Soke Joseph Ruiz performing the ceremonial Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Sensei John Malcom

Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Sensei John Malcom

June 10, 2023, marked a special day for the IKKU as a Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Sensei John Malcom, Sr. Instructor of the Carolina Karate Kai took place. After bowing in for the 36th annual IKKU Summer Camp session, Soke Ruiz performed the ceremonial act of presenting and mounting a Tsuba onto the Renshi Sensei Obi. Soke has mentioned his tradition of Tsuba Presentations in the past, but here is a quick review. Soke only awards Tsuba periodically, and these generally are awarded to senior-level Yudansha, 3rd Dan and up, whom Soke considers his personal students of Karate.

This marks a humbling step in one’s martial arts journey with the IKKU. Rensei Sensei John Malcom is being accepted as one of Soke Ruiz’s High-Dan Students.

A few words of introduction regarding Tsuba. A tsuba is a hand guard that is mounted on a Katana between the cutting edge of the blade and the Tsuka (handle of the weapon). Its primary function is to keep the user’s hand from sliding up and onto the blade of the sword, to protect the hand from an opponent’s blade, to counterbalance the weight of the blade, and to some degree to communicate the social standing, beliefs, and tastes of its owner.

The Ceremonial Tsuba from Soke and the IKKU represent the trust between Soke and the Students as well as the protection that Soke provides to all his students. The Ceremonial Tsuba also represents the balance that the IKKU helps to instill in its students. Mind, Body, and Spirit along with proper traditional foundations in all our arts help to bring peace, protection, and balance into one’s life.

During the ceremony, Soke will remove one’s Obi from around the waist and then mount a Tsuba over the Obi, and then retie the Obi with the Tsuba in place. The Tsuba is then worn in a rear-facing position from that time forward. If you see someone wearing a Tsuba during class or in a clinic, then you will certainly now understand that the Tsuba was earned and awarded by Soke Ruiz himself. This isn’t a fashion statement but instead, a badge of honor with a rich history instilled in this time-honored tradition.

A big congratulations go out to Renshi Sensei John Malcom on his Tsuba Award. OSU!

Additional IKKU Information:

For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU, and other High Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps, and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

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Shihan Dai Oka Memorialized on the Most Outstanding Kobudo Award

The Most Outstanding Kobudo Award

The IKKU executive leadership board commemorated Shihan Dai Nadine Oka during our 2022 IKKU summer camp banquet ceremony on Saturday, June 11, 2022, by memorializing her name on the coveted Most Outstanding Kobudo Award.

This marks the first time in IKKU history that a female karateka has been recognized and honored with a significant memorial imprint of this caliber. This proves just how much of an impact that Shihan Dai Nadine made in all of our lives and how her passion, love, and kobudo spirit inspired the leaders of our organization.

Shihan Dai Oka, no stranger to a set of Tonfa, had gathered quite an extensive collection of Tonfa kata over the years, as her love for the weapon never dissipated. I remember watching Shihan Dai Nadine humbly ask for Tonfa kata for years until she had a deep collection of kata, an expert-level understanding of the weapon, and a knowledge of how to handle it effectively in a traditional manner.

In light of recent events, it seems fitting that Nadine Oka be recognized with this honor.

Most of our organization will have memories of Shihan Dai Nadine at Seminars and Camps, teaching Tonfa to groups of willing participants. The youth would soak up the time with her, and she would happily drill them until exhaustion. Everyone happy from the day’s efforts would later gather for food, drink, and sharing, like the family we have all become.

The time and camaraderie with Nadine in our circle were always filled with cheer, smiles, and laughter. These cherished memories will last a lifetime, and the Most Outstanding Kobudo Award is now embodied with Shihan Dai Nadine’s eternal kobudo spirit.

Additional IKKU Information:

Don’t forget our upcoming event, which is the 2022 IKKU Annual Black Belt Test. The event is scheduled for September 24, 2022, in Social Circle, GA, hosted by Hanshi Ron Downton of Tora Shin Karate Kai.

For information about joining the IKKU—International Karate Kobudo Union—please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, the founder of the IKKU, and other High-Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions, please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps, and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

The post IKKU Camp Award Commemorates Shihan Dai Nadine Oka appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.

Renshi Shihan Oka’s Godan Obi and Gi

Welcome to a special edition Camp Highlight fresh from the 2022 35th Annual IKKU Summer Camp. It’s our pleasure to offer stories of significance when the time presents itself. Stories of such significance don’t come along every day but when they do occur we will capture and encapsulate a message for the friends, family, and members of the IKKU.

It’s hard to stress just how difficult it is to begin forming the words and sentences for a post of this significance. It actually goes beyond significance and makes all of us with a connection stop and reflect as we pray quietly to ourselves. She is almost certainly training, smiling, or even laughing in that memory and for me the feeling is very emotional and overwhelming.

She touched many of our lives in such a rich and warm way, offering unbiased love to us all. Nadine is forever in our hearts and memories, and she will be missed beyond words. For example, within two draft sentences of writing this post, as I was replaying my own memories of her, I had to step away as a huge emotional wave hit me like a ton of bricks. I was forced to compose myself as emotions and tears demanded my respect.

On Friday, June 10th, Renshi Shihan Nadine was honored with a commemorative memorial including her Gi and Renshi Obi (shown here being displayed as Godan Rank, 5th Dan). Friends visited and gathered throughout the day as a sign of honor and respect. Karateka of all ranks quietly approached and then bowed as they reflected on special memories with Nadine that will now be forever treasured.

Shogo System (称号)

Shihan Dai Oka’s Rokudan Obi and Menjo

For those unfamiliar, the Shogo (称号) System is a similar system to ranking used by many Japanese martial arts styles. The word loosely translates to “title” as opposed to “rank” since many martial arts systems have these as independent systems from each other. Shogo titles are only awarded to higher-level dan and many organization use Shogo titles to signify the higher level of understanding, commitment, contribution and sharing from an individual black belt.

A Shogo title is undoubtedly one of the biggest signs that a Soke, Hanchi, or Kaicho could share with one of their black belts to signify the value and respect they have for the practitioner. Shogo titles are only earned after years of rigorous training, maturity, and character development.

The Shogo system is a progressive system only achieved by contributing, growing, sharing, and excelling in the respective art. Commonly used Shogo titles are Renshi, Shihan, Kyoshi, and Hanshi. The IKKU recognizes the system implemented and developed by Soke Joseph Ruiz in the ’70s.

Nadine Oka had tested previously and earned the rank of Godan, 5th Dan and the Shogo title of Renshi Shihan, Master Instructor.

Posthumous Promotion Ceremony

Kyoshi-Sei Griffin receives Nadine’s signed Promotion Certificates from Soke Ruiz

During an unannounced black belt promotion ceremony at the 35th Annual IKKU Summer Camp on Saturday June 11, the executive high-dan board bowed in the camp participants and Soke Ruiz began a promotion ceremony for our beloved and honorable fallen warrior, Renshi Shihan Nadine Oka. In our time honored tradition of promotions and ranking Nadine Oka was awarded the Rank of 6th Dan in Koto-Su Ha Shito-Ryu and the honored Shogo title of Shihan Dai which is equivalent to an Advanced Master Instructor.

Promotions such as this are rare and are almost exclusively used as a sign of deep respect and understanding of the karateka’s talent, commitment, and martial spirit. Godan, 5th Dan represents the end of testing for many martial arts systems. After that point higher levels are achieved by the individual commitment one gives back to the art.

Nadine’s promotion to 6th Dan, Rokudan literally brought on tears across the room. A rush of emotions swept across the floor as Soke Ruiz read out the Rank and Title Certificates for Shihan Dai Nadine Oka. Following Soke’s presentation each karateka approached the memorial and bowed as a sign of respect, love, and celebration to the newly awarded Shihan Dai Nadine Oka.

Following was a circle prayer where everyone held hands together as we celebrated Nadine’s spirit. There was a short break following where karateka was able to recompose themselves after emotions and tears dominated the moment. Shihan Dai Nadine Oka’s influence on our organization will last for years to come through stories and spirit as we relive those magic moments of friendship and bonding on the dojo floor and afterwards during socials.

I will be thinking of you every time I bow in and out of class and until we meet again on the greatest dojo floor of them all.

OSU!

REI!

Memories of Nadine Oka – by Kyoshi-Sei Larry Griffin, 8th Dan

Renshi Shihan Nadine Oka, Kyoshi-Sei Larry Griffin and Renshi Shihan Barbara Hughes

I am compelled to share some fond memories of Nadine. I first met Nadine in 2000 when she joined the IKKU and the Keishin Karate Kai Dojo at Meadowcreek High School. It didn’t take long to know she would be a special student. She was confident and determined. Nadine began her Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu training as a white belt. After several years of dedicated training she attained the rank of Godan (5th Black Belt) and the Title of Renshi Shihan (Master Instructor). We could always depend on Nadine to take a group of lower rank students aside and instruct them at the various IKKU seminars and camps.

Nadine was very accomplished with many of the weapons taught in the IKKU. In particular she had a passion for the Tonfa. We could depend on her to keep us straight as we worked Tonfa during seminars and camps. She was affectionally given the name of the “IKKU Tonfa Queen”.

Nadine was a fierce competitor. She was very active in the Georgia Karate League. She achieved her Referee License and won several State Champion Awards during her years of competing. There was a small area in her home where she displayed her rank certificates, medals and trophies. She helped many fellow karateka’s train for their tests in her home dojo. Soke Ruiz named her dojo the “SHODAI”, meaning little dojo.

Nadine warmly opened her home to Soke and Gloria, to fellow travelers from Maine, Florida and Tennessee that would come into town for various camps and seminars. We had many wonderful post event gatherings at the OKA Hotel and Tequila Bar.

Nadine was a wonderful student. She always had my back. But more than anything Nadine was a dear friend. She was like a sister to me. We will miss her dearly.

Larry Griffin, Kyoshi-Sei
Keishin Karate Kai

We have left a comment section opened below so please feel free to share your memories of Nadine or express your respectful sentiment with the group.

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The last line up before the 2018 IKKU Camp Banquet Dinner

It was all themed “Bunkai” for the 2018 IKKU Summer Camp entitled “Camp Bunkai”. There was also plenty of time indulging in other aspects, like learning 2 new Empty Hand Kata which was taught during the course of camp. While the focus of the camp was Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate, both Kobudo and Katana were also practiced during the week. As usual, the IKKU makes sure every participant has plenty to work on during camp.

Kyoshi-Sei Griffin takes one for the Team. That Nerve Strike to the Elbow really is an eye-opener.

No Camp Bunkai would be complete without digging into the Pinan Series of Kata. These gems provide ample basic building blocks for bunkai to expand well into the higher dan ranks. After exploring these kata bunkai series and integrating Katsu-Ryu Kempo into some of the Bunkai it was time to move on to some other technique.

The First Kata taught during Camp to the Group was Nipaipo. This kata has been taught many years ago but for most newcomers, it would be a first attempt at getting both the new forms. Nipaipo translates to Twin Dragon Fist because of the persistent morote fist and forearm block and torquing sequences. The performer will torque his or her own legs from back stance to front stance as the arms torque in a simultaneous fashion. There is plenty of two arm blocking techniques to satisfy anyone’s hunger.

The second kata offered up to the group was Jiyu. Jiyu translates as Freedom. Soke Ruiz received this kata from Arihara Sensei and from the start it was evident that particular kata has a heavy Katsu-Ryu Animal feel to it. Slowly as Hanshi Downton performed the kata in front of the group did the onlookers call our the name of each animal form as it was noticed. It seems to be an interesting blend of Karate and Katsu-Ryu Kempo both incorporated in one kata.

Is this how you do it Soke?

For those that didn’t have extensive knowledge and exposure to Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu, the camp offered more than enough to satisfy your hunger for new knowledge. For those that had previous experience, there was still plenty of new ideas and knowledge about this little-known art shared by Soke Ruiz. Hanshi Ron Downton also played a big part during the week as he freely shared knowledge that he has accumulated over the years. Since Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu is not something that you can simply walk into a dojo and register for, it made this camp the rarest of opportunities to learn an art that is not like any other.

As the week comes to a close, Saturday night is utilized as a way to unwind from the week as we get together, break bread and celebrate those that proved to be exceptional during the course of the week. We honor those that go above and beyond at our inspiring banquet dinner and awards ceremony. So many come to camp to learn each year that we have to stop and recognize those that come to teach and share.

Congratulations are due to all the award winners and those that received special recognition during the week. Camp Awards, as usual, are voted on by Kuro Obis of the IKKU, with 5 Categories of Awards being given out during the annual Saturday night banquet dinner. And finally but not least we need to recognize Kyoshi-Sei Larry Griffin, the IKKU Camp Director, for pulling off yet another excellent camp for our enjoyment. Kyoshi-Sei Griffin does an exceptional job of coordinating all the details of camp while still providing excellent knowledge on the training floor each year. We would be lost without Kyoshi-Sei’s leadership and involvement.

2018 Camp Awards:

Award Winner Lineup: From L to R: Renshi Shihan Barbara Hughes, Sensei Scotty Kight, Anna Covington, Shihan Dai Michael Downton, Kyoshi Steve Pruett

Renshi Shihan Barbara Hughes – KYOSHI AWARD – Most Outstanding Renshi

Sensei Scotty Kight – JACK JACKSON AWARD – Most Outstanding Yudansha

Ana Covington – BRUCE WURTZ AWARD – Most Outstanding Kyu

Shihan Dai Mike Downton – SOKE AWARD – Most Outstanding Karateka

Kyoshi Steve Pruett – HANSHI AWARD – Most Outstanding Kobudo

We’ll have to wait another year for this annual exchange of traditional knowledge and camaraderie to occur again with this type of magnitude. But in the meantime, we have plenty of new Bunkai and Kata to work to fill our spare time. We also have several remaining opportunities to get together for the remainder of 2018 so please be sure to check our Events Page for the latest information on upcoming opportunities to train together.

Until our paths cross again, OSU!

Additional IKKU Information:

For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union then please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU and other High Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

The post 2018 IKKU Summer Camp – Camp Bunkai appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.

Participants at the 2018 IKKU Winter Camp in Carrollton, GA

The International Karate Kobudo Union held the 2018 IKKU Winter Camp from Jan 12-14, 2018. The event was set in Historic Carrollton, GA and hosted by Shihan Dai Billie Robinson, Chief Instructor of Robinson Karate Dojo and Yoga Center. There was a great turnout with approximately 35 attendees for the event. Participants gathered from across the Eastern U.S., including attendees from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Maine. The IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union was represented with participants from 7 affiliated Dojos.

If you have an old soul or the knack for vintage, then this camp was probably just the one for you. From a peek back into the Pinan Series and a dive into Naifauchi series you’ll get plenty of new insights into some of the vintage kata that you only thought you knew.

Pinan (平安) Kata
Peaceful Mind

Set in the Historic Carrollton Area this helps to lend to a trendy and cool city vibe with the rustic setting from an old traditional Georgia time.

Soke Ruiz spent some time early Saturday morning teaching some of the Pinan Series of Kata. If you have not been a part of his Pinan Series of Classes then you really have missed a real treat. The Pinan Series Bunkai is where you see Soke Ruiz in his most rawest Karate form, which is the essence of Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ha. Considering Soke likely first began learning these kata early in his development it’s fairly safe to say that there is not too many kata that he has known longer than Pinan Shodan.

Hanshi-Sei Ruiz focused on Pinan Shodan and Godan for this short session. As the group worked the Kata on the floor, tweaks were made to both kata by Soke Ruiz, as he worked the floor. Additionally, Soke taught several of his Key Bunkai from both Shodan and Godan Kata to the group. Soke demonstrated each bunkai flawlessly as the attendees watched on in preparation for their own hands-on session.

There are 5 Pinan Kata created by Anko Itosu (1830 -1915). Itosu used these Kata as the basics to teach his elementary school class. Later Funakoshi helped to Standardize and Formalize the Kata for all students in the Okinawan School System. The Japanese to English translation of Pinan is Peaceful Mind. Supposedly the thought is that having known all these Pinan Kata and Bunkai, a pupil should have sufficient knowledge, skill, and confidence leading to a peaceful mind in a combative situation.

As far as can be accounted for the Pinan Series can very likely trace its roots back to a lost kata named “Chiang Nan”. The form became known as “Channing”, an Okinawan/Japanese approximation of the Chinese pronunciation. It is said that Itosu changed the katas name from Chaing-Nan to Pinan as he found ‘Chaing’ too difficult to pronounce.

There are 5 Pinan Kata created by Anko Itosu (1830 -1915). Itosu used these Kata as the basics to teach his elementary school class. Later these Kata were standardized and developed for students of all ages for use in the Okinawan School System. The Japanese to English translation of Pinan is Peaceful Mind. Supposedly the thought is that having known all these Pinan Kata and Bunkai, a pupil should have sufficient knowledge, skill, and confidence leading to a peaceful mind in a combative situation.

Pinan in the Elementary School System

As karate history and accounts go, most have not been written down over time, especially from the pre-1900 era. And when it comes to Kata origins the same can be true. The Pinan Series of Kata, which in all essence of the coined term “Modern Traditional Karate” is even shrouded in historical stories and legends of how the kata came to be and was further developed. And just think, the Pinan Series of Kata have only existed for approximately 110 years and we already have discrepancies in our records. As you think about the birth of karate from out of the shadows of secrecy and into the public eye, it began during this time period with Itosu tactically navigating his way through the political and school systems. The development of the Pinan Series in the elementary school was between 1902-1907 and at the end of this point, Pinan Shodan – Godan had been developed.

What? Shocked at what you are reading? Yes, that’s right. And you thought all our kata were hundreds if not thousands of years old? Guess again. The Pinan Series of Kata has only been in existence since approx 1902-1907, which puts them at approximately 110 years old. A common story of belief states that there was a shipwrecked Chinese Man staying locally in the Okinawan Tomari region. and he taught Itosu at some point in time in the 1800’s. Add Karate knowledge to Itosu’s skill set and you have the makings of “The Beginning”. Don’t forget that Itosu worked in the Education System, so he was armed with Karate knowledge and a fuel to teach and expand the pupil base.

Shihan Dai Matt Downton is shown here as class participants take advantage of his kata knowledge.

Because of the supposed length of the kata and the fact that Itosu had the desire to implement Karate into an Elementary School Program he had a couple of challenges to overcome, besides the obvious political nature. He and his students would be under the highest level of scrutiny. The main training kata he wanted to use was too long. He needed enough standardized material and resources to last for several years. His students would be young which meant his traditional training methods would have to be altered. A new standardized system would be needed. Itosu was able to achieve this from the years 1902-1907.

So instead of trying to teach just one long kata to a group of elementary school students, Itsou decided to take a new approach. He went through the painstaking process of dividing the kata up into sections and then integrating some of his other teachings into the recipe. What resulted is 5 completely different kata that would belong to the same family of katas named the Pinan Series or Peaceful Mind as it’s become more commonly known. Now 110+ years later and this series is still taught to traditional karate students from all over the world.

Karate in the Okinawan School System

Shihan Dai Mike Downton investing time with our youth in the organization.

By the year 1908 Itosu wrote a letter to the Prefectural education department that outlined his views on karate. Itosu asked the board to please allow for karate to be taught into the curriculum of all Okinawan schools. Itosu was awarded his request and karate became part of the education of all Okinawan children. Finally, karate had a glimpse from out of the shadows, and like the shot heard from around the world, Okinawan children had instant access to karate.

This spark would become the inspiration that would drive masters like Motobu, Funakoshi, and Mabuni to the mainland Japan in the 1920’s, to start the spread of Karate around the world. The Pinan Series would be honed, standardized and tested as Karate began its journey from out of the shadows. Later when Funakoshi took the Pinan Kata to Japan he then renamed it to Heian which was translated as “Peaceful and Safe”.

Naifanchi (ナイファンチ) Kata
Sideways Fighting Kata

Whether you call it Naifaunchi, Naifanchi, Naifunchun, Naihuanchi, Naihanchi, Tekki, Tetti, or Tetki,  it all boils down to just a couple of major tactics. And Yes, Sideways fighting is one of them since the Kata is set up for an onslaught of 45 degree angled attackers. This kata is named after the direction in which attackers are charging from – ” Sideways Fighting”. A practitioner will spend all of their time during the kata, either in a Shiko Dachi or either being transitioned from or into a Shiko Dachi. Either way you look at it, this kata is all about Shiko-Dachi, 45-degree angled attacks and strategically placing your back against a wall.

Soke Ruiz is shown here teaching Naifanchi Bunkai

This series of kata also has a shrouded history. Some speculate that “The Kata” was originally one long kata. At some point, over time the kata may have been modified and or broken apart into 3 complete kata forming Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan. There is also some confusion as to the originator of this kata. Some say Matsumura could be the originator. Most scholars seem to agree that Choki Motobu took a huge part in the development of Nidan and Sandan Katas as one of his books has a focus on Naifanchi.

Other stories have Gichin Funakoshi, changing the name of the kata to Tekki over time, which is said to be Japanese. Naifuanchi typically links back to the Chinese roots and Naihaunchi links back to the Okinawan roots. No matter what you call it, Naifanchi Kata is known throughout the world in the traditional karate circles.

During our time with Hanshi-Sei Ruiz, he focused on Naifanchi Shodan and Nidan for this short session. As the group worked the Kata, tweaks were made to both katas by Soke Ruiz, as he walked the floor. Additionally, Soke taught several of his Key Bunkai Sequences from both Shodan and Nidan Kata to the group. Soke demonstrated each bunkai flawlessly and with ease. The participants were then guided through the bunkai with Soke watching over and giving tutelage where needed. Occasionally an alternate or optional Bunkai would be provided just for fun.

Reflections

Camp came and went in a blink of an eye. For some, only 1-2  day participation could only be allocated because of other commitments. For those that attended, they received a blink back in time from some old Soke Ruiz Karate days. In addition, they received Master level tutelage on some of the foundational kata of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do as a whole. For those did not have the opportunity to attend then please note that you were missed and we hope to see you next year. And for all potential attendees, the Annual Camps are generally the largest IKKU events of the year, so be sure to put be placeholders on your calendar for our 2019 events.

We want to make sure all our friends make it out to our events so please help spread the news. Remember, great friendships are forged and folded like a katana being prepared for its future master.

Keep working hard in the dojo and we look forward to seeing you on the floor soon. OSU!

Additional IKKU Information

For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union then please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-8 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU and other High Dan Instructors.

The post 2018 IKKU Winter Camp appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.