2012 Summer Camp

Osu!

Along with 14 other candidates for Dan grading I was excited and yet apprehensive about what awaited me at Summer Camp which was held at Ashton Creek this past long weekend. It had been a long process getting here starting with an application due in January, attending Winter Camp for the interview and board breaking requirements. Next was the technical exam held for Jerry, my training partner, and me in June at Cranbrook. Shihan Stuart flew up and he and Shihan Don were present for that (No stress there!) Oh yes we are now required to attain physical standards to a fairly high degree for the first time this year which was done in Cranbrook as well. Then it was off to Summer Camp to complete the process with some more examination on technical and fighting. Summer Camp is always awesome. The camping atmosphere and friendships developed over the years make it worthwhile on its own, but then there is the training. All of the Shihans, Sanseis and Sempais on the training team did an excellent job to create a good learning experience for all and, by the way, a lot of sweat from the training in the hot summer sun, especially in the commando training and the now infamous “fitness challenge” that ended each class. From my perspective it is really good to start the process of the formalized fitness standards. It makes students aware that they need to work to improve themselves and it also gives credibility to our organization as having high standards for its members to attain. Anyone who was there saw the competitive spirit rise with each fitness challenge. As I said the weather was pretty warm and on Sunday for the Black Belt fighting it was 37 degrees outside and once the hall filled up I’d have to say it was well over 40 degrees in there (felt like 50 to me).I have never enjoyed cooling off in the river as much as this year. I always remember my first Summer Camp back in about 1996 and seeing those fights in that hall. I had never seen anything like that before and I am still in awe each time I attend. The energy released by the fighters and the crowd is almost overwhelming. We are truly lucky to have the organization that we have and the people who work so hard to keep it constantly moving forward. Special thanks to Shihans Stuart and Don for all of their deep commitment to make this possible; Sensei Larry for his organization and work organizing the camp; all of the instructors who did such a great job and Sensei Brad for being there during my fights to try to keep me focused. I would also like to congratulate all of the newly promoted Dan candidates…GREAT JOB! It was a valuable learning experience for all of us.

Osu!

It is difficult to break down an entire Summer Camp into one write up—it is even more difficult to explain it all. I am going to try and highlight the more memorable moments of my experience at the Summer Camp of 2012. For a Dan Candidate such as myself it was a weekend partnered with a nervous stomach and racing thoughts. Along with two hundred other people at the Ashton Creek Hall, I set up my tent (a temporary home for four days) and readied myself for training. The first training began Friday evening and already, I was learning. The difference between Kumite Kamae and Kumite Dachi was my lesson for that evening. Kumite Kamae being a posture that refers to the position and entirety of the body whereas Kumite Dachi simply refers to a stance, positioning of the feet and legs. After some basic kihon (and not knowing the answer to how many techniques we had done for the fifth year in a row) the camp had begun. A note worth taking—do not mindlessly train. Saturday is still a bit of a blur considering the amount of training sessions involved and the early hour that I managed to drag myself out of my tent. (4:30 AM) I remember very clearly my lessons under Shihan Don and Shihan Stuart. I took two advanced kata classes and learned that among many things, visualization is a key aspect of kata. Another key point that Shihan Don brought into the light was that of the attached mind. If the body is running on adrenaline it will automatically focus on a single thing, allowing many important aspects of the body and the opponents body to go unnoticed. As athletes we must learn to control the attached mind and become unattached. This in turn is useful when practicing kata. My interaction with Shihan Stuart came primarily when the Dan Candidates were called into the hall for their training sessions and all I can say is that these sessions were abundant with much needed knowledge. These sessions provided a bond between the candidates as well as a place for us to grow as teachers and senior belts. (Not that I really consider myself a senior belt by any means!) But I think I speak for all of us when I say that I am extremely grateful to have the Shihans that we do. Sunday was the day. The day that would change everything. That day that did change everything. I remember watching my Kyokushin family stand before the trial of the board and I watched them break through each one. I waited anxiously outside the hall until I was able to enter and stretch for my coming fights. My ten man kumite. It was hard to believe that I was even in this position, but here I was, watching people file in. This time I was one of the candidates and everything felt so strange. There are only a few things that I remember clearly about my fights: One; Sensei Brad was my referee and my voice of reason. Two; I could not have been more proud to have fought the people that I did. At one point Sensei Brad looked at me and said, “This is fight number eight.” I remember giving him a look of disbelief—because I was positive that he was messing with me. There was no way my fights had gone by that fast! But they had, and just like that, they were over. I barely noticed the pain in my left leg (which eventually lead to my awkward limp for three days) as I waited in the middle of the hall to receive my first degree black belt. My Beginner’s Grade. I was starting all over again in a way, and in shock that I had made it to this point. (After ten years of training, I was beginning again!) The Sayonara party was beautiful, as always. Even if it was hot and half of us were in skin tight spandex. The food was simple and delicious, giving everyone a variety to choose from and the dancing afterwards was more fun than I had ever remembered it to be! I was almost too exhausted to enjoy it, but I managed to dance and sing with everyone in my blue leggings and bright orange tank top. This weekend was one that I will never forget. A weekend that was made unforgettable by so many people. I thank my Shihans, my Sensei, my Sempais and my Kohais. This would never have been made possible without all of you.

OSU.

“What a great weekend! – Seeing old friends again, making new ones and training in the spirit of Kyokushin. “The four of us arrived on Friday afternoon after a pleasant drive from Vancouver and was greeted by Shihan Stuart Corrigal. We set up camp right away and got ready for the first training session. The weekend consisted of 9 trainings and offered a variety of choices: students were learning and practicing their Kihon, Ido-Geiko, Kata, Bo, Tonfa, Self-defence and Fighting. The weather was hot like always, but that’s what summer is all about -, and cooling down in the river after a hard training session was heaven.Sensei Terry’s water training was very refreshing and we learned the ancient secrets of “Scoopy – Uke”.If you don’t know what “Scoopy-Uke” is, you must attend the next summer camp to find out. It will be worth it!” “After floating down the river in our karate uniforms we looked like an annual nature phenomenon. Many people stopped on the bridge to take pictures of the river migration of the karate creatures. At night we were enjoying good food around the camp-fire while we were fighting full contact with vicious, blood thirsty mosquitoes. “The Dan candidates were working hard during the weekend and prepared them-selves for the Sunday afternoon fights. The time has arrived and the hall was packed with spectators. The first group of fighters did very good and fought hard with determination. My group was up next consisting of Hiro, Mike S., and my-self. The anticipation was almost unbearable. I welcomed the first punch and kick from big Pat and finally I could release my anxiety and fight! The rounds were going well and I was feeling strong and focused. The crowd cheered us on and with their support we persevered fight after fight. I could hear the cheers of my son and daughter coming from the background…, I kept going, pacing my-self to go as far as I can. When Shihan Don and Shihan Stuart called the end for me I thanked the crowd with a bow and sat down with ice-packs covering my knees, shins and right eye. The belt ceremony was very emotional for all of us. The Kyokushin Dan grading is trying and difficult. Is it worth it to go through it and stand in this hall in front of all your peers? Yes. Life should be about moments like this and memories you can keep forever.”

Osu!

Sempai Bill and I arrived in Enderby Thursday evening so we could spend Friday afternoon pondering the final phase of our grading process instead of on the Highway. Friday was spent doing nothing but enjoying the sun and visiting old friends and fellow candidates. So another summer camp. Number 12.And this one feels oddly different. Let’s see;there is the morning run and Kihon. There is Sensei Brad and commando training with new tasks he has added from last year.Thanks for those Sempai‘s Denis and Lisa from Calgary! We have a new project for the weekend; Fitness Challenge. Push ups, squats and the ever popular Bo jump. Tonfa training and Taizan kata with Sempai Anthony (you tube please) and Bo Training and kata with Sempai Lazlo was terrific and their fight at the end made the class. The awesome spandex themed Sayonara party. As always the meal was fantastic thanks to Sensei Larry, Sempai Kathy and their team. Difficult to pinpoint any one moment but I think the walk to the hall by Sensei Jeremy and Sempai Anthony may have been close, you guys ruled the catwalk. So why did this weekend seem so different? Ah yes Dan Grading for 13 of us ranging from new Shodans to Sandan. We started this journey officially on Jan 31/2012 when we submitted our applications and then in March at Winter camp where we wrote an exam, had our interviews and board breaking. From there we continued our training on our own until we each challenged our practical tests over the summer. Here at summer camp we had to demonstrate our improvement in areas we were deficient in during our practical’s or winter camp and then it was off to the fighting on Sunday. At the end of the day we all were successful in our quest for the new grade and although it seems like a process we take on as individuals it is a collaborative process that started the first time we put on the cotton and that shiny new white belt and stood in line with that crazy person at the front of the class and tried to follow along. So with that in mind congratulations to all the candidates on your success and thank you to everybody that helped us get hereShihan’s, Sensei’s, Kohai,Student’s, family and friends. Without you we never would have made it here and looking forward I hope we can give the same encouragement to our students. A special thanks to Sempai Bill. We have traveled this road together for the past 14 years through untold camps, seminars, tests, injury’s and laughs. I have come to respect and admire you for your integrity; dedication and unflagging devotion to the task at hand .You are a good friend and an inspiration and I can’t wait till next time.

OSU!

Camp was fantastic, like it is every year. Though I was excited to see my Kyokushin family, anticipation ate at my mind, like a termite eats at a tree. Success in breaking my boards brought me closer to what I want and need. Lining up ready to fight, I know that these fights are going to be my hardest. I was pushed and prodded to fight harder, to show that I want this, to show my worthiness. I pushed, I fell, I may have been able to do better, but I still tried as hard as I could. I heard the finishing cries of my fellow Dan candidates. The fights are over, I bow to my partner in triumph. I have a lot to learn, and so much to work on, but that is the reason why I stay on this path. Achieving Shodan is not my only goal, it is just the first step to what I want. Before this all started, I had smaller goals, smaller ideas of what this would mean to me. Through the months my goals have changed and expanded. I had trauma happen to my cousin Taylor, she has passed on at the mercy of a cruel man. My goals now are to protect women more, to show that they can stand up for themselves and to show that they have a voice. I want to be an inspiration to women, to show them to strive for better and to do great things. Throughout camp I tried to spread this message to the younger girls out there, but now I want to spread this all over the world. This belt I hold high means more than most think, it means that I can now show that you can do anything you set your mind to, so try. You might be one women, but you can break whatever stands in your way with such ease if you know where you stand. Stand tall, stand with purpose, and never give up. Do NOT let anyone or anything take what you want away from you. If we all stand strong together we can defeat violence against women. Thank you everyone who has put there hand in my path to help encourage me along. I have the utmost respect for all who offered those hands.

OSU

Osu,

Summer camp has always been an enjoyable experience for all who attend. For dan candidates it can be somewhat nerve wracking but I guess that just adds to the experience. This year fifteen candidates from 19 years of age to 66 took another step forward on the Kyokushin journey. As always the Instruction was first rate. The variety of training sessions allowed everybody to seek improvement in various aspects of Kyokushin karate. With the introduction of the Fitness Challenge we got an idea of not only how fit we are but also how hard we are willing to push ourselves to improve. I had the pleasure of recording the results for the under 49 women. It was inspiring to watch each individual push herself to the limit at each and every challenge. There were no cheaters in this group. Thank you to Shihan Stuart and Shihan Don for your strong leadership, to Sensai Larry and the Armstrong dojo for organizing this wonderful event, to all the instructors for your time and efforts, to Sensai Laszlo and Sempai Anthony for the mock fight reminding us that the Bo and Tonfa are indeed weapons and not just props for kata.( very entertaining) Finally, Thank you Sensai Tom for your encouragement and guidance over the years.

This years summer camp was a different experience for many reasons. Firstly, I was attending camp as a Dan candidate and had additional personal goals and requirements for training. Secondly, this summer was particularly busy for me and I was aprehensive about my phyical preparedness given my ten-man kumite that was an addition to the already jam-packed schedule. Finally the schedule itself was a change from previous camps, the amount of training time and various activities was refreshing as well as physically demanding. The 2012 Summer camp certainly lived up to its theme of “The Fitness Challenge”. Camp days started with a six am run and getting together afterwards to work on Kihon. Keeping in line with the theme, each training session was followed by a group workout that included push-ups, squats and bo staff jumps until exhaustion. Always a pleasure to see in the schedule was commando training, who knew running around with a large pole could be so much fun! Sunday was the day of my black belt fights, and it came quickly. The last twelve years of training, perserverance and determination fuled my energy and although completely exhausted and physically drained, I finished my fights and completed my requirements for my first Dan. And then we celebrated . . . (no need to repeat the spandex shananegins). Monday morning I said my good-bye’s and headed home from another fantastic experience that was also a milestone in my martial arts career. Many thanks to those who gave their time and energy to making this camp, like all Kyukushin Camps challenging and rewarding.

Osu!

“The spirit of Karate -do is to fight to overcome oneself-not others”. That qoute in my student handbook became my mantra last year. It was a fight to overcome my mental block on breaking and with the help of Shihan Don,and my dojo I was finally successful. An extra special thanks to John Darula for all the moral support and coaching. There is always so much to look forward to at summer camp ,the training,being exposed to new ideas and instructors, the renewing of friendships and forging new ones. This year was no exception, every training session was challenging and enlightening, thank you to all the instructors for their time and efforts,and thank you Sempai Sherry for the yoga class it is always so good to slow it down and get that good stretch. The dan grading process is challenging ,thank you to all of you for your encouragement and moral support. The success of each canidate is a success for the whole of the organization ,as we all know we did not get to the finish line alone, our Shihans, instructors and dojos were with us all the way. As always we owe special Thanks to Sensei Larry and the Armstrong dojo for another outstanding Camp. And for all of you who “love” commando training and those lovely logs,my commando training continued on under the command of Sargent Daryl(my husband) as we used those exact logs to build a rail fence for our pasture ,I could have used my team!!!!!

When I first arrived at Summer Camp, I was approached by Wade Burton from Cranbrook who presented me with a special gift, a Bo with the Kyokushin kanji and my name in Japanese inscribed on it.  I stood there surprised, speechless and awestruck.  Thank you again Wade; I’m still in awe as I reminisce on that moment.  Wade’s gesture of kindness and gratitude made me realize how powerful our relationships are in our organization.  Summer Camp is an opportunity that brings us together to learn, train hard and celebrate with one another.  At this year’s camp I participated in multiple roles as a student, an instructor (both Tonfa and dance), and a Dan Candidate.    I was busy to say the least and even with all my roles I learned and enjoyed every minute.  The instructing team, which was led by Shihan Stuart and Shihan Don consisted of Sensei Terry, Sensei Brad, Sensei Kathy, Sensei Dean, Sensei Lazlo, Sensei Hiro, Sempai Kathy, Sempai Sherry and myself.  The variety of classes at Summer Camp included kihon, kata, goshin-gitsu, board breaking, yoga, cardio kickboxing, Bo and Tonfa, Children’s Class and Commando training.  One of my favorite training moments was learning ‘Scoopy-Uke’; I believe a technique that did not make the main Kyokushin syllabus, but is unique to our organization and is especially usefully in wet conditions.    A new component added to Summer Camp was the Fitness Challenge led by Sensei Jeremy and Sempai Mike.  Based on the Conditioning requirement in our grading syllabus, the Fitness Challenge included Push-Ups, Squats and Bo Jumping.  It was indeed amazing to hear how people pushed themselves in the challenge well beyond their limits.  The 15 Dan Candidates, including myself, completed our grading and all successfully passed.  Congrats to each of my fellow candidates. The Sayonara dinner led by our Head Chef Sensei Larry was delicious and plenty; Thank you Sensei Larry for everything… You’re the best!  This year’s theme for the dinner/dance was Fitness and therefore the costumes…one word…spandex (enough said).  Summer Camp 2012 was tremendous and memborable for me.  I am already excited for Summer Camp 2013.  Thank you Shihan Stuart and Shihan Don for your leadership and guidance and the opportunities you enable us to have such as Summer Camp.

OSU!

Osu,

This year Summer Camp represented the final portion of the shodan grading experience for me. Feelings of anxiety and excitement surrounded me all weekend. At times I found it tough to focus on the training and the fitness challenges because of the upcoming dan candidate’s classes and kumite portion of the testing. That being said, the weekend offered a full schedule and variety of training classes. Specialty classes included instruction on bo and tonfas, goshin jitsu, advanced & intermediate kata, cardio kickboxing and board breaking. Each class had something completely different to offer; and through offering the participants choice, the experience was an excellent learning opportunity that met different interests for a diverse group of students. Kyokushin’s adaptability is a large part of its appeal. This year was also the first year of the introduction of a “fitness challenge” at the end of regular scheduled training. This provided participants with a guideline of where they were on the fitness continuum and could be compared to the syllabus requirements for their given rank. The introduction of the fitness challenge served as a base test and motivated many (including myself) to set new goals. The toughest part (but most fun) of the weekend was the final kumite portion of the grading and all the dan candidates receiving their new belts. I enjoyed my fights as well as watching all of the other fights and seeing how hard each candidate had worked in earning their new belt. It was important to me that my family and friends were there to see that after 15 years of training I was able to attain my shodan. I would like to congratulate all of the dan candidates for their successes over the past months and the culmination of those successes displayed that weekend. I would also like to thank Shihan Stuart, Shihan Don, Sensei Larry and all of the other instructors and staff that worked so hard to make this event a success. Thank you.

Osu,

Osu,

Once again summer camp has come and gone,having trained in different styles,with different organizations over the years that I have been involved with martial arts, I have had the opportunity to attend many similar events and can attest that our camp is second to none.This does not come about by random chance it is the result of years of hard work by all the individuals that help plan,coordinate and do all of the behind the scene things that some of us take for granted.As well the camp’s success can be shared by the large group of people who attend every year,whenever I discuss the fact that I’m intending to attend summer camp with someone not involved with karate I get same reaction “that sounds like fun” although it is fun,it is hard,the amount and intensity of the training leaves little time for eating or sleeping and this year the combination of heat and the introduction of the fitness challenge bumped it up another notch,congratulations to all that attended and thankyou to everyone involved in making it happen.

Osu