North American Beikoku Shido-kan Association
9th Annual
2006 National Training Seminar Recap

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan USA
IM Circle Building
July 20 - 23, 2006

Sponsored by:
Original Okinawa Karate
Lansing, Michigan USA

Updated: 8/28/06


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This year's NTS was a overwhelming success with over 300 karate-ka participating in four intensive days of training with Seikichi Iha, Hanshi, 10th Dan, at Michigan State University. Members of over 30 dojos from throughout the U.S., Canada, Okinawa Japan, Fukuoka Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Israel were in attendance this year. We enjoyed many hours of active training time with Iha Sensei each day along with break-out sessions on a wide range of applications with our senior teachers.

Sensei once again offered up an impressive array of applications for our fundamental techniques. He left us all with a full plate of "homework" for the next year!

Wharton Center Demonstration

To mark the 30th Anniversary of the North American Beikoku Shido-kan Association, a special demonstration was held on July 22 at MSU's Wharton Center for the Performing Arts in the Great Hall. Featuring performances by all the attending dojo groups, as well as members of the Michigan and New York Okinawa Associations performing traditional Okinawan dance. The audience gave a standing ovation for the exciting final performances…solo kata from our most senior sensei with a closing kata by Iha Sensei.

Read a newspaper article covering this event:

• The State News (MSU newspaper)

Special thanks to the MSU Department of Kinesiology for co-sponsoring the Wharton Demonstration event.

Youth Seminar Highlights

The youth seminar was attended by more than 30 enthusiastic karate-ka. Under the creative direction of their adult and teen Sensei's from around the country, along with general training, there was also a youth kata tournament featuring a special session with Iha Sensei who provided tips for improving kata performance. Less formal training at the MSU bowling lanes on Thursday and in the IM pool on Friday night contributed to the growth of friendships and cooperation between our young karate members.

Ryukyu Ocho Suidi Kobujutsu Association Bo Seminar

A kobudo bo seminar in 4 parts was provided by Kaoru Tsumori Sensei, Masanori Nakayama Sensei and Maki Toguchi Sensei of the Ryukyu Ocho Suidi Kobujutsu Association of Okinawa and Fukuoka Japan. This year marked the second total group training for association members. Fundamental stances, bo handling and moving techniques, bo kata (Suidi Ufugusuku nu Kun, Suidi Suji nu Kun Sho & Dai, Choun no Kun Sho & Dai) including partnership drills and bunkai were the focus of the training.

Thank-you to everyone who participated — and to the dedicated individuals who volunteered as helpers — for making this year's National Training Seminar a great demonstration of Iha Sensei's philosophy of friendship, cooperation and learning!

Mark your calendars for NTS 2007— to be held July 20-22 on the campus of Michigan State Universiy.