Henrioh's Total Fitness & Karate Center - NAKO

2010-05-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

Just a few notes of thanks to the affiliates for promoting high standards and cohesiveness among the NAKO group!

This will manifest itself to a greater degree this summer at which time we look to have our affiliates from the different regions join us. We are particularly glad to have a commitment to participate from Aruba, Poland and Switzerland, including the new groups from Texas and Atlanta.

I wish to also thank all of you for making the NAKO seminars so successful. These are held monthly at the NAKO headquarters in New York and once every two months in Canada. I have included some pictures of the latest one hosted by Sensei Aldo Akli (view photos) and look forward to the next seminar to be held by Sensei Bruno Deschelles followed by one by Shihan Claude Bouchard at Sensei Bertrand wall’s dojo. We will keep you abreast of future developments.

I look forward to seeing you at the next seminar and to see all of you at this year’s Summer Institute.

2009-12-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continuing support of the North American Kyokushin Organization.

Often, very often, there are calls from individuals asking information about NAKO, including the possibility of joining NAKO.

In my conversations with many of them, I realize how fortunate we are to have instructors who truly care for one another, who are so co-operative, who are so self-less and who are so trusting of one another as well as trusting of my leadership.

Members of NAKO work in unison towards one common goal: providing the best Kyokushin training possible; and doing so humbly, tirelessly, passionately. It is this trait that resonates in my mind as the distinguishing feature of NAKO, of our group, of our family.

My compliments go to Shihan Claude Bouchard who hosted the grand opening of his dojo at Épiphany last month. It was a wonderful success highlighted by the dedication of the students and instructors. On Sunday, December 13, 2009, Sensei Bruno Deschenes held a seminar and dan grading. This, too, could not have been made possible without the support of the Canadian affiliates all of whom were present. Recently, Shihan Bob Wright had an arduous dan promotion made possible by the commitment of his entourage.

That these events took place is natural. That they took place with the unmitigated support of ALL of the Affiliates contacted is noteworthy. Each and every affiliate wishes nothing but the best for the other. This is the peace and harmony that we strive for in Kyokushin, in our daily lives.

As the year comes to a close, I extend to all our affiliates, instructors, students, friends and members of the NAKO Board, my warmest wishes, and thanks for the support as well as for preserving our unity. Together we will secure the future of NAKO and strengthen our relationship.

Have a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year! See you in 2010.

January 30, 2010 - Seminar & Dan Grading @ NAKO Headquarters. For additional information, please contact Sensei Susan Collins @ 718-706-0847 or 347-724-9585.
July 8 to July 11, 2010 - Annual Summer Institute from July 8 – 11, 2010. For additional information, please contact Sensei Susan Collins @ 718-706-0847 or 347-724-9585.

2009-06-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

This past May 2009, Sensei Orhan and myself travelled to Switzerland to give a seminar in honor of the 20th Anniversary of Sensei Rene's Dojo opening. (photo gallery 1, photo gallery 2)

The event attracted instructors and karatekas nationwide - people who came to help celebrate this day. Over 125 practitioners gathered to train and experience this special moment. As I did at that time, I do so now again, compliment Sensei Rene for his openness, professionalism and his ability to put together a cohesive group.

The welcome, thoughtfulness and generosity of Sensei Rene, his wife and his students will long be remembered as will the efforts made by so many who came from so many distances and sectors to join us during training and at the Sayonara Party.

This past weekend, June 4 - 7, 2009, I was in Vancouver where I gave seminars each day to a group of hungry and determined Kyokushin practitioners.

The event was put together by Shihan Mirek Mituta whose school population increased markedly and where the rate of retention is currently higher than usual. I wish to also compliment Shihan Mituta for his efforts and his continued dedication, commitment and support. To the students who participated in the seminars, I thank you for taking the time and for making the effort to join us. I hope it was a pleasant for you as it was for me. I extend a special note of recognition to those students who successfully completed the grading examination on Friday, June 5, 2009.

As most of you know by now, I have cancelled the Summer Institute for 2009. This is a first in 19 years. My working responsibilities preclude me from being available at any time other than Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. I could not, in good conscience, ask individuals to travel from far away and not be present to attend to them for the duration of the Institute. It would be irresponsible on my part. I have already scheduled and made sure that my calendar remains open during the period of July 8 - 11, 2010 for the 2010 Summer Institute. I look forward to seeing all of you there at that time.

Please note the following:

There will be a special seminar and meeting scheduled for instructors during the early part of July. A confirming date will be forwarded to you shortly.
I invite all of you to our Inter-school Tournament scheduled for June 20, 2009 from 12:30pm - 3:30pm at the NAKO headquarters. For further information, please feel free contact Sensei Susan Collins, at (347) 724-9585 or e-mail her at: scollinseire@yahoo.com.
Beach Training is scheduled for Sat. July 25th with rain date of Sun July 26th, 2009.

Looking forward to seeing all of you there.

Kancho Henri-Oh