7th North American &
International Black Belt
Conference
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Mas Oyama honed the skills that
became Kyokushin Karate in the
mountains of Japan and that makes
it fitting that we should gather
in grandeur of Banff to further
our training in the Kyokushin
WayE
There were 6 training
sessions at the beautiful Banff
Centre facility on Tunnel
Mountain. Many aspects of karate
were covered.
Kancho Matsui, from
Japan, conducted a number of
classes that focused on how all of
our training relates to fighting.
His detailed explanations,
translated from Japanese by Shihan
Gorai, made the connections
between kihon, ido geiko, kata and
fighting.
There was a session that
included learning the use of the
weapon known as tonfaE This was
a fascinating lesson taught by
Shihan Gorai. ThetonfaEare
formidable weapons exemplified by
the kata we were taught and the
boEverses tonfaEsparring. It
is a little hard to get used to
but a welcome addition to our
training. We always admire others
skills when they are demonstrating
techniques, and this weekend did
not leave us wanting. Shihan
Gorai displayed extraordinary high
kicks during his demonstrations
tonfa vs bo.
It is always refreshing
to have different instructors with
different approaches to Karate.
Shihan Gilberts enthusiastic ido
geiko class certainly fit the
bill, as did Shihan Don Corrigals
self defence session.
Again, the connection
between kata, basics and practical
application were demonstrated, it
was particularly interesting to
see some possible counters to the
Kyokushin self defence techniques.
One of the highlights of
this conference is the hike up to
the top of Tunnel Mountain. Once
there over 90 Karateka trained
overlooking Banff and the
Vermillion lakes.
Also, there is always
something to be said for the level
of comfort when training with old
friends, to which there were
many. It was a pleasure to see
Shihan Gilbert, Shihan Pierre, and
Shihan Gorai in our beautiful
province as we have only met them
on the international stage
previously.
It was and excellent
weekend, many thanks Kancho Matsui
and the Shihans for their
informative instruction.
OSU!
Doug Potter ECalgary Dojo
**************************************************************
It felt electric to be
among so many Shihans, Senseis and
Sempais of Kyokushin Karate. I
felt proud and honored to be among
this group at this particular
event.
Being a big fan of
Kancho Matsui the fighter, I was
impressed to learn the basic
Kihon, Ido Geko in detailed
fashion from the known legend.
Kancho thankfully covered many
fundamental basics of Kyokushin.
Shihan Gorai sold me on
the use of the Tonfas. I am
anxious to make this weapon a part
of my regular training.
I left the conference
very satisfied and inspired. I
spent the 9-hour drive home
replaying all I learned from the
camp, going over everything in my
head.
It was great to see old
friends and make new ones between
the classes. Thank you to all the
organizers and instructors who
made the conference a priceless
experience.
Osu!
Scott Boudreau - Burnaby Dojo
**************************************************************
Friday afternoon Jordan and I made
our way up to Banff to participate
in this years Black Belt
Conference. This event only takes
place every other year and always
features internationally well
respected high-ranking members of
our organization. The list of
guest instructors this year was
exceptional; Kancho Matsui from
Japan, Shihan Gorai from New York,
Shihan Gilbert from Montreal,
Shihan Stuart from Vancouver and
Shihan Don from Cranbrook. All
that experience brought together,
under one roof, provided an
excellent opportunity to develop
our skills and understanding of
Kyokushin Karate.
Friday nights session
led by Kancho Matsui focused on
kihon and its relation to kumite.
Kancho did a great job explaining
the importance of basics as it
relates to our fighting.
Before class ended I
took a count of people
participating and was surprised to
find out well over 100 people were
training. There were black belts
from all over the world; Japan,
England, Scotland, Singapore,
United States, Eastern & Western
Canada just to name a few.
Saturday morning 6:30 AM
we began weapons training using
tonfas with Shihan Gorai. For
those who have never heard of
tonfas, they are a tEhandle
wooden clubs that fit in each hand
closely resembling an old
fashioned policemans billy
clubE
We began with basic
movements using tonfas and moved
on to tonfa katas, which was very
interesting as this was brand new
to most of us. Shihan Gorai had
incredible patience teaching
tonfas as we fumbled awkwardly and
sometimes dropped our tonfas.
Breakfast time, short
break and on to our mid morning
session led by Kancho Matsui this
time focusing on ido geiko as it
relates to our fighting
techniques.
Next came lunch, a quick
rest followed by a brisk walk up
Tunnel Mountain. At the top of the
mountain with a breathtaking view,
Shihan Stuart led the training
with fight combinations.
What goes up must come
down so all of us came down just
in time for our final session of
the day with Kancho Matsui. This
session involved fight
combinations and tied the previous
kihon and ido geiko sessions
together stressing the importance
of a strong foundation for a
stronger kumite.
The evening brought us
all together for a wonderful
catered supper at the Sayonara
Party. This was a great
opportunity to mingle and meet
people from all over.
Sunday morning came
early again at 6:30 AM with Shihan
Gilbert starting out the session
by giving our minds and bodies a
grueling workout with advanced
fight movements and combinations.
Shihan Gorai finished the sessions
with Bo katas and tonfa katas
review.
Breakfast time came and
went and Shihan Don did a great
job teaching the mid morning
session of goshin jitsu stressing
the importance of proper basic
stances, techniques and
movements.
This concluded the
conference for most of us but a
few people stayed back to be
graded for their next belt by
Kancho Matsui. Best wishes to all
of you!
Thank you to Kancho
Matsui for sharing his knowledge
and expertise with all of us.
Shihan Gorai and Shihan Gilbert
thanks for the great teachings.
Shihan Stuart and Shihan Don every
time we train with you we take
back something new, Thank you. To
Sensei Kathy I cant imagine how
much work you did to make this all
possible but rest assured we do
appreciate your efforts, Thank
you.
OSU,
Denis Forget
Calgary Dojo
***************************************************************************
Wow! What a camp!
Nothing compares to this
camp in regards to level of
instruction, enthusiasm and
camaraderie. I had a blast. This
is the 3rd such event that I have
attended and every event has
topped the one that preceded it.
Friday I arrived late
and had to hurry around, find my
room get changed and bolt down to
the gym. Kancho started the 1st
class with Basics and ended with
Basics. This became the theme for
the weekend. Practice of basics
makes perfect or rather,
practicing basics perfectly makes
perfect.
It became apparent that
Kancho was trying to demonstrate
the building blocks of Kyokushin
from the ground up or Basics so to
speak. Friday night was standing
basics. Saturday mid-morning was
moving basics and finally Saturday
afternoon we touched on movement
and incorporating the techniques
into the movements.
In Saturdays early
morning session, Shihan Gorai
demonstrated and taught Tonfa,
basic Kihon Kata and the more
advanced Kata. It was fun and
interesting as for most of us it
was the 1st time we'd ever handled
a Tonfa. I only dropped them
once.
Saturday afternoon we
were treated to a fantastic view
overlooking Banff and the
mountains after a brisk walk up
Tunnel Mountain.
Sunday morning we began
with a warm-up from Shihan Gilbert
and then continued with the Tonfa
and Bo training from Shihan Gorai.
Sunday mid morning
session started with Happo no
Kuzushi lead by Shihan Stuart and
followed by Goshin Jitsu lead by
Shihan Don.
I would like to thank
everyone that participated,
organized and helped with this
camp. This was a great camp and I
am looking forward to the next
one. We'll see you there! OSU,
Lance Gerber
Calgary Dojo
**********************************************************************
On the weekend of October 8th,
9th and 10th
the International Black Belt
Conference was held once again in
Banff. This conference brings out
a crowd from all over the world
that are united under their
affiliation with Kyokushin Karate.
There were many different black
belts from all over the world
including those from Great
Britain, Scotland, Singapore, USA
and even Japan.
Kancho Matsui also
attended and instructed many of
the classes throughout the
weekend. After listening to his
point of view on many aspects of
training (especially basics) it
opened my eyes to a whole new way
of looking at karate. Kancho went
into great detail and explanation
on how basics relate to fighting
and the importance of technique
and visualization in fighting and
real-life applications. It was
very insightful to train with
Kancho for the weekend and get a
different perspective on training.
During one of our training
sessions we did a 30 minute hike
to the top of a mountain and
proceeded to train there. The view
and the scenery were fantastic.
There were plenty of pictures
being taken. Many of the
participants from outside of
Canada were blown away by the
beauty of Banff.
Other sessions over the weekend
included weapons training using
bows and tonfas. These classes
were taught by Shihan Gorai of New
York. It was very interesting
because I had never used tonfas
before and it was difficult but
quite fun. Weapons training is
something that we arent normally
used to so it was experience that
required new skills just to keep
up. Although it was tough, the
class was a great time.
The last session was a self-defense
class instructed mainly by Shihan
Don Corrigal of Cranbrook. His
knowledge of pressure points and
how the body works allowed for
great examples for the self-defense
portion of the weekend. He taught
us that strength and power isnt
everything and that there are many
weaknesses in the body that can be
exploited if you ever find
yourself in danger in a real-life
scenario.
Kancho Matsui finished
off the session and the weekend
with more self-defense/fighting
drills.
Overall the weekend was
informative in many different
ways. It also brought many people
from all over the world together
who share a common interest.
I
enjoyed my weekend at the Black
Belt Conference in Banff it was a
positive experience that taught me
new skills and how to improve old
ones.
Osu,
Jordan
Forget
Calgary Dojo
**********************************************************************
Osu!
I had a great time at
the 2010 Black Belt Conference.
This year was much less stressful
as I was not grading. I was able
to enjoy the training sessions and
the wonderful facility without
worrying about what was about to
happen to me in the test looming
around the corner.
I found the instruction
we received very inspiring! I
enjoyed Kancho's instruction
throughout the weekend. He focused
on small details in your basic
techniques that really make a
difference in how you can perform
them better. He accompanied his
teaching with great stories that
helped me visualize what you
should be feeling in your body
when performing specific
techniques. He chose some pretty
unique objects to think about like
toothpaste tubes, tree trunks,
bolts stuck in the ground, and
catching flies to name just a
few. These examples may sound
strange but I found them very
helpful! Shihan Gorai's classes
using the tonfas were great.
Having never used the tonfa I was
pleasantly surprised how much fun
they can be! Tonfa vs. Bo was
pretty cool!
Wonderful training
aside, another great thing about
this camp is bringing karate-ka
from all parts of the world
together to train. Meeting new
friends from across Canada and
catching up with old buddies never
gets old! Thank you for another
great opportunity to learn and
improve!
Osu!
Dean Bawtinheimer
PoCo Dojo
***********************************************************************
The drive to Banff from Vancouver
was a long one. I was happy to
hear about how excited my students
were to go this year. We all
speculated on what the training
would be like, if we would be in
good enough shape, and how sore
will we be when we pack up and
leave on Sunday.
After arriving in Banff
mid-afternoon on Friday, we
decided to unpack and have a quick
nap, so we would be well rested
for the first training session.
Kancho Matsui led the first class
on basic kihon. I have been to
many training camps over the years
that involved extensive training
of your basic kihon, and I am
always amazed at how much I can
still learn about how my body
moves, as opposed to how it is
supposed to move. Kancho Matsuis
explanations on body movement were
very thorough.
The main focus of his classes
were:
-
Proper posture
-
Transition of your weight as you
move through your stances
-
Be creative with your basic
kihon. Just because a technique
is taught one way, doesnt mean
that it cant be used in a variety
of different ways.
I
left the camp thinking not only
about how I perform my own basic
kihon, but how I teach them to
others. Kancho Matsuis classes
also showed me, that no matter how
many years you have been training,
and how much you think you have
mastered your basic kihon, there
is always something more to
learn.
I
would like to thank Shihan Stuart,
Sensei Kathy, and the rest of the
organizing committee for hosting
such an enjoyable weekend. I look
forward to the next Black Belt
Conference in a couple of years.
Osu
Jeremy Russell
North Richmond
Kyokushin
*****************************************************************
The World Unites AgainE
was the theme for this unique
training camp and the Conference
offered the diversity of
delivering its powerful
experiences in an inspiring
mountain location EBanff, AB.
While this was not my
first time into and around Banff
through work and leisure, it was
my first time for attending an
International Conference, and my
first time staying at the Banff
Centre. The stage was set to make
my experience productive,
energizing, rewarding and
memorable, and I was not
disappointed.
My room was shared with
Shihan Mac Robertson, a Godan from
the UK. Kyokushin has been a way
of his life for 39 years and in
many countries. We quickly formed
a good friendship over the
weekend.
The training was not so
much physically demanding as it
was mentally demanding, and
continued to focus on reinforcing
basics through instruction, so
that each of us would continue to
be consistent in our teachings
about Kyokushin knowledge and
bunkai to our Kohai. When one had
a moment to reflect on the broad
spectrum of participation
involving 10 Shihans from
different counties of the world,
and the amount of experience
contained within the training
vestibule from 109 participants,
it was awe inspiring yet provided
an atmosphere of commonality.
Kancho Matsui led the
first of four training sessions,
and with the support of Shihan
Gorai, reinforced how the basics
had to be in tune with ones body,
with correct posture and breathing
and timing. For some of us it was
learning how to relax for 5 or 10
minutes while in ippon kumiteE
and maintaining kimeE then
executing through stiff body parts
until once again were loosened
up.
During the reception on
Friday night and over the course
of meals shared during the
conference one was able to renew
relationships, forge new
relationships and exchange
information Ealways valuable.
The second day of
training was as varied as the
settings. Shihan Gorai led us
through the Tonfa Kata, as we
learned how to grip and handle the
Tonfas while manoeuvring through
various stances and kicks. Kancho
Matsui continued to reinforce
creativity and imagination through
circle and point. The day was warm
and clear as we ventured up Tunnel
Mountain, each going up and down
the 3 km distance at ones own
pace, while enjoying the
ambiance. Training was
performed in a unique atmosphere
on top of a different world, not
often experienced. During the
last session Kancho Matsui again
reinforced what our Shihans have
been teaching us all along that
kihon and katas must all relate to
fighting; that one must practice
more difficult techniques to keep
our kumite fluid and balanced;
that to be a more successful
fighter one must perfect what
other fighters do not practice:
and that one must take the fight
to where your opponents weaknesses
are. We then practiced some ippon
kumite with partners. The Sayonara
dinner featured great food,
camaraderie, presentations and
thanks.
The third and final day
opened with Shihan Gilbert quickly
setting the pace by leading us
through some Ido Geiko. Then
Shihan Gorai led us through the Bo
Katas and once again through the
Tonfa Kata. Then we practiced
some Tonfa on Tonfa Kasaho
techniques and some Tonfa on Bo
Kasaho techniques with partners.
Kyokushin spirit was front and
center during the final training
session. Shihan S. Corrigal led us
through Happo No Kuzushi-Kawashi
first 16 and second 8 in Hidari
and Migi as a continuation of
circle and point techniques. Then
we partnered up while Shihan D.
Corrigal led us through some
Goshin Jitsu, which reinforced
controlling the space between you
and your adversary in order for
you to control the outcome. Shihan
Gorai then reminded us how much it
would take for us to attain muso
uchiE Kancho Matsui completed our
training session by emphasizing
the mind is all empowering to
overcome ones inhibitions and
limitations, and that continuous
self discovery is never ending.
We all have various
takeaways from such Conferences.
Mine was simple and
straightforward. Individually and
collectively, we should strive to
be the change we want to see in
the Kyokushin World, by improving
and passing on the learnings
taught by World Class Kyokushin
practitioners.
Osu,
Bruce Laffling
Richmond (South
Arm) Dojo
*****************************************************************
This event was a little different
than most of the other camps I've
attended, but the end result was
the same I came away from it with
new ideas and am a better student
for being there.
The training was not
as brutal as we usually
experience, but there is something
to be said for teaching by way of
talking too.
I found quite a few of
the things Kancho talked
about really caught my attention
and opened my eyes....I learned a
few ways to improve my basic
technique, I learned a few new Ido
Geiko combinations a little more
about footwork, and several other
things.
All things I plan to
pass on to my students.
I believe a camp of
this magnitude with the highest
ranking member of our
organization, should be about
making better instructors, because
almost everyone there is an
instructor at their respective
dojos.
We all know how to
work our tails off, we do that in
our Dojos every class, but having
all of the Shihans take a little
extra time and really teach us
some new things was pretty special
too.
Osu.
Keith Klughart
Nelson Dojo
*********************************************************
I was very nervous
about attending this seminar at
first. Not only because it was
dubbed "Black Belt Conference"
while I was currently a green
belt, but also because I heard
that guest appearances would be
made by many Shihans of the world
and by Kancho Matsui himself.
Most of my nervousness
was quelled upon entry to the
"dojo" way up in Banff. I saw that
I was not the only green belt, but
we were a group of about 6. What a
relief it was for me. The training
was not as intense as my
imagination had made it out to be
on the road to Banff. Instead, it
was quite theory-heavy. Kancho
talked about finding the essence
of karate and he made many
analogies that made understanding
concepts a lot easier. For
example, how the whole
organization was like a watch
factory and we were watches.
Basics, moving basics, katas,
fighting and other parts of our
training all represented an
integral component of the watch.
If even one of those pieces were
not in good form, the watch as a
whole would perform poorly. Also,
we often had to take apart the
watch and polish up certain parts
to ensure we can take a lickin'
and keep on tickin'.
The whole time I was
there, an odd underlying feeling
irked me. I saw here, rows and
rows of black belts, many of which
had their own dojos, their own
students and were masters in their
own right. To see them all
gathered here and follow the
instruction of someone ranked even
higher was a revelation for me. To
see that even our Senseis are
still students, learning and
practicing to better themselves as
students to make even greater
teachers; it was awe inspiring.
Though there was very
little time in between trainings
for leisure activities, I had a
great time in the hotel. The food
was amazing, and coming from me,
that's saying something.
Interactions with Shihans again
proved my far-fetched imagination
wrong. They too are human in every
sense of the word. They aren't
perfect karate gods, they too are
as much of a karateka as we are.
They practice and practice to
achieve perfection and push us
hard in training for our own good;
but when talking to them, eating
with them and being around them
outside of the dojo, they are
really down-to-earth, great people
that have much to share with the
world.
I am very happy that I
ended up going and learning as
much as I did. (Did I mention we
learned a kata using tonfa?) I
thank all my Sempais for the
knowledge, training and good time.
I look forward to the next event
and hope that I can attend it as
well.
OSU.
John
Kleschelsky
Vancouver Dojo
*********************************************************
I always look forward
to training camps and one of my
favorites is the Black Belt
Conference. This year was no
exception.
The facility is world
class and the setting is out of
this world. What a place for us to
train! What a showcase for Canada
to our friends from around the
world.
The theme for me this
year was a comment made by a
Shihan from another country I have
met at previous conferences. It
stuck with me all weekend. To
quote, I love coming to this
camp because we always learn
something.Enbsp;
It always amazes me
that Kyokushin practitioners with
30, 40 or even 50 years still
strive to learn. It is a testament
to the dynamic nature of Kyokushin
Karate and the dedication to the
Budo tradition by its members to
strive for knowledge and
self-fulfillment.
It was really great to
have representation from Japan,
Singapore, England, Scotland, the
United States and a really large
group from Quebec. Not to mention
all the great people from western
Canada.
The instruction was
also world class, from world-class
instructors. Kancho Matsui, Shihan
Stuart Corrigal, Shihan Don
Corrigal, Shihan Gorai, and Shihan
Gilbert.
Each instructor did
an excellent job conveying their
technical knowledge and their
message. I found that each of them
has their own method of
instruction and personality and
are all differentE and yet they
are all enthusiastic, interesting
and show a real passion for
Kyokushin.
It was also apparent
to me that the return to basics
that our organization in western
Canada has been promoting was a
theme by all instructors. To be
good at fighting, kata or goshin
jitsu, a command of basics is
essential.
Each and every
instructor stressed this. They
also said, that everyone needs to
go back to basics and practice the
things you are not good at so that
you can improve.
Kancho said, that you
need to get better at the things
you dont know well because as a
fighter you can then read your
opponent. If you do not know his
techniques you will be beaten.
I learned a lot from
this camp about how I should be
directing my own training. There
is no fear of getting bored
because there is just so much to
learn and so little time. Besides
its a lot of fun.
If anyone feels bored
or feels that there is not much
new to learn just go to a training
camp. Our instructors are
motivated, interesting, world
class andE they just keep coming
up with new stuff!!!
Oh YeahEgetting
together with old friends is the
best!
OSU!
Bill Stalker
Rocky Mountain Dojo
********************************************************
OSU, The camp was very well
structured and the tuition was
excellent.
Kancho covered some
very important points that many
had 'forgotten' and by covering
these point brought new focus back
to them.
Shihan Gorai took a
couple of excellent classes in the
weapons of, Bo and Tonfa, which
focused on learning by doing, not
just feeding information that is
sometimes more complicated than
actually doing the techniques.
The short but sweet
session by Shihan Gilbert was
again informative by action.
The march up the
mountain took its toll but was
really enjoyed by those who made
it! The view takes your breath
away (as does the walk up
there!!!)
All in all, a great
seminar, with great instruction
and great people. The next one
should not be missed,
OSU.
Shihan Mac Robertson
England
***********************************************************
OSU...!
I looked in the mirror at
home, and discovered that I
probably survived the Camp... I
have to admit that it occasionally
was tough, but manageable, and I
have to specifically thank Shihan
for initiating, organizing and
maintaining this event, which is
of special position in my memory,
always...!
THANK U VERY MUCH...!
Going to the camp I left at
home all big World Karate
Politics, as apart from historical
interest to me I am not
specifically concerned,
concentrating instead on my own
participation, ich, ni, san way,
which is of much greater
importance to me than anything
else...
Having been, however,
aware of the goings on
internationally, and that quite in
detail as well, (and having
guessed that others have been
equally aware of the same...), I
have to admit that I was concerned
-- and this not so much in a
political but rather in a personal
sense, of a quite difficult
position Shihan could have been in
versus all that mess out there...
Shihan, your grace and political
suave, however, was exemplary by
all means, of which recognition
from my perspective I want you to
become aware herewith...
Shihan, at this camp,
you have possibly noticed, that
even when encouraged by you to ask
questions, etc. all camp
participants did not take any
occasion to do so, for in my
opinion any question would've
been, I realized, for one, to
difficult to answer, and for two
obtaining an "answer" would've
been of not much material to most
of us anyway... I think this thing
is too complicated for a casual
discussion, and too immaterial at
this point, as things will
possibly be settled by the course
of time. Having said that, I
understand most camp attendees
chose to withdraw from any further
discussion about the subject and
step aside into the world of...
OSU...!
Once more, and very
much personally, to all camp
participants and instructors,
please accept my very most sincere
THANKS...!
OSU...!
Jan (TEKO)
Sensei
PS - It's not the end of the
story... For on the way home my
companion, Alexey, quite
dangerously suggested that, may
be, we should attempt an ascent on
the Sulfum Mountain, by trail,
eh...? Stupid as I sometimes am, I
conceded, and you know what...? It
hurt up top...! And I wanted to
share this stupidity with you
too...
Jan
Terezecenko
Edmonton Dojo
Editors note:
Sensei Jan at +70 years of age was
the oldest participating student
at the camp. He never missed one
training session. OSU.
***************************************************************
I had the privilege
and honour to attend the ' 7th
International North
American Black Belt Camp held in
Banff, Alberta Canada ' October
8,9/10th
2010.
Perhaps amongst one of
the most poignant periods in our
organizations
History, we are again reminded on
Sosai's comment echoed not only in
words but in execution from our
Shihan's and the head of our
organization ' Kancho Matsui '
the immortal few words " Just
train. "
Most noticeable this
year was the strength of the
relationship across the country in
Kyokushin Canada and the bond that
has developed over the years with
East and West.
Whilst earlier there
was eager and hopeful anticipation
of attendance from all over the
world that again Shihan Filio from
Brazil would once again be able to
accept the invitation to attend in
sharing any Brazilian fighter
training techniques, we were
nevertheless graced with the
participation of Kancho Matsui who
himself is an ex World Champion
and one of few to complete the 100
man Kumite.
The Bo training once
again with Shihan Gorai as well as
the introduction of the " tonfa ,"
both kata and practical
application was most interesting
as well as purposeful for
enhancing fighting techniques.
More importantly,
despite all the midst of the hype
and previous anticipation of
complex Brazilian fighting
techniques possibly being exposed
or passed on from one of the
greater Kyokushin fighters in
current time,.... Kancho quietly
shared many detailed ' comments on
the importance of attention to
detail and technique ' at all
times '.
The most important
may be to remind ourselves of the
purpose of training so not to
forget that each detail is related
to fighting and so therefore
should be practiced as a fighting
application at all times.
" Go back, go over it
again, train what you can not do
or do not do, the importance of
posture, breathing, power and
strength of technique as well as
kime. Do not aspire to be like a
specific Champion by copying style
but to become your own fighter by
training and perfecting those
techniques best suited to
yourself. Use full range of
motion " ..............all very
sound 'basic' instruction, yet
perhaps we should look deeper into
the comments and direction made to
the importance of basic
technique. This echoed over and
over by Shihan Donald in
instructing Goshin Jitsu by
demonstrating the effectiveness of
the result.
Something's we have
heard many times from our Shihan's
or experienced Sensei's as well as
Shihan Bobby Lowe on many
occasions, who is missed, at every
camp he does not attend.
Kancho used many
effective analogies to try to
communicate the importance and
reason for perfect technique
including not to slap the feet
back on the ground, for the third
time while being very courteous
suggesting that we ' must remember
this ' as well as sharing some of
his own insight on fighting with
very effective techniques.
As a previous fighter
of his standing, first hand
training experience with
Sosai, and as the chosen head of
our organization, just may be
there is some importance to
'attention to detail' and the
experience shared.
An excellent camp
again and many things learned...
maybe.
OSU.
Neil Rowley
POCO Dojo
