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.
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.
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.
04-18-05 The
International Bodyguard Association (IBA) will be offering
two bodyguard courses the week of August 1-7, 2005 in the
United States (near Detroit, Michigan). The courses will be
taught by Jim Shortt, the IBA Director-General, ably
assisted by Tom Bermudez, CEO of Blackhawk Protective
Services LLC. Col Hobbs personally vouches for the quality
of the courses. Anyone interested should go to the IBA
North America website at
http://www.ibanagreatlakes.com for full details.
06-01-05 Col Hobbs
was recently appointed the President of the International
Bodyguard Association North America (Great Lakes Bureau).
For more info go to the following link:
http://www.ibanagreatlakes.com/officers.html . The
appointment was made by the IBA Director-General, Jim
Shortt. Col Hobbs is enjoying working with his old friend
(Jim Shortt) again, as well as the IBA North America (Great
Lakes Bureau) Area Director, Tom Bermudez.
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.
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!
08-07-05 Col Hobbs
has been appointed the Senior Combatives Instructor for the
International Law Enforcement Training Association - U.S.A.
Branch.
10-31-05 Col Hobbs,
along with Thomas Bermudez, recently taught the arrest and
restraint portion of the National Institute of Bail
Enforcement's (NIBE) Fugitive Recovery/Bail Enforcement
Agent certification course in Chicago, IL. In addition to
teaching arrest and restraint, Col Hobbs successfully
completed the entire course and received his credentials as
a Certified Fugitive Recovery Agent. The credentials were
presented by Scott Olson, the NIBE's National Director.
11-12-05 The
International Bodyguard Association's (IBA) 2006 series of
courses, scheduled for North America, are now available for
enrollment. Upcoming courses will include the International
Bodyguard Master Class, Defense and Restraint Tactics
(DART), and Management of Suicide Bombers. For complete
information, to include fees and enrollment procedures, go
to the following link:
http://www.ibanagreatlakes.com . Thanks to Thomas
Bermudez, the IBA Area Director, Dentokan members are being
afforded the same discount as military and law enforcement
personnel.
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.
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.
12-28-05 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.
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."
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.
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.
4-26-06 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.
06-12-06
A full array of bodyguard certification courses will be offered
in the U.S.A. this year. Courses are scheduled for 14-21
October in Michigan. For complete information please go to our
links page and click on the IBA North America, Great Lakes
Bureau link. Dentokan members will receive a substantial
discount.
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.
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
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
07-26-06 Sensei
Hobbs will be assisting Jim Shortt and Tom Bermudez with
teaching duties at the upcoming International Bodyguard
Association (IBA) courses in Michigan. The courses are
scheduled for 14-21 October 2006. IBA bodyguard courses
are of the highest quality and seldom offered in the
United States. Course spaces are filling fast, so
act now to reserve your spot. Dentokan members have a
special discounted rate on course fees, and should
contact Tom Bermudez directly at
info@ibanalakes.com. All other interested
parties should go to the following website for complete
information:
www.ibanagreatlakes.com
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.
10-22-06 The International
Bodyguard Association (IBA) courses conducted in
Pontiac, Michigan were a huge success. The
Bodyguard Skills Masterclass covered the history
and role of the bodyguard, the bodyguard team
(organization and function), protective escort
(formations and drills), protective driving
(defensive, evasive, and offensive methods),
communications & electronic
counter-surveillance, improvised explosive
devices (search and recognition), conflict
management (including tactical firearms and
defense & restriant tactics), and para-medicine.
The Threat Management course covered threat/risk
analysis, risk resolution, improvised explosive
device threat management related to suicide
bombings, threat assessment on venues and
events, history and development of suicide
terrorism, vehicle check point portocols &
convoy attacks, and the management of firearms &
edged weapons. The bulk of the instruction was
provided by Jim Shortt (IBA Director General),
with Tom Bermudez (IBA North America Director)
and Roy Hobbs (IBA North America President)
assisting.
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.
01-22-07 Col Hobbs, serving as the Chief Defense & Restraint
Techniques (DART) Instructor for the International Law Enforcement Training
Agency (a division of the International Bodyguard Association), taught two five
hour DART courses to the Security staff at St. Mary's Hospital in Livonia,
Michigan. Contractually the courses were taught under the auspices of Black
Hawk Protective Service LLC, Thomas Bermudez, CEO. Mr. Bermudez performed
duties as the second instructor on the courses, and Scott Costello performed
very well as an apprentice instructor. Approximately twenty security personnel
were trained with many positive comments received on the quality of the
instruction provided. It was a very long, but productive day.
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.
02-19-07 The International
Bodyguard Association (IBA), North America is offering some great courses this
coming May. Dentokan members are being offered a very special reduced tuition
rate. If you are interested please go to the IBA North America website and
follow the course registration directions. The IBA North America website can be
found on our Links page. All IBA courses come highly recommended by Col Hobbs,
especially for those in the security, law enforcement, or military communities,
as well as those who might be interested in pursuing a career in the same.
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
Telephone: +30 2108093773
Mobile: +30 6937171452
Aside from some great training,
the tourist and social events should keep everyone very busy
and entertained.
03-06-07 Col
Hobbs is scheduled to teach a Conflict Management / Defense
And Restraint Tactics (DART) Course in Pontiac, Michigan on
Saturday/12 May 2007. The course will be taught under the
auspices of the International Law Enforcement Training
Agency (ILETA), the sister organization of the International
Bodyguard Association (IBA). Anyone interested in attending
the course should go to the IBA North America website, which
can be found on our Links page.
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.
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.
06-18-07 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
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.
08-22-07 The
International Bodyguard Association is offering a
certification course in the St Louis Metro area. The course
is entitled "The Essential Basic Bodyguard Skills Course,"
and will be taught at the Belleville Indoor Shooting Range,
Belleville, Illinois, 1-4 November 2007. For complete
details go to
http://www.ibanagreatlakes.com . Dentokan members will
receive special discounted tuition rates.
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.
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.
11-05-07 The
International Bodyguard Association (IBA) bodyguard
fundamentals course was a tremendous success. The course was
mostly taught by Tom Bermudez (IBA Deputy Director), because
Col Hobbs (IBA North America President) was due for a
regularly scheduled refresher course. That's one of the
great things about the IBA, it is an organization that takes
training, continuing education, and maintaining skill
currency very seriously. Col Hobbs did teach the Defense And
Restraint Techniques (DART) / Combative portion of the
course. Others of note attending the course were the Deputy
General's Aide-de-Camp (Aaron Swackhammer), also as a
refresher, the owner of the Belleville Indoor Shooting Range
and Police Officer (Steve King), two Dentokan members (Guy
Witt & Jack Murra), and a transplanted South African (Eddie
D'Almeida). The amount of military, security, law
enforcement, and martial arts experience at this course was
truly remarkable. It added so much to the course, and made
it one of the very best ever attended by Col Hobbs. The
venue (Belleville Indoor Shooting Range) was absolutely
outstanding, and for that a hearty thank you goes out to
Steve King. Plans are already being made for future courses
to be held in the St Louis Metro East, and we're hoping
it'll be at the Belleville Indoor Shooting Range.
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.
11-07-07 A new dojo has been accepted for Dentokan
membership: It is Pasquale Albino's school located in
Waterbury, Connecticut. Albino Sensei's address is 41 Laurie
Place, Waterbury, CT 06708, and his dojo's website is
http://www.freewebs.com/japanesekaratecenter . Sensei
Albino's focus, within the Dentokan, will be Jujutsu/Aikijutsu.
01-03-08
9th Annual Dentokan Seminar & Conference, 12-15 June 2008,
Blue Star Hotel, Alanya, Turkiye / Turkey:
Click Here for more info
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.
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.
04-21-08 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.
04-22-08 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.
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.
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.
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.
07-12-08 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.
07-19-08 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.
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.
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. (Exact location is
yet to be determined)
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