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Shotokan karate at Ohio University
by Karlie
Dunsky The members of Ohio’s Shotokan club karate team made The Post staff look more like Rush Hour 2’s Chris Tucker than the movie’s Jackie Chan. Shotokan karate is more of a linear, hard form of martial arts, which can be aggressive and devastating to an opponent, according to http://www.shotokanforeveryone.com. “Just have fun,” Ohio brown belt Toni Jones said before training began.The Post staff, however, looked neither basic nor ready. Jones then taught the class a series of punches, blocks and kicks. The Post also had trouble distinguishing its right from left, Associate Editor Laura Arenschield said. “When I was a little kid, I always had a little trouble telling my right from my left,” Arenschield said. “I feel that the next time around I’ll know what’s coming, and I’ll be better prepared.” Though only brown belts and black belts can technically free spar, Jones said The Post staff members might have been able to hold their own. “The inspired amateur is always a very tough person,” Jones said. “But it’s always good to have a little training behind your belt.” The Post, however, did not look so inspired when it came to ‘koto’ punching, which involves punching while elevating the legs and back with the hips on the ground. Staff members dropped quicker than a quarter off the Empire State building. The Post General Assignment editor Rob Chalifoux said Shotokan does not adhere to his strengths. “I’m not cut out for Shotokan,” Chalifoux said. “I’m cut out for Taco John.” One of the most intimidating people in the training, however, was Chalifoux. He came donned in his Rambo-like headband and hunter green Ohio cheerleading sweatpants. Arenschield, however, believed Chalifoux’s appearance hid the reality behind the outfit. “I think that Rob brought it, but when it really came down to it, he was just a Flash Dancer,” Arenschield said. “I think if I were to spar Rob, I would drop him like a ••Flash Dance•• bad habit.” Chalifoux said despite his inability to do Shotokan, he could defeat Arenschield. “I’m not just a dancer by night,” Chalifoux said. “I’ll weld (Arenschield) by day.” Meanwhile, the real and good Shotokan trainers practiced for the team’s first national competition. The competition will take place Nov. 15, 16 and 17 in Orlando, Fla. Jones, John Madden and Matt Skalak will compete in team kata, which is a series of moves that are to be done in sync with each other. The team has competed in regional activities before, but help with fundraising has boosted the club into the competition, Jones said. The team practices Monday, Wednesday and Friday night from 6-8 p.m. Anyone interested can attend. The Post Managing Editor Jenny Hugenberg said she enjoyed the training. “I thought it was a lot of fun,” Hugenberg said. “They were very helpful. I know we weren’t the best at it, but I’m sure it was funny to watch.” b.o.b. Karate can also be described as a martial art, or fighting method, involving a variety of techniques, including blocks, strikes, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Karate practice is divided into three aspects: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Or “True karate is this: that in daily life one’s mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility, and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice.” —Gichin Funakoshi, Shotokan founder
information gathered from http://www.ska.org/karate.shtml.
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