Butokukan Newcastle apply international level kata techniques at training camp

Several karateka from Butokukan Newcastle attended the 2018 ButokuPower national training camp, held at Butokukan South Africa’s hombu dojo from October 5 to 7.

Training was facilitated by six Dan and chief instructor of Butokukan SA, Sensei Carel van der Westhuizen.

Sensei Carel recently returned from a trip to Okinawa, Japan.

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While abroad, he trained at the Butokukan international headquarters and competed in the first Okinana Karate International Tournament.

He was keen to translate what he learned to students.

According to Butokukan Newcastle’s Sensei Frik Willemse, the focus of the training camp was standardising kata at an international level, with much emphasis on practical application of kata techniques.

This included empty-hand karate (kata) and weapons (kobudo).

Sensei Frik explained the camp was divided into five seminars over three days, with the first two sessions on day one covering basic, fundamental and intermediate kata and its application.

“The first session of day two covered advanced kata and application, while the second session covered kata and application of the bo (six-foot staff) and nunchaku.”

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Following the last session on day two, a black belt assessment was held.

During this formal procedure, local karateka Henko Bruin and Chardy Beamson were awarded their junior black belts.

“The last day of the camp was reserved for senior students only, and focused on advanced weapons kata (kobudo).”

Anyone wishing to know more about Butokukan Newcastle can contact Sensei Frik on 060 725 9815.

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