Sensei Delaney Clinic

The 2nd Annual AKC Invitational Bogu Tournament was followed by a clinic on the morning of the 21st of February. The clinic was held at the Chocolate Lake Community Center, and was well-attended with about 70 Chito-Ryu practitioners from around the province. The clinic was divided into three major topics: karate history, kumite, and kata.

Sensei Travis Cottreau covered the first hour of the clinic with a history lecture, starting with general karate history, and then focusing on the history of Chito-Ryu, including its origins, its kata and a brief history of O'Sensei's teachers. He further explained that since karate originated in Okinawa, midway between southern China and Japan, it (karate) was influenced heavily by the martial arts of both these nations. He has studied this, in part, by examining kata from various other styles, and trying to recognize techniques and sequences that are characteristic of Chito-Ryu. Travis also talked about the influence of the American stay in Japan after World War II, and how this helped in the globalization of karate. Travis later claimed that it was very encouraging to see people taking notes during his presentation and question period. It let him know that interest in karate history is strong in the local area.

Senseis Mitchell German and Gary Sabean presented for the next hour, focusing on tournament kumite training methods and techniques. The session was similar to Friday evening classes at the AKC, and students who regularly attend on Friday evenings were familiar with the concepts taught in this session. The instructors stressed the importance of having a game plan when you enter the ring, to know what works for you, and to visualize yourself scoring. The remainder of the hour was spent practicing tactical combinations and other kumite techniques.

Sensei Michael Delaney then took over the reigns for the final hour of the clinic. He took everyone through Shi-Ho-Hai kata and bunkai in detail. Sensei Delaney explained the importance of understanding kata and their bunkai, as they form the 'book' of karate. In part of this last hour, Sensei Delaney also took black belts aside and explained Japanese etiquette in detail, concentrating specifically on bowing.

It is unfortunate that the weather did not cooperate over the weekend of the 20th and 21st of February, as many areas of the province were unable to attend either the clinic or the tournament. Those who were able to attend went away pleased with a very good tournament and a very educational clinic.

By: James d'Eon