Karate Black Belts Prepare for Shoto World Cup

3 February 2011

Ten Kiwis from the Japanese Karate Association Auckland have been invited to attend a four day intensive Karate training camp in Tokyo, Japan. With hopes of being selected for the New Zealand squad competing in the Shoto World Cup Karate Championship held in Bangkok on 21st and 22nd August.

Highlighting the international event is 26 year old engineering graduate Briar Fleming, who attests “Karate has helped shape me as a person, for me it is about every moment acting in a way that is true to who you are, or who you want to be” she says “You must really use your heart, not your mind when you fight.”
Currently in Japan with top instructors including Tatsuya Naka - Karate film star and former champion, Fleming is thriving on the experience; “The thing I love about Karate is that it works every aspect of your body, mind and soul in harmony, and can be continued well into old age”

“I’m being taught by people who are 60 years old and can kick faster than you can blink”

Ex-NZ representative footballer, Altan Ramadan is preparing for his 3rd Dan black belt grading while in Tokyo. At 38 he believes Karate has something for everyone

“After playing football for all those years I was as stiff as a board. With regular practice my flexibility and agility have improved tremendously.” The benefits of this ancient art form are numerous for Ramadan “I got involved in Karate because it has roots in meditation, the two help to provide balance in my life, to bring about good health, vitality and happiness,” he says “If I am fortunate enough to be chosen for the Shoto World Cup team that will be a pinnacle experience in my life.”

The nominations include 4 contenders in the junior division. At 14 Bianca Stewart has one competition under her belt and is already making a name for herself, winning 1st place in kata and 3rd place in kumite at the Karate Nationals. This will be her second time training in Tokyo so she is no stranger to training with the top instructors, and has high hopes for this trip

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“I expect to see some amazing Karate, I’m really excited and hope to gain the knowledge and skill to do my absolute best at the Shoto World Cup.” Wanting to try something different Stewart took up Karate when she was 8 years old and hasn’t looked back since “I just really enjoy it. It keeps me fit, and it comes in handy during exam time when I need to relieve stress. It is definitely something I will do for the rest of my life.”

Other nominees include Vincent Cook (28), Neville Cook (27), Nick Baker (32), Gabor Wenner (46), Jessica Stanners (14), Koki Hayakawa (12) and Edward Barry (12).
The Shoto World Cup nominees train at JKA Auckland Dojo, which provides students with the best instructors the world has to offer. Sensei Shimizu is coming to the JKA Auckland Dojo to teach 6 days a week from 22nd February to 4th March. Worldwide only 3 Karate experts are accepted to take the 3 year teaching program at JKA HQ in Japan. Shimizu is pegged to win the Shoto World Cup, having already won the 2006 All Japan Kumite Champion; he was also assistant trainer on feature film Black-Belt with Jackie Chan.

For a limited time, the public can train with a master and experience the physical and mental benefits of Karate for themselves. JKA Auckland Dojo is offering free trial classes to allow anyone of any age to have a go.

The 4th Dan Black belt instructor likens having Sensei Shimizu here in New Zealand to “Bringing over the Dan Carter of Karate to teach the college 1st XI.” He believes not only the nominees, but all Karate students will greatly benefit from the teachings of Sensei Shimizu “He’s like a Jedi Knight. We are very lucky to have him in our country, let alone at our club.”
For further information please visit: www.jkaauckland.co.nz

ENDS

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