Byron Shire Shotokan Karate Do and Self Defence sent a strong Team of five local Karatekas to the 2024 Kase-Ha Shotokan Karate National Seminar (Gasshuku) held in Victoria, from November 22 to 24.
Damien O’Meara obtained his Self Defence Black Belt and Chief Instructor Jean Boussard his 5th Dan in Kase-Ha Shotokan.
Sensei Jean Boussard told The Echo, ‘It was a unique opportunity for our dedicated Karatekas to benefit from the teaching of a Master in this remarkable workshop in practical self-defence. They are Arie Farkas Sensei (8th Dan), our Chief Instructor, assisted by three top Kase Ha Instructors, my friends Senseis Mark Smith, Terry Raftry and Mark Johnson, all 6th Dan’.
‘This is realistic traditional Shotokan Karate, not competition-oriented, but the genuine martial art!
‘There were very challenging sessions during these three days, physically, emotionally and mentally, but the team is passionate and they all did so well.’
The Bangalow Dojo opened its doors in 2011, but the Academy was established in 1998 in Byron Bay
Boussard says, ‘The goal of Kase-Ha Shotokan is to reach a level beyond technique, which is based on the ancient Budo approach to martial arts and spirit’.
The presentation of a strong and effective defensive system is involved.
A variety of blocks, with open and closed hands, and of attacks with legs and arms, must satisfy equally defensive and offensive requirements.
‘My teaching is towards self defence and not towards the limited efficiency of competition and tournaments’.
‘Children, the Cubs and the Tigers, are taught traditional Shotokan Karate; adult classes and women’s self-defence incorporate the realistic training in practical self-defence of the Kase-Ha Way. We have just delivered a demonstration to the Residents of the RSL Lifecare in Suffolk Park, and a training workshop at Emmanuel Anglican School in Ballina.
‘At the Bangalow Dojo, age is not the focus, as the 60 members range from six years old to 70 years plus’.
For more visit www.byronshireshotokan.com
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