Shotokan Karate Magazine Issue 162
Featuring Sensei, Martin J Smith 9th Dan KBR.
March 2025
Shotokan Karate Magazine Issue 163
March 2025
Contents
Editorial.
SENSEI GEORGES DUSSART 6th Dan. Interview By Emma Rosen & John Parnell.
REFLECTION ON OIZUKI. By Tom Kompier.
KARATE AS A PERSONAL DEFENCE SYSTEM. By Martín Fernández Rincón.
TEST OF CHARACTER. By Albert Cheah.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS OVER-TRAINING. By Matt Price.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
CHRONICLES OF SHOTOKAN: FUNAKOSHI’S DREAM DOJO. By Graham Noble.
PROPOSALS FOR AN INTEGRALPRACTICE OF KARATE-DO. By Dr Wolf Herbert.
EDITORIAL By John Cheetham.
We have a very diverse series of articles in this edition of SKM. Starting with an interview with sensei Georges Dussart 6th Dan, a founder member of Shotokan Connect, a new group formed here in England. In a way it ties in nicely with Matt Price’s article. To me it captures the physical/mental differences between a 50 year old karateka (Matt Price) and a 77 year old karateka, Georges Dussart, who has practiced karate for 50 years. It points out, and not in a bad way – but in a very realistic way, the training effects that Karate-do has on the body as we age.
His interview will speak volumes for our older subscribers or anyone who has trained consistently for over 50 years. There is no denying that after so many years, the training will have an effect on one’s body. This varies massively of course but it’s doubtful that anyone who has trained for that length of time will be totally injury free. Older karateka can’t train for longer periods with the same intensity as a karateka 25/30 years younger. A more sensible approach to training and importantly, rest-time, has to be taken if we wish to continue into our 80s or beyond.
I love Matt Price’s article, you can feel the energy in his words but remember Matt is an elite athlete who was a World class competitor and former Champion. He’s also an excellent instructor. The problem is that most can’t train with that type of intensity which Matt talks about when we are in our 70s, and sadly, recovery time takes ‘much’ longer.
Dr Wolf Herbert’s article is a fascinating read. This quote sums it up... “Theoretical study and meditative exercises are often considered secondary or even unnecessary. Integral practice means that all three areas, physical, mental, and spiritual are trained equally, synergistically. In pre-modern, Traditional Martial Arts disciplines, these elements were inseparably woven together in unison.” – Food for thought there!
The Martin Fernandez article brings up an interesting argument. Namely, are you practicing Karate-justu or Karate-do? I agree with Martin; Karate is definitely one of many various methods of personal self-defence. However, if we are ‘soley’ practicing for self-defence, why train in a dogi, in bare feet, on a nice, clean, wooden dojo floor or mats? For many, Karate-do is more than just a self-defence method. It’s also a physical Art form for mental discipline, self-expression, and a test of character, where we always keep in mind that – the true opponent is oneself.
We’ve not had an article by Graham Noble, the renowned Karate Historian, for quite a few years. However, I’m pleased to say that we now have another excellent historical piece by Graham. It shines a light on the story of the Shotokan dojo and the progression of Shotokan in the hands of the formidable Yoshitaka Funakoshi.
We had quite a response to my oizuki article in the last issue. To follow this up, we have an excellent technical article by Sensei Tom Kompier from the Netherlands, who featured in the article. Tom reflects on the oizuki technique we all practice and the many aspects involved in its execution.
Good Health, Good Training, Editor.
