JANUARY
Asato Dojo “Ask Me Anything”
Via Zoom and streaming to our Asato Dojo Youtube channel
James Pankiewicz invites you to AMA “Ask Me Anything” online – a chance to talk about karate, Okinawa, Japan, Japanese terms used in the dojo, running a dojo in Japan, or anything else you might want to ask James and his guests on these AMA zoom sessions.
FEBRUARY
Asato Dojo Online Karate Seminar – Chinto kata and advanced fighting techniques
In this 2 hour online seminar James Pankiewicz sensei (5th dan) taught the kata “Tomari no Chinto” and explored various fighting skills and techniques derived from this old Okinawan karate form. This kata comes from the Tomari region of the capital of Okinawa, a port town with a long history of mixing of many nationalities and knowledge. In Okinawa, Tomari karate is famous for being excellent for practical self defence and peace keeping.
AVAILABLE IN FULL TO ONLINE MEMBERS
MARCH
Asato Dojo Online Karate Seminar – Hojo Undo practice – learn technique and a sample program
In this 2 hour online seminar James Pankiewicz sensei (5th dan) teaches a program of “Hojo Undo” supplementary exercises for improving strength, power and skill in karate. These exercises come down to us via traditions still practiced in certain dojos in Okinawa. You will learn the correct technique for a range of exercise tools and a demonstration of a typical 30 minute Hojo Undo program.
Equipment used in this session will include: 1. Skipping ropes 2. Light dumbells 3. Light & medium kettlebells 4. Chiishi 5. Nigirigame 6. Heavy bo staff 7. Medicine ball/Large heavy ball
AVAILABLE IN FULL TO ONLINE MEMBERS
(For a guide to making Chiishi, please visit the Asato Dojo Youtube page.)
APRIL
Asato Dojo Online Karate Seminar – Karate Self Defence techniques
In this 2 hour online seminar James Pankiewicz sensei (5th dan) teaches a number of self defence techniques used against the most common attacks encountered in day to day situations, such as grabs, grab + strike, punches and strikes with weapons/objects. All defences are based on karate based techniques found in common kata and will be referenced during the kata. However kata knowledge is NOT necessary to benefit from the techniques presented here. The seminar will end with a 15 min Q&A session including a review of common Japanese and Okinawan terms used.
VIEW FULL SEMINAR ONLINE: https://youtu.be/7iJRICEQM0k
MAY
Asato Dojo Online Karate Seminar – Chatanyara Kusanku kata and applications
In this 2 hour online seminar James Pankiewicz sensei (5th dan) taught the form of Chatanyara Kusanku, an old kata preserved in the Matsubayashiryu system of karate. This form is often regarded as a high level pattern of techniques due to its many swift position changes and complexity. In this seminar we break apart the pattern and examine specific techniques that can be applied to common attacks such as grabs, strikes and kicks.
AVAILABLE IN FULL TO ONLINE MEMBERS
JUNE
Asato Dojo Online Karate Seminar – Tomari Passai kata and applications
In this 2 hour online seminar James Pankiewicz sensei (5th dan) taught the form of Tomari Passai, an old kata preserved in the Matsubayashiryu system of karate. This form contains a number of fighting strategies passed down through the Tomari-te karate tradition that developed in the old port town of Okinawa, a cosmopolitan and notorious place. In this seminar we will break apart the pattern and examine specific techniques that can be applied to common attacks such as grabs, strikes and kicks.
AVAILABLE IN FULL TO ONLINE MEMBERS
JULY
Asato Dojo Online Karate Seminar – Yakusoku kumite – 2 person sparring drills for skills development
In this 2 hour online seminar James Pankiewicz sensei (5th dan) teaches Yakusoku Kumite drills from the Matsubayashiryu system of karate. These 2 person drills are designed to build specific self defence skills based on kata movements. In this seminar we will go much further than the set drills to explore a variety of application options (oyo-waza) to use from these drills as just a starting point.
AVAILABLE IN FULL TO ONLINE MEMBERS
SEPTEMBER
Asato Dojo Online Karate Seminar – Bojitsu – Okinawan staff fighting
In this 2 hour online seminar James Pankiewicz sensei (5th dan) teaches Bojitsu – Okinawan staff fighting. The long stick or staff is called “Bo” or “Kun” in Okinawa and is the weapon with the longest history and the first weapon taught in all systems of kobudo (weapons arts) here. It is literally the first go-to weapon for karate practitioners (traditionally) and highly recommended as a way to skill-up your karate. In this seminar we learn and practice the essential dynamics of the Bo – how to handle it well, how to be quick in movement and very powerful in striking. But also how to use the Bo to disarm and takedown opponents. Referencing traditional kata we will look at common combination techniques and how to flow easily form one to the next. For this seminar you will need to have a practice bo ready. Ideally as long as you are tall and about 2 cm in diameter. You are welcome to attend this seminar with a training partner in order to practice the two person attack and defence sets presented therein.
AVAILABLE IN FULL TO ONLINE MEMBERS
OCTOBER
World Karate Day celebration event: 100 Kata for Karate Day Challenge – 10th Anniversary (click here for more info)
October 25th, 16:30 JST. View event recording on Bujin.tv – https://www.bujin.tv/media/100-kata-challenge-2023-in-okinawa
NOVEMBER
Asato Dojo Online Karate Seminar – Kumite Techniques and Strategy
In this 2 hour online seminar James Pankiewicz sensei (5th dan) teaches kumite (sparring) techniques and strategies based on Okinawan karate systems such as Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu. Kumite practice has always been an essential component of karate practice as the only way to really test the techniques learned in kata and basics practice. But what form of kumite is the best? And how should we approach kumite to get the maximum benefit from it? In this seminar we will look at different kumite formats and practice modes from pre-set sparring to free sparring, working at reach and in close range including transitions to grappling.
AVAILABLE IN FULL TO ONLINE MEMBERS