Over the past 12 months, the Australian Shibu of the SKWHWF has gone through a process of assimilating so much that is new to us. Following the example of Hanshi Watanabe, Shihan Dan Hayes, Shihan Page Christis and Sensei Richard Alicea from their visit to our shores in March 2007, we have been practicing refined ways of standing, walking and turning, as well as a variety of different forms of kata and kumite.
While this has been a challenging process, we are all truly excited to be able to get closer to the original teachings of Shinan Hisataka, and those of his key student, Hanshi Watanabe. We feel privileged to be able to learn from such a gifted, dedicated and humble man.
In April 2008 we again welcomed Hanshi Watanabe and Shihan Dan to Australia for another National Training Camp (3 day clinic), along with Senpai Zorrian Jomo. Over this time, we had the opportunity to further refine the way we stand, walk and turn, as well as practice tanshiki kumite, yakusoku kumite and kata. We were also privileged to have Hanshi Watanabe share much insight into his training with Shinan Hisataka, and aspects of karate philosophy. Many of our number are busily learning as much as they can about Bun Bu Ryo Do, Ikken Hissatsu, Karate ni Sente Nashi and other important concepts.
We hope that our visitors enjoyed their short visit as much as we enjoyed having them. Of course a visit to Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo was a highlight for them, and a highlight for all of us was watching Senpai Zorrian put into practice a variety of self defence techniques from the carnivorous Australian marsupial, the Drop Bear, a close but deadly relative to the Koala.
Under the leadership of Shihan Jim Griffin and Shihan Max Estens, Shorinjiryu Kenyukai Watanabe Ha Karate Australia is moving into a new phase of steady growth. We have six dojo operating along Australia’s east coast, from Innisfail in Tropical North Queensland in the north, to Sydney in the south. A seventh dojo is shortly to open in the state of Tasmania (also known as the Apple Isle), and there are plans afoot for new dojo in the state of Victoria, and another in Queensland. If all goes well, we will have nine dojo operating in four states of Australia.