Archived News

If you have any martial arts news you think we might want to include here please contact Lee Costa: karatejutsu@hotmail.co.uk.

Although our style is Jutsu Kai Karate we occasionally train with and learn from instructors from different styles of karate and martial arts in general.

Second Annual all style Welsh Seminar

01/09/2010

Cogan leisure centre saw the second annual all style welsh seminar on 11th July. The seminar was successfully well attended with over 200 students, coming from all over Wales. The majority of students were high grades that came to learn techniques from various special guest instructors. Every instructor spent twenty minutes with each group of students. One group made up of 40 2nd dan & above students were taught specialist techniques by the high grades. Lee Costa spent his 20 minutes teaching unusual techniques that involved strangulation and throat holds, impressing students who commented that learning “out of the norm” of karate was very interesting and knowledgeable. This year among the spectators we had the privilege of having one of Wales best known karatekas, Vaughn Johnson.
The third seminar will be held next July 2011, where we look forward to seeing the same students and hopefully more, making it Wales biggest karate seminar ever seen

British Karate Regional Kyokushinkai tournament

01/09/2010

The British Karate Regional Kyokushinkai tournament held on Sat 4th July 2010 at Merthyr Tydfil was entered by 3 fighters from Cogan & Caerphilly Jutsu Kai and 2 fighters from Cowbridge Justu Kai, all fighting in the knockdown tournament. Even though they couldn’t enter the novice knockdown categories because these are only for privileged Kyokushinkai members we had to enter the professional categories. All of our fighters were complete novice without any experience of knockdown fighting. Every one of the fighters took 3rd place in their categories, a great achievement for all!

The only person not in the picture was Richard Sapey, as he was taken to hospital with a jaw injury on the day, we’ll hopefully have a photograph in the near future!

It takes a lot of courage to enter a knockdown competition, especially if it’s your first time. WELL DONE everyone.

Fundraising for Singleton Hosiptal

20/07/2010

Mrs Edna Carlsen MBE is a fundraiser for Medical Equipment at Singleton Hospital, Swansea; she is currently raising funds to purchase a video indirect ophthalmoscope. Many premature babies are prone to conditions of the eyes which, in some cases, can lead to permanent blindness. The video indirect ophthalmoscope, using new technology, further minimises stress for the premature baby.The camera is able not only to photograph the eye, but also stores information –enabling detailed development on future progression of the baby.A group of Karate instructors have united their effort to raise money to donate towards the purchase of the needed equipment.

Over the weekend Edna Carlsen MBE was presented with the donation of £250.00 made by Tom Baker-WKA Chairman, Unel Wellington 7th Dan Black Belt, Gabe Operanta 7th Dan and Lee Costa 6th Dan. The donation took place in Swansea at Ken Bu Kan Karate Centre. The second karate seminar is due to take place on Sunday the 11th of July 2010 at Penarth Leisure Centre from 12.00 to 3.00 with the attendance of top karate instructors from all over Wales is open to all styles and all individuals who are currently practising the sport and do not want to miss a great opportunity. Last year, it was successfully attended by over 80 black belts and lower grades students. A donation was given to Ty Hafan Children Hospice, this year there were be a similar donation. Anyone interested in attending the course will be welcome on the day. For further information visit website: www.karate-jutsu.org

Japan Trip

20/05/2010

May 20th


The group of 9 set of from London Heathrow at 7PM local time, after one hour and a half we finally board the plane. 10ish hours later we arrive at Incheon airport, Seoul, South Korea, it’s very stuffy. We arrive at the hotel via taxi which took about 10 mins and receive keys to the room, very nice rooms, especially the bathroom. Only disadvantage was the fact of having to share double beds, except sensei Lee Costa, who had his own way and got a single bed. We then decided to go out for a bite to eat and stopped at a Barbecue restaurant and ended up having a good time after drinking one to many. We then slept until 4-5AM in the morning due to being jet lagged.


May 22nd


Back into a taxi to take us back to Incheon airport, not much waiting at this point, end up on the plane which took only 45 mins. As we arrive in Fukuoka we jumped onto a shuttle bus to take us near the subway, we then got on the subway and got of at Hakata station which we spent up until 3.30 - 4 PM. We then hopped onto a bus which took us all the way up to Myasaki which took around 4 hours. Began training before we even saw the apartment. Our first training session consisted of Brazilian Jui Jitsu and we learned the following :

o Instructor demonstrated ‘Ebi’ which is basically a shrimp movement on the floor going either left or right using one foot on the floor close to your bum and using the opposite hips and then push you will then move away from your opponent.
o We then moved along to more basics which consisted of grabbing the gi near inner thighs and inner knee cap and then if your offending push the knees in and as the defender kicks back you use that as an advantage by moving the legs in either one way or another and moving the opposite direction, then planting the knee on their stomach.
o Next : As one is on the floor, the defender person on the floor grabs the offenders gi next to the wrist and also at the same time places his foot next to the lower stomach as the offender starts to struggle the defender grabs the ankle and places the other leg behind the offenders ankle. All in one go then push and put your opponent on the floor.
o After this we then had 2 minute rounds at grappling each other and using what we learned in any type of way.


May 23rd


Woke up nice and early, went for a walk along the beach and saw some of the traditional shrines and Aoshima temple Island temple, we then went back to the apartment and got changed and ready to head back to the budo, this mornings training was with our group leader Chad Leaming, we did a slight bit of warm up ourselves and then got stuck back into the same training we did the previous night. This consisted of :

o Going back over ‘Ebi’ to warm our hips up.
o We then practiced all of the techniques from the following evening i.e the sweeping techniques and the fact of moving the defenders legs to get on top of them to be in an advantageous position.
o Then we concluded the session with grappling with 10 minutes worth of 2 minute rounds.

After training we then headed to Xebio to allow some members to get sports wear, after this we then headed to the super market in order to get a bite to eat and food for later on in the day and also morning time. As we arrive back to the apartment a few members decided to relax and sleep, others headed down to the beach and few more did other stuff
around the apartment.


May 24th


Beach in the morning, and we went swimming in the sea, was very relaxing because it was warm water. Hottest day so far, sunburn on shoulders we then left Aoshima and travelled to another area of Miyazaki, Ninchinon where we saw the Udo Shrine. We saw a lot of different shrines and the main shrine was located in a cave on the cliff. Very impressive. We participated in an activity involving throwing pebbles over the cliff and into a pool this is supposed to give you luck if you get it inside the rope on the cliff according to the Japanese. Then we drove to a garage due to low fuel and the American Chad placed fuel in the oil tank, which caused one of the vans to break down.

We then went to train at Nishiuchi Dojo, there were mainly kids and oldies, mixed between white and black belts also The main Sensei and his world champion son. We began by warming up slightly with basic techniques i.e. punches, kicks and stances. After this it was mainly theory talking about how techniques and sweeps work ‘NO EMOTION’ as the japan world champion kept on stating. The main technique was to be fully relaxed and not move one bit and all of a sudden punch by still no moving any other part of the body. Also keep the shoulders very relaxed. The world champion then gave us a slight demonstration on Richard who is chads friend. After the end of class a few members went over to the oldies black belts which based on Aikido to teach a few other techniques. They taught us how to move an opponent or release a grip by relaxing, always remember never try and use brut force to push someone out of the way or release a grip, be relaxed. Also at the end of session a number of photos were taken.


May 25th


Training in the morning, which included going over chokes such as guillotine. We also went over movement from Kyokoshinkai to prepare us for tomorrows training, this included roundhouse kick mwashi geri while the other partner blocks by raising his knee and pushing out wards. In the after noon we then decided to head down the beach and relax. Some of us went into the sea while others stayed on the sand. After noons training we went to Nanaka Sensei’s house or even so the dojo inside his house and went over various weapons he trains with such as shiriken which was what the samurai used to throw. We then did 2 minute round with gloves to do 1-2 strikes etc. Nanaka sensei’s wife was then kind enough to provide us with steamed potatoes and some type of bean, which was delicious. We then headed back and relaxed for the rest of the night.

May 26th


Morning training, on the beach, one member caught very nice sun burn!! Training lasted for over 2 hours, we did more chokes and more bow kata other members went on to do ippon and others normal kata. We all ended up filthy with sand everywhere. We then headed back to the apartment and ate yet more noodles, sushi and rice which has been the main food of the trip. We then went to our evening training which was kyokoshin this was a lot of basic techniques preformed over to get perfection, we then moved on to do basic sparing with juniors which to be fair had punches and kicks as good as seniors. Some members then stayed up to continue training with the seniors which was a drill of burpies, bag training twice then blocking foam whips and then finally knockdown fighting with an opponent. One opponent there was over 6ft and very tough which you could slam a dozen punches directly into his chest and fling as many kicks into his legs but he wouldn’t move, then came his one punch which pushed you back flying. Training session lasted 4-5 hours. We then went to a Bar which was owned by a New Zealander and had fish and chips, chicken and chips and pizza and chips, the first western meal of the trip.


May 27th


We started off by going to the beach in the morning and doing various training techniques including Bow Kata, and self defence techniques such as chokes from previous training sessions .We left the apartment at 12 o’clock, and travelled around 6 hours which included many stops to see various peaceful parts of Japan such as Nobeoka. We then arrived in another area of Miyazaki where we went to Kai Sensei’s Dojo and practiced Kyokushinkai. In the session we spent 2 hours training and that consisted of half hour warm up, half hour basics, half hour Kata and then we finished with sparring. From there we left the dojo and went to a Japanese restaurant with the members of Kai Sensei’s Dojo and had a delicious meal which was mainly different meats, rice and salad. We then travelled to a campsite by the beach where we stayed in tents overnight where sensei Lee Costa was fortunate enough to have brought his pillow.

May 28th

We woke at 9 o clock and ate breakfast which was leftovers from the previous night and waited until 10 O’clock for Kai sensei for he was kind enough to take half the group in his car, where we then travelled to a Japanese Spa. This was very relaxing considering the aching from the previous night. We first went into a main relaxing hot pool, and moved into an out door version. Then we moved into another hot pool which was structured inside a cave. After this we moved on to a Sauna and stayed in there for a little while. Finally we moved into the cold water pool to cool down. To finish of we went to the showers and washed up with the given shampoo and body wash. Kai Sensei was kind enough to pay for this. We then moved on to a restaurant were we all ate a little, mainly sushi kindly once again paid for by Sensei Kai. In the evening we travelled back to Nishiuchi Dojo to do another training session. During this training session we did a variety of things, including bunkai for kata, this is mainly understanding what every move is during the kata i.e. what the block is for or what the strike is for, we did this using a partner, everyone had a Japanese partner to learn with. We then moved on to groups of four which included 2 members from our group and 2 japanese members, we then studied techniques that are done with absolutely no power what so ever. One example is as the opponent punches you block like a jodan uke but don’t grab and then basically walk forward and this will push the opponent to the ground. We then went to the super market because we al wanted some chocolate.


May 29th


We began today with beach training, mainly doing what each member wanted to do individually, some did bow kata, others normal kata, a very relaxing training session for everyone is exhausted by this point. We then all went to a Japanese Mall to do shopping for 3 hours before coming back to the apartment to get ready for training. Most members ended up sleeping or relaxing before 8 O’clock which is when training began at the Budo Kan where we then did Kick Boxing. Toshi was the main instructor here, and the session lasted 1 hour and half. For the first half an hour we went over grappling of the neck which you needed both hands on the back of your opponents neck better at the top of the head and pull down towards your chest, from here you could do combinations with knees, arms etc. Then we moved on to basic blocking and kicking opponents away in order to get a good roundhouse kick. We then did a bit of sparing going at our own pace, all in all we faced about 6-7 opponents. Finally we went on to do ground grappling, we did about 3 different techniques here.


May 30th


Sunday, a day to relax, some members decided to put this into perspective and go down the beach to relax and sunbathe, others decided to go and see a tournament at the budo kan which was judo, kendo and archery. We then left at 3 O’clock to head to the Japanese Inn where we went into another spa, and had a meal, then we all happily ended up getting drunk except the two girls. To finish the night we ended up receiving certificates from Chad and also shriken Similar to a knife, where you throw from your hands, the samurai used them to put spearmen of guard and also take opponents of horses each given personally from Nonaka Sensei.


May 31st


Headed from the Japanese Inn back to the apartment, where we decided we wanted some group photos of us in our gi. We all headed down to the shrine where we took many photos. Tonight the last night in Japan and also the last training session which is mainly focusing on the depth of karate techniques.

Club Competition Cogan Vs Grangetown held at Cogan leisure centre May 3rd

09/06/2010

A small internal club competition took place on bank holiday 3rd of May at Cogan leisure centre, Lee Costa’s training dojo. The teams were comprised of 5 adults and 12 juniors. For most of the fighters was their first opportunity to fight in competition, under pressure with over 40 spectators. All fighters gained experience and have become enthusiastic for future competitions. The Grangetown fighters put up a good performance beating the Cogan Club. Hopefully during a future return match we may see a different result!! Many thanks to Gabe Operanta for bringing his team to Cogan for the successful friendly match, and also to Steve Wellington for serving as the events main referee.

St Madocs Summer Camp

09/06/2010

A very successful summer camp was held on 7th- 8th- 9th of May at St Madoc. The Karate students had 3 days of intense training in the beautiful setting od St Madocs Centre. The first evening took place of training after a mile run down to the beach, which was luckily deserted leaving us with the entire beach to ourselves for the session. The Second day all students were up for a warm up by 7.30, where the session took one hour training with Steve Wellingtons unique warm up techniques. After which all students crawled into the dinner hall for breakfast. Followed by training sessions by Gabe Operanta, Unel Wellington and Lee Costa. On The last of the Summer Camp all students entertained instructors by performing outstanding demonstrations. Overall the Camp was filled with an amazing atmosphere, hopefully next year we can double the number of students.

The organisers would like to thank, all the kitchen staff for all the stupendous food over the camps weekend.

Photos from Camp

British Budo Federation

Martial Arts Seminar 21st March 2010

Over 180 attended the memorial Budo course in memory of Billy Doaks and Richie Noblett proving it to be a huge success.
Host Instructors included Alan Petherbridge, Gywn Jones, Unel Wellington, Steve Wellington, Barry Davis and Bryan Wheelan.

Lee Costa was invited and appeared as a guest instructor for the 2nd year running.

There was a great mixture of talent from various martial arts such as Judo, Karate, Aikido, Ju Jitsu and Kung Fu. The atmosphere at the Court Herbert Sports Centre was remarkable as all the martial art instructors learnt from one another whilst disciplining together.

Lee is enthusiastic to attend next years Budo Course, which will hopefully follow this years success.

Summer Camp 2010

On 7th-9th May 2010

Summer Camp 2010
At
St Madoc Centre
Gower (Swansea Seaside)
South Wales
With top Karate Instructors
Friday 7th – Saturday 8th – Sunday 9th May 2010
Over 12’s and Grades only
Any queries phone organiser 07974972479
Deposit Form can be downloaded from
Here
All training will be: Intense/ Hard/ Knowledgeable
Full Board (meals) & Training £76.50 for Full Weekend

Christmas Party and Awards

17/12/2009

The Ynyscedwyn Arms at Ystragynlais played host to the first Welsh Karate Annual Christmas Dinner, an event that is hoped to become a major social date in the karate calendar.

The weather played a significant part in making the event smaller than expected with some forty people attending from various parts of Wales. A particular effort was made by our colleagues from North Wales which was greatly appreciated given the storm like and unpleasant driving conditions. Once the snorkels and wet suits had been deposited at reception it was obvious that people had made an effort for the occasion with black ties and dinner suits in abundance.

Unel Wellington and Tom Baker welcomed the guests and presentations were made. The award of 4th Dan by Shihan Lee Costa to Mike Humphries of the WKJK Dojo in Cogan was well received with Tom Baker receiving a plaque for his contributions to steering karate over a difficult period as did Ian Morris for his work with the WKJK Association.

The award winning hotel showed why it has gained a reputation for quality and service with its presentation of a traditional, seasonal menu, greatly enjoyed by all. The amicable atmosphere was added to by a young, crooner style singer, who entertained while the group ate, drank and generally enjoyed each others company.

Here's to next years gathering which will, hopefully, be more accessible to all of Wales karatica and allow us all to celebrate together.

North Wales Vs South Wales

17/12/2009

Hopefully this year we’ll see the restart of the North Wales vs South Wales tournament that was held for many years in the WKGB, we’re bringing it back for 2010 starting in North Wales. This will be a good opportunity for top class fighters in Wales to fight at top class level. For selection of these teams there will be squad training in North Wales and South Wales which will be open to anybody who does karate and who holds a license with up to date insurance. This way we’re giving everyone in Wales an opportunity to compete, whatever their association.

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Tribute to Richard Noblett

17/12/2009

Before a group of perhaps some two hundred or so who gathered to pay their respect, Richard Noblett was laid to rest following his final fight this time against cancer.

Richard held an 8th dan in the style of Wado Ru in his Bushu Kai Association training out of the Afon Lido and surrounding area. Our own chief Instructor Lee Costa had a long association with Richard both socially and in competition. He remembers well this small Irish man who gave him a hard time in competition with his relentless enthusiasm for the sport.

The association with Richard can be traced back some forty years. Lee recalls the time before there was a Welsh squad - Richard later deemed himself an honorary Welshman - how they had both fought alongside each other in representing England at Manchester and later were to work together as Coach and Manager of the Welsh squad travelling to the European finals in Greece. They were to cross paths many a time and Lee has the greatest respect for Richard.

Tributes were given by representatives of Richard's Association and within the mourners were many renown members of the world of Martial Arts, there to pay their respects. It was fitting that both Irish and Welsh flags draped his coffin reflecting his heritage and field of influence in his chosen sport. Our condolences go to his wife Elizabeth and his family in their loss.

League News

17/12/2009

The 7th Welsh League Tournament will be held in Dolgellau at the Ysgol Gader Gymnasium on Arran Road (LL40 1HY) on Sunday 24th January with all finalists having automatic entry to the 2009/10 junior champion of champions. The usual categories apply and it is an excellent way to test your ability in karate kumite no matter how limited you may be (or think you may be).

The events which have already taken place have proved successful and an ideal way to encourage participation in the sport at a level suitable to all junior karateka. We hope to encourage parents and friends to participate in a variety of ways from general help to perhaps table assistants and time keepers. Ask your local dojo Chief Instructors for further information.



.....

Encouraged by activities within the new found alliance there is movement to revitalise a further tournament relationship between North and South Wales with selection of twelve 'man' teams consisting of senior, ladies and juniors.

Squad training will be open to all karatika in the WKGB and to all Associations that are not double affiliated. It is understood that Steve Wellington will be coach for South Wales and will coach out of Swansea before selecting his squad while Ian Webb will be coach for North Wales and train out of Wrexham.

For further information see your local association chief instructors.

Karate Summer Training Course in Penarth

Unel Wellington, Gabe Operanta, Lee Costa, Steve Wellington, Andy Morgan, Cedric Wellington. If you recognise these names then you must be involved in the sport of Karate. 7th Dan to 5th Dan they are amongst the elite of karate in Wales and held a Karate Extravaganza at the Cogan dojo of Chief Instructor (WKJK) Shihan Lee Costa.

Over one hundred karateka (students of karate) came from all over Wales to participate in this, the first mixed karate styles training event. Special invited instructors, Chad Learning 4th Dan - recently returned from training in Japan, Petros Kolokasis 3rd Dan from North Wales and Spencer Burnett 2nd Dan Kyokushinkai made themselves available to further enrich the training experience.

Following a general warming up the assembly was broken into groups of similar ability and trained under individual high grade instructors. Blocks, punches, evading techniques, take downs and floor work were all in evidence as the intensity of training rose. Spencer Burnett impressed with his enthusiasm, technique and focus while Unel Wellington 7th Dan, left some students unsure as to what had happened in his lightning fast response to a would be attacker until he broke the movement down for all to understand and practice amongst themselves.

The smiles and banter during a short break confirmed that the course had hit the right spot and bodes well for future mixed styles events especially if the Welsh Karate Governing Body can lift the restrictions on mixed styles and connect more with the grass roots of the sport. The course closed with a photo session where karateka were eager to record their inclusion in such a high ranking assembly with Chad Learning being particularly sought out by our younger participants.

Donations from both this and spectators have raised £120 which is to be donated to Ty Hafan Childrens Hospice in Penarth, a local charity that offers help and support to those families who had children suffering from a life shortening illness.

------------------------

Success for WKJK Cogan team

The fourth Welsh Karate League Tournament took place at Channel View Sports Centre with junior grades from Novice to Dan gradings taking part with the Welsh Karate Jutsu Kai Association, based in Cogan Leisure Centre, Penarth, well represented at all levels.

Thomas Geen continued his winnings ways in the high grade category taking another first place in the kumite. He appears to be well on his way to booking a place in the elite finals to be held early in 2010.

Congratulations to all participants with various placings being awarded to Rhys Buckley, Ben Britton Dennis, Tom Geen, Emily Geen, Aiden George, Henry and Oliver El Jawahari, Emma Llewellyn, Jade Parsons, Jack Shewring and Alan Smith on their success.

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