Issue 8 - March 2009 - International Chito-Ryu Karate-do Federation ...

Name: Michael NoonanAge: 42 (nearly)Karate Rank: Rokudan (6 th Dan)Instructor Rank: RenshiDojo: TasseikanPrimary Instructor: Soke ChitoseNotable Tournament Results:Too long ago, can’t remember and all my trophies (dust collectors asSensei Steve Davison used to say) were put out for a big rubbishcollection. (Someone actually picked them up and took them home,I hope they are not doing an interview too and claiming credit)How long have you been doing Chito-Ryu Karate, where did youstart and who was your instructor?29 Years. I started in Botany Dojo with Sensei Bill Ker, Sensei ShaneKer’s father. My other instructors were Sensei Steve Davison andSensei Charlie Kudlic (Sensei Charlie really assisted me in getting toJapan for the first time); he was Sensei Bill’s No.1 student in those days.1985 – In Japan. A young Soke Chitose and a longhaired Mike Noonan.Botany is a south eastern suburb of Sydney. It was an old Church hall and we were packed in there likesardines. I still remember the smell - the musty old hall mingled with sweat and floor polish.1985 – Sensei Steve Davison & Renshi Noonan (just after my 1 st dan). “SenseiDavison, was a very talented fighter, he had a natural ability for hand to handcombative strategy (a born fighter) yet he was a very gentle person outside of aKarate gi, yes I know he doesn’t look gentle”1986 – Soke Sensei’s first visit to Australia. At Botany Dojo. From left to right,top row: Andrew Connolly, Dave Hawkins, Bill Ker (my Sensei), Soke Chitose,Chris Brown, Steve Davison, Charlie Kudlic,. Bottom row: Mark Drizos, MikeNoonan, Warren Parr, Chris Mourelatis.When I was 18 years old I went to train with Soke Chitose and must have been back about 30 times over theyears. Of course when Sensei Bill retired, Soke Chitose became my direct teacher. For me he is the onlytrue master of Karate I have ever seen. Although, I know that he would never consider himself a master. Noone has his biomechanics, secondly and more importantly his deep mental and physical understanding oftechnique, power, timing, speed, kuzushi. I could spend the next few pages praising his Karate abilities.Why did you first start Chito-Ryu karate?I started because my friends were doing Karate. I wanted to be tough, learn how to fight. We used to trainalmost every day (my friends and I), we would spar each other for hours in the park and golf course on theweekends. I would challenge everyone I knew that did a martial art from school or in the local area to spar.