The Date Section, News & Activities are open to all Members, Friends
& Associates. If you would like to add your forthcoming event/s, or
information on the monthly newsletter, please send in the details
(if by email; please paste onto email, no attachments). NB: Received
information is correct at time of printing; please inform us if the
information requires updating.
Disclaimer
The following information may be subject to change without prior
notice, and whilst every attempt is made to keep the Date Section up
to date, events may change at any time.
Please confirm with the relevant event organiser before travelling.

01/10/06 SUNDAY 1st S.E.M.K.A Black Belt and 1st Kyu
Standardization Course. All students of these grades must attend
these courses. At Tanbridge School 10am to 1pm. Seniors £10.00
Juniors £7.00. More details contact Paul Elliott 6th Dan 01403218327
semka@...

01/10/06 BIKO Presents the British Open Karate Championships.
You are cordially invited to the 2006 BIKO British Open Karate
Championships to be held at the Grundy Park Leisure Centre, Windmill
Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire on 1st October 2006. This competition
has proved to be hugely popular bringing competitors, referees and
spectators from far and wide - and this year is anticipated to be
equally well attended. Please find and return the attached entry
form - sending completed entries to the organiser: Mr. Elan Adams.
39 St. James Road, Stratford, London. E15 1RL. Phone: 07889139144.
Website: www.bik.org.uk

07/10/06 South West Open Championships. Saturday 7th October
2006. Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, Harbour Road, Portishead, Nr
Bristol. BS20 9DD. CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES: 1ST OCTOBER 2006.
Late entries will be charged at £2 extra per category or refused if
category. Imperial Chief Instructor & AMA Head National Coach -
Simon O'Brien 5th Dan would like to invite you enter the 1st South
West Open Championships on Saturday October 7th at Parish Wharf
Leisure Centre in Portishead (just off M5 Junction 19, Bristol.).
Website: http://www.imperialkarate.com The Chief Referee will be Mr
Ivor Thomas - Karate England Senior Referee. The Child Protection
Officer will be Mr Adrian Williams - 5th Dan. The Event co-ordinator
will be Mr Peter Jefferies - 4th Dan. Please ensure that all
competitors are entered and that they comply with the age, grade and
weight criteria. Changes can not be accepted after the closing date
and there will be spot checks before each category starts. All
referees to be in attendance at 9.00 am. All Competitors to be
available to start at 9.30 am prompt. I hope to make this
competition a land mark event for the area and look forward to
seeing you on the day. If you require any further information please
do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your support.

All Entries to: - South West Open Championships. C/O. 21 West Town
Lane, Brislington, Bristol. BS4 5DA. Tel 07808 822578. Email:
simon@...

10 - 17/10/06 World Karate Federation Championships, Finland. AIWa
President will be unavailable in the UK during this time, due to his
official presence at this event.
10 – 18/10/06 Wadokai Southwest Clubs at Plymouth Closed for
Duration (10th October to 17th October 2006 inclusive, due to WKF
World Championships in Finland). Training will resume, as per
normal, from the 18/10/06.

14 & 15/10/06 Genbu-Kai England Presents Karate & Kobudo Seminar
with Fumio Demura Shihan. Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th October 2006.
For further information on this seminar with one of the worlds most
renowned Japanese Masters. Please contact Sharon Mallalieu. Tameside
Karate, 426 Oldham Road, Ashton Under Lyne; 0161-3392101/07900-
985816. Email karate@... Web: www.genbukai.org &
www.genbu-kai.com
Shihan Fumio Demura introduced Shito-Ryu Karate to the USA in 1965.
He also introduced Okinawa Kobudo: Sai, Nunchuku, Bo, Tonfa and
Kama.
In 1974 he entered into the Hong Kong film industry and in 1975 he
entered into the Hollywood film industry. In 1977 he appeared in his
first movie, The Island of Dr. Moreau. Many films followed such as
Karate Kid I, II, III, IV where he was the stunt double for Pat
Morita's character 'Miyagi'. He continued to be the stunt double for
Pat Morita in the television series O'Hara and others for
approximately 14 years. His movie credits also include Rising Sun,
Mortal Kombat, Walker Texas Ranger and many others
Rather than emphasizing competition. Sensei Demura emphasizes
personal growth and mental discipline in his training to help people
become better human beings. Through his open mindedness he has been
an example to others including: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Steven
Segal, Sho Kosugi, Mike Stone, Richard Norton....and many other top
world martial artists today
Today Shihan Demura serves as director and Chief Instructor for the
Shito-Ryu Genbu-Kai International. An organization encompassing
nearly twenty nations and thousands of members. He still teaches at
his Santa Ana, California Dojo and most weekends are spent giving
seminars or assisting at tournaments literally throughout the world.
Shihan Demura is an authentic Karate Sensei. Combining the
traditions of the past with modern approaches to training, he is
regarded by his students with love, trust and admiration. In his
personal life as well as within the walls of the Dojo, Shihan is a
living model of what all true martial artists strive to be!

15/10/06 Welsh Karate Association Traditional Open Tournament
2006. Sunday October 15th. Welsh Karate Association. Chief
Instructor. Unel Wellington 7th Dan. Tele. WKA HQ (44) 01792 645 940
Unel Wellington 07813 918 576. This Competition Will Be Run Under
World Karate Federation Rules. The Tournament will be held at: -
Afan Lido Sports Centre, Princess Margret Way, Aberafan Seafront,
Aberafan Port Talbot. West Glamorgan. For Entry Forms and More Info,
Go To The Web Site Below
Click on Entry Form. Senior Kumite - £100 For 1st Place. WKA Web
Site http://www.angelfire.com/ab6/wkahq/ Chief Instructor of the
Association. Unel Wellington 7th Dan. Regards, Tim Evans.
http://members.tripod.com/Timbo22/

15/10/06 SUNDAY 15th Weapons Course Nunchaku, Tonfa, Bo, Sai.
Bring any of these weapons you have but still come if you only have
a few of them. We will teach students a use of all the weapons, also
the use of one weapon against another. Open to students yellow belt
and above. At Tanbridge School 10am to 1pm £10 Seniors £7 Juniors.
To book on this course or more details and availability to run this
course at your Dojo contact Paul Elliott 01403 218327
semka@...

21/10/06 SATURDAY 21st Develop your Chi for your Martial Arts
Part 1. Everyone has this inner energy learn how to use this chi
within your Martial Arts. Open to students over 16. Instructor Paul
Elliott 6th Dan Reiki Master. Venue: Shin Ichi Do Dojo, Hut 15,
Tilgate Recreation Centre, Crawley 10am to 2pm. Price £15.00. TO
Book on this course or more details and availability to run this
course at your Dojo contact Paul Elliott 01403 218327
semka@...

22/10/06 Wadokai England Instructor Course. Directed towards
all Group Heads and Instructors. Seminar will also include
requirements for Wadokai England's Yudan Shinsa Syllabus. Venue:
TBA. Cost: £20. Time: 12-4pm. Instructor: Sakagami Kuniaki (7th Dan)
Honbucho.

22/10/06
British Karate Association Open Championships. Oldham Sports
Centre, Oldham, Manchester. Tel BKA on 0161-7736456 for details.
Web: http://www.britishkarateassociation.co.uk/

28/10/06 SATURDAY 28th S.E.M.K.A. 1st Kyu Training Session at
Shin Ichi Do Club, Hut 15, Tilgate Recreation Centre, Crawley 10am
to 1pm. Price £10.00 Seniors £7.00 Juniors. More details contact
Paul Elliott 6th Dan 01403218327 semka@...

29/10/06
AIWa Standardisation Course (Part 1). This is the first of
this series of AIWa courses. Venue: Tanbridge School Guildford Road
Cost: £10 Seniors, £8.00 Juniors. Part 1: All Kata from Pinan to
Suparinpei. Instructor: AIWa President Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Time:
10am-1pm. This would be a good course to go on for all AIWa members
to improve Kata for your gradings and especially for those entering
the AIWa Championships on November 4th. More details contact Gen.
Sec. Paul Elliott 6th Dan 01403218327 semka@...

31/10/06 SAMHAIN. Samhain (pronounced 'Souw-wee,' or in Scots-
Gaelic, 'Sha- vin'). After the last apples are picked the year
begins again with its dark winter half when the Earth rests and
fertility is renewed. Also called Samhiunn or Hallowe'en, this
festival is sometimes called Trinoux Samonia or 'Three Nights of the
End of Summer.' Originally a Druidic festival, it is celebrated on
the eve of November 1 (October 31). Technically, either date is
appropriate as the Celts measured the day from sunset to sunset. In
the Celtic tale 'The Wasting Sickness of Cuchulainn,' it is
celebrated for a total of seven days.

03/11/06 St Budeaux School Karate Course. Instructor: Gary E
Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Time: 3.15-4.15pm. Venue: St Budeaux
Foundation C of E Junior School, Priestley Avenue, Plymouth, PL5
2DW. Tel: 01752 365217. School Pupils only.

04 & 05/11/06
Federation of European Wadokai (FEW) – European Wadokai Cup.
Wadokai England selections for this competition are ongoing but all
students should be notified, if they have been selected at Squad
training sessions. For further information contact Sue Ryde on:
01773-744505.
European Wado Kai Cup - Details and Information. All events will be
held at the Magnet Leisure Centre, The Royal Borough of Windsor and
Maidenhead SL6 8LW. Tel: 01628-633899. E-mail: Magnet@...
Site map: www.multimap.com Web site: www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/magnetlc
Railway Maidenhead Train Station Motorway Junction A404 (M) JUNCTION
9a 1.6 miles , 2.6 KM Airport Heathrow 11.9 miles , 19.2 km.
Schedule:
Friday 3rd November: Referees and Judges Seminar at the Magnet
Leisure Centre Maidenhead near London. Annual General Meeting of
Federation of European Wado-Kai at the Hotel Renaissance Reading 7pm.
Saturday 4th November: European Cup at the Magnet Leisure Centre
Maidenhead near London.
Senior and Cadet all categories start 9am.
Sunday 5th November: European Children's Championships 9.30 until
conclusion. Farewell and Sayonara Party at the Hotel Renaissance
Reading
The head-quarters for all events are at the Hotel Renaissance,
Reading.
Accommodation: A discount arrangement has been negotiated £70 per
room per night, two sharing inclusive of full breakfast Room
enquiries at Renaissance Hotels Reading please quote Wado-Kai
England.
All enquiries to David Finch General Secretary Federation of
European Wado-Kai Overseas officer Wado-Kai England Postal address:
19 OXBARN AVENUE, BRADMORE, WOLVERHAMPTON. WV3 7HD. ENGLAND. Mobile:
07786324130.
Other Contacts:
Wado-Kai England Chairperson David Lloyd
General Secretary Wado-kai England Gary Swift
President Federation of European Wado-Kai Mr Maurizio Gai
Vice president Federation of European Wado-Kai Mr Jovan Lazerev
Vice president Federation of European Wado-Kai Mr Konstantin
Sadovnik
Senior Referee Federation of European Wado-Kai Mr Ove Viggedal
Senior Referee Federation of European Wado-Kai Mr Vince Parker
Web site manager Mr David Teczely

04/11/06
Southern Region Open Annual Wado Kata Championships. Open to
all Wado Organisations, Clubs and individuals. Hosted by The
Alliance of International Wado-ryu. APPLICATIONS BEFORE 1st
NOVEMBER. Venue: Tanbridge School, Guildford Road, Horsham, West
Sussex. Book-in: WITH LICENCE, for proof of age and insurance etc.,
9.30am. (No more bookings after 10.15am). 10.30am. Eliminations.
Categories for all ages and levels. Events: Individual Kata, Team
Kata. The official Kata for will consist of: Pinan Shodan, Nidan,
Sandan, Yodan, Godan. Ku-Shanku, Nai-Hanchi, Seishan, Chinto,
Bassai, Wanshu, Ni-sei-shi, Rohai, Ji-tte, Ji-han, Ji-in. There will
be NO penalisation for 'technical variables' of form (presentation
and individual form will be judged). Due to location, it may be
advised to bring a packed-lunch/refreshments etc. For an Information
Pack & Application Form, please contact Paul Elliott 6th Dan. 54,
Billingshurst Road, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12
3LW. Email: semka@...
Also, for information on FREE AIWa Membership, please contact the
AIWa President Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898.
Email: AIWaShihan@... Find us on:
http://www.geocities.com/aiwahonbu/ or
www.communigate.co.uk/twc/wadokaisouthwest/ Transport for AIWa
Southwest Members available – Please contact AIWa President.

12/11/06 SUNDAY 12th S.E.M.K.A contest course for all those
taking part in the contest, competitors, Judges, Timekeepers and
Referees. A chance for every one to go over the rules of the contest
and have a practice. Seniors £10.00 Juniors £7.00 More details
contact Paul Elliott 6th Dan 01403218327 semka@...

18/11/06
SEMKA Annual Kumite Championships Individual and Team
events. Due to only running one area; open to SEMKA and invited
clubs only. At Tanbridge School, Guildford Road, Horsham, West
Sussex. 9am to 5pm. More Details contact Paul Elliott 6th Dan on
01403-218327/07778-058482 semka@...

19/11/06 SUNDAY 19th Southern Open Series Martial Arts
Tournament Venue - Farnborough 6th form college, Prospect Avenue,
Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 8JX Doors open at -11.15am Kata begins
at 12.00. Fighting begins at 12.30. More details contact Paul
Elliott 6th Dan 01403218327 semka@...

25/11/06
Wadokai Southwest Yudan Shinsa. Open to all AIWa/DKW Members
who are following the DKW's Grade Syllabus Requirements. Venue:
Pomphlett Methodist Centre. Time: 9am–12pm. Written examination; 9-
10.30am. Practical examination; 10.30am-12pm. Chief Examiner GE
Swift 7th Dan. Applications to be in at least one month prior to
grading date. Details from Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Tel: 01752-
493210/07719-773898. Email: AIWaShihan@... Find us on:
www.communigate.co.uk/twc/wadokaisouthwest/
MINIMUM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: SHODAN: From 1st Kyu to 1st Dan/Kohai-
Shodan = 9 months. NIDAN: From 1st Dan to 2nd Dan = 24 months.
SANDAN: From 2nd Dan to 3rd Dan = 36 months. YODAN: From 3rd Dan to
4th Dan = 48 months. GODAN: From 4th Dan to 5th Dan = 60 months.
NB: AIWa Application must also be accompanied by the required
Standardisation/Wado Course Training History Sheet. Minimum
requirements: 3 Courses for 1st Dan, 6 Courses for 2nd Dan, and 9
Courses for 3rd Dan, etc. For further details please refer to the
AIWa Constitution. DKW Wado-ryu Standardisations are also held every
Tuesday nights at the weekly Advanced Training sessions at the
Pomphlett Dojo.
Application forms available from your Club Instructor or from the
AIWa Licensing Office. You can also download an application form
from our website: uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Alliance-of-
International-Wadoryu/ For information on FREE Full and Associate
Membership, please contact the AIWa President Gary E Swift 7th Dan.
Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898. Email: AIWaShihan@... Find
us on: www.communigate.co.uk/twc/wadokaisouthwest/

26/11/06
Wadokai England Instructor Course. Directed towards all
Group Heads and Instructors. Seminar will also include requirements
for Wadokai England's Yudan Shinsa Syllabus. Venue: Walsall College
Campus. Cost: £20. Time: 12-4pm. Instructor: Sakagami Kuniaki (7th
Dan) Honbucho.

30/11/06 St. Andrew's Day – Eccosse (Scotland).

02/12/06
Roffey Wadokai Course. Instructor: Gary E Swift (7th Dan)
Kyoshi. Time: 10-11am Juniors Tanto-Dori-no-kata. 11-1pm Seniors Tai-
Sabaki and Kata/Kata Bunkai. Yudan Shinsa 2pm. For further details
please contact Phil Smith 4th Dan. Email: wadoguard-
roffeykarate@...

03/12/06 Roffey Wadokai Yudan Shinsa. 10am-1pm Yudan Shinsa.
For further details please contact Phil Smith 4th Dan. Email:
wadoguard-roffeykarate@...

03/12/06 SUNDAY 2nd S.E.M.K.A. General Training Course. Open
to all grades covering Basic, Blocks, Kata. An ideal warm up to
anyone taking gradings this month. At Tanbridge School 10am-1pm £10
Seniors £7 Juniors. More details contact Paul Elliott 6th Dan
01403218327 semka@...

09/12/06 SATURDAY 9th S.E.M.K.A. Pre Dan Grading Training
Session at Shin Ichi Do Club, Hut 15, Tilgate Recreation Centre,
Crawley 10am to 1pm. Price £10.00 Seniors £7.00 Juniors. More
details contact Paul Elliott 6th Dan 01403218327
semka@...

10/12/06 SUNDAY 10th S.E.M.K.A. Dan Gradings 9am to 2pm
Horsham Karate Club Tanbridge School More details contact Paul
Elliott 6th Dan 01403218327 semka@...

15/12/06
Hakutsuru Karate Course & Kyu Grading. Venue: Hakutsuru
Karate, Snoxhall Centre, Knowle Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey. Time: 7-
8.30pm. Price of Grading £10 includes Belt & Personalised
Certificate upon a pass. Further details: Ian Hunter (6th Dan)
Renshi. 01428-685093. Find us on:
www.communigate.co.uk/twc/wadokaisouthwest/

16/12/06 SATURDAY 16th S.E.M.K.A. Pre Grading Training
Session at Shin Ichi Do Club, Hut 15, Tilgate Recreation Centre,
Crawley 10am to 1pm. Price £10.00 Seniors £7.00 More details contact
Paul Elliott 6th Dan 01403218327 semka@... Juniors.

16/12/06
Wadokai Southwest Annual Awards & Christmas Party. DKW
Awards for Wadokai Southwest Clubs & Members. Open to all DKW &
Wadokai-SW members and families. Venue: Chaddlewood Farm Community
Centre, Plympton, Devon. Time: 2-6pm. Disco 2-4pm. Awards &
Refreshments 4-6pm. Price: £2 per person on the door. Wadokai
Southwest Clubs include: Plymstock School of Karate, Chaddlewood
Karate Club, Pomphlett Karate Club, and Riviera Karate Club. Awards
will also include AIWa Annual Presentations. Event will include:
Buffet, Bar, Disco, and DKW & AIWa Awards. Due to this being a
family friendly environment there will be no smoking at this venue
(however, smoking is permitted in the Social Club Bar next door).

17/12/06
Wadokai Southwest Open Winter Course. Price: £10 on door
(FREE TRAINING for up-to-date AIWa Licence holders (DKW & Wadokai
Southwest Full Members)). Please bring AIWa Licence for proof of
membership.

Instructor; Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Time; 10am-1pm. Elements:
Tanto-dori-no-kata (knife defence), Muto-dori-no-kata (sword
defence). Please bring Boken or 3½ foot broom handle/equivalent.
Venue: Plymstock School of Karate. Plymstock School, Church Road,
Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon. PL9 9AZ. For further details, please
contact: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel 01752-493210. Email:
aiwashihan@...

17/12/06 SUNDAY 17th S.E.M.K.A. Kyu Grading at Horsham Karate
Club Tanbridge School 9.30am to 12.30pm. More details contact Paul
Elliott 6th Dan 01403218327 semka@...

22/12/06
WINTER SOLSTICE. Also referred to as Yule, Jul, Saturnalia,
or even Christmas. This feast takes place on or about 21st or 22nd
of December each year and marks the longest, darkest night of the
year. This is a festival of peace and a celebration of waxing solar
light. Many honour the new Sun child by burning an oaken Yule log,
and honour the Goddess in her many Mother aspects. The Father God
also can be honoured as Santa Claus in his Old Sky God, Father Time,
and Holly King forms. Winter symbolises the time in the womb a deep
rejuvenate sleep, rather than nature's death.

22/12/06 FRIDAY 22nd S.E.M.K.A. Annual awards training
course, demonstration and party 2006 All students from all the
S.E.M.K.A. Groups or clubs are welcome as there will be at least two
winners from each club. To be held at Horsham Karate Club, Tanbridge
School, Guildford Road, Horsham. From 6.30pm -9pm. All S.E.M.K.A.
Students seniors and juniors, all grades welcome. Food and soft
drinks afterwards. Please bring food and drink to share. Thank You.
Seniors £6.00 (£5.00 if with a child that trains. Junior £4.00 two
children in the same family £3.00 each). Note all Students &
Instructors must wear a Gladwish sponsor badge More details contact
Paul Elliott 6th Dan 01403218327 semka@...

25/12/06 YULE. Yule is from old Germanic, 'Jul', meaning 'to
turn,' and referred to the phenomenon of the sun 'turning' in the
sky three days after the winter solstice. To the ancients, seeing
the sun seem to sink lower in the sky each day through the long
autumn months must have been a frightening experience! What if the
sun simply disappeared beneath the horizon? What if the winter
continued indefinitely? It would mean the end of life for all
creatures. At the winter solstice, the sun seems to 'stand still' in
the sky for a couple of days. The word solstice literally means 'sun
standing'.

31/12/06 HOGMANAY. Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year,
celebrated on 31st December every year. Where did the word Hogmanay
come from? Various suggestions have been: Gaelic oge maidne ('new
morning'). Flemish combo of hoog ('high' or 'great'), min ('love'
or 'affection') and dag ('day'). Anglo-Saxon Haleg Monath ('Holy
Month'). Norman French word hoguinané ('gift at New Year').
2007

01/01/07
Wadokai England Affiliations Due. To re-affiliate for Full
and Associate Membership within the Wadokai England Karate-do
Federation, please send cheque for £50 (Full Membership) or £25
(Associate Membership) to GE Swift, WKE Gen. Sec. 57 South Hill,
Hooe, Plymouth, Devon. PL9 9PT. You can also contact the WKE General
Secretary, Gary E Swift, on: Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898. Email:
AIWaShihan@...

27 & 28/01/07 Wadokai England Dan Gradings. TBA.

29/01/07 Today, on the 29th of January 1982, Ohtsuka-Hironori
Meijin passed away at the age 89; he had practised martial-arts for
85 years.
01/02/07 IMBOLC. Imbolc is celebrated on or around February
1, Imbolc is also known as Oimelc, Brigid, Candlemas, or even in
America as Groundhog Day. This mid-winter feast day symbolises the
first stirring of the Earth from its icy sleep and was the time for
caring of the sheep in ancient Britain. In the Mother-Goddess
tradition, this day is the festival of the goddess Brigidm or
Brigantia, patroness of poetry, healing and metal-smiting, rekindles
the fire in the Earth, preparing it for new life.

27 & 28/02/07
Midlands Area Wadokai Course and Dan Gradings. More details
to follow.

01/03/07 St. David's Day – Cymru (Wales).

03/03/07 MALTA INTERNATIONAL KARATE OPEN. Saturday, 3rd MARCH
2007. Up to date information on website: www.sksm-karate-malta.com
Kindly insert in your agenda and hope to have you competing in
Malta's Biggest Karate Event! Let us have some feedback. Best
Regards, Chris Galea. SKSM KARATE MALTA. Organizing Committee.
www.sksm-karate-malta.com

05/03/07 St. Piran's Day – Kernow (Cornwall). St. Piran
(Welsh, Perran/Latin, Piranus/English, Piran). St. Piran is the most
popular of the Patron Saints of Cornwall (the others being St.
Michael and St. Petroc). His family origins are obscure, but the
tradition that he came from Ireland is extremely strong. Misguided
medieval hagiographers identified him with St. Ciaran of Saighir.
Though the two names are arguably the same, identification with St.
Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, whose father is said to have come from
Cornwall, is much more likely. Piran's father and mother are both
given Irish ancestries.

12/03/07 Commonwealth Day. The new 'politically correct' name
for Empire Day. Commonwealth Day is an annual event during which all
the fifty-four member countries of the Commonwealth celebrate their
links with one another. Commonwealth Day is held on the second
Monday in March, and the day is celebrated around the world – from
the Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty The Queen, who issues a
special message, through Commonwealth Prime Ministers and Presidents
to the citizens of the Commonwealth, particularly school children.

17/03/07 St Patrick's Day – Eire (Ireland).

21/03/07 VERNAL EQUINOX. Vernal Equinox, also called Alban
Eiler, which means 'Light of the Earth,' the Vernal, or Spring,
Equinox takes place on or about March 21. An 'equinox' refers to the
time of the year when the sun crosses the plane of the Earth's
Equator, making night and day equal length all over the planet.
Crops were typically sown at this time, a time of transition. This
rare balance in nature represented a powerful time of magick to the
ancients.

24/03/07
Wadokai Southwest & DKW Black-belt Gradings. Venue: TBA.
Time: 9am–12pm. Written examination 9-10.30am. Practical 10.30am-
12pm. Chief Examiner GE Swift 7th Dan. Applications to be in at
least one month prior to grading date. Details from Gary E Swift 7th
Dan. Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898. Email: AIWaShihan@...
Find us on: www.communigate.co.uk/twc/wadokaisouthwest/
MINIMUM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: SHODAN: From 1st Kyu to 1st Dan/Kohai-
Shodan = 9 months. NIDAN: From 1st Dan to 2nd Dan = 24 months.
SANDAN: From 2nd Dan to 3rd Dan = 36 months. YODAN: From 3rd Dan to
4th Dan = 48 months. GODAN: From 4th Dan to 5th Dan = 60 months.
NB: AIWa Application must also be accompanied by the required
Standardisation/Wado Course Training History Sheet. Minimum
requirements: 3 Courses for 1st Dan, 6 Courses for 2nd Dan, and 9
Courses for 3rd Dan, etc. For further details please refer to the
AIWa Constitution.
Application forms available from your Club Instructor or from the
AIWa Licensing Office. You can also download an application form
from our website: uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Alliance-of-
International-Wadoryu/ For information on FREE Full and Associate
Membership, please contact the AIWa President Gary E Swift 7th Dan.
Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898. Email: AIWaShihan@... Find
us on: www.communigate.co.uk/twc/wadokaisouthwest/

30/03/07
Hakutsuru Karate Course & Kyu Grading. Venue: Hakutsuru
Karate, Snoxhall Centre, Knowle Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey. Time: 7-
8.30pm. Price of Grading £10 includes Belt & Certificate upon a
pass. Further details: Ian Hunter (6th Dan) Renshi. 01428-685093.
Find us on: uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Alliance-of-International-
Wadoryu/

08/04/07 Easter Sunday.

23/04/07 St George's Day – Angle Land (England).

01/05/07 Beltane. Beltane (pronounced Bee-YAWL-tinnuh)
Beltane, one of two Celtic fire festivals, is a celebration of the
return of life and fertility to the world, which takes place on
April 30th. It is sometimes referred to as Cetsamhain, which
means 'opposite Samhain.' In the Celtic countries the festival was
known by other names, such as Beltane in Ireland (which means in
Irish Gaelic 'May'), Bealtunn (which means in Scots-Gaelic 'May
Day') in Scotland, Shenn do Boaldyn on the Isle of Man and Galan Mae
in Cornwall and Wales. The Saxons called this day Walpurgisnacht,
the night of Walpurga, goddess of May.

01/06/07 The Birth of Ohtsuka Hironori (10th Dan) Meijin on
the 1st June in 1892.

24/06/07
Wadokai Southwest & DKW Open Summer Course. Price: £10 on
door (FREE TRAINING for up-to-date AIWa Licence holders (DKW &
Wadokai Southwest Full Members)). Please bring Licence for proof of
membership.

Instructor; Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Time; 10am-1pm. Elements:
Tanto-dori-no-kata (knife defence), Muto-dori-no-kata (sword
defence). Please bring Boken or 3½ foot broom handle/equivalent.
Venue: Plymstock School of Karate. Plymstock School, Church Road,
Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon. PL9 9AZ. For further details, please
contact: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel 01752-493210. Email:
aiwashihan@...

21/06/07
Litha is celebrated at the summer solstice, and marks yet
another major turning point in the solar year. At this time the Sun
is honoured at its peak of potency, though from this point until
Yule the year will be on the wane. Some traditions see the Sun as
the God, fierce and powerful, others see it as the mother Goddess
warming herself--the mother earth who is pregnant with the coming
harvest. It is customary at Litha to begin gathering summer herbs to
dry for wintertime use, and to re-enact battles between deities who
represent both the dark and light halves of the year.

01/07/07 Lammas Day! Traditionally called Lammas from the
Saxon word Half-mass, the Feast of Bread, this festival is also
known as Lughnasadh, Lughnasa (pronounced 'Loo-nahs-ah'), or First
Fruits, and is the feast of the god Lugh. Celebrated on August 1, it
coincides with the beginning of the harvest and signifies the death
of Bel, or the Corn King. The Corn King dies, to be later reborn, so
that the tribe may go into the winter months with sustenance plenty.
Another myth tells of the greedy Fomorian Earth-spirits that must be
persuaded to relinquish the fruits of the soil to humans. Litha
marks the division of the year and the peak power of the Sun. Just
as the light or waxing half of the year began at Winter Solstice
with the longest night, the dark or waning half begins now at Summer
Solstice with the longest day. Apollo gives way to Dionysus, Osiris
to Set, Baal to Mot, Jesus to St. John, the Oak King to the Holly
King, Sir Gawain to the Green Knight, and the rule of the Dark Lord
supersedes that of the Lord of Light over the wheel of the year.
Balance is maintained. Litha is a fire festival, one of the four
Esbats of the year.

07/07/07
Wadokai Southwest & DKW Summer Course - Celebrating 5-Year
Anniversary of Wadokai Southwest. Price: £10 on door. FREE TRAINING
for up-to-date official AIWa Licence Book Holders (please bring
license).

Instructor; Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Time; 10am-1pm. Elements:
Tanto-dori-no-kata (knife defence), Muto-dori-no-kata (sword
defence). Please bring Boken or 3½ foot broom handle/equivalent.
Venue: Plymstock School of Karate. Plymstock School, Church Road,
Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon. PL9 9AZ. For further details, please
contact: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel 01752-493210. Email:
aiwashihan@...

21/09/06 MABON. The last Sabbat of the year, Mabon, is named
for the Welsh God who is called the 'great son.' This festival is
celebrated at the autumn equinox and marks the second of the three
harvests. Apple and berry harvesting, cemetery visitations, and wine
making are a central feature of this observance. In Welsh mythology,
Mabon was stolen from his mother when he was three days old and
taken to live in the dark underworld until rescued in the spring.
This myth underscores the fact that after this night of balance,
darkness emerges triumphant over the light, and will remain so until
Ostara.

30/09/07
Wadokai Southwest Yudan Shinsa. Open to all DKW Members.
Venue: Pomphlett Methodist Centre. Time: 9am–12pm. Written
examination; 9-10.30am. Practical examination; 10.30am-12pm. Chief
Examiner GE Swift 7th Dan. Applications to be in at least one month
prior to grading date. Details from Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Tel: 01752-
493210/07719-773898. Email: AIWaShihan@... Find us on:
www.communigate.co.uk/twc/wadokaisouthwest/
MINIMUM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: SHODAN: From 1st Kyu to 1st Dan/Kohai-
Shodan = 9 months. NIDAN: From 1st Dan to 2nd Dan = 24 months.
SANDAN: From 2nd Dan to 3rd Dan = 36 months. YODAN: From 3rd Dan to
4th Dan = 48 months. GODAN: From 4th Dan to 5th Dan = 60 months.
NB: AIWa Application must also be accompanied by the required
Standardisation/Wado Course Training History Sheet. Minimum
requirements: 3 Courses for 1st Dan, 6 Courses for 2nd Dan, and 9
Courses for 3rd Dan, etc. For further details please refer to the
AIWa Constitution. DKW Wado-ryu Standardisations are also held every
Tuesday nights at the weekly Advanced Training sessions at the
Pomphlett Dojo.
Application forms available from your Club Instructor or from the
AIWa Licensing Office. You can also download an application form
from our website: uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Alliance-of-
International-Wadoryu/ For information on FREE Full and Associate
Membership, please contact the AIWa President Gary E Swift 7th Dan.
Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898. Email: AIWaShihan@... Find
us on: www.communigate.co.uk/twc/wadokaisouthwest/

03/11/07
Southern Region Open Annual Wado Kata Championships. Open to
all Wado Organisations, Clubs and individuals. Hosted by The
Alliance of International Wado-ryu. APPLICATIONS BEFORE 1st
NOVEMBER. Venue: Tanbridge School, Guildford Road, Horsham, West
Sussex. Book-in: WITH LICENCE, for proof of age and insurance etc.,
9.30am. (No more bookings after 10.15am). 10.30am. Eliminations.
Categories for all ages and levels. Events: Individual Kata, Team
Kata. The official Kata for will consist of: Pinan Shodan, Nidan,
Sandan, Yodan, Godan. Ku-Shanku, Nai-Hanchi, Seishan, Chinto,
Bassai, Wanshu, Ni-sei-shi, Rohai, Ji-tte, Ji-han, Ji-in. There will
be NO penalisation for 'technical variables' of form (presentation
and individual form will be judged). Due to location, it may be
advised to bring a packed-lunch/refreshments etc. For an Information
Pack & Application Form, please contact Paul Elliott 6th Dan. 54,
Billingshurst Road, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex. RH12
3LW. Email: semka@...
Also, for information on FREE AIWa Membership, please contact the
AIWa President Gary E Swift 7th Dan. Tel: 01752-493210/07719-773898.
Email: AIWaShihan@... Find us on:
http://www.geocities.com/aiwahonbu/ or
www.communigate.co.uk/twc/wadokaisouthwest/ Transport for AIWa
Southwest Members available – Please contact AIWa President.

15/12/07
Wadokai Southwest Open Winter Course. Price: £10 on door
(FREE TRAINING for up-to-date AIWa Licence holders (DKW & Wadokai
Southwest Full Members)). Please bring Licence for proof of
membership.

Instructor; Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Time; 10am-1pm. Elements:
Tanto-dori-no-kata (knife defence), Muto-dori-no-kata (sword
defence). Please bring Boken or 3½ foot broom handle/equivalent.
Venue: Plymstock School of Karate. Plymstock School, Church Road,
Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon. PL9 9AZ. For further details, please
contact: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Tel 01752-493210. Email:
aiwashihan@...