May 19th Training and Testing Day

The Forest Lake Dojo hosted its quarterly region 5 training and test day today.     The group was  honored by the presence of Moe Sensei – region 5 director,  Boyum Sensei,   Crumley Sensei,  Zimmerman Sensei , and Baier Sensei.   The group was especially honored by the presence of Takumi sensei who established IKL Karate on the mainland back  in the 60′s.

Special thanks to all of the region 5 Yudansha and to Takumi Sensei who made this day possible!

John Applegate

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The following is a video montage from our training and test day:

Forest Lake Dojo Promotions

Every quarter, the Forest Lake dojo conducts a combined training and testing day.   At these event all region 5 Yudansha are invited to attend.    As we have discussed in previous posts,  the participation by other senseis makes these events an awesome  opportunity for the students to learn from other senseis and to gain additional perspectives.   It is also provides a venue for students  to demonstrate their proficiency in Kata and Kumite in front of a much larger audience.    After these meets,  grade adjustments in the form of promotions can be made.   Because of the high standards set by sensei and the region 5 Yudansha, promotions are neither routine, nor automatic.   Consequently,  it is not uncommon to go for several quarters without seeing any promotions.    After our last training day, however, the Forest Lake dojo is happy to announce that, through hard work and perseverance, several of its students have earned promotions.  They were the following:

• Avery Enochson -  Hachi Kyu
• Danny Leemon  – Shichi Kyu
• Matthew Zerwas  – Shichi Kyu
• Sophia Cloutier  – Shichi Kyu
• Danny Cloutier – Roku Kyu
• Yenifer Applegate – Yo Kyu
• Michael Applegate – Ni Kyu

Congratulations Karateka!

John Applegate

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Region 5 Training And Test Day

On March 17th, The Forest Lake Dojo hosted its quarterly region 5 training and test day. This local meet was one of the best many of us can remember. An excellent showing by both students and region 5 Yudansha alike, made this day memorable. In all, nearly 30 students attended. The group was especially honored by the presence of Moe Sensei – region 5 director and Boyum Sensei who is Svenkeson Sensei’s Sensei. Other region 5 Yudansha included Sensei Emily Crumley, Dave Zimmerman and Paul Svenkeson.

These meets are always a great chance for region 5 Yudansha to get to know us at the FL dojo and to impart additional observations and afford dedicated 1:1 instruction. Special thanks to all of the region 5 Yudansha who made this day possible!

John Applegate

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Sensei Moe mentors the Over the Hill Gang

Of Late, the Forest Lake Dojo has been honored to have Sensei Moe join us for Saturday morning practices. During his visits, sensei Moe has been working almost exclusively with us – “the more mature Karateka”. This has been particularly helpful to Svenkeson Sensei as the Forest Lake Dojo has has seen its numbers swell with a large number of young karateka that require a great deal of Svenkeson Sensei’s attention.

Most of us in this “mature” category started our respective karate journeys while in our late 40′s or early 50′s and come to Karate with all manner of maladies including: arthritis, back surgeries, torn LCL’s, joint repairs and replacements, and muscles that no longer allow us to twist our bodies like pretzels. We have adorned ourselves with the moniker of “The over the Hill Gang”. We are mature…. OK “older” – But we love Karate! Special thanks from all of us to Sensei Moe for his investment in us!

John Applegate

Snapshot of the "Over the Hill gang"

2012 Q1 Training and Test Day Set

Hello everyone,

The Forest Lake Dojo Q1 training and test day has been set for Saturday March 17th.

For this session, both Sensei Boyum and Sensei Moe will be joining us. Other region 5 Yudansha may also be in attendance. For those of you who have recently joined us, Sensei Boyum is our Sensei’s Sensei. Sensei Moe is our regional director. Both are great instructors who will encourage you to work hard.

The session will run from 9am to 11am, however FL dojo karateka are encourage to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to prepare.

Hope to see everyone there!

Best Regards

John Applegate

Forest Lake Dojo Christmas Party

On December 19th, the Forest Lake dojo celebrated its annual Christmas party. After warmups – led by Sempai Mike Applegate, the Karateka were treated to demonstrations of knife attack defense, use of nunchaku and throws/grabs by sensei and semapi Cote. Afterwards pizza, pop and games were served up. A good time was had by all. The Forest Lake dojo wishes everyone a great Christmas!

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December 3rd Training Day

December 3rd marked the forth and final region 5 training day for 2011. It was conducted at our Forest Lake facility. As many Forest Lake dojo karateka will attest, these training sessions are a great opportunity for karateka to receive feedback and instruction from other senseis, to practice basics, kata and kumite, and for Senseis outside of our dojo to become familiar with the students. This time around we were honored by the presence of Sensei Boyum, Sensei Moe – our regional director, Sensei Baier and Sensei Cromley. Also assisting were sempais Evan and Maria Svenkeson.

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Updated Forest Lake Dojo Picture

The Forest Lake Dojo has recently added a number of new karateka to it’s ranks. That being the case, it is time for a new dojo picture! Attached is just such a picture taken at our recent Nov 21 st practice.

Nov Forest Lake Dojo Picture

Q4 Training and Testing Day Set

Hello everyone,

The Forest Lake Dojo Q4 training and test day has been set for Saturday December 3rd.

For this session, we are hopeful that both Sensei Boyum and Sensei Moe will be able to join us. Other region 5 Yudansha will also be in attendance.

The session will run from 9am to 11am, however FL dojo karateka are encourage to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to prepare.

Hope to see everyone there!

Best Regards

John Applegate

Shihan Discusses Kumite and Kata on the IKLnews blogsite

Some exciting news! In response to questions surrounding the roles of Kumite and Kata, Shihan himself has provided a discussion of the subject. Sensei Field (region 2) has posted Shihan’s comments on the IKLnews blogsite. We would like to encourage everyone to read this article. It is located at http://iklnews.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/nishioka-shihan-comments-on-kata-and-kumite/. In addition to the subject of Kata and Kumite, Shihan also provides a glimpse into some of Gichin Funakoshi’s perspectives of Kumite. Funakoshi, as many of you will recall is often credited as the father of modern Karate.

Respectfully Submitted

John Applegate