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The ILO Karate Club practises a traditional style of Karate-Do called Chidokai, which is related to Shotokan-Ryu. Nakajima Sensei (7th dan), who supervises our Thursday class, has been in Switzerland since 1974 as official instructor of the Japan Karate Federation. He learnt his art from the late Sasaki Sensei, the founder of Chidokai and a student of Funakoshi Sensei, who is widely recognized as the father of modern Karate. The point is: we've got a truly exceptional instructor who has a lot more to offer than tuition in the perfection of kicks and punches. The roots of his teaching extend deep into the "Do" aspect of martial arts, i.e. the "Way" that takes the student a lifetime of patient travel in the general direction of mastery of the self. This may sound daunting, but all it really requires is perseverence and concentration on one step at a time: regular training, working on breathing patterns, focusing energy from deep relaxation to maximum intensity, harmonizing body, mind and heart. Karate classes at the ILO are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:20 to 13:30 in the Staff Lounge on R1. In addition, exams and intensive training sessions are held four weekends a year. Our membership comprises equal numbers of women and men of all ages. Karate is a challenging and enriching experience which everyone can attempt. It also happens to be a potent antidote to the stress of office work and a great way to keep fit. |