Kaigan and 25 years of martial arts

 

Clubs history of years 1981-2011 Updating!



In very beginning of year 1980 it became evident that there was a need for another martial art club in Rauma. Before founding a Kaigan, interpersonal attitudes had collided in an older martial art club. Club members were however torn minded about creating something new. When a decision was made to create a new club, Kaigan was however quickly established.

After short preparations a constitutive meeting was held at 22nd of March 1981. Meeting had 17 participants and it was held at a home of Mr. Atte Nissilä. Atte Nissilä practiced both aikido and judo. Holding a meeting in someone's home can now feel bit odd, but founding members felt that they were like one big family. That sentiment is still strongly present in Kaigan. A week later, 29th of March 1981, was held another meeting where clubs first officials were selected. A few days later Kaigan was already applying the memberships for sport federations. At the beginning trained martial arts were same as nowadays - aikido, judo and karate. Clubs registration application was send on 23rd of April 1981. Japanese word Kaigan was selected because it meant seashore. There is a saying that a child born in Rauma got bit of saltwater in their veins so word Kaigan had just a right connotation and characteristics. Emblem for a club was masterminded by Mr. Jukka Koskela and text in Japanese was designed by Mr. Hiroyasu Tanayama. Emblem is representing seashore when a drop of water falls on the calm surface of the sea.

Mr. Hannu Laine was selected as a an first chairman and Mr. Jukka Koskela, Mr. Teppo Koivula, Mr. Esa Lehto, Mr. Keijo Nurmi, Mr. Timo Kivistö and our current chairman Miss Pirjo Virta (nowadays Perttula.) became selected as first committee members of Kaigan. A charter of foundation was signed by the council members.

At present on the constitutive meeting were following: Timo Kivistö, Teppo Koivula, Mervi Kolari, Leo Korsoff, Jukka Koskela, Kai Kuusela, Arja Laine, Hannu Laine, Antti Lehto, Esa Lehto, Timo Liimatainen, Atte Nissilä, Keijo Nurmi, Taisto Tolonen, Simo-Pekka Valtonen, Pirjo Virta and Tarja Virta.

Years 1981-1985

At the beginning training sessions where held at downstairs of a school where wrestlers had their wrestling mats. Own training turns were first applied at 31st of March 1981 from town's board of physical education. First few hours were got from pavilion near nowadays dojo, because it was then only in Kaigan were you could practice aikido at Rauma. Used judo mats were bought with collected funds from Budokwai of Turku. Funds for mats were collected by selling clubs emblems etc. In early years club functioned with joint effort, committee was taking care from all martial art sections. All sections had many beginners. On competitive side judo section had many Finnish Championship medals every year.

Years 1986-1990

Next five years was started by diverting activities specific to the martial art sections. Every section became responsible for their training, funds and other held activities. Member numbers became stable, some years there was more new pupils and in another number of the pupils fell. In judo there was however so many new pupils and old members that juniors got their own practice hours. In competitions success of judo was still continuing, every year medals were won in Finnish Championships. At year 1989 karate section had also success at competitions. Arto Pitkauml;nen won juniors silver medal in Finnish Championships. Aikido however had problems at 1988, there was no-one to direct training sessions. Aikido was tried to include in clubs selection again at 1990, but after one elementary course training sessions ended again.

Years 1991-1995

Activities of judo and karate had become stable. An elementary courses and small sized camps were held. In some years an elementary courses had so many participants that there was a need to divide pupils into a several training hours. Another year there was just enough pupils to hold an elementary course at all. Judo section was experiencing problems when top level judokas got tired and head coach moved out from Rauma to another town. There was a serious effort to find persons who were willing and also could to take responsibilities. In competitions there was still success till year 1995 from Finnish Championship level, but also from international competitions. Karate practitioners concentrated their competition effort to local area competitions. Style of Sankukai which was founded by Yoshinao Nanbu was a style of Kaigan karate Sankukai style has been practiced from a very start of founding Kaigan and it is still the style of Kaigan karatekas. Karate section was focusing more and more to the technique practice and holding and joining camps. Aikido was started again in year 1995. At the autumn they held an elementary course and two camps.

Years 1996-2000

During that time action was centred to the Dojo. Elementary courses were held and camps were frequently participated. Judo section started a novelty course where adults and their children could practice together. Ulterior motive was to get adults also along to the clubs activities. Adult-child courses were quite popular and due the success club got also new functionaries. On competition side grade of contestants sank. Judo had participants taking part of at the local level and in national competitions. In karate participants were also very much devoted to training and taking part on camps. Aikido sections activities became stable and practitioner numbers were high. At the end of year 2000 members of the club started to brace themselves to clubs 20th year anniversary.

Years 2001-2006

Activities have been centred mainly on technique practices and seldom has there been contestants taking part on the contests. In judo there have been in last five years period only a few contestants with national level, but Pekka Hirvonen has competed with rattling good results under karate section in both submission wrestling and in shooto. Aikido section has been taking part in many camps as usual, but they now recently held few camps their own. Aikido section got also their first black belt when Kari Rupponen was graded to 1st dan at 2003. Judo section has twice held a weekend long summer camp. Camps has had participants visiting from Naantali and judokas from Kaigan have been there joining in their winter camp. Karate had a big boost between 2003 and 2005 when krav-maga was taught. Also Pekka Karenmaan's merits as karate referee deserve to be noted.

Past chairmans of the Kaigan; Hannu Laine 1981-86 (6 years), Mikko Vapanen 1987-89 (3 years), Pekka Karenmaa 1990-96 (7 years), Antti Kolehmainen 1997-2005 (9 years) and from 2006 and furthermore Pirjo Perttula.

Vice-chairmans; Esa Lehto 1981-84 (4 years), Jarkko Alajääski 1985-86 (2 years), Hannu Laine 1987-89, 1991-98 (11 years), Mikko Vapanen 1990 (1 year), Pekka Karenmaa 1999-2001 (3 years) and Janne Koski 2002-2005 (3 years and furthermore).

Secretaries; Keijo Nurmi 1981-83 (3 years), Mikko Vapanen 1984-85 (2 years), Hilkka Kelhä 1986-87 (2 years), Pekka Karenmaa 1988-89 (2 years), Juha-Matti Rohiola 1990-91 (2 years), Jari Muntila 1992-93 (2 years), Aki Lehto 1994-95 (2 years) and Hannu Laine 1996-2006 (10 years and furhermore).

Members the board:

Hannu Laine 1981-2006 25 years, Jukka Koskela 1981-82 2 years, Teppo Koivula 1981-85, 1989-91 8 years, Esa Lehto 1981-86 6 years, Pirjo Perttula (Virta) 1981-87, 1997-2006 15 years, Keijo Nurmi 1981-83 3 years, Timo Kivistö 1981-82 2 years, Saija Tanhuanpää 1983-86 4 years, Mikko Vapanen 1983-94 12 years, Jarkko Alajääski 1984-87, 1997 5 years, Teijo Suominen 1986-89 4 years, Jarmo Kurjonen 1987-88 2 years, Hilkka Kelhä 1987-89 2 years, Katriina Virtanen 1988 1 year, Juha Rohiola 1988-93 6 years, Antti Kolehmainen 1989-90, 1994-2005 13 years, Pekka Karenmaa 1989-2005 17 years, Aki Lehto 1990-95 6 years, Ilpo Lehtola 1990-94 5 years, Jari Muntila 1992-93, 1995-98 6 years, Vesa Mäenpää 1994-96 3 years, Pekka Joutsa 1995-96 2 years, Kaisa Lepistö 1996 1 year, Ville Niskanen 1997-99 3 years, Janne Wihlman 1998-99 2 years, Janne Koski 1999-2000 2 years, Jukka Tattari 2000-2003 3 years, Teemu Ylönen 2000-2001 2 years, Jukka Salokaarto 2002-2005 4 years and Kari Rupponen 2004-2005 2 years.

Treasurers: Timo Liimatainen 1981-85 (5 years), Teijo Suominen 1986-89 (4 years), Aki Lehto 1990-95, 1999-2000 (8 years), Pekka Joutsa 1996 (1 year), Jarkko Alajääski 1997 (1 year), Ville Niskanen 1998 (1 year) and Kari Kuusisto 2001-2005 (5 years and furthermore).

In charge of aikido section: Timo Kivistö 1981-82, 84-86, Saija Tanhuanpää 1983 and Jarmo Kurjonen 1987-88. Aikidos second coming has been conducted by; Timo Sunila, Ville Niskanen ja Kaisa Lepistö. In charge; Ville Niskanen 1996-97, Janne Wihlman 1998-99, Jukka Tattari 2000-01 and Jukka Salokaarto 2002-05

Treasurers of aikido section: Ville Niskanen 1997-98, Jukka Tattari 1999-2003 and Juha Grönlund 2004-05.

In charge of judo section: Pirjo Perttula (earlier Virta) 1981-84, 1998-2005, Esa Lehto 1985-86, Hannu Laine 1987-93, Juha-Matti Rohiola 1994, Antti Kolehmainen 1995-97.

Treasurers of judo section: Aki Lehto 1995, 1999-2000, Antti Kolehmainen 1996-97, Pirjo Perttula 1998, and Kari Kuusisto 2001-05.

In charge of karate section: Teppo Koivula 1981-82, 84, 89- and furthermore, Mikko Vapanen 1983, 85, 87-88, Teijo Suominen 1986 and Pekka Karenmaa 1992-2005.

Treasurers of karate section: Vesa Mäenpää 1995-96, Harri Reivonen 1997, Jari Muntila 1998, Pekka Karenmaa 1999-2001 and Janne Koski 2002-05.

Aikido:
Head coaches have been Veikko Pöyhönen 1981-85, Timo Kivistö 1986-87, Ville Niskanen 1995-96, 1999 and Janne Wihlman 1997-98. Aikido coaching has had lot to thank for Risto Tenhunen, who has been visiting and directing practices regularly since 2002. Since 2002 Kari Rupponen has been also directing practices. Other directors have been Jukka Salokaarto, Matti Hovi and Pasi Varjonen.

Judo:
Judo sections head coach has been from beginning till year 1995 Aki Lehto. After Lehto moved away from Rauma triplet Antti Kolehmainen, Hannu Laine ja Jussi Rohiola took responsabilities. In 1997 lead triplet became quartet when Pirjo Perttula became as on of the leading coaches. They were leading judo section till 1999 when Lehto moved back to the Rauma and Hannu Laine left his duties due to cure his injured knee. From year 2000 head coaches were Antti Kolehmainen, Aki Lehto, Pirjo Perttula and Tapio Uotinen. Next year Hannu Laine and Aki Lehto shifted positions again when Lehto moved out again and Laine managed to got his knee more or less working. Antti, Pirjo and Tapio were continuing and Kari Kuusisto became to act as a new coach. From year 2005 responsibilities has been given to next generation judokas Vesa Rinne and Janne Murto.

Youth trainers has been Hannu Laine, Mervi Kolari, Ullamari Granö, Sari Lainio, Jarkko Kääriälä Pirjo Perttula and; Maija Kuusisto.

Among the earlier mentioned ones courses have been directed at least by following: Jukka Koskela, Reijo Suneli, Timo Sunila, Ari Luomanen, Jarkko Kääriälä, Simri Nieminen, Ville Suojoki, Kalle Suojoki, Arto Holmström, Reetta Reilama, Timo Liimatainen and Kari Kuusisto.

Karate:
Head coach of karate was at beginning Rolf Koivumäki, who taught Sankukai style which has stayed also as a style Kaigan karate. Later on Koivumäki has been contributing at camps and as visiting sensei of practices. Since 1980's Teppo Koivula and Pekka Karenmaa functioned as a head coaches. When Koivula moved out from Rauma in 1990's Karenmaa has been coordinating practices and directing practices together with more experienced karatekas. Koivula has been contributing mostly to the weekend camps. Karate coaches have been at least following persons: Mikko Vapanen, Ilpo Lehtola, Jari Muntila, Henri Halmela, Tero äijälä, Abdul Mahdi, Mika Harju-Seppälä, Samppa Salminen, Oscar Basten; Jouni Heikka, Samuli Viljanen, Janne Koski and Kari Piipponen. At year 2001 Jarmo Koivunen was coaching. From year 2002 responsibilities of coaching has been divided by Pekka Karenmaa, Janne Koski and Pekka Hirvonen. At 2003 Pekka Hirvonen started to direct krav-maga practice sessions at the Kaigan but its functions ended 2005 when Hirvonen created and new club solely dedicated for krav-maga.

Activities:
All sections have been holding elementary courses yearly basis. Aikido practices had a few years break after 1988, but since 1995 aikido has been strongly part of the clubs selection. Earlier Kaigan has had also iaido and taiji in its martial art selection. Both judo and karate sections have been taking part in contests. Karate had also krav-maga in its selection between 2003 and 2005.

Awarded as best athlets of the club:
1982 Mervi Kolari, 1983 Pirjo Perttula, 1984 Pirjo Perttula, 1985 Timo Sunila, 1986 Ullamari Granö, 1987 Pirjo Perttula, 1988 Ullamari Granö, 1989 Arto Pitkänen, 1990 Ullamari Granö, 1991 Ullamari Granö, 1992 Simri Nieminen, 1993 Simri Nieminen, 1994 Simri Nieminen, 1995 Simri Nieminen and 2002 Pekka Hirvonen.

Finnish Championship medals: total 24.
Judo:
Men: I. Aki Lehto 1985 (Budokwai) ja III. Simri Nieminen 1994 and 1995.
Women: I. Pirjo Perttula 1983 and 1984, II. Mervi Kolari 1986, Pirjo Perttula 1987, Ullamari Granö 1988 and 1990, III. Mervi Kolari 1985 and 1989, Pirjo Perttula 1986 and Sari Lainio 1990.
Men under 21 II. Simri Nieminen 1993 and 1995 III. Simri Nieminen 1991.
Boys: I. Timo Sunila 1985.
Girls: I. Mervi Kolari 1982, Ullamari Granö 1986, II. Ullamari Granö 1988 and III. Sari Lainio 1989.
Karate, jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling:
Men: II. Pekka Hirvonen 2002, jiu-jitsu III. Pekka Hirvonen 2002, submission wrestling.
Boys: II Arto Pitkauml;nen 1989, karate.

Nordic Championships:
Simri Nieminen gold medal under -21 year old men;, 1992 Pirjo Perttula personal bronze and team gold 1983, Ullamari Granö personal IV 1990. Scandinavin Open: III. Ullamari Granö 1988

European Championships:
Ullamari Granö was Finland's representative at youths European Championships at Athens 1989. Simri Nieminen represented Finland at Papendal Netherlands in 1993 and in Lissabon Portugal 1994.

Finnish Judo Federation:
Gold medal: Hannu Laine 2001, Aki Lehto 2001 and Pirjo Perttula 2006.
Silver medal: Hannu Laine 1993, Aki Lehto 1996, Pirjo Perttula 2001, Juha-Matti Rohiola 2001 and Antti Kolehmainen 2006.
bronze medal: Hannu Laine 1991, Pirjo Perttula 1991, Aki Lehto 1993, Juha-Matti Rohiola 1993, Mervi Kolari 1996, Antti Kolehmainen 2001, Esa Lehto 2001, Timo Liimatainen 2001 and Tapio Uotinen 2006.
Federations best judoka under 21 years: Simri Nieminen 1993.

Finnish Karate Federation:
Silver medal: Pekka Karenmaa 1996 and Teppo Koivula 1996.
bronze medal: Pekka Karenmaa 1991, Teppo Koivula 1991 and Mikko Vapanen 1991.

SVUL's best judoka at district:
Ullamari Granö 1991 and Simri Nieminen 1992.

Sport medal in gold: Pirjo Perttula 1983.
Sport medal in silver: Aki Lehto 1981, Mervi Kolari 1982, Pirjo Perttula 1986, Ullamari Granö 1988 and Sari Lainio 1990.
Sport medal in bronze: Hannu Laine 1988, Pekka Karenmaa 1991, Teppo Koivula 1991 and Mikko Vapanen 1991.
Medal in gold: Timo Sunila 1985 and Ullamari Granö 1986.
Medal in silver: Ullamari Granö 1989, Sari Lainio 1989, Arto Pitkänen 1989 and Simri Nieminen 1991.
Medal in bronze: Sari Lainio 1988.
Trophy award has been given to Pekka Karenmaa, Mervi Kolari and Ullamari Granö.

1991 Pekka Karenmaa, Timo Kivistö, Teppo Koivula, Rolf Koivumäki, Hannu laine, Aki Lehto, Pirjo Perttula, Mikko Vapanen, Länsi-Suomi and Raumas board of physical education. Jukka Koskela got his standard at 1995. Jarkko Alajääski, Antti Kolehmainen, Timo Liimatainen and Juha-Matti Rohiola 1996. Finnish Aikido Federation and Finnish Karate Federation v.2001. Janne Koski 2005. 2006: Finnish Judo Federation, Kari Kuusisto, Kari Rupponen, Jukka Salokaarto and Tapio Uotinen.

2001: Timo Kivistö, Teppo Koivula, Mervi Kolari, Leo Korsoff, Jukka Koskela, Kai Kuusela, Arja Laine, Hannu Laine, Antti Lehto, Esa Lehto, Timo Liimatainen, Atte Nissilä, Keijo Nurmi, Taisto Tolonen, Simo-Pekka Valtonen, Pirjo Virta, Tarja Frimodig, Saija Tanhuanpää, Teijo Suominen, Katriina Virtanen, Pekka Karenmaa, Jari Muntila, Kaisa Lepistö, Janne Koski, Mikko Vapanen, Jarmo Kurjonen, Juha-Matti Rohiola, Aki Lehto, Vesa Mäenpää, Ville Niskanen, Jukka Tattari, Jarkko Alajääski, Hilkka Kelhä, Antti Kolehmainen, Ilpo Lehtola, Pekka Joutsa, Janne Wihlman, Teemu Ylönen, Timo Sunila, Simri Nieminen, Tapio Uotinen, Rainer Wikman, Kalle Suojoki, Pasi Rantanen, Arto Pitkänen, Tom Osmonen, Ullamari Murto, Ari Luomanen, Kari Kuusisto, Reijo Suneli, Reetta Reilama, Jukka Salokaarto, Samuli Viljanen, Sari Lainio, Jarkko Kääriälä, Toni Pohjanoksa, Ville Suojoki, Tapio Maikola, Veikko Pöyhönen and Rolf Koivumäki.
2002: Pekka Hirvonen.
2006: Reino Fagerlund, Matti Hovi, Kirsti Kuusisto, Maija Kuusisto, Janne Murto, Vesa Rinne, Kari Rupponen and Pasi Varjonen.

Aikido: Kari Rupponen 1. dan.

Judo: Aki Lehto 2. dan, Hannu Laine 1. dan, Juha-Matti Rohiola 1. dan, Mervi Kolari 1. dan, Ari Luomanen 1. dan and Pirjo Perttula 1. dan.

Karate: Teppo Koivula 1. dan.

Hannu Laine has been a representative in SVUL's judo district. SVUL's Southwest Finland's karate district has had two representatives from Kaigan MikkoVapanen 1983-87 and Ilpo Lehtola since 1987.

History of Kaigan was written by Hannu Laine to the 25th year celebration of the club. Translation: Mr. Pohjanoksa