Karate students a cut above

SIX members of Byron Shire Shotokan Kase-Ha Karate Do and Self Defence academy are heading to Victoria for a national seminar next month.

Chief instructor Jean Boussard said he was looking forward to the 2024 Kase-Ha Shotokan Karate National Seminar (Gasshuku) in Sale, about 200 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, from November 22 to 24.

“I will attend and bring along a strong team of local karatekas — four adults and a very promising Tiger (teenager),” he said.

“It is a unique opportunity for our dedicated karatekas to benefit from the teaching of a master in this remarkable workshop in practical self-defence.”

Shotokan karate is a widely practiced, dynamic style of the traditional martial art that originated on the island of Okinawa in Japan.

“There will be very challenging sessions at the seminar during these three days, physically but also emotionally and mentally, but the team is passionate and ready,” Boussard said.

“This is realistic traditional Shotokan karate, not competition oriented but the genuine martial art.”

Boussard, a former French diplomat, has been practicing karate for more than 50 years.

He is also a 2nd Dan in Taekwon Do and has been initiated into many other martial arts, including Vietvodao (black belt), judo, aikido, kendo, nunchaku, Tai Chi, capoeira and Thai kickboxing.

Boussard established the academy in Byron Bay in 1998 and teaches a range of classes at Moller Pavilion at Bangalow Showground several times a week.

Each session incorporates meditation, techniques, drills and breath work.