Martial arts: Master moves draw disciples

The respect that a visiting Japanese Shotokan Karate 8th dan Sensei (Master) Hitoshi Kasuya is held in the Oceania region is shown by the journey to Tauranga of two of Australia's leading international instructors for personal training and grading.

Kasuya was hosted in Tauranga by the Bay of Plenty Karate Association for the second time in his capacity as chief instructor of the World Karate-Do Federation.

A near 50-year disciple of Shotokan Karate, he is as enthusiastic about his sport as the day he enrolled in Shotokan instruction for the first time. Sensei Kasuya was multiple karate world champion in the 1970s and 1980s, before turning to a mentoring role in the sport.

"Our sport has made many changes since I first began instruction. The major change is that the younger athletes concentrate on competitive sparring, with a lot less emphasis on kata [patterns], which is the more technical side of our sport. In my youth we focused equally on both sparring and kata," Sensei Kasuya said.

The 8th Dan is known worldwide for bringing a different approach to his teaching of Shotokan Karate.

"I teach a more interesting, modern technique than other instructors, to ensure the continuous repetition of individual techniques does not become tedious. I focus on repetition of individual skill-sets until they become second nature to the athletes."

The over-riding focus of Shotokan Karate is a philosophy of self-improvement where the participants worldwide become better citizens through participation and the teachings of the sport.

Education is also an important function of Shotokan Karate. Some years ago the sport set up an online university in Dubai.

"Our members can undertake diplomas in subjects such as body mechanics and the principles of sport coaching. Students can also study for a diploma in business studies that focuses on the successful management of the karate club."

Tauranga 5th Dan Sensei Rangi Smith, chief trainer for the World Shotokan Karate-Do Federation in New Zealand, has led two teams from his Tauranga dojo to the world championships in Japan, with two young fighters, Christian Dunsmuir and Conor Dykes, reaching the final eight in their age groups.

"Sensei Kasuya made his first visit to New Zealand in 2010 to conduct seminars with us. This time he also put some local exponents through their grading, an event considered to be an honour by those in the sport.

"Michael Foster passed his International 2nd Dan examination, Conor Dykes passed his International 1st Dan and Christian Dunsmuir achieved his under-15 International 1st Dan belt.

"I was put through a gruelling examination by Sensei Kasuya in Australia last year for my 5th Dan, so I knew what they were in for. It is always good to train with a karate master. Sensei Kasuya is a great example of precision and power and is also in great physical condition."

Kasuya conducted a well-attended public seminar at the Memorial Hall on Saturday, where members of other clubs gave him their undivided attention for more than three hours.

He is also conducting seminars in Hamilton and Auckland, with his final Tauranga seminar at the Otumoetai Dojo in Windsor Rd on Tuesday.