Athletes in KUMITE competition often use a simple version of HARAI UKE to help avoid CHUDAN attacks. HARAI UKE is a technique to sweep a straight kick or a straight body punch, or to help avoid an attack from the side like a roundhouse kick and so forth. In Kata when used in SHIKO DACHI, in KOKUTSU DACHI or in MOTO DACHI it tends to offer what feels to the recipient like a softer impact, but when used in full strength in ZENKUTSU-DACHI it is a technique one is likely to remember by the lingering pain and bruise it leaves on the leg. GEDAN BARAI is one of the most powerful blocks we can experience as an attacker. When I do our SHITORYU’s HARAI-UKE it feels like a very natural movement, like a careless yet energetic, sometimes heavy-handed, dropping of my arm down and away from my body where anything underneath is swept away. At our recent TAIKAI more than a few were kicked, and scored upon, with a MAWASHI GERI CHUDAN. I would have liked to have done more training with my students on alertness and reaction using HARAI UKE, alongside body shifting, footwork and follow-up, to help them avoid these kicks better. So this is in my end-of-year resolution for next year.

The OKUKAN TAIKAI for 2025 has been schedule for September 14. This year the TAIKAI had more than 100 participants and many let us know that they liked the venue more than MSAC. We are very thankful to MSAC for having us, but it seems the stadium will be our new preferred venue from now on. With students and parents support during the day I try to emulate in a some small way the Shoko Sato Cup (my old teacher’s yearly tournament). This is very small in comparison, but it is the third year we organise it after COVID. I know we have a long road ahead of us in order to reach our goal to grow and technically improve for our event next year, to allow students to gain more confidence and strength, but I am very happy with how it has been so far. Next year we will add judges from our own school to the panel. Put your hand up if you’re interested in joining our judging team next year. To learn and perform as judge you have to be 15+ and be 1st KYU or above.

I was most impressed with the young competitors who in previous years had only been able to participate in the Kindy Karate Exhibition, but this year entered KATA and KUMITE competitions at the TAIKAI. They were so much more mature in confidence and strength. They are still young (some are 6) but I saw some with heavy medals hung around their neck, playing at the stadium after their events were over. On the other hand I also saw a number of kids overwhelmed by the experience or disappointed by their performance. I was able to offer support to a few, I am sure parents also did their bit. But and at the end they all seemed to share a sense of accomplishment for standing there and giving it their best and having a bit of fun. That was nice. Sport has ups and downs and at the end of the day results are hardly important. 

Oss! Sandra Contreras – Shitokai / Australia.