JANUARY 2020 TORONTO WADO-KAI KARATE CLUB LTD. TORONTO WADO-KAI WEBSITE: WWW.TORONTOWADOKAI.COM COMMUNICATIONS: TWKK@PSSTNETWORK.CA PHONE: (416) 801-7435 PRESIDENT: Sensei Dave Manara, Kudan (9 th Degree Black Belt) VICE PRESIDENT: Steve Borda, Hachidan (8 th Degree Black Belt) TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: José-Carlos Garcia, Hachidan (8 th Degree Black Belt) SENIOR DIRECTOR & ADVISOR: Ray Kennedy, Shichidan (7 th Degree Black Belt) COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR & FOCUS EDITOR: Robb Dods, Rokudan (6 th Degree Black Belt) YUDANSHA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Ron Sheyan, Shichidan (7 th Degree Black Belt) CARIBBEAN DIRECTOR: Freeman Thurston, Shichidan (7 th Degree Black Belt) SENIOR ADVISOR: Michael McCarthy, Rokudan (6 th Degree Black Belt) WEBSITE DIRECTOR: Leaton Bernard, Rokudan (6 th Degree Black Belt) AMBASSADORS: Steve Borda, Hachidan Ray Kennedy, Shichidan Ron Sheyan, Shichidan INTRODUCTION Happy New Year, everyone, from the TWKK! 2020 is the beginning of a new decade, and the year of great insight! [Get it?] As a true Canadian (at least of early settler British descent), I have to start the year off by talking about the weather. In southern Ontario, the weather throughout December was rather snowless, and we had the greenest Christmas season I can remember. Now, into January, we have had some snow; a good dump of it this weekend as I finish this issue (at least eight inches or 20cm in my back yard). The weather reports out west, for Calgary and Edmonton, have been cold, real cold! Calgary, -28°C with wind chills of -31°C and more; Edmonton, -30°C with wind chills of -40°C and more. (I think of that as the norm out there, anyway). Luckily, we do not have any dojos in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. The city and region have been pasted with a record snow fall and hurricane force winds, but it looks like the sun came out today as they shovel their drives. I am sure our karate-kas in the Halifax area of Nova Scotia are used to this scene as well. Enough about the weather. In the last quarter of 2019, we had some exciting news about new senior ranks presented by Sensei Manara in November. This is a rare occasion so, with a Kiai force yell, everyone shout ‘Congratulations!’ There are pictures in this issue of the Yudansha rank recipients, there is an update on the aftermath in the Bahamas, from Sensei Freeman Thurston; and do not forget, we have the TWKK Winter Tournament in Thornhill on Saturday, February 22 nd . The website has been updated, but the Main Yudansha Schedule is also in this issue. Enjoy your read! > EDITOR ROBB DODS
Transcript
JANUARY 2020
TORONTO WADO-KAI KARATE CLUB LTD. TORONTO WADO-KAI WEBSITE: WWW.TORONTOWADOKAI.COM COMMUNICATIONS: [email protected]
PHONE: (416) 801-7435
PRESIDENT:
Sensei Dave Manara, Kudan
(9th Degree Black Belt)
VICE PRESIDENT:
Steve Borda, Hachidan
(8th Degree Black Belt)
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:
José-Carlos Garcia, Hachidan
(8th Degree Black Belt)
SENIOR DIRECTOR & ADVISOR:
Ray Kennedy, Shichidan
(7th Degree Black Belt)
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR &
FOCUS EDITOR:
Robb Dods, Rokudan
(6th Degree Black Belt)
YUDANSHA MEMBERSHIP
DIRECTOR:
Ron Sheyan, Shichidan
(7th Degree Black Belt)
CARIBBEAN DIRECTOR:
Freeman Thurston, Shichidan
(7th Degree Black Belt)
SENIOR ADVISOR:
Michael McCarthy, Rokudan
(6th Degree Black Belt)
WEBSITE DIRECTOR:
Leaton Bernard, Rokudan
(6th Degree Black Belt)
AMBASSADORS:
Steve Borda, Hachidan
Ray Kennedy, Shichidan
Ron Sheyan, Shichidan
INTRODUCTION
Happy New Year, everyone, from the TWKK! 2020 is the beginning of a new decade, and the year of great insight! [Get it?]
As a true Canadian (at least of early settler British descent), I have to start the year off by talking about the weather. In southern Ontario, the weather throughout December was rather snowless, and we had the greenest Christmas season I can remember. Now, into January, we have had some snow; a good dump of it this weekend as I finish this issue (at least eight inches or 20cm in my back yard). The weather reports out west, for Calgary and Edmonton, have been cold, real cold! Calgary, -28°C with wind chills of -31°C and more; Edmonton, -30°C with wind chills of -40°C and more. (I think of that as the norm out there, anyway). Luckily, we do not have any dojos in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. The city and region have been pasted with a record snow fall and hurricane force winds, but it looks like the sun came out today as they shovel their drives. I am sure our karate-kas in the Halifax area of Nova Scotia are used to this scene as well.
Enough about the weather. In the last quarter of 2019, we had some exciting news about new senior ranks presented by Sensei Manara in November. This is a rare occasion so, with a Kiai force yell, everyone shout ‘Congratulations!’
There are pictures in this issue of the Yudansha rank recipients, there is an update on the aftermath in the Bahamas, from Sensei Freeman Thurston; and do not forget, we have the TWKK Winter Tournament in Thornhill on Saturday, February 22nd. The website has been updated, but the Main Yudansha Schedule is also in this issue.
On Friday, November 8, 2019, five senior ranks were announced and presented at the Awards Dinner held at the Canadian Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Etobicoke, Ontario. Congratulations to the following senior ranks!
• Sensei Steve Borda and Jose-Carlos Garcia, promoted to Hachidan, 8th Dan.
• Sensei Larry O’Grady and Freeman Thurston, promoted to Shichidan, 7th Dan
• Sensei Steve Henrich, promoted to Rokudan, 6th Dan
Above: Sensei Dave Manara, Steve Borda, Larry O’Grady, Jose-Carlos Garcia
Sensei Freeman Thurston
Sensei Steve Henrich from the Calgary Wado-Kai and Sensei Freeman Thurston from the Bahamas Wado-Kai were unable to attend. Pictured above is Sensei Steve holding his
6th Dan Certificate surrounded by his students.
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Congratulations to the New Black Belts
In addition to the illustrious senior ranks, the following Yudansha ranks were awarded to members of the Seikikai Martial Arts dojo:
Ryan Ruskay, promoted to Shodan George F. and Roman V., promoted to Jr. Shodan-Ho
In Edmonton, Sensei Andre Beauregard, presented Majorie Thériault with her Shodan rank last October at Andre’s Budo Centre dojo.
Sensei Dave Manara, Roman V., George F., Ryan Ruskay, with Sensei Steve Borda, Chester Buczek, Ron Sheyan
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Bahamas Aftermath
As of early November, local and International Agencies, in partnership with neighbourhood Churches and Civic organizations for the distribution of donated supplies, have been the mainstay for the hoards of displaced and in-distress families and individuals. Much of these efforts are continuing across Abaco and Grand Bahama. The needs, seemingly, are endless, but will surely peter-out as the months pass by, and segments of the population gradually become increasingly more self-sufficient.
From Sensei Freeman and family, “the assistance provided by the TWKK has contributed to our ability to keep above the fray and, once again, we give kudos to the leadership (Sensei Dave and Sensei Robb, leading the charge, so to speak), and the support of the overall efforts of the various TWKK dojos leaders, students, friends, and associates of Bahamas and Caribbean AIKIWA Wado-Kai Karate for the pro-active stance on our behalf.
“Specific mention should also be made for the (personal) assistance provided by the International Black Women Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI), in partnership with Community to Community Program (C2C), Three Virtues Organization (TVO), and the local Kidney Centre Limited. Their personal assistance during the widespread flooding and our resultant home devastation and personal losses due to the destructive storm falls under the theme, ‘Recover and Restore’, for the affected residents in Abaco and Grand Bahama.
“The Bahamas Government has passed in Parliament and initiated myriad initiatives designed to give local businesses of all sizes a 'leg-up' in their efforts to get on their feet again; essentially to provide employment and livelihood to across-the-board sectors (including suppliers and associated enterprises) continuing to struggle.
“At the height of feverish activities to provide comfort, and hope, to a devastated island, Bahamas Wado-Kai Karate joined in the overall Agencies' programs to assist residents in the various neighbourhoods. In spite of our personal distress, we partnered with local churches and other civil support groups to facilitate the distribution of supplies at the strategically-placed Distribution Centres. This effort was spearheaded by Sensei Annamae (pictured below), in concert with her
church groups. These were very exhausting, but incredibly rewarding activities.
“With respect to Bahamas and Caribbean AIKIWA Wado-Kai Karate, the following has been disseminated to the associates and the Wado-Kai membership, and general-public, as an update:
“Looking very much that it will be well into the New Year before we are on 'solid footing' in the complete restoration of our Community Service programs. It is a good time, then, to review our Legacy, to date.
“Sensei Freeman Thurston has spearheaded the initiation and maintenance of Wado-Kai Karate programs across the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (throughout the lengths of Long Island and Eleuthera, San Salvador High School, Carlton Francis Primary, New Providence, Treasure Cay, Abaco, and extensively across Grand Bahama/Freeport Public Schools system and Local Government/City Council's Community Centres sectors), the Turks and Caicos Islands (Public Schools system, Providenciales and Grand Turk).
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“We have utilized grass/no-grass fields, dirt/concrete basketball courts, church halls, school gyms, open strips of local sandy/not-so-sandy beaches, and isolated paved/unpaved public road systems in the training. This includes both our registrants and curious on-lookers willing to give the sessions 'a go'. Here’s to continuing our services to our local neighborhoods/communities, and our Nation.
“Very importantly, your continued support keeps us going. In Harmony, Sensei Freeman Thurston, 7th Dan.”
Sensei Manara Announces a Change to the TWKK Executive
Sensei Dave Manara is pleased to announce that Sensei Steve Borda has been promoted to Vice President. A big Thank You! to Sensei Ray Kennedy for his many years of service. Sensei Ray will carry on as Senior Director and Advisor.
NEWS FROM CLUBS
BAHAMAS/ CARIBBEAN AIKIWA Karate Do / Kubudoh Association
Sensei Freeman W.
Thurston, Shichidan
(7th Degree Black Belt)
CENTRE
MONDAY & FRIDAYS:
5:30 – 7PM
SATURDAYS: 10AM – 12PM
YMCA
MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS:
4 – 5PM
SATURDAYS: 1 – 2PM
This has been a rather eventful last quarter (and year) for Sensei Freeman. Did you know Sensei is Chairman of the Grand Bahama Amateur Boxing Association (GBABA), and Chairman of their local Northern Alliance of Martial Artists, Boxing, and Ring Sports Associations (NAMABRA)? Sensei accepted multiple inductions into the following organisations: the Ju-Jitsu Black Belt Hall of Fame, the World Karate League Hall of Fame, and the Four Winds of Kung Fu Hall of Fame; and received the Diamond Achievement Award - Karate Instructor of the Year. Sensei Freeman has also been ranked 7th Dan by Sensei Dave Manara, 9th Dan. His Karate journey continues to be noteworthy.
“Our local Wado-Kai Tutorial programs (Math and Sciences) had encouraging successes in the Bahamas National Exams, again, with many of the successful candidates qualifying for available scholarships for College entrance applications. We are also proud to note that graduates from previous years have had stellar College performances, with at least two of our Wado-Kai Yudansha members eventually achieving advanced degrees (PhD) to-date, in Medical Devices and associated fields. Thus, the continued support/sponsorship of our Wado-Kai karate training and development programs, and associated Community Youth and Young (and-not-so-young) Adults Inner-city programs, are very much high priorities for us. In all these areas - OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES.”
“A greater challenge to us, however, has been and continues to be the all-around destruction visited upon us, and our surrounding communities across the entire Northern Bahamas, that Hurricane Dorian wrought early September 2019; both in terms of physical and infrastructure demolition and social disruptions. Our continued existence as a viable Region has been challenged. With the help, encouragement, and financial donations from the TWKK associated Sensei, dojos and students in direct response to our recognized needs we are recovering. This is along with our surrounding communities, and similar assistance from well-meaning agencies and individuals, albeit at vastly differing rates.
“Much has yet to be done, including the entire affected region of the Bahamas. With respect to me and my family, and particularly Aikiwa (Wado-Kai) Karate, our future looks bright, and we are planning accordingly.
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CLARINGTON Karate Club, Courtice, ON
Sensei Robin Singh, Sandan
(3rd Degree Black Belt)
C.O. Weldon Zabizewski,
Sandan
(3rd Degree Black Belt)
MONDAY & WEDNESDAYS:
6:30 – 8:00PM
Greetings, and a Happy New Year to ALL! Wishing Everyone a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous 2020 from Clarington Wado-Kai!
Hearty Congratulations, to our newly ranked Clarington Wado-kai Karate-kas on December 11th, 2019!
Above, L to R: Daniel, Jabari and Christian! Keep up the great work and training!
OSHAWA-WHITBY Karate Club, Oshawa ON
Sensei Jose-Carlos Garcia
Hachidan
(8th Degree Black Belt)
C.O. Theresa Virgin,
1st Kyu (Brown Belt)
YWCA CENTRE
CHILDREN & ADULTS: TUESDAY & THURSDAY:
7PM TO 8:30PM
WALTER E HARRIS PUBLIC
SCHOOL CHILDREN - BEGINNERS &
ADVANCED: MONDAY & WEDNESDAY:
7:00PM TO 8:00PM
Hope you all have had a safe and wondrous Holiday Season. Here is what has been happening with our club.
September 12, 2019, Ranking:
Congratulations to Emily M. (Yellow), Matthew M. (Orange) and Nolan R. (Yellow)
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Oshawa-Whitby Karate Club, Oshawa ON
October 26, 2019: CONGRATULATIONS, to all the Oshawa students participating in the TWKK Fall Tournament!
Daina A., 2nd Place in Kata, 3rd Place in Kumite; Rita V., 2nd place in Kumite; Annabella M., 1st place in Kumite
November 2, 2019: Students from Oshawa competed at another event and I couldn't be prouder of their performance. Congratulations! Emily M., Matthew M., Adam M. (3rd Kumite), Emily M. (2nd Kata and 2nd Kumite), and Lucas M. (2nd Kumite).
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Oshawa-Whitby Karate Club, Oshawa ON
Nov 8, 2019: Congratulations! Sensei Jose-Carlos Garcia (8th Dan) (right), Sensei Larry O'Grady (7th Dan) (the middle), Sensei Steve Borda (8th Dan) (left), absent Sensei Freeman Thurston (7th Dan) and Sensei Steve Henrich (6th Dan). Special thanks to Sensei Dave Manara (9th Dan).
Thank you everyone for celebrating with me the Hachidan achievement.
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Oshawa-Whitby Karate Club, Oshawa ON
December 5, 2019: Ranking - Congratulations! Ethan M. (Shodan-Ho), Emily M. (Shodan-Ho), Lucas M. (Green), Aza W. (Yellow), Abby W. (Green) and Elim W. (Green)
That’s it for Oshawa Whitby Wado-Kai, hope you all have a great New Year.
Brooklin Family Karate runs a bi-monthly Senior Belt class. Students from all clubs are welcome to attend. Please e-mail Sensei Ron Sheyan at [email protected] if you would like to be placed on an e-mail distribution list. You can also visit www.brooklinkarate.com and click on the “Class Schedule and Location” tab for further details.
On October 21, 2019, Brooklin Family Karate had an exciting night! Our dojo celebrated its 20-year anniversary as a karate dojo in Brooklin. Twenty years ago, in 1999, Sensei Ron Sheyan began the Brooklin Karate Club in Brooklin.
Brooklin Karate quickly outgrew the Brooklin Community Centre and our dojo moved to Brooklin United Church, where we have trained ever since. Under the guidance of Sensei Ron, Brooklin Karate flourished and many students have trained throughout the years. In 2018, Sensei Anthony and Heather Woodward assumed responsibility for the dojo.
We would like to thank both past and present students for their dedication to Brooklin Family Karate and we look forward to continuing training for many years to come.
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Brooklin Karate Club, Brooklin, ON
Congratulations to Dan, Justin, and Mollie who graded for their new belts. Great job!
Above left: Congratulations to Emma for successfully achieving her brown belt. Very well-deserved, Emma!
Brooklin Family Karate Yudansha
In November, Brooklin Family Karate had the last Yudansha class for the year. Sensei Ron led the class with his excellent teaching and unprecedented detail. This month Sensei taught the class Tanbo, which was enjoyed by all!
Thanks again Sensei, for another great year of Yudansha classes.
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Brooklin Karate Club, Brooklin, ON
Brooklin Family Karate Yudansha
MAIN YUDANSHA SCHEDULE FOR 2020
JAN 16 Thursday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
FEB 04 Tuesday RANKING THORNHILL Community Ctr
FEB 11 Tuesday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
FEB 22 Saturday TOURNAMENT THORNHILL Community Ctr
MAR 12 Thursday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
APR 14 Tuesday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
MAY 05 Tuesday RANKING THORNHILL Community Ctr
MAY 14 Thursday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
JUN 16 Tuesday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
JUN 20 Saturday (Tentative)
TRAINING DAY CAMP The Borda Farm, CALEDON
JUL 16 Thursday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
AUG 04 Tuesday RANKING THORNHILL Community Ctr
AUG 11 Tuesday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
SEP 10 Thursday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
OCT 13 Tuesday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
OCT 24 Saturday TOURNAMENT THORNHILL Community Ctr
NOV 03 Tuesday RANKING THORNHILL Community Ctr
NOV 12 Thursday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
DEC 8 Tuesday YUDANSHA THORNHILL Community Ctr
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OUR CONDOLENCES
Our condolences go to Sensei Ray Kennedy and Carole Kennedy whose mother passed away Wednesday December 4, 2019.
TWKK Gallery For More Pictures of TWKK Events
Visit Our Flickr Site http://www.flickr.com/photos/33364500@N06/sets
TORONTO WADO-KAI KARATE CLUBS AND CLUB HEADS
AJAX-PICKERING – Daina Als EDMONTON Clubs – Randy James & André Beauregard
