It's been over a decade since the Sosai's untimely death. During the past ten years, many Kyokushin groups of different countries have experienced a state of uncertainty, disorder, or great anxiety that eventually led them to organizational splits. However, IKOK-C remained united and strong. With our future looking bright, Shihan Stuart shares his perspectives on various matters with us in this special interview.

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Hi everyone.   

I have been asked by our web manager to reply to the following questions regarding Kyokushin Karate in Canada, specifically, the IKOK-C.  I will do my best to give everyone my honest and open thoughts.  Words are sometimes not enough to explain everything that I feel.  I suggest as a follow up to all the questions, everyone make it a priority to attend at least one of the many events the IKOK-C sponsors throughout the year and learn more from the many great instructors we have training with us in Canada.

Q1: Looking back the year 2004, can you evaluate the year in terms of the overall activities of IKO and IKOK-Canada? 

Actually, I am quite happy with the events of the IKOK-C in Canada.  We have developed a wide range of events and activities that embrace all members who are actively training.  I think the benchmark of a good organization is that all members are included, from white belt beginners to black belt members who have trained for over thirty years. 

My focus, more and more, is on just that, all members.  I have been very fortunate over the years for many wonderful international opportunities.  This however does not always relate back to the members we have training in Canada.  It is important for us to never lose sight of what we are and who we are.

Being part of a large international organization provides many opportunities for many of our members.  The large majority of our membership does not see this on a day to day basis.  Our emphasis has to be on balancing the needs of the IKOK-C and that of our responsibilities to the IKO. 

Kyokushin Karate is fighting karate, the strongest karate, to use a few of the descriptive phrases it is known by.  Our sempais or dojo instructors must blend the ideals of both organizations.  I think we do this in a very unique way.  Our organization is strong and vibrant, and we are 100% committed to the ideals and events of the IKO.

As we all know, there are many splinter groups of Kyokushin Karate.  One thing that makes a strong impression on me is the fact that during the time of turmoil and restructuring of the various factions of Kyokushin, the IKOK-C has remained steady, committed and consistent to the ideals that Sosai Mas Oyama taught us.   The year 2004 followed and continued on with that trend. 

Q2: We felt there were a lot of changes in the way of preparing the Canadian Championships last year. How were those changes made and how do you evaluate them?

I am quite proud to say that in 2005 the Canadian Kyokushin Karate Championships will realize the longevity it has, 22 years.  This is without equal in Kyokushin in North America.  This event has evolved as a result of the vision of many people.  This organization made a decision many years ago to include a cross section of all members to compete and participate in what makes Kyokushin popular, kumite.   

Incidentally, Sosai Mas Oyama at the inception of this event gave his full approval and blessing to hold an event that brought all members of our organization together.  To put that in proper perspective, this was a time in the IKO, to hold tournaments that focussed only on knockdown competition for male adults. 

The IKOK-C had the vision and insight to include children, juniors and women in our event.  As a testament to the Canadian tournament and the vision we presented, Sosai Oyama joined the IKOK-C for the Canadian Championships in 1989. 

Times have certainly changed since this event was started 22 years ago.  The student base has changed; the demographics of society have changed.  2004 was a time to renew our vision for the future.  We are lucky to have committed and enthusiastic individuals within the IKOK-C who share that vision with me.  I embraced and encouraged this group to move ahead with a revitalization of this event.

More and more if we look around, we see a number of countries holding big national and international events that encompass all members of the local organizations.  The Canadian Championships has been doing this for years.  I believe this is a good thing and I am happy to see other groups following our lead. 

Q3: Last year, we held an international event, the 4^th black belt conference. We all think that it was a great success. How do you evaluate the event? 

The 4^th International and North American Black Belt Conference was without a doubt the highlight of 2004 for many Kyokushin karate practitioners.  The venue is without equal!  Banff has world class facilities and the line up of instructors was sensational!  Kancho Matsui, Shihan Lowe, Shihan Isobe, a top lineup anywhere in the world!

The positive feedback from all 150 participants was incredible.  Everything else aside, I have to go back to the students.  This event is about providing the best possible Kyokushin training and opportunities to all the students in attendance.  I am very satisfied we accomplished that goal.   

As a side note, this event cost the IKOK-C more than a few dollars in revenue shortfall, but plans are already underway for the next event in 2006. 

A group photo of all the participants of the Black Belt Conference

Q4: When we look at the event calendar 2005, there seem a lot of various events scheduled to be held this year. Can you tell us what type of the benefits participants can experience out of these special events?

I think by now you may have gotten my theme, students, and the participation of those students!  The calendar is extremely full for 2005.  I do not know how I will manage to make all the events.  Of course, the obvious benefit is the physical training and new knowledge all the students will learn. 

Further to that, the benefits that can be had by anyone attending are completely open and limited only by their willingness to attend.  Camaraderie is one of the first ones that come to mind.  The intensity of these events inevitably leads to a greater sense of friendship and camaraderie.

The environment and intensity surrounding all events forces students to look at themselves and push their limits.  Emotions run high, high levels of physical activities and demanding challenges push everyone to realize their potential as a karate student, which extends into day to day life.   

The fact that our events are popular and well attended leads me to believe that the vitality of this organization places a very position impression upon the members who attend.  Life nowadays is very fast paced.  Rewards are immediate and gratuitous in many cases.  Hard work, hard training, commitment to attending IKOK-C events gives students a different focus than what they have in their daily routines.

A group photo of all the dan holders at the Calgary Seminar

Q5: We, as regular students, know that there has been the board of director�fs set up within our organization since 2003. Can you tell us more about it?

We have an enthusiastic group of individuals that want to see our organization, the IKOK-C, achieve greater ideals.  I believe it is in the best interests of all our members to have a well-established baseline of credibility.  The starting point of that is a good organizational structure.  Further, we need standards that are recognized nationally and internationally.  The Board of Directors is working very hard to establish those standards. 

This is quite a change from the way this organization has done business for many years.  We have had to reinvent ourselves and rethink what we are doing.  I completely trust the direction this group has defined.  They are at the helm and in the leadership chair for the direction this organization is pursuing. 

They solicit input at our annual general meeting from all members.  Everyone in the organization, everyone, becomes a stakeholder in the IKOK-C.  In the structured world of karate, this is unheard of.  Our Board of Directors recognizes the responsibility that accompanies that stake in the organization.  Their job is to translate that into the daily workings of our organization. 

The Board of Directors has been very responsive to accepting the input of all members to make the changes this organization needs to function in the quick paced business world of today.  

Q6: What are the goals of 2005 for the IKOK-Canada?

IKOK-C:

-Develop this organization into the leading authority for Kyokushin in Canada.

-Provide opportunities for all IKOK-C members to advance their karate skills.

-Provide the general public with quality instruction & training in Martial Arts.

-Meet the needs of the membership of our organization.

-Provide safe and quality events for our members. 

My goals: 

-Train more with all the students. 

-Attend as many events as I can. 

-Continue to improve my karate. 

-Fulfill the commitments I made to Sosai Mas Oyama many years ago;
 look after Kyokushin, look after the students. 

Shihan Stuart demonstrates Goshinjitsu at the Calgary Seminar

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Q7: Can you give a general message to all active Kyokushin students in Canada

Achieve everything in life you want to. 

Do it with: dignity, respect and humility.

In this crazy world with instant access to the Internet and all sorts of information and misinformation.  Go to the dojo, talk less, train more!

Most things in life that are meaningful and worthwhile are those things you have to work for. 

Shihan Stuart and Shihan Isobe at the Black Belt Conference

I would like to thank Shihan Stuart for answering those questions. I hope this interview helps each member of IKOK-C to have better understanding of the organization they belong to. Knowing about your organization leads you to better concentration in your training.

Again, thank you, Shihan. Osu.

Tats Nakamura
IKOK-Canada, web manager