United Kingdom All Styles Karate Organisation (Incorporating the UK Martial Arts Federation) 22 Severn Road, Culcheth, Warrington, WA3 5EB Telephone No: 01925 - 768012 www.ukasko.com

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 Dear Colleagues, Firstly a belated Happy New Year and everything that goes with the sentiment. I trust that the New Year got off to a good start for all, students thronging back to training, glad to shake off the Festive Season’s sloth, eager to see what the change of year brings. Strange is it not, that the change of date from one day to the next becomes a whole year in length? In an attempt to whet your appetites (if your collective appetites are not already whetted) here are the events extracted from the Association Calendar of Events. This being merely a reminder of what you will have already gleaned from our website. All the heads of Association Seminars/Courses etc. have their contact details outlined on the CLUBS section of the web. Quite honestly, they have all been mentioned on such a regular basis, that their details should be emblazoned deep in our Psyche. You will observe that the last item is the Instructors and guests Annual Dinner. This is a great opportunity to greet old friends in the flesh, and engage in pleasant conversation; the only problem is that the evening is not long enough; indeed, a full weekend would be more suitable for this auspicious occasion. (I wonder if that starts the ball rolling)

SARACEN MARTIAL ARTS Above photograph shows Miss Caitlin Lockitch with her award for the BEST STUDENT OF THE YEAR at Saracen Martial Arts. In attendance is Master Chris Hemstock 5th Dan, Master Ian Soame 6th Dan and Master Dave Robb 5th Dan. To earn this coveted trophy one word does the summing up ‘Desirous’. Small word with huge connotations, in this instance it means: regular training, training at numerous venues, supporting the SMA Demo Team, competition trips, events and assisting the Instructors. WOW!! All this shows that Caitlin is thoroughly deserving of her PRIZE which was presented to her at the Saracen Awards Dinner at the end of the year. Well done Caitlin.’

Whilst still with Saracen and having mentioned ‘Words of Wisdom’ earlier, I show two from the Saracen website which are particularly appealing. ‘WE DO NOT RISE TO THE LEVEL OF OUR EXPECTATIONS, WE FALL TO THE LEVEL OF OUR TRAINING’ and ‘DREAMS AND DEDICATION ARE A POWERFUL COMBINATION’

FIGHTING FIST The following e-mail was sent to me by Sensei Garry Lewis 5 th Dan, Chief Instructor to Komayaka Karate, Oldham. It is easier to append it as sent, therefore easier to follow the link, which is all selfexplanatory, a good theory and very interesting. Personally I always thought that the hand was formed thus for grasping money. The adage goes that the left was for giving and the right for receiving. I was only interested in the ‘right hand theory’ bit. Thank you Garry and keep them coming. “Hi Gordon, one of my students passed this on to me and I thought it may be worthy of inclusion in the next Newsletter. ‘Fighting shaped human hand’ US researchers say that fighting may have contributed to the evolution of the human hand into a strong, buttressed structure when made into a fist” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20790294

LOWFIELD KARATE SEMINAR January 27th saw Shihan Kevin Barlow paying a return visit to Sensei Mike Turczyn’s Lincoln Dojo. Kevin is actually a regular visitor to Lowfields and the students always look forward to his Courses and on this occasion, as usual, afforded him, a hearty welcome. The Master Class commenced with a tough but fun filled warm up, followed initially by a run through the basic techniques and the requisite stances. He went amongst the students examining their postures for balance and strength, ensuring that everyone understood the need to use good stances as the spring board for their karate advancement and development. The lesson then turned to a session with the focus pads which is always a favourite with the junior Deshi in particular. After a very short break from pad work, Kevin then moved on to Kumite drills, repeated until the students fully understood what they were being shown. The next obvious step was to put the newly learned skills into continuous light kumite. Kevin used Mike to demonstrate various sequences which the students were eager to follow, thereby enhancing their fighting skills. The session lasted over two hours until the time came to end the class with the assemblage offering the customary REI to Kevin and all looking forward to his next visit. On this occasion, Kevin was accompanied by his wife Caroline, who is known to all our Instructors for her efficiency in the office, dealing most proficiently with all our returns.

The photograph shows Kevin demonstrating a particular sequence with Sensei Mike as his ‘guinea pig’.

EPSOM AND EWELL KARATE Firstly, I am slightly behind the times to tell you that Sensei Manyoni was forced into a change of location for the club, due to an unfortunate change of plans for the premises by the owners. (I am not a vindictive person, but, a curse on them says I). It’s been a successful move for Julius, who is now firmly ensconced in his new venue, the LONGMEAD DAY CENTRE, SEFTON ROAD, LONGMEAD, EWELL, KT19 9HG

I spend quite a time delving into the origins of words and looking at ensconced, it is derived from the old French ensconce, the actual meaning of which is ‘hiding place’. Fortunately Sensei Julius has no intention of adhering to the original purpose of the word, thus avoiding his students wandering about, muttering ‘It is around here somewhere’. I am once again the recipient of the Club Newsletter that Julius prepares for his members and friends of Epsom and Ewell, and it is up to its usual standard, and to avoid any misunderstandings, the standard is high. Julius held the customary Christmas Party for all his students, who were encouraged to bring along their parents, siblings and friends, and everyone in attendance were on the receiving end of a festive present; well-done Julius, my generous friend. The Epsom Newsletter highlighted the fact that Sensei Ian Howard was the recipient of his 5th Dan award from Hanshi Stanhope, which was presented to Ian at the National Championships last November. Julius stressed that Ian has been a dedicated member of Epsom and Ewell since his start in the Martial Arts, and always shown unswerving loyalty to Julius and UKMAF. Ian said that this award from Shihan Stanhope was the pinnacle of his Karate career. Club friend Howard Mordecai also had a coaching certificate presented to him from Mr Stanhope. The ‘Student of the Year’ award went to Shannon Butler, 8th Kyu. Julius also mentions her success at the ‘Nationals’, so congratulations to Shannon for her Club Award. I am sure that she will continue in her endeavours with Sensei Julius as she pursues her Karate career. Julius also made mention of his students who were successful at the ‘Nationals’ but they are on the report that is on our association website. I have mentioned previously that Julius ends his Newsletters with ‘Words of Wisdom’ and this months is no exception, so herewith: “Take pride in your achievements, but remember to stay humble and you won’t lose sight of reality. Those who expect are the last to receive” All in all another successful year for Epsom and Ewell and on a personal viewpoint I look forward to renewing acquaintances at our Dinner in March.

Here is the photograph showing Sensei’s Ian, Julius and Howard. Can we name them ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’ ‘THE THREE WISE MEN or more simply, ‘THE THREE BROTHERS IN ARMS’? I look forward to our reunion at the forth coming dinner.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS It has not gone unnoticed that grading returns can come to the office a month after the grading has occurred, in fact two months is sometimes the time lapse. The heading refers to junior students’ desires after passing a grading and achieving the next rung in their climb up the ladder. When holding such an event at Flixton, we are besieged by the successful members at the very next training session, thus: ‘When will I get my certificate and medal’? We do get our results through quickly and we know that the certificates will be back by return of post, ‘Thanks to Carolinas Super Silver Service’, with a little help from the postal operatives of course). We also present each student with a medal adorned with the colour of belt attained, plus a martial figurine suitably inscribed.

For the students attaining the highest grade marks, which items of course have to be ordered, we are at the mercy of the supplier, but do hold a presentation at the end of a class as soon as possible. The parents attend to take photographs (no abbreviations say I) of their offspring being given their awards. So I deem it imperative that all Instructors facilitate their grading returns to the office as soon as possible after such events - it doesn’t take much to lose a student, such are the whims of the young, as there is always something else to occupy their time other than Karate or whatever style we pursue. Some may deem the following odd, but remember the adage ‘watch the pennies and the pounds look after themselves’. That can be related to the students who pay their fees. Incidentally it is so much easier for the whole operation now that it can all be done on line thanks to our first class web site. So please remember to do your bit to help the smooth operation of the office.

NATIONAL SQUAD TRAINING Shihan Kevin Barlow is hosting a National Squad Training seminar at his North West Shukokai, Knutsford Dojo. The date is 31st March and is an event not to be missed for all competition hopefuls. Kevin’s expertise is well known in our organisation (and outside of it) and it is an opportunity to sharpen up your fighting skills. For further details, Shihan can be contacted through the usual mediums: E-mail [email protected] or Telephone 01925 - 762449

INSTRUCTORS ANNUAL DINNER I am sure that we are all looking forward to the above event; it certainly doesn’t seem a year since we last all met in such convivial circumstances, and I am ready to raise a glass of cheer with my colleagues. We have all had the details regarding venue, menu and accommodation (I regret that I couldn’t make accommodation rhyme with venue and menu, but such is life), and all that remains is for us to contact the hotel with our requirements for gastronomic delights and rooms if required. Whilst on the topic, I remind our colleagues that the Dinner was originally deemed to be for Senior/Assistant Club Instructors and partners as guests.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY I received an e-mail from Sensei Gareth Edwards 6th Dan, of Zanshin Karate of Caernarfon, glorious North Wales. To inform me that Zanshin has just celebrated their twentieth Anniversary with our illustrious organisation. I append herewith Gareth’s sentiments from his mailing. ‘How time flies when you are enjoying yourself. This year Zanshin Karate Cymru is celebrating 20 years with UKASKO. During this time we have only good things to say about the organisation and it’s Chairman Hanshi Roy Stanhope. It has been a pleasure to be involved with such a prestigious group and if some of you are just starting off with us, then let me assure you now you will not regret it one bit. I chose UKASKO solely because of all the good things we’d heard about sensei Stanhope. At the time I used to buy all the Martial Arts magazines and UKASKO would have a full page spread in each of them. I plucked the courage to call the number on the page and a friendly voice answered. Hello UKASKO can I help you. It was a wellspoken man with a Manchester accent and little did I know at the time I was actually talking with the main man himself. I told him what we were looking for and the more he spoke, the more I was ticking off the boxes with yes, yes and yes. At the time I had about 80 students and we did the licence change over a period of about 4 months. The help and guidance he has given me over the years are second to none. In those days, we used to take all out Dan grades to Urmston to be graded by Sensei Stanhope personally. It was a time to catch up with old friends and see what other clubs were like and got up to. The years rolled by and the UKASKO Coaching Officer at the time was Phil Snewin who took both my wife and me for our coaching awards, whilst Sensei Stanhope took us all through our gradings and Dan Grading courses. We have always been left to run our own club with absolutely no interference from the Association, yet at the same time we were always reassured that if we needed help or support then it was there for us. As Sensei Stanhope stated right at the start, “Gareth, I am only a phone call away and if ever you need anything, just call me for a chat.” He has been true to his word since day one.’ So celebrating 20 years with UKASKO comes as no surprise to me. Here’s looking forward to the next 20 years. This will make me 71. What do you think Gordon? Can we do it? Gareth, the easy answer to your question is a resounding YES. Certainly Gareth, with your wholesome mind, the clean living life style you pursue, youthful outlook etc. All is in your favour. Only one problem is that in twenty years I have a sneaking feeling that I won’t be around to see it, unfortunately, as I would then be 98 years of age and without wishing to sound pessimistic I fear the Grim Reaper may be sharpening his scythe some time before then.

One thing I can guarantee is that if I am still around I will be wearing a Karate Gi. So congratulations Gareth, to yourself, Meriel and your other colleagues and very best wishes to your future.

Here we see Sensei Gareth (centre) with his team of Black Belts

CALENDAR OF EVENTS You will find enclosed with this newsletter, our Calendar of Events for 2013. I’m glad, I’ve been able to publish the calendar with the February Newsletter as scheduled, despite having to wait for various governing bodies to finalise their plans. There are a few events that I think warrant a special mention, due to the fact of their importance: a/ MMA/Weapons Course - Monthly courses with Phil Mead 8th Dan - Covering various aspects of Mixed Martial Arts Training b/ World Martial Arts Games – National Martial Arts Games -Including various squad training dates - Contact Chris Hemstock for more details c/ National Squad Training - In preparation for our international match with Scotland d/ Japanese Kobudo (weapons) Seminar - Conducted by Soke Fumon Tanaka - Rated as one of the best, if not the best Kobudo instructor in the world.

HEALTH TOPICS I am not going into all the toxic chemicals we are consuming, in this tome, just a couple of quick topics and I ask that you look at them on the web for the comprehensive research findings by the various bodies engaged in these things. Coffee is subject to the swing meter as we know from past revelations. Currently it is strictly NON-U, and definitely not for consumption by the followers of healthy life styles. Margarine or spreads as they are currently named are OUT according to various SPONSORED bodies. But the good news is that BUTTER is ‘IN’ saturated fats not with-standing. And what about burgers and related products such as sausages, pies, pizzas etc. One thing to look at is the labelling that states whatever meat (?) is in them, is mechanically recovered. That to me means that an entire carcass is thrown into a giant mixer and everything is utilised, including horns and hooves, and in the case of horses, maybe the odd saddle that has not been removed. However when I was a lad, yes, I was once; a local butcher occasionally had a huge notice on his premises stating ‘Horse Meat for Sale’. A long queue quickly formed along the road, a queue of some one hundred yards long. That of course was during World War Two; you know the war that followed World War One, which was the war to end all wars apparently. Anyway, also on occasion the same shop had the logo, Whale Meat for sale; resultantly a long queue would form, as my late father used to tell us at the dining table as we consumed a meal consisting of offal - if you are hungry you will eat anything. This isn’t the place for the telling, but my kids just do not believe me when I tell them what my meals consisted of, they think I am joking and confess to feeling queasy as I tell them that I didn’t eat the eye balls. Work that one out, and it wasn’t lamb, beef or pork. On a finishing note, having looked at the Association Calendar of events, I see that some clubs are running courses and seminars on various sections of the Martial Arts. Is it possible that the Instructors involved could be kind enough to send me a report for the Newsletter? Just a brief summary will do and I will enlarge/enhance it. Photographs will be most welcomed for inclusion of course. I leave you with the sentiment that I really looking forward to our dinner and also that there are really good times coming along within our Association. Gordon Anderson 4th Dan Publicity Officer