Published: 27th April 2006
We’re pleased to report on two gruelling seminars with Europe’s well known Pascal Lecourt, and the formation of Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy of Australia.
On The 19th April 2006, Sensei Pascal arrived in Australia for two seminars. Sensei Paul Fenech, head Instructor from Bukon Shotokan Sydney and Sensei Steven Xepapas, head Instructor from Tora Shotokan Tasmania, hosted and organised Sensei Pascal’s visit.
The seminar was supported by many leading Shotokan Groups including JKA, SKI, Australian School of Shotokan Karate (Edji Zenel), The Shire Karate Club (Micheal Graf and Monica Brookes), Tora Shotokan (Tasmania), Bukon Shotokan and Zanshin Shotokan.
The Kase Ha Seminars were based on the teaching of Master Kase, and contained everything Kase sensei was famous for. Dedicated Students from NSW, Victoria and Tasmania came together to witness Pascals exceptional and unique style. Sensei Pascal conducted his first seminar at Sydney’s Fairfield Leisure Centre. There were three sessions that consisted of 3 hours each with a 30 minute rest period. This style of training is consistent with European seminars.
Like his late master, Pascal Lecourt conducted two gruelling Seminars. The seminars covered many topics including:
Most sessions were physically challenging and mentally exhausting. Trying to adapt to the ‘Kase Ha’ way is very difficult, as it requires you to react totally opposite to your normal emotions. Pascal Sensei made many demonstrations during the seminars and showed exactly the full effects of Sensei Kase’s Karate. Many of us have the bruising as proof of the effectiveness of the technique.
But more challenging than the physical hardness, was the world of kata that Pascal showed us. From the basic form of Heian Shodan and its basic applications, he showed us heian Shodan in Ura, go, go ura, Basic level application and then advanced kumite application. He also taught his very own Oyo Kata which includes all Heain Kata.
Even after 6 sessions of approx 3 hours each, there was so much more he wanted to pass on and perfect. He has promised to bring more of Sensei Kase’ teachings back to Australia, along with a group of his French students. This should happen either late this year or early next year.
Whilst sensei Pascal was in Australia, Steven Xepapas and Paul Fenech formed a working alliance with Sensei Pascal’s ‘Kase Ha’ Academy in France. Sensei Pascal is one of five Shihan kai Members and has authority from Sensei Kase and legal permission from the Academy (KSK) to grade, and he has welcomed us to form the Australian branch of the Academy; to be known as the Kase Ha Shotokan karate Academy of Australia.
As part of this organisation we will be working to the original Kase Ha syllabus and authentic gradings will be held whenever Pascal visits.
The Academy is dedicated to all the teachings and memories of the late Master Kase.
Thank you again Sensei Pascal for your commitment, your friendship and your loyalty.
We have now uploaded photos from the seminars in Sydney and Tasmania.
PS: read a transcript of our recent interview with Sensei Pascal.
Alice Lam (1st Kyu) BACKTOTOP