The 2005 Black Belt camp in Armstrong B.C. was a great success, thanks to the superb instruction of Shihan Don Corrigal and the enthusiasm of all participants.

Friday night we started the camp with fighting training, we put on our shin pads, gloves and it was on!! The training was intense, -full power, full speed and plenty of motivation from Shihan Don. First we worked with partners, doing mawashi geri kicking combinations, then moved on to reaction training with fast, powerful punches. By the time we got to the kicking pads everybody was more than warmed up. Now it was time to show even more spirit and do the recovery training with good endurance and cardio!

 

On the first night after training, Sensei Larry organised a BBQ get together garden party, behind the dojo. He is truly the master of creating the right atmosphere for these Kyokushin events, he made us feel at home and the food he prepared was just YUMMY!

I think, that night everybody slept like a baby, I know I did.

 

Saturday we moved on to "KATA" training: Kanku-Dai, Passai-Dai and Seipai. The dojo was full and we had to adapt to the space and do the katas in two groups. This way I had a chance to look at others and see different stylisation of certain movements. I was there to improve my-self but what better way to learn, than to look at others!

Shihan Don explained many of the bunkais (practical application of technique) and we could now do these katas with a deeper understanding.

 

The afternoon training was a fun self-defence class where I learned to fly, thanks to my dedicated partner: Sensei Herb. First we went through "Happo Kuzushi" and later we used these fundamentals to try some really neat take-downs, choke-holds, grabs, locks and even throws. Nobody was hurt, although Sempai Dawn-Leah and Sempai Kathrina looked a little bit worried, when I was flying towards them with my 200lbs!

Sensei Herb gave me really good pointers, how to maximise the effectiveness of my techniques and to rely less on my strength. He even let me throw him around a few times,.....and it really worked! Shihan Don showed us how to break our fall, how to roll and recover and it was another fun training.

 

At night, even though he trained just as hard as the rest of us, Sensei Larry worked his magic again on the BBQ and we were treated to an awesome steak dinner!!! It was nice to see good friends again, people we fought with on tournaments, trained with in camps and reinforcing the Kyokushin bond.

 

Sunday morning we reviewed the katas and "Happo Kuzushi",- and then it was over! I couldn't believe how quickly the week-end went by, but that's what happens when you are having fun!

 

I would like to thank: Shihan Don for his dedication and for sharing his vast knowledge with us, also Sensei Larry for his hospitality and for making this event so much fun, Sensei Herb and Sensei Kathy for their instruction and helpfulness!

 

I know I speak for everyone, when I say we learned a lot this week-end and we look forward to the next Kyokushin Karate Camp!

 

With gratitude,

 

Laszlo Antal

Vancouver Collingwood Dojo

 

Osu!