Haverhill Shotokan Karate-Do

Chief Instructor Master Kazumi Tabata

Kazumi Tabata is an 8th Degree Grand Master in Shotokan Karate. Born in Japan in 1943, Master Tabata started karate at age 13 and received the rank of nidan in Shorinji as a freshman in high school. Master Tabata went to Waseda University and started studying Shotokan style karate under Master Isao Obata, one of Master Ginchin Funakoshi's first students and first chairman of the Japan Karate Association. He founded the North American Karate-Do Federation (NAKF) and the New England Collegiate Karate Conference (NECKC), and lives in Lynn, Massachusetts.

 

Competitive History

Master Kazumi Tabata was the Captain of the karate club at Waseda University. After moving to the United States to spread Shotokan Karate, he was the Captain of the U.S. Karate Team for two decades, representing the United States in many international tournaments. In addition, he was the Technical Director for the U.S. National Olympic Committee.

We thank Master Tabata and others for the contributions below. Master Tabata has a specialness that many karateka have benn fortunate to experience. We are very lucky to have him with us. Please spend some time here. Get to know this great individual and absorb some of his teaching. Watch Master Tabata demonstrate Heian Shodan and Bunkai. To view videos of Master Tabata demonstrating the application of other katas and Shotokan self defense techniques, just enter Kazumi Tabata in the Youtube search field.


Training Regimen for Tournaments

Preparation should start the week before the tournament is to begin. When preparing for a tournament remember first to push your body to its limit. Give 100% of yourself.

Start the week with three days of intense physical training. Rise early in the morning and stretch your body until you work up a sweat. This way when you stretch your body for more strenuous training, later in the day, your muscles will be limber. Make sure your first meal of the day is well balanced with eggs, toast and juice. The next step is to exercise your arms and legs with 2-3 lb. weights.

First:

500 punches with the right hand and then 500 more with the left hand
500 front kicks with the right foot and 500 more with the left foot
End this workout with 100 squat kicks, done for stamina and speed.

Each set of 500 should take 45 minutes. Put your all into every kick and punch. By pushing your body to its physical limit you will increase your endurance, speed and spirit. Use your whole ki in every kick and punch.

The last 2 days before the tourney is to begin devoting to technique and speed. Reduce your repetitions to 100 apiece, still using the leg and wrist weights, but use your favorite technique or if you prefer, the regimen as I have previously outlined.

Concentrate on focus and speed. Put your whole body into one move and make that one move your killing move. Commit yourself to getting the point that wins the match.

When the day of the tournament arrives, remember to keep your body layered after stretching or fighting. Keep your muscles warm so as to prevent them from cooling, because when they do you lose your speed and endurance. DO NOT watch all the matches of the tournament, only watch the ones your opponents are competing in. Watch for their weaknesses, their favorite techniques and how they work, and use all this information to you advantage and their disadvantage.

By following this regimen and this advice you will have a great advantage over your opponent whether he be large or small.

Remember - fight smarter, not harder.


Master Kazumi Tabata and Thomas Shea Tanden Breathing and Meditation

Thomas Shea & George Barbaro "New England's Monster Tabata"