ENGLISH ∙ ESPAÑOL ∙ FRANÇAIS ∙
GALLERY — MARCH 2008, NEW YORK
After our Winter Session ended on March 20th, I decided to celebrate the beginning of the Spring with some special classes:
KANTŌSHŌ — FIGHTING SPIRIT AWARD
INTRODUCTION TO KUMITE
In the Shinjinbukan School, the concept of Kumite (sparring) IS NOT considered essential, because we don't think kumite is realistic. And this idea is the opposite of "sports karate". In general, we consider that "kumite" is a tool for the development of young Karate students. Therefore, I do some "Introduction to Kumite" with young children. And it is a real challenge to teaching children ages 5 to 7 years!! So, I normally start with some basic drills and end with 30 to 60 seconds free sparring.
PUSH UPS
My concept of teaching Karate to young children is to develop their motor skills, natural posture, body mechanics, conditioning and discipline through challenging interactive games.
KANTŌSHŌ — FIGHTING SPIRIT AWARD
In the Shinjinbukan School, it takes a long time receive a promotion to Kyū (junior rank with color belts) or Dan (black belts). Therefore, instead of promoting my students too fast, I decided to recognized their good effort for the Winter Season with the Kantōshō (Fighting Spirit Award) to the following students: Sofia Rusanoff, Vassily Lowenfells, Adrian Korogodsky, Renata Korogodsky and Preston Flammang.
The certificate was printed in both Japanese and English, and with in a Hanko (Japanese Seal):
敢闘賞
冬期空手クラスにおける健闘を称え証する
二００八年三月二十六日
国際神人武館空手道協会
神人武館ニューヨーク支部道場
師範 ジミー・モラ
KANTŌSHŌ
(Fighting Spirit Award)
Certificate of commendation for the good effort during the Winter Session Karate Class.
Given on the 26th day of March, 2008.
Kokusai Shinjinbukan Karate Dō Kyōkai.
Shinjinbukan New York Shibu Dōjō.
Shihan, Jimmy Mora.
DŌJŌ PARTY — THE BIG FOUR O!!
Yes, it finally came!! I turned Fourty on March 25th. And the following day, the children, their moms and one Grandmother brought me gifts and a cake. Our Dōjō party was a double celebration: My birthday and the beginning of the Spring Semester. Perfect!!
In the Shinjinbukan School, there is a very unique ettiquette and many traditions which are quite evident during social ocassions. Even a toast with juice (for the children) must follow the proper etiquette, known as Reigi Sahō. KANPAI!!
