Page 47 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 120

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #120 January 2023 47

KARATE KOMMENTS What is a Cast Party

Submitted Article menu is determined to be acceptable to
everyone - including children - as there
may be children in the production or
By Jim Riddell, are supporters of the cast and crew.
During the Cast Party, the Producer
Seaway Karate Club and Director will say a few words

and then invite the leading man or
woman to give a toast. It is a time
Non-Traditional Weapons fter the curtain has fallen and the for everyone to mingle and reminisce

Training with a weapon in karate class, whether traditional or non- Afinal bows have been taken, it is over the performances and possibly
traditional, has numerous benefits. Practicing kata with any weapon will now time to “PAR-TEE” relate anecdotes and bloopers that the
certainly develop coordination, balance, and timing, and the various stances A Cast Party is also known as the audience was not aware of but happened
required are a type of body weight drill. Even though the weapon may seem “Wrap Party”: it is a party for the actors during rehearsals and performances.
light, it has enough mass that with the required repetitions, strength and and production crew but may also Music from the production may also
be played in the background.
muscle tone will develop. Traditional weapons are very popular and can include those who have encouraged Sometimes, the Director may give
add a valuable component to any karate training program. The downside and supported over the many hours of
rehearsals and performances. a Wrap Gift to each cast and crew
of training with traditional weapons is that they are not practical for use
The actors and crew decide the member.
outside of the dojo. In recent years non-traditional weapons, also known Ultimately, the cast and crew may
as “improvised weapon,” or “weapons of opportunity,” have gained in location of the Cast Party and advise sign production posters as souvenirs,
popularity. Non-traditional weapons are common items that have a primary the organizer of their preference: the since these dedicated people may not
purpose but can be used to defend yourself. It is important that the training performance venue? a restaurant? see or perform with each other for
has a defensive component, enabling defense against active aggression as or even in the home of someone quite some time.
well as an offensive purpose. Here are a few of the items that we train with connected to the performance. Cast Party Organizer
at Seaway Karate. It is during this collaboration that the Sheila Youmelle
1) Cane or walking stick - a support device that can be taken anywhere
including on a plane. It can be used with one or both hands to execute
blocks and strikes. Also good for creating distance as well as applying
restraints.

2) Snow Brush - We are Canadian and most of us have a snowbrush handy
in our vehicles for a good portion of the year.
3) Umbrella – a sturdy full length umbrella is a practical stylish means
of self-defense and can also keep you dry on a rainy day. Commonality
of technique is very important – the cane, walking stick, snow brush, and
umbrella share many of the same techniques.

4) Kubatons – (key holder) – The kubaton was developed by Takayuki
Kobuda for use by police officers. They were first used by the LAPD in the
‘70’s when female officers were trained in it’s use. The kubaton is a 5.5”
solid rod, usually ½” in diameter and made of either aluminum or high
impact plastic and is knurled or grooved to ensure a good grip. One end
of the kubaton has an attached split ring which connects to the split ring
on your keys. If you carry a kubaton, stick with the basic model. Some
manufacturers have tried to “enhance” the kubaton by concealing a blade
inside while others have added spikes or a sharpened point. Stay away
from these models. Although legal, if you are flying, put your kubaton in
your checked luggage as you will not be able to take it through security.
5) Flashlight – standard, mini, and penlights, have been around since 1899
when the American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Co., received a
US patent. The company donated several to the NYCPD, beginning the use
of the flashlight by law enforcement personnel. Mini flashlights, penlights,
and kubatons share many of the same techniques. They are discreet, easy
to carry, easy to use, and are quite effective.