Okinawan Traditional Goju Ryu Karate-do Association

Shisochin Kata resembles the Dragon.

The Nukite strike could demonstrate the defiant mood of the Dragon, hissing and displaying it’s tongue.

The step back and then quickly moving forward suggests Karate Ni Sente Nashi and the Mawashi like movement could be the wings of the Dragon in defence.

The distinctive Zenkustu Dachi is the element of Fire and the four different directions that the Kata displays suggest the Dragon attacking forward and at the same time defending the rear end with its tail.

The palm heel strike to the face suggests the advancing of the flame and the downward palm heel strike could represent the tail in defence.

The Hiki Uke movement and the kick into Zenkustu Dachi could represent the descent of the Dragon crushing its foe.

To the last move, Tora Guchi, this could be the Dragon proudly displaying it’s triumph.

George Andrews

Looking back over the years not much as changed on the Isle of Wight, it still reminds me of the early 60’s and it is a pleasure to be invited back once again to conduct a one day course with Sensei Mick Dewey 8th Dan SEKU and the coordinator Sensei Mark Elliott 5th Dan SEKU.

I travelled across by ferry which takes about 40 minutes, in this time you can witness some of the coastline and its beauty which has a long line of history. On arriving I made my way to Sensei Mark's house where I was greeted by Sensei Mike whom I have not seen for 15 years. It was quite a emotional time, we sat and talked about old times we had spent together in the past.

That evening I was invited out to dinner, I had a wonderful Fish supper then I went back to the hotel to get a good night sleep ready for training in the morning, at 9.15 – 10.30am I started with the Children I counted about 30, all were eager and ready to go.

Then it was the turn of the Adults and Cadets I counted about 35 people and after an hour of arduous warming up we split the class into groups, Sensei Mick took the kyu grades and I took the black belts and after 2 hours Sensei Mick focused on Kata and I focused on self – defence and then for the last hour I was invited to take all black belts so I focused on the Kata Tensho and Kakie (Sticky Hands) everyone was excited with this discipline.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sensei Mark Elliott and his wife Lisa for such a lovely time.

George Andrews

The Children’s Fun Day was organised by Sensei Dick Lovett and Dave Amber from Harlow and Basildon Dojos. The Children arrived at 10am full of energy and spark and many new faces were in attendance, but it was not for long as the Children intermingled with each other and by the end of the day they had made many new friends.

The day started with all the children warming up together and working in pairs, a few games and banter helped the children to forget their anxiety and concentrate on having fun, next they were split into four groups and each instructor would concentrate on one or two combinations for 15 minutes so as not to lose the children’s interest.

After lunch break it was time for a competition and this would include Push ups, Sit ups and Star Jumps for one minute, the children were so enthusiastic for them it was not only about winning but also the challenge.

Then as a special treat Sensei Joost Frehe, who is an instructor of Grapping and Ground-work, had the children work together in pairs and they absolutely enjoyed every moment even those that were hesitant in the beginning gave it their all.

And to finish the day, and by know the children were showing signs of fatigue, it was back into their groups for light sparring and after the call to line up, each child received a medal and certificate for their participation.

I would like to thank all the instructors and parents for making this event a success.

Sensei George Andrews

The ready position with the left hand over the right hand signifies gentleness overcoming strength, our natural behaviour is to greet a person with calm and equanimity not aggression. The first move in this Kata shows water finding its own level, as you sink into the stance.

The first hand movements resemble a volcano which suggests the father of creation, as the eruption settles thus life is created, in time everything moves or changes.

Most of the techniques are double handed or supported, which indicates that human beings should exist as friends and that with a helping hand, life can exist without hardship or conflict.

All movements suggest this Kata to be the element of Earth, indicating logic isolating power.

George Andrews


Equanimity is a state of mental or emotional stability or composure arising from a deep awareness and acceptance of the present moment.

Polar bears camouflage themselves more completely during a hunt by covering their black noses with their paws.

A duck protects her brood by pretending to be injured, to ward of an assailant.

The quail bird will feed near a hedge to avoid a descending bird of prey.

The mongoose can intimidate a cobra snake, with its inquisitive manner without fear of being bitten.

A chameleon changes colour to camouflage its presence.

A fox cleanses itself of parasites by taking a clump of lamb’s fur from a fence and walks backwards into a river, this make the fleas retreat to the fur and fox walks from the river unadulterated.

The wren bird will make its nest at the back of a tree so it is blind to the human eye.

Most animals display a voice of defiance and will give a warning, then a show that they are much bigger than they are. If this fails there will be conflict until there is concede or death, most conflict ends in concede because having wounds or infection in nature leads to certain death.

Nature is the text book to life.

George Andrews

Photo courtesy of ruby blossom

Matsuri comes from the word that means Festival or Holiday ‘to entertain' or ‘to serve’ it is also used to refer to Shinto Festivals.

The venue was the prestigious County Hall in London which is a landmark of days gone by; it is also close to The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, The London Aquarium and Matsuri 2010. 35,000 people attended last year.