ksk event hall

Grading Results

2012-01-29T10:45:00.000+08:00

Congratulations!

Dear Members,
The Grading Results on 15 Jan 2012 is released. Kindly refer to the following info of your performance. We thank you for your keen participation of the Grading.

Lunar New Year Greetings

2012-01-08T11:27:00.002+08:00

Notice 20th Dec 2011

2011-12-20T14:43:00.002+08:00

Greetings

2011-12-08T20:50:00.000+08:00

We wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Notice 20 Nov 2011

2011-11-20T10:27:00.002+08:00

This Sunday 5pm session cancelled

2011-11-08T15:35:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to NUSS Kid Class

2011-11-05T14:50:00.000+08:00

Congratulations!

We congratulation all members from the NUSS Kid Class who have successfully passed their last grading and being promoted to the next level.

Notice 4 November 2011

2011-11-04T19:22:00.000+08:00

To all Tangling Members,
There will beno class on this coming Sunday, as it is a Public Holiday. The CC will be closed on that day. Training will be resumed on the following week.

Work Shop on Kumite Techniques

2011-10-30T13:19:00.000+08:00

Members, You are encouraged to participate if you are interested in Kumite (Sparring) techniques. See you there.

Happy Deepavali

2011-10-26T12:04:00.000+08:00

Heian Nidan in action

2011-10-24T20:35:00.000+08:00

This clip is performed by our young member Ethan Loh, a primary two student who learn karate in less than 8 months.

QR code for KSK Official Website

2011-10-19T09:48:00.000+08:00

This is the QR for our official website. If you have a QR code reader on your phone, you may scan it and it will lead you to our official website.

New Recruitment

2011-09-20T21:47:00.000+08:00

New Module has been started at Tanglin Community Club on Sunday from 6.00pm to 7.30pm (Except on Public Holidays). Interested parties, kindly approach the CC office for enrollment.

Heian Shodan Movie

2011-08-07T14:23:00.000+08:00

This is the version of Heian Shodan we are practicing in the class. The performer is our Kata Player Ms Esther Tan.

Latest Achievement

2011-06-30T22:44:00.000+08:00

Hanshi Chia has acquired the latest sports conditioning knowledge from American Council on Exercise. He attended the workshop on 29 Jun 2011 at Safra Mt. Faber. The workshop started at 9am and ended 5pm. Workshop tutor was one of the Gurus from ACE, Mr. Fabio.

New Karate Class starting

2011-04-24T11:12:00.000+08:00

Please be informed that new karate class will be starting at Tanglin Community Club on every Sunday from 6.00pm to 7.30pm (Except for Public Holidays). Interested parties please contact Tanglin CC directly during office hours.

For more information, kindly visit our official website:

http://www.ksk.org.sg

KUS Dan Certificates ready for collection

2011-03-07T09:58:00.002+08:00

Dear KSK Members,
Those who have applied for KUS (Karatedo Union of Singapore) Dan Accreditation, your KUS Dan Certificates are ready for collection. Kindly contact Sensei Micky Tey to arrange for the collection.

Certificates Presentation

2011-02-20T22:10:00.011+08:00

Our President, Mr. Roland Teo presented certificates to all the successful candidates who had taken their grading on January 2011. He also sponsored orange belts to all the newly promoted 8th Kyus.

KSK also issued Coaching Certificate for the first time, to Sensei Micky Tey, for his dedicated service to the Club.

New Class at Tanglin CC 2011

2011-01-03T12:05:00.000+08:00

Congratulations

2010-10-10T11:38:00.003+08:00

Bronze for Esther 2010 September

2010-09-25T11:43:00.003+08:00

Bronze Medal in Indonesia Opening Invitational Championships 2010

We are proud to announce that our member, Esther Tan has won the Bronze Medal in her kata event in the Indonesia Opening Invitational Champioships 2010.

Congratulations to Esther!

Baksai Sho Kata

2010-09-14T11:07:00.002+08:00

Kata Baksai Sho 拔塞小

The Kata is performed by our member Esther Tan.

2010 AGM

2010-09-05T23:39:00.002+08:00

KSK Annual General Meeting 2010

KSK has successfully conducted her AGM 2010 on 9th September 2010, at Tanglin Community Club, 4.00pm. The members present have no strong objection to all the proposed items.

The AGM started with the Address by the President, Mr. Roland Teo C. S. then followed by adoption of 2010 Annual Report, Minutes of AGM 2009 and the Annual Statement of Accounts. From the Hon. Treasurer report, the Club is still at healthy financial status. The President has suggested to have KSK own training dojo, and he has taken the task to look for one within the financial capability of the Club. Mr. Mark A. also will be looking into the fund-raising task to further secure the Club's financial status. The Meeting also concerned on the recruitment of new trainees. The Club may go and sell advertisement to achieve this objective.

The Meeting close at 4.30pm with a vote of thanks to the President.

Happy Birthday Singapore 2010

2010-08-04T08:06:00.003+08:00

Ken Shin Kai Karate Club wishes Singapore Happy Birthday 2010!

2010-06-27T21:11:00.005+08:00

Class on 26 June 2010

The Group Photo

Asst. Coach Sensei Jason Chua, 2nd Dan Black belt

Asst. Coach, Sensei Micky Tey, 2nd Dan Black Belt

workshop 2010

2010-06-05T20:25:00.002+08:00

Latest workshop the Chief Coach has attended

The Chief Coach Shihan Chia has attended the 'Planning a Yearly Program Workshop' by SSC under the umbrella of NROC. The speaker was the Asst Director of Sport School, Mr. Gopinadan, a knowledgeable and friendly tutor. The workshop was very useful for coaches who wants to track and prepare his athletes.

New Electronic Advertisement for KSK

2010-05-27T20:16:00.002+08:00

This is the latest advertisement by KSK in the electronic version of Sports Directory 2010.

Hanshi Title

2010-04-20T11:18:00.004+08:00

Martial artists often address their teachers as sensei. Junior and senior students are organized via a senpai/kōhai system. Various titles are also employed to refer to senior instructors. Which titles are used depends on the particular licensing organization.

Hanshi (範士 : はんし) refers to a senior expert considered a "teacher of teachers". This title is used by many different arts for the top few instructors of that style, and is sometimes translated "Grand Master".

Recently, during the 1st Karatedo Union of Singapore (KUS) Invitational Championships 2010, Shihan Chia was conferred to this title by the KUS. This is the first time in Singapore karatedo history, the title was conferred. Beside Shihan Chia, there were three other Shihans also conferred.

KSK participated in 1st KUS Invitational Championships

2010-04-19T13:47:00.016+08:00

No Training on 18 April 2010

2010-04-11T12:41:00.000+08:00

1st KUS Invitational Championships 2010

2010-04-07T20:35:00.001+08:00

Dear All,
Please do not miss this event! Reserved your date for it. See you all there!

Some common stances in Shitoryu

2010-03-29T21:21:00.007+08:00

Common stances in Shitoryu

The following photographs demonstrated some common stances used in Shitoryu Karatedo. This upload is for the benefit of those who just joined us recently; and those who are interested in Shitoryu Karatedo.

Training session on 28 March 2010

2010-03-28T21:48:00.013+08:00

Tanglin Dojo Training Session
All photos were taken by our photographer Miss Jane Peng.

Karate-do Union of Singapore

2010-03-24T13:41:00.001+08:00

First Karate-do Union of Singapore will be held on April. Interested parties, kindly seek more info from the poster here!

New Management of KSK

2010-03-13T16:11:00.000+08:00

This is our KSK new management committee from July 2009 to July 2011. Kindly give them the strong supports.

Sports Guide 2010

2010-03-10T20:32:00.002+08:00

Sports Guide 2010

Good News!
Ken Shin Kai is listed in the latest Sports Guide 2010. If you are interested, you may go to book shop to purchase a copy as reference. This is the first time KSK appeared in this publication.

Presentation of certificates on 28 Feb 2010

2010-02-28T22:22:00.009+08:00

We have conducted a grading on 31 January 2010, the successful candidates were given their certificates to certify their qualification. These certificates were presented by our Club President, Mr. Roland Teo.

Happy Lunar New Year 2010

2010-02-05T20:12:00.003+08:00

All Members,
Kindly note that there will be no training on 14th February 2010 (Sunday), as it would be a Public Holiday for Lunar New Year. Training will be resumed on 21st February 2010.

Tanglin CC Appreciation Party 2010

2010-01-31T09:36:00.004+08:00

Annually Tanglin CC will organize its Appreciation Night / Party to show its appreciation to all the CC coaches as well as the athletes contribution. This year it was held on 30th January 2010. The Guest of Honor is State Minister Adm. Lui Teck Yew.

Two KSK members were awarded Achievement Award. Esther Tan was awarded the Gold Achievement Award, and Edward Hsiao the Bronze Achievement Award.

Congratulations to these two committed members!

Esther Tan received the Award from Minister, this is the third time she is given the award for the past three years.
Edward Hsiao, the first timer to this award.

Annual Appreciation Night at Tanglin CC

2010-01-26T19:24:00.001+08:00

A gentle reminder

2010-01-24T22:34:00.003+08:00

For more information, please make inquiry to Shihan Francis Hong or Shihan Sanny Yap.

Some warm up or cool down exercises

2010-01-24T13:07:00.008+08:00

Some stretching exercises for your warming up or cooling down

Listed here are some of the stretching exercises that are suitable for warming up or cooling down. They are not in sequence or order. If you are interested, you need to approach your coach for the correct posture and movement. All photos there are for your reference to understand the basic concept of these movements only. There are not the actual posture.

KUS Emblem

2010-01-18T23:48:00.004+08:00

Karate-do Union of Singapore has its new emblem ready. We have purchased it for our members own consumption. Kindly approach Sensei Micky to get the emblem. We have only limited stock, you are encourage to wear it on your Gi. The appropriate place is to sew at the back of the Gi, one and half inch below the collar line (See attached photo). This is set up the KUS MC.

2010 Poster for recruitment

2010-01-02T21:07:00.002+08:00

This is the latest poster for our Club to recruit new members in year 2010. All members are encourage to assist in the recruitment exercise.

Jinseikan Dinner 2009

2009-12-31T10:41:00.005+08:00

Attended Jinseikan Dinner 2009 on 30th December at Yong Chun Yuan Restaurant. Met up with some fellow karate-kas that have lost touch for many many years.
In the photograph above: On the extreme left is Sensei Seah Kwang Soon from SKA, next to his left is Shihan Francis Hong from ZSR, to his further left and on my left is Shihan Maikawa, then Shihan Wong Tuang Seng, Shihan Horikochi (?), Shihan Michael Wong from Shotokan.

Shihan Maikawa was the National Coach in Singapore during the 70s. I was at one time training under him when I was in the Singapore Karate Team then. Presently, he holds a 8th Dan qualification in JKF Gojukai.

Both Shihan Maikawa and Shihan Horikochi accepted to be KUS's Technical Advisors. We are proud to have them with us on our developemental path.

20 Dec 2009 Dojo group shot

2009-12-20T22:41:00.002+08:00

This is the latest shot we have taken during our session at the dojo on 20th December 2009. Due to the festive seasons some of our members were not present in the said session.

2009-12-12T19:59:00.001+08:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

From Ken Shin Kai Karate Club, Singapore

5 defense principles

2009-12-05T10:55:00.000+08:00

Coaching Video

2009-11-23T00:52:00.001+08:00

Execution of Mawashi Geri

Heian Kata Godan demonstration clips

2009-10-18T11:31:00.003+08:00

For those who are learning Heian Godan, this is a still clip of moments on this kata for your reference. You still got to get the correct time and emphasis from your sensei. This is only a reference.

Sport injuries workshop

2009-10-14T17:23:00.003+08:00

Shihan Chia has completed a Sports Injuries Workshop organized by FIT Innovations Singapore on 1 September 2009. This workshop had equipped Shihan Chia with the latest knowledge on sports injuries and prevention. By the way, Shihan Chia is a certified First Aider.

KUS Affiliation

2009-10-12T23:32:00.003+08:00

Dear Members,

We are officially affiliated to Karate-do Union of Singapore (KUS). This is a new organization to promote genuine styles of karate-do in Singapore. KUS already rolled out a series of activities both for members and coaches to participate. KUS is registered under Registry of Societies (ROS).

Shihan Chia has been elected to the post of Secretary General of KUS, the office term will be two years from now.

Class photo on 4th October 2009

2009-10-04T22:05:00.005+08:00

New photographs taken recently

These are the shots taken during 4th October 2009, during the class session. Kyu Certificates were presented to two of the members who successfully passed their recent grading.

We have a new group of younger members joined us recently, both local and foreigners. We welcome all these new members, and wish they all would learn something from us in due course.

Practical Sports Nutrition Workshop

2009-09-04T15:03:00.003+08:00

Shihan Chia attended the Practical Sports Nutrition Workshop which was conducted by Republic Poly on 4th September 2009. The session was very beneficial to coach involved in all sports. It illustrated the importance of various nutrititional elements, the energy systems and how these two could affect athletes' performance.

Happy Birthday Singapore

2009-08-01T23:13:00.002+08:00

New Union is formed

2009-07-10T12:38:00.003+08:00

A New Karatedo Union is formed!

Dear Members and Friends,

Please share with our joy and happiness that today we have received good news from the Registrar of Societies of Singapore, our application on Karatedo Union of Singapore is approved. With other several Clubs and Organization in promoting Karatedo in Singapore, this Union would assist us to achieve a better height.

We strongly encourage our members to train harder and look forward to a better karatedo scene in Singapore in the near future!

We are going to work together with all groups who are sincerely promoting the sport and wellness to Singaporeans!

SKA Invitational 2009

2009-07-04T23:36:00.011+08:00

During the SKA 45th Anniversary Dinner, with Soke Kenei Mabuni (The Grandmaster of Shitoryu Karatedo) and Shihan Wong Tuang Seng (The Chief Instructor of Shitoryu Karate Association)

Group photograph with Shihan K. Kawata and Management Members of KSK.

Gold for Esther Tan Again

Shitoryu Karate Association organized the Invitational Shitoryu Karatedo Youth Championships in conjunction with its 45th Anniversary, on 4th July 2009 at Jurong East Sports Hall. The Championships attracked over 200 participants from Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Malaysia and UAE. They also invited several local clubs to participate. They are Ken Shin Kai, Seiwa Kai, Karatedo Goju-ryu Singapore, Hayashi-ha Shitoryu, Shotokan Singapore, Zen Shin Ren.

Ken Shin Kai sent in Esther Tan to participate in the Lady 17-21 age group kumite event. She emerged as the Champion in her own catergory. We congratulate her for the outstanding performance.

Esther at the line up with Hayashi participants

The President of SKA, Dr. Anil giving opening speech. On stage are (From the left: Shihan Wong Tuang Seng, Shihan George Tan, Mr. Clement Chen, Soke Kenei Mabuni, Shihan K. Kawata, Shihan Sakamoto Kiyoshi and Shihan Iwan.

Shihan K. Kawata walked pass and talk to Esther (Block by Hayashi member), Soke Kenei Mabuni just walked pass her.

After prize giving, Esther with her gold medal and participation certificate.

Esther with Chief Referee Kon Casis and Mrs.

Shihan Chia with Chief Referee Kon Casis, Shihan Francis Hong, Shihan Sanny Yap and his Mrs.

This is the real time recording of Esther's final match.

Urgent notice

2009-06-21T10:55:00.002+08:00

Esther won the open lady kumite event

2009-06-14T23:33:00.006+08:00

Gold for Esther Tan

Our member Esther Tan, a shodan, participated in the Annual Goju Ryu Karate Championship 2008 on 14th June 2009, at Serangoon Community Club, has won the Gold Medal in Lady Open Kumite Event. There were several clubs participated in this championship. They were Zen Shin Ren, Seiwa Kai, Karatedo Goju-ryu Singapore, and Goju Ryu Association Singapore .

We congratulate Esther for her outstanding performance.

Obtained Shihan title from ISKU

2009-06-09T14:20:00.004+08:00

Shihan Title

Shihan Chia has obtained his Shihan title from International Seishinkai Karate-do Union recently. This would provide Shihan Chia another open window to acquire further development and study on Shitoryu karate-do in future.

Latest qualification

2009-06-06T19:23:00.004+08:00

Certified Personal Trainer

We proudly announced that Shihan Chia is not only a highly ranked karate coach, he is now also a certified Personal Trainer from American Council on Exercise (ACE). For any martial arts, strength and conditioning training is a must for elite performers. Coaches with certified knowledge in this field would greatly enhance the performance output of the athletes.

Persons who are interested in personal training, may contact Shihan Chia directly. Relevant info of his profile is at http://www.acefitness.org/findanacepro/ACECertifiedProfessionalProfile.aspx?acecp=dyzw38v

Warming ups and cooling downs

2009-05-24T13:42:00.005+08:00

Are warming up and cooling down exercises necessary Prior To Exercise Workout?

Chia Kwek Fah

Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science)

Certified Master Coach in Karate-do (Singapore Sports Council)

Certified Sport Trainer (Australia)

Certified First Aider (Singapore)

We see lots of public performing exercise routine at the public parks or private gyms. Very often these people just walk to the exercise premises and straight away starting their routines. Some may perform some kind of warming up stretching before going into their daily workout.

There are two fundamental questions we need to us ourselves: 1. Are these warming up and cooling down exercise necessary? 2. What are the appropriate exercises for these purposes?

What are the benefits gained when we performed warming ups and cool downs?

According to American College of Exercise (ACE) Personal Coach Manual, warming ups would bring about important physiologic changes that reduce the risk of injury and make the exercise more comfortable¹. A proper warm-up would increase body and muscle temperature, increase blood flow, and may enhance performance². Warm-up and cool-down phases are the periods of metabolic and cardiorespiratory adjustment from rest to exercise and exercise to rest, respectively. These exercises should be as similar to the actual workout as possible, it could be performed at 50% of the stimulus intensity³. Thomas R. Baechle and Roger W. Earle stated clearly that a well-designed warm-up can increase muscle temperature, core temperature and blood flow and it also disrupt transient connective tissue bonds. With these in mind, warm-up would have positive impacts on performance: 1. Faster muscle contraction and relaxation of both agonist and antagonist muscles 2. Improvement in the rate of force development and reaction time 3. Improvement in muscle strength and power 4. Lowered viscous resistance in muscles 5. Improved oxygen delivery due to the Bohr effect, whereby higher temperatures facilitate oxygen release from hemoglobin and myoglobin. 6. Increased blood flow to active muscles and 7. Enhanced metabolic reactions.⁴ Stopping the exercise abruptly may cause dizziness, nauseated or both. Therefore, a cooling down exercise that lasts 5 to 10 minutes is necessary to overcome this symptom. This is to provide time to re-circulate blood back to the heart from specific muscle groups. Walking, easy jogging or a series of stretching exercises will be appropriate for this cooling down exercises.⁵

The next question we need to address is: Whether we start off with dynamic warming up exercise or static warming up exercise prior to actual performance? With recent research in this area, we believe dynamic warming exercise would benefit more to the athletes than static warming ups. Avery D. Faigenbaun and his team concluded in their research that it may be desirable for children to perform moderate- to high-intensity dynamic exercises prior to the performance of activities that require a high power output.⁶ As stated in the beginning of this article, warming ups are meant to increase body temperature and heart rate to accommodate the exercise workout that follows, it has no concrete scientific resource to prove that it would reduce injuries that arise from the exercise.

The usual dynamic exercises for warming ups would be slow jogging for 5 to 10 minutes, skipping for 5 minutes, etc. This would raise the heart rate as well as to raise the body and core temperature physiologically. After the jogging or skipping, dynamic stretches must be performed. This would enhance the elasticity quality in muscles, activate the neuromuscular junctions in joints. The dynamic stretching should imitate the actual movements of the exercise that follows. This would provide the body a 'Dry run' on the exercise to come. The intensity of these dynamic exercise shall perform with 40% to 50%, higher than this proportion would impair the exercise that follows; because the muscle groups may get fatigue.

In terms of martial art warming up exercises, starting with 5 minutes of slow jog, and follow by various dynamic stretching would be most appropriate. The whole warming up would last from 10 minutes to 15 minutes, according to the age group and physical conditions of the trainees. All stretching would be done slowly into the stretched position, the athlete would only feel the stretch, not PAIN. Breath must be done, no one should hold their breath during these exercises. Each stretch is held for 15 to 30 seconds, and perform at least twice.⁷

As for cooling down, slow jog or quick walk then follow by static stretching would be enough. This is to provide adequate time for the blood from the exercise active muscle groups to return back to the rest the of body. This would prevent dizziness or nausea to occur.⁸

Even with other forms of exercise, the warming up and cooling down routines are similar in principle, the differences would be in its dynamic and static stretching, these would adhere with its own performing activity that follows.

Cooling down is another important component in exercise routine that most people would ignore. The primary aims for cooling down are: restoration of function, neauromuscular recovery, tissue repair, resolution of muscle soreness and psychological recovery. The time frame for cooling down is approximately 5 to 15 minutes. Active recovery also shown a quick removal of lactate from circulation than to passive recovery.⁹

In conclusion, both warming ups and cooling downs are necessary and beneficial to the athletes. Therefore, as coaches we need to enforce these exercises and inculcate this attitude to our athletes, so that they could perform the proper routines in their future exercise programs.

References:

1. American Council on Exercise, 2003. ACE Personal Trainer Manual, 3rd Ed.

2. American College of Sports Medicine, 2007. ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer, 2nd Ed.

3. Avery D. Faigenbaum, Mario Bellucci, Angelo Bernieri, Bart Bakker, and Karlyn Hoorens. Acute Effects of Different Warm-up Protocols on Fitness Performance in Children.

4. Edward T. Howley, B. Don Franks, 2007. Fitness Professional's Handbook, 5th Ed. Human Kinetics.

5. National Strength and Conditioning Association, 2008. Thomas R. Baechle, Roger W. Earle, Essentials of Strength and Conditioning, 3rd Ed.

6. Peter Brukner and Karim Khan, 2005. Clinical Sports Medicine, 3rd Ed. pp 102. McGraw Hill.

7. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Vol. 19, issue 2 (May 2005) pp. 376-381.

8. Thomas R. Baechle and Roger W. Earle, 2005. Fitness Weight Training, 2 Ed. Human Kinetics.

9. Thomas R. Baechle and Roger W. Earle, 2005. Fitness Weight Training, 2 Ed; pp 46. Human Kinetics.

10. Thomas R. Baechle and Roger W. Earle, 2005. Fitness Weight Training, 2 Ed; pp 50. Human Kinetics

Black belt cert presentation 2009

2009-04-12T20:45:00.007+08:00

Blackbelt Certificate Presentation

KSK has conducted its Black Belt grading in the month of March 2009. Justin Wu has been promoted to Junior Black Belt 1st Dan. Esther Tan, Edward Hsiao and Cindy Hsiao have obtained their Black Belt Shodan respectively. Congratulations to all the successful members!

KSK is looking forward to these Blackbelters for their further quest on Karate-do in the future.

Justin Wu with his Junior Black Belt Cert

Cindy Hsiao receiving her Shodan

Edward Hsiao receiving his Shodan certificate

Esther Tan receiving her Shodan Certificate

Shinsei Kata

2009-04-07T19:45:00.002+08:00

We believed Shinsei Kata was created by Kenwa Mabuni. This kata is not practiced at all the Shito style of karate group. Only certain groups that has the opportunity to learn it would be able to perform it and explain it with depth.

The following table are all the Shitoryu katas with indication of their source:

SHITO-RYU KATA

Itosu Ke	Higaonna Ke	Mabuni Ke
Pinan Shodan	Sanchin	Shinsei
Pinan Nidan	Tensho	Juroku
Pinan Sandan	Saiha	Happo Sho
PinanYondan	Seienchin	Kenshu
Pinan Godan	Seipai	Kensho
Jitte	Seisan	Kenpaku
Jiin	Shisochin	Aoyagi
Jion	Sanseiru	Myojo
Matsukaze	Kururunha	Shinpa
Rohai	Suparinpai	Shiho Kosokun
Bassai Dai	Niseishi
Bassai Sho	Sochin
Matsumura Bassai	Unshu
Kosokun Dai	Nipaipo
Kosokun Sho
Chinte
Chinto
Wanshu
Gojushiho
Naihanchi Shodan
Naihanchi Nidan
Naihanchi Sandan
Rohai Shodan
Rohai Nidan
Rohai Sandan

extracted from:
http://www.shuriway.co.uk/kata.html

Basic stretches for legs

2009-04-05T11:17:00.005+08:00

Stretches

These are few simple stretches for people with weak lower back and hamstring in exercises. Each stretch should hold for 8 to 20 secs, according to the person's physical ability. Stretching would improve one's flexibility and indirectly assists in daily functional movement. It would improve reaction and reflectional action if necessary.

You could get detailed instruction from any certified gym trainer if you need correct practice procedure. Please note that the photographs here are only for rough ideas of these stretches, they do not reflect the actual exercise protocol.

ISKU Kaicho Visit

2009-04-02T23:33:00.009+08:00

The Secretary General and Kaicho of International Seishinkai Karate-do Union visited Singapore on 2nd April 2009, and met up with Shihan Chia and his committee members. They have frank exchanges in karate knowledge and opinions.

KSK has learned a lot from Kaicho . Kaicho is knowledgeable, approachable and committed to karatedo movement. KSK will work closely with ISKU to promote the karate sport in the future.

Seipai Roland Teo and Mark Abisheganadan with Kaicho.

KSK Committee Members with Kaicho at the Dinner.

Seipai Mark Abisheganadan with Kaicho

Presentation of Memento to Kaicho.

Kata Heian Nidan

2009-03-23T19:39:00.002+08:00

Some relevant information about Heian Nidan

Heian Nidan, the second of the Heian Kata series is a very popular kata among new students. This kata is a very powerful kata, which builds upon the fundamentals introduced in Heian Shodan, while also using new techniques.

The representative movements of this kata, like most, are the opening techniques Haiwan uke, the double block followed by the punch. This develops a strong use of the hips, while developing the ability to execute more than one technique from one position, while generating impressive amounts of power.

With 26 movements, this kata should approximately take about 50-60 seconds to perform, and is more physically demanding, both athletically and fundamentally than Heian Shodan, acting as a useful stepping-stone.

As mentioned in Heian Shodan, the Heian Kata are representative of Karate-Do, and represents the attitude that must accompany the karate training. The word Heian is also used in Japanese history to describe the period between 794-1192, a time of unprecedented peace and security throughout the land, under the rule of the Heian dynasty.

When you then think about the symbolic significance of the word ‘Heian’, a deeper respect and appreciation for the kata will follow.

Extract from: http://www.theshotokanway.com/heiannidan.html

The old name for the Heian Kata was Pinan. These Kata were developed by Yatasune Itosu as intermediate Kata to the much longer main Kata of Shorin-Ryu. He did not make them up however, they were based on much older training forms called Channan, which had their origin in China.

Master Funakoshi considered Pinan Shodan too difficult for an introductory Kata so he changed Pinan Nidan to Heian Shodan and Pinan Shodan to Heian Nidan.

Extracted from: http://www.wsko.org/kata/2-heiannidan/heiannidan.htm

Workshop by Sensei Ondra Musil

2009-03-08T21:34:00.008+08:00

Kumite Workshop at Shitoryu Karate Association, 8th March 2009

Sensei Ondra Musil has conducted a two day workshop at Shitoryu Karate Association premises on free sparring techniques. The workshop was opened to friendly clubs of SKA. KSK was invited to participate in thid workshop. Our members participated in it, and benefited with Sensei Ondra's coaching method and contents. Sensei Ondra Musil is the head coach for the Czech National Team.

Sensei Ondra Musil with the Seniors

The group photograph

Sensei Ondra in action

Our Member Esther at the Workshop

The technique of sweeping

Another technique demonstrated here.

Our member Esther in action

2009-03-05T22:41:00.002+08:00

Learning has no end

Shihan Chia recently attended the Strength and Conditioning Training Workshop, organized by Singapore Sports Council. No Doubt, Shihan Chia has his Degree in Sports Science; but to him, learning has no end, he believes everyone has some valueable experience and knowledge that he could learn from him or her. Furthermore, Sports Science is an evolving science, it would develope new scopes of knowledge through sports scientists' research.

Kata Nipaipo

2009-02-23T20:10:00.003+08:00

Kata Nipaipo is one of the original kata from Shitoryu, it has a very strong influence from the Chinese 'Crane' movement. Kenwa Mabuni had written a book on analyzing this kata and its application.

Our member, Esther Tan performed this kata in one of our practising sessions.

Notice 150209

2009-02-15T20:53:00.001+08:00

Heian Shodan

2009-02-09T22:22:00.003+08:00

恒安初段

Heian Shodan is the first in the series of five Heian katas. Like the other Heian kata, it is a product of Ankoh Itosu's effort to streamline several kata, into forms suitable for teaching the gross body movement skills of karate to school age kids. The most obvious sources for much of the Heian kata content are Kanku-dai, Gojushiho and a few others. The movements have, of course, been rearranged and reinterpretated, so linking all five Heian kata together will not result in some complete form of the older katas.

The Heian kata were introduced into the school systems on Okinawa in the early 1900's, and were subsequently adopted by many teachers and schools. Thus, they are present today in the curriculum of the Shorin/Shorei styles, Shotokan, Matsubayashi ryu, and several others.

(extracted from http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Heian-godan)

This kata is also included in KSK's teaching syllabus. The follow movie clip is performed by one of our members, Ms Esther Tan.

Notice Jan 2009

2009-01-18T10:31:00.002+08:00

Modern Coaching

2009-01-05T23:29:00.003+08:00

The Modern Roles of a Coach

By Chia Kwek Fah (Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Sports Science)

NROC Master Coach (Karate-do)

Coaching is getting modernize these days, as Sports Science is getting popular and people are more aware of their own well-being. In the old days, instructors (Not Coaches) were told to teach the right techniques and knowledge of their own related areas. They based on the knowledge passed down from their masters or teachers. Some do acquired certain degrees of communication skill. They were told to be the mentor, the guardian, the teacher, the parent, the role model of their trainees or students. Those who involved in National Associations will add in the achievement of Gold Medals as one of the objectives in coaching.

What is the new perspectives of a modern coach?

We need to think in a wider span of perspectives to come up with a better answer. Basically, we need to ask ourselves, what is the objectives, people join us in the sport events. From most of the records, we understand their prime objective is to improve their health conditions, to have fun, to make more friends. These are the most common reasons participants would indicate in the surveys on the purpose of joining and take part in sports. If we based on these answers, then the prime role of a coach is to assist his/her athletes to achieve better health or to improve one's well-being through sports.

Unfortunately, due to the society demands, some coaches set their first aim in coaching as 'To train athletes to achieve Gold Medal in their respective event'. We are not objecting this noble intention in coaching; but we are doubtful, it is only less than 5% of the sporting participants could achieve elite status and 1% of them may get a Gold Medal from International Events. Are we coaches going to waste 95% of trainees or athletes for this little group of elites? We believe that the elites should be coached by the elite coaches, not from the coaches in general.

To achieve the improvement of health and well-being of the athletes, one must understand their own group of trainees, in terms of their health condition, their goals and their understanding of the sport. Coaches need to understand some physiological elements that affect the progress of their athletes. Coaches should also need to acquire some knowledge in nutrition, effective communication skill, acquisition of skills, sport specific evaluation methods, proper and scientific training methods, etc. We also belief that if coaches could provide some simple pre-exercise health evaluation and post-exercise health evaluation to their athletes, it would make the athletes (That is your clients), more convincing and believe in your training method and philosophy.

Singapore Sports Hub is going to be up in 2011, and Singapore would be working towards the key centre of Sport in South East Asia. We coaches do need to continue upgrade ourselves to another height of knowledge, and prepare to welcome the new era of sports of Singapore.

End

Greetings

2008-12-28T10:51:00.002+08:00

Congratulations

2008-12-14T22:53:00.007+08:00

Congratulations to All Members who have successfully upgraded in the recent grading exercise!

Karate-do is a life-path, you have already advanced one step ahead, keep it up and continue to search for the truth of this art in the future.

Cross Training

2008-12-08T23:20:00.003+08:00

In modern sport training, cross training usually would benefit the athletes more. Firstly, it would break the monotony of training sequence; secondly, it also help to train groups of muscle that were hard used in the primary sporting activity.

Therefore, a coach has no harm in acquiring some other sport coaching experience to enhance his own coaching level. Based on this perspective, I have gone through the Tchoukball C license coaching course and obtained the qualification of Tchouckbal C license.

Niseishi

2008-12-01T00:28:00.002+08:00

This is one of the katas, that our senior members will be practicing during the Black belt Session.

Esther received the Appreciation Gold Award 2008

2008-11-30T21:38:00.003+08:00

Esther Tan, our member has second time received the Gold Award during this year's Appreciation Night at Tanglin CC, on 29th November 2008 for her outstanding performance during the year of 2008.

We are proud of her dedication and commitment to the CC as well as to Ken Shin Kai.

Calling ALL Senior Citizens

2008-11-23T11:07:00.004+08:00

There are lots of misconception between old age and exercise. Very often, people do not link these two together. They would think as you grow old, you should gradually retired from all forms of exercise. It is not true at all.

Sport Science has given lots of evidence to show that if one would want to have better quality of life, he should continue with his exercise.

The following fact sheet is extract from WHO Guidelines (1997), that would illustrate my points:

With all these benefits from exercise, I really see no reason people do not exercise. Therefore, get yourself up from the crouch, and start exercise, friends.

2008-11-17T12:41:00.002+08:00

This is a clip taken recently while the blackbelters were performing their Shiho Koshokun in the senior class session.

KSK has allocated an hour weekly, specially cater for senior members to practice, as we do understand that seniors' physiological conditions may not be the same as the younger trainees, furthermore, the seniors should be a more detailed and in depth understanding of the art through their own training program.

The Master

2008-11-10T11:45:00.004+08:00

I found this black and white photo in my old album. I believed this was taken at least 40 years ago in Singapore. It was a gathering with Master Nakayama of Shotokan. He was positioned on the fifth position at the back row. I was on the extreme right on the back row. Beside Master Nakayama was Ishikawa, the then Chief Instructor of Shitoryu. Followed by Shihan Wong Tuang Seng, the present Chief Instructor of Shitoryu Karate Association. At the front row, second from the right was Buey Oh Lam, one of the top kumite fighters at that time in Singapore. The other top fighter Loh Kok Wing, I believed was standing behind Master Nakayama on his right. (May be my memory is not accurate!)

In those years, Singapore Karatekas really made other nation's athletes raised their eye brows. Those were the years that would not be repeated easily nowaday. We did not have proper training program, I mean scientifically. But all we had was our passion and the will to make Singapore Flag flying high.

This is one of the books published by M. Nakayama.

Tanglin CC Appreciation Night 2008

2008-10-27T23:57:00.002+08:00

Notice of Grading

2008-10-15T01:15:00.001+08:00

Important Notice

2008-09-19T12:23:00.003+08:00

The CC has been informed of this arrangement. Training on these two dates will be as usual. Blackbelts' sessions will be ceased on these two days, but will resume on 12th October 2008 at 5pm.

Kihon Kata for Beginners

2008-09-14T23:35:00.004+08:00

For the benefits of the newly joined white belters, who are in their 9 kyu ranking; the children group will be learning the Kihon Kata Dai Ichi Dosa in Moto Dachi, the adult will be learning Kihon Kata Dai Ni Dosa in Neiko Ashi Dachi.

As most of the beginners are first time exposed to karate kata (or form / pattern), they may have certain difficulties in grasping the movement and sequence of the kata.

We upload two of these katas for all beginners as to provide them some guides as well as self discovery learning process. We hope these clips would help them in the learning.

Kata for Kids in White belt stage

Kata for Adult White belters

Notice for 21 Sep 2008

2008-09-13T17:12:00.006+08:00

Please be informed that there will not be any Black Belt Session on 21 September 2008 at 5 pm. This is due to KSK is holding its Management Committee Meeting. Both coaches will be attending this meeting.

Normal class will be conducted at 6pm to 7.30pm on the same day. Your attendance is appreciated.

By Chief Coach
Shihan Chia

Another Harvest

2008-09-07T00:01:00.008+08:00

Another harvest

Today, our member Esther Tan participated in Sports Master Karatedo Open Championships, and won a Gold Medal for herself in Ladies Kata Open Event. We are very proud of her, as she defeated all her opponents with 3 to 0 scores. These are solid victory in her performance.

Her rewards for today is not by chance or luck. She has spent lots of time to train up her physically conditions, as well as to polish up her kata techniques. She is dedicate to her commitment and willing to sacrifice her time for it.

We are very proud of her performance.

Esther performing during her Gold Medal bout.

Fair Play in sports

2008-09-04T20:08:00.003+08:00

Yesterday, I communicated with a young friend through MSN, he brought up the issue of 'Fair Play'. As he is an organizer in a sporting event, he is a bit worry about this matter. I told him that he need to talk to all of the officials involve in the event, that they should based on Olympic Spirit and Fair Play principle to carry out their duties, so that the participants won't waste their training efforts and enjoy the game.

By the way, what is fair play?
According to Canadian Centre of Ethic of Sports: The notion of Fair Play is a universally understood concept, which underpins all of sport. Without fairness, sport is devoid of any meaning or purpose. Worse still, it can be a detrimental experience for its participants.

But Fair Play is also a philosophy - one of respect for others, and respect for the institution of sport. It leads to an agreement, between all of those involved in sport, on the values and lessons that we want sport to teach our children, and ourselves.

Playing fair also has to do with making choices. As we interact with each other in sport, or as spectators of sport, we must regularly consider and define what we think is right and what is not. Sport engages us in a collective effort to pursue human excellence. As our children interact with each other in sport, their ability to make good choices about fair play issues matures along with their ability to think and learn about what makes for a rewarding and fulfilling life in society (Extracted from http://www.cces.ca/forms/index.cfm?dsp=template&act=view3&template_id=122&lang=e).

Of course, in my experience, I have heard people who are referees in the games, loudly announced that the greatest and most powerful person in the arena is the officials conducting the games. People with such attitude is merely unqualified to be in the arena, as he has disrespect the hard work and sporting spirit of the athletes. He is abusing his given authority and tarnishing the Sport Spirit of the game.

In the Beijing Olympics, there was an incident that an athlete whacked the referee at the end of his bout, he reason was the referee was unfair!

See, Fair Play really could damage a game, but the cause is not the game, it is the HUMAN!

Instructor or coach

2008-09-03T22:50:00.002+08:00

There is a different in between coaching and giving instructions. In my early life of teaching karatedo, I used to be an instructor but not a proper coach.

After attended Singapore Sport Council's NROC courses and my own self development, I understand that we should be a coach rather an instructor.

Coaching, in effect, not only teaching techiques of the martial art; but it should also include areas such as physiological conditions, biomechanics, psychology and nutritions. Of course, safety precautions must be one of the important factor the coaches should have. As trainees could fall sick or uncomfortable situation at times; proper help should be provided at the shortest tme.

As Sport Science already developed in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, lots of scienctific researches were published. Some of the routine warming up exercises, in fact, are not practical and may cost damages to the body. One of the examples, is the stomach exercise (sit up), if it is done with the wrong posture, then in time to come, would cause low back injuries.

As a coach, he must have all rounded basic knowledge and provide a more safe and pleasant tranining experience to the trainees.

This is my two cent worth of opinion, you are entitled to yours.

Reverse cresent kick and roundhouse kick

2008-08-30T22:23:00.002+08:00

This is a very difficult kick and its combination on application. To perform this skill, you need to have good flexibility on your knee and hip joint.

Please do not practice it, if you do not have a coach to guide you.

Cardiac arrest

2008-08-24T23:56:00.003+08:00

Cardiac arrest, in simple term is heart attack. These days, many athletes or youths suffered cardiac arrest during daily activities or during sporting events. People always feel unbelievable how could a healthy man suddenly dropped dead. Many do not understand that someone muscular does not mean he or she is healthy. Strengthening muscle systems and strengthening heart condition are entirely two different issues. With proper guidance and supervision, progressive aerobic training could improve one's heart condition.

Consuming junk food, alcohol and other toxic substances would impair the ability of the heart function. Stay regular exercise schedule would be a good way to keep your heart strong and healthy.

What if someone from your love ones suddenly gets a cardiac arrest? If immediate help is not given fast, he or she may lost their live while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. The follow clip from YouTube may give you some ideas to handle it when the circumstance arises. If you are really interested in CPR and the use of AED, you may sign up the First Aid Course organized by some local agency such as St. John Ambulance Service, Red Cross Society or other established First Aid agencies.

Learn the CPR and AED skill, one day, YOU may need IT!

Deadlift

2008-08-13T00:25:00.003+08:00

The deadlift is a weight training exercise used to develop overall strength and power. The exercise is extremely useful, if you do not have good core muscle strength, or leg strength.

The following information is related to this exercise for your information and knowledge. One word of caution, if you have not tried this, you need to start with light weight, it should be more ideal if you could get a physical trainer to coach you!

Muscles Worked
The Deadlift is a compound exercise targeting several muscle groups including the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, erector spinae, gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps, and psoas (hip flexors). Your forearm muscles, which are involved in gripping the bar, are used to a lesser degree, as well as muscles involved in trunk stabilization such as your obliques.

Benefits
The Deadlift has many benefits. As a compound exercise, the movement spans three joints with extension occurring at the hip, knee, and ankle joints, thus utilizing several large muscle groups.(2) When compared to isolation exercises, compound movements that involve larger muscle groups elicit a hormonal training response that results in greater strength gains.(1) The dynamics of the lift itself may also lead to greater gains in hypertrophy. (1)
The Deadlift also has possible rehabilitation benefits. It has been hypothesized that the moderate to high hamstring activity elicited during the Deadlift may help to protect the Anterior Cruciate Ligament during rehab.(2)
The movement of the Deadlift translates well into real life as it mimics bending and lifting. Anyone who has a toddler is quite familiar with the motion of the lift already.

Points to Remember

your torso should be straight throughout the movement
at no portion of the lift should your back be rounded
keep the bar as close to the shins as possible throughout
feet should always be flat on the floor, pushing from the heel
exhale through the sticking point of the concentric movement and inhale through the eccentric phase
do not jerk the movement, it should be smooth throughout
if your knees are moving laterally from side to side, reduce the amount of weight
because of the many muscles involved in the lift, the Deadlift may require more rest between sets than normal

As in all exercises, the Deadlift is not for everyone. If you are working with a client with special needs such as lower lumbar injuries or any other joint injuries, it is important to get there doctor’s or chiropractor’s release before adding this lift to their regime.

The Deadlift itself has many variations. You can use barbells for lighter weights or use a limited range of motion if the situation calls for it. There are also specialized bars that some people find more comfortable such as the Combo Bar or Trap Bar.
Because of the wide range of muscles the Deadlift targets, some people use it as a warm-up lift before their workout. In whatever form you use, the Deadlift should play an important role in your training program.

Extracted from http://www.protraineronline.com/past/nov15/deadlift.cfm

2008 Grading Certificate Presentation 2

2008-08-10T21:27:00.011+08:00

KSK held a grading exercise recently, most juniors graded went through the grading without much problems.

The following recipients are part of the participants of the said grading. Today is the day after National Day, there are people who are still in their holiday mood, or they are still on the way back to Singapore, therefore, some members are not available at today's presentation.

neck exercise

2008-08-08T16:38:00.003+08:00

I found this clip on YouTube on neck exercise. You need to use your own discretion whether to use the exercises list in the clip. On the hold, they are quite physiological sound. Notice the demo person does not use rotating movement on neck exercise? If you are interested, find out why rotating movement is not good for the neck structure?

Hope you enjoy the clip.

**Please note that you are solely responsible for practicing these exercise.

Black belt Session

2008-08-07T19:49:00.002+08:00

To ALL Black Belters,
Kindly note that the Black Belt Sessions will resume from this Sunday (10th August 2008), there after it would be on every Sunday, same time same venue; unless further notice given.

As Black Belt Sessions are specially catered for seniors, therefore, all blackbelters are strongly encouraged to attend the sessions.

Important Announcement

2008-08-03T22:48:00.003+08:00

Urgent and Important Notice

Dear Members of Tanglin CC,

The near module will commence on 11 August 2008. Starting from this module, the training sessions will only be conducted once a week. It would be only on Sundays, from 6 pm to 7.30pm. This is due to the high transport expenses and efficiency, as Thursday sessions have less than 10 members attendance.

Tanglin CC officials also inform us to remind all karate members signing up at CC, they should pay their training fees on modular system, and payment should be made before the new module starts. The latest payment date should be on the day the of the new module starting date. This is complied with the existing members.

Your cooperation is highly appreciated.

USA TKD Elite Coahing Team

2008-07-31T22:43:00.002+08:00

The Elite Sports Clinic

Today, I attended a clinic organized by Singapore Sports Council and conducted by the USA Elite Taekwondo Coaching Team. One of the speaker was USA most experience elite coach, Jean Lopez. There were two speakers in the clinic. The other speaker I could not managed to get his name.

Both of them shared their experiences with the local coaches at present. One key point they stressed on good coaching is to place the athletes at the first priority, and not the coaches; these include welfare, rewards and other relevant issues. They also mentioned that the athletes' well-being is one of the main responsibilities for the coaches. Coaches should not only look for attaining medals in championships on the expense of athlete's well-being. In the perspectives of 'Success', they agreed that athlete's success is not only confined at Medal prospect, there are other areas to look into too, such as their own fulfillment, enjoyment, etc.

Another point they strike me was: Enjoyment. If coaches could add in some training elements that would increase the degrees of enjoyment for the athlete during the training, then the drop out rate would be greatly reduced.

Finally, they also said that coaches shall keep up with the latest knowledge of Sports, these include: sports physiology, sport psychology, biomechanics, nutrition, etc.

The clinic was very fruitful and rewarding.

Elite Coach,Jean Lopez (Above)

Another Elite Coach (Which I did not manage to get his name, my apology)

New Management Committee 2008

2008-07-31T19:25:00.004+08:00

THE NEW TEAM

KSK has successfully conducted its 2008 AGM on 30th July 2008, at Tanglin Community Club, 7.40pm.
The AGM procedures included President's Opening Speech, Secretary Annual Report and Treasurer's Annual Statement of Accounts for the year 2007.

The AGM also re-elected 2 key posts, that are Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer; and elected 3 Committee members.

The New Line-up of the Management Committee for year 2008 to 2009 is as follows:
President: Leck Chye Chuah

Vice President: (Vacant)

Hon. Secretary: Chia Kwek Fah

Hon. Treasurer: Tey Song Liew

Committee Members:
Jackie Ng Siew Leng
Mark Abisheganaden
Roland Teo
Jason Chua Boon Teck
Ricky Ng Seng Joo
Lim Ming Fang
Lim Boon Keong

Hon. Legal Advisors:
Mr. Christopher Yap

The new MC would like to place their thanks to the following members for their service provided to the Club in the year of 2007; they are: Ice Bai, Judy Tan and Victor Tan.

A hand knife strike at slow motion

2008-07-28T12:31:00.002+08:00

Very often, once I said I practice karate, people will show me the 'Chop chop' sign. This is the misconception of karate-do. I have been practicing this form of martial art for more than forty years, but I hardly use this 'Chop chop' movement on subject nor person. Reason is very simple, I take up the art to build my physical and mental 'Me'; not to use the art to hurt people or to 'Show off'.

But I do see lots of people using this technique on stage and reinforce the concept of 'Karate'.

Are the chopping movement really using the blade or edge of the palm while executing? I found this slow motion clip on YouTube. It may provide you the answer. Look extremely careful at the moment of the 'hand knife' contacting the slab. You should see how the edge of the palm turns and part of the wrist follows in to add the force to the slab. Amazing right? So is this a Hand Knife Technique?