Shobu Ippon Denmark is a karate organization that is built on traditional values and Nordic cooperation. Martial Art News wanted to know more about the organization and had a talk with them.
Back in 2012, two experienced karate practitioners and instructors decided to gather their experiences and visions in a karate community. Jesper F. Andersen, who is chief instructor at Taifu Karate Dojo and Jesper Markvardsen, chief instructor at Hørsholm Karate Klub, wanted to create more activities for their members and therefore began to organize training sessions to promote the karate community in Denmark. That same year, the first friendly tournament became a reality. And it was important to both instructors that the competition be held under the Ippon Shobu ruleset. Which reflects the traditional values they both grew up with in Shotokan karate. This set of rules became the basis for Shobu Ippon Denmark’s philosophy and practice.
The growth of Shobu Ippon Denmark
Over time, the number of activities grew. And in 2015 the first Shobu Ippon Tournament was organized and held in Lundtoftehallen. The goal was to create an event that could bring together the various Shotokan organizations in Denmark. Which until then had primarily competed within their own style organization. It turned out to be a huge success. Many clubs from both Denmark and neighboring countries found it attractive for their clubs and players. This convention helped break down some of the barriers that had previously separated the various organizations and created a common foundation of values. In the wake of this success, Shobu Ippon Denmark made a plan to hold three annual events, including the Shobu Ippon Tournament. The development event “Shobu Ippon Danmark development event” was designed especially for kyugrads who compete in kata and gohon kumite. In addition, the competition “Kampen Om Øresund” was launched, where kyu grades can compete in Ippon Shobu from 4th kyu and up. In order to support this development, it became clear that there was a need to train more referees in the Ippon Shobu rules. Shobu Ippon Denmark therefore started offering referee training. This turned out to be a very good idea, as interest in referee training grew and the level was raised considerably.
A Nordic collaboration is taking shape
In 2022, Jesper Markvardsen made contact with the karate community in Sweden via his network and presented the idea of holding a Nordic Open. Together with JKA Norway, JKA Sweden and WTKO Sweden, the idea was further developed. And all countries saw the need to create more focus on traditional karate, as a counterweight to sports karate. The first Nordic Open was held in Oslo in 2023 and was a great success. Shobu Ippon Denmark offered to hold the Nordic Open this year. We had the pleasure of hosting the Nordic Open in Hørsholmhallen with almost 500 starts. The event was held continuously on 4 areas from 1000 to 1930. It was a great pleasure that this year Finland also participated with fighters. Which helps to further strengthen cooperation in the Nordics. In order to ensure a high level of judging before the Nordic Open in Denmark, we held judging training in Shobu Ippon Denmark. It was led by Milan Holck Nielsen sensei from SKIF Denmark. Milan sensei, is a respected traditional referee and international top referee within the WKF. He was also appointed as head referee at the Nordic Open. His participation set a high standard for Shobu Ippon Denmark’s judging training and contributed to a high judging standard at the Nordic Open, among others. via close collaboration with Leslie Jensen from JKA Sweden.
The vision for the future
Shobu Ippon Denmark’s vision is to continue to focus on traditional karate and its values. We want to preserve the traditions because they help create community and link generations together. This community is something we receive a lot of praise for. As many of our members, clubs and judges experience a strong sense of togetherness in Shobu Ippon Denmark. We are constantly working to expand our network and regularly receive inquiries from interested karate practitioners and clubs. Cooperation within traditional karate in the Nordics is stronger than ever before. Many fighters have made friendships across national borders. There is now a close collaboration with JKA Sweden and JKA Norway, as we support each other’s competitions with fighters and judges. Partners in the various countries are open and responsive to each other’s wishes and ideas. And we believe that this is the way forward to develop the traditional karate community. At Shobu Ippon Denmark, we believe that a strong Nordic collaboration is essential to preserve and promote the values that traditional karate builds.
Together we can lift each other up and continue to develop and strengthen our community across generations. Shobu Ippon Denmark cannot operate without a lot of volunteers, who time and time again stand up and help with the running of our events. This underlines the importance of creating the framework for good teamwork. Which in our opinion thrives well in an organization built on traditions with room for everyone, and where professionalism is paramount.
Read more about Shobu Ippon Danmark
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