The Shotokan Karate Lodge gavels were an instant hit (pun intended) when they were unveiled at our February 2024 meeting, and continue to be used with great enthusiasm.
The idea for customised martial arts gavels was generated by the desire to create a unique and enjoyable experience for Members and Guests of the Shotokan Karate Lodge. Admittedly, it was also born from jealousy of the splendid Football and Rugby Lodges’ gavels.
Potential designs were sketched by our Senior Warden, Bro Stuart Dubois. It was considered that the open-hand classic ‘Karate Chop’ design, although recognisable and aesthetically pleasing, might not be solid enough to withstand 100 years of energetic use.
Therefore the gavels were sculpted in the shape of the Karate technique: 鉄槌打ち [TETTSUI UCHI], which translates as “Iron Hammer Fist Strike”.
We approached Tom Buchanan of Wood Carving London, who was immediately keen to discuss the commission. He asked for some references, so we sent photographs of the mighty fist of our Immediate Past Master W. Bro. Robin, 7th Dan Shotokan Karate Hanshi. Each gavel is a different size, shape, weight and colour. The gavels are not intended to be replicas of Robin’s fist, but each contains his spirit of Karate. Robin’s Iron Hammer Fist is now immortalised, and he will make his presence felt in every future meeting of the Shotokan Karate Lodge.
Tom and his colleagues hand-carved the gavels using Sapele wood, which is a responsibly sourced timber, often used as a sustainable alternative to Mahogany. Sapele is a workable timber, but also has a high level of shock resistance and tolerance against indentation. When we collected the gavels from his workshop, Tom the Sculptor said, “Don’t worry, you won’t break them”.
Challenge accepted, OSS!
Shotokan Karate Lodge 9752 