Instructor Training - January 2007
Upon arrival, my students and I were welcomed and some brief introductions were made. There was a high level of activity, with people warming up, changing clothes, and preparing for the rank test. The candidates all seemed nervous but prepared. The test was called to order, and a brief overview of what would be expected was told to all. It was obvious that each practitioner had trained hard for the event, bringing good spirit, discipline, and a performance that was strong enough for all to advance to their next rank. At this time some awards and congratulations occurred, followed by a short break for hydration. The group was then called back to order for the actual instructor’s training. Following a bow and a brief, but effective warm-up, Sensei Evans discussed the importance of learning from each other, and holding up the true standards of Shotokan Karate. He made reference to the foundations of karate (kihon), and the important transformation of these movements into kata. “This will make your karate better”, said Sensei Evans. The group then worked on proper pull back, with emphasis on hip and elbow placement. Multiple blocks and strikes were covered, with correction and verbal instruction added by Sensei Evans. Two strong points made by Sensei Evans were that “visualization of the elbow behind the back when looking in a mirror identifies a properly pulled back hand as long as the back knee is not allowed to rotate out” and “it is appropriate to allow the back leg to chamber, but not rotate”. Sensei Evans moved on to Mae Geri and discussed the importance of all aspects of this kick. The knee lift with coil, uncoil, recoil, and replant segments were broken down in a format that was easy to understand. Driving the heel to the back of the leg on the lift was covered heavily as well as the pendulum action of the hips being the focus of this segment. Many kicks were thrown by the participants with much improvement being noted by Sensei Evans. A new drill was introduced to assist in the knee lift, uncoil and recoil stages. The next level of instruction related to kata application of basic techniques. Smashing backfist, traditional backfist, and modified backfist were covered in regards to the Heian Katas versus upper level kata. He stated that with the beginner and intermediate student, it is important to understand baseline, established applications. Sensei Evans discussed basic technique and the proper Bunkai that is taught to Kyu ranks, and then elaborated on the importance of Oyo in the advanced practitioners own training. “Making the technique in the kata your own, is true Oyo”, said Sensei Evans. The instruction now turned to the more academic side of Karate. Instructor packets were distributed to several participants and explanations of the ITKO Instructor Program were presented by Sensei Evans. The packet contained demographic information, anatomical drawings, practical teaching methods, and a tracking mechanism for this and all other future trainings. Instructor, examiner and judge grades were explained in detail, as well as a breakdown of expectations and requirements for each level. Explanations by Sensei Evans followed the distribution of these packets, emphasizing the limited enrollment of this program was directly related to those who truly will dedicate their time to advance as a Shotokan Karate Instructor. “Just attending the instructors training does not enroll you in the instructors program” stated Sensei Evans. “This is a program that your instructor must enroll you in”. After some discussion, and a brief question and answer session, the participants were bowed out. Some time was allowed to take pictures, fellowship and network with others before all began the trip home. As a karate-ka for many years, it is always a personal reward for me to train with instructors of great moral fortitude, strong character, exceptional knowledge, explosive power, and pristine technique. Sensei Evans is indeed one of these instructors. Respectfully submitted, Phillip A. Thompson
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Although my original focus for the day would be related to the senior belt testing, my mind was also formulating questions for the instructor training that would also occur today. Many of the students that I had attending could not imagine the wealth of knowledge that would be presented to them today. I however, had trained with Sensei Evans and knew his passion for teaching (and training) in Shotokan. It is always an invigorating experience to train and be taught by someone who truly exudes the meaning of this type of karate.
