Karateka learn from authentic Japanese JKA instructors
The seasoned JKA instructors visited South Africa and held Japanese JKA Seminars from October 1 to 6, which were hosted in Johannesburg, Stellenbosch and Kloof respectively.
A number of black belts from Northern KwaZulu-Natal JKA karate were privileged to train with world-class Japanese karate instructors, Taniyama Sensei (JKA 7th dan) and Okuma Sensei (JKA 6th dan) from JKA HQ.
The seasoned JKA instructors visited South Africa and held Japanese JKA Seminars from October 1 to 6, which were hosted in Johannesburg, Stellenbosch and Kloof respectively.
“Taniyama Sensei demonstrated the importance of the foundation of stances and correct hip movement and body posture. He also presented the referees’ course laying emphasis that in order to be a good judge, one needs to understand the fundamentals and key elements that make up the whole,” explained Sensei Johan Swart of NKZN JKA.
He added physical and mental training were of utmost importance, and the need for the two to be in sync was imperative.
“Okuma Sensei concentrated on the kata Jitte; meaning ‘ten hands’, Enpi – ‘flying swallow’ and Bassai Dai – ‘to penetrate a fortress’. Even not having an understanding of JKA karate, the meaning of each kata referred to depicts an image of the sequence of movements, the flow of steps and the contrast evident between fast and slow, hard and soft.”
With so much old and new information relayed in fresh and different ideas, JKA ensured its own posterity and longevity by not only sticking with tradition, but also embracing the difference in cultures and times and adapting the sport to this is what makes JKA karate so successful and popular.
For more information on JKA karate, contact Sensei Johan Swart on 083 658 7157.
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Photographs courtesy of Danielle Su
