Kizuna News and Events

 

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.

 

 

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 Renshi Scot Mertz here:

EMAIL RENSHI SCOT MERTZ

 

HIROTA WKF LABEL GI'S AND BELTS 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!

 

(Click for Full Size)

RONNIE COLWELL PRESENTED WITH LIVING TREASURE AWARD

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.

NEW WKF KIZUNA LABELS HAVE ARRIVED

The new WKF Kizuna labels have now arrived and are available as an option on all belts and gi's from Hirota and Ichiban International. These are beautifully produced and a great way to show your pride for the WKF and Kizuna. Order yourse today, for more information, contact Elena Floris at Ichiban International.

 

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 KIZUNA/WKF

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.

 

(Right Click Image to view full size)

 

HIROTA OFFICIAL GI OF KIZUNA KYOKAI

Ronnie Colwell Sensei received his cusotm made belt and gi from Hirtoa prior to the "Old Way" seminar. We at the Kizuna 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/Kizuna 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 Internationaland show your support when you need a new gi, belt, or any of the other fine quality prodcuts they offer.

 

 

RONNIE COLWELL GIVEN 10TH DAN BY EURPOEAN JU JITSU UNION

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.

 

LAUNCHING OF NEW KIZUNA WEBSITE

Welcome to the home of the Shotokan Karate Kizuna Kyokai. Here you will find information on the Kizuna and it's History, news and events and so much more. Please share this wonderful site with all fellow Budoka, and help us to further the vision of Ronnie Colwell, to share the fellowship of the Martial Spirit with all.

"OLD WAY" SEMINAR A HUGE SUCCESS

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 Kizuna and World Kobukan Federation.

 

UNITED KINGDOM DOJO'S GIVEN HIGH HONORS

Colwell Senseies Dojo "The Kobukan GB" and "The Shubukan Hombu Japan",  were declared by the Headmaster of the the Shubukan ".. as one Dojo with two doors " Colwell Sensei is the only non Japanese to receieve such an honor, and the first certified non Japanese as a senior member.