My Training Through Another’s Eyes

Calgary Seminar 2005 

Often we do not see ourselves and the lives we live in quite the same way as others see us. At times the purest introspection arises from examining how our actions and behaviours must appear to those around us. Introspection from the outside in, as it were. I recently had the opportunity to think on this, as a friend of mine observed the Calgary 2005 Seminar, and talked at length with me about it afterwards.

She is a professional photographer, and was asked to record the training that took place in the five arduous training sessions that were led by Shihans Corrigal over the course of the weekend. She later commented to me that the assignment had been one of her most challenging yet, and that she had enjoyed watching the training through the lens more than she could have anticipated. She spoke of how the energy and spirit in the room was palpable, and how the respect and discipline was apparent in every student, from the smallest child to the most advanced senior. It became necessary for her to spend time observing and learning the movements before shooting, in order to anticipate the truest moment of power in every technique, and capture it on film. And often, she could easily see the intentions of the movements. As she talked, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how many of the fundamental aspects of the Kyokushin Way had been obvious, and apparent even to a naïve observer. I realized that the meaning and principles of our training are more than just abstract ideas and attitudes – they are really there, in plain view, everyday in our training. I suppose I felt a sense of pride, that our collective goals and ideas as karate-ka got through and made sense – even to her. She was truly touched by the experience.

I think that seldom in our lives, and even in our regular training, do we push ourselves harder than we do at these types of gatherings. Weekends such as this are critical to re-align us, and remind us why we were drawn to Kyokushin to begin with: the spirituality, the physicality, and the camaraderie. And nothing could have had a greater impact on me than realizing that an individual outside of the organization, after observing such a small sample of our training, now understands these things too.

　

Our sincere thanks again to all who participated and helped with the planning, and in particular to the distinguished instructors, Shihan Stuart Corrigal and Shihan Don Corrigal, who brought new challenges to our training with many new techniques, as well as some of our old favourites. The training schedule was intense, satisfying, and tremendously enjoyable. We hope to see this event continue its growth and success. OSU to all. 

Michelle Gillespie