2013 Calgary Spring Camp

Calgary Spring Camp

May 24-26 2013

It was a dark and stormy night….. Isn’t that the way all good stories are supposed to begin?

I entered my 3rd Spring Camp with great anticipation. It was my first opportunity to train with Branch Chief Sensei Taku Nakasaka from Los Angeles, as well as Branch Chief Shihan Stuart Corrigal from Vancouver B.C.

Being a blue belt, I felt there was much I could learn. I was not disappointed.

Their were to be 6 training session over the weekend; we started our first one on Friday night at 6pm.

Their was a diverse group training that night, and after a warm welcome from Sensei Brad,  Sensei Taku warmed us  all up. Everyone from the 8yr old white belts to the 50+ black belts benefited from what Sensei Taku called the Multi-step. It was a technique that when perfected, would allow us to attack and evade our opponent constantly.  His demonstration was very fluid and amazing. Me; being a blue belt; not so fluid and amazing however fun it was!

We all had a good time learning. By the end of the class I thought I had worn the skin off the balls of my feet from all the pivoting! It was well worth it though.

The next morning dawned on us with blue skies, and we all got up for a 7:30am training session with much anticipation.  Sensei Taku took us all thru the previous nights multistep, this time adding kicks and punches. He was still totally fluid and amazing, making it very cool to watch.

Shihan Stuart Corrigal joined us for the 10:30am class. We were also joined by the regular class at that time so our dojo was filled to capacity.  Shihan Stuart took us thru kihon and moving basics. He made the class fun and challenging for all.  His experience and patience really benefited the whole class, especially the younger participants.

It was amazing how changing one stance or one technique  can make even the most basic movement challenging.

We joined up again after lunch for our Officiating Clinic and Mini Tournament. We were all involved in learning about the responsibilities of the corner judges and the referee. Who knew there was so much thought and etiquette in waving those little flags around? Very educational and interesting! We all got to practice our new judging skills at the mini tournament that had lots of fun and was full of spirit by all who took part.

Our last session of the day we did a series of conditioning drills that Shihan Stuart used to explain to us how we progressed from moving basics to experienced fighting. Some of the drills required a good amount of contact. It was way fun to see Sensei Taku and Shihan Stuart demonstrate! I knew when I finished there would be bruises the next day!

After the final session of the day we all met up again in the evening for a movie and beverages. It was great to relax and wind down from the day and bond over our shared experiences.

The final session of our camp took place at 7:30am the next morning. This morning consisted of the outdoor portion of the camp with the weather being so nice. FINALLY!!!

First we ran many relays. Then Shihan Stuart started our leg conditioning. Let me just say “ouch”! After this we returned inside for a skipping tutorial from Sensei Taku. Sensei Taku demonstrated many techniques and broke them down so we could understand them easier, and at the same time tying it into the multistep that we learned the first night.

Did I mention he was totally fluid and amazing?? Demonstrated skipping in a full squat! Wow.

And before we knew it, our Spring Camp was over. Our heads were full of knowledge and our bodies full of fatigue! It was a great experience. I would like to thank Shihan Stuart Corrigal and Sensei Taku for joining us and teaching us so much. As well a very special thank you to Sensei Brad and Sempai Michelle. We couldn’t of done any of this without you. Looking forward to the next camp we attend!

Osu!

Shawn Crockett

It all started Friday morning with excitement and nervousness as this was my 1^st Spring Camp and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The Friday evening training session started with Sensei Brad Gillespie introducing Sensei Taku Nakasaka and the start of the training weekend.  Sensei Taku started us off with some new stretching techniques that challenged every joint and muscle in my body.  We warmed up with new drills that were both fun and challenging that assisted in calming my nerves and I am sure a few others.

Sensei Taku taught us his amazing foot work patterns, fighting combinations and fighting strategy.  Sensei’s skills were flawless, perfected and truly unbelievable to see.   It was an absolute honor and a privilege to have Sensei share his personal fighting strategies that he perfected over many years.

Saturday we were honored with the presence of Shihan Stuart Corrigal.  The energy in the room was incredible with Shihan Stuart, Sensei Taku and Sensei Brad challenging us with numerous exercises, fighting combinations and Kihon.

The afternoon class gave everyone the opportunity to officiate an actual match in the kids mini tournament.  This began with a comprehensive overview that kept everyone engaged and provided a thorough understanding of the all terms and rules.  It is not as easy as it looks but now we have a greater understanding and appreciation of what’s involved and how it works.  I also had the opportunity to have a conversation with Shihan Stuart about officiating and heard some of his amazing stories when he started out.  Very cool!

The classes on Saturday seemed to blend themselves together as one incredible training session that challenged everyone at all levels both mentally and physically.  I was no longer aware of the nervousness I felt on Friday and instead I was filled with an adrenaline rush that felt great!

The Saturday evening movie and Social event was a great opportunity to unwind and build on the new relationships we established and further the ones we already had.  It was a great night with many stories, lots of laughter, great food and great people.

Sunday morning 7:30am.  We headed outside in the beautiful Calgary sunshine for some fun relay races that incorporated some of our new skills that we learned in the previous training sessions.   They were friendly races and just a wee bit competitive, right Sempai Dennis?

We continued outside while Shihan Stuart put us through numerous Kihon drills that tested everyones skill set and endurance.  This was followed up with some skip rope drills and again Sensei Taku amazed us with his incredible athleticism and his willingness to share his knowledge.

We ended the day with a special thank you to Shihan Stuart and Sensei Taku who provided everyone with some kind closing comments for us to take away.

A weekend that started with a little bit of nerves turned out to be a, memorable experience for myself and my children.

This experience not only made my children and I become better Kyokushin practitioners but it also had a positive impact on who we are as individuals.

I would like to thank Sensei Brad, all the volunteers and coordinators who contributed in making the weekend a success.  We are excited and looking forward to next year’s camp!

Kind Regards,

Kelly Lenyk.