North American Beikoku Shido-kan Association
10th Annual
2007 National Training Seminar Recap

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan USA
IM Circle Building
July 20 - 22, 2007

Sponsored by:
Original Okinawa Karate
Lansing, Michigan USA

Updated: 8/9/07


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This year's NTS was a great success with over 250 Shido-kan karate enthusiasts participating in three intensive days of training with Seikichi Iha, Hanshi, 10th Dan, at Michigan State University. Members of dojos from throughout the U.S., Canada, Okinawa Japan, 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.

New in 2007 was a bunkai tournament where groups had the opportunity to form before or during the seminar and perform their interpretations of various Shido-kan kata applications before a panel of judges. This was a great way to demonstrate cooperation between dojo members. The perpetual plaque was taken home this year by first place group, the "Holt Karate Kids" of Holt Dojo, Michigan.

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!

Youth Seminar Highlights

The youth seminar was attended by more than 30 enthusiastic young students. 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 IM pool on Friday night contributed to the growth of friendships and cooperation between our young karate members. The capstone event for the weekend was the youth demo team performance at the Lansing Sheraton closing banquet on Sunday. Demo participants were cheered on by an audience of over 200 appreciative adult karate teachers, students and parents.

Ryukyu Ocho Suidi Kobujutsu Association Bo Seminar

A day-long kobudo bo seminar was provided by Kaoru Tsumori Sensei and Maki Toguchi Sensei of the Ryukyu Ocho Suidi Kobujutsu Association of Okinawa Japan. This year marked the third 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. Special focus this year was on Choun no Kun Dai kata and oiyo bunkai.

Thanks to the NTS-07 Team!

Those who participated this year will never forget the awesome sight of the MSU IM Circle gym completely surrounded by hundreds of Shido-kan people in our traditional opening friendship circle. 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 2008 (late July dates to be posted soon!) on the campus of Michigan State Universiy.