"We are experts at babying ourselves;
we must look at ourselves with the strictest eyes."
--Tsutomu Ohshima

Shotokan Karate of America conducts regional special practices known as "Special Trainings" twice a year, usually in the winter and summer. These are the most important events for any karate student, for they allow one to push oneself to one's limits through intensive training periods from three to four days in duration, with several practices each day. Many students agree that Special Trainings are the most demanding and strenuous mental and physical experiences of their lives.

The beginning student is allowed to attend Special Training with the consent of the instructor, based on physical condition and knowledge of kata, kihon, and kumite. During the longer Special Trainings, closed practices are held for black belts and brown belts in addition to the general practices.

The individual is given the opportunity to train with a large number of members of all ranks from many dojos, who gather to increase their self-awareness through this rigorous training. The event is usually held in a large facility such as a private boarding school where students all share the common experience by living, eating, and training together. Separate facilities are always provided for men and women students. Special Training represents an opportunity for the serious karate student to advance himself both mentally and physically. No drinking, taking of drugs, or sexual activity is tolerated.

In line with the martial arts tradition of "what you begin you must finish," one may not leave Special Training until it is officially over without the permission of the chief instructor. Any student who breaks this rule automatically loses his membership in SKA, and will never again be allowed to practice with any SKA dojo. There is absolutely no exception to this rule.

Special Training has come down to us from martial artists of the past who sought a way to put their mental and physical powers to a test by calling upon their innermost strengths--strengths that you will realize you also possess after this intensive training experience. Indeed, to put ourselves into hardship, to push ourselves to our physical limits and thereby to strengthen our mentality, and to see ourselves with clearer eyes are the ultimate goals of this practice.

The ideals behind Special Training are most clearly articulated by SKA senior Sadaharu Honda:

"We know that human beings are very kind to themselves and are living as easily as they can. In this kind of situation we only maintain what we have, and the only way to obtain something new is to push ourselves strongly forward. The purpose of practicing karate is to develop physical and mental strength by putting ourselves into hardship."

DATE: 23 - 25 January 2009

TIMES & LOCATIONS:
Check-in - Friday 6:00 pm at the Belmont Pier parking lot (next to Olympic Pool).
First Practice - will begin sharply at 7:00 pm Friday at Belmont Shore beach.
All other practices - will be held at CSULB campus.
Last practice - will be completed at 8:00 pm Sunday at Belmont Shore beach.

LEADER: Dusty DePree, Nidan

PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 18, 2009

FEE: $150.00 (check payable to "SKA") for pre-registration.
        Late charge fee of $25 after pre-registration deadline.
        Members must be responsible for their food, boarding, and transportation.

REGISTRATION: Special Training "Application" and "Indemnification" forms along with your payment must be completed and submitted by January 18. If you are a minor, your parent or guardian must sign the Parental Waiver of Rights, Consent, and Indemnification Agreement on the back of the Application. Special Training Application forms are available at CSULB Dojo or by may be downloaded in PDF file by clicking here .

Please mail application and check to Garden Grove Dojo to:
        Attn: Long Beach Special Training
        c/o Shotokan Karate of Garden Grove
        10102 Stanford Ave.
        Garden Grove, CA 92841
        714-539-5161

CONTACT INFO: Tom Muzila @ phone: 714-636-4437 or
                                           fax: 714-539-0930 or
                                           email: tommuzila@juno.com

ELIGIBILITY: All members of Shotokan Karate of America at least 16 years of age may attend after obtaining the consent of their instructor.

REGULATIONS: No smoking. No alcoholic beverages. No drugs. No sexual activity. All persons must attend all training sessions. No one will be permitted to leave; unless authorized by the leader.

ACCOMMODATION: All members are responsible for their over-night lodging, food, and transportation. For a listing of local hotels, click here.

WHAT TO BRING: Karate-gis, personal hygiene items, towels, sleeping bag, pillow, casual but neat clothing, a warm coat, money for food.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Hand and mouth protection as well as groin protection for men and breast protection for women are recommended for all participants during kumite. Be prepared, protective equipment will NOT be available at the site.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS / MAPS:

Leader: Gary Shockley, Yodan

Location: Cate School, 1960 Cate Mesa Road Carpinteria, California 93013

Website: www.cate.org

Dates: Wed, 6/10/09 thru Sun, 6/14/09.

Fee: Make $275 check payable to: “SKA“ - after May 22, 2009 add $25.00 late fee.

Mail application and payment to:
Shotokan Karate of America
222 S. Hewitt St., Rm 7
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Check-in: Wed, 6/10/09, 4:00-9:30pm, next to cafeteria (no meals provided)
First Practice: Thur, 6/11/08
Last Practice: Sun, 6/14/08 (ends around 7:30am)

Meals: Thurs thru Sat.-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Sunday – Breakfast only.

Accommodations: Dormitory room w/bare mattress (no bedding)
Each building has card operated washers and dryers.

What to Bring: Toiletries, sleeping bag/sheets, pillow, towel, alarm clock…

Transportation from LAX: www.santabarbaraairbus.com, IHOP dropoff.

If you have any questions, please contact Frank Lee: flee415@yahoo. com or call (626) 757-1714.