Unity 2006 Tournament
Regional Directors and SKA Members have requested information regarding competitor selection for International Events, including SKA's 50 th Anniversary Celebration at “Unity 2006”.
After speaking with Ohshima Sensei and senior members at this year's annual convention, more information has become available.
Members desiring to represent SKA at the international competitions should regularly attend the qualifying events leading to participation in the annual Nisei Week tournament. Additionally, attendance at Shotokan Ohshima Dojo (SOD) and regional jiyu kumite seminars is strongly recommended. This year's May 2006 seminar at the SOD will carry a normal format but will also focus on “Unity” selection.
Attending these events may be difficult for members facing extended travel. In these situations, regions should establish regular (and on going) jiyu kumite events. These events should include well attended tournament exchanges providing competition similar to the Nisei Week Tournament and international competitions.
While the Nisei Week annual tournament allows for equal U.S. representation from regions, this is not the case for international events. Ohshima Sensei has requested that those representing the U.S. should have accumulated extensive jiyu kumite experience over years of training and have had not only the opportunity to face the best fighters SKA has to offer, but also the background to enable them to face international competition with confidence. This may include interactions with members outside our organization at selected events.
While “winning” the Nisei Week tournament is helpful, that represents only one of many factors considered. Some of SKA's strongest fighters have never won that tournament, yet their performance at Nisei Week and other SKA gatherings stands out as those who obviously have put in many hours of serious training. These members are often primary candidates.
The typical participant at this level should have an extensive practice schedule that includes daily training at an SKA facility and where jiyu kumite - does not replace - but is an on going part of a traditional practice. Individual dojos and regions are asked to facilitate this process if possible.
Many factors come into play at a competition that make “winning” challenging. However, to be the best prepared and most extensively trained is a factor one does have control over. Competing members must represent strong, traditional, realistic jiyu kumite indicative of the tradition Ohshima Sensei has established as Shihan of Shotokan Karate of America . They must have the means and desire to reach this level. “Winning' is nice but not the only priority.
These tournaments produce aggressive, well trained, competitors that many SKA black belts seldom have the opportunity to face. Whether given the privilege to actually fight or not, preparing for an event at this level is motivational and very beneficial to training. Most individuals would surely enhance their practice by adding this experience.
While only 4 slots are open to U.S. black belts, an unknown number of alternates will be selected to fill for countries unable to send a full compliment of fighters. Host countries have this option at international events.
Many regions with experienced seniors are establishing seminars in this area. Those regions with smaller numbers of interested fighters or geographical challenges should attempt to provide assistance with travel to seminars. For those that are unsure how to approach this training (or just want more information), a two series DVD will soon be available consisting of lecture material and drill demonstrations including explanations from the annual Shotokan Ohshima Dojo Jiyu Kumite Seminars.
Please contact myself or Tom Muzila for any additional information.
Hope to see you at Unity 2006!!!
Greg Scott
Garden Grove Shotokan
Unity 2006 Competition Update
Hello to all. Tom Muzila and I have received a strong response from black belts regarding the Unity Competition. The Men's Division is allocated for 4 US fighters and could go up to 6 or 8. The Women's Division is allocated for 2 fighters and also may go up. The final number of US competitors depends on the response from the international affiliates.
Those considering participation in this event should begin (if they haven't already) an accelerated training schedule. We suggest a “minimum” of 4 days per week with an emphasis on jiyu kumite.
Many factors (including geography) makes the selection process challenging. Deciding to train for any event motivates one to participate more often and at a higher intensity. While many who prepare may not fight in the actual event, their improvement is often very noticeable. This not only gives them an advantage for future events but also improves their ability in more serious street situations.
Black belts interested in competing in the Unity Competition should make every effort to attend as many of the following events as possible. Dojo and regional leaders are asked to assist in their training and travel where possible.
Spring in the South
Mark Kohagura will lead this event. Few in the SKA have reached his ability in Jiyu Kumite or can match his experience. Training with Mark will surely enhance your practice.
Any Scheduled Special Training
As a tradition, Ohshima Sensei has had members preparing for special events face a selection of black belts at Special Training prior to the event. Special Training leaders are encouraged to make this opportunity available.
Jiyu Kumite Seminar at the Ohshima Shotokan Dojo
May 6, 2006 . The seminar (open to all members) will also host a qualifying tournament. This tournament will be one of many factors in the selection process for Unity 2006 but could be very significant if the number of US competitors increases. All should attend and be well prepared. Also, Nidan practice with Sensei will be held the next day.
Northern California Jiyu Kumite Tournament
May 21, 2006 . Mark Kohagura should be available to observe, evaluate and critique.
To be held Saturday July 22nd at 10 AM. This tournament will be for black belts preparing for Unity as well as other members interested in polishing their jiyu kumite skills.
As Unity approaches, Tom and I will try to keep everyone informed.
Sincerely,
Greg Scott & Tom Muzila
(714) 539-5161