AKIHITO ISAKA, 8th Dan - Report on CSKA's October 2005 Course

Report by Ian Smith; photos by kind permission of Stuart Needham and Stevan Harrison
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PRESS RELEASE: October 24th 2005.....World famous Shotokan karate legend Sensei Akihito Isaka (8th Dan JKA) recently flew in specially from Tokyo to conduct a weekend training course at Hawarden Karate Club, part of Buckley-based Chikara Shotokan Karate Academy (CSKA). This instructor is held in such high regard that, for the second year running, the sold-out course was attended by students, instructors and international referees from throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Sensei Isaka started karate at university when he was 18. After graduation, he joined the famous Japan Karate Association (JKA) instructors' course, where he graduated and became a professional instructor. He was a member of the Japan national team and still competed at national championships up until his mid 50’s. When he was 45, someone outside of karate told him that he was slow - so he asked how he could improve and he was told to do slow-motion practice. Since that encounter, he has spent the last 18 years making slow-motion training his personal study and throughout the weekend course he showed that because of this he is still incredibly fit and flexible.

The course saw 80 students listening attentively to everything the master had to say at several sessions over the weekend of October 15th/16th, and all eagerly practised what he so expertly demonstrated and taught. At one session, Sensei Isaka also conducted a grading examination, where the host club's Mark Griffiths passed his second Dan black belt and CSKA's Sensei John Barker was presented with his 5th Dan certificate after passing his grading in July at the World Summer Camp (which now gives CSKA two 5th Dan instructors).

Sensei Ian Smith, CSKA Founder and Chief Instructor, told us after the course: "We are extremely honoured that Sensei Isaka chose one of our clubs for his only appearance in the UK this year. We have been teaching the traditional Shotokan style of karate to youngsters and adults in the Deeside area for many years, and this honour shows that we were right to set our standards so high".

He went on say: "Our emphasis is on practical self-defense, though the techniques and exercises used also promote a high level of fitness and self-confidence. New members of any age are always welcome, and we are just starting a beginners' course so now is a particularly good time to join us." For further information, check out the club's website at www.cska.org.uk or contact the secretary, David Shimmin, on 01244-520937.