IKOKC WINTER CAMP 2017

2017 Winter Camp

The two contingents of the Edmonton Kyokushin Karate club headed off to Winter Camp. We had the luxury of flying to Kelowna (only 50 mins flying time) instead of a 860 km drive through the mountains. It was definitely worth the 320 bucks.

I was feeling a little apprehensive about the ordeal that lay ahead. My main goal for attending the camp was to break 5 boards as part of my Shodan grading attempt. Tameshiwari is not something that I practice very often and I was looking forward to getting it over with.

Highlights of the Camp

• It is always wonderful to meet up with old and make new friends.
• The warm up sessions before morning classes were excellent – I love that Yoga style to wake up the body in the morning.
• I really enjoyed the Shihan Don’s Goshin Jujitsu classes – it’s tricky stuff to master and it is a good opportunity to get in some practise. Shihan Don is great fun to watch as he inflicts his pain onto his compliant victims during demonstrations.
• I managed to break 5 boards without hurting myself or anyone else.
• The food was excellent and plentiful too.

I would like to thank the Shihans and Sensei’s for donating their time to instruct us in Kyokushin Karate - they did a great a job as always. And “a big thank you” for everyone who help organise and participate in this event. I look forward to seeing everyone again at Summer Camp.

OSU!

Mike Roberts – Edmonton Dojo

Winter camp 2017 was a great weekend of training. Gardom lake camp is a beautiful location, with excellent facilities and friendly staff. The winter morning training is always a highlight and the Sunday morning training was no exception with snow falling as the darkness faded to light.

I have always enjoyed the intensity of the Dan candidate board breaking portion of the weekend. This year I got to experience it as a participant and I enjoyed every second. For me it was the most exciting part of the weekend.

Going into the weekend I expected to be nervous, but the support of my fellow karate-ka and all the instructors made this a very enjoyable and memorable weekend. Every camp I attend, I enjoy all the classes. Some of the things that stood out to me were: Sempai Arthur's warm ups,(they were awesome); Sensei Anthony's instruction with the bow and tonfa; The final class Sunday morning with Shihan Stuart teaching fighting techniques. All the instruction was amazing, and I feel very fortunate and grateful to be apart of the IKOKC.

OSU

Shawn Derbyshire - Penticton Dojo

This was my 5th Winter Camp and every year is always better than the last.

I especially appreciate all of the instructors for all of their time and dedication to the organization. The information and insight that they bring to the camps can only make all of us better karate-ka.

I was expecting this weekend to be quite stressful however the support of everyone at the camp (instructors and students) did help to put my mind somewhat at ease. Though not completely stress free I enjoyed every single minute. I particularly enjoyed the weapons training provided by Sensei Anthony.

After studying and reading over the 11 mottos the one that stuck out to me was "The Martial Way is centered in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times."

My job sometimes demands me to be in situations of bad posture and I know my posture most of the time is not too good. However after the training this weekend and because of the focus on posture I am finding myself very aware when I am in a bad posture and instantly fix it.

Of everything I've taken from this camp I'm sure this will be the most beneficial.

OSU!

James Weir – Penticton Dojo

 I always look forward to and thoroughly enjoy the IKOKC Winter Camp.

This year was no different. It is such an excellent learning environment and the camaraderie amongst attendees is always at the forefront. It is always good to see your Kyokushin friends from other dojos and make new ones.

Having attended several Winter Camps in the past, this year’s camp was a significantly new experience for me as a Dan candidate. Testing for Shodan this year allowed me the “full experience” of Winter Camp as I was immersed in the pressures of board breaking, the “hot seat” interview, and the written examination. It is perhaps an experience many of you fondly remember, or one some of you have yet to experience in your Kyokushin journey.

Winter Camp’s new venue is another positive experience. We now have the use of a large gym for training, a separate dining hall, and well-organized cabins to sleep in. It is truly fantastic.

These camps are a culmination of the many hours of time given by our Shihan’s, Sensei’s and Sempai’s and help make the camps the success they are today.

 A big OSU and heartfelt thank you to all who donate their time to make this happen.

 See you again soon!

OSU!

Jay Shaw

Armstrong Dojo