Monday, January 4, 2010

Events

Saturday 30th of January, Sensei Ole-Bjorn Tuftedal http://www.matsubayashi-ryu.eu/
Sensei Tuftedal from Norways is a 5th Dan in Matsubayashi Ryu, he'll be giving a seminar in Castlebar which will cover aspects of Matsubayashi Ryu Karate. Sensei Tuftedal is Soke Nagamine's representative in Europe. For information call Martin on 087 6407263

Sunday 21st of February 2010, Sensei Iain Abernethy. http://www.iainabernethy.com/
Sensei Abernethy is one of the UK's leading exponents of applied karate, Bunkai and Kata
This seminar is being hosted by Colin Keating of the Carlow Wado-Kai. The seminar will take place at The Carlow Wado-Kai Karate Academy Dojo, 10 Centaur Street, Carlow Town, Ireland on Sunday the 21st of February from 12pm to 3pm, and will cost 30 Euros. Places for guests are strictly limited and you are therefore encouraged to get in touch ASAP to avoid disappointment. You can get further details from Colin at carlowwadokai@eircom.net. You can also visit the website at www.carlowwadokai.com

May 8th & 9th Hanshi Patrick McCarthy seminars in Galway and Monaghan
http://www.irkrs-ireland.com/pb/wp_bc1fd8c6/wp_bc1fd8c6.html
Contact Damien Walker Galway info@irkrs-ireland.com
Seamus Brady for Monaghan seamusbrady2005@yahoo.ie

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sensei Steve Trombley Seminar


Steve Trombley is the owner and chief instructor at Anshin School of Karate. He holds a 6th dan Renshi (which is a certified Okinawan teacher's rank) in Matsubayashi as well as a dojo licence.


This licence is recognized by the World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) and is signed by both Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine and Master Takayoshi Nagamine. It signifies that Mr. Trombley is in good standing and is authorized to teach the Matsubayashi Ryu system as directed by the founder, Grand Master Nagamine and his son.

Sensei Trombley will give a seminar in Custume Barracks, Athlone on November 11th and in Manualla on November 14th.

Sensei Trombley is Soke Nagamine's Deshi and I recommend that all Karate-Ka attend this event if possible.

Sensei Trombley holds Dan ranks in Okinawan Kobudo, Iaido and Kyusho Jitsu.






Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Naihanchi Theories

Here are some theories about the Naihanchi Katas

Source 1: "Katas of Shorin ryu Seibukan" by Kim Mitrunen & Tommi Prami

The Naifanchi (Daipochin) kata comes from the famous Okinawan karate-ka, Choki Motobu, who is famous for his actual active testing of bunkai in real fighting situations. This sometimes happened by suspicious means, and many a teacher would watch this kind of conduct with disapproving eyes. It was said that Choki Motobu knew only three kata, the Naifanchi series, Wansu, and Passai Guwa. Motobu for the most part, was victorious in his use of the kata bunkai. In many Shorin-ryu styles, Naifanchi (Heishugata) acts as foundation to further kata (Kaishugata) like Sanchin in the Goju-ryu system. Master Tatsuo Shimabukuro, the founder of Isshin-ryu (blend of Goju-ryu and Shorin-ryu), was quoted as saying that, Naifanchi is mother to Shorin-ryu and Sanchin is father to Goju-ryu. When these two come together then Isshin-ryu is born. The primary stance in this series of kata is kiba dachi, which emphasizes the strengthening of the legs and hips. A distinct characteristic of the kata is the technique where the circular movement of the arms protects the head in a block, while simultaneously setting up the opening for the uraken. The appearance of kata can be seen as simple, but from careful study and practice of the bunkai, it is very rich in techniques, and is seen as an effective fighting system.

Bushi Matsumura created both Naihanchi Shodan and Nidan from a kata called Naifanchi that he got from a Chinese Master named Ason. Some believe either Itosu or Choki Motobu made Naihanchi Sandan. Naihanchi Sandan is not a Matsumura kata, passed down other Shorin lines. Funakoshi called Naihanchi by the name Tekki, meaning "Iron Horse", which refers to the stance used in it. "Iron" refers to its strength and stability. "Horse" refers to the fact that it resembles a man riding a horse. There is more than one possible meaning for the word Naihanchi, and they are both very plausible. The pronunciation of Naihanchi was originally Naifanchi, because that is the way it was pronounced in China. The particle 'Nai' means "inner" or "inside" and probably refers to pointing the toes inward. 'Fan' means a clawed foot of a certain animal. 'Chi' means the soil or foundation. So the original name probably meant something to the effect of being rooted to the ground in correct stance. Chin could mean "battle" as it does in the word Sanchin. The word 'Naihan' could refer to the narrow paths through rice fields that resemble squares. Therefore, it could mean "battle in a rice field."

Source 2: The kata of okinawa Ishin ryu karatedo by Joe Swift

Naihanchi (a.k.a. Naifuanchi) is typical of in-fighting techniques, including grappling. There are three kata in modern (i.e. post 1900) karate, with the second and third being thought to have been created by Itosu Anko (Iwai, 1992; Kinjo, 1991a; Murakami, 1991). Another popular theory is that originally the three were one kata, but were broken up into three separate parts by Itosu (Aragaki, 2000; Iwai, 1992).This kata was not originally developed to be used when fighting against a wall, but this does not preclude such interpretations. While the kata itself goes side to side, the applications are more often than not against an attacker who is in front of you, or grabbing at you from the sides or behind. Some say that the side-to-side movement is to build up the necessary balance and physique for quick footwork and body-shifting (Kinjo, 1991b).

Source 3:
Also Known As: Daipochin, Naihanchi Sho, Ni & San, Teki, Chulgi, Nihanshi Meaning: Iron Horse, Fighting Holding Your Ground.

History: The kata is a widely used international form, which is performed in many different styles of Karate as well as Kempo and Taekwondo today. Because of the kata's complexity and length it was divided into three sections for student learning and practice. The originator of Nihanchi Sho is unknown but it is known that the three katas were practiced as one single kata by Master Sokon (Bushi) Matsumura around 1825. Naihanchi was however handed down to Matsumura from earlier times. This kata was also the favorite form of Yusutsune Itosu (1830-1915) who was nicknamed "Iron Horse" because of his performance of this kata. Itosu is said to have modified Sho and Ni and developed Naihanchi San. This was confirmed in the writings of Mabuni and Funakoshi.

Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Shito-Ryu, learned all three from Ankoh Itosu. However, first, while traveling and studying, Mabuni learned a form of Naihanchi from a student of Matsumura's namved Matayoshi. When Mabuni returned and showed the kata to Itosu, his teacher remarked that it was similar to the kata Matsumura had devised after training with a Chinese attache named Channan. It was at this time that Itosu confirmed that he (Itosu) had modified them as well.

Around 1895, Master Choki Motobu popularized the kata by daily performing the three forms as one kata at least five hundred times. The three Naihanchi katas performed as one became known as Motobu's Kata, and he is said to have stated many times, "There is only one kata necessary to develop and excel in karate, and that is Naihanchi as one." The form was developed as a defense against four to eight opponents, with performer pinned against a wall defending to the right, left or from the front, but never from the rear.

Source 4:

The composer of this kata is unknown, but it has long been treasured by karateman from Shuri and Tomari. Many traditions assert that Soken Matsumura created Naihanchi or based his version on older forms known to him. Most Shorin-ryu styles practice trree distinct short form of Naihanchi. Before Pinan's invention in 1907, Naihanchi kata were the first forms taught to beginner level practitioners.

The most important purpose of Naihanchi lies not in the fighting skills it develops, but in training the lower parts of the body through slow and steady sideward movements. Developing strong legs and hips are indispensable to karate training. Accrding to Grandmaster Nagamine the posture for Naihanchi is similar to the sitting posture for Zen, with strength concentrated in the abdomen. Nagamine recalls that the Naihanchi kata were a favorite of Choki Motabu. Naihanchi kata is useful when there is limited space.

The punching and blocking motions are short because space is very restricted. The short techniques make Naihanchi a very difficult kata to master, and some consideration might be given to thinking of Naihanchi as a more technically advanced level form. Naihanchi, or Tekki in japanese, translated means horse when riding. Some practitioners perform Naihanchi with the knees directed inwards. This is incorrect posture and the practitioner do this because they have not properly developed their legs. When performing each of the Naihanchi kata, once the practitioner drops into the horse stance it is critical to keep their height consistent throughout the entire kata. The practitioner's height should not fluctuate up and down. The only way to build power is not a stance is a strong stance for defense from the front and rear of the practitioner. However, it is extremely strong from the left and right sides of the practitioner. The weight distribution is equally spread between the two legs. if the weight is ever transferred to one leg the practitioner looses all strength in the stance from the sides and is vulnerable to attack from the left and right sides of the body. Therefore, when stepping over to move in the horse stance in a sideways direction, the practitioner must try and shorten the time the weight distribution is over the supporting leg. This is one of the primary skills developed in the three Naihanchi forms.

Source: http://www.karateblogger.com/stari/articles/kata_naifanchi.htm

Naihanchi Bunkai:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-pkxqTu6Jw&NR=1

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Events

29th and 30th of August, Colin Dempsey is organising a Tai Chi/Qi Qong retreat in Crann Og, Gort. This weekend is open to both beginner and experienced practitioners. Anyone who would like to take part should contact Colin at 086 – 3298392 ASAP to discuss it.

5th & 6th of September is the UKAI European Camp in Cork, organised by Paul Allen. There have been some flyers sent around, but more information and booking forms are available from Paul at 086 – 8112281. The places are limited, so give him a call soon.

Tommy Lawlor 15th Dan Bujinkan Ninjitsu is holding a seminar in Enniskillen on the 12th of September. Tommy is a student of Hatsumi Soke, the current grandmaster of the Bujinkan and is an excellent instructor – he gave a seminar here for us previously, and everyone enjoyed it. If you’re interested in attending give Mark a call at 087 – 7402802 and he’ll fill you in on all the details.

The 13th of September is the Tallaght Open Kickboxing Tournament. It is being organised by Dave Heffernan 086 – 8388478. If people are interested in travelling could you please contact me as we might be organising a bus, if there are sufficient numbers. We would need to know approximate numbers by the first week of September.

It’s back to Ballina on the 18th of September where Harry Thompson is organising a ring show in the Ramada Hotel. Anyone interested in organising fights or giving a demonstration should give Harry a call at 087 – 2753750. The bill is being finalised in the next week, so do it sooner rather than later.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Soke Nagamine Visit to Ireland

On Friday 31st of July in Elphin, Co. Roscommon we hosted a seminar with Soke Takayoshi Nagamine 10th Dan and head of Matsubayashi Ryu.

Soke covered the offical warm up, kihon and kata.

On Saturday August 1st Soke gave a seminar in Manualla, Co. Mayo and on Sunday August 2nd he gave a class for black belts, where Soke covered kyusho.

The seminars coverded the basics of Matsubayashi Ryu and had corrections applied. Once the basics are correct then the kata, etc will follow.

Congratulations are in order to Sensei Martin O'Malley of the White Tiger Martial Arts Dojo who successfully graded to 1st Dan in Matsubayashi Ryu under Soke Nagamine in Okinawa.

Also we want to thank Sensei Heinz Tessner from Germany and Sensei Justo Alberto Aguirre Weffer from Venezuela who travelled over for the seminars.

Of course thanks to everyone who participated and supported us at the seminars.













Sunday, July 26, 2009

Visit to Germany July 2009


On July 20th I arrived in Germany and was met at Bremen airport by Sensei Heinz Tessner 2nd Dan Matsubayashi Ryu from Timmel. Sensei Tessner has a Matsubayashi Ryu dojo in Timmel.

After a some sightseeing in Bremen we went to Sensei Tessner's home in Timmel. Timmel is a small picturesque village in Lower Saxony.

After lunch we went outside to train, the weather was good and we worked kihon and kata. Its always good to get another Matsubayashi Ryu Sensei who is a WMKA/EMKA member to review your kihon and kata.
I wish to extend a big thank you to Sensei Tessner and his family for their very kind hospitality during my stay at their home.

On July 21st I got the train from Leer to Berlin to meet Sensei's Trombley and Sensei's Rohl.

Mr. & Mrs Rohl own the Hakutsuru-Dojo in Berlin. Mr. & Mrs. Rohl originally studied Seibukan Shorin Ryu but after meeting Kyoshi Frank Baehr (Sensei Baehr was a live in student of O'Sensei) and Renshi Steve Trombley of the WMKA at a seminar in Germany last April they decided to make the transition to Matsubayashi Ryu.

Sensei Tromley and his wife Stephanie are spending 3 weeks in Gemany so this was the perfect opportunity to meet them. Sensei Trombley is Soke Nagamine's deshi. If you want instruction in Matsubayahsi Ryu this is the linage; O'Sensei to Sensei Baehr; Soke Nagamine to Sensei Trombley, you cannot get any closer than that.
Soke Nagamine has given his blessing to Sensei Trombley to travel and give seminars as Soke cannot visit everywhere.
We coverded Kihon, Fukyugata Ich, Ni, Pinans and the Yakusoku Kumite.

I wish to thank Sensei Trombley and his wife Stephanie for sharing their vast knowledge in Matsubayahsi Ryu and to Mario, Silvia and Dominic for their very kind hospitality during my stay in Berlin. I hope to meet you all again very soon.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Soke Nagamine Seminars in Ireland 2009









It is with great pleasure that we invite you and your students to train with Soke Takayoshi Nagamine, 10th Dan of Matsubayashi Shorin ryu Karate-do. Soke Nagamine is the hereditary Grandmaster of the Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate-do, founded by his father O-Sensei Nagamine, Shoshin in 1947.

The Sunday session, for Black Belts does have a minimum requirement – the prior knowledge of Fukyugata Ichi and Ni, and sessions can be arranged for people wishing to learn these Kata by contacting Martin O'Malley or myself.

Soke Nagamine is a gifted Karate-ka, and his knowledge and skill is amazing. This is an opportunity to train with a Karate Legend which you won’t want to miss

On Friday July 31st he will be giving a semina run the Elphin Matsubayashi Ryu Dojo


6:30pm to 7:30pm for U12s €20


8:00pm to 9:30pm Teens & Adults €30

For More Information Contact Anthony @ 085 – 7051744 Or anthonywhelan@yahoo.com


Saturday 1st August, Manulla Community Centre
Seminar 1 Under 12’s 10 am To 11 am (Reg 9.30 am)
Members Of IMAF-Ireland €15 Non-Members Of IMAF-Ireland €20

Seminar 2 Teens & Adults 12 noon To 1.30 pm, 2.30 To 4 pm (Reg 11.30 am)
Members Of IMAF-Ireland €30 Non-Members Of IMAF-Ireland €50

Sunday 2ndAugust, Manulla Community Centre
Seminar 3 Black Belts 10 am To 11.30 am, 12 To 1.30 pm (Reg 9.30 am)
Members Of IMAF-Ireland €50 Non-Members Of IMAF-Ireland €80

***Special Price For Black Belts Training In Seminar 2 & Seminar 3***
Members Of IMAF-Ireland €60 Non-Members Of IMAF-Ireland €100

For More Information Contact Martin @ 087 – 6407263 Or info@imaf-ireland.com