Sensei Richard Amos, 6th Dan WTKO Chief Instructor
After sensei Amos led a warm up, as he was itching to train as well, we started with kihon combinations. Each technique he covered was carefully broken down and then practiced at full speed. Once a certain level of proficiency was obtained, we followed up with partner training and applications. Sensei was stressing to us the importance of springing off one technique after it’s completion, immediately almost seeming simultaneously into another, regardless of what it may be. Sensei utilized gohon kumite to drill us on this concept. He would have one person step in with an attack, the other stepping back and blocking, both springing immediately into a drawing motion so as not to remain extended with the stance stationary and execute a technique with the drawn hand at that time. The last sequence ended with a decisive counter attack by the initial blocker. This may sound a bit difficult to do correctly, but Sensei’s ability to explain, demonstrate, and motivate you to do well is outstanding. The Saturday morning session began at the gymnasium just down the street from the dojo. In attendance were not only WTKO members, but also karate-ka from all over Illinois (USA). We also had karate-ka attending from Indiana, Cincinnati and Wisconsin as well. It was truly a pleasure meeting and training with people from the various organizations. All of who were present to simply improve their karate, with no dreaded karate politics involved. (gee what a concept) After the initial introduction training was under way. Warm ups then hiean shodan, nidan and sandan were the focus of the first session. The kata’s were performed, broken down, demonstrated by sensei, and then applications with partners followed. Each kata was then practiced again to tie it all together. The main focus of the second Saturday afternoon session was the kata Suishu. What a treat! This kata is one of the additional six recognized traditional kata (along with the main 26) by the World Traditional Karate Organization. Sensei Amos learned these kata during his years with the JKA in Japan. Sensei performed Suishu with us before beginning the break down of the techniques and partner work. He made a point to get to everyone during each application before moving on to the next. Sensei Amos got into the mix with us while training, as well as demonstrating everything for us to ensure we could also see what he was teaching us. There were no short comments that unfortunately we often get with no explanation or demonstration. He actually taught us what he was teaching. Sensei Amos concluded our training with a wonderful demonstration of Suishu that left us all in awe. After the session he took the time to talk with everyone, signed autographs and took pictures before we left the gym to return to the dojo. Once back at the dojo, sensei answered questions for another hour and a half about some of his sensei’s from the UK to Japan. He also answered some questions about his experiences in Japan and the legendary JKA instructor’s course, as well as the WTKO. As Sensei John Mullin, WTKO Executive Director puts it; "Richard Amos is truly a cutting edge karate man". Article by, Brian Evans
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Sensei Amos began our training on Friday afternoon almost immediately after getting off the plane at the airport. Once we dropped off some things at my home, we were met at the main Mackinaw dojo for some personal instruction. WTKO of Illinois instructors and a select few special guests were in attendance.
Bassai Dai kata was next. Sensei Amos broke down and demonstrated everything he covered thoroughly, followed up with applications. He focused once again on springing off one technique into the next when a sequence in the kata called for it. Sensei also focused on the squeezing of the legs, tailbone and center when going from blocking in front stance to straight punch in natural stance. It wasn’t just his way either, he would ask us what we thought about a part of the kata or why we did something a certain way. I am thoroughly convinced he would change his way of executing a technique or sequence if we could justify it to him. (side note; that didn’t happen)
