Karate expert puts new spin on technique for students

by Martin Lang | 4th March 2010

The presence of a top karate master and multiple world champion this week is putting a whole new spin on the discipline for its students in the Bay.

On his first visit to New Zealand, World Karate-Do Federation founder and chief instructor Sensei Kasuya will treat about 500 local karate devotees to his dynamic training techniques tonight at Otumoetai College.

Now 62 but easily passing for a superbly fit man in his forties, Sensei (teacher) Kasuya of Japan breaks the straight-line stepping of traditional kata routines by adding body spins - tying the moves closely to actual combat.

Arriving in Tauranga yesterday as guest of the BOP Karate Association - which became affiliated  to his worldwide federation last year - the shotokan expert is in the country to share his expanded techniques in this city, Hamilton and Auckland.

"My teaching method is totally different from other masters. A person might have been training 30 years but find the spinning technique a very difficult task," the eighth dan black belt says.

Read more in today's Bay of Plenty Times