OSS! We’re back! Hajime … at our new Dojo location

Hello JKA NorCal family and friends – For those we have not seen (in person or virtually), hope you are all keeping well and staying healthy. For those who have hung in there with us since the shut down, training on Zoom, at the various park locations outdoors, “good on you, congratulations! Thank you for persevering!”

THROUGH ADVERSITY, WE BUILD STRENGTH! And we COUNT ALL OUR BLESSINGS …Grateful that we are healthy and still training AND getting to know each other much better (locally and internationally). We are now only a zoom session away from any training worldwide, with our broader JKA family! Closer to home, as we emerge from the many lockdowns and uncertainty, it was the right stimulus for us to look for a permanent solution — so we can get back together and train. We have outgrown PrimeTime (physically and spiritually)…

On Friday, October 1, 2021 we held our dojo soft opening at our new space/location. Thank you to all who helped prepare the dojo for this and to everyone who came to launch this very momentous next step for JKA NorCal. We are so very excited to share the experience and growth of our dojo. It is a beautiful space with so much potential. As you can see, we are still setting up, but plan on having an auspicious GRAND OPENING at a later date when we will invite some of our karate friends and seniors over to formally celebrate the event (pending COVID restrictions) – date TBA.

In the meantime through the end of October while we continue to fix up the space, we will be retaining our restricted schedule of 2 daily classes Mon-Fri (Kids 5-6pm; Adults: 6-7pm) at our new space, and Saturdays by the Bay (Seal Point Park 8:45-10:15am) – training indoors with mask out of precaution for our younger students who are not yet vaccinated. We are also looking into “live-streaming” our classes for those who are yet not comfortable to train indoors.

Stay tuned

A Dedication to Omine Okinawa Karate Kobudo Dojo:

Thank you for the beautiful dojo, we commit to keep the spirit going, with fortitude and hard work!

JKA NorCal
Sensei Wauriman found a scroll with calligraphy embedded deep behind the artwork shelves while cleaning the Tatami/Meditation room.

HISTORY OF THIS DOJO LOCATION: Omine Sensei was from Okinawa. In 1973 he immigrated to USA to teach shorin-ryu karate and opened up a dojo with one of his students Susan Borgr (a Nidan at the time). When Sensei Omine died in 1975, Sensei Susan assumed the dojo until 2009. Sensei Pat Mcgale grew up in Okinawa to a Japanese mother and an American father, a sensei in Okinawan JuJitsu who taught until age 90 (and is living in Okinawa today). Sensei Pat has been martial artist since the age of 5. Upon moving to the USA, Sensei Susan often had him teach as a guest instructor, increasingly more so after she fell ill. Upon her passing in 2009, Sensei Pat inherited Omine dojo until it was forced to close its doors early into the pandemic.

An update: Sensei Pat stopped by the dojo last week and was pleased to see JKA NorCal at the dojo — in the same spirit and tradition. Perhaps we will have a chance to get to know him as well.

Other acknowledgements

As we continue to put up finishing touches around the dojo, we finally have a place to put up the BEAUTIFUL CALLIGRAPHY penned by Emily Montgomery-Brown’s neighbor. We thank her!
Our beloved GRUNDY PARK which has been JKA NorCal’s “pseudo dojo” for the past year and a half — we are so grateful for the opportunity to train and enjoy the lovely outdoors

And of course 🌊 SATURDAY’S BY THE BAY🥋 training with Senpai John and Senpai Harry at Seal Point Park, San Mateo … We are blessed with the beautiful hinterlands afforded to us in the Bay Area. So we will continue our Saturday rigor training at this venue.

Thank you for your donation in time, materials and funds. ❤ So far (as of 10/11), we have raised $4,550 in funds … we will be using it for Rent Deposit and retrofitting the Dojo space.

November 1st … We Will Start Our New Schedule and Pricing!

We hope that this will get us back to a rigor and the discipline we need to grow at our dojo 👊.

SCHEDULE: We’ve put a lot of thought to the new schedule which offers some flexibility for all of you to plan what fits your routine and which classes to take. You may want to discuss with Sensei Wauriman “a development plan” for you/your child and what is needed for the next belt promotion.

See our current Schedule

ATTENDANCE: Therefore, we will start to track attendance which will provide the data to determine qualification for promotion.

WAIVER/INDEMNITY FORM: All students will need to sign and turn in as part of our “start up” in this new location. Appreciate your cooperation as we need all new paperwork. Will try to explore some online solutions to make it less painful for everyone.

PRICING: As expected, in our new setup/location, our dojo fees will need to be adjusted to sustain our dojo/school. We have put a lot of thought into it, recognizing the support from you our “founding members” and part of our karate family. While our new rates go into effect November 1, 2021 for any new and reactivated members, we will NOT be raising rates for active (as of Oct) members until January 1, 2022. Everyone will be on New Pricing next year. Our new rates go into effect November 1, 2021 for any new members and people who reactivate after October. Please feel free to ask Sensei Christina if you need more clarification.

We are grateful to have this new beginning for our dojo and share this experience with you, our karate family. We may not get it all right now, but let’s iterate and aspire for better day by day. Help us, let us know how we can do better.

Sensei Wauriman & Sensei Christina, Senpais John, Mathew & Harry

Club Updates

Senseis Christina and Wauriman, John, Harry and I have been meeting over the past month to discuss how JKA NorCal could start returning to regular indoor classes. Even though we all very much want this to happen soon, given the fluidity of current County and State Covid requirements for a high contact activity such as Karate, we cannot come up with a definitive timeline yet. However, we do have some developments to share:

First, though, I would like to thank Sensei Wauriman for continuing classes and finding places to train outdoors and ways to teach remotely during the Covid pandemic; and to thank parents and students for continuing to train and support the dojo and Sensei Wauriman through these difficulties.

photo by Francis Dick

The past year has given us all perspective on the twelve (!) years since the club was founded, and also highlights some possibilities for the future. This dojo was started because we wanted to create a dojo that respected and supported the needs and goals of parents, students and sensei, and involved all of them in major decisions.

In keeping with the spirit of this dojo, we are proposing a meeting at the next belt test to discuss ideas and plans for the future of the club. Because of the restrictions on group gatherings, we will set up a zoom meeting: Sensei Wauriman and Sensei Christina will share more information on the slack channel. If you don’t have access to the slack channel, please contact Sensei Christina.

Osu! and Thank You!

Here are some of the photos posted to the slack channel over the past year (click on any thumbnail to see the large image):

Covid-19 Update

We are not currently training at Primetime due to state and county Covid restrictions to group activities. However, we have been hosting training both in zoom, and very limited outdoor physically distanced classes. We look forward to resuming classes when it is safe to do so and wish you health and wellness in this difficult time. Osu!

We have a slack channel with the latest updates to class times and locations. Contact us to find out more.

2019 JKA/AF Nationals Results

A HUGE thank you to all the Judges, Volunteers and Competitors who made this tournament a success. This was the first time JKA NorCal hosted Nationals. There were over 210 competitors from 26 dojos in 63 events. Congratulations to all.

Results from the tournament are posted here:

Summary by Dojo: https://jkanorcal.org/archives/8870
Adult Divisions: https://jkanorcal.org/archives/8858
Youth Divisions: https://jkanorcal.org/archives/8840

2019 JKA/AF Nationals Check-in, Clinics + Dan Test

Location:

Prime Time Athletic Club (1730 Rollins Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010)

Tournament Check In:

(10am-8pm): Pre-registered competitors & officials.
No late Registration: Registration closes Nov 1st – but register early to get a discount.

Judges Conference/Clinic

(10am-12:00pm): hosted by Master Isami Shiroma. Registered Tournament judges/officials only – ring assignments will be confirmed. Mandatory for all registered judges.

Wellness Seminar

(10am-11:30am): hosted by Sensei Donnie Abel for all ranks (www.martialartsintelligence.com).  Sign-up on-site $25 ($20 with JKA membership).

This class is for anyone that moves and is looking to learn new ways to increase the longevity of their martial art. Learn ways to balance, stretch and reconnect your body in a optimal functioning way (will begin covering the feet, knees and hips — the relationship between them all): ~How to warmup, stretch out, and cool down without obtaining injuries? ~As a young martial artist or seasoned martial artist, So what does that mean for me? ~Bio-mechanics, myofascial work and preventing future injuries.

Masters Seminar

(1:30pm-3:30pm): hosted by Master Takayuki Mikami and Master Yoshizo Machida for all ranks. Sign-up on-site $60 ($50 with JKA membership).

Dan Examinations

(4:00pm-6:00pm): Only pre-registered (JKA Shodan to Yondan).

2019 JKA/AF Nationals Wine Tour

Come and see some of the greater San Francisco Bay Area with a day trip to Napa. You can register for the wine tour here: https://jkanorcal.org/event/wine-tour

The wine tour price will include chartered bus to and from Napa and Wine Tasting at two wineries. You can bring your own pack lunch, or buy lunch at the lunch stop.

Tentative Schedule
Bus pick-up at Doubletree Hotel (9:00am), vista stop at Golden Gate Bridge for photos en route to Napa …

I. Wine tasting and appetizers at Paloma winery
II.  Lunch purchase and at picnic on grounds at V.Satui winery
III.  Wine tasting at V. Satui

Bus return to Doubletree Hotel (~ 4:00pm)

Come join us for a relaxing day in Napa after the tournament, we are chartering a bus to visit a couple of wineries in Napa plus a vista stop at the Golden Gate Bridge for a photo op! Cheers …

2019 JKA American Federation Nationals

Important Deadlines:
Registration is now closed.

All participants should try to check in on Friday Nov 8, 2019 at Prime Time Athletic Club (1730 Rollins Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010) between 10:00am – 8:00pm.

There will be limited late check-in on Saturday Nov 9, 2019 at 8:00am at the tournament location. To speed up your check-in, please download, print and sign the waiver:

Sensei Takayuki Mikami
Sensei Takayuki Mikami

Sensei Yoshizo Machida
Sensei Yoshizo Machida

Sensei Isami Shiroma
Sensei Isami Shiroma

November 8-10, 2019
Burlingame, CA

Prime Time
Athletic Club

Burlingamer
Sports Center

Men, women, children, all ranks and organizations are invited!
Spectators are welcome!

Questions? info@jkanorcal.org

Date/Time:

Nationals Check-in, Clinics and Dan testing

Tournament


Late Check In: No registrations accepted on this day.
National Anthem and Competitors Oath
Competition starts in 4 rings.
I.     Youth Divisions
II.   Adult Divisions + Eliminations
III.  Adult Divisions + Eliminations
IV.   Youth Divisions
5:30pm Finals in 2 center rings.
Closing Ceremonies
Banquet at Doubletree Hotel (doors open at 7:00pm)
Awards presentation and closing

Wine Tour

Registration:

All registration for this tournament must be completed before November 1st! Register for the tournament, testing and judging online at:
https://jkanorcal.org/jka-af-nationals-registration

The list of all current registered competitors and divisions is here:
https://jkanorcal.org/jka-af-nationals-registration/tournament-divisions

Registration closes November 1st – but register early to get a discount. Early registration discount $15 off price below on individual events ends October 14th midnight!

Youth DivisionIndividual Single Event $55, Two Events $65
Collegiate DivisionIndividual Single Event $45, Two Events $50
Collegiate & Adult: 3 Events $65, 4 Events $70
Senior 45+ Division Individual Single Event $55, Two Events $65
Senior & Adult: 3 Events $80, 4 Events $85
Adult Division Individual Single Event $55, Two Events $65
Team Kata & Kumite $65 for whole team, One or Two Events.
One person registers for the whole team.
Goodwill Team Events Free. One person registers for the whole team.

tournament rules & regulations

This tournament will be following the JKA tournament rules and regulations:

Travel

American Airlines promo code is 55N9BL, DISCOUNT OFF: 8% off published fares (excluding basic economy and non-discountable fares) 
Travel Dates : 03Nov19-16Nov19
Destination City: SFO or SJC

Accommodations/Hotels

There is a discounted group rate for attendees at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport. The special room rate will be available until October 6th or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.

Group Name: JKA National Tournament
Group Code: JKA
Check-in: 06-NOV-2019
Check-out: 11-NOV-2019
Booking Deadline: Book by October 14th 2019
Hotel Address: 835 Airport Blvd., Burlingame, California 94010-9949
Hotel Phone Number: (650)373-2221

Location

Clinics & Testing

Prime Time Athletic Club
1730 Rollins Rd
Burlingame, CA 94010

Primetime is an approximately 12 minute walk from the Millbrae BART and Caltrain station.

Tournament Location

Burlingamer Sports Center
1864 Rollins Road
Burlingame, CA 94010

Parking is limited at the site, so if driving you may need to find street parking. Burlingamer is an 8 minute walk from the Millbrae BART and Caltrain station.

2017 JKA/AF National Training Camp: Dan and Qualification tests

This year’s Japan Karate Association American Federation training camp at the University of New Orleans (UNO) featured guest instructor 8th Dan and general manager of the technical division Sensei Imura Takenori. There were about 80 participants for the four day camp, with nine representing JKA Nor Cal. Sensei Imura’s crisp technical excellence and athletic prowess had everyone astonished. His sharp eye for details and sense of humor (for example: He picked out five people’s yoi position in Bassai-dai and drilled us all on which four were wrong) really added to the educational value of this camp.

JKA NorCal with Sensei Imura Takenori

Sensei Imura covered basics – including a series of clever drills starting with open hand striking techniques and leading up to kumite – and drilled down to details and bunkai in kata. He also had a class specifically on judging kumite and kata matches. Sensei Mikami lead classes on ashi-barai, and kumite applications of sweeping and balance, and answered our questions with humor and depth. Every one of us learned and clarified many questions.

Sensei Mikami and Sensei Imura presided over the Dan exams and JKA qualification exams for instructor, judge and examiner. Our JKA NorCal instructors and students passed their dan exams and certification tests – congratulations to:

Christina Foo – Rokudan
Wauriman Borges – Yondan and JKA “C” Judge and “C” Instructor
John Sam – Yondan
Mathew Bittleston – JKA “C” Instructor and “D” Examiner
Amy Wong – JKA “D” Judge and “D” Instructor
Michelle Paredes – Nidan
Sean Kelley – Nidan
Ed Miranda – Shodan
Abdallah Batshon – Team note taker and Tournament Competitor

If you have any questions about the camp, talk to Abdallah: He took copious notes and will be teaching a class based on what we learned. Thanks again to Senpai Sean for arranging and coordinating AirBnB lodging and driving us about town; and to Senpai John (dojo chef) for another scrumptious meal. Now we can look forward to more dan parties!

JKA NorCal Enjoying New Orleans food at Rons Gumbo

Celebrating Rokudan: Crawfish by the pound (after two dozen oysters)!

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