Should Loyalty Be Given Blindly?

The Martial Arts Community is a wide collection of people that have different values, opinions and ways of living their lives.  To some, values such as Duty, Honour, Honesty and Loyalty are important; generally speaking, these people tend to be the ones that keep fostering the correct spirit within Dojos.  Every now and then we meet people that pretend to live by these values but their actions show them to be walking a different path ... their voices echoing the correct sentiments but completely lacking in conviction.  The final test is in how someone conducts themselves.  A person that has to say 'I'm an honourable man' - seldom is.

Where the person is a senior figure in an organisation, some will blindly follow that person without question.

So, should loyalty be given to anyone blindly?  Absolutely not.  While I try not to judge anyone in life, because I know of some of the difficulties our journeys can place in our paths, I do assess people that I meet.  I tend to think well of people until I have evidence to the contrary.  Would I continue being loyal to someone that supports someone acting unprofessionally or supporting someone that discriminates in ways that are clearly against good practice ... and the law of the land?  No I wouldn't.

A dojo is a place of learning ... but so much more: it's a community.  I will state this clearly, if we have a problem in our establishment and we don't challenge it (particularly racism, sexism, homophobia and disability related discrimination) then we are as guilty as the person carrying out these offences.  If managers, leaders and teachers know of such behaviour and allow it to continue over a number of years, they have failed in their duty to the dojo and their community.

Loyalty is earned not given ... and it's a two way street, like all good relationships.  Loyalty should be withdrawn from those that act in ways that are contrary to our dojo's standards, including ethics.

One of the biggest lessons in life is to be able to walk alone and see things for yourself with your own eyes; this means that you must look at all sides of the issue, allow for questions and answers and then come to a decision within yourself based on what you yourself have heard and seen from all the parties involved - in an open way - preferably together. Otherwise you may find yourself perpetuating an injustice while the real culprit escapes to continue creating more mayhem through seeking material gains rather than spiritual goals. 

Blind loyalty isn't loyalty.  Walking your own path in life requires courage ... and I wish you all that you need to be able to do this.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Dojo-Cho

Meiyo Karate Club

Meiyo Karate Club Chairman's End of Year Report 2017

History and aims of Meiyo Karate Club
This Dojo was set up in 2012 in an area of Nottingham at the request of a local business.  The key issues were to setup a Dojo that reflected the cultural diversity in the area but with the flexibility towards potential students in an area of high levels of poverty and I was asked if I would consider taking on the task.  In 2013, we formerly setup a constitution and operated as a Not-For-Profit organisation.  Instructors have never been paid at this Dojo … and never will be.  This is our Service to the Communities that we live with, our way of giving something back and helping others along their path.

The club funds are used to pay for required training needs (First Aid courses, Instructor courses etc), DBS registrations, equipment for the Dojo and our day-to-day running costs.

We have an aim:  to save funds to allow us to send people that grade to Shodan or higher within the club on a trip of a lifetime to train in Japan.

Wolf Photography funded the setup of Meiyo Karate Club and set up 2 awards that are awarded annually and 1 that is awarded on a monthly basis, to students for their efforts in their training.

We are currently affiliated to the Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR) via the JKR-UK.

Management Committee
I’d like to begin by thanking the members of the Management Committee, old and new, for their work in keeping the Dojo operational behind the scenes in their various tasks.  We keep the committee small and functional which allows us to deal with any necessary tasks.

Policies
Meiyo Karate Club operates open and clear policies that apply to all members of the Dojo at any level.  This year we’ve produced our Equalities Policy, Grievance Procedure and Child and Vulnerable Person Policy.  The Management Committee will be officially ratifying the policies at our AGM in early 2018.  I’d like to thank the Management Committee for their input into the documents.

Karateka
I’d like to congratulate all of our Karateka for their hard work in the Dojo throughout the year and for working hard for their gradings, as well as attending external courses.  I have no doubt in saying that good Dojos turn out a good level of citizen in terms of people that are motivated and hard-working.  Ours are no different and it’s a joy to watch these people develop as they grow older.

We’d like to thank Sensei Oliver for grading our Students; they enjoy going over and training with him.  As you progress through the grades, you will be expected to train with Sensei Oliver on a regular basis, particularly for his Kumite training.

Meiyo Karate Clubs Annual Awards

Congratulations to Marja for winning the Wolf Photography Karateka of the Year Shield; to Benjamin for winning the Tiger of the Year Trophy; and to Jake for winning the Student of the Month Trophy.

Venue
Last year we moved venue to Tesco Bulwell Extra, thanks to Chris Tilley (Store Community Champion) and we’ve been steadily growing our membership again, as some of our Karateka couldn’t get to Bulwell.  The new venue allowed us to reduce our training fees across the board.  Young people under 8 can now train for £5 a week, Under 16s for £10 a week and adults for £10 a week.  The usual cost was £5 a person per session of any age at the last venue; now, people that train 3 times a week get at least one lesson free.

We wanted a considerable discount for 5-7 year olds and we still offer the family discount:  if 3 members of the same household train together, the youngest trains free.

Minimum Training Commitment
There is a minimum training requirement for acceptance into this Dojo:  you must be able to commit to training a minimum of 2 sessions per week or your application won’t be accepted.  As you progress through to senior grades, you’ll be expected to train more because of the skills that you’ll need to develop to attain Shodan (the first Black Belt grade).  There is also a requirement to attend the 3 grading days plus the annual visit of Kaicho Yamazaki as compulsory training days if you are aged 8 or over.

This only applies to our club members.  Visitors from other clubs/areas can train as and when they like for a flat fee of £5 per session but must be licensed and insured through their own organisation.

Monthly Social Meet-Ups
We have the use of the Community Room in the store, so every 4 weeks we hold a social event that brings Meiyo Karate Club together all of the groups and projects managed by Wolf Photography.  This gives our Karateka access to arts events and allows them to form stronger bonds with each other as well as taking part in various cultural events.  I feel that involving them in arts and crafts promotes a sense of balance within and can have unseen benefits.

Sponsorship for Art
Meiyo Karate Club donated £300 towards the setup of the Disabled Artists’ Network space in the store.  As a result, the club is featured on exhibition posters alongside other sponsors which has been helping with recruitment.

Recruitment
We recruit through the usual channels as well as our in-store presence which is working very well.  We continue to share news and events about the club through Social Media channels, our main outlet being Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meiyokc/.

We’ve been getting some great reviews from visiting instructors, visitors attending our events to facilitate various functions and our Karateka.  Thank you for all the positive reviews.

Our target for this year is to get back up to 20 members, so please distribute the club flyers, share posts from Facebook and invite people along for a week of free training.

Kaicho Yamazaki
One of the benefits of training with us is that we have the opportunity to attend training from some of the legends in the Karate world.  Once a year, Kaicho visits us and puts us through our paces.  Don’t forget to pay close attention to his words as well though as he has a lovely way of expressing himself and empowering those with open ears with his wisdom regarding Karate and Life.

I guarantee that, whatever your style of martial art or your experience, you’ll take away something useful from training with Kaicho.

We look forward to seeing him at the next course in Autumn 2018.

Sensei Terry O’Neill
Another one of those legends is Sensei O’Neill.  He regularly instructs at the JKR-UK Hombu in Nottingham.  If you appreciate insightful teaching peppered with humour and anecdotes of the past, you’ll enjoy attending these courses.

Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR) Instructor Course
I was grateful for the opportunity to attend an Instructor’s Course in the USA in November 2017.  It was good to meet the faces that I’d only seen through videos on Social Media etc, including Sensei Mina Yamazaki (who will be teaching in Nottingham at the JKR-UK Hombu in January by the way).

Sensei Mina’s Kata performance is second to none in my eyes.  I was very grateful for her taking the time to breakdown some of the JKR specific katas for me that I’ve been passing on to our dojo members since returning.

Sensei Howard High, who developed the Kumibo Drills, has been helping me to improve the way that I perform those drills, following their introduction into the new grading syllabus which we are gradually rolling out.

Our Presence at Tesco Bulwell Extra, Nottingham
Chris Tilley gave us the go ahead to have our Dojo Banners and art work permanently on display at the store.  We commissioned artist Julie Genner to produce a lovely 3D version of our Dojo Crest.

In addition, we have the Meiyo Tigers’ and the JKR Grading syllabus on the wall together with the short, humble history of our Dojo, including honouring two Senseis from our KUGB days that have passed away, Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Stark.  One should never forget one’s roots.  

All that’s left is for me to wish you happy time at the end of this year … a Happy Christmas if you celebrate the festivities or a happy and peaceful time if you follow a different path … and a Happy New Year.

I look forward to working and training with you in 2018.

Respectfully,

Villayat ‘Wolf’ Sunkmanitu
Chairman
Meiyo Karate Club.

Changes at Meiyo Karate Club and an Update, Bulwell, Nottingham

First of all, congratulations to everyone that graded with Sensei Oliver on Sunday last.  You all did very well and are a credit to the dojo.  Also, well done to everyone that turned up to train with Sensei Oliver.  These 3 courses plus the course with Sensei Yamazaki are our compulsory courses.

Some of you are aware that we've been waiting for the JKR to issue our new grading syllabus.  Sensei Oliver issued it today and it's live on www.meiyo.org.uk.  I'm sure, like me, you'll enjoy getting to grips with the changes and they'll help us to develop a more diverse self defence system within ourselves.

Our costs had to be temporarily raised to pay for our new training venue because not everyone could get to this venue.  Once we have our numbers back up, I will reduce the costs to the previous levels ... this will mean that the charges will drop from a £15 weekly subscription to a £10 weekly subscription for 3 lessons per week.

Adult classes and children's classes are split now.  Kids start at 7pm, adults at 8pm on Monday and Thursday evenings.  On Saturday mornings, kids start at 9:30am and adults at 10:30am.

Come and try a week of free lessons and see how you get on.  If you've trained with an organisation that we recognise and you're returning to training or transferring in, we'll start you off at the same grade.

Follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/meiyokc/ and please share this post.

See you at the dojo.

Regards

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Meiyo KC starts at the ICCA on Wednesday 17th September 2014

We're just about ready to begin training at the ICCA this coming Wednesday.  We have a nice wooden floor to train on and people have been raising awareness of the club's opening night.

The club is open to people from the ages of 5 upwards.  You're never too old to start training in Karate.  If you have trained in other styles of Karate, you can keep the equivalent grade and will be helped to transfer to our style of training.

Shindo Jinen Ryu is a style of martial art that combines elements of karate-jitsu, akaijitsu, kenjitsu and jujitsu, with a strong emphasis on self-defence.  It's a particularly effective system of self-defence for people living with stress-related conditions, for the following reasons:

• A good work our releases endorphins
• Training increases your ability to concentrate and focus
• Training will help you to be able to defend yourself

Please come along for a free first lesson.  If you don't have a 'gi', just wear a full neck t-shirt and baggy track-suit bottoms.  Do tell your friends, family and work colleagues about our first class at the ICCA on Wednesday 17th September 2014.

Meiyo Karate Club is a Not-For-Profit organisation.  Most of the training fees are donated to the centres that we use and our instructors are unpaid volunteers.

Beginners & children (aged 5 upwards) 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Regulars 7:15pm - 8:15pm.
8:15pm - 8:45pm remedial session.
The Indian Community Centre Association (The ICCA),
99 Hucknall Road, Carrington, Nottingham NG5 1FA.
(Correct postcode for Sat Navs)
Tel Venue 0115 969 3402

Costs:
1 single session £5
1 Single session under 16s £3

Single session discounts available for OAP, Students & disabled people. £4

Please come along and support this project.  I look forward to meeting you.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

The Dojo Code ... going beyond the physical.

 

Five Principles of Karate-Do

1.  Respect Others

2. Avoid Violent Behaviour

3. Seek Perfection of Character

4. Endeavour

5. Be Faithful

The principles can be open to individual interpretation in parts but there are will always be some constants that apply to all members of the Dojo, both teachers and students.  The words below are what the Dojo Code means to me and how I apply it to my life.

1.  Respect Others
We live in societies that are ever increasing in terms of diversity across race, culture, religion, sexual persuasion and disability.  In the Dojo we also have a vast age range of 5 upwards ... there is no upper age limit (it's never too late to start Karate). 

As students of Karate we have to be mindful of how we communicate ... respect is a two-way street, regardless of rank.  We respect each other for allowing us to practise our techniques upon each other; for allowing us to develop our art with each other.  We bow to each other to demonstrate the respect that we feel for each other ... it must never be an empty gesture ... rather tempered with sincerity.

We avoid any behaviour that strips away the dignity of another and there must always be respect for our elders.

We ensure that we do not use any behaviour or language that is discriminatory in any negative sense.  So we avoid any form of racist, homophobic, sexist or ageist behaviour, as well as avoiding any behaviour that would offend someone in any other way - including disability - mental or physical.

We should nurture and encourage each other to progress on the journey of individual development in our Karate and in our personal lives.

2.  Avoid Violent Behaviour
We train in a martial art but we are taught from day 1 - our art must not be used outside of the Dojo unless we are either protecting ourselves from attack or defending another person.  If we have to use our art, we must only use the minimum force necessary to defend ourselves or another.  Every situation is different and 'minimum force' comes down to the individual circumstances that we find ourselves in.



3.  Seek Perfection of Character
We all have flaws in our character.  Nobody is perfect.  Some time should be spent in introspection to identify our own flaws and to work on them.  This is perhaps one of the hardest ideals to uphold within the Dojo Code.  Progress should be constant ... but the amount that we progress will be down to the individual and issues that we currently face in our lives.  At times we may move forward in leaps and bounds ... at times, slower ... all that matters is that we're moving in the right direction.

At times it's easier said than done ... but we must not let anyone get the better of us by reacting to emotional stimuli.  Humility and self-discipline are allies for this task.



4.  Endeavour
The word 'endeavour' is a verb and means to try hard to do or achieve something.  It ties in with all of the other elements of the Dojo code: we have to endeavour to do our best in everything that we do ... both in and out of the Dojo.  Our journeys will face many hurdles.  We can try our best to overcome them ... or to live with them.  Apply this to your school work, your job, your relationships ... and don't take anything or anyone for granted.  In the Dojo we will be pushed to do our best ... but at some stage during our training we must, as early as possible, accept responsibility for our own development.  Our Senseis will teach us certain things ... but we must also practise these elements of our art by ourselves.  Students that learn this will develop quicker in whatever they hope to achieve in life.

5.  Be Faithful
Some English dictionaries define being faithful in numerous ways ... for myself the following have more relevance:

• Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, or idea; loyal.
• Worthy of trust or belief; reliable.
• Consistent with truth or actuality:

You can be loyal to your parents, your school, your friends, your siblings, your work colleagues ... your Dojo.  These are things for you to explore.

There will always be those that either will say unkind things about us and that there will always be those that act without honour.  We don't have to do anything to upset these people ... it will just happen.  The reasons can be many.  In your day to day life, you may fall foul of issues related to your race, your sex, your religion, your height, your weight, your status, your job, your age, your disability ... the list goes on.  I prefer to walk away from such incidents or related trouble.  I prefer to tell my truth when the opportunity arises and I feel that it's warranted.  I stay faithful to the concepts of truth and honour and I am loyal to those that share the same ideals.

It's important to conserve our 'self' and not become hard-hearted as we overcome our personal hurdles.  An open heart and mind are essential tools for coping with the difficulties of modern living.  Like wolves, we are pack animals and we gravitate towards those that uphold and live by the same values.



All of the principles of Karate-Do tie in with and promote each other ... flowing from one to another.

The principles will mean different things ... perhaps additional elements will shine through as we contemplate them in our journeys along the path of Karate-Do from time to time.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu,
Meiyo Karate Club,
Nottingham.

What's the difference between Shotokan Karate and Shindo Jinen Ryu?

Shotokan Karate
Shotokan Karate training is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs.

Shotokan is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop a much more fluid style that incorporates grappling and some aikido-like techniques, which can be found in the black belt kata. Kumite (fighting) techniques are practised in the kihon and kata and developed from basic to advanced levels with an opponent.

Shindo Jinen Ryu
Karate training in JKR is life-long, and can be continued regardless of age.  Shindo Jinen Ryu has elements of Aikijitsu, Kenjitsu, Jujitsu and also has a complete Kobujitsu syllabus in the formal curriculum, with an emphasis on philosophy and education. The curriculum also emphasizes Zanshin (the ability of an exponent to gain dominance over an opponent through an alert state of mind) and maintenance of proper physical posture.

The purpose of training in Shindo Jinen Ryu Karate-Do is to develop the whole human being, physically and mentally. Through long-term dedicated training the student learns to develop and unite Shin (mind), Gi (technique) and Tai (body) in proper proportions. The end result is awareness of one’s moral obligations and place in society.


The syallabus
I started my transition from Shotokan Karate to Shindo Jinen Ryu Karate-Do nearly a year ago.  The syllabus has elements of weapons training from Green belt (7th Kyu) onwards, as well as elements of unarmed combat as described above, as well as some older kata that aren't taught in Shotokan schools.

There is more emphasis on self defence than sport which becomes more evident as students progress through their gradings.

Free lesson
If you're interested in giving our style of training a go, please come along and try a free lesson on Sunday mornings:

The Dojo is opened 15 minutes early - so please arrive before the class starts at 09:45 am.
Beginners & children (aged 5 upwards) 9:45am - 10:30am
Regulars 10:30am - 11:30am
Remedial class 11:30am - 12:00pm
Bestwood Estate Community Centre
Gainsford Crescent
Bestwood Estate
Nottingham
NG5 5HT

Just wear loose fitting track suit bottoms and a full neck T-shirt.


The cost of training
1 single session £5
1 Single session under 16s £3
Single session discounts available for OAP, Students & disabled people. £4

Your first lesson is free.

Family discount: If three members of the same family train together, the youngest trains free (eg 1 parent and 2 children or 2 parents and 1 child).


The cost of an annual licence is £32 for the first year and £27 for year two onwards.  You must have applied for your licence by the third lesson.




Returners or Transfers
If you are either returning to Karate after a long break or wish to transfer to the JKR-UK, you will keep the grade that you have achieved with the other organisation, providing you can produce a signed grading record and/or signed certificate.




People with long standing injuries or mental health problems
It's important that we don't give up on our training as a result of physical and/or mental health problems.  I have long standing physical injuries and I also suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  I have no doubt that my Karate training allows me to cope with my difficulties and to continue to contribute something towards the greater good of the community I am a part of.

Not for Profit
Meiyo Karate Club is a 'Not-for-Profit' organisation.  The instructors are unpaid volunteers that provide a service to make Karate accessible and to foster the spirit of Karate-Do in the individual.

If you would like to discuss anything before attending a training session, please feel to either email me on meiyo (at) wolf-photography.com or phone me on 07971 99 77 10.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Change is the only constant in Life ...

It's been an interesting year ... and in parts, a sad one.

Sensei Ed Starks, Sandan,  Chief Instructor at Bristol Shotokan Karate Club passed away towards the end of 2013.  Ed trained hard and taught hard, the old way.  He inspired me to push myself and give my all when training.

Sensei Ed Starks - 3rd Dan

When I train with my current Sensei I am often reminded of the drills that Ed used to put us through ... something that's been lacking in some the dojos that I've trained with since moving back to the East Midlands.  Ed fought hard against long term battle with cancer.  His passing leaves a gap in the Karate world ... I hope that his Spirit is at peace now.

There were tremendous problems with being able to grade some of my students when I started my dojo up.  When you consider that there were only five students eligible to grade last year, it was a little off putting to be told, 'There's no room for your students to grade with us', by the other two KUGB dojos in Nottingham - without even finding out how many students wanted to grade.  I remember when we used to grade with Sensei Ohta in Plymouth.  Every Karateka that turned up from Devon and Cornwall was graded.

Sensei Simon Oliver and Sensei Terry O'Neill stepped in to help us and facilitated our grading.  Sensei Bob Rhodes also offered to help.  I will be forever grateful for their help and guidance.  I miss the presence of  Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Ohta.

I started training with Sensei Oliver last year and it felt like I had gone back to real Karate, real values.  No politics were at play  - you're assessed purely on the effort that you put into your Karate ... just like the old days at Bristol and, before that, Newquay.  After the year of politics in the KUGB, it's been a welcome change.

Sensei Oliver has since accepted me as an under-study.  I run Meiyo Karate Club as one of his Assistant Instructors.

Sensei Simon Oliver  - 6th Dan

Meiyo Shotokan Karate Club has changed it's name and affiliation as of 2014.  We are now Meiyo Karate Club ... and we are affiliated to the JKR-UK under Sensei Simon Oliver.  We now only train on Sunday mornings, owing to my other commitments, but our students have the flexible option of training at Sensei Oliver's dojo too to qualify for their gradings.  It's simplified matters.  Meiyo Karate club still doesn't charge any club membership fee, our gradings are £18 per person and includes a training course, the grading fee, certificate and obi ... and our examiner is on our doorstep.

Sensei Oliver has kindly provided insurance cover for all existing club members until October 2014.  So if you have a valid KUGB (or other) licence - you're covered for the JKR-UK member-to-member insurance.  You'll have to apply for a JKR-UK licence in October which will run from December to December.  If you wish to continue training or start training with this dojo, I need to provide Sensei with a list of your names ASAP - make sure I have your full details and licence number.

The JKR-UK licence fee is currently £32 (including a record book) and £27 per year for renewals.  All existing ex KUGB club members will only have to pay £27 for their new record book.

The Sunday sessions run in the following way:

09:45 - 10:30 Beginners and white belts
10:30 - 11:30 All grades
11:30 - 12:00 Remedial session

The dojo address is:
Bestwood Estate Community Centre
Gainsford Crescent
Bestwood Estate
Nottingham
NG5 5HT (Correct postcode for Sat Navs - Look for black railings as you crest the hill.  There is a car park behind the building).

Click the links for our Dojo Website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Fees:
Kids £2.50
Adults £4.00
Concessions £3.50
Family rate - minimum three family members training together - youngest trains free (These fees only apply to Meiyo KC).

For more information about the JKR-UK and their other training times and venues - please click here.


If you'd like any more information, use one of the links above and get in touch.

Regards

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu
Assistant Instructor, Shodan.
Meiyo Karate Club