Yamaki Karate official site /students' diary

My Karate life by Katie Kawashiri.

Everybody tries out for a sport and some time in their life, they want to absolutely quit. There are many times where you have that feeling and most people do quit. I have tried basketball, soccer, and ballet and I have quit them all. But for some reason, I didn't quit karate because I had an actual goal. I wanted to be a black belt and I made that goal.
The main reason you want to quit is because you start to lose interest in that sport after a long period of time. I have been going to karate for about five years and I am currently still going. During that period of five years, some days were hell. I did not want to go to the morning practices and I did not want to get out of my warm bed. There were also days where I got annoyed at the kids who did not listen to me even though I was a higher belt and because of those incidents, I stopped going to kids classes. Those were the days when I absolutely wanted to quit, but I didn't.
I wanted to get my black belt to prove that a girl can get it. Even though there were other girls who were stronger and better than me at karate, I wanted to be the one who got the black belt first. I have lost that goal sometimes during those five years but in the end, I got it back.
I wrote earlier on this site about two and a half years ago that karate was fun. It was probably fun because of friends but some of friends quit but new friends came. I learned that not only karate was fun but you have to be serious in order to get your goal. I thought that anybody could get a black belt but that is not necessarily true. You have to have a lot of perseverance to make that goal. My perseverance and my goal wavered but I kept ongoing.
On my fifth year at karate, I entered high school. Because of school activities, I couldn't go to karate as much as I used to so I thought of quitting. But that summer before high school, another karate member got his black belt and I saw how dedicated he was to karate because he truly loved it. So I kept going to karate during school because he made me realize that I also want to be a black belt. He inspired me to be a black belt and I also want to inspire others　too. That is my new goal.

How Karate has changed me

Starting Yamaki Karate at 5th grade, I was a boy of medium height, weight, and talent with minimal experience. During the first year that I practiced at Yamaki, the reason that I went to practice was not to be better at Karate, but play around with the friends I made at the dojo. Simply saying, I enjoyed being at the dojo and not the practice.

A change came when Toshiki Sensei told me about the World Oyama Karate Tournament in San Francisco. From the moment that I decided to practice for the tournament, there were new things to do. The training changed from basic training to special menus for becoming better at sparring. The new practice was hard, but I enjoyed it more than anything I’ve done before, following the teachers’ instructions to the letter. Luckily, this was during the time that I grew suddenly, so as I became taller and bigger my fighting style changed, adding to the fun.

The next three years after I started practicing Karate for real passed by in a blur, practice upon practice, learning a skill here and a technique there. Now, I am a black belt of the first dan. The condition for me receiving this belt was that I had to win the World Oyama Karate tournament for the 3rd time in a row. I was told of this about 2 months before the actual tournament, and became a huge inspiration for me at the tournament.

What I learned here at this dojo was that anyone could become strong if one obeys what the teachers say and practice without cheating or resting. Thank You Yamaki Karate

By Hiromu Sugimoto

Demonstration at National Night Out

On August 3rd, Yamaki Karate had a privilege to perform our demonstration in China Town. This event was organized by LAPD and Shihan Yamaki was personally invited and requested by them to perform karate demonstration at this event. Shihan Yamaki quickly formed a group of people from his dojo and prepared this group for this demonstration for about 2 weeks. On the very day, an event coordinator gave us the best time and spot to perform our demonstration. We demonstrated board breaking, kata(forms), and some sparing etc and over all, we very much succeeded our demonstration. Shihan Yamaki prepared and led each student well enough to perform our best demonstration. So, everybody who watched our demonstration gave us applause.

Osu!

Katsu Hayasaka

A Little Boy Story by Wakuya Hino

I joined the dojo when Yamaki Karate moved to Torrance, CA. When I first visit the dojo, I was hiding behind my mother's back and nervously looking into the dojo. I was small for my age average and did not have confidence.

Lead by 6-foot-2-inch Heavyweight Karate Master, Mr. Kenji Yamaki, I nervously stepped into the dojo. I was very scared to do Karate. I changed my cloth into brand new Karate Uniform and wore White Belt. From nervousness, my body was shaking.

After 1 hour of practice, I ran out the door and jumped up to my mother's arms with a happy smile.

"I love it, I love it!!"

5 years has passed and I am now 11-year-old with a Brown Belt.

I don't remember what I did at 1st day of my Karate but I clearly remember that my frightened heart has gone away once class began with shadow punching & kicking with Kiai (Shout from your stomach). It was a totally different from what I had imagined for Karate. It was not scary, it was fun. Karate gave me confidence and hope. I really loved it and wanted to continue Karate.

As a Brown Belt holder, I am required to teach small kids at their class. Every time I see new kids, I stand at thier points of view where reminds me of the scene at my 1st day of Karate. I have been a small boy for 11 years, below 10% in height and weight for my age. I am not able to show them the strength of physical technique, instead, I always think how I can teach them the pleasure of Karate, like Yamaki Sensei taught me.

I am small and have not enough power but Yamaki sensei taught me various techniques, steps and counters that are perfect for my speed and flexibility. He also taught me to have brave heart. Techniques & Courage help me to challenge against bigger kids, ever if they are twice heavy as me.

I am a little boy but I am a littly boy that is full of confidence, hope, and perseverance.

"Never surrender to myself", that is my Karate Spirit.

Osu!

Wakuya Hino

January 1, 2010

Demonstrations at Japanese food festival on Nov 8th.

As we mentioned in previous blog, Yamaki Karate performed demonstrations on November 8th, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center

Thanks to the smooth direction of Ryan Watanabe and the performances of other members, all programs were done successfully.

First demonstration started at 10:30 A.M. on indoor stage by children members. They showed audience their skilled techniques from everyday hard training: Kata, Shiwari, and Self Defense.

Second demonstration was performed at 12:30 P.M by all members on outdoor stage. We showed high technique performances such as triple spin jumping kick by Joey Tee, two-baseball-bats-breaking by Shihandai Toshiki Otani, and three kicks by Jun Watanabe, who crushed an apple with his back-spin-kick.

As a special performance, Shihan Kenji Yamaki demonstrated Seienchin Kata, and after the Kata, he broke the three concrete boards with his hand.

Our performances gave audience enjoyment and big applause.

by Kentaro Kishi

PERFECT WIN

6.20.2009

There was a Karate tournament called World Oyama Karate Fighter's cup in San Francisco on June 14th、2009

5 fighters perticipated from our Dojo, such as Joey Shichirui, Ryan Lee, Wakuya Hino, Hiromu Sugimoto and Erin Hino.

Although that was their first outside tournament, they all got the first place in each category.

Give it up for all the fighters and we appriciate your support.

Ossu.

Karate Class by Shawn Kyles 2.24.2009

What a Class!!! I was looking for a martial arts class where I could learn sparring and fighting techniques. I found that and much more...Kenji Yamaki is very polite and courteous, and will help you with any techniques you are learning. He is also concerned about safety and takes steps to avoid injury. Since being there I have learned coordination, Kata's, movement, defensive techniques, kicking and punching, my stamina has improved, and I am now sparring!!! I also have lots of fun, practice with students of all ages and levels, learning some Japanese, and I keep improving every time I go. His students are top notch and help me and encourage me everyday in class to do better and keep learning, and I thank them very much for that. Kenji Yamaki brings years of experience and knowledge to the dojo, along with sensei Toshiki who is an excellent teacher with kids and adults provide a well rounded, fun, and exciting karate class to be enjoyed by students of all ages and levels. When you stop and think about it you have a World Karate Champion from Japan come and find his way to Los Angeles, California to teach his style of Karate. All you have to do is find your way to the dojo. See you there! OSU!

Shawn Kyles

Actor

Yamaki Karate Christmas Parties

1.2.2009

Yamaki Karate hosted 2 Christmas parties in its new Torrance Dojo. One was for kids' class students and their parents held on December 12^th. Another was for adults' class students held on December 18. I attended both parties as a parent of 2 children taking Yamaki Karate and as an adult student learning Yamaki Karate. Both parties were pot luck and there were a lot of delicious foods to celebrate and enhance the party.

There are Bingo games and gorgeous prizes for those who had highest attendance records for the year for both parties. There are also chopsticks and beans game in kids party and of course, prizes for those who picked and transferred several dozen dry beans with a pair of chopstick from one dish to another dish with fastest timings. At the end of party, a cute Santa Claus (guess who!?) passed out gifts to all the children on behalf of Master Yamaki. All the children enjoyed the party, prizes and a Santa!

The main event of adult class party was the mini "talent show" from each student. There are dancing, monologue, singing, samurai swords fighting and a personal imitator to mimic MLB baseball players. Some were professionally talented and AWESOME. Some showed more of their efforts than their talents. OSU to those who showed the efforts! The party was very friendly, heart warming and relaxed. We all enjoyed the party. There was no cute Santa in adults' class party but, we all received challenging motivations for the coming year as a Christmas gift. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!!

By John S. Lee (Ryan Sagara Lee's dad)

My name is Ryan Watanabe 11.19.2008

Hello, my name is Ryan Watanabe and I have been training at Yamaki Karate for 2-3years. I am 13 and am currently in the 8th grade. Karate has been a good way for me to learn how to defend myself from dangers and also it is fun to interact with people before and after classes. I am currently at 3 kyu, or known as green belt senior. I may be able to take brown belt test but I do not know when. This is what I have been able to achieve through hard training over the years. I have done karate since I was in 5th grade and have enjoyed this more than just a sport but as a life goal.
Karate isn't just fighting. It is a way to feel more relaxed and good about yourself. This will also give you self confidence and not make you scared. At the moment, I help anyone that needs trainig, help little kids, and teach others. I am also the oldest in my class. I like to help others in need, but also like to train myself for future belt tests.
In the belt test, you will have to basically do three things. First is that you must know the basic training. Second, you must know the moving part of the test. And last is something called "katas". Katas are something that involves moving in distinct movements that are fixed so you must memorize. When you are white belt, you do not need to do katas. Every belt has harder katas and you must learn fast and steady if you want to be at a good pace. Not all people are at the same level and it takes training to become what you want.
After the belt test, there is a Karate Tournament. Anyone is allowed to choose if they do not want to spar or if they like. I like to spar because it helps my stamina and makes me get stronger. I try to fight bigger people because you do not learn anything from fighting someone weak.
I like karate also because the Sensei's(or teachers) are very nice and good. They are only strict to help you learn. This also makes you understand your mistakes. They do not yell at any students and are nice.
The two sensei's that are there are Shihan Yamaki and Toshiki Sensei. It is very hard to get to next belt and Toshiki Sensei is the first one to get a black belt at are dojo. He has been doing it here for 5years. Toshiki Sensei is very strong and can break through two wooden baseball bats with his kick. Yamaki Sensei can break through bricks with his karate chop and also is very strong.
My goal at karate is not simply just to become a black belt. It is also helping others in need, learning new things each day, and also watching others get stronger too. Raising a belt doesn't mean you are better or stronger than others. It simply means that you understand your job to show others what to do. My goal also consists to be strong like my sempai's and sensei's. They truly are strong and I want to be great like them.

KIDS EXHIBITION

11.06.2008
by Kentaro Kishi On November 2, Yamaki Karate held a demonstration by students who are attending in kids class. More than two hundred guests enjoyed their karate performance, and it result successful. The program went thoroughly as following schedules. 1. Basic Practice 2. Moving Practice 3. Kata Practice 4. Self Defence 5. Combination Practice with punch mitt 6. Tameshi-wari (Board Breaking) At the end of Tameshi-wari, 2 pretend Japanese mafias appear on the stage, started the battle with hero, and it ended when the hero beat them down. The show entertained all guests. Before the program end, Master Yamaki made a thanks speech to the guests, and presented the cup cakes to the attendees.

There was a belt test on 9.28．

10.11.2008


There was a belt test on 9.28． This time about 50students tested and it took about 4hours to finish the whole test. Some did really well, and others got really nervous and messed up. But I think everyone did a good job. Especially the kids menbers are really impressive. Evereykid has grown and had more anbitious more than before. I also learn a lot from them. I wish everykid concentrates in their usual practice like the belt test. Then, they can improve more lol. Mac from the adult class tried the 10men combat as his black belt test. Although that was a first serious fight for him, he did it really well. I guess he trained really hard by himself beside the dojo practice. I'm really happy because we finished the belt test without any injuries. Here is Master Yamaki's ward. 【If you get satisfied,　that's the end of your life. 】 Master Yamaki is always ambitious. I want to keep going because my goal is still far away. Ossu Toshiki

My name is Mac. 9.14.2008

Hello.

My name is Mac. I have been a student at the Yamaki Karate Dojo for six years. I studied karate at two other dojos, but Sensei Yamaki is by far the best teacher I have had. Every quarter, students assemble for best tests, and we will have our next best test on Sunday September 28th. The students in the dojo are practicing hard for the best test (building their stamina, skills, and knowledge of kata, "basic forms"). The belt test is a great opportunity to see the skills of Sensei Yamake's students from ages 5 to 50.

The Yamaki Dojo is in many ways a community. While Japanese is the primary language spoken, people from different cultures and ways of life assemble six days a week to practice their skills. Karate is both a challenge to the body and to the mind. After studying for more than 10 years, I find that I learn something new about myself very time I practice (no matter whether it is reviewing a technique I have practiced thousands of times or something I have just learned). Karate is an opportunity to look inward, and the Yamaki Dojo is a comfortable environment for boys and girls, men and women, of all ages to come and learn.

I hope to see you soon.

Mac

Why I go to Yamaki Dojo by Katsu Hayasaka

09.09.2008
I have been a student at Yamaki Dojo for little over a year. I chose this dojo because of the humility of Shihan Yamaki. When I first visited this Dojo, Shihan humbly offered me to practice together with him in stead of trying to persuade me to join the dojo by showing his strength and pride. I have known him as a fighter for long time since when I was in Japan. He was actually one of the fighter whom I looked up to. I thought he was difficult person to be with because of his strength and apperance,. ( Excuse me, Shihan!) But,Shihan was so different than I thought. He is of course strong, but he is very humble person. He is still trying to pursue higher level beyond our understanding. He disciplines the most in the Dojo. He gets up at 4am every morning, and goes training. I don't know who can do the same thing as what he is doing. Shihan also has a sense of humor and makes me laugh all the time. He is good at mimicking someone I know, especially those whom I used to look up to as fighters. Because of Shihan's humility and kindness, I believe everybody enjoys taking classes at the Dojo. Of course, I enjoy, too. Shihan sometimes uses me to show or test his technique and it is pretty scary, but I am so privileged to be used by him because Shihan would not use me if I was weak. When I first joined the Dojo, Shihan told me that anybody can make pogress until he turns fifty. I am now thirty seven years old, but because of the word Shihan gave me, I can keep pursuing both mental and physical discipline. I can recommend anybody to join our Dojo because we can enjoy karate together in stead of just burning ourselves out. Everybody is friendly, so please come join us! We hope to see you here at our Dojo and enjoy karate with us!