World Kobukan Federation News
Ronnie Colwell Sensei Inducted into Honorary Committee
FROM ROY FOX, VICE PRESIDENT WKF: It gives me great pleasure to inform all members of the World Kobukan Federation Kizuna, that our President Ronnie Colwell Sensei, has been inducted into the Honorary Committee of WUKO, (World United Karate Organisations) alongside Yutaka Toyama Sensei, please join me in congratulating these great masters on their appointments !!
Ronnie Colwell Sensei Honored with Kufferath Obi
It is my pleasure to share with you that recently Ronnie Colwell Sensei was honored by Leslee Kufferath, Daughter of the late Professor Sig Kufferath with the Kufferath Obi Award. Professor Kufferath was a true Treasure of the Martial Arts, and Colwell Sensei was honored to have recieved such a recognition. Please join me in congratulating Ronnie Colwell Sensei on this wonderful Award.
A recounting of Old Way 2 by Alan Platt
Last year, Alan Platt was kind enough to give us all a complete recounting of the first annual "Old Way" seminar in the UK with Ronnie Colwell Sensei. Alan's done it again, and has become the defacto reporter for this wonderful annual event. Below is a link to view and download the story in the PDF format so all can enjoy regardless of your computer, word processing program, etc. Please click on the link below to get the story:
CLICK HERE
Lifetime Achievement Awards Presented at Old Way 2
Ronnie Colwell, President of the World Kobukan Federation, presented several LIfetime Achievement and WKF World Medal awards at the annual "Old Way" seminar this last weekend, May 15 in the UK.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to:
Peter Brockers
Ken Cartwright
Ralph Parris
For a complete listing of the World Medal Recipients, please click HERE.
WUKO Honarary President Ogashara Passes Away
It is with great sadness to inform you all of the death of WUKO Honorary President, Shihan Eiji Ogashara 9th Dan, a great master and a true gentleman, whose passing leaves a huge void in WUKO and the world of karate. Our deepest condolences to the Ogashara family, Rest In Peace.
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ANNUAL OLD WAY SEMINAR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The Annual Old Way Seminar with WKF World President, Ronnie Colwell Sensei will take place May 14th and 15th at the Stanley High Sports College in Southport. Registration is now open, and you can register by emailing Ronnie Colwell Sensei at: hikari@blueyonder.co.uk. The weekend will consist of Dan Level Examinations on Sat the 14th, for those that apply and are approved to test, and the main seminar on Sunday the 15th. Those approved for and scheduled for testing must attend both days.
WKF SWISS DELEGATE TO HOST KARATE SUMMER CAMP
WKF Switzerland Delegate Niklas Albrecht will be hosting an annual Karate Summer Camp at Castle Ehrenfels in Switzerland July 8 - 10, 2011. Details are as follows:
International Instructors:
Styles:
Please visit the website link above to get further information and download registration forms. Please join the WKF in Switzerland and support a great Karate Summer Camp.
RAYMOND HERMANN NAMED SUCCESSOR TO U.S.A.G.A.
An announcement recently from Sr. Shihan Edward J. Verycken, head of U.S.A.G.A. stated in part " Due to multiple health problems I, Sr Shihan Ed Verycken, unfortunately, have to retire from U.S.A.G.A. The Association will be headed by Shihan Hermann, Sensei Rodriguez and Sensei McGrath, along with other high ranking members." We at the World Kobuakn Federation would like to send our congratulations to our New Jersey State Delegate Raymond Hermann for being named as successor to Sr. Shihan Verycken and our best wishes to Sr. Shihan Verycken for a speedy recovery and sincere thanks for all the vast contributions to the world of BUDO that he has made. Sr Shihan Verycken was Master Peter Urban's first student and first black belt in his Union City Dojo in 1959. Please join us in congratulating our New Jersey State Delegate Raymond Hermann on the appointment by Sr. Shihan Verycken.
RALPH PARRIS NAMED AS INDIANA DELEGATE
I'm pleased to announce that Ralph Parris, a 7th Degree Black Belt and staunch supporter of the World Kobukan Federation has been named the Indiana State Delegate. Ralph has been on board since day 1, and has the respect and admiration of his peers. He's been training for most of his life, and has a lifetime of experience to bring to the table. Please join me in congratulating Ralph on his appointment.
ANNUAL MALTA KARATE OPEN SET FOR MARCH 12, 2011
WKF Malta Delegate Chris Galea and his SKSM Karate Malta School will be holding their annual Karate Open on March 12, 2011 at the Don Gwann Bosco Sports Complex in Dingli Malta. Countries represented thus far are Holland, Germany, France, Poland, Palestine, Turkey, Italy, the Czech Republic, England, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Romania, Tunisia, Spain, Switzerland, Scotland and Malta. There are 52 categories to choose from and all are welcome. You can download the registration form at the link below and the last day to sign up for registration is March 6th, so hurry and get your forms in today!
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORMS
CALIFORNIA DELEGATE SCOT MERTZ PROMOTED TO 6TH DAN
It is my pleasure to announce that California Delegate Renshi Scot Mertz has been promoted by Ronnie Colwell Sensei to 6th Dan. Renshi Mertz has a long history in the Martial Arts. He began his training at age 4, and has been training for over 27 years, earning his Shodan in 1994. Please join me in congratulating Renshi Scot Mertz.
HOMOLOGATION NOW AVAILABLE FROM RONNIE COLWELL
The WKF is now offering beautiful homologation certificates hand signed by Colwell Sensei. They will be issued only for the current rank you may have, not as promotions. Rank Promotions will only occurr if one appears in front of a promotion and testing board sanctioned by Colwell Sensei. These certificates feature the WKF crest with Gold appointments and are hand signed by Colwell Sensei. If you would like to apply for one of these certificates, you can download the application containing information on cost and the application procedure by clicking below.
CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION
WKF LAPEL PINS NOW AVAILABLE
From Ronnie Colwell Sensei: The World Kobukan Federation " Kizuna " Pin is now avalable. Wear it and be proud of our Bond .. Kizuna .. for how to aquire your Pin contact: Adam Fox - WKF World General Secretary:
EMAIL SEC GEN. ADAM FOX
HIROTA WKF BELTS AND GI'S UPDATED INFORMATION
I would like to clear up some confusion that has arisen lately about how to get your Hirota WKF Gi's and Belts. First, I would like to apologize for any confusion. It has been our wish to give you the best quality products at the best prices. This has unfortunately led us to try several different arrangements, in trial and error. I would like to inform the membership that we have a new arrangement worked out that is of the best benefit of the entire membership of the WKF.
Hirota Japan will now take orders directly from the membership of the World Kobukan Federation. If you are in the United Kingdom, you can still order from Ichiban International, however, due to the additional fees, shipping and handling charges and additional duties, ordering from outside the UK became cost prohibitive to the membership when going through Ichiban International. Because of this, we have arranged with Koichi Hirota himself with the help of our California State Delegate Renshi Scot Mertz, to process our orders directly with the factory in Japan. These orders will be produced at the Hirota factory and shipped directly to the members. Cost of the belts is approx $110 US embroidery and shipping included, depending on any custom requests, extra embroidery or custom lengths and materials. If you would like to order a Hirota WKF Belt or GI, please contact Secretariat General Adam Fox:
EMAIL ADAM FOX HERE
Michael Longfellow Named Assistant to the Secretariat General
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Michael Longfellow has been named Assistant to the Secretariat General for the World Kobukan Federation. Longfellow Sensei has over 20 years in the Martial Arts and will be an invaluable asset to the Federation. Please join me in congratulating Longfellow Sensei on this appointment!
HIROTA WKF BELTS AND GI'S NOW AVAILABLE DIRECT FROM FACTORY IN JAPAN
I am pleased to announce to the membership of the WKF that a new arrangement has been reached with Hirtoa Japan Directly. It is now possible to order WKF belts and gi's directly from the factory in Japan. This will translate to a significant cost savings and quicker shipping and delivery to you. If you would like to inquire about this, please contact, WKF California State Delegate Scot Mertz for more information. The pricing on the belts will be $110 with the WKF label, shipping and full embroidery included.
Thank you for your continued support of the WKF and show your pride with Hirota WKF Labeled Gi's and Belts!
RONNIE COLWELL PRESENTED WITH LIVING TREASURE
I am happy to announce that Ronnie Colwell Sensei has been presented with the "Living Martial Arts Treasure Award" by Hanshi Jim Mather and the USNKA. The Living Treasure award is presented to those who have a lifetime of service, but also posses high personal skill and technical mastery and above all for their great heart and spirit bettering the martial arts through effort and example. Please join me in sharing your warm thoughts and congratulations with Ronnie Colwell Sensei.
ARTICLE IN SAMURAI MAGAZINE ON RONNIE COLWELL/WKF
I am happy to announce that a feature article has been written on Ronnie Colwell Sensei and the World Kobukan Federation in Samurai Magazine. I have uploaded the pictures below. Thank you to all for a great year, and things are continuing to grow and share the dream of unity without politics around the world. Right click on the images to view them in full size.
OLD WAY SEMINAR REVIEW FROM ALAN PLATT
The following is a review from Alan Platt, member of the World Kobukan Federation and was published in Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine. A BIG thanks to Alan for taking the time to share his special thoughts about a special day.
Come train with Ronnie Colwell, World President of the World Kobukan Federation. Pre-Book only, no entrants on day of event allowed, last day for booking April 31st. Adult Black and Brown Belts only, no children. White Gi’s only. NO Politics, NO viewers – only Doers. No Favoritism, First booked, First in. £10 Entrance Fee. This sounded like my type of training session and an ideal opportunity to train with the living legend Ronnie Colwell. I immediately signed up for the event. I really did not know what to expect having only limited experience of the man in the dojo but felt sure it would be an experience not to be missed. It was a 250 mile trip to get to Southport from Woking with around 4 hours traveling time. I managed to book a hotel for the Saturday night giving me a fresh start to the day Sunday. I was feeling quite fit and up for it but still no had idea what to expect.
When I arrived at the sport centre at 11.00 am there was 4 or 5 students waiting. Within the hour the place was buzzing with white gi’s black & brown belts. Mostly black belts all looking fit and up for it. Some individuals and some groups obviously knew each other and were busy with their hello’s and greeting banter.
I saw Trevor Streets (one of Master Ronnie’s students) and one of his students, we then struck up a conversation to pass the time. Soon people who I had not actually met but we had mutually heard of each other took the opportunity to formally introduce ourselves to each other. That part of the greeting time was very interesting because very few of us actually had not much idea of the background reasons why we had all turned up. Was it for “Old Way Karate Training” with Master Colwell, or as members of the “World Kobukan Federation” of which I am a full member, both or otherwise?
It looked as though there was about 60 – 65 people in the dojo. At this time Roy Fox lined us all up in an orderly and grade related lines. He then assigned a blackbelt to take a light warm up. We were off, up and running.
The main doors opened and in walked Master Colwell, we all stopped, there was an immediate air of silence and respect……..Oss was the greeting to the class. He took center position at the front and bowed us all in ready to start the session. The Old Way Karate Seminar was about to start. Right from the start his authority was stamped into the atmosphere of the dojo. His voice was commanding but not officious. What he wanted was for us to respect our training partners, show a martial discipline in our attitude and most importantly some serious fighting spirit. There would be no talking just doing.
Master Colwell called us all to circle him while he gave by demonstration clear instructions exactly what and how each set of techniques were to be carried out. The included wrist grabs, foot traps, head strikes and blocks, head butts and arm bars in simple form but with intricate detail. We all spent a couple of hours practicing the techniques while constantly changing partners at a fast pace. The time flew by so fast. We had a short break and continued at a similar pace for some time. The session was over so fast it was unbelievable. We had trained as Master Ronnie had trained for years. Very strict discipline, good techniques, fighting spirit, respect for each other and with an attitude of supreme confidence in ourselves.
What followed was formal greetings for those that had traveled far from overseas, the students who had been training the longest and distinguished students with long standing clubs with students of their own. There were presentations of gifts and awards given. It was time for relaxation and a few photographs to be taken. The list of names in attendance is beyond my knowledge I could not name them all so I will name few
The Old Way Karate Seminar
Pete Woodrow McDowell, Chris Galea, Roy Fox, Ronnie Colwell, Lucienne Galea, Yacove Farage , Guido Fuenzalida, Trevor Streets, Billy Green, Steve Lowe, Raymonr Bates, Andy Cheyne, Guy
WKF GI AND BELT LABEL NOW COMPLETE
I am happy to announce that the new WFK Gi and Belt label has finished production and is now available for putting on Hirota Gi's and Belts. If you would like to purchase items from Hirota with this label attached, please visit Ichiban International and request the WKF label on new Gi's and Belts. Show your pride for the WKF today.
KIZUNA MESSAGE BOARD
I would like to introduce you all to the Kizuna Message Board. Here you can exchange ideas and information, discuss all things related to the world of Budo, post links to your webpages, organizations and events, and so much more. There are forums for instructors only, a judges forum moderated by Roy Fox himself and even a forum on Women's Self Defense moderated by Eva Steinwald, Idaho Delegate for the World Kobukan Federation and founder of Idaho Martial Arts and SASI (Safety and Self Defense Instruction).
Please drop on by and regsiter, you can do so by clicking the banner above and it's free. Please help us to make this the premiere Martial Arts Discussion on the Internet, and share in the dream of Ronnie Colwell Sensei.
New Label and Pin for the WKF and Kizuna
I would like to share with you the new and improved final Belt and Gi label from Hirota, to incorporate both the World Kobukan Federation and the Kizuna. This label will be available on all gi's and belts ordered from Ichiban International as an option. Show your pride for the WKF and Kizuna with this wonderful label. I would also like to share with you the design for the upcoming WKF/Kizuna lapel pin. These will be beautifully done with the Kizuna Kanji and the WKF and Kizuna text in 14 Carat Gold Plating, and they will be available soon. A wonderful addition to any blazer, stand out and show your support.
Ronnie Colwell given 10th Dan and Named to EJJU
I have the honor of sharing with you some tremendous news about Ronnie Colwell. Ronnie Colwell has been named by Javier Galen, President of the European Ju Jitsu Union as Technical Director of the Organization, and he has been given his 10th Dan and the title of "Meijin". Its original meaning is "master", "expert" or "virtuoso". It can also be very literally translated as "Brilliant Man". This is a tremendous honor and I ask all of you to join me in congratulating Master Ronnie Colwell, a true treasure of the Martial Spirit.
Pictures from the "Old Way" Seminar W/Colwell Sensei
The "Old Way" Seminar was a huge success. The registration was full only 2 days after announcing it, and Budoka travelled from all over to come learn from Colwell Sensei. The first set of pictures, taken by Alan Platt, can be seen here at the World Kobukan Federation Facebook page. If you're not a member of the Facebook Group, join today!
Again, thanks so much to Ronnie Colwell Sensei for bringing together so many great Budoka in the purity of the Martial Spirit, his vision and dream for the World Kobukan Federation.
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First new custom Belt and Gi from Hirota
The first new custom Belt and Gi from Hirota have arrived. Ronnie Colwell Sensei received his cusotm made belt and gi from Hirtoa this week. The custom WKF label is still being made in Japan, and when they are done, Hirtoa will replace the labels on the Gi and Belt with the new WKF label. We at the WKF would like to sincerely thank Ichiban International and specifically, Ms. Elena Floris, for taking such excellent attention to detail and bringing the first order to Colwell Sensei so quickly. They even went so far as to send a special courier to deliver his gi and belt when travel became problematic due to the Volcanic problems over in Iceland. We have been given an excellent first example of how Ichiban International conducts its' business, and the high level of quality and workmanship that Hirota delivers to its' clients. The special WKF label, when completed, will be available to put on gi's, belts and any other products that are marked with a label. Please visit Ichiban International and show your support when you need a new gi, belt, or any of the other fine quality prodcuts they offer.
Hanshi Mather/USNKA now WKF and WUKO - USA
I would like to welcome the United States National Karate Association and Hanshi Jim Mather to the WKF and to WUKO USA. Hanshi Mather has a long and honorable Martial Path and has contributed so much to the Martial Spirit. He has brought in his California Karate Academy and we are so happy to welcome him to the World Kobukan Federation. Please join me in welcoming Hanshi Mather and all his students!
Ronnie Colwell Sensei Honor
It is my honor and pleasure to share with all of you some great news. Ronnie Colwell Sensei has been bestowed a great honor by the World Union of Karate Do Organizations. He has been named
"Chief Supervisor of the World Union of Karate do Organizations Technical Commision".
This is a tremendous honor and the reflection of a lifetime of service to the world of Budo.
Please join me in congratulating Ronnie Colwell Sensei on this honor.
Yours in the Martial Arts,
Adam Christopher Fox
Secretariat General
World Kobukan Federation
"Old Way" Karate Seminar with Ronnie Colwell
Date: Sunday, May 16th, 2010 - Time: 12:00pm - 4:30pm - Location: Harold House in Liverpool
Come train with Ronnie Colwell, World President of the World Kobukan Federation. Pre-Book only, no entrants on day of event allowed, last day for booking April 31st.
Adult Black and Brown Belts only, no children. White Gi’s only. NO Politics, NO viewers – only DOers. No Favoritism, First booked, First in. £10 Entrance Fee.
Click on the Flier above to sign up for this Special Event. Don't miss out!
The Martial Arts Show
May 22nd and 23rd, 2010 will be the largest Martial Arts event in the United Kingdom for the year. The Martial Arts Show will be a 2 day event filled with demonstrations, tournaments seminars and so much more. Please click on the banner above to visit the website of this event, and see all that is to offer.