Wado World Cup: Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, Nagoya, 14-15th August

Peter Here;

On 14th and 15th August the World's Wadokai elite filled the Aichi Prefectural Gym in Nagoya in the hope of winning glory for both themselves and their country. I had traveled to Nagoya the day before, enduring a crippling 8-hour train ride in the process, and met up with the England Wadokai squad to travel to the arena with them on the opening morning.


Nagoya Castle - Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

The Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium is established among the grounds of the Nagoya Castle, which in the humid-heavy Autumnal haze gave an impressive and intimidating setting.




It was very hard not to be swept into the competitive nature of the event, even before the opening ceremony. Even the mere observation of squads doing warm-ups made me want to reach for a dogi and join in (a good thing, surely?). I sat down with the England Squad supporters (I was going to root with Japan, but their area was filled to capacity with kimono-clad supporters) and watched as the day's events unfolded.



England got to a decent start, with several people going through to the next rounds, but an unlucky few facing an early elimination. For Shiramizu's old guard though, Carl was first up. Unfortunately, just after about half a minute in, his knee gave way again and he was forced to withdraw. Worse still, despite doing his best to continue, Carl also had to withdraw from his Kata event. Everyone's heart went out to him. Fortunately, Amy got through to the last 8 in her kumite event, for her to participate the next day.


Also in Men's Kata was Fabian Sensei, Who had an extremely unlucky draw against Japan for the first round. His Seishan was incredibly well drilled and precise, but it didn't stop his opponent from going through.



Next up was Women's Kata, with both Amy and Louise taking part. As you can see, their rivalry was incredibly fierce.

Both of their Kata looked sharp, Louise's in particular drawing coos of admiration from the England group. It was funny, but as you train next to someone, you spend so much time concentrating on yourself to notice the other person's form. With this opportunity I saw really how astonishingly good Louise's Kata was. Amy was knocked out just on the verge of last 8 placing, but Louise went clear through, with some convincing 5-flag results from both of them on the way.

While I was here I had the opportunity to become acquainted with not only some of the world's best Karateka, but also some highly experienced people from each country. From England Carl introduced me to Sensei Sakagami, who is the Head of Aiwakai in England (Aiwakai was my home Instructor's association, and Sakagami Sensei was my Sensei's instructor, so this was something of an accomplishment).


Also, I met a friendly face in Mike Spain, who had returned to Japan to take his nidan grade after the competition. Mike, who trained with Shiramizu while Lawrence was the intern, also brought along one of his students, with the intention on showing him the wider picture. It was great getting his experiences of Shiramizu training as well, and hearing how it still affects his teaching (which may be for another blog, perhaps).


The later afternoon was Team Kumite. England's Ladies' team were through to the last 8 and didn't need to fight before the finals on Sunday, but the Men's team lost out to the Iranian team despite a spirited performance.

After the close of the day, shattered after watching and participating, the Intern, the ex-interns and a few new-found friends went and got dinner at a local Ramen bar, before retiring early to look forward to the next day's events.


Amy's kumite draw had lead her to eventually fight a familiar face for a place in the final: Rie Hirai, who is also a former Shiramizu member,Utsunomiya Bunsekai Girl's High School graduate (famous for producing very strong female athletes) and current All-Japan National Kumite team member. Although no longer at Shiramizu, these two get on really well outside the mats- although with the pace of the fight you wouldn't guess it! Hirai-san eventually won the round, and went through to win the event, Congratulations! Amy is also due congratulations too for winning bronze, an excellent achievement that was made double by the England Ladies' squad earning a bronze medal place as well.

For Kata, Louise managed to get to the semi-finals before being eliminated, but that meant she was a bronze medal winner as well! Furthermore, Katrina Wilson from the England Squad won her Cadet Kata event, making her a Wadokai world champion, so congratulations there too!

Unfortunately, despite being on holiday I was on a very tight schedule. Between this world cup and the following weekend's Wadokai national championships, I had arranged with Setsuko-san (one of my Eikaiwa students) to climb Mount Fuji with her, so I had to rush off to catch the train back to Tokyo!

The Following Pictures are courtesy of former Intern Carl.


England Ladies' team Kumite place 3rd, while Japan takes gold, with Hirai-san part of the winning team.


Rie Hirai wins the Individual ladies' Kumite event too, with Amy placing Bronze.


Louise takes the bronze for her Kata, though personally I thought she deserved higher!


England's Katrina Wilson wins gold at her event, Cadet Female Kata World Champion!

Champions Seminar: 1st August 2010

Pete here!

Over 100 children and adults filled the Kuki Recreation Center's dojo in Kuki City, despite sweltering heat, for the Shiramizu Champion's Seminar, taught by Imai Shuzo Sensei (Wadokai instructor in Germany for the last 40 years) and Yoshitama Munesei Sensei (former Japan Self-Defense Forces karate instructor & multiple-time Japan Master's kumite champion) on August 1, 2010.


The insightful training focused on different principles from the two different Sensei. Yoshitama Sensei was advocating the power of the Tanden - the home of the spirit in Japanese religion - and how keeping the core strength of your lower torso powerful you can maintain your form and power.


Imai Sensei's lesson was the use of gravity to increase speed and power, using Tobikomi tsuki as an example of proper use (his examples on Okano-san convinced everyone with wincing authority). With the kids he had a great exercise where they had to avoid a partner swinging their belt towards him from different directions- teaching balance in a fun way, but would probably have stung a bit if you were hit!

Yoshitama sensei's training for the adults was definitely painful, however; a set of core stability drills that started on elbows and gradually spread to the extreme of your ribs as you tried to stretch out yet keep your back straight. I found this very difficult, but I was happy to see that I wasn't the only one!

In terms of kumite sparring, there was very little - Yoshitmama Sensei had a drill where one person sparred against 5, expanding the peripheral vision - but this day was more for taking in principles of movement and focusing of energy, then implementing it into one's own kumite artillery. This meant that it may have gone over the heads of some of the youngest students, but for the adolescents upwards the day was filled with inspiring thoughts and realizations and different ways of improving your technique.

Despite the day lacking 'intensive' training drills, it was quite possibly the hottest day of the year so far. The amount of sweat that happened just standing and observing the examples of these two top Sensei was incredible- where I was standing a small pond was forming, as with other people. Possibly more intensive work would have been done had it been cooler, as in this heat it was dangerously close to causing collapses, but that is not taking anything away from a great event that changed my way of considering how I keep myself strong.

Return of the Interns: the run up to the Wado World Cup

Peter Here!

With the Wado World Cup and Wadokai National Championships happening last August, that month saw the return of Intern Alumni Carl Jorgeson (2008-09), Amy Coulson (2008-09), and Louise Fisk (2009-10). They were representing their respective countries of England and New Zealand at the World Cup on August 14-15, and then taking part in the national championships a week later. So, to make sure that they were on peak form where else would they get both excellent training and a warm 'welcome home' feeling than Shiramizu?!

I would only be watching them for the World Cup, but I was also training hard in the run up to the National Championships. As it was during the holiday season the usually quite sedate Wednesday morning session had been turned, like all other sessions, into a heat entrance drill with the High performance kids, occupied with constantly repeating Kata and Kumite.

Carl had suffered some bad luck in the week before coming here- while participating in a tournament his knee had been heavily injured. He was trying his best to practice as much as he could while also resting up, which unfortunately meant that we couldn't spar together (when I get back to England, Carl!). Amy and Louise looked very ready for their Kata entry, and it was warming when Louise said that "I'd come on a bit".


As is mandatory with the Wednesday Class, we all went for lunch afterwards, giving the ex-interns some nostalgia and chatting about the challenges and rewards of the internship, and how much more I had to look forward to.

Ein Besuch von Herr Fabian!

Peter Here:

On Tuesday 13th July Arakawa Sensei, Yoshihara Sensei and I went to Narita Airport to pick up our latest guest: Juergen Fabian 4th Dan Sensei from Germany. He stayed with us to train for the Wado World Cup in Nagoya, 14-15th August.


Although Fabian Sensei was naturally exhausted from his flight, Arakawa Sensei took the opportunity to take us to the Nippon Budokan. Impressively large and imposing, it doesn't take much to inspire one to train or work hard here.



Fabian Sensei had his first taste of training in Japan that evening, where his comments on the children were: "they're very fast, aren't they?" They are indeed! Fabian Sensei also presented a gift to Arakawa Sensei- a landscape photography book of Germany. Kireii!

Exit Interview- Louise, Intern 2009-2010

Louise & Erica at the Shiramizu 'Goodbye Louise & Erica, but Welcome Pete' Party!
(June 2010) from Sensei's blog

Pete here!

While I was busy distracting Erica with her exit interview, Louise made good her escape back to New Zealand. But such is the power of the internet she could not escape my ever-impending questions (evil laugh)...

Pete Williams: So, after a year of Japan, how has your image of Japanese life changed? What are your positives and negatives?
Louise Fisk: Maybe now I understand the Japanese world view a bit better, how it is based on obligations to and respect of others, and how important the good opinion of others is to them.

In some ways this is very good, because it generally creates a society which is on the surface polite, respectful, law-abiding and safe, especially compared with many other countries. And I think it is comforting to live within set social boundaries.

But I also think that the weight of obligations is very heavy on the Japanese, always having to worry about if you're doing the right thing, and worrying about what people think of you.

PW: What has been your crowning achievement for the year? Is it the same as your most treasured memory?
LF: I actually think that my greatest achievement is something that's accumulated quietly throughout the whole year. That is, a step up in the level of my karate, especially my speed and kihon. Most of the lessons at Shiramizu were very much the same: kihon standing on the spot, stepping kihon, kata then kumite drills. We also had to keep up with the high school students we often trained with who,were very fast, so I feel the combination of these two factors as well as Arakawa Sensei's valuable teaching helped me to achieve better karate.

My most treasured memories (there are several of them) are of the Shiramizu people supporting each other, while working, training or having fun together. For example, during the Shiramizu club tournament, and at the parties we had together. I am honoured to have been included in the Shiramizu clan.

PW: Did you get to see much of the rest of Japan? Where is your favourite place?
LF: In the public holidays and weekends I tried to travel a bit, though mostly within Honshu. I went north to Akita Prefecture, to a few mountains around Tokyo and the Kanto area, and on my big New Year trip I went west to Nara and Hiroshima, among other places. In Golden Week I also visited the northern part of Kyushu and looked at volcanoes there.

My favourite place is a beach on the northern Kyushu coast, about an hour's drive from Fukuoka. It has the softest sand, very clear water and lots of cool granite rocks at the end to climb on.

PW: What was the low point of your year?
LF: Catching influenza was pretty low. I seemed to get sick easily in Japan, maybe because I have a different Southern Hemisphere immunity, and was not used to being in contact with so many kindergarten kids.

PW: Erica said she found the Shiramizu sensei like family and friends as well as respected teachers. Have you become close to them too? Who will you particularly miss?
LF: Yes, the Shiramizu dojo has become a lot like another family. They welcomed us with open arms and always looked after us extremely well. I think this is truly outstanding when you consider that they do this for a new foreigner or set of foreigners every year.

There are too many people who are special to me at Shiramizu to list all of their names, but we had the most contact with Arakawa sensei, and our two dojo mothers, Yoshihara sensei and Yamazaki sensei, so I will miss seeing them and our conversations together.

PW: So with all that contact with Arakawa Sensei has he challenged, or changed, or even reinforced your perception of karate? If so, how?
LF: Training with Arakawa Sensei has reinforced my perceptions that karate is a discipline that should develop a person mentally and emotionally as well, not just a sport that is only about physical development. Maybe it is because that is how the Japanese are generally, but Arakawa Sensei was big on respect to your teachers, seniors and classmates. This was shown through proper greetings as well as behaviour. I liked this aspect of Shiramizu, because I felt it created an environment where people were training their hardest in order to lift their classmates as well as themselves, through competing with each other but also supporting each other.

PW: With this in mind, what are your plans for your future? Does it involve a deeper relationship with karate, or teaching children?
LF: My year in Japan has certainly strengthened my plan to continue training karate or some form of martial arts for the rest of my life. There always is something more to learn, and my progress this year has encouraged me that I am still learning and am still able to learn. Teaching children is a big responsibility, but at the moment I don't want to settle down in one place and take up that responsibility as I have plans to continue exploring the world.

PW: Finally, how awesome is the current intern, and what advice can you give him to make his year go more smoothly?
LF: Ha, ha, oh certainly, your awesomeness is off the scale. In the short time we worked together, I noticed that you have the right attitude and openness of mind to learn all the new things and ways of thinking in Japan.

I'd advise you to learn as much spoken Japanese as you can, which will make communication with the staff at your jobs and at the dojo much smoother. This also makes it easier to make friends, which is my other bit of advice: make as many Japanese friends as you can. Then they can show you around, tell you things you'd maybe not find out otherwise, and you can become more of a part of the country you've adopted for a year.

PW: Yep, I'm following your great advice already!

Exit Interview- Erica, Intern 2009-2010

Pete here!

Before she left, I managed to distract Erica from her busy time of packing and wrapping presents to interview her about her time here and her leaving thoughts...

Pete Williams: So, how has your image of Japan changed?
Erica Ip: Good Question!
Living in the ‘countryside’ I’ve seen that it’s not all bustling streets and nightlife like in the movies. Also, people are more polite in general than I thought.

PW: Anything particularly positive?
EI: The streets are clean, everywhere! It’s also amazing that you can order food in a restaurant, eat it, then pay for it and leave without even talking to anyone.

PW: You mean vending restaurants?
EI: Yeah exactly! Everything is more convenient, like the shops, you can buy fried chicken for 1$ American!

PW: So what about the negatives?
EI: Long train rides to work in central Tokyo; training in the extreme heat in the summer- just sitting in it is enough! That’s about it though.

PW: Was there anything that vindicated your preconceptions about Japan?
EI: The level of Karate here was just as high as I expected it to be, especially the level of dedication too and particularly at Shiramizu. I first saw the Shiramizu Squad at the 2008 World Cup in Vancouver. I remember seeing them and wishing I could do karate like that, which is what inspired me to apply for the intern post.

PW: How dedicated have you been then?
EI: I went from training just once/twice a week in Vancouver to 5 times a week or more at Shiramizu – so quite dedicated! I’ve been told I’ve improved a lot and I hope this is true.

PW: What’s your most treasured memory of the year?
EI: The first tournament that I won gold at! Though, it wasn’t the moment I got the medal- it was when I had just finished my kata in the final round and was waiting for the judges’ decision.

PW: Then what happened?
EI: The whistle went and all 5 flags were for me! I was very shocked! It was surreal! I hope you get the same feeling in one of your tournaments. [in kata? Unlikely!- Pete]

PW: So what about your worst moment or low point?
EI: I think it was my first month here; the transition period. It was extremely hot when I started training 5 times a week, with no internet or cell phone! I also came to Japan with no knowledge of Japanese, so discussions were very difficult. I didn’t feel cut off at all, everyone was very kind and friendly, but it was like being on the outside of something looking in.

PW: That changed though?
EI: Yes! Although I didn’t study much I can still read Katakana and Hiragana, which is handy in supermarkets; since then I’ve been able to buy lots more food that I’ve enjoyed eating! Also, communication with everyone has gotten much easier and even during karate classes I’m understanding the nuances of what’s being said.

PW: What’s your relationship with Arakawa sensei and Shiramizu like now?
EI: It’s mainly as Sensei that I have a lot of respect for, but outside the class it’s like being with family and friends.

PW:Who did you get closest to in Shiramizu?
EI: It has to be Yamazaki Sensei and Yoshihara Sensei, because they are like our Japanese mums! We train together almost every class, and go to lunch every week.

PW: What about Arakawa Sensei?
EI: I think that the interns are really lucky because they get to spend more time with him than the other students; apparently the other students have this image of Sensei where he’s quite scary, but I see him as funny and silly most of the time and a person who deserves utmost respect.

PW: Has he changed your perception of Karate? If he has, how?
EI: I’ve always thought that Karate was a not a skill you learned to use on other people aggressively – or start trouble – but as a way of personal development and discipline. Arakawa Sensei really reinforced that belief in me, but also if it’s practiced correctly is can be very effective when or if needed.

PW: What about the English teaching aspect- did you enjoy that?
EI: It can be very rewarding when you get kids who are eager to learn, but I find some kids are forced into it by parents and don’t really want to be there so trying to be creative and get their interest is difficult. It’s also hard when my level of Japanese and their level of English makes it tricky to communicate for the rules of games, etc.

PW: So with all this in mind, what are your plans for the future? How much Karate does it involve?
EI: I honestly can’t say! I’ll probably do something with kids, because I love kids, but preferably not teaching them! Karate-wise, I would like to compete when I get back to Vancouver and encourage the kids in my dojo to train hard and compete as well.

PW:Finally, what do you think of the current intern and what advice do you have to give?
EI: Hmmmmmm…

PW: Remember I’m in the room.
EI: I think he’s well equipped to handle himself for this year and I hope he enjoys it as much as I have.

PW:Glowing reference then.
EI: You’ll be fine! And as a word of advice, be careful of drooling kids.

PW: Noted!

Wadokai Technical Seminar: 24-25 July

Peter Here:

Over 70 Wadokai dan grades and instructors attended the Wadokai Technical Seminar on the weekend of 24-25 July, held in the Chiba District of Tokyo. The purpose of the seminar was to maintain the high standard of Wado being taught by those present, and to introduce any changes to the kata or kihon kumite syllabus. The weekend was led by members of the Technical committee, chiefly Takagi Sensei and Hakoishi Sensei.

We were also lucky to have Aina Kobinata (JKFan Deputy Editor) on site as well to run a report on the day for the magazine, and of course talk to Fabian and myself in near-perfect English!



Saturday was a long day, with the course running from 9:00 to 16:00. Unfortunately due to ridiculous traffic Arakawa Sensei, Fabian Sensei and myself arrived at about 9:30, but thankfully the group had only just finished the warm up and were working on the kihon essentials of Juntsuki-no-tsukkomi / Gyakutsuki-no-tsukkomi. Because this was a technical seminar it was a much slower pace to the very driven style of Shirmamizu; the Sensei stop and discuss the movement, the principles behind the movement and show some (sometimes quite funny) examples.

Indeed, the attitude throughout the day was that of thorough analysis and explanation, with only a little emphasis on high performance. That said, as the day was a sweltering 36 degrees, any physical exertion that we did soon took it's toll!



After Kihon, several Kata were analysed: Pinan Godan, Chinto, Seishan, and Naihanchi (Kushanku, Rohai and Jitte were tackled on the Sunday), with bunkai given.

Fabian Sensei and I were noticed, and rather charmingly Hakoishi Sensei started to use English and German in his explanations (even to Arakawa Sensei, who had to remind him that he was Japanese, much to everyone's amusement!).

Regular liquid breaks were taken to help combat the searing heat, which kept everyone on a high morale level. What really impressed me however, is just how happy Hakoishi Sensei is at practising his karate. After so many years of training, he's still playing with it like a new toy. This enthusiasm is definitely infectious!

After the lunch break Kihon Kumite was addressed, running through 1-4 on Saturday and 5-10 on Sunday. The higher Dan grades were lined up as the lower Dan grades (everyone here was at least a shodan, quite possibly I was the youngest and lowest rank there) took turns to practice with them. Each Sensei had a different piece of advice to give and a different way of looking at and correcting my performances, so to get the most out of this session I trained with as many Sensei as possible!

Saturday's session finished at 4:00. There wasn't much time for speaking at the end as Arakawa Sensei had to get back for the evening session (he had thankfully given Fabian Sensei and I the evening off), and then head out for a meal. The reason? It was Arakawa Sensei's Birthday! All of that training on such a day just shows how dedicated he is to karate. Food, laughs and some beers were had (though not too much beer, we were training the next day after all).

Sunday was just as hot as Saturday, so we were thankful for training in just the morning (the afternoon was a dan grading). Kata was first, and unfortunately it was Kushanku first- unfortunately because it's very much my worst kata and it became victim to the scrutiny of the top Wado Practitioners of Japan. Oh my.



We ran through the other Kata, all of which were new to me. Thankfully all the other Sensei were aware of this and helped me through with both basic movements and the more essential details. I would've loved to have spent more time on the kata, but I appreciate it wasn't the time for learning.


Kihon Kumite 5-10 was also done a bit faster than I would have liked, but as we had to finish by 12pm the schedule was tight already. However this does not stop this weekend being an invaluable seminar that has helped improve my understanding of Kata and Kihon Kumite to no end, and maybe I have found a new favourite kata in Jitte!


After the Seminar: mini-post


As it was such a beautiful day, Arakawa Sensei thought it would be a shame to waste it- so he took Fabian Sensei and me to the Umihotaru on the Tokyo Aqua Line. Wikipedia can say much more about it than I can on this page, but the line itself is a very impressive structural achievement.

We all took this opportunity to put our feet up- of course, being karateka we took this a little literally...