With only six weeks until WSKF-SA annual Dan Grading, karateka from across Gauteng had a final opportunity to receive instruction and guidance from Mike Dukas Shihan, as they entered the last stretch in preparation for the big day… Kime Karate Dojo in Centurion hosted the event. Karateka who arrived early were treated to an extra half-hour of basic training as everyone anticipated the official start of the training. The sage adage “always be early for karate” proved valuable this morning as Mike Dukas Shihan took karateka through the basic, yet complex, components of effective kick execution.

The theme for the morning was Jiyu Ippon Kumite. With a full dojo floor, training got underway with a stern and memorable reminder of the importance of wearing protective gear when given the option, and that refusal thereof was nothing short of reckless self-endangerment. Sparring partners had the opportunity to hone their attacking, defence, and distance-judging skills through various bouts of nominated exercises.

Gohon kumite was employed to evaluate the fitness and perseverance of the grading candidates, in which they faced numerous sparring partners during repeated rounds of high-intensity basic kumite.

During the second part of the session, Mike Dukas Shihan put karatekas through their paces according to the various Dan levels they will attempt to grade for. A selection of kihon elements from Shodan, Nidan, Sandan and Yondan syllabi received attention.

The importance of flexibility was again highlighted, and students were reminded to incorporate stretching and flexibility exercises in all their training sessions.

The benefit of the extended training session afforded students a rare treat in the final session when Mike Dukas Shihan led the group in performing the advanced katas of Hangetsu and Meikyo. All the complexities of these katas could not receive attention in the short session. However, students were able to experience the sequence of movements and be exposed to nuances WSKF teaches in these katas.

   

In his trademark “lead by example” way, Mike Dukas Shihan led attendees in a closing selection of full-body stretches.

     

 

As the session concluded, attendees greeted one another with warm hearts, slightly battered bodies, and a firm realisation that the next encounter would be on the grading floor…

Hitotsu, arayuru mono o karate kaseyo; soko ni myōmi ari
一、凡ゆるものを空手化せよ其処に妙味あり
Apply the way of karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.

Gichin Funakoshi (1938). The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate. ISBN 978-4-7700-2796-2

WSKF South Africa held the “August” monthly Black Belt Training event on 29 July 2023. What a memorable, special occasion it was… The 50th anniversary of the WSKF-SA Vaal Dojo – a Golden Jubilee! Mike Dukas Shihan and his wife, (and WSKF-SA Secretary) Mrs. Marion Dukas were the honoured guests at this momentous occasion. Kuro-Obi Shotokan Karate-Do dojo and its formidable team of volunteers were our gracious hosts for the day.

More than seventy senior rank students (Red / 4th-Kyu and above) participated in the 3-hour long Senior training session. Dojos from Gauteng, Northwest and Free State provinces sent delegates who trained under the tutelage of our Chief Instructor. With the annual Dan Grading only eleven weeks away, Mike Dukas Shihan paid particular attention to elements of the various Dan syllabi that begged clarification and specific focus as they represent building blocks for the more advanced components.

                                 

In addition, a delegation of WSKF-SA karateka and supporters are eagerly awaiting their karate tour to Japan (November 2023) where they will represent WSKF-SA in the 16th WSKF World Championship, held in Tokyo. Mike Dukas Shihan highlighted a selection of the spinning combinations that WSKF is renowned for. Since the team is likely to be drilled on these techniques during their training in Japan, considerable emphasis was placed on the correct execution of the combinations. The importance of good posture, balance and spatial awareness was apparent as students grappled with their imaginary, multi-directional targets, whilst executing these rotational movements.

After the session, Senior karateka were joined by students both young and old, present and former, who are associated with the Vaal Dojo.

Amongst this group were people who had been students of Mike Dukas Shihan for more than three decades!

Messages of congratulations and well wishes were conveyed to the well-loved founders, whose indomitable spirits built the dojo from its humble beginnings to the “institution of Karate” it is today. If anything is to last, it must be built on a strong foundation. Mike and Marion Dukas built an enviable legacy on the foundational principles of:
“Perseverance”
“Stick to the Basics”
“Karate fixes Everything”
“Honor Family”

Reflecting on this, it remains humbling and evident that “mastery” is a “journey”, not a destination. The goalposts are forever shifting, and depths of “knowledge” are yet unknown. Therefore, in the words of Mike Dukas Shihan:

“…no matter what happens – just keep training…”