@
Winter
camp 2011 had excellent training and
amazing instructors. I would like to
thank Shihan Stuart, Sensei Larry,
Sensei Brad, Sensei Leo, Sensei Dean,
and Sempai Steve. I learned a lot this
weekend!
The first training session
consisted of Kihon and Kata and was a
nice way to start the weekend. We
focused on the most important part of
Karate, the basics. We also worked on
the Tonfa Kata which is a fun new
challenge.
Tameshiwari is definitely a
challenge for me, I have been working on
it since December. My board breaking has
been very inconsistent, some days I bust
through them all, other days I can't
even break one board....
Karate is about perseverance
and I will persevere so I can accomplish
my goal. As always this winter camp was
fun as well as inspiring. I think it was
enjoyed by all!
Osu,
Sherry Bawtinheimer – PoCo Dojo
Once
again, I loaded my van with people and
gear, and headed to Peachland for this
yearfs Winter Camp. Being a dan
candidate, I was feeling a little
nervous, but also anxious to begin the
next phase of my grading. There were
two other dan candidates along for the
ride, Mike Sanford and Baki Cvijetinovic.
The entire ride up was filled with study
games, questions about different aspects
of Kyokushin Karate and discussions on
what to expect during the weekend
training sessions.
There
were many highlights of the training
sessions for me. Sensei Larryfs
explanations of some of the bunkai in
our katas, and learning the Tonfa Kata,
are just two that quickly come to mind.
Even though I was trying to focus as
much as I could on each training
session, I was finding my mind wandering
to the different tasks that I had to
perform as a dan candidate.
After
lunch on Saturday, all of the dan
candidates gathered in the hall to
complete our breaking requirement. I
watched, as many of the candidates were
successful in completing all of their
breaks. The spirit in the room dropped
as we all watched Sempai Mike break his
hand while attempting to break 3 boards
with his seiken. I was the last to go
up, and was unfortunately unable to
complete all of my breaks.
The next
training session was very difficult for
me. My focus keep going away from what
I was doing and kept going back to what
I did wrong during the breaking, and
what I probably should have done
differently.
Saturday
night saw the dan candidates complete
our written exams, and interviews.
Afterwards, we had time to relax a
little. With all of our requirements
for this weekend behind us, there were
more than a few discussions about what
was still ahead for us over the next few
months.
I would
like to thank Shihan Stuart, and Sensei
Kathy for organizing the camp this year,
as well as the other instructors for
their help in putting on such an
informative and enjoyable camp.
Osu,
Jeremy Russell - North Richmond Dojo
@
The 2011 IKOK-C Winter Camp
was held on the weekend of March 18-20
at the great Silver Lake Forestry Center
in Peachland BC. Every year, one who
attends this camp can expect to train
hard, learn a lot, and most importantly
have fun, and this year was no
exception. And while many in attendance
come to camp for their own varying
reasons, for 10 of us this was the first
step in our Black Belt testing, with the
weekend including a written test,
interview process, and Tameshiwari. Try
as I might, I couldn't help but feel
both nervous and excited on the trip in
from Calgary. My mind was flooded with
terminology and board breaking,
imagining best as I could as to what
might be in store for myself and my
fellow testers and getting more nervous
and antsy as I did. As we arrived at
camp and started to unpack and help with
setting up, I found I relaxed a bit
more. Once the first of 6 classes began
Friday night, my mind switched into
learning mode, and the first of many
exhilarating and exhausting classes
plunged myself and the room full of
fellow karate-ka fist first into action!
We all worked up a sweat and learned
that although we may not all do things
the same, we can always broaden our
knowledge of how we do even simple Kihon
and Ido Geiko by learning from other
instructors. It was a great first class
and set a fine tempo for the weekend
ahead.
Saturday began with an early
morning alarm, waking up myself and my
fellow campers for a 6 am training
session. And although it's usually
customary to begin Saturday with an
intense warm-up on the lake, due to the
warmer than usual temperatures we were
forced to train on the service road for
safety reasons. This didn't hamper
spirits though, as everyone did their
best to train hard and keep their
balance on the icy road surface! After
warm-up we moved indoors for more
training, and suddenly the impact of the
day struck me and my nervousness came
back. But rather than dwell on the
inevitability of what was to come, I
simply kept telling myself to find
Mushin (the state of perfect calm), and
that when the time came I needed to be
in zanshin (the state of perfect
awareness). These mantras served me well
as I indeed calmed down, and when 2:30
rolled around and it was time to board
breaking, I was focused and ready. When
Shihan was finished his explanation of
what it was that we were expected to do
and indicated it was my turn to go, all
my worries and doubts left me and it was
just me and the boards. I powered
through my seiken, and thankfully the
boards broke! After that my mae geri and
mawashi geri breaks seemed easy and
before I knew it I was done. A wave of
relief hit me and now it was time to
cheer on my friends as they were all
next. Although not all were successful,
the spirit and camaraderie of those of
us testing showed, and many words of
encouragement were given to those who
get another shot at Summer Camp as we
know they can do it!
After one more training
session involving bo and tonfa work, we
were all treated to another great camp
meal, and then the Dan candidates had a
bit of down time to prepare for the
written exam and interviews still to
come. It was now time to get to that
state of perfect awareness, and thanks
to my success earlier it felt much
easier to achieve. The written exam went
by smoothly, with only a few questions
holding me up, and the interview,
although a bit intimidating was fun and
I felt it went well. A few relaxing
beverages and some great conversation
followed, and then it was off to bed for
one more short night of sleep and more
time to reflect on the day that passed.
Sunday arrived with the same
alarm as Saturday, and we all awoke and
prepared for 2 more training sessions to
finish camp. A great review of tonfa
kata and a very spirited class lead by
Sensei Brad, Sensei Dean, and Sensei Leo
finished off what is sure to be a very
memorable camp for myself and many
others. All the nerves had passed and
the questions I had for the weekend had
been answered and now it was time to
focus my new knowledge and reflect on a
great weekend on the trip home. A great
big thanks needs to go out to the camp
staff of Silver Lake for providing us
all with great meals and hospitality
that was second to none. And a huge
thanks to Shihan Stuart, Sensei Larry,
Sensei Brad, Sensei Leo, Sensei Dean,
Sensei Lyle, and all the Sempais for
their great instruction, support and
encouragement throughout the camp. And
to all my fellow Dan candidate, I wish
to extend my congratulations for being
true warriors this weekend and for
getting through the first part of this
long and rewarding journey we're on. It
was a true pleasure working hard with
you all this weekend. Winter Camp is a
truly great experience for all involved,
regardless of your level and experience,
and if you get the chance to participate
in the future you should!
OSU,
Richard Barkman - Calgary
Dojo
@
Winter
Camp March 18, 19, 20, 2011 – Silver
Lake Camp, Peachland, BC
Once again we, along with
others who travelled from all over BC
and AB, journeyed to the Okanagan to
attend another Kyokushin Karate Training
Camp; and for 2011 it marked the 23rd
year for winter camps, the 10th
year at Silver Lake Forestry Camp (6th
year in the new lodge). For the most
part the weather cooperated for all our
travelers (except for some fog on the
return portion) and activities during
the weekend. We checked in and then
found our bunks in the rustic log
cabins, started fires to build up some
heat in the wood stoves. We quickly
acquainted ourselves with one another
and as time permitted throughout the
weekend we were able to enjoy some good
interchanges. Later we returned to the
Lodge to meet new people and renew
friendships and warm up for what was to
come. Of the approximately 65 people in
attendance, there were 11 who were
grading for Shodan and Sandan and Godan.
The 1st training
session began with various Sensei s
leading us through some long and fast
sets of Kihon, and a number of involved
Ido Geiko combinations. Sensei Larry
led us through Seienchin Kata ,
stressing the vital points during
execution of various techniques. A
number of Kyokushin scarves/bandanas
were placed on the mantle and were
awarded after each training session to
an individual who exhibited extra
ordinary performance. During the dinner
that followed, Sensei Larry, set the
deportment for the weekend.
Some free time to relax and
exchange small talk, study for some, and
then off to bed. Judging from some of
the feedback the following day, sleep
was a mixed event.
The 2nd
training session began early and
outdoors on the icy road under snowing
conditions. The lake was full of slushy
layers this year and not deemed safe.
Our leaders led us through basic Kihon.
Back into the lodge groups were split up
to perform various combinations of Ido
Geiko. Circle and Point was
progressively reinforced. A brief Q & A
followed. Our caterers provided great
meals for our weekend retreat.
The 3rd training
session began with splitting up the
groups for Bo/Taisan (Tonfa)Katas and
fight training. Upstairs we spent the
majority of time learning the Taisan
Kata and physically handling the Tonfas
through the various movements led by
Shihan Stuart and Sensei Brad.
Downstairs Sensei Dean and Sempai Steve
led us through a variety of Kumite
combinations and finished with eMountain
Climbingf. A brief Q & A followed.
Lunch at last.
Shihan
Stuart informed everyone that Dan
candidates would have two opportunities
to break the required number of boards
by attending winter and/or summer camps
in the same year. It was an interesting
dynamic in terms of ekimef and
etameshiwarif execution by the Dan
candidates when they were breaking the
number of boards. Some succeeded – some
need some more work. Group photo
outside.
The 4th
training session led off with a brief
warm-up, followed by an Instructors
class. Shihan Stuart and the various
Senseis led us through the Kihon
structure to be revised in a soon to be
released syllabus/handbook, and various
combinations of Ido Geiko. Sempai/Kohai
relationship was constantly stressed
throughout the weekend in terms on
ensuring standardization and
consistency.
During dinner Shihan Stuart
showed some videos of historic
tournaments, Taisan Kata introduced
during the Banff 2010 training, and
Shihan Bobby Lowe in recognition of how
much his support has meant to our
Canadian Kyokushin Karate. Following
dinner each person shared something
enlightening and often amusing about
themselves. We had the evening to relax
in camaraderie and connect with others
to discuss our challenges, successes, as
well as learning and sharing solutions,
which is invaluable. There was Dan
Grade/Club Instructors meeting followed
by Dan Grading Candidate written exam
and interviews, all concluding by 10pm.
Many were simply tired and sleep was a
welcome reprieve.
The 5th training session
began early and outdoors under a clear
sky, and again on the icy roadway. Again
our leaders led us through basic Kihon
to warm up our stiff joints. Back into
the lodge we performed a combination of
Bo/Tonfa strike and defense tactics.
Then additional time was spent
reinforcing the Taisan Kata. Sensei
Dean finished the class with a spirited
exercise routine in which everyone
worked very hard to complete with
intensity to bring our event to a
positive conclusion. A brief Q & A
followed. Breakfast was fulfilling.
We then broke camp, cleaned
up, said our farewells, wished Dan
candidates continued success towards
their goals, and hit the road for our
journey back home.
Training
camps are an invaluable experience to
continue onefs personal quests, to
expand onefs mental and physical
capabilities (often outside onefs
comfort zone), while sharing with their
Kyokushin family. They continue to
inspire one to learn and improve. Thanks
are extended to the organizers, the
instructors for imparting their
expertise, and participants for another
memorable training camp.
Osu,
Bruce Laffling – Richmond Dojo
@
This was my third winter
camp. On our way to the camp it became
apparent that this year the region got
it's fair share of snow even though it
was not very cold. This made the outdoor
training interesting and challenging for
all participants given the amount of
snow and ice.
The first training of the
camp held, was a 2-hour session on
Friday. Friday evening training set the
tone and flow, for the entire camp. The
gbottom lineh - BASICS.
Saturday morning, 5:45 AM,
saw all the participants outside in the
snow but the attempt to train on the
frozen lake failed. As it turned out,
below two feet of snow there was icy
slush. The second class on Saturday
focused on Bo & Tonfa training. While
Bo has been around for few years now,
the tonfas are definitely going to be a
challenge and very interesting for many
of us. After lunch all dan
candidates had to break the required
number of boards: shodan ˆ 7 ˆ with
three techniques. It became obvious that
having a ggame planh in place or not
almost predetermines the outcome of
this exercise.
Next followed another
two-hour training session for dojo
operators and black/brown belts. The
focus was on the recently released new
modified curriculum of the IKO and was
introduced by Shihan Stuart. Fighting
combinations and techniques for the rest
of the camp participants was led
downstairs by Sensei Dean and Sempai
Steve.
After dinner on Saturday,
the Written exam took place ˆ personally
I think that I should have done much
better on the test, followed by
traditional Black Belt meeting and Dan
Candidate interviews.
Now when this part is
passed, I can see why tameshiwari and
interview with Shihan and all black
belts might be a bit of an overwhelming
experience, but on the bright side, at
the end you learn something about
yourself as each event stretches the
boundaries of onefs comfort zone...
The lodge has a great open
area with a big fireplace, which gave
the camp participantfs a chance to
socialize for the evening and renew old
friendships.
Training on the final
morning of the camp began outside (6 AM)
in the dark, then moved inside with more
Bo/Tonfa training. I would like to
thank to the Camp organizers for the
productive schedule and especially to
Camp instructors for their dedication
and willingness to pass their knowledge
to all of us. A great weekend of
training!
Osu –
Chav Paskov – Richmond Dojo
Looking back on last
weekend, I can recall sweating hard
alongside my fellow Karate-ka as we all
pushed to master our bodies and minds.
Yes, it was that time of year when the
spirit of Kyokushin gathered in the
heart of Peachland, BC to bring to life
another exhilarating Winter Camp
weekend. For most, this was like many
other camps where you train hard and
rest hard as well. For a few of us
however, things were a little more
special this year as we took the first
steps in our journey as Dan Candidates.
The camp started on Friday
night with a class of Kihon and Kata. It
was a great refresher and a good way to
get everyone warmed up for the training
sessions to follow. It was also an
excellent way to work up a Kyokushin
sized appetite, which in turn was
provided by the dedicated staff of the
Silver Lake Forestry Center. Bedtime
quickly arrived that night, for it was a
long day of travel for most.
Saturday morning began
early, but alas there was to be no
training on the frozen lake due to
unsafe conditions. A disappointing start
to the day but one that was quickly
turned around by Sensei Bradfs upbeat
Kihon and Ido Geiko. The morning
continued with a Fighting Training and
Bo/Tonfa Kata class followed quickly by
the Dan Candidate board breaking. For
some, the wall of fear came crashing
down with every broken board and for
others it remained unscathed waiting for
the next opportunity to crumble. For
those who still have yet to complete
this portion of the test, I wish you
good luck. I would also like to thank
the individuals who volunteered their
time and strength in order to hold up
the boards.
Saturday training concluded
with an intense class of Ido Geiko for
Brown and Black Belts led by Shihan
Stuart. The rest of the night was
comprised of a written test, an
interview, and a good time around the
main fireplace.
Sunday morning began with a
slippery warm up on the icy grounds of
Silver Lake. A Bo and Tonfa application
class quickly followed. I believe this
class was very worthwhile for all.
Personally, it gave me the sense of what
it feels to strike something solid with
either of the two weapons we use in
Karate. As this was the final class for
some, a few words were presented in the
end. I personally hope everyone enjoyed
themselves as much as I did this Winter
Camp. I would like to thank all the
instructors for the great lessons and
for pushing us all as hard as you did. I
would also like to say good luck to the
rest of the Dan Candidates until the
next time we meet.
Osu - Bak
Cvijetinovic – North Richmond Dojo
@
This would prove to be a
very different karate camp for me and
nine others from our Kyokushin family.
Attending karate camps in
the past has always meant hard training,
trying to glean new techniques and
perspectives on gthe wayh from different
instructors and as always maintaining
our social network. As an applicant for
Dan grading, I knew we were not blending
into a sea of white dogis merely
practicing and learning. This time we
were being evaluated and by the end of
the first session all would know who the
Dan candidates were.
Prior to leaving for camp I
put a lot of pressure on myself knowing
that I would be evaluated and had to
complete a written test and an interview
with all of the black belts. The most
pressure came from the understanding
that a mere loss of focus, a slip with a
technique or not being in the game
mentally could spell failure in the
mandatory tameshawari.
On the way to Peachland, my
son Scott, Dan Geisenger, Richard
Barkman and I grilled each other with
questions on terminology, techniques and
Kyokushin history. It seemed the more we
talked about it the more the pressure
seemed to lessen, but there was still
tameshewari.
We arrived at camp and moved
into a cabin with a bunch, who from the
get go, were carrying on with light
hearted banter and insults of varying
degree. Great group!
Starting with
the first training session, it became
apparent the theme was accepting
different teaching styles as we all face
contrasting instruction throughout our
training.
Friday night set a tone for
hard training the rest of the camp. As
usual, I completely focused on training
and I left my other life behind.
Saturday at 06:00, saw an
enthusiastic group ready to train
outside. We were relegated to train on
one of the access roads due to the poor
condition of the ice (water) on the
lake. The icy surface proved to be very
challenging and in a practical fighting
sense very educational as I imagined
having to defend myself with this kind
of footing. (note to self: gotta work on
balance and technique).
After a great breakfast,
more training and I found my mind
drifting toward the tameshewari and to
many, what ifs: gWhat if I donft punch
straight? What if I really hurt my
hand/foot /leg? What if my targeting is
off?h
Upon
realizing this was negative self talk, I
refocused and immersed myself in the
training at hand.
Following training we were
set for lunch and some down timectime to
think. Thatfs not what I needed.
14:30 Saturday 19 March 2011
TAMESHEWARI
Sometimes inspiration can
come from an odd place. As I sat on the
floor waiting for my turn at board
breaking a scene from the movie, Last
Samurai, popped into my head;
Young Samurai to Algren when
learning the way of the sword:
gPlease forgivec. too many
mindc mind the swordc mind the people
watchingc mind your enemycctoo many
mindccNO MIND!
At that moment I had
clarity! Everything went into slow
motion. There was only the boards and me
in the room and only one possible
outcome. Three kiais later it was
done!
As I sat back down my
thoughts turned to my fellow candidates
and I cheered them on and congratulated
Rich who broke first. Lisa Forget gave
us her rendition of Kyokushin spirit by
breaking her five boards with only two
techniques! All of us from Calgary were
successful! What a great feeling!
Everyone watching produced an enormous
amount of positive energy. In the end
some were not successful and they will
have a second opportunity to make
kindling at summer camp. I know they
will do well!
Late afternoon took us to
weapons training with the bo and tonfa.
This is always fun and challenging and
demonstrates a different side of the
gmartial wayh.
Following another great
supper we Dan candidates had time to do
last minute cramming for the written
test. Both the written test and the
interview seemed to go well. Once over,
I think we all were breathing a little
easier and spent the rest of the evening
watching old tournament videos and
socializing the Kyokushin way.
Kihon outside at 06:00cwhat
a great day starter. I found out how
fast fifty push ups can be done as my
hands were quickly melting into the ice.
Inside, training went over the bo and
tonfa again. We then had our final meal
put on by the Silver Lake staff. Then
last training session with a much
smaller group. The intensity was cranked
up by Senseis Brad, Leo, and Dean.
Many thanks to the Silver
Lake Staff for great food and
hospitality. Also thank you to all the
instructors who made for a challenging
and informative weekend.
To my fellow Dan candidates:
May the strength of the samurai be with
you!
OSU -
Doug Potter - Calgary Dojo
Winter Camp is always a
challenge, physically and mentally, this
year for me was even more so as a dan
candidate. I was very nervous in
anticipation of the tests that awaited
me, but found some comfort in the other
candidates as we talked about our
training and encouragement from those
that have gone before.
The weekend was filled with
excellent training sessions, and
although we could not go out onto the
lake we lined up on the road for first
trainings of the day.
Our sessions were kihon,
reviewed kata, ido geiko, fighting
training and self defense. There was bo/tonfa
kata that was a good review as many of
us have forgotten a lot since Banff, and
a session of using the bo and tonfa as
weapons and as defense.
One of the points that hit
home for me was the need for us to be
consistent in our basics throughout all
of our dojos. Every instructor is
responsible for the quality of their
teaching and must lead by example. If we
want students to do their technique
correctly we must always be consistent
and correct in our own. We in Cranbrook
are very fortunate that Shihan Don and
our instructors are excellent role
models.
The Sempai/Kohai
relationship was discussed often in
class and question period in relation to
the consistency of training. The sempais
responsibility to be the best they can
be and teach consistently and correctly,
the kohais responsibility to train to
the best if their ability.
There was an emphasis on
being creative in our training and to
challenge ourselves, for example, the
ido geiko class with Sensei Brad in
which we moved in a sort of square
instead of forward and back, challenging
us to think outside the box and to pay
attention. I was challenged by Shihan to
keep mindful of the count not to jump
into movement before and to be aware of
the count how many techniques have we
done not just mindlessly going. Helping
me to understand what, why, and how to
use the techniques and to be in the
moment.
There is always so much to
learn, and so many things to try to
remember, I started some years ago to
use a journal and it has been invaluable
at camps and weekly training
To write
it all down for future review.
Besides the camp was the
trip to and from, I was fortunate to
travel with Sempai Bill from my dojo,
and he was kind enough to drive. He
questioned me on the way helping me
study, and we had some excellent
discussions on training, grading, our
club and life in general. It was a
great opportunity to get to know him
better.
I would like to thank Shihan
Stuart, the instructors and organizers
for the camp, for sharing their time,
experience and knowledge with us and for
challenging us to train harder and
smarter and to continue to challenge
us.
It was an excellent camp.
OSU –
Trudy Larsen – Cranbrook Dojo
@
The trip
to winter camp had a different feel to
it this year, as it was the year that I
would begin grading for my shodan. I was
feeling nervous about the testing and
all of the different aspects that I
would have to perform during the
weekend. My goal was to stay calm,
focus on my training and do my best.
Everyone that I met, new friends and
old, were very helpful and encouraging.
The camp
opened with a Friday night training that
focused on basics, their application and
how to do them properly. Saturday
morning we planned to do our training on
the lake but it was not frozen enough
for us to do so safely, so we trained on
the roadway instead. Snow had also begun
to fall that morning, making our outdoor
session all the more unique. This was a
new experience for me and I found it
very interesting. Once we moved inside
for additional training we continued
with moving basics. Sensei Brad taught
more complex basics and introduced us to
a new way of moving. He demonstrated
that not all moving basics had to be
done in a straight line, but they could
also be practiced in a more circular
pattern.
Shortly
after our first training we had our
breakfast, which was very good, as were
all the meals prepared by the Silver
Lake Forestry Center staff. The next
training involved the use of tonfas.
With there being so many of us we had to
split everyone up; half went downstairs
to do fight training with Sensei Dean
and the other half learned the first
tonfa kata. Half way through the class
we all switched to ensure that everyone
had a chance to try both.
After
lunch the board-breaking portion of our
test was to begin. Again I was trying to
stay calm and just focus on what I had
to do. I missed my first board with
seiken, so I had to go to plan B and add
an additional board to my mawashi geri
break. It worked and I broke all my
required boards.
After
dinner came the written test and then
the interviews. After both were
completed it was time to relax for a
minute and just visit with everyone. I
finally had a chance to catch up on what
had been happening with everyone since
last time we met.
Sunday
morning came early as we got ready to do
our training outside again. Our first
training in the morning included the
tonfas and bofs as well. We also went
over how to defend an attack from a bo
using our tonfas. Once again we reviewed
the tonfa kata. Shortly after breakfast
we had our last training class of the
camp which consisted mainly of basics
and some kicking drills.
We then
did a clean up and said goodbye to our
Kyokushin family and packed up for our
long drive home. It was a great weekend
and I am happy that I have completed the
first step of my test. And I would like
to thank everyone who was there to
support and encourage me along the way.
An additional, Thank-you to
the staff of the Silver Lake Lodge for
everything you did to look after us and
feed us.
OSU
- Lisa Forget – Calgary Dojo
@
@
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