Page 34 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 79

34 Issue #79 June 2019 www.sportsenergynews.com

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By Jim Riddell, Rookie of the Month

Seaway Karate Club
Kaleb Jodoin

Grade: 5
KARATE KOMMENTS School: Bridgewood Public School

Home Town: Cornwall
June’s Rookie of the Month, Kaleb Jodoin,
Bridging the Gap between Sports Energy
was nominated by Cornwall Minor Baseball
Coach Travis Cox. Kaleb plays for the Blue
Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper
Kata and Self-defence Jays at the minor level in Cornwall. Like
his team-mates at this age level, Kaleb plays
Kata which is one of karate’s most important components is often a variety of positions on his team while
learning the basics of the game.
described as a series of pre-determined moves utilizing kicks, strikes, Sports Energy
blocks, and grabs, while stepping and turning. On the journey from “I nominated Kaleb for his enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and dedication to
Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper
white belt to first degree Black belt (Shodan), depending on the style the game of baseball,” says Coach Cox.
of karate, a student may be required to learn anywhere from less than At school, Kaleb enjoys gym class. His hobbies include playing video
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ten, to twenty or more, katas. Learning a kata is something much games, hanging out with friends, and of course baseball.
more than “something that needs to be done” to achieve the next belt
rank. Learning the practical application of those moves is important Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper
to have a good understanding of the kata.

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The kata training that is done during class helps to develop the ALL Outdoor Soccer Cleats at least
35
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attributes that are necessary for skill development. Speed, focus, Sports Energy
timing, power, balance, and coordination are all developed and
Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper
ingrained through kata. One of the most important things is
the development of muscle memory that comes from the many 400 Second St. W. Cornwall
Sports Energy
repetitions. Every karate practitioner has various preferred self- 613-938-0001 • www.rookez-edge.com
defence techniques which they find use natural movement and are
easily learned. Most often this is due to the muscle memory that was Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper
developed using similar movements to those found in one of their
katas.
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When using kata for self-defence, the two most important rules Sports Energy
must always apply - simplicity and spontaneity. To be successful,
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the response to a physical attack must be instantaneous, simple, and Is a Publication of:
practical to be successful. Bunkai is the term given to the breakdown
of a kata and is very important in bridging the gap between kata and
self-defence. There are three distinct phases of bunkai as the student
moves up through the belt ranks and each one plays an important part Editorial: Mike Piquette
in their development:
mike@sportsenergynews.com
1) Omote or beginning phase is taught exactly as it appears to be Editor: Margo Jankowski
in the kata, - a punch is a punch, a block is a block, and a strike is a
strike. This is a good way to introduce bunkai to white and yellow Graphic Design: Lynn Dillabough,
belts. dillydesigns@eastlink.ca
Business Development/Advertising: Mike Piquette,
2) Ura or intermediate phase – In Japanese ura means “behind”.
In this phase students are encouraged to look for alternative uses for mike@sportsenergynews.com or 613-662-3654
what looks like an obvious technique. This helps to promote thought Sales: Gord Shaver
and develop an open mind and is used mostly for orange, green, and 613-362-8004 gordshaver@hotmail.com
blue belt levels. Sports Energy is a monthly publication covering the Greater Cornwall
3) Honto – meaning “real” or “true”. Karate in Okinawa at one Area. Our goal is to offer a quality, informative and enjoyable newspaper
time had throws, grappling, and joint locks. Some of these techniques and website to our readership, focusing on the accomplishments of the
were removed when karate started being taught in the school system many gifted athletes and sports organizations in our area. The opinions
and statements of our writers and columnists are not necessarily the
and was later revised again in Japan. A good way to explore this level
opinion of Sports Energy.
of bunkai is to start with the first phase position where you would
Sports Energy is always on the lookout for positive sports stories.
execute a block - now take one step towards the attacking partner
If you have a story you feel is worthwhile sharing, please email to
and look for a series of simple practical techniques that will flow
info@sportsenergynews.com.
naturally – chances are that these techniques are in one of your katas. All suggestions will be considered but not necessarily printed.
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