Jim Hartman, 5th Dan - ASKA
Upon arrival at the dojo, we were welcomed by Sensei Evans and his senior students. Immediately, we were made to feel at home. Sensei Hartman arrived shortly after we did, and he made me feel as if we had been friends for years. After changing, we had the opportunity to visit with both Sensei and their students. It was easy to see that we were all there for the same purpose; to network with each other and to better our own personal Shotokan Karate. The first session was taught by Sensei Hartman and was directed to the lower kyu ranks. He focused heavily on Kihon. His instruction for the youth was excellent. He was informative, yet allowed the children to have fun and enjoy the art. Watching him teach them brought me back to my own roots in training and the joy that I find in Shotokan. He ended class with some practical self defense, allowing himself to be the recipient of numerous take-down attempts. Sensei Evans instructed during the second session which included upper kyu ranks through black belt. Much of the class time was spent perfecting our Kime for Gyaku Zuki, and Mawashi Geri. Fine points were made regarding timing, targeting, stance transitioning, and response to being attacked. Emphasis was placed on combination techniques being “as one” were demonstrated through drills and one step kumite. Judging from the dampness in the Gi’s, as well as the floor, every participant worked hard to learn and improve. The third session would be for the senior ranks. During two thirds of the session, Sensei Hartman went through two Kata, Gojushio Sho, and Gankaku. He broke both Kata down and gave Bunkai for some of the techniques. It was obvious that Sensei Hartman has devoted the time to understand the practical application of techniques in Kata. One key take away point for me was that each technique should be able to “end the conflict”. Also, it was discussed that Bunkai is often a very personal understanding of what technique will work for each practitioner. To finish up, Sensei Evans would help with some “Dojo Kumite” during the last third of the session. This allowed each participant the opportunity to spar with Karate-ka that they did not know and had no preconceived knowledge of. The knowledge that Sensei Evans had given earlier, was put to the test during this time. It seemed that all participants were working hard to improve their techniques. Prior to bowing out, Sensei Evans and I were each given book as a “Christmas Gift” from Sensei Hartman. This gift was invaluable to me, and was greatly appreciated. After bowing out, there was some time for socialization and pictures. Many participants offered open invitations to train at their home dojo’s. It was a wonderful experience to see several different organizations training and talking with each other with no political motivations or expectations. Just true desire to grow in the knowledge of Shotokan Karate For me personally, I left the seminar energized, and motivated to continue to improve and grow. It was and honor to train with Sensei Evans and Sensei Hartman, and I look forward to a friendship with them that will span a lifetime.
Article by, Phil Thompson, Pawnee Shotokan > website |
With eager anticipation of training, some of my senior students and I made the trip from Pawnee to the Mackinaw dojo. Discussions abounded during the travel regarding our expectations of training. Both Sensei Evans and Sensei Hartman are well respected Shotokan Karate-ka, so we knew that the quality of the instruction would be top notch.
