Congratulations to Pat Couperus and Tracesandra McDonald on their recent promotions. After four years of training (with breaks for university) Pat received his nikyu (purple belt). Pat showed he has got what it takes to show all of ones kata, explain the bunkai (application) of the kata, and the guts to last through five kumite (sparring) matches. Well done! Just over a year ago, Tracesandra had broken both of her ankles. After some considerable rehab, Tracesandra started studying Isshinryu this past spring. She achieved yellow stripes at the end of September and will soon be testing again for rokkyu (yellow belt). Soon a force to be reckoned with!
Once again the Toshikai Dojo of Ottawa hosted a day of breaking and eating. There was a high kick competition, breaking demonstrations as well as just lots of breaking. Looks like a good time, I think I may need to still there idea myself!
Check it out in the all NEW Photo Gallery! Lots of pictures of the guys breaking boards, bricks, fire, ice... You name it, they broke it (or will next year)!
October 1st, 2006 -Shihan Bob Markovich comes to the Toshikai Dojo of Ottawa
Congratulations to Till Kuendiger on his promotion to Shodan.
The Isshin Ryu karate-ka in Ottawa are still dizzy from all of the training completed with Shihan Markovich on the weekend of Sept. 30th. Brown belts and black belts were given two seminars on the bunkai of Wansu and Chinto katas and Isshin Ryu's Bo-bo Kumite. Shihan also taught a 3 hour Arnis seminar to some 20 local martial artists.
