composition of Thai team) for the hosts.
In the first spring month of the year, the international seminar organized by the local
Karate-do Federation was held in Thailand. The athletes from Kazakhstan, France, South
Korea and the organizers of the event gathered together on sunny Phuket.
Mission is possible
by Gulaim Khairulla
16

17. №3/2015 JKFan/17
Undoubtedly, such training camps directly affect professional growth of any athlete. This is fantastic
experience for me personally in terms of tactical work on the mat.”
The form of training, selected by the organizers, set on the playful mood, it can be said. Especially, if
the trainings were held on the nature, the coast of the sea, when yellow sand was under our feet instead of
the mat, and blue sky was overhead.
Our workouts were guided by the mentors who succeeded
each other in turn: Tareq Abdesselem from the Thai team
and Parviz Mansurov from the Kazakhstan team.
Ahn Taeeun, the bronze medalist of the Asian Games in Incheon from
South Korea, the participant of the seminar said about it the following: “I
was trained for five years in the national team, led by the coach from Iran.
This year I practiced with the mentors of French teams and now – with
the representatives of Kazakhstan. This is my first time, when I participate
in the training camp in Thailand, but I am familiar with many athletes, for
example, Zakharova from Kazakhstan, who defeated me in Incheon.
17
#2. 2015

18. South of France…
Marseille…
A place known far beyond the borders of France,
and not just because of the works of Alexander
Duma’s “Count of Monte Cristo”, the movie “Taxi”,
in which the action occurs on the streets of Marseille.
And even not due to French national anthem “La
Marseillaise”, named after the city actively supported
by the Republicans during the French Revolution.
In the same province, not far from Marseille,
the city of Arles – “Little Rome”, where historical
traces of the Romans presence are preserved, and
the amphitheater is main of them. Hollywood film
“Gladiator” was shot here. And this is the city, which
inspired great Van Gogh to create the largest collection
of his works, including the famous “Sunflowers”
painting.
And Tareq Abdesselem was born in this town,
who later, as well as many other local guys, entered
the French national team.
Glory of the city was intensified by the father of
our hero, Ben Abdesselem. Tareq’s father deserves
a separate discussion. There were five sons in the
family, everyone was the fan of football, and only one
of them gave his heart to karate. And he devoted his
entire life to karate. The crown of unlimited devotion
to the labor of love of Ben Abdesalem, the member of
the Karate-do Federation of Marseille, the owner of
the 6th
Dan, became ARLES Club established by him
and then a place of honor it took in karate of France.
Prior to apply for the largest national championship –
PARIS OPEN, the athletes try prentice hand at not less
significant competition – ARLES OPEN.
I think this practice is justified, given the number
of fighters who are the natives of these places, now
known around the world: Biamonti, Boulesnane,
Fischer, Pettinella, Lupo, Saidan, Tomao, Bel Hasen,
Recchia, Scordo, Laatar, Hamoumi, Mallebrera,
Debono, Aubery, Aquilina.
Tareq Abdesselem, having such a strong family
foundation, could take place within a short period of
time as both the athlete, the member of the French
national team, the winner of European Championship
and the Premier League, the Karate team member of
Arles, the member of “Sadra Zirab” national team (2010–
2011, Super League of Iran), and as the coach, head
coach in CADKD ARLES Karate Federation of France,
head coach in Marseille Karate Department Federation,
and as a mentor of many foreign athletes, the personal
coach of athletes from Sweden, Belgium, Senegal.
Tareq has sports education; he finished Master’s
degree programme as sports manager. In short,
he was raised and trained in the best traditions of
European karate.
Since 2015 Tareq Abdesselem is head coach of
Thai national team.
The training camp was held in the country, which team was headed
by a man performing under French flag at the tournaments a couple
of years ago.
18

19. Is this your first experience as head coach
abroad?
Yes, it is as the national team coach.
What tasks did you set for yourself two years
ago, when you accepted the offer the Thailand
Federation to join the team as technical coach?
The main competitions for us at that time were
Southeast Asian Games (SEAGAMES). And we had
appropriate attitude – every effort should be aimed
at these Games.
As you know, SEAGAMES are very popular
in Southeast Asia. They involve countries such as
Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore,
Philippines, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar.
I arrived in Bangkok as an instructor on August 1,
2013, four months prior the Southeast Asia Games
in Myanmar. Karate team of Thailand did not win
any highest awards at the last two Games (in
2009 in Laos and in 2011 in Indonesia).
Another championship – SEAKAF, which
was held in the Philippines in June 2013 (6
months before SEAGAMES), also did not bring
Thailand gold medals, more than that, the Thai
male team lost to Philippine athletes in the
first round.
Four months preparation for SEAGAMES
was held in intense mode for the coaching
staff and athletes. Tension was very
high… But we were successful.
In December 2013, our team
won two gold medals, and
one of these awards
can be called histo­
rical, as it was
the first gold
award in the
team kumite
among adults!
We can say
that the results
of these Games
revived karate of
Thailand.
How much these
tasks were adjus­ted
today?
The Southeast Asian Games
are important, but we need to
direct every effort to support
our team at that achieved
level and focus on the Asian
Games. We did not have time
to prepare for the Asian Games
in Incheon, and we could not
perform as successfully as
in SEAGAMES. It is understandable. The Asian Games
involve the teams which have extensive international
experience – Japan, Iran, Kazakhstan. Thai team has
not much to boast of, it is rather young and took part
in the Asian Games only for 1–2 times.
Are you disappointed with the results of
your team’s performance at the Asian Games
in Incheon?
No, I am not disappointed. Only four athletes
participated, and besides, I knew the level of training
of Asian athletes and knew what my players can
achieve at the Asian Games. The result was expected
as “Rome was not built in a day!”
But I am pleased to think of the only bronze
medal won among the men in the category up to
75 kg by one of my athletes – Songvut Muntaen.
He took the “bronze” in strong category without any
experience gained at the World Championships,
the Asian Games and Asian Championships.
It was the first championship of such high
rank in his athletic career.
Two other athletes reached the quarter-
finals and were close to reach the final
(males up to 84 kg and females up to 50 kg).
I sincerely hope that we will be more
prepared for the Asian Games in 2018
in Indonesia.
Does Thai karate have its own
characteristics?
In Thailand, it’s different,
not like in Europe. Here
it is more represented
in the form of Budo,
traditional karate.
And the attitude
to karate is not
as to the sport.
Acute influence
of Japan and
Japanese culture
outlook on karate
is felt. In Thailand,
there are a lot of
Japanese coaches,
such as sensei Omura,
Sadahiro, Nobukane, Kagawa
Tadatsuke… Perhaps this is due to
the fact that the biggest Japanese
expat community lives in Bangkok
(about 100, 000 Japanese) after
Los Angeles, New York and
Shanghai.
I talked with some Thai
athletes from the national team
and was surprised to know that
19
#2. 2015

20. it was much more important for
them to win the World Cup of Japan
Shotokan Karate than the World
Championship.
Now it is much more difficult for
me to change the attitude of Thais
to karate than to inculcate tactics
and skills, to bring the spirit of
sport karate. Now we strenuously
change in this direction. I am sure
that karate of Thailand has great
potential, because fighting spirit
is in the blood of the Thais. It is
very important for karate athlete.
Past joint training camp held
on Phuket is great help in this
matter.
Especially it is significant
for me professional attitude to
the sport shown by the members of
the national team of Kazakhstan.
For example, Khalid Khalidov,
who came in full force in 2003
in Marseille, and now it is 2015
and he is in the team. I’m curious
to understand his motivation,
the system of training, I would
like to convey this understanding
to members of our team, many
of which were first proved to be
on the same mat with renowned
champions.
I often meet foreign coaches
of other sports, we share our
experiences. For example, the
head coach of the Thai boxing, he
20
Mr. Chutinant Bhirombhakdi, the President of the Thailand Karate Federation, and Songvut
Muntaen, medalist of the Asian Games in Incheon

21. was born in Cuba and lives here for six years. It is
important for me to understand how to stimulate
the motivation of Thai athletes. The problem is that
in almost all sports, whether it’s boxing, football or
karate, the attitude of the team members to chosen
occupation is defined not as to the sport and based
more on traditions. I already talked about this.
My task is to change this outlook. And this training
camp was designed just to solve this problem.
What is your relationship with the leadership
of the Federation of Thailand? Do you have mutual
understanding?
In order to establish rapport with the leadership
of the Federation of Thailand, it is very important for
me as European person to understand Thai culture
and traditions. After all, the difference between
the cultures of Europe and Asia is huge!
We are working together to improve the position of
Thailand Karate Federation in Asia and share ideas
of Mr. Chutinant BHIROMBHAKDI, the President of
the Federation. Firstly, he is a karateka, secondly,
respected person in Thailand, thirdly, it is very
important for us! I try to share my ideas, impart my
knowledge acquired in France with Thailand Karate
Federation. This is a very important experience for
me, given the fact that I was the first Frenchman
who came to Asia as the national coach. At times,
some misunderstanding occurs due to the language
barrier. And I have to explain in detail the same thing
for several times to convey the essence.
But these difficulties were at the beginning, now
everything is much better! Of course, we all work
in the same direction…
Do you feel great responsibility after you
became the head coach?
You know, I used to teach just the technique
of karate, different exercises. Now I have other
responsibilities and its scope is much broader. I select
the students, train them and think more tactically, I
have more freedom of action and decision-making.
I understand that the Federation gave credence to
me that I should justify, and therefore I feel great
responsibility.
Work schedule is not important, I do not look
at the clock during training, never think of how
much strength and nerves I have to spend to solve
the set tasks, but I know the main thing: I can bring
French line to the job of coach, sports manager,
which is recognizable around the world. Yes, I was
lucky that I have wealth of past experience, which
can be used with confidence in my current coaching.
I am pleased to perceive the other details that will
eventually be able to help me to realize my dream – to
see the national team of Thailand in the TOP-5 in Asia
within the next four years.
This task is rather feasible, I believe in it, it could
not have been otherwise…
P.S. The editors would like to thank the leadership
of the Thailand Karate Federation: Mr. Chutinant
Bhirombhakdi, the President of the Thailand
Karate Federation, Mr. Vizal, Secretary General of
the Thailand Karate Federation, Mr. Sathit and Mr.
Tongchan, the Vice-Presidents of the Thailand Karate
Federation, and Kuepaolu, Tavetsuku (HR-manager of
TKF), the students of the Thailand Karate Federation
and the whole national team of Thailand for the high-
level organization of the seminar.
21
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22. AKF
Training camp
July, 2015
Thailand

23. The 2nd
Asian Karate
Clubs Championship
The ASIAN KARATE CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP, regular international
tournament, is scheduled for April. This is the second championship,
the first one was held last year in Kuwait.
At this time, Tashkent will host the implementation of the idea that
makes the first steps.
It makes no sense to talk about the importance of this event in the
life of the Asian Karate. Everyone understands the significance of
the Clubs Championship for every club and every athlete individually.
ASIAN KARATE CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP solves the task, which has
been solved long ago and successfully by karate of Europe: Clubs that do
not have access to large official competitions, receive this opportunity.
This system supposes wider coverage of athletes who cannot perform
at international championships due to various reasons, and can do
so at the Asian Clubs Championships. And entertainment of
the events is undoubtedly higher, which is important factor
in the karate promotion.
It is necessary to take into account all these points,
when preparing and conducting the tournament,
especially in light of the steps taken to implement
the master plan of modern karate: karate to enter
the Olympic family. I am sure that the union of all
forces – national federations, local clubs and
individual athletes – will be one of the decisive
factors in this process.
Mr. Abdulayev Sarsynbay,
The 2nd
Vice-president of AKF
23
#2. 2015

24. He was born in 1967 in Iran. He started
to practice karate, when he was 14 years
old. At the age of 27 he came to Japan to
take part in the Wadokai Karatedo world
championship. Later, he was in Japan again,
now he arrived to study Iaido and Aikido.
He has been teaching karate-do in Japan
starting from 2003 to the present time.
Ghorubani was a member of the national
team of Iran for four years from 1990 to
1994. In 1991, he won the Kumite Karate
Championship of Iran in the category up to
80 kg.
At present:
Referee of the World Karate Federation
A member of the Kumite Referee
Commission for the All-Japan Karate
Federation
A holder of the certified 5th dan.
The coach of Ghorubani
Karate School
Majid Ghorubani
Exercises for development
of physical abilities
Lessons for juniors
by Aina Kohinatakarate equipment
About Sensei
In karate, just as in any other sport, there are movements that children can
remember better and faster than adults. And, when they have already become
the champions, they demonstrate such techniques, which are not so easy to copy.
Children have wonderful chance to polish their skills. And the task of adults is to
address their efforts to the right direction.
Such polishing of skills through various combinations is practiced in Ghorubani
Karate School in Tokyo. Majid Ghorbani is a coach of this school – a former member
of the national team of Iran – currently he is a judge of international championships.
The champions of Japan in junior classes are among the pupils of the academy.
Let us know together what exercises help the athletes of this school to improve
the efficiency of the body.
It is within the power of the child, but
not within the power of the adult
Let’s increase physical abilities!
Demonstrators:
Ali Ghorubani, a student of the 7th grade, practices karate for more than 8
years, holder of Sho Dan. Favorite technique is punches after the undercut. He
participated in the championship for the Hamanasu Cup, bronze medalist of Japan
Wadokai (Kumite) Championship. He is a part of the enhanced team of Tokyo.
Sho Shiray, a student of the 6th grade, practices karate for 7 years and has
Sho Dan. His favorite technique is geri. He is a winner of the Japan Wadokai
Championship, two-time champion of the Wadokai tournament of Kanto region
(kumite). He is a part of the enhanced team of Tokyo.
Rehey Koshidaka, a student of the 5th grade, practices karate for 5 years and has
Sho Dan. His favorite technique is Heian Godan kata. He took 8th place at the Junior
School Tournament in Tokyo, is a bronze medalist of the Wado-kai tournament of
Kanto region (kumite).
Arash Ghorbani, a student of the 5th grade, practices karate for 8 years, holder
of Sho Dan. His favorite technique is geri. He is a winner of the 8th Japan Junior
School Championship and Japan Wado-kai Championship (kumite). He is a part of
the enhanced team of Tokyo.
Raku Kurosawa, a student of the 4th grade, practices karate for 4 years, holder of
Sho Dan. His favorite technique is Seisan kata. He is two-time winner of Tokyo Junior
School Championship, the winner of Japan Wado-kai Championship (kata).
It is within the power of the child,
but not within the power of the adult
24

25. hips
fast run
jump 3
jump 2
jump 1
To develop a fighting instinct
starting from childhood
Major part of time is dedicated to warm-up in Ghorubani
School. This warm-up includes a lot of exercises with jumps,
the athletes go for a quick run after jumps and turns in the air,
then perform stretching exercises. Thus, this complex consists of
many exercises that are performed at a rapid pace.
“Children do not like boredom and monotony, and warm-up
with such a variety of exercises becomes fun and interesting for
them. And jumps are basic movements in the sport. Exercises
with jumps also fit well for SAQ training and development of
“explosive” power,” said Ghorubani Sensei.
“From time to time, we include in the program such great
techniques as floating geri, ushiromavashi-geri and others. We
do it because it is easier to teach a child to feel his body. This
is akin to riding a bicycle: should you understand and remember
once how it’s done, and you will never forget it. Gradually, step
by step, you can master any, even the most complex movements.
And it will be easier for these children to succeed in something
really very complicated during their adulthood. They will be less
prone to injury compared to those who do it for the first time
without any base.
Perhaps, you’ll never use floating geri at the competition. But
the better you own complex movements, the greater your capacity
to influence on the opponent effectively. And eventually this will
lead you to the victory,” said Majid Ghorubani.
We will present you the first part of the exercises at this
lesson. The articles of the column are divided into several themes
to simplify the reading. For example, Ghorbani coach will tell you
how to warm up the body properly and prepare it for muscle
loading in “Warmup” section, “Stretching” section is devoted to
exercises to develop flexibility, “Training of the body” will help
you to strengthen this part of the body, and the information
under “Exercises for tsuki and geri development” is useful in the
process of the preparations for sparring.
1) Feet together, perform jumps
forth-right-left with the overcoming of
conditional marks on the floor
Perform high jump up, turn to 90 degrees and a touchdown.
Return back to the original position using similar jump. Repeat
this exercise several times successively.
Taking kumite stance, perform high jump up and perform geri
in the air using rear leg. Land in the opposite stance and repeat
the exercise.
Hands and feet rest against the floor. Raise your hips 10 times in a raw in such position
at a rapid pace, and perform fast run at the end.
Stand up against the wall. Make crab position with your hands against the wall. Then,
return to your original position paddling along the wall.
Holding your calf, outline a circle with your
knee. This exercise is very effective to warm
up the hip joints.
“Spider-Man”
lifting of legs
Prepare yourself for the exercise as shown on the left photo. Swap your leg and lift it up
using small sliding movements. Raise your body lifting your leg to its maximum height.
This exercise helps to develop good posture in geri.
The body is turned sideways,
bend one knee (hold your
calf).
Come up with
exercises to
improve warm-
up quality
Develop body
flexibility
Strech out…
Rehey
Koshidaka
feet
together
Ali
Ghorubani
Arash
Ghorubani
Sho Shiray
Raku Kurosawa
half-twist, and full
circle turn can be
done
“Ready!”
command was
given
heel
against a
wall
This exercise helps in the
performance of geri
this posture
is good shape
for geri
Raise your legs
at rapid pace.
25
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26. ushiromavashi geri
jumps + geri
kaykomi + geri
body 1 body 2 body 3
Starting position is feet together. Try to jump as far as possible. After landing, climb, hold the body
at the rear leg outstretched and perform chudan tsuki. Turn the waist and perform a blow!
Exercises for tsuki
development
Try to perform ushiromavashi-geri in the following order: 1) perform a jump in-place and rotation for 360 degrees, 2)
raise your leg when jumping (you can do it not very high), 3) perform floating geri. And learn to feel the right moment
to throw your leg.
Pull up your rear leg to your body from Kamae stance (kaykomi)
and perform geri sliding the support leg. Next perform all
executed in the same order up to kaykomi, and then you can
use different options of geri: jodan geri, chudan geri, gedan geri,
mawashi-geri, ushiromavashi-geri, etc. This exercise will help to
learn how to perform geri and not be “read” by an opponent.
Stand in pairs. One of the partners holds the other’s legs.
Head and body shall be parallel to the floor. Then, try to
keep the weight of your left arm and right leg in the same
position at the same level. Next, change the arm and leg
and repeat the exercise.
Perform pushups in the
position “body 1”.
Clap your hands and try
again to hold your body
using your hands in the
position “body 1”.
Get up in threes. A person standing in the center performs geri, and those standing around shall hold
muffles. Geri performer must do the following: 1) perform high jump in-place, 2) kick muffle, when
landing. Both movements are performed alternately in both directions at rapid pace.
jumps + tsuki
Warm up
for geri
Training
on strengthening
the body
clap your
hands
parallel to
the floor
turn your back to
the partner
perform a
jump
point
Stretching exercises for hip joint, shown
on the previous page, are also can be
applied here. These exercises point to
existing link between a warm-up, stretching
and kumite.
point
point
Here we add geri to the activity “jump 2”
shown on the previous page. Exercises with
jumps allow creating a basis to perform
complex movements.
Today strong chudan tsuki is a punch where lumbus
is enabled. It is enabled only in case, if the back leg will
support the body.
And now it is time to pay attention to the movement of
your back foot. Whether it fulfills fully its function? If
your back leg until just moves behind the front foot, we
suggest the following simple exercises to be mastered.
Crouch on the
back foot
Apply force, keep your
body, add a lumbus!
Front leg,
supported
by the rear
leg becomes
stronger
26

27. Iran firmly holds the leading
position in the sport of karate.
Its athletes consistently win
medals at the most prestigious
tournaments of the world.
At the time, Ghorubani Sensei
was a member of the main
team of Iran. And we did not
fail the opportunity to ask him
about the way how the selection
process of the national team
is implemented in the country.
Adult League
(18 years old and older)
According to Majid Ghorubani,
it takes long time to select
the adult league team of national
team of Iran. We will give an
explanation on the example
of 2012.
The first qualifying round
(National Championship)
Iran Karate Championship
was held in the first half of
February. And the athletes
who took the 1–4 places of
the tournament passed the first
qualifying round were. Several
national coaches are next to
the arena during the fights. They
try to distinguish who has great
potential in the total mass of
the athletes. And even if such
athlete lost the first fight, he
still gets the right to take part
in the qualifying tournament to
the national team.
The second qualifying round
(qualifying tournament)
The qualifying tournament for
the national team is traditionally
held in the first half of March.
The third qualifying
round (in the form of
training camp)
T h o s e w h o p a s s e d
the second round, participate
in training camp in the first half
of April. The training camp is also
attended by members of the last
year national team, the winners
of the World Championships
and Asian Championships (the
winners of the international
championships of the past years
do not participate in the first and
second qualifying tournaments).
Training camp lasts for two
days. Here 3–4 athlete are
selected to each category in the
process of training. The format
of the training camp allows
discerning better the potential
of the athletes. In addition,
the training camp has another
important advantage: even
if the athlete does not pass
to the national team, he has
the opportunity to train with
the strongest athletes and
go back to his dojo with new
knowledge and skills.
The fourth qualifying round
(qualifying tournament)
In late April, the final qualifying
tournament is held. According to
its results, 2–3 best athletes will
be selected in each category.
General
Training Camp
Team’s training session
is held every week and lasts for
three days followed by 3–4 days
of rest. Perhaps, this schedule
will be revised. As due to frequent
trainings the athletes hardly see
their families, these separations
affect not the best way to their
mood. Therefore, everything
is going to hold general training
camp less frequently, once every
two weeks for 2–3 days. As
for the coaches, experimental
system was introduced in Iran
in 2012, where one coach
is assigned for one athlete.
And both athletes with good
results and the coaches who
trained the strongest athletes
can become the coaches of
the national team.
Junior National Team
In Iran, unlike Japan, there are
no karate-do sections in schools
or universities. The persons
wishing to learn this kind of
martial arts study only in the
dojo. The Junior and Cadet
National Team is selected after
2–3 rounds, and general training
camps are held once every two
weeks and also last for 3–4 days.
Now you have a better idea of
your Iranian competitors. As it is
seen from the story of Ghorubani
Sensei, only the very best are
selected to the national team of
Iran. And such strong opponent
cannot be underestimated.
How are the athletes for the national team of Iran selected?
27
#2. 2015

28. 28
Photo: Before the Araga family home. The children of Araga family practice here on a gentle slope
starting from their first steps in mastering of karate.

29. Ryutaro Araga:
scheme of speed,
agility and quickness
To be ready to fight
by Naomichi Matsushita
Starting from the high school, undefeated Ryutaro won the champion title
seven times in a row at the Japan Tournaments for Physical Culture. Nobody has
been able to beat this record of Araga yet. We decided to acquaint the reader
with his methods of his training, and this time we will tell about his daily workouts.
These workouts are basic in his training according to SAQ scheme (Speed Agility
Quickness).
“I try to move several parts of the body at the same time during
the warm-up. At the end I perform some exercises to strengthen the
body,” says Araga.
29
#2. 2015

30. 30
Warm- up before the competition by Ryutaro
At the beginning of the workout Ryutaro warms the body with easy running, without applying too much
effort. In this case, his legs are not stretched and hands are free - they seem to hang at your sides. While
jogging, he slowly warms up the body using slow and free movements, and then increases the speed gradually.
This is the essence of the SAQ training scheme. Perhaps, someone will consider these movements as careless,
but they contain technique that will allow the body to achieve maximum performance.
1
2
2
1
① ②
Base:
Jogging effortlessly
back and forth
over a distance of
about 5 meters,
with arms hanging
loosely at your
sides.
Moving with rushes, rotate both
arms back and forth once in one
and in the opposite direction.
Then rotate them back and forth
alternating right and left arms.
Try to rotate the blades as wide as
possible as the right photo shows.
1
Wave your legs widely. Also
when running gently, lift your
legs alternately slowly as
high and wide as possible.
Raise the leg and move
it from the outside to the
inside, as if describing large
circle.
Rotate your leg from inner
side to outer side.
3
Rotate your blades
wider. Force them
to move deploying
shoulders widely
with slightly bent
hand.
2
Slow jogging
at first.
Move
blades
widely,
twist your
arms.
Rotate
the thigh
widely.
Rotate the thigh
from the outside
into the interior,
and vice versa,
as if describing
large circle.
Learn to feel
the work of
the blades.

31. 1 2 1 2
① ②
Running gently, raise your
knees. Accelerate your
movements a little, while
the legs below the knee
shall be relaxed. Perform
movements as if pressing
the thighs to your stomach.
The movements shall
be executed as from the
outside into the interior, and
vice versa.
4
Perform relocations from
side to side: put your feet
shoulder-width apart
and move from side to
side, increasing speed
gradually.
When raising the leg,
turn your knee outwards,
then inwards. This knee
rotation allows working
out hips more effectively.
5
With your feet together,
perform relocations using
both feet sideways (left
photo).
Perform relocations to and
from, turn sideways and
perform the same back and
forth (pictured right).
6
Now
accelerate
performance
of
exer­cise 3.
Your
movements
become faster
from this point
further.
Perform jumps
like those that
skiers carry out.
in the next issue
31
#2. 2015

32. 32
1 2
1
2
3
Stand sideways and move
jumping widely rotating
both arms.
9
Take kamae for kumite.
Move in kamae, half-rotate your
body.
Perform tsuki and geri slowly
as it is shown at the picture.
Thorough performance of waza
is unnecessary here. The most
important point is to perform the
exercise relaxed, effortless.
10
move to the sides as
if performing jumps
sideways.
11
Run at fast pace
kicking your thigh
with your heel.
8
Use both
arms and
feet.
Once you
warmed up
the body,
Perform criss-cross
relocation sideways,
unfolding the body
at maximum.
7
Perform big
rotation of the
body fast without
stopping
Perform waza
easy, relaxed
without any
effort.
Increase
the speed.

33. Emiri Iwamoto.
Daring
challenge
of porcelain
doll
in the next issue
33
#2. 2015

34. To apply
the relocation
with crossed
legs in a duel
Types of relocation:
chidori ashi, kosa ashi, syumoku ashi
by Shin Tsuki
Relocations with crossed legs, for example, chidori ashi, kosa ashi, syumoku
ashi, exist in kata. Probably, many people thought how you can use these
movements in sports kumite, but few people know that crossed stance with
externalrotationofthe hipjointcanplayasavingroleforthe athletes,squashed
into a corner in sports kumite.
We begin from studying the nature of relocation and consider the methods
for execution of the movements in real combat.
34

35. Photo 1a-c: A little crouching, move, crossing the legs, while trying not
to step on the line. Feet are outwards, and hold the centerline axis of
the body along the line.
Photo 2: Running crossing
the legs. Try to move quickly
using just feet, while the body
stays fixed from the head to
the lumbus.
Photo 1a Photo 1b Photo 1c Photo 2
What purpose do we need
to cross the legs for?
Certainly, this question has
been already raised in the heads
of our readers. Taking into account
the accelerating pace of sporting
karate, at first glance, it is much
more effective to deliver quick
strikes directly. If we consider karate
just as a match at the speed, then,
probably, this approach is correct.
However, karate is the martial art
of forecasting of the opponent’s
actions. This forecast is based
on our feelings – sense of hearing,
sight and touch.
It is difficult for the opponent
to “read” follow-up actions
in the same movements with
the crossed legs, as the upper part
of the body remains stationary,
and kamae is static. In addition,
the relocations are implemented
without the participation of the leg
joints, thus, the whole body looks
relaxed and it is more difficult
for the opponent to respond to
the actions.
In addition, sports karate
technique becomes more diverse,
and movements become more
complicated. Now you shall deliver
not just straight punches and kicks,
but following the movements of
the opponent thoroughly, freely
moving in all directions, you shall
perform not only tsuki or geri, but
for example, to perform undercuts
resulting in the throw, etc. That
is precisely now, when karate
gets its development, it becomes
possible to use traditional
techniques embodied in the kata.
What is required for Japan
to survive in this sport?
Slightly deviating from a topic of
relocation of legs and I would like
to share my opinion about what
do Japanese fighters – whose
physique differs from the foreign
athletes and who are less physically
strong – need to continue to win
the competitions, given that sports
karate technique is growing every
day all over the world. How to
perform technical hold and win, if
the pace of the fight, the sense of
distance, and the performance of
any techniques with foreign rival are
markedly different?
Watching heavy duels of our
athletes, I often see they are
overtaken by malice leading
the attack, i.e. they start attacks
abruptly from the stopping.
And when they are moving from
quiescent state to motion,
the opponent can easily “read” this
rhythm and response properly.
Here I see two ways of solution.
The first one is to start using of
the tactics “to pass into the motion
from a motion,” like many foreign
athletes do. It is necessary to
deliver the strike in movement, not
allowing the opponent to focus,
making it impossible to predict.
Thus, it is better to strike, without
an emphasis on speed, and to
deceive the opponent by your
actions, making him confused.
The best method
is “dragonfly” or “chicken”
The second method is to move
in the “peace and quiet” without
making unnecessary movements.
Let us imagine that we want to
catch a dragonfly. The dragonfly
does not see the danger in our quiet
approach and as a result misses
the opportunity to fly away.
Or imagine that we are trying
to drive the chicken in the chicken
coop. Move lowering body a little,
Position with crossed legs does not allow
the enemy to predict the actions
35
#2. 2015

36. Photo 3a-c: Move sideways along the line. When crossing the feet, the lumbus shall not be rotated.
while trying not to make oscillating
movements up and down with
the body, and the chicken
is cornered soon.
And it should be remembered
about the main – it is necessary to
extinguish the presence of anger,
fluctuations in your body when
replacing, and move relaxed, i.e. not
to disclose your intentions.
Even animals – whose reaction
is much better than human’s one –
cannot predict your actions, not
“remarking” any intention. If a
person learns to hide the signs
of his intentions, he can corner
every opponent, even the most
powerful and shifty. Such intentions
can be effectively hidden using
the stances, which I will present.
Kata has very effective relocations,
allowing preserving the body
unhesitating at the same time.
Applying these kata techniques
in sports kumite, you can develop
your kumite much better.
1. chidori ashi
First, as Figure 1a shows, bend
your knees in the position of the feet
together, and hands at hips. In this
position, perform a step using one
foot (Fig. 1b.), while inner side of
the foot shall be turned forward.
Likewise, put forward the other
foot and perform the relocation
(Figure 1c). You can gradually
increase the speed of movement,
while trying to keep your head
stationary (not to oscillate up and
down, right and left). In the next
step you can try to move quickly,
while keeping your hands in kamae
(Fig. 2).
And then try to move quickly
in kamae stance for kumite. You
may compare such stance with
the movement, when the feet
are straight, and you will feel
the absence of body fluctuations.
When possible, this exercise shall
be better performed moving along a
particular line, and try not to come
out its limit.
2. kosa ashi
Kosa ashi is the sideward
movement. Legs are bent; hands
are at hips (Fig. 3a). Cross the back
leg with the front one, throw
it forward and relocate yorself
(Fig. 3b-c). The movement shall
be performed increasing speed
gradually. Then try to move with
the kamae hand position.
3. syumoku ashi
Front syumoku ashi is no longer
used in the modern kendo, but
they are quite common in the old
streams of kendo and iaido.
The front foot looks straight
and back foot is directed sideward,
while the relocations shall be
performed as if gliding. It is better
to move along a straight line. Next
you can also try to move in kamae
for kumite.
Using these three methods of
relocation, you can move in all
directions: forward, backward
and sideways. If the lower part of
the body vibrates from side to side
or your head bobs up and down
during the movement, it says that
you are not lowered your body
sufficiently. Bend your knee joints
at maximum, lowered down posture
will help to perform relocations
exactly.
This time my explanations
relate only to the techniques, when
using chidori ashi. It is necessary
to prepare one line to perform
the exercise, and you should try
not to step on it. First, take kamae
at one side of the line (Fig. 4a).
Next (the 1st
movement) take
the rear foot forward, now footstep
is directed sideward (Fig. 4b).
The 2nd
movement is over­
stepping the line, relocate the back
foot, while the foot is inverted (Fig.
4c). If possible, place the heel
on the floor. The 3rd movement is to
throw the rear foot forward quickly
turning your body (Figure 4d).
Photo 3a Photo 3b Photo 3c
36

37. In this way, it is possible to
reduce to a minimum the vibrations
of the body and rotate your body
easily.
Actions 1 and 2 shall be
performed quickly and without
magnitude, when performing action
3, you can take a step wider. Next
action 3 can be added by oi-tsuki
(Fig. 5a-c).
Footwork should be brought to
automatic performance, the work
of the body remains conscious.
Kamae should remain stationary
up to the 2nd
action.
Further, gyaku-tsuki can be
performed instead of oi-tsuki (Fig.
6). Also tsuki can be replaced by
chudan-geri (Fig. 7 a-c)
The use of such relocation also
allows performing ushiro-geri and
ushiromavashi-geri.
To perform ushiro-geri, the first
two movements are the same
(Fig. 8a-b). Transfer the leg to
the opposite direction, the heel
is directed straight (Fig. 8c). Now
the weight shall be transferred to
the front leg, turn your shoulders
and look ahead over the shoulder
(Fig. 8d).
Then raise the heel, touching
the buttocks, and strike the target
(Fig. 8e). Return your leg and get up
to reverse kamae (Fig. 8f).
Ushiro-mawashi-geri is perfor­
med virtually in the same way as
ushiro-geri. Note the only thing,
when lifting your leg to kick, raise
Photo 5a-c: Make your step wider and perform tsuki on the 3rd
movement. If the foot is rotated
outward, then turning of the waist will be clearer, and the lunge for a strike can be faster and wider.
In addition, due to the stationary body and kamae, the opponent will be more difficult to make
assumptions about our next actions.
Photo 4 a-d: The first movement: step forward using back foot, the footstep is directed straight. The second movement: the other leg now shall
be takan over the line, and unfold it outwards as soon as the foot touches the floor. Third movement: throw your foot forward using rotation of
the lumbus. If the legs are directed outside, you will feel that the body and kamae remain stationary.
Фото 4b Фото 4c Фото 4d
Фото 4а
Prepare 1 line to perform exercises,
and try not to step on it
Фото 5а Фото 5b Фото 5c Фото 6
Photo 6: Perform gyaku oi-tsuki
after oi-tsuki. Tsuki shall be
performed by turning the body.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
37
#2. 2015

38. Photo 7a-c: Using such
movement, geri is performed
clearer and it makes possible to
perform a kick to the back without
touching the opponent’s hand
Photos 8a-g: It is very important to put
your foot to the floor and transfer full
force of gravity in 8c; to see the target
of the strike over the shoulder in 8d.
Perform the kick using your heel
pushed directly from the buttock.
your knee forward first, and then,
perform a kick outlining an arc
(Fig. 9a-b).
Kosa ashi
and bensoku dachi*
Now, let’s touch kosa ashi
movement, which will be discussed
in details next time.
We apply the alternating
relocations kosa ashi and bensoku
dachi in turn.
Take kamae again standing
on one side of the line (Fig. 10a).
Then, step over the line pushing
forward the back foot (Fig. 10b).
Move forward and perform
chudan gyaku tsuki stepping over
the line using other foot (Fig.10c).
Now perform bensoku dachi
using the back foot, stepping over
the line (Fig. 10e), perform chudan
gyaku tsuki using other foot,
crossing the line, and return to
kamae (Fig. 10f-g).
Mae geri, mawashi geri using
the front foot, mawashi geri using
the front foot may be performed
applying such relocation, etc.
Фото 7b Фото 7cФото 7а
Фото 8а
Фото 8e
Фото 8b
Фото 8f
Фото 8c
Фото 8g
Фото 8d
38

39. Photos 9a-b:
in contrast to
ushiro-geri, ushiro
mawashi geri shall
be performed
raising high your
knee, not your
leg. In case of
soft and flexible
work of shoulders
and lumbus,
impressive geri
may occur.
Photo 10a-g: Kamae should be stationary, the height of all movements
from the beginning to the end shall be at the same level. When
performing tsuki, take a step wider applying force of the lumbus.
In the photo:
Aya Takaki
Aya Takaki was born
in Niigata Prefecture on October
25, 1990. She began to study
karate starting from the 2
grade influenced by her father.
Aya graduated from the high
school in Fukushima city.
At the moment, she works as
an instructor of karate school
established by the master Yuko
Takahashi.
Фото 10a Фото 10b Фото 10c Фото 10d
Фото 10e Фото 10f Фото 10g
Фото 9а Фото 9b
According to the above-described methods
of movement, the following conclusions can be drawn:
Advantages:
• It is possible to displace keeping the central axis fixed.
• Easy relocation as the leg joints are not used.
• The ability to move in all directions.
• When moving, the body is stationary.
• Additional advantage of such movements:
• You can easily decline the attacks.
• It allows keeping the balance, when performing ai uchi (the strike delivered to each other simultaneously)
• It is easy to offset the balance of the opponent and perform the undercut, nage, etc. Thus, these relocations
expand the range of our capabilities.
* Bensoku dachi is relocation
using movement of the back leg
forward, rounding the back side of
the front leg. Kosa ashi is relocation
using the movement of the back leg
forward, rounding the inner side of
the front leg.
39
#2. 2015

40. Technique shall be adopted
for different opponents. And it is
very important how the athlete
approaches to the planning of
the duel against the opponent,
issuing from the potential and
technical skills of each other.
Our understanding of the rules
shall become a bit higher
at the second level. Emotions
get involved in here. They are
presented by the rhythm of
the match, its intensity and
energy. Now we are talking of
the matches, where athletes
fight very intensively using great
number of combat maneuvers.
For example, our match
is passive on the contrary.
You expect for the possibility
to increase the score. Passive
matches are 50/50: some
attacks, some work, and some
expectation.
It’s time to go to learn to
control rhythm during the duel,
to participation of our spirit
in the tournament according to
our impulses. Mastering of this
science will take next two years.
Some talented students may learn
Science of
Antonio Oliva Seba
Part 2
it for one year, but usually it takes
two years.
The last third level is the stu­
dents training more than four-five
years, the possessors of 2, 3 and 4
dan ranks. Karate is not the most
important thing at this level.
Here your personality is signifi­
cant. I am talking of high level
tournaments now.
At this stage the athlete shall
assort everything that he knows
about karate and understand
clearly what he needs. He shall
become the specialist according to
so-called SMP-factor integrating
feeling, movement and mind.
At this stage you shall research
yourself, define the priorities,
elaborate character and know
about karate as much as possible.
According to DCA theory, dominant,
additional and harmonious factors
are marked. If feeling dominates,
you are emotional fighter. If mind
dominates, you are clever fighter.
If motion dominates, you are
fighter relying on your body only.
Depending on what is your
dominant, additional or harmoni­
zed factor, you will have one
or another nature. Entering
the struggle with the athletes from
Asia, Australia, Africa, America,
you shall know how to fight and
be successful in the duel with
different types of the opponents.
Asia
Africa
Australia
You
Muscles MovementTechniques
Technique is designated as
following. Technique depends
on the potential of our muscles,
bones, physical abilities, which we
call motility gestures, М – motility
movements.
Punches and kicks may be
such techniques in karate. These
blows are supported by what we
call “protection”.
40

41. This symbol designates
the attack.
This symbol designates
the block.
Offensive Offense/defense Defensive
Id est our body motions
may be defensive or offensive.
All technical movements for
the attack and protection depend
on work of feet, the contact of feet
with the ground. This is why, it is
very important to understand this
interrelation.
Pursuant to the WKF rules, to
perform successfully punches
and kicks, the following things are
important:
1. Contact of feet with
the ground
2. Involvement of the thighs
3. Involvement of the upper
part of the body.
All karate styles depend on the
stance, position of the thighs.
You may apply these techniques
for both attack and protection,
i.e. protecting yourself against
the opponent’s attack. It is
required to “feel” distance for
successful attack and protection
implementation
Long distance is comfortable
for the blocks. Short distance
is comfortable for attack. Middle
distance is good for combination
of blocks and attack. At first you
shall learn these movements
in static mode.
Then you shall learn how to use
these movements shifting forward
backward
sidewise
shifting to every direction
Tactics
Tactics is application of mental
powers, skill to use our intellect
during the duel. Tactics is science
studying capacity, ability, skill,
and potential for successful
organization of your offensive
and defensive techniques, i.e.
adaptation to the types of athletes
you meet at the competitions.
Attack Defense
How to behave from the point
of view of tactics, how to use
body motions in accordance to
the opponent’s types we meet
at the duels, and how to control
the display?
Opponents
Display
41

42. How to increase the score, if
we are winning?
What shall we do to make
the result positive in case of
stand-off?
How to change negative result,
if you are losing?
It is necessary to control
the distance, of course.
It is required to have very good
control over the distance from
the tactic point of view, in order
to adjust to the opponents
and control the display. It will
allow controlling the duel in the
center, edges,
Referee Rules
Communication
between coach
and athlete
Communication
with
referee
and rules
along the line or in the open zone
of the gym.
Communication between
the coach and athlete, as well
as communication of coach and
athlete with referee and rules are
strongly recommended.
Control of space and time
is very significant, i.e. it is
important to know what to do
in the beginning of the duel,
in the middle and the end of
the meeting. These are the most
important instruments, which
shall be studied at the first
level and according to the rules.
It is important to remember:
everything what we do from
the tactic point of view shall be
approved by the WKF rules.
Time control
End of the
combat
Start
of the
combat
Middle of the combat
Feelings Affects
Our emotions come out of
the heart. In Spanish it means
“sentimiento”, i.e. “sense”. And
it is necessary to control our
emotions, senses and impulses.
Time control
Our emotions and impulses
shall work under our control in the
process of the duel.
It means that there is time for
the rest which we call passivity,
and there is time for the action,
work. Few people know how to
control their impulses. People
are either extremely impetuous
or extremely passive. The control
over the work and the rest is ticket
to success of this science.
It is necessary to be able to
control impulses in the beginning
of the combat, and in the middle
and in the end, but impulses have
special significance in the last
moments of the duel.
End of the combat
Emotions teach us to control
the technique, to be strong and
positive even in the moment,
when the opponent delivers his
blows. Emotional part is called
endurance.
Endurance is an ability to bear
suffering, skill not to lose heart
during hardship period.
Usually, we have no time, when
working on the short distances.
In this case, do what you feel.
We shall work from minus
to plus during the duel. Many
athletes are very emotional in the
beginning of the meeting, but they
blow off like stuck balloon to its
end. We shall be equable in the
beginning of the duel and “gather
pace” gradually, in order to keep
maximum of emotions to the last
stage of the competition.
If we are low-spirited and sad
during the performance, it is not
good also. We shall be emotionally
balanced, in order to understand
everything what happens.
If we will be in the state
of extreme happiness during
the duel, it also may deprive us of
confidence. This is why, it is better
to stay in control in every situation.
Our confidence, relation and
nature depend on our emotions
and personal characteristics.
Probably, the section about
emotions will seem the most
complicated for someone.
Everyone knows about them,
but just few persons may train
them and apply correctly. This
is the area which requires
additional researches. However,
I recommend learning how to
work with emotions separately
from the tactics and technique
just in the beginning, at the first
stage. And I recommend joining
them at the third stage, as
technique, tactics and emotions
are integral unit.
Antonio Oliva Seba
was born on February 16, 1948.
Antonio Oliva Seba won
the First National Spanish Karate
Championship in 1970 and retained
champion title five years in a row.
PROFILE
42

43. HISTORY OF FOUR STYLES
What do karate
schools represent?
I think there are
many people who do
not practice karate and,
nevertheless, have an
idea of karate and heard
of its four main styles:
Goju-ryu, Shotokan, Shito-
ryu and Wado-ryu. A lot
of literature is devoted to
establishment and devel­
opment of these styles.
However, these events
throw back and narration
of them contains a plenty
of specific terms making
the texts of such editions
difficult for perception
for unprepared readers.
Therefore, when a kid asks
adults: “What is the style
I practice noted for?” and
many people do not know
what to reply. This article
is assigned for those
readers, who are not con­
fident in their know­ledge
or do not know accurate
answer for this question.
Known and
unknown
karate
43
#2. 2015

44. “go” and “ju”
Founder and
originator of the style
Chojun Miyagi
(1888-1953)
Goju-ryu style
Basic stances of Goju-ryu:
SIKO-DACHI, Nekoashi-dachi,
Sanchin-dachi
SIKO-DACHI
Both footsteps are directed a bit to exte-
riors from parallel position. Toes are ro-
tated exteriors at 60 degrees, the lum-
bus is lowered down.
Nekoashi-dachi
From musubi-dachi stance one foot
is moved forward for a half-step (1.5
length of foot). Only the toes of the front
foot rest on the ground. The back leg
is bent, the lumbus is lowered down.
The body is directed to frontal side,
the weight is on the back leg.
Sanchin-dachi
The back foot is directed forward,
the heel of the front foot is on one line
with the toes of the back foot. The front
foot is rotated slightly interior.
free fluent movements
Miyagi was born in Higashimachi, Naha (Okinawa). He learned Naha-Te from Kanryo
Higaonna. When Miyagi was 16, he travelled to Fujian Province, China for further
training. Having studied technique of martial arts, Miyagi established his own breathing
methods, warmup exercises, kihon movements, auxiliary movements, basic katas, i.e.
he established his own system of exercises. In the result, all this knowledge took shape
of Goju-ryu style and was widely spread at first at Okinawa and all over Japan later.
By the way, “Goju-ryu” term originated from “ho-goju-donto” (translator’s note:
“Breathing method is hard and soft”), taken from Chinese book “Bubishi” (translator’s
note: Military art encyclopedia “The notes of weapons and (military) equipment”).
The style received its name in 1930. 5 years later, in 1935, the Dai Nippon Butokukai
(Association of Martial Virtue of Great Japan) gave Miyagi the title of “kyoshi” (translator’s
note: “master, teacher”).
peculiar properties of Goju-ryu
It contains a plenty of sliding movements as if outlining the circle. The movements for
close combat underlie in its foundation. The techniques of the style are targeted to block
the opponent’s strikes and deliver counterblows using the opponent’s force. Peculiar
properties of Goju-ryu include also special breathing method and tense movements
“muchimi” (translator’s note: “slow movement with total strain”).
Goju-ryu katas present unity of “attack” and “protection”, combine “hard” and
“soft” movements. They embodied the techniques with fluent movements without any
hindrances (or “free” movements).
Basic stances: sanchin-dachi, nekoashi-dachi, siko-dachi (see figure above).
Obligatory katas of Japan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation
Obligatory katas No.1: Sepai, Saifa.
Obligatory katas No.2: Kururunfa, Seisan.
44

45. Founder and
originator of the style
Gichin Funakoshi
(1868-1957)
1. Remember that karate-do begins and
ends with bowing.
2. There is no first strike in karate.
3. Karate stands on the side of justice.
4. First know yourself, then know others.
5. Mentality is over technique.
6. The heart must be set free.
7. Calamity springs from carelessness.
8. Karate goes beyond the dojo.
9. Karate is a lifelong pursuit.
10. Apply the way of karate to all things. Its
beauty is in it.
11. Karate is like boiling water; without
heat, it returns to its tepid state.
12. Do not think of winning. Think, rather,
of not losing.
13. Make adjustments according to your
opponent.
14. The outcome of a battle depends
on how one handles emptiness and
fullness.
15. Think of hands and feet as swords.
16. When you step beyond your own gate,
you face a million enemies.
17. Formal stances are for beginners;
later, one stands naturally.
18. Perform prescribed sets of techniques
exactly; actual combat is another
matter.
19. Do not forget the employment of
withdrawal of power, the extension or
contraction of the body, the swift or
leisurely application of technique.
20. Be constantly mindful, diligent, and
resourceful, in your pursuit of the
Way.
SHOTOKAN NIJU-KUN
(translator’s note: “20 Precepts of Shotokan Karate”)
Shotokan-ryu style
Basic stances of Shotokan-ryu:
Zenkutsu-DACHI, kiba-dachi, kokutsu-
dachi
Zenkutsu-DACHI
Take one of your feet forward, anoth-
er foot is back. Bend your knees and
drop down the lumbus. The distance
between the feet is roughly two shoul-
der width apart. Your weight should
be roughly 60 % on the front leg and
40 % on the back leg.
kiba-dachi
The legs are widened along one
line. Bend your knees and drop
down the lumbus. Toes and up-
per part of the body are directed
straight.
kokutsu-dachi
Take one of your feet forward, another foot
is back. The front foot is on the level of
the heel of the rear foot. Bending the knee of
your rear leg, drop down the lumbus. Toes of
the front foot are directed straight, the body
is half-turned forward.
Shotokan teaches the ath-
letes to win observing un-
written law: “There is no
first strike in karate.”
Gichin Funakoshi was born in 1868
in Kawa-machi Shuriyama (Okinawa).
Anko Itosu and Anko Asato taught him
Suri-Te.
In 1922, he travelled to Tokyo.
Funakoshi performed at the First Sports
Exhibition organized by the Ministry of
Education, which witnessed the first
demonstration of To-Te Jitsu (previous
title of Karate-Do). He stayed in Tokyo,
opened Shotokan schools, sections in the
Universities, where taught the students
for many years.
In 1929, To-Te Jitsu was renamed as Karate-Do. Japan Karate Association
was established in 1948. Funakoshi took a post of Supreme Sihan in it.
As it is mentioned below, Shotokan pays significant attention to
psychological upbringing. The title “Shotokan” was originated from Funakoshi’s
pseudonym “Shoto”.
peculiar properties of SHOTOKAN
Special features of this style are straight line movements and attacks from
long distances. It contains many techniques which shall be performed from low
position using wide feet transposition.
Basic kata stances: kokutsu-dachi, kiba-dachi, zenkutsu-dachi (see figure
above).
Obligatory katas of Japan Shotokan Karate-Do Federation
Obligatory katas No.1: Jion, Kanku Dai.
Obligatory katas No.2: Kanku Sho, Empi.
45

46. Hironori Otsuka was born on June 1, 1892 in Shimodate city (Ibaraki prefecture).
At the age of 5 years, he began training in Jiu-jitsu Tamegaru under Chojiro Ebashi.
At the age of 13, Otsuka became the student of Shinzaburo Nakayama in Shindo Yosin-
ryu Jiu-jitsu.
In 1922, Otsuka began training in Shotokan karate under Gichin Funakoshi.
In 1928, he also trained under Kenwa Mabuni, and in a year under Choki Motobu.
In 1934, Otsuka opened his own dojo for karate-do promotion in Japan in Kanda
region, Tokyo. He blended titles “Karate-do” and “Jiu-jutsu” (it was called as Wa-jitsu)
and gave new name to this style “Wado-ryu”.
peculiar properties of WADO-RYU
Great impact of Shindo Yosin-ryu Jiu-jitsu, received by Otsuka during his study,
is seen in Wado-ryu declinatory, stretching and provocative movements in tai sabaki
(translator’s note: “repositioning of the body”). It is required to respond the opponent’s
attack not applying the force, but to block and pass into attack using repositioning
of the body (tai sabaki). I.e. the rejection of the opponent’s technique becomes
the beginning of the attack. This witnesses that Wado-ryu originated from Jiu-jitsu.
A way of the warrior is a way of harmony. The way of the warrior is the way of balanced
study of martial art and harmony. Moral and ethic component of the way of the warrior
never contradicted to moral principles of other people. Such right way of the warrior shall
keep its initial form now and in the future. It shall be comprehended as unfailing truth.
Basic kata stances: seichan-dachi, naihanchi-dachi (see figure above).
Obligatory katas of Japan Wado-ryu Karate-Do Federation
Obligatory katas No.1: Chinto, Seishan.
Obligatory katas No.2: Kusyanku, Niseshi.
Founder and
originator of the style
Hironori Otsuka
(1892-1982)
Wado-ryu
Basic stances of Wado-ryu: SEISHAN-DACHI, NAIHANCHI-DACHI
SEISHAN-DACHI
The front foot is directed inward at 30 degrees. The distance
between the feet is a bit more than shoulders width, the body
is lowered slightly. By the way, the figure shows the left leg
is moved forward, i.e. karateka takes seishan-dachi (inner cir-
cular stance).
NAIHANCHI-DACHI
The feet are turned diagonally inward. Lower the lum-
bus as if the knees are bent so they are over the toes.
The length from heel to heel is slightly wider than
the width of the shoulders.
KARATE AND JIU-JITSU MERGED IN WADO-RYU
46

47. Kenwa Mabuni was born on November
14, 1889 in Shuri city (Okinawa). He
began his instruction at the age of 13
under the tutelage of Suri-Te Anko Itosu.
At the age of 19, he became
the student of Naha-Te school of Kanryo
Higaonna due to the recommendation of
Chojun Miyagi.
Founder and
originator of the style
Kenwa Mabuni
(1889-1952)
SHITO-RYU
Basic stances of Shito-ryu:
Nekoashi-dachi, Nekoashi-dachi, moto-dachi
Nekoashi-dachi
Only the toes of the front foot rest
on the ground. Calf is in vertical po-
sition; the rear leg is turned exterior
at 45 degrees. The weight is allocated
as follows: 70 % to the rear leg, 30 % to
the front leg.
Nekoashi-dachi
The rear leg is bent strongly at the knee
and the front leg is straight. The dis-
tance between the feet is double shoul-
der width.
moto-dachi
The waist is at natural level. Toes of
both feet are directed to one side.
The front leg is in natural position as
it made the step. Earlier this stance
in Shito-ryu had another title –
heiko-dachi (translator’s note: “par-
allel stance”).
Inherited spirit,
“fist of wise man”
In 1934, Mabuni opened Karate dojo in Osaka. This served as a jump
start for new style establishment. Title “Shito” originated from merge of
initial hieroglyphs of the names of Manibu teachers. Manibu was 45 years old
at that time.
peculiar properties of SHITO-RYU
Mabuni, striving to the knowledge after being trained under such great
masters as Itosu and Higashionna, studied the styles of Matsumura, Aragaki,
and besides karate he comprehended secrets of ancient martial arts of
Okinawa (Bojutsu (translator’s note: “staff technique”), sai-jutsu, fusekiryubo-
jutsu) and others.
Therefore, Shito-ryu includes the elements of Suri-Te and Naha-Te, but
also contains a wide range of techniques, and compares favourably with other
styles due to variety of katas. Special feature of this style is the fact that all
the workouts are held in form of bunkai-kumite, i.e. learning of kihon and kata
are related to kumite.
It shall be noted that Mabuni paid special attention to spiritual upbringing of
his students. His phrase “Fist of wise man” has profound meaning, which can
be interpreted as: a man of wisdom who is capable to protect his motherland
using peaceful means, will never apply a technique of war. Thus, he educated
personality formation and enhancement, and his students follow this doctrine
to the present day.
Basic stances of Shito-ryu: nekoashi-dachi, kokutsu-dachi, moto-dachi.
Obligatory katas of Japan Shito-ryu Karate-Do Federation
Obligatory katas No.1: Bassai-Dai, Seienchin.
Obligatory katas No.2: Matsumura Rohai, Nipaipo.
47

48. consultations Issue 2
To solve the problems together
A child enjoys sports. What can his passion give to parents and neighbourhood? It turns out
that it has many benefits. This is what we are talking about to Sensei Masanao Yamaya.
How impressions come up…
I do not know about the others,
but I personally feel great joy when
I see motivated, enthusiastic, and
diligent people. Getting acquainted
with these people, regardless of
their age and occupation, you are
imbued immediately to them with
deep respect, admiration, and
sympathy… In my opinion, sport
provides an excellent opportunity
to experience such feelings. And
it is doubly gratifying and exciting
to see how your child strives to
winning.
We have mirror neurons in our
organism that are excited and
trigger a person the same feelings
and sensations as the other
person has. And when the parents
go to look at the demonstration
of their beloved offspring, these
neurons are activated in full
force. And the parents and
the child exchange the same
energy, the benefits of which are
discussed so much.
To become
more sociable
Thanks to the passion for
sports, the child is surrounded
by children of all ages both at the
trainings and the competitions.
Nowadays, we can rarely see
a large family. We witness a
growing number of small families,
where one child is brought up,
where grandparents, aunts
and uncles live far away or they
are absent at all. A child, who
grew up in such type of family,
is short of communication, it is
difficult for him to relate well to
people. And sports give the child
the opportunity to communicate
with children of different age and
social status, thus helping him to
improve communication skills.
The same can be said about
the parents. They develop their
interpersonal skills through
communication with coaches,
other parents and friends of
their child.
To determine the optimal
distance in communication
with the child
Communication with other
parents can teach you many things
and enrich your relationships.
Observing the behavior of adults
and children in a variety of
situations, it is possible that you
will take a note of something, and
deem something inappropriate
for yourself. When becoming
more alert and attentive, you
can avoid dangerous moments
and some undesirable behaviors
that you considered to be correct
previously. And in the end, all
this will permit to determine
the distance in communication
with your child, which is the most
suitable for both of you.
You cannot learn such sense of
distance from books, it all comes
with experience. In addition, your
relationships with your child are
in real time, where there is no
possibility of undo or rehearsals.
Therefore, the observations of
the relationship of other children
and their parents can become
good school of life for you. It is
not so easy to keep an optimal
distance of communication.
I think it is very important to
learn to observe others and their
relationships carefully, and to look
at everything from the outside like
a bird’s eye view abstracting from
your relationship.
48

49. Questions – Answers
Question:
My child is progressing
in karate very slow. And I have
not the patience to wait long for
the results… What shall I do?
Answer:
Stop. Collect all the rays of your
worries in one beam, and only
then proceed to develop tactics
that will help you and your child.
Firstly, you should remember
that the feelings of the person
possess the ability to be
transmitted to others regardless
of the distance. If a parent feels
anxiety or impatience, all this
is transferred to a child. Parental
feelings may cause psychological
stress, muscle atrophy, and
even lead to the breakdown of
the whole organism of a child.
So when the parent is worried
about his child or feels excessive
impatience, the child also begins
to feel uncomfortable, because
the rays of experiences are aimed
directly at him.
Your main task as a parent
is to focus not on the experiences
but on future success of your
little athlete. Remember: positive
attitude is needed for positive
change. Try to believe with all your
heart that everything will be well,
imagine the desired state and
secure it within yourself, in your
mind, the feelings that caused by
your imagination. Your positive
attitude will be passed to your
child and he will start to grow
slowly.
If both you and the child know
what prevents him to grow in the
sport and how to change this
situation, you both need to make
every effort to translate your plans
into reality.
Question:
How to talk to a child who
is very nervous before every
competition?
Answer:
Your child needs to understand
himself. The most important thing
is to concentrate his conscious
on the moment “here and now”.
Definitely, certain degree of
excitement is even useful. But if
the child is worried about the fact
that he could not act in his usual
form, it means that his mental
state is dominated by fear and
anxiety. These exhausting feelings
keep him on the alert, forcing to
worry about what might happen
in the future again and again.
For example, he is worried of
the fact what would happen, if he
loses. Anxiety can be caused by
memories of past failures. In this
situation, the child begins to focus
on the uncontrollable moments,
plague himself with the questions
like “What would happen, if I did
something then…”, which will stay
without an answer. In other words,
the child is not “here and now”
at such moments, his uncontrolled
mind operates his condition.
Therefore, it is difficult for him to
concentrate and demonstrate his
full strength.
In such a situation, try asking
your child the question: “How are
you going to win the tournament?”
This question will help to direct
his mind to the reality, in order he
could be “here and now”. There
are other effective means. For
example, you can jump to relax
the muscles.
Question:
I cannot forgive a child
failure at the tournament. I lose
my temper, when I remember
about it…
Answer:
Before accusing the child
of poor performance, consider
whether he put all the forces
at that tournament.
T h e p a r e n t k n o w s
the character and abilities of his
child like no one else. He is able
to feel subtly his mood. This
is why; doubts about the effort
of the child do not arise usually,
even if they did not bring much
desired victory: sport is sport.
In difficult times you need to
share with a child his experience
and support him, and then make
49
#2. 2015

50. The President of JSC “ProCoach Japan”
Born in 1966 in Hokkaido. In 2004, he established
the company of personal psychological training for
athletes and executives. In 2006, JSC “ProCoach
Japan” was established by him.
He works with such athletes as Yusey Kikuchi from
Saitama Seibu Lions, professional golfer Miho Koga,
Jieun Hirose from Hiroshima Toyo Carp, taekwondo
athlete Erico Okamoto, Jungo Ooyama from mixed
martial arts.
Masanao is a coach and psychologist of Japan
women’s national ice hockey team, the team that won
the right to participate in the Olympic Games in Sochi.
Masanao
Yamaya
the appropriate conclusions from
his loss and think how to avoid
similar situations in the future.
If a child has done all that was
possible, but you are so upset
with the result and you are ready
to unleash your anger on him,
it means that you use your child to
satisfy your personal ambitions.
In this situation, neither the child
nor his parent will be happy. As
soon as you feel that you are
guided by your parent ego, I
advise you to abandon these
methods immediately.
And, if the child did not
performed in full force due to
some reasons? Well then, it could
also happen. But in this case it is
necessary to understand and
figure out what is behind this
defeat – the lack of desire to
fight or banal “tried, but it was
no luck.” Whatever it was, you
shall listen to your child and
understand what does constrain
him. If your child is going through
puberty, you may be difficult to
bring him to a frank talk, but this
dialogue is necessary for both of
you. Love of your parental heart
will help you to find the right
words. The only way is to make
concessions for your child and
compromise. Any conflict could
be unresolvable, if both sides do
not want to accept the position
and point of view of each other.
You are currently at least older,
stronger and more experienced
than your child – take this
peacekeeping role upon yourself.
Do not hesitate to show your child
your love, trust him. He needs
your support.
Question:
I have two sons, both of them
are engaged in karate, but they
have different level. How to
support them?
Answer:
To work with each separately.
No need to compare children
just because they are brothers.
And it would be also better not
to compare them with other
children. Even if you grow up twin
sons in your family, they still differ
from each other, because each
person is unique and individual.
Therefore, you should work
individually with your sons.
It also happens that parents
have individual approach to each
child, and the children compare
themselves with each other as
if competing. In such cases,
you need to talk with each child
separately and explain why they
should not compare themselves
to someone else.
Question:
My son is engaged in karate
hard, but I think that sensei
underestimates his abilities. I
understand that I have no right
to interfere into the educational
process. However, if I can
express my opinion?
Answer:
Try to trust an experienced
mentor of your son and give
up your intention to control
the situation.
I think that you should not
express your opinion. Consciously
choosing a school for your child,
you entrusted his training to
the coach. And once you trusted,
there is no need to hesitate. If
you started the conversation
about the coach is biased and
unfair in the evaluation of your
son’s efforts, we can assume that
this is the result of speculations
either the child himself or his
parents.
However, to err is human.
And if you feel that something
is really wrong relatively your
son’s learning, talk about it with
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