08-11-10 Adnan Safak Yuksel, Hanshi, President of the Turkish Dentokan National Federation and Director of Dentokan Operations in the Near East, Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa has additionally been appointed as a "International Representative-At-Large". This appointment is based upon his tireless efforts at establishing the Dentokan in nations as diverse as Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Australia, Azerbajan, Nakhichevan, Nagorno Karabakh, and Armenia.
07-13-10 A Message from Col Hobbs:
Friends, this past three-months has been a very busy time for me and many of our Dentokan family as well. I want to hit a few things in reverse chronological order just to keep everyone up-to-date:
1. 30 Apr 10 & 1 May, Sensei Scott Kays and his Azamikan Dojo sponsored me to teach a Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate seminar in Frankfort, Indiana. It was a solid course and we covered many of the finer details of kata, bunkai, and the relationship of body mechanics to proper technique and power generation. Scott just recently built a very nice dojo on his property, which made training and teaching there convenient and free of distractions. Scott was also a wonderful host and I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
2. 2 May 10, I visited Shihan Andy Bryant's Denbukan Dojo in Indianapolis for a half-day course on Dentokan Aikijujutsu. Andy, like Scott, has a dojo on his own property which gives the feel of actually being in Japan. The half-day course was well attended and I believe everyone was pleased with the session. This was yet another enjoyable training experience with Andy and his students.
3. 23 Jun 10 was my last day of full time employment. After slightly over thirty-three years in the Army and Air Force, two-years working in a local hospital, and nearly four-years working for a defense contractor I have finally decided to do what I love most, teaching and practicing the martial arts. So, if anyone is interested in having me visit, teach, or sit on a promotion board please drop me a line and we can sort out the details.
4. 25-27 Jun 10, I was sponsored by Shihan Erik Johnstone of the Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts Center / Shindokan Dojo in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. The dojo is owned and operated by my good friend Mark Spear, Renshi who is a very well respected practitioner of Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate. During this two and a half-day course we mainly covered yudansha waza of Dentokan Aikijujutsu, but also had time to do some Dentokan Goju-Ryu Karate training as well. I had the good fortune of meeting Sensei Matt Ubertini and his student Chris from the Masakatsukan Budo Dojo in New York City. I was very favorably impressed with both Matt's and Chris' abilities, which I suspect is due in no small part to Shihan Johnstone's teaching efforts. The highlight of this trip was presenting Mark Spear (Godan Renshi) and Matt Ubertini (Sandan) with their menjo from the Zen Nihon Budo Renmei (All Japan Budo Federation). At Shihan Johnstone's recommendation Matt also received his Sandan in Dentokan Aikijujutsu. A hearty congratulations to both Mark and Matt! Erik and Mark as always were great hosts and plans are already in the making for a return visit next year.
5. 10 Jul 10, Andy Bryant, Renshi again visited me here in O'Fallon for five hours of nonstop one-on-one training in Dentokan Aikijujutsu and KoKamishin-Ryu Jujutsu. During this visit we spent the bulk of our time covering KoKamishin-Ryu Jujutsu waza in detail. Andy is one of the very, very few in the U. S. who have trained with me in KoKamishin-Ryu, with most of the Dentokan's KoKamishin-Ryu practitioners being in the U. K. under the able leadership of Lloyd Allum, Hanshi. Andy and I also reviewed Kaiden Gi of Dentokan Aikijujutsu as well as important aspects of the Dentokan's Iaijutsu program. The high point of Andy's visit was me having the honor of promoting him to Rokudan & Kyoshi of Dentokan Iaijutsu. Andy has been instrumental in helping us to revise and expand our Iaijutsu program. Congratulations Andy, it's an achievement well deserved.
6. 25 Jul 10 -7 Aug 10, Diane and I will be in Alanya, Turkiye / Turkey visiting our Dentokan members there. As always we'll be with our dear friend, Adnan Safak Yuksel, Hanshi and his family.
7. 27-29 Aug 10, Mike Holmes, Kyoshi will be sponsoring a Dentokan Aikijujutsu and Dentokan Shorin-Ryu seminar at his Seidokan Dojo in Leland, North Carolina. I'm very much looking forward to returning to where I grew up and visit family and friends in that area. Dr. Micheal P. Nemeth, the U. S. Dentokan National Federation President, will also be in attendance at this course.
8. Of course 25-27 Sep 10 will see me again at the dojo (Bakersfield Budokan, Bakersfield, California) of Shihans Robin Ramirez & Brandon Ream. I always enjoy visiting the Bakersfield Budokan, not only because of the superb traditional training facilities, but most importantly because of the opportunity to visit with my old friends Robin and Brandon.
9. Oct 10, we're in the planning stages of organizing another course in the U. K. It'll be in the Northampton area. Please check back on this news page over the next week or so for more details.
10. Lastly, I have filed the necessary paperwork to have the Dentokan logo officially registered as a U. S. Government recognized and protected Trade Mark. I will let everyone know when the action has been completed.
Your's in Budo,
Col Roy J. Hobbs, Hanshi
U. S. Air Force Retired
President, Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei, Inc.
U. S. Representative, Zen Nihon Budo Renmei, Kyoto, Japan
06-16-10 The Seidokan Dojo of Leland, North Carolina will be sponsoring a Dentokan seminar 27-29 August 2010. A Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do session will be taught the evening of the 27th. All day courses in Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu will be taught on the 28th and 29th. All sessions will be personally taught by Col Roy J. Hobbs, Hanshi, President of the Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei, Inc. and U.S. Representative of the Zen Nihon Budo Renmei, Kyoto, Japan. For additional information please contact Sensei Mike Holmes at: mikerubyholmes@bellsouth.net . Sensei Holmes has been a student of Sensei Hobbs since the early 1970's. Sensei Holmes and Sensei Hobbs were Brother-In-Arms in the North Carolina Army National Guard (Mechanized Infantry).
Click here for flyer
06-15-10 This is an absolutely huge announcement: The Vice President of the Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei, Inc. and President of the Dentokan Great Britain has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Queen of England. On behalf of the worldwide Dentokan family we offer our hearty congratulations.
Professor Stephen Chan Awarded OBE
Photo Credit: Noel Shelly
14 June 2010
Professor of International Relations Stephen Chan has been awarded an OBE for 'services to Africa and to higher education' in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours list, published on Saturday 12 June.
"I hope the award is of benefit to SOAS as it seeks to project itself as an increasingly important actor in the world of educated public opinion," said Professor Chan in reaction to the announcement. "It's not an award I sought but, after several glasses of champagne, I've decided I'm very happy with it."
Professor Chan is widely respected as a distinguished academic who has made a major contribution to the academic understanding of international politics in general and African politics in particular. He has also made a significant impact on political developments in Africa through his involvement in high-level diplomacy and actions and advice on the ground.
The firstborn son of Chinese refugees to New Zealand, Stephen Chan was a national student president, publisher, newspaper editor and international civil servant before he became an academic, first in Africa and later in Britain.
He began his academic career as a lecturer in International Relations at University of Zambia in 1983 then worked briefly as a visiting lecturer at the University of Wellington before moving on to academic posts at the University of Kent, then Nottingham Trent University, where he was Dean of Humanities. He joined SOAS in 2002 as Professor of International Relations and served as Dean of Law & Social Sciences for five years from 2002 to 2007.
"Stephen really deserves this honour," said SOAS Director and Principal Paul Webley. "As both an innovative scholar and a committed humanitarian, he epitomises the best of SOAS."
Professor Chan has published 27 books on international relations and more than 200 articles and reviews in the academic and specialist press, as well as over 100 journalistic feature articles. Particularly notable are his 2002 biography of Mugabe (Robert Mugabe: A Life of Power and Violence), his 1991 book on Zambian issues (Kaunda and Southern Africa: Image and Reality in Foreign Policy) and his 2006 volume of interviews with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai (Citizen of Africa: Conversations with Morgan Tsvangirai). His most recent work is The End of Certainty: Towards a New Internationalism.
Earlier this year, he received the 2010 Eminent Scholar in Global Development award of the International Studies Association, a significant academic honour.
Professor Chan has had a long-term involvement with African causes. He participated in the reconstruction of Uganda after the fall of Idi Amin, and also advised and trained government ministries in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Kenya. He established a consortium that trained the Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately before and after independence in 1993. He was also part of a consortium that trained the parliamentarians and ministers of post-Dergue Ethiopia from 1998-9. From 2006-7 he was a member of the Africa-China-US Trilateral Dialogue, an effort to establish a common set of principles to help govern the emerging trade wars involving the three continents.
For nearly 30 years, Professor Chan has also been involved in philanthropic work in Africa. In 2001 he established the Kwok Meil Wah Foundation, which assists young martial arts students in Africa. An expert in Karate, he teaches at numerous martial arts clubs in Zambia and Zimbabwe, the majority in deprived areas, during the evenings and weekends of his regular research visits. He also undertakes pro bono legal work on behalf of political refugees seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.
06-02-10 A message from Erik Johnstone (Dentokan Aikijujutsu Shihan & Special Advisor for Dentokan East Coast Operations) of Shindokan Dojo/Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts Center, Pawcatuck, Connecticut:
Hobbs Sensei’s visit to Shindokan Dojo is less than one month away. For those who may be considering coming to Connecticut to attend the seminar with Sensei at Shindokan Dojo, you may want to consider making hotel arrangements soon. As we are right on the southeastern CT & southern Rhode Island shoreline, our area is quite busy in the summer! In fact you might want to stay a day or two longer.
Here a few lodging options:
Here’s the website for the Sea Breeze Inn (where you stayed last year); phone is 860-535-2843. Ask for Mukesh and mention Erik Johnstone & Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts.
www.seabreezeinn.us
Also, there is now a La Quinta in Stonington/Pawcatuck (about 5 minutes or so from the dojo)…nicer, I guess, but expensive though, about $159/night (according to the website). 860-599-2400
www.lq.com
Days Inn in Mystic; about 10 to 15 minutes from the dojo; rates aren’t too bad for being in Mystic near the tourist attractions. 860-572-0574
www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=06444
There are certainly more hotels in Mystic, but they go up in price quite quickly. Please let us know if you are flying in; we will be happy to pick you up. The best option is Providence, RI. Next best is Hartford, CT. Hope to see you here in Connecticut.
05-24-10 A message from Erik Johnstone (Dentokan Aikijujutsu Shihan & Special Advisor for Dentokan East Coast Operations) of Shindokan Dojo/Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts Center, Pawcatuck, Connecticut:
The third installment of the ongoing Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu Instructor Development Workshop Series was held at Shindokan Dojo on May 23. Participants included senior students from Shindokan Dojo as well as the New York City study group.
The previous sessions emphasized Shodan-gi and Nidan-gi (as always coupled with a brief with a look at henka and oyo). Given the progress and technical ability demonstrated by workshop participants, we were able to move forward and focus on the waza of Sandan-gi for the latest session. All participants received the unique “sensations” of Sandan-gi with great enthusiasm and once again, demonstrated an excellent spirit and technical progress.
This session marked the last major preparatory workshop in advance of Hobbs Sensei’s visit to Shindokan Dojo for a seminar to be held over the last weekend in June. We are confident that Sensei will be pleased with everyone’s progress thus far.
05-07-10 A Message from Adnan Safak Yuksel, Hanshi in Turkiye/Turkey:
Dear Friends,
We want to share information on the Turkiye program with our friends.
The course’s aim is to have a vacation with our friends more than just Budo instruction.
Participants to vacation / course; should book not-later-than 20 May 2010 to Blue Star Hotel.
Course Place; Blue Star Hotel
Web: www.bluestarhotel.com
Address; Saray Mahallesi Kizlarpinari Cad. Toramanlar Sok. 07400 Alanya- Antalya / Turkiye
Phone: +90 242 522 10 00 -10 lines Fax: +90 242 522 09 87
Hotel Fee;
1 Person; 45 EUR
2 Person; 75 EUR
3 Person; 100 EUR
Notice; 50% discount for between 02-12 years old children (50% for 45 EUR)
Special Information;
SENSEI ROY JERRY HOBBS AND HIS FAMILY’S VACATION PROGRAMME;
SETTLE TO HOTEL AT 26TH JULY 2010,
DEPART FROM HOTEL AT 07TH AUGUST 2010.
ADNAN SAFAK YUKSEL AND HIS FAMILY’S VACATION PROGRAMME;
SETTLE TO HOTEL AT 26TH JULY 2010,
DEPART FROM HOTEL AT 12TH AUGUST 2010 EVENING.
Course instructor; Sensei Roy Jerry HOBBS.
Programme;
31th JULY 2010; JU-JUTSU COURSE between 10-12:30 A.M
01th AUGUST 2010; JU-JUTSU COURSE between 10-12:30 A.M
COURSE FEE; 150 USD
Thank you,
Safak
05-06-10 Hi Everyone!
Here is the flyer for the upcoming Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu course at Shindokan Dojo in Pawcatuck (Stonington), CT with Hobbs Sensei. We are also planning on including an evening Goju-ryu workshop. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are planning on attending. Also, please feel free to pass this on to anyone who may be interested. I will be sending a registration form/link shortly.
--
Respects,
Erik A. Johnstone, Dojo-cho
Shindokan Dojo
http://shindokan-budo.org
http://shindokanbudo.blogspot.com
Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei
Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai /Jikishin-Kai International
Hobbs Sensei flyer June 2010.pdf
02-16-10 Erik Johnstone (Dentokan Aikijujutsu Shihan & Special Advisor for Dentokan East Coast Operations) of Shindokan Dojo/Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts Center has correctly taken the initiative in the New England area of the United States by teaching an instructor-foundation-series of Dentokan Aikijujutsu courses. He will be leading the second installment of this Dentokan Aikijujutsu Instructor Development Workshop Series on March 21, 2010. The first session was held on January 24th and was attended by new Dentokan members from New York; Karate-do yudansha from Black Bear; and Johnstone Sensei's senior students at Shindokan Dojo.
The intent of series, which was implemented with Hobbs Sensei's approval, is to develop a cadre of qualified assistant instructors at Shindokan Dojo as well to provide training to established budo instructors who are seeking to transition into Dentokan Aikijujutsu or add it to their current budo practice.
The series will include a minimum of six four-hour intensives to be held approximately every 6 weeks. At the conclusion of this series, grade will be awarded, with Hobbs Sensei's approval, based on understanding of curriculum, quality of performance and relevant budo experience.
Participation in this series is still open. Should anyone in the Northeast be interested in taking part in these sessions, please contact Erik Johnstone at shindokan1@gmail.com . You do not have to be from the New England area to participate.
02-15-10 Message from Erik Johnstone of the Shindokan dojo in Pawcatuck, Connecticut: "I am looking to schedule a seminar with Hobbs Sensei in June. Based on his schedule, we will be looking at the first or last weekend in June. We will spend two days on Dentokan Aikijujutsu and perhaps include a third session for Goju-ryu Karate-do for those interested." If anyone is interested in attending this seminar please contact Johnstone Sensei. His contact information can be found by going to the following website:
http://shindokan-budo.org
02-12-10 There are a number of upcoming seminars at which Sensei Hobbs will be teaching. These seminars are in various stages of finalization. But, we wanted to get the word out so our members would be aware, and could plan accordingly. As details are firmed up we'll provide additional information:
April 30 - May 1, Frankfort, IN, Sponsor/Organizer is Scott Kays
July (exact dates yet to be determined), Alanya, Turkiye/Turkey, Sponsor/Organizer is Safak
 
Yuksel
August 28 - August 29, Leland, NC, Sponsor/Organizer is Mike Holmes
September (exact dates yet to be determined), Bakersfield, CA, Sponsors/Organizers are Robin
 
Ramirez and Brandon Ream
02-11-10 Please see the revised schedule for the Dentokan's Annual International Seminar and Conference:
2011 - Lusaka, Zambia
2012 - Bakersfield, California, USA
2013 - Canterbury, England
2014 - Alanya, Turkiye/Turkey
2015 - Belfast, Northern Ireland
01-01-10 Effective 1 January 2010, the Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei was legally incorporated in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, U.S.A. This was a logical and necessary next step as the Dentokan has grown exponentially over the past several years.
12-29-09 From Hobbs Hanshi: What is the Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei's status as it relates to Okinawa Seidokan Karate-Do? First one must understand that the Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei is what is often described as a Sogo Bugei/Budo (combined martial arts/martial ways) group. It is a group which contains more than just Karate, and most of its members practice more than just one art. The Karate practiced within the Dentokan includes both Goju-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu. Our Shorin-Ryu is not simply Seidokan Karate. Our Shorin-Ryu is strongly influenced by two main sources, and one lessor source. The primary, of the two main Shorin-Ryu influences, is the Karate of Toma Seiki Hanshi (deceased) of the Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do Seidokan Kyokai. The secondary main influence is the Karate of Toma Shian Hanshi of the Okinawa Seidokan Karate Kobudo Renmei. The lessor influence, especially as it relates to our kihon waza (basic techniques), is from the Shurite/Tomarite elements contained within Nihon (Japanese) Karate-Do. Thus, Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do does not simply translate into Seidokan Karate-Do or vise versa. While they have much in common, especially as it relates to kata embusen, they are not synonymous with one another.
12-05-09 Dentokan Karate and Kobudo Association of Zambia held the newly introduced annual event at Andrews Motel on Saturday 05th December 2009.
Full results were as follows:
Senior Mens Kumite
Champion - Kuzwayo Zulu Green Buffaloes
1st Runner up - Nicolas Nkhuwa Power Team
2nd Runner up - Kelvin Yamboto Barclays Bank
Senior Ladies Kumite
Champion - Susan Namainga Buffaloes
1st Runner up - Yamika Banda Budo arts
2nd Runner up - Marjorie Nkonde MCKA
Junior Mens Kumite
Champion - Stanley Kamwengo African Directions
1st Runner up - Ellis Willis MCKA
2nd Runner up - Fredrick Chisala YMCA Libala
Senior Mens Empty Hand Kata
Champion - Mukosa Kelly Buffaloes
1st Runner up - Isaac Banda Chelstone
2nd Runner up - Nicolas Nkhuwa Power Team
Senior Ladies Empty Hand Kata
Champion - Susan Namainga Buffaloes
1st Runner up - Astrida Willombe Budo Arts
2nd Runner up - Yamika Banda Budo Arts
Junior Mens Empty Hand Kata
Champion - Steven Sinkala African Direction
1st Runner up - Ellis Willis MCKA
2nd Runner up - Mwewa Tanga Power Team
Weapons Kata
Champion - Isaac Banda Chelstone
1st Runner up - George Chiyayika YMCA Libala
2nd Runner up - Susan Namainga Buffaloes
Under 17s Kata
Champion - Loyd Siluyele Kuku
1st Runner up - Chimunya Ndambo Kuku
2nd Runner up - Aswel Phiri Kuku
Under 17s Kumite
Champion - Dabwiso Mwale Budo Arts
1st Runner up - Aswel Phiri Kuku
2nd Runner up - Loyd Siluyele Kuku
Junuior Ladies kata and kumite,Flavia had no march.
Best Karate-ka Bonar Noble Award
Under 17 Loyd Siluyele Kuku
Junior Ladies Flavia Mulongo Buffaloes
Junior Men Ellis Willis MCKA
Senior Ladies Susan Namainga Buffaloes
Senior Men Nicolas Nkhuwa Power Team
Senior most Bonar Noble was honored as Zambia Martial Arts Pioneer and Visionary.
Young adao De Assis was one of the two under 17 yrs that convincingly did
weapon against senior ladies and men.
All dentokan clubs were represented....This included teams from Lusaka,
MCKA Mazabuka, and Abdallah's Livingstone team.
Compiled by,
Moodlee Chola
Tournament Organizing Secretary -Dentokan
11-18-09 For those interested, Renshi Andy Bryant of the Indianapolis Denbukan recently had an article published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts (JAMA). Andy has been instrumental in helping us to improve and expand our Iaijutsu program.
http://journalofasianmartialarts.com/cms2/journal-issues/2877.html
Anyone interested can usually find JAMA at Borders or Barnes & Noble. JAMA is an excellent, scholarly magazine and well worth the price.
10-12-09 We are pleased to announce the following appointments: Eric Johnstone to the position of Special Advisor for Dentokan East Coast Operations & Andy Bryant to the position of Special Advisor for Dentokan Mid-West Operations. These gentlemen, along with Robin Ramirez, Special Advisor for Dentokan West Coast Operations, will be assisting Col Hobbs and Dr. Nemeth with the ongoing growth of the Dentokan within the U.S.A.
10-10-09 Special Announcement: Dr. Mike Nemeth has been appointed the President of the U.S. Dentokan National Federation. Col Hobbs will step down from this position, so as to better manage the larger worldwide Dentokan family. Mike has been a 40 year friend and student of Sensei Hobbs, having grown up together and trained together from the very early years until today. A sincere thanks to Dr. Nemeth for taking this on.
09-28-09 The latest iteration of the Dentokan Aikijujutsu Instructors' series of courses took place at the Bakersfield Budokan on September 25 & 27, with the main focus being the reviewing of Shihan Gi and the initial teaching of Kaiden Gi. Also, during the evening of September 25, Sensei Hobbs took the opportunity to teach and correct the kata of Dentokan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do for the Goju-Ryu practitioners in attendance. Promotions resulting from the seminar were as follows:
Dr. Mike Nemeth - 6th Dan & Shihan of Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Erik Johnstone - 6th Dan & Shihan of Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Andy Bryant - 6th Dan & Shihan of Dentokan Aikijujutsu (Awarded in his absence: Kaiden Gi having been taught on two separate occasions, with a high degree of proficiency demonstrated prior to the seminar)
Robin Ramirez - 5th Dan & Shihan of Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Bill Henderson - 5th Dan & Shihan of Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Brandon Ream - 4th Dan of Dentokan Aikijujutsu, and 2nd Dan of Dentokan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do
Scott Kays - 3rd Dan of Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Rev. Miguel Jurna - 1st Dan of Dentokan Aikijujutsu, and 1st Dan of Dentokan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do
Jesus Fernandez - 1st Dan of Dentokan Aikijujutsu
On September 26 all of the seminar attendees took part in the 2009 KoKoDo Jujutsu Taikai, which was taught by Sensei Hobbs' long time friend and teacher, Soke Yasuhiro Irie. It was truly wonderful to train with Soke Irie again. Everyone expressed many thanks for holding the two seminars at the same location, making it possible to attend both events.
Please go to the links to enjoy two pictures from the event: 2009Bakersfield.jpg, 2009Bakersfield2.jpg
A special thank you to Robin and Brandon for holding the event at the Bakersfield Budokan. As always, the organization was absolutely superb. Lastly, a special thank you to Lloyd Allum who traveled from the U.K. to help with the teaching of Kaiden Gi.
09-07-09 Sensei Hobbs again visited his many students and friends in Turkiye/Turkey. The visit was organized by Adnan Safak Yuksel, Hanshi. Sensei and Diane stayed with Sensei Yuksel and his lovely family during the visit. Emine, Safak's wife, worked very hard during the visit and her efforts are very muched appreciated. Other long time friends who were of endless service and assistance were Celali, Sami, and Gurhan. During the visit Sensei Hobbs and Diane had the wonderful opportunity of visiting various sights throughout Turikye, to include: Gelibolu/Gallipoli, Canakkale, Troy, Pergamum, Assos, Ayvalik, Bodrum, Izmir, and Ephesus. Sensei Hobbs highly recommends anyone looking for a great vacation spot, to visit Turkiye. The historical sights are awesome, the beaches are wonderful, and the people endlessly friendly.
A Jujutsu course was also held during the visit. Aside from the attendance by many of our more senior Turkish students, there were also delegations from Liechtenstein (Christian Bazdaric & Metin Kayar) and Iran. (headed by Dr. Nasrollah Kakavand) Please see the attached picture from the seminar:
2009Turkey.jpg
08-05-09 We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Charles Gallacher as the Representative for Dentokan Aikijujutsu in Scotland. Sensei Gallacher has been a Dentokan member since 2007, and came to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Jujutsu, Judo, and Aikido. His last grading was to Rokudan & Shihan in Yoshin-Ryu Jujutsu. A hearty Dentokan family congratulations to Sensei Gallacher on his appointment.
07-31-09 Our annual Dentokan seminar was held on the grounds of Moulton College, Moulton, Nothampton, England from 15 July through 19 July 2009. Seventeen nationalities were represented at this year's event, to include a significant delegation from Zambia. This year's event truly set a benchmark for organizational excellence under the leadership and hard work of Eddie Cinquini, Neil Malpas, and Jo Marshall. This was a truly special event for Col Hobbs as it brought together many of the original students of Col Hobbs from the original Ipswich Aikijujutsu dojo he established back in 1983, when he was a Captain stationed at RAF Benwaters. This year's program would not have been possible without the assistance of the many seniors who helped with the teaching duties. A big thank you to each and everyone of you.
Senior level testing & promotions were as follows:
Dr. Stephen Chan, Kudan & Hanshi, Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do
Richard Pearman, Hachidan & Kaiden, Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Reg Siger, Hachidan & Kaiden, Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Wycliffe Mushipi, Shichidan & Kyoshi, Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do
Barry Vigrass, Rokudan & Shihan, Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Arthur Humphreys, Rokudan & Shihan, Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Steve Webb, Rokudan & Shihan, Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Paul Prentice, Rokudan & Shihan, Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Sian Horn, Rokudan & Shihan, Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Dr. Steve Taplin, Godan & Renshi, Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do
Moodlee Chola, Godan & Renshi, Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do
Lytton Zulu, Godan & Renshi, Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do
Bill Pelton, Godan & Shihan, Dentokan Aikijujutsu
Martin Scott, Godan & Shihan, Dentokan Aikijujutsu
As everyone knows we're skipping next year's seminar so as many people as possible can attend the All Japan Budo Federation's Budosai in Kyoto, Japan. But, we are already looking forward to 2011 in Canterbury, England. The Canterbury event will largely focus on Dentokan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do and Dentokan Iaijutsu.
06-20-09 Due to scheduling conflicts our Dentokan annual international seminars have been reshuffled
as follows:
2009 Northampton, England
2010 All Japan Budo Federation - Nippon Seibukan Budosai, Kyoto, Japan
2011 Canterbury, England
2012 Bakersfield, California, USA
2013 Belfast, Northern Ireland
06-15-09 On the 13th Sensei Hobbs took part in the 30 year anniversary of the establishment of Sensei Bill Stockey's Shoshinkan dojo in Quincy, IL. Other guest instructors included Sensei Mike Sadler and Sensei George Parulski. Sensei Hobbs taught two sessions on Karate Kumite, with emphasis on footwork, bodyturning, proper hip rotation for power generation, and specialized parrying techniques for quick response to an opponent's attack.
05-30-09 Today Scott Kays visited Sensei Hobbs for training and testing. Sensei Kays oversees his Azamikan Dojo in Frankfort, Indiana. The day was spent with Sensei Kays performing all of the Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do kata, to include the weapons kata. Sensei Hobbs observed, evaluated, and corrected Scott's kata after each kata was performed. Scott performed exceptionally well, and at the end of the session was promoted to Yondan. Congratulations Scott! Also, for everyone's information, Sensei Kays' Azamikan Dojo has been added as a link on our Links Page.
05-09-09 Sensei Hobbs was recently featured in the Spanish martial arts magazine "Budoka".
Click to view pictures:
pic1 ,
pic2 ,
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05-04-09 Sensei Hobbs has returned from teaching the latest in the series of Dentokan Aikijujutsu instructor courses in the United States. The latest course took place at the Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts Center of Erik Johnstone and Mark Spear in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Experienced Aikijujutsu teachers in attendance were Andy Bryant (Indiana), Erik Johnstone (Connecticut/Rhode Island), Dr. Michael Nemeth (Virginia), Robin Ramirez (California), Bill Henderson (California), and Mike Holmes (North Carolina). The course centered around the teaching of Shihan Gi, but also included instruction on the underlying principles contained within the formal kata, and a review of Shodan through Yondan Gi. Promotions were presented at the end of the course, with the most notable being Dr. Nemeth and Sensei Johnstone achieving Shihan-Godan. A hearty congratulations to Mike and Erik!
Group picture from the event:
2009Connecticut.jpg
04-20-09 The Dentokan Hombu was recently visited by Lt Col Tony Willis. Sensei Willis is Anyu Shinjo's senior most student and representative in the United States. Sensei Shinjo's Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Goykan is a traditional Goju-Ryu Karate group which follows the teachings of the late Eichi Miyazato. Sensei Willis and Sensei Hobbs are long time friends, and this again gave them several days to practice and exchange their ideas as related to traditional Goju-Ryu Karate. Sensei Willis was a tremendous help to Sensei Hobbs in converting his modified Toguchi method of Goju-Ryu kata to that taught by Sensei Miyazato.
03-26-09 Video clips of the Goju-Ryu Karate kata have been added to the kata portion of this website. These clips were originally recorded at Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland in the 1990s. At that time Hobbs Sensei practiced and taught a modified version of the Toguchi method of Goju-Ryu Karate. Since that time we have shifted to the Miyazato method of Goju-Ryu Karate. While the embusen (patterns) are essentially the same, there are nuance differences.
03-25-09 Many of you have probably noticed a lot of activity occuring on the Dentokan Hombu website. This is largely due to the efforts of our new Webmaster, Per Hagstrom. Per lives in the United States, but was born and raised in Sweden. He immigrated to the United States approximately ten years ago. Per is a direct student of Hobbs Sensei, who he trains regularly with in O'Fallon, Illinois.
03-18-09 Ben Haryo, our Dentokan Representative in Indonesia, just recently hosted Dr. Andy Roosen for a visit. As most of you know Andy is the President of the Solomon Islands Dentokan National Federation and the Director of Dentokan Operations in Oceania. Ben was kind enough to have written an article about Andy's visit. Please click here: andy_visit.doc
03-15-09 Col Hobbs has been appointed the Director of the World Bodyguard & Security Advisor Confederation (WBSAC), U.S.A. Branch.
03-07-09 Col Hobbs has been awarded the "Intercontinental Operative Protection Medal" by the World Bodyguard & Security Advisor Confederation in recognition of his contributions to the security management community.
01-27-09 The first
ever instructors only Dentokan Aikijujutsu course was held on
the grounds of the Gedatsu Church (Senkakukai Dojo) in
Sacramento, California. It was a three day course
(24-26 January 2009). The course consisted of the in depth
study and practice of Shodan Gi, Nidan Gi, Sandan Gi, and Yondan
Gi. At the conclusion of the course various Dan grades were
issued based upon experience, technical expertise, and fighting
spirit. Those in attendance (in no particular order) were Dr.
Michael P. Nemeth from Virginia, Erik A. Johnstone from
Connecticut/Rhode Island, Robin Ramirez from southern
California, Brandon Ream from southern California,
Bill Henderson from northern California, and Phoenix Torres from
northern California. Sensei Bill Henderson was the course
organizer and did a fantastic job. The next instructors course
for this core group will be held in Connecticut/Rhode Island in
the late spring or early summer. Sensei Erik Johnstone will be
hosting that event, with details to follow.
01-08-09 Welcome back Mike
Jones Sensei to the Dentokan!
01-07-09 Col Hobbs has
resigned from the International Bodyguard Association (IBA).
12-21-08 Col Hobbs has been awarded the "Euro-American Cross for Security Training" by the Euro-American Technical Center for Security Trianing in recognition of his contributions to the field of security training.
12-11-08 Dr.
Michael P. Nemeth, who is a very long time friend of Hobbs
Sensei, visited the Dentokan Hombu for several days. Dr. Nemeth
and Hobbs Sensei spent many hours working the higher levels of
Dentokan Jujutsu and Goju-Ryu Karate. Andy Bryant and Scott
Kays, from Indianapolis, Indiana were also here this past
weekend for Jujutsu training. Scott also spent some time having
his Shorin-Ryu Karate kata reviewed by Hobbs Sensei. It was
noted that Scott has very significantly improved from his last
visit. Andy performed up to his usual high standard as well.
All are already looking forward to the next training session.
11-24-08 Tony
Willis recently visited the Dentokan Hombu for several days.
Willis Sensei, as most of you know, is the US Representative for
Shinjo Anyu Hanshi's Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Goyukan. Shinjo
Sensei was a direct student of Miyazato Eichi, at the Jundokan,
for many years. Willis Sensei has been a tremendous help to us
as we've converted our Goju-Ryu kata from the Toguchi Sensei
method to that of Miyazato Sensei. A big thank you to Willis
Sensei! We're already looking forward to his next visit.
11-16-08 Please visit
www.alljapanbudofederation.com
10-12-08 Col Hobbs spent the weekend of 3 & 4 October
teaching another Aikijutsu/Jujutsu course at the Bakersfield
Budokan dojo of Robin Ramirez and Brandon Ream. It was a
long, but fruitful weekend as we had the opportunity to work
on the underlying principles and concepts of our unique
Aikijutsu/Jujutsu style. Bill Henderson of Folsom,
California was also in attendance. Bill, Robin, and Brandon
are our three Dentokan Aikijutsu/Jujutsu stalwarts along the
west coast of the United States.
10-01-08 Tony Hammersley has been appointed the
Dentokan Representative for New Zealand. Tony is a Dentokan
Aikijutsu/Jujutsu yudansha who received his training while
living in England, as part of the large Dentokan Aikijutsu/Jujutsu
contingent in the Ipswich area. Tony’s appointment was the
result of a recommendation by Brian Rogers, Kaiden of
Dentokan Aikijutsu/Jujutsu. Col Hobbs and Dr. Chan
wholeheartedly concurred. Dr. Andy Roosen, Director of
Dentokan Operations in Oceania, will guide Tony in his
duties.
09-30-08 Dr. Andy Roosen,
the Dentokan National President for the Solomon Islands, has
been appointed the Director of Dentokan Operations in
Oceania. Oceania includes the following Australia, Papua New
Guinea, New Zealand, Timor-Leste, Fiji, Solomon Islands,
French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Samoa, Guam,
Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga, Kiribati, Northern
Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Palau,
Wallis and Futuna, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Nauru, Norfolk
Island, Niue, Tokelau, and Pitcairn Islands. This is a huge
responsibility, but both Col Hobbs and Dr. Chan know Andy is
up to the challenge.
08-20-08 There
has been a slight scheduling change to the next several
Sekai Dentokan Annual Seminars & Conferences. Please see
below:
2009 - Northampton, England
2010 - Canterbury, England
2011 - Belfast, Northern Ireland
2012 - U.S.A.,
Bakersfield California
08-08-08 This
past weekend Hobbs Sensei taught a two-day Dentokan
Aikijujutsu seminar at the Black Bear Traditional Martial
Arts Center (BBTMAC), Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Mark Spear
and Erik Johnstone were wonderful hosts, and their
hospitality is very much appreciated. The course itself
went wonderfully well with those in attendance having the
opportunity to go through both Shodan and Nidan Gi.
Additionally, they were given glimces of Sandan, Shihan, and
Kaiden Gi. Hobbs Sensei was ably assisted by Dr. Michael P.
Nemeth of NASA fame, who is a Sandan in Dentokan Aikijujutsu
as well as being a Shichidan-Kyoshi in Shorin-Ryu Karate.
The Aikido and Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu background of Johnstone
Sensei made him a quick study, which culminated in the BBTMAC
being accepted as a Dentokan member dojo. We were also
fortunate to have the opportunity of meeting and training
with Adrian Smith Sensei who has an extensive background in
Aikido. He, like Johnstone Sensei, took to Dentokan
Aikijujutsu like a duck to water. Thus, it is with great
pleasure that we announce Smith Sensei as a full fledge
member of the Dentokan. Discussions have already begun
regarding future Dentokan seminars at the BBTMAC, as well as
planned visits of Johnstone Sensei to train with Hobbs
Sensei in O'Fallon.
07-19-08 Andy Bryant and
Scott Kays visited the Hombu for over five hours of training
in Shorin-Ryu Karate, Goju-Ryu Karate, Aiki Jujutsu, and
Iaijutsu. The training went exceptionally well, and both
Andy and Scott are actively teaching Dentokan Martial Arts
in their respective dojos. While Andy's dojo has been a
Dentokan member for some time, Scott's dojo "officially"
affiliated just recently. We offer our thanks to these two
fine martial artists for representing the Dentokan in
Indiana.
07-12-08 The
Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts Center (BBTMAC) /
Shindokan Dojo is hosting Hobbs Sensei on August 2 & 3
(Saturday & Sunday) for a Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu course. The
BBTMAC/Shindokan Dojo is located at 163 South Broad Street
(Route 1), Pawcatuck, Conneticut. For complete details
please contact Johnstone Sensei at
eajohnstone@cox.net
as soon as possible. There will be other senior Dentokan
instructors present as well, with one of the most notable
being Dr. Michael P. Nemeth.
07-02-08 Dentokan Goju-Ryu Karate kata changes:
Following recent discussions with the Dentokan senior
Goju-Ryu Karate practitioners in Alanya, it's been agreed
that we will shift our Goju-Ryu kata practice and teachings
to bring them more in alignment with the kata as practiced
within the World Karate Federation (WKF). This decision was
made because many Dentokan Karateka compete internationally
utilizing the Goju-Ryu Shitei and Tokui kata as outlined in
the WKF competition rules and regulations. It was becoming
an undue burden on these fine athletes, to require them to
learn two slightly different kata sets for competition and
promotions. There will be no changes in the Shorin-Ryu
Karate kata as taught within the Dentokan.
07-01-08 This year's
annual seminar and conference in Alanya, Turkey was
absolutely outstanding. Safak Sensei has set the standard
for everyone else to meet in the future. The accommodations
and training area at the Blue Star Hotel were wonderful.
Attendees included Dentokan members from England, Italy,
Liechtenstein, Norway, Slovenia, the Solomon Islands, Turkey, and the
United States. There were a number of highlights this year.
Among them the attendance by Dr. Nasrollah Kakavand from
Iran. Following discussions and the completion of training,
Dr. Kakavand was established as the Dentokan National
President for Iran. We also had some senior gradings as
follows: Lloyd Allum (Shichidan, Kokamishin-Ryu Jujutsu),
Brian Rogers (Rokudan, Kokamishin-Ryu Jujutsu), Andy Roosen
(Godan, Shorin-Ryu Karate), David Cook (Yondan,
Kokamishin-Ryu Jujutsu), and Alison Nyoni (Yondan,
Shorin-Ryu Karate). We're all looking forward to next year's
annual seminar and conference in Northampton, England.
05-27-08 Bill Henderson
from Folsom, California visited the Hombu this past Memorial
Day weekend for some extensive, and intense, Jujutsu
training. Bill and Sensei Hobbs trained nine-plus hours
together over two days. Anyone familiar with Dentokan
Jujutsu knows that's an accomplishment in itself. Bill, who
has an Aikido background, performed exceptionally well. He
now heads a Dentokan Jujutsu study group in the Sacramento
area. We look forward to many more training sessions with
Bill and his group.
04-22-08 Andy Bryant and Scott Kays visited Hobbs
Sensei this past weekend. Training consisted of
approximately four hours of Jujutsu and Karate training.
Both Andy and Scott are doing exceptionally well, and marked
improvement was noted in their technique. Andy operates a
Dentokan dojo in Indianapolis, and Scott operates a Dentokan
dojo in Frankfort, Indiana. Future visits are already
planned.
04-21-08 Erik Johnstone, upon the recommendation of
Robin Ramirez, has become a part of our Dentokan family.
Johnstone Sensei is very well versed in the sword, and has
substantial experience in Aikijutsu/Aikido as well. He
resides in Rhode Island, and there are plans to conduct a
seminar at his soon to open dojo in Connecticut. Plans are
to have the seminar the first week in August. Details to
follow as we get closer to the date.
04-20-08 Donnie Hayhurst, an old Seidokan friend of
Hobbs Sensei, has become a part of our Dentokan family.
Hayhurst Sensei is a multi-talented martial artist who will
bring much to the Dentokan. His contact information can be
found on the Shihans page.
04-18-08 We now have our
first Dentokan dojo in Botswana (Southern Africa). The dojo
is run by Gondo Gondo, a student of Douglas Chivandire.
Gondo is now considered our Country Representative for
Botswana, under the guidance of Douglas Chivandre of
Zimbabwe, as his direct teacher. With the addition of
Gondo's dojo, we now have African dojos in Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Botswana, and South Africa.
01-03-08
9th Annual Dentokan Seminar & Conference, 12-15 June 2008,
Blue Star Hotel, Alanya, Turkiye / Turkey:
Click Here for more info
11-06-07 The 9th Annual Dentokan Seminar & Conference
location has changed from Izmir, Turkey to Alanya, Turkey.
Alanya is a very nice tourist/resort area of Turkey, by the
sea. This is definitely one of those times to plan a
vacation along with the scheduled training. Safak Sensei is
working hard to make this another wonderful event. The event
is planned for 12-15 June 2008. Details will be forthcoming
soon, to include resort information.
10-24-07 It is with great
sorrow that we announce the passing of Seiki Toma,
Headmaster of the Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do Seidokan
Kyokai. Sensei Toma was a teacher and close friend of
Seikichi Odo. He will be missed.
10-08-07
Sensei Hobbs was hosted by Robin Ramirez and Brandon Ream,
Co-Directors of the Bakersfield Budokan, to teach Dentokan
Goju-Ryu Karate-Do and Dentokan Jujutsu/Aikijutsu, from 26
Sep 07 to 29 Sep 07. Rev Miguel Jurna traveled from
Northern California to take part in the event. The several
days of instruction were culminated with a full-day
Aikijutsu seminar on Saturday, with a large number of
participants coming from out of town. Robin and Brandon did
a super job in organizing the event, and they're new
expansive dojo is really something to see. It's a very
traditional dojo where a wide variety of traditional
Japanese and Okinawan martial arts are taught. It really
sets the standard for all of us.
07-23-07 Robin Ramirez and Brandon Ream, from the Bakersfield Budokan,
Bakersfield, California visited the Dentokan Hombu for
several days of training. Subjects covered included
Shorin-Ryu Karate, Goju-Ryu Karate, and Aiki Jujutsu. There
was also some mutual exchange of Iaido/Iaijutsu techniques.
Finally, discussions were held regarding the upcoming
September 25-30 visit of Sensei Hobbs to Bakersfield. It
was a fun time for all, especially the six straight hours of
Aiki Jujutsu on Saturday.
06-18-07 The Dentokan annual international seminar
and conference schedule is as follows:
2008 Izmir, Turkey
2009 Northampton, England
2010 Belfast, Northern Ireland
2011 Canterbury, England
2012 St Louis, USA
06-15-07 Our annual Dentokan seminar held in Athens,
Greece was a hugh success. Eleven nationalities were
represented at this year's event, and this is a good
indication of how the Dentokan is spreading throughout the
world. A special thanks to Nikos Theodorou for his
outstanding organizational ability in putting this year's
event together. Special thanks also to all the seniors who
helped with the teaching duties. It would have been really
tough to have done it without your help.
Senior level testing & promotions were as follows:
Brian Rogers, Hachidan & Kaiden, Dentokan Jujutsu /
Aikijutsu
Chris Spencer-Hicks, Hachidan & Kaiden, Dentokan
Jujutsu / Aikijutsu
Nigel Goodier, Hachidan & Kaiden, Dentokan Jujutsu /
Aikijutsu
Giles Chamberlin, Shichidan & Kaiden, Dentokan
Jujutsu / Aikijutsu
Lloyd Allum, Shichidan & Kaiden, Dentokan Jujutsu /
Aikijutsu
Jan Pawlowicz, Rokudan & Shihan, Dentokan Jujutsu /
Aikijutsu
Martin Rice, Rokudan & Kyoshi, Dentokan Shorin-Ryu
Karate-Do
Thanks to all who attended and look forward to seeing you
all again in Izmir, Turkey next year.
06-01-07 This spring the
Dentokan Hombu has had multiple visits from Brandon Ream of
the Bakersfield Budokan, and Andy Bryant of the Indianapolis
Budokan. Brandon concentrated on both Shorin-Ryu and
Goju-Ryu Karate. Andy concentrated on Dentokan Jujutsu. Much
was accomplished, and future visits are planned.
03-05-07 The
plans for the Dentokan Annual International Conference &
Seminar are complete. The seminar events will be held at
the Olympic Stadium of Athens, which is a short commute by
train from the city center, and the President Hotel Events
Hall, Athens. A brief outline of the seminar schedule
follows:
Wednesday/6 June/6-9 PM,
Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate
Thursday/7 June/6-9 PM,
Dentokan Kobujutsu
Friday/8 June/6-9 PM,
Dentokan Kobujutsu
Saturday/9 June/10 AM -
6:30 PM, Dentokan Jujutsu
Sunday/10 June/10 AM - 6:30
PM, Dentokan Iaijutsu
For more information please
contact the program organizer as follows:
Nikos Theodorou, President
of the Greek National Dentokan Federation
Irodou Attikou 12a
151 24 Marousi
Athens, Greece
E-Mail:
ntheodor@konkat.gr or
ntheodor@paostadium.gr
Website:
www.geocities.com/dentokan_hellas
Telephone: +30 2108093773
Mobile: +30 6937171452
Aside from some great training,
the tourist and social events should keep everyone very busy
and entertained.
02-02-07 Sensei Mike Jones, a
Dentokan member for approximately six years, has formed his own Kai. It is
called Gokenkai International and it can be found on our links page. This move
was accomplished with the approval and support of Col Hobbs. We wish Mike the
very best in his new endeavors and fully expect to continue our fine working
relationship.
12-05-06 Brandon Ream from the Bakersfield Budokan, Bakersfield, CA
recently visited and trained at the Dentokan Hombu for several days. The
training included Shorinryu Karate, Gojuryu Karate, Okinawa Kobujutsu, and
Dentokan Jujutsu. It was also during Brandon's visit that the Bakersfield
Budokan became a full member dojo of the Dentokan. Note: The Bakersfield
Budokan is jointly directed by Brandon and Robin Ramirez, another long time
friend of Sensei Hobbs.
10-03-06
Sensei Hobbs just returned from another absolutely
wonderful visit to Turkiye. This time he was in Alanya,
along the Mediterranean Sea, in the southwestern part of
the country. The visit was sponsored by Adnan Safak
Yuksel, a long time student of Sensei Hobbs, who is a
very accomplished teacher of Karate (both Shorin-Ryu and
Goju-Ryu), Kobudo/Kobujutsu, Jujutsu, and Iaijutsu. As
always Sensei Hobbs was very impressed with the high
degree of technical expertise demonstrated by our
Turkish Dentokan members. It is a testiment to the hard
work of Sensei Yuksel. The visit included a day of
one-on-one work with Safak on Goju-Ryu Karate bunkai and
Kaiden waza of Dentokan Jujutsu. The culmination of the
visit included seminars on Dentokan Jujutsu and
Dento-Shoshin-Ryu Iaijutsu. All the participants
thoroughly enjoyed the course and plans have already
begun for a return visit. A big thanks to Safak, his
family, students, and friends for all there hard work in
putting this visit together. As always the hospitality
was the very best.
07-21-06 The
Indianapolis Budokan dojo, under the guidance of Sensei
Andy Bryant, has become a part of the Dentokan family.
Andy and his students are excellent sword practitioners
and are a welcome addition to our family. Andy and his
students will be studying both Iaijutsu and Jujutsu with
us. For information on the Indianapolis Budokan go to
their website:
www.indybudokan.com
07-18-06 Sensei
Hobbs taught jujutsu and iaijutsu at the Indianapolis
Budokan this past weekend. It was a most enjoyable
event, with opportuntities to visit old friends and make
new ones. A big thank you to Andy Bryant for organizing
the event
06-26-06 The weekend
of 23-24 June Sensei Hobbs conducted a Karate and
Jujutsu course at the Bakersfield Budokan in
Bakersfield, California. The course went very well and
everyone had an enjoyable time. Sensei Hobbs was
especially happy to see old friends like Juan Carbajal
and Robin Ramirez. Brandon Ream was a gracious host and
Sensei Hobbs extends his sincere thanks to everyone for
a very pleasant weekend.
4-26-06 Thanks to Dr. Chan's efforts in South Africa, Mr.
Henry Paulse has started a Dentokan affiliated kobudo/Kobujutsu
group. It's officially called the South African Dentokan
Kobujutsu Association. We look forward to working with Sensei
Paulse.
4-16-06 Following the Lusaka event Col Hobbs and Dr. Chan
traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe and conducted a three-day course
there. Thanks to the organizational efforts of Godwin Murambiwa,
the Harare event was also an outstanding success. The
hospitality shown during our visit to Zimbabwe was most
excellent. Fradson Shavi's leadership, assisted by the other
seniors there, has built a strong Dentokan following in Zimbabwe
and is highly commendable. Testing was held the last day of the
course. Senior Shorinryu Karate promotions awarded were as
follows: Fradson Shavi - Rokudan & Kyoshi, Douglas Chivandire -
Godan & Renshi, Paul Danisa - Godan & Renshi, and Angelo
Hlatywayo - Godan & Renshi.
4-16-06 The
7th Annual Dentokan International Conference & Seminar held in
Lusaka, Zambia was a tremendous success. Col Hobbs wishes to
thank Mr. Bonar Noble for his kind hospitality and sponsorship,
as well as Mr. Lytton Zulu for all of his organizational efforts
which resulted in the event coming off without a single misstep.
Many thanks must also go out to Dr. Stephen Chan, Chris
Spencer-Hicks, and Martin Rice for assisting with the teaching
duties during the five-day course. We also wish to convey a
special thanks to Judy Makukisi for arranging the VIP treatment
at the airport. It was very much appreciated. All participants
worked extremely hard and deserve a hearty well done. Testing
was held the last day of the course. Senior Shorinryu Karate
promotions awarded were as follows: Mr. Bonar Noble - Hachidan &
Hanshi, Raymond Mbazima - Shichidan & Kyoshi, and Lytton Zulu -
Yondan & Shihan. Mr. Noble was also appointed the Official
Dentokan Representative for Zambia.
3-21-06
"Sensei Hobbs just completed a very successful three day (17-19
March 2006) seminar at Rudy Crosswell's Arizona Budokan dojo in
Phoenix, Arizona. Topics covered included Jujutsu,
Kobudo/Kobujutsu, and Karate Kata and associated Bunkai. Sensei
Hobbs and Sensei Crosswell are old friends and were both members
of Shogo Kuniba's Seishinkai back in the 1960's and 70's.
Sensei Crosswell is one of the most knowledgeable and respected
Shito-Ryu and Kobudo teachers in the world. Participants came
from as far away as Philadelphia. Sensei Hobbs enjoyed the
opportunity of training with old and new friends."
12-28-05 We
are very pleased to announce that Trisno Kuswanto (Khu Chen
Yong) of Jakarta, Indonesia has graciously accepted the position
of Dentokan Special Advisor for the Chinese-Indonesian Martial
Art of Kuntao (Kung Fu). Sifu Kuswanto is a respected and
accomplished teacher of his family's Kuntao style known as
"Kuntao Macan" (Tiger Kuntao). Thank you Sifu Kuswanto for
sharing your knowledge of the historical, philosophical, and
technical aspects of Chinese-Indonesian Kuntao. Welcome to our
worldwide Dentokan family.
12-24-05 The
7th Annual Dentokan International Conference & Seminar is in the
final planning stages. This year's event is being held at the
Judo Hall in Lusaka, Zambia, 1-5 April 2006. The primary course
coordinator is Lytton K. Zulu who can be contacted at
lkzulu@cropserve.co.zm
should additional information be needed. The course outline is
as follows:
Day 1 -
Shorinryu Karate kata review up to Yondan
Day 2 - Gojuryu
Karate kata review up to Shodan
Day 3 - Dentokan
Jujutsu/Aikijutsu review up to Nidan
Day 4 -
Kobujutsu/Bojutsu kata review and teaching of new bo kata
Day 5 - Open
(Review and/or teach new material, at the discretion of Hobbs
Sensei)
There are also
some tourist events planned that should be great fun for all.
A big thanks to
Lytton and all the other Dentokan seniors who have worked so
hard to bring this event together.
12-05-05 From
our very active brothers and sisters in Indonesia: On Friday,
December 2nd 2005, the Goshinbudo Jujutsu Indonesia Club is
proud to announce that Mr. Khu Chen Yong (Trisno Kuswanto) has
been appointed as Club President. He has received promotion to
4th Kyu (Blue Belt) from Mr. Taman (JKF-Wadokai Nanadan Renshi)
and 3rd Kyu (Purple Belt) in Dentokan Jujutsu under Ben Haryo.
He is now working towards achieving black belts in both arts.
Mr. Khu Chen Yong is also Kuntao (Kung Fu) stylist from his
family line. He is 3rd Generation Chinese-Indonesian living in
Jakarta, Indonesia. His family descended from Fuijan, South
China, and settled in Indonesia in the 50s. Goshinbudo Jujutsu
Indonesia Club is the only representative club of Dentokan
Jujutsu in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Ben Haryo, the Founder
and Chief Instructor of this club, is the first Dentokan Jujutsu
black belt in Indonesia. Mr. Khu Chen Yong promised that within
his tenure he will work towards achieving government recognition
for Jujutsu. Even though Jujutsu in Indonesia has a long
history (oldest recorded Jujutsu dojo was a located in Java in
1908, founded by a Mr. Watanabe Atsuki), to this day the
Indonesian Government has not recognized Jujutsu as a martial
art. Government recognitions have been granted to other foreign
arts such as Judo in the 50s, Karate and Aikido in the 70s, Tae
Kwon Do in the 80s, and Wushu in the 90s. Mr. Khu Chen Yong has
previously been successful in making Dentokan Jujutsu an
official extracurricular activity in Universitas Indonusa Esa
Unggul, a prestigious private University in Jakarta.
08-07-05 Mark and
Peter Braggins were promoted to Yondan & Shihan in Dentokan
Shorin-Ryu Karate at the recent international
conference/seminar in Turkey. A hearty congratulations to
the both of them!
07-31-05 Our Sixth
Annual International Conference & Seminar in Izmir, Turkiye
was a tremendous success. Adnan Safak Yuksel Sensei's
organization made for a virtually flawless event. The
hospitality of the Turkish people was absolutely
outstanding. Many thanks to the Izmir Police Academy
Commandant for allowing us to use the Academy's facilities
for this year's event. Future plans were discussed and
finalized for next year's conference/seminar in Africa, 2007
in Greece, and 2008 again in Turkiye. Of particular note
was the decision to include an international Dentokan
tournament as part of our activities during the 2008 event.
Initially we plan to include a tournament, as part of our
conference activities, every other year. More information
to follow on this important step forward. Finally, it
should be noted that Adnan Safak Yuksel was promoted to
Shichidan in Karate and Rokudan in Jujutsu. He was also
awarded the title of Kyoshi.
02-27-05 Dentokan
Hombu promotions of note for the month of February include
Nigel Goodier to Shichidan & Kaiden in Aikijutsu/Jujutsu.
Promotion occurred at the end of Nigel's recent visit from
England. Also of note was SSgt Jason Gramling's promotion
to Yondan-Shihan in Shorinryu Karate-Do. Jason is now
stationed at Scott Air Force Base and regularly trains under
the guidance of Sensei Hobbs. Congratulations to both Nigel
and Jason.
01-21-05 Welcome to
Ben Haryo and his Goshin Budo Club members in Indonesia.
Ben and his students are now a part of the Dentokan family.
Ben's website can be found on our Links page.
01-16-05 Plans are being
finalized for the 2005 International Dentokan Course. This
year's course is scheduled for July 22-25 in Izmir, Turkiye/Turkey.
The rough outline for the course is Karate on the 22nd,
Jujutsu on the 23rd, Iaijutsu on the 24th, and testing on
the 25th. Adnan Safak Yuksel is the course organizer this
year and he is working on the standard details like hotels,
restaurants, ground transportation, sightseeing, etc.
Safak's contact information is available on the Shihans'
page. For your additional information, the 2006
International Dentokan Course is scheduled for Lusaka,
Zambia, and it looks like it just might be Athens, Greece in
2007.