Karateka going old school

Karateka from Butokukan Newcastle Garden Dojo were recently graded, overseen by Sensei Frik Willemse (5th Dan).

The dojo was unique as it offered traditional Okinawan karate training to adult students only.

Students trained in traditional kata, which forms the foundation of traditional Okinawan karate training, irikumi (hard contact sparring), tegumi (grappling), oyo (kata application), kobudo (weapons) and hojo undo (body conditioning).

During the grading, students were assessed on kihon-waza (basic techniques), kata (forms), oyo (kata application) and kumite (sparring).

The kumite aspect of the grading was divided into three parts: irikumi (hard contact sparring), tegumi (grappling) and then free sparring which consisted of stand-up and grappling techniques.

“Many practitioners of modern karate don’t realise that traditional karate contains a grappling element. The kata we practise are full of grappling techniques. Sometimes they are just overlooked, ignored or misunderstood by modern karate practitioners. Old school Okinawan karate teaches techniques for all fighting ranges. Only arrogant or misinformed people will neglect to practise all ranges,” Sensei Willemse said.

Anyone interested in authentic traditional Okinawan Shorin-ryu karate and kobudo can contact Frik Willemse on 060 725 9815.