Fall Training 2005
2005.10.01
On Saturday, October 1st, Koshin-ha Chito-ryu Karate Association members from all over the country came together to train and renew old friendships at our fall clinic and banquet held in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Hosted by the Kyoshi Joseph Hedderman and the Allegheny County Budo-kai, this event was somewhat unique in that it was “modular” in format. That is to say, each participant was invited to select from a number of sessions offered throughout the morning and afternoon. The sessions, taught by the senior most members of the organization, included kata and kata related bunkai aimed towards all ranks, kumite strategy, ground fighting concepts and defenses against holds and grabs. By focusing on these topics, the clinic not only covered basic karate technique, but also provided each participant with a chance to expand his or her knowledge of kumite and grappling.
After a brief warm-up, Kyoshi VanHorne, led the entire group in Chito-ryu karate basics. This half hour “loosening up” segment included basic blocking and punching drills, kicking combinations and stance shifting. Kyoshi VanHorne kept everyone moving and challenged, from white belt right up to the highest dan ranks.
After the basics training, the one and a half hour kata “break-out” sessions commenced. Each clinic attendee could participate in any session, as long as they knew the kata being taught. The kata selection was designed to make sure that all participants could gain knowledge and experience. The primary goals for each instructor were to enhance basic kata skills and develop an understanding of some of the bunkai available. Choices included:
| Section: | Sensei | ||
| Basic karate techniques and principles | Kyoshi Hedderman | ||
| Taikyoku Ni | Shihan Hedderman | ||
| Seisan | Shihan Arnold | ||
| Patsai | Kyoshi VanHorne | ||
| Sanshiryu | Kyoshi Davenport | ||
| Sanchin | Renshi Valentino | ||
| Kusanku | Shihan MacKenzie |
After a short water break participants were given the chance to select any two of three one hour afternoon sessions. These sessions were designed to increase the student’s knowledge of fighting strategy. Choices included:
| Section: | Sensei | ||
| Kumite & free fighting |
Kyoshi Davenport Renshi Valentino |
||
| Ground fighting techniques | Shihan Hedderman | ||
| Counters to holds & grabs |
Sensei Tollis Sensei Allison |
The first half of the kumite and free fighting session included combination drills and advanced body movement principles taught by Renshi Valentino. Emphasis was on flowing from one technique to another. Kyoshi Davenport taught drills designed to create openings for striking vital targets. By using body shifting, angles and technique selection, Kyoshi demonstrated how to position yourself for optimal striking efficiency.
The emphasis in the ground fighting session was on controlling a situation where you find yourself in a close quarters grappling scenario. Shihan Hedderman, taught techniques from Koseido-ryu Jiu-jitsu designed to create advantageous positions when you are on the ground. Addtionally, Shihan taught choking and joint-locking techniques, increasing the arsenal of techniques for many karate-ka present at the clinic.
The holding defense session included releases and escapes from common standing grabs and holds. Sensei Tollis and Allison, included instruction on how to escape from such common attacks as chokes, bear hugs, and front grabs. In addition to teaching basic defenses, both instructors worked with participants answering individual questions related to variations on the original technique.
After 5 hours of training, the clinic ended with a short thank you from each of the guest instructors. As everyone was leaving to get ready for the banquet in the evening, one participant summed up the clinic very well by saying, “This clinic had something for everyone, and it was so “student friendly”. You could tailor make the clinic to suit you interests and needs. I have not seen that at many clinics in the past.”
The banquet commenced at 7:00 pm, with an opening greeting from Kyoshi VanHorne, followed by an excellent catered dinner. After dinner each member of the Koshin-ha Executive Committee was given a chance to say a few words. In a humorous way, Kyoshi Hedderman held everyone speaking to a strict five minute limit. As he put it, “Our banquet is for socializing and for the enjoyment of the members, not for listening to us go on and on”.
Towards the conclusion of the banquet, lifetime achievement awards were given to Kyoshi VanHorne and Kyoshi Hedderman, much to their surprise. Both men, seniors in our organization, have dedicated their lives to the martial arts and the study of Chito-ryu. Kyoshi VanHorne began his training in 1961 and has gained dan ranks in a number of other martial arts including Iaido, Kendo and Isshin-ryu karate. Kyoshi Hedderman began his training in 1950 and in addition to his Chito-ryu training is the head of the Kosiedo-ryu Jiu-Jitsu system. The awards were presented to both men by their senior-most students, Kyoshi Davenport and Renshi Valentino. The entire Koshin-ha is grateful to have both men in our organization, providing leadership and wisdom gained over many years of study.
click for an enlarged version
Rick Sbuscio, Yondan
Allegheny County Budo Kai