Fighting Arts International - No.68

Fighting Art International No.68

No Mercy: Six Hours of Japanese Karate Training Under the Takushoku Trio'

Report: lan MacLaren. Photos: Josephine Wynn

Master Enoeda taught two versions of the kata 'Tekki Sandan'

Largs has a reputation for being one of the warmest and sunniest resorts on Scotland's Clyde coast. As Karate-ka from all over Scotland gathered there on a Saturday in late 1990, it was to experience a different kind of heat. Three of the World's top Shotokan Instructors, Enoeda, Tsuyama and Tabata, all Japan Karate Association sensei and all graduates of the infamous Takushoku University in Tokyo, had been brought to Largs by the KUGB's senior Scottish representative, Paul Allan, for a course and grading.

 

Inset:
Master Enoeda taught two versions of the kata 'Tekki Sandan'.

I have to confess that it was with a mixture of anticipation tinged with trepidation that I drove through the Borders towards the Firth of Clyde. It was now three years since carbon fibre implants had been inserted into my right knee and that was the time required for my own ligamental tissue to grow into the fibre lattices. This course would be the first time I would be attempting to use full power on my right leg - no excuses now!

Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda needs no introduction to British Karate-ka. His power and technique are legendary, and his dynamic methods of teaching are well known throughout the Shotokan World. Sensei Katsunori Tsuyama is also a teacher of international repute. Chief Instructor to Takushoku University Karate Club, and ex-coach to the Japanese National Squad, he is renowned for keri waza (kicking techniques), in particular his mawashi geri (roundhouse kick).

Yukichi Tabata, Sensei, big arid friendly with an infectious grin (especially when he sees you flagging at the end of 200 leg lifts!) has gained many fans from his teaching at the Crystal Palace Summer and Autumn courses over the years. For many years he was a leading member of the Japanese national team.


Inset:
Master Tsuyama puts the black belt class through a series of punching drills