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2014 Summer Camp report
Kyokushin Summer Camp has almost become a family tradition for us. We train hard, we have fun, we learn something new, but most importantly–we meet new people and get to know each other better.
To me this camp was special–I had to undergo the final portion of my Dan grading–30 man kumite. Although, to my own surprise, I was less nervous than I expected, the thought of it was always in the back of my mind.
The theme of the first class was 1000 punches, 1000 kicks. The main objective of such training is to stay focused all the way to the end: start strong, finish stronger. We ended the class with a few sparring sessions–the Kyokushin way to say “Hello” to old buddies and to meet new ones.
The next day brought a variety of classes: ido geko, katas, bo/tonfa, kumite, self-defence, and of course water training. That’s where we mastered some of the best techniques of the secret ancient style Scoopikai. Thanks for sharing, Sensei Terry.
Sunday was my D-day–30 man kumite. This kind of test is not as much for your fighting skills as it is for your character, your spirit and your inner core. Sooner or later you get to the point when your body is utterly exhausted and can’t take it anymore. Would you stop and live with the thought that you did well enough, or would you find a way to carry on? The highlight of the day for me was Sempai Neil’s 20 man kumite. At the age of 56 he finished them all. Way to go, Sempai!
After my last fight I could finally take a deep breath. But my troubles were far from over. I had to face yet another challenge–stage fright. As a Dan candidate I was required to participate at the Kyokushin’s Got Talent concert. I loved last year’s performance, but it’s one thing to enjoy the show, and another to be a part of it. At the end I just had to steady my shaking knees, ignore the goose bumps on my skin and follow the camp’s motto: Just say OSU and do it. And I’m glad I did. I’d never imagined it would be so much fun. The fact that I had no clue what I was doing made our skit even more hilarious. I’d like to say many thanks to all the Dan candidates for being great teammates, especially to Sempai Ryan for putting it together. Overall, the concert was a huge success. I’m sure the phrases like “I want more tonfa!” and “Sinsay, I wanna be Sosai!” are going to live for many years to come.
In conclusion, I’d like to express my gratitude to Shihans Stuart and Don–you are the heart and soul of this organization. Many thanks to all the Senseis and Sempais and to all the instructors who helped to make this camp another great success. I’m deeply grateful to my first Canadian instructor Shihan Les Banas–I will never forget your lessons. And finally I want to bow to Sensei Tats and to say: Arigato gozai mashita! Your hard work and perseverance are a great source of inspiration to me.
Many thanks to all the good people of the Kyokushin family who stood by my side in training and fighting. Your support made it less difficult.
Yours in Kyokushin,
Alex Kleschelsky.
Summer Camp is an event to look forward to every year. It has all the great training and instruction that you could ask for, but with a great fun element added that always makes it a pleasure to attend. This year proved no different, with lots of different classes being offered.
Summer camp started off with a bang, the spirit training of 1000 punches and 1000 kicks to get everyone’s spirit up, preparing us for the rest of the camp, followed training by an excellent kumite class. We were then given time to unwind, play some guitar and enjoy ourselves. The next morning’s training started at 6AM sharp with a run and ido geiko, the training sessions every couple of hours after. The weather held this year, giving us nice sunny days to train under, which made the secret scoopy-kai water training even more enjoyable! The Saturday evening brought us back the surprise midnight training where many, (including myself) learned that you should always sleep in gi pants!
Sunday came, and with it the dan candidate fights. This time I found myself on the side being tested, which gives a very different feel. The fights went well, and all of the Dan candidates were successful, achieving their dan upgrade! Many congratulations to Sempai Adrian, Sempai Ryan, Sensei Irek and Sensei Alex! This was followed by the second year of the Kyokushin’s “Got Talent” show, which showed some amazing abilities, as well as some skits that made me laugh hard enough that it hurt!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the camp, and special thanks to those who helped organize and run the event.
Osu!
Mark Berg
PO Box 36510
PRO Seafair
Richmond, BC V7C 5M4