Winter Camp 2012

OSU!

Winter Camp 2012 was another in a long list of memorable IKOK-C events.

One wonders why going for a long drive in winter conditions, sleeping in a cabin with 19 other guys (18 of them snore) and getting up on your days off at 5:00 a.m. is so memorable and so appealing? There must be a reason or two.In fact there are many reasons:

· The IKOK-C is an organization that strives to train its members to the best of our individual abilities by developing and insisting on a high standard. One only has to look at the quality of instruction that we were exposed to at this camp. The total effort by them to ensure that the standard of our karate will remain high is evident by the conscious effort to ensure consistency in our basics and kata is very much appreciated.

· The only thanks they get is knowing that they are doing their best to pass on the years and decades of knowledge they have acquired. It is then up to us to thank them by training to the best of our ability and to then pass that on to our students.

· I would like to thank all of the instructors for their training; Shihan Don, Senseis Larry, Terry, Leo and Brad. Shihan Stuart for making the trip a priority so soon after surgery and Sempai Kathy for all of the organizational work.

· The atmosphere is one of friendship and mutual respect and this is another very important part of the appeal of these events. Making friends

After the hard training, and for dan candidates, the breaking, exams and interviews one can feel pretty sore and tired..but that is a small price to pay for what we get out of it. Where else can you stand and train with world class instruction, on a frozen snow covered lake in the predawn blackness under a starlit sky with a crescent moon lighting your path? Winter Camps where.

Thanks to all who participated, as we all learn something from each other no matter what belt grade, experience or age.

OSU!

The IKOK Canada winter camp was once again held at Peachland B.C on March 16th, 17th and 18th.

This year the camp registration filled up very quickly and there was a large number of Dan candidates in attendance.

Although the training camp officially began on Friday March 16th, we were delayed by bad weather and dangerous driving conditions and we were not able to arrive at camp until that Saturday afternoon.

When we did arrive at the camp, we quickly joined everyone for dinner and then it was time to do the written test and the interview for all Dan candidates. After the tests and interviews were completed, there was some time in the later evening for conversation and some time to relax before heading back to the cabins.

Sunday morning training came quickly, and it was great to be out early in the morning training in the fresh, cold, mountain air.

As I had missed the tameshiwari earlier on the Saturday, I was re-scheduled to complete it at the end of the Sunday morning early training session. With the support of the entire group, I was able to successfully break all of the boards which I was required to break.After the early morning training was complete, it was time for breakfast. We had a very nice meal, and cleaned up and, unfortunately, had to get ready for the drive back to Victoria before the next training session began.Although it was a shorter camp experience, training with all of the wonderful people at Kyokushin Canada's events always leaves me with new knowledge, a positive experience, and new goals to work on.

I want to thank IKOK Canada for hosting another wonderful winter camp this year, and all of the hard work and organization put into making it another great success!

Osu!

We arrived at Silver Lake winter camp after a long drive through both good and difficult road conditions. Once the drive was over I was excited to return to my favorite camp as the focus of winter camp is on karate training and karate relationships.

I really appreciated that the camp instructors concentrated on the standardization of the basics and of the kata. All of the instructors Shihan Don, Senseis Larry, Leo, Terry & Brad worked hard to ensure that we were given the best possible information and assistance in all of the sessions offered.

Shihan Stuart demonstrated the true meaning of Osu which is to persevere under pressure. I was so impressed that he came to camp so soon after major surgery on his back. That was truly inspiring.

All of the training sessions kata, self-defense & fighting were great. I was reminded as always at how much more there is to learn as Kyokushin Karate provides for lifelong learning. In the self-defense and fighting sessions a few simple techniques were taught but putting the combinations together was more of a challenge than most people expected. I was delighted to hear how excited and inspired the younger students were after each session.

Training in the dark outside in the cold at 6 am might sound unpleasant but on Sunday morning nothing could be further from the truth. The lake was frozen at a depth that made it safe for us to train on the ice. Above the lake the late night sky was clear and dark laced with twinkling stars and a crescent moon that hung over the mountains in the distance.

In all it was another well organized camp where so much was offered and we can only hope that we trained hard enough to repay the instructors for all of their planning and hard work.

Osu!

Osu All:

Just back from the IKOK(C) winter training camp at Silver Lake Camp outside of Summerland in the beautiful Okanagan Valley.

After a 7 hour drive over snow covered roads we arrived, unloaded our Dojos contribution to the weekend, mats, kicking shields and various other bits of fighting paraphernalia and then proceeded to make up our beds in the camps sleeping quarters. Once fully encamped we changed into our gis and headed for our first training. At the start of the session Shihan Don Corrigal gave us the camp rules and then outlined the weekends focus. This weekend theme was a standardization of execution in techniques and Kata for Dojos and Dojo instructors, this has been a recurring theme and one that is extremely important for an organisation covering such a number of Dojos with a variety of students.

Friday night we covered off a basics warm up to get the joints going and then on to Kata to cover execution, timing and some bunkai. Supper was cooked by the YMCA staff who have recently taken over operations of the campthen off to bed at 10 P.M.

Oh look! Its 5:00 A.M. and time to get up for second training at 6:00 A.M., gis on and away we go for a nice run along the winter roads with the snow crunching happily beneath our feet, then down to the lake to run basics and some combinations while we watch the snow fall around us. Very cool! Back to the training hall to work on Kata with a focus on correct execution and timing though out the Dojo operators and assistant instructors. Each 2 hour class on Saturday had a different theme with a different Sensei or Shihan, Sensei Brad from Calgary ran us through the 1st Taikyoku using a different stance or combination of stance with every step and then starting from the opposite side. Sensei Larry of Armstrong and Sensei Leo from Langley took us through several kata covering off the correct execution of techniques and their actual bunkai as it would be used in actual self defense.

Shihan Don from Cranbrook presented a vigorous class on self defense and with only a few basic techniques covered managed to have us a big sweaty mess at the end of it Thanks to Kaylene for being my partner, the bruises are healing nicely.

Saturday also saw the Dan Candidates do the board breaking component of their grading processthe applicants made every effort to turn their boards into kindling and were for the most part successful, a couple of candidates will have to take another try at it at Summer camp in August and I have no doubt they will prevail practice your hearts out!

Supper was followed by a meeting for the Black Belts where Shihan Stuart covered the new website information, lots of changes to come and they look very exciting. On line event and camp applications with on line payment optionsJ, up to date dojo information, on line purchasing of equipment and gis, a members section and instruction section. Watch for these and more changes as they come.

Then it was time for the Dan applicants to do their written tests and go through the interview process. My best wishes for success in your grading its a great bunch of people who are taking an exciting step forward in their Kyokushin journey.

Sunday morning rolled around as expected, on the lake at 6 A.M. with clear blue sky and a partial moon to illuminate us as Sempai Hiro from Victoria led us through our warm up. Push ups in the snow were a nice touch and Shihan Don led us through basics followed by some fighting combinations and then back to the lodge for some advanced Kata and explanation of some of the fine points.

Breakfast was followed by our last work out for the weekend. Four 15 minutes sessions with a different focus to get us all ready for the drive home, Shihan Don warmed us with rolls, breakfalls and the ever popular gshrimpsh on the mats. Sensei Leo led us through the classic Happo no Kawashi with a partner while Sensei Larry did the same thing with a self defense application for each movethanks to Anthony for being my partner, great fun but your blinding speed is a little disconcerting. The last 15 minutes was Sensei Terry leading us through basic fighting combinations and foot work by the end of 15 minutes we were all sweating bullets and ready for more but it was time to gogoodbyes and hugs to friends old and new and plans made for next camp or tournament we all went on separate ways with the memory of another excellent event to put in our journals.

Special thanks to Shihan Don, Shihan Stuart, Senseis Brad, Leo, Terry and Larry for the excellent training and to Sempai Kathy for all the work done in making it such a success. To the staff at the YMCA and Silver lake camp for feeding 80 starving Karateka...no easy task.

OSU!

Usually I am nothing but excited for when winter camp comes rolling around the corner. This year is quite different. This year I am just a big ball of nerves! Once, always being the one watching the Dan candidates in awe, as they break their boards with nothing but a drop of sweat, and coming from their interviews a little worried but relived. It is all different this year, for I am one of the many Dan candidates.

The drive to camp with Sensei Larry is always so pleasant as I await his annual saying “This is such a beautiful country we have here.” Arriving at camp is always as equally as wonderful. Seeing the familiar faces of my Kyokushin family. Hugs and handshakes are passed around by the dozens. Then of course walking into the wood burning smell of a cabin, I have grown familiar to. Greeting all the other women (and possible rats) with my excited greeting. As soon as you feel you are settled in, it is time for training!
First training of the weekend starts of with a bang! The realization that I am slightly out of shape drifts into my mind, as I huff and puff my kicks out. The dinner after training, is always greeted with open mouths and rumbling stomachs. Just like that the first day has come to an end. Lying down in bed with a full tummy and happy soul I listen to the usual sounds of the winter cabin. Extremely loud snores and the creaking of the bunk beds!
4:30 am comes so fast. Rising out of bed already dressed, I am ready to train. One cold run and beautiful iced lake training later, I think I am finally fully awake. Breakfast was delicious of course. Then we are off to our next training. What a training it was, who knew you can learn so much in such a short time, but just like Sensei Brad says “the worst pencil is better than the best memory” Scribbling down some notes and I am ready to go again! The time is counting down till we have to break boards; the nerves are boiling up past my ears! Lunch finished and it the realization of what is next really sinks in. BOARD BREAKING! Teeth chattering, knees knocking, I pick out the boards I want. I am the third person to break. All the while watching the other two break their boards with ease, my face has become and unnatural shade of red. It’s my turn; I stand up with a wobble. Stand at the boards and perform my first break. Two boards with my elbow. First attempt hits hard, second attempt doesn’t break. Its okay I thought, I have two more techniques. Two boards with my tetsui still not breaking. Shihan asks me if I want to try all five with my kick. As much as I wanted to, I knew I would get a butt kicking from a few people if I had hurt myself. So fate set in as I knew I would have my next chance at summer camp. Yes I was upset, but the arms of so many of my family took my thoughts to the positive, and once again I learned something special.
The next training went on and this was the most informative class of them all I have decided. Partners with Sempai Jerry, was fun, funny, and very knowledgeable. Dinner has rolled around the corner, and we all find ourselves conversing about numerous different topics. I rush some studying in before the test and interview come along. The Shodan candidates are up first. If I said what was on the test or in the interview, I would have to kill you…very hush hush as they say. I will say this; once it is all done a rush of relief floods your head. Thinking I would be staying up all night on a buzz, I find myself falling asleep before the lights were even turned out.
The last day. The day, where many people smell like armpit and feet, bags under the eyes are more than bags but are now more like luggage, and hair the is so greasy it looks like you actually had a shower, has arrived. The lake training was extraordinary, never have I seen such a beautiful moon. After ice training there was breakfast. Now the awaited last training. We all push out our last bit of energy into the drills we do. Now the sad part comes into play…the departure. We shake hands, say our osu, clean, then say all of our goodbyes, to new family, to old family, and to the camp life.
If you ask me why I love camp, or Kyokushin, in general, I will tell you; the learning opportunities, the sweat and bruises, and the family. Winter camp this year, has been put in my memory storage, there to stay forever. See you all again soon!

Osu!

This was one very challenging trip to the Winter Camp.
One very important thing I learned from this trip is judgment skills.
I was hoping to leave Victoria on Friday and drive through the night to get the camp, but
I was informed before departure that there was a lot of snow on our route.
I was ready to take later ferry to get to the camp, but when I checked road conditions and weather to get to the camp, I needed to make a good judgment to travel next day in the daylight.
I was with one of my students, so I could not take a chance to travel in the unsure road condition with him. If I was traveling alone, I may have taken a chance to travel but when I think about my driving skill in the snow, my student, his family, IKOKC and Shihan, I could not make this decision to travel that night. I was worried about being late at the training camp, so it was one of very hard choice I needed to make.
It took us over nine hours to get to the camp from the ferry. We had total of less than one hour for a break. I was thinking this is almost as long as flight time to Japan.
I could participate only one class at the camp, but It was very meaningful to me.
Shihans, Senseis and many people at the training camp were very warm and kind and helpful. Everyone welcomed us saying I am happy to see you, I am glad you got here safely.
It was the feeling of belonging and family like of warmness of IKOKC.
Once again, I realized IKOKC's strength, all the Sensei's teaching to their students and both Shihan's leadership.
On the way home from the camp, I was telling myself that I have to make same environment to our students in Victoria. Safe and warm, where everyone cares about everyone from their heart.
Thank you very much for everyone at the camp.
Thank you very much for all the Senseis and both Shihan's precious guidance and footsteps to us.

Osu!

Annual Winter Camps are a great opportunity to train with people with whom you rarely have the opportunity to train, to learn new approaches for the instruction of basics, to learn new self-defence techniques,to ask questions of senior members of the organization and to have your technique corrected. The 2012 Winter Camp was a little different for me, as this year I am testing for my Shodan. This meant that in addition toregular training, I performed my board breaking in front of my peers, wrote an exam, and participated in a panel interview. On Friday night, Shihan Don set the theme for the camp with a discussion on the standardization of techniques and katas, followed by approximately thirty minutes of basics, where camp instructors circulated and corrected our techniques. Later we separated into two groups and I remained upstairs with Sensei Brad where we worked on ido-geiko. If you have never had the opportunity to do ido-geiko with Sensei Brad, you should endeavour to attend a Summer or Winter Camp and participate in one of his sessions. Sensei Brad puts a unique spin on ido-geiko by breaking out of the traditional three step ido-geiko to which we are accustomed. As we were wrapping up our ido-geiko, Shihan Don returned with some very interesting gear and news that we would be sparring. I watched as two Black Belts and a Dan Candidate dressed up in body armour and curiously pondered what would be happening. As it turned out, everyone who wished to, or was told to, got to take turns aggressively attacking a live punching bag for two minutes. It was very fun, but it made me reflect on the level of conditioning that would be required for my ten man kumite at the 2012 Summer Camp. The following morning came quickly, we went for a quick run on the ice, and then warmed up with some basics on the frozen lake. When we returned to the training hall, we were again separated into two groups and I chose to participate in the session on goshin-jitsu with Shihan Don. We learned break-falling, wrist locks, take downs and more. It was such an enjoyable session that I decided to participate in the same session after breakfast. I learned a lot of new self-defence techniques and several variations on self-defence techniques that I already knew. The sessions were extremely beneficial and I plan to practice and teach several of the techniques at our dojo on Friday nights, when we have the mat room. After lunch the Dan Candidates were required to do their board breaking. We gathered to one side of the training hall with our chosen boards and waited to be called up. On the drive up to camp, I was a little nervous about my board breaking. I wasn't sure that I would be able to maintain my focus in front of my peers, but as I sat there waiting to be called I was calm and focused. I had practised my chosen techniques prior to Winter Camp and I reflected on my successful practice which made me feel confident that I would be able to perform my breaks. I successfully broke three boards with jodan hiji ate, three boards with mae geri, and one board with shuto sakotsu uchi and immediately felt relieved.
After the tameshiwari, we began our last training session for the day. The Brown and Black Belts stayed upstairs with Shihan Don where we polished up on our 1st kyu katas. It was interesting to learn about the subtle errors in my form such as foot and hand positioning. Over the next few months, I will need to practice these katas rigorously to unlearn my mistakes. The following morning after our lake training we reviewed the 1st kyu katas. The morning went by quickly and it was soon time to clean up and say our goodbyes.As usual I left the camp feeling more solid in my practise, and eager to share what I had learned with our students. I look forward to next year's Winter Camp and wish all of my fellow Dan Candidates the best of luck with their testing.

Osu!

"OSU! KIAI! KYOKUSHIN! The key words, that to me, translates to passionate training and love of this Art form. The 2012 winter camp was full of enthusiastic and very though karate-kas, not shying away from the challenges of the six training sessions, thought by a group of knowledgeable senior instructors: Shihan Don Corrigal, Sensei Terry Price, Sensei Larry Robinson, Sensei Brad Gillespie and Sensei Leo Van Den Boogaard. It was also great to see Shihan Stuart Corrigal after his back surgery, feeling much better and overseeing the trainings.

"Kyokushin Karate is about Fighting!", "Train hard and pay attention to what you're doing!" - said Shihan Don Corrigal at the first training session on Friday night. And we kicked and punched and blocked...., and perspired and shouted "Kiai" and shouted "Osu!". To be a part of this great collective and to feed off of the energy of the other people training next to you was truly an uplifting experience. The main focus this year was to standardize the movements in all aspects of training and to have a deeper understanding of why we perform the techniques in a certain way. As an instructor for many years I welcomed this reinforcement and review, so that I may go back to my club and become a better teacher.

While Kyokushin Karate is about fighting, - it is also about techniques, body culture and graceful, assertive movements. We are practitioners of a world famous Martial Art with its many beautiful components, such as basics (kihon), moving basics (ido-geiko), formal exercises (kata), self-defence (Goshin-Jitsu), fighting (kumite). Our instructors reminded us of this fact during our training sessions while they also created a very up-beat learning environment with their enthusiasm. Seeing the faces of all student having fun while training hard on the ice on top of the frozen lake or training inside the new lodge, made the camp even more exciting.

Between training sessions we socialized and enjoyed good food, provided to us by our hosts, the staff of the Silver Lake Camp. It was good to see old friends and share some laughs. Students also had the chance to ask questions from the senior instructors and receiving enlightening answers.

As part of my Dan grading I also had to pass the first stage of my test, here at Winter Camp. I was nervous, - wanting to do well on my written exam, interview and board breaking. I could hardly wait to break "something" and relieve my anxiety. Being the last one to break built up even more anticipation and I now felt like the Terminator going through all 8 boards (with 4 different techniques) with a vengeance. I was happy to successfully complete the first stage of my test and I now look forward to the technical exam in the spring.

Winter Camp 2012…., in a beautiful setting, in the Okanagan at Silver Lake Forestry Camp. I feel so lucky to train and practice Kyokushin Karate in the world's most beautiful country. I encourage all students to attend as many of these events as possible to enrich your lives and to become a better Martial Artist!

See you at the next camp!
Osu!"

Heading up a mountain to a place in the middle of absolutely-no-service there is animated chatter and building excitement. For the Dan Candidates such as myself nerves for the upcoming test twist our stomachs in knots. When we arrive we manage to haul our things into a nearby cabin and quickly find our Kyokushin family whom we haven’t seen in six months. After all of the hugging and pre-amble we finally get ourselves suited up and ready to go for the first training of the weekend that I have been preparing to participate in for months now.
I line up and wait. My breath un-even (which I learned later to control) as everyone takes their designated place, row upon row. In perfect unison we bow. Osu. We sit in seiza and get ready for what is to come. This is my weekend to show everyone what I am made of. This is my time to stand before my family and finally have everyone see how much my Sensei has taught me—how hard I have worked to reach this point. I am a nineteen year old Dan Candidate from the Armstrong Dojo. Mokso Yamae. Our eyes flutter open and we bow to our Shihans, our Senseis, our Sempais, our Dohais and our Kohais.
It has begun.
The first training: I learn something new.
The next day I wake up groggy eyed but disturbingly coherent thanks to my ongoing nerves for the test ahead of me. I trudge towards the main cabin at 5:15 A.M. and wait patiently for everyone else to arrive. I am sporting a headband with lively green clovers dangling off of them to support the “Wacky-Hat” contest which I assumed was a Saturday morning tradition at Winter Camp. Although no one else participated in this “Wacky-Hat” contest, I managed to get many people in the group smiling. Once everyone had gathered we were notified that we would be going for a morning run—Happy Saint Patrick’s Day everyone!
After running down the road and back we all filed onto the frozen lake, the crescent moon hanging just over the mountains between billions of stars. Goshinjitsu, Ido-Geiko and Kihon were accompanied with the resounding echo of our Kias across the ice-covered landscape. As the sun began to rise, we headed inside to finish our training session.
The second training: I pushed myself beyond my limits.
The trainings after that? They are written down in my notebook. Wish I had described them more? Come next year. It is worth it. The trainings at this Winter Camp 2012 bring us together, literally and figuratively. As a family we move as one and act as one but considering the number of people who trained—we were in rather close quarters anyhow. It is difficult for me to focus on the trainings in this write-up when most of the weekend my mind and my body were completely focused on my board breaking, my interview and my written exam.
I am the first to be called up. Saturday afternoon, I am chosen to break my boards first out of all seventeen candidates. The one thing that anyone needs to know, whether they are a Dan Candidate or not is that everyone is on your side. Or, to put it in the words of our Shihans and Senseis, “We are all in this together.” So, there is no need to be afraid of pushing yourself and trying your hardest—because everyone has your back.
I handed my first board over and they held it steady while I took my first strike—a Seiken Chudan Tsuki.
Crack.
It was broken.
My second two boards were then given to the holders and crack! I nearly fell onto my face as my Hiji propelled through them.
My final two were lined up and ready to go and I broke through them with one final crack with my Mwashi Geri.
The feeling of standing before an entire crowd of the most encouraging people you will ever meet—and then succeeding—is indescribable. Without a word spoken you can feel how proud and how happy they are for you. We are in this together.
This philosophy holds true for the entire weekend and as we train together, move together, eat together and clean together we are drawn closer to one another in a way that, in my humble opinion, no other organization or sport can accomplish. Your dojo is your family, but so is this entire organization. The only way to feel a part of this amazing sport that we have is to come out and train at these camps and discover the learning that takes place both personally and as a collective.
OSU! Thank you everyone.

Friday March 16th marked the long trip out to winter camp, located in Peachland, B.C. Representatives for the Calgary dojo included: Sensei Brad, Adrian Di Paola, Denis and Lisa Forget and myself. This year’s winter camp provided me with a different experience as it was the first step in the grading for my shodan. The testing criteria that I had to prepare for included a written test, interview, and tameshiwari (board breaking).
Although I felt prepared, on the drive out I still found myself doing last minute studying in preparation for the written exam. I knew that this winter camp was going to be slightly more stressful than previous years and that I wouldn’t be able to just train throughout the duration of the camp. I knew my mind would be more weighed down in regards to the testing portion of the weekend. I did my best to stay focused on the tasks at hand (during training) while my mind was constantly running through terms and potential questions.
First training was held Friday night and it was a great introduction to the camp. It was largely a general class with focus on detail. It involved some kihon, ido geko and we began to touch on kata. It was also good to see many friends from different dojos that you haven’t seen in a while. These camps are of large benefit for several reasons, but especially by allowing us to meet new people and bringing people together. I think that people really value the inclusion at these events.
Saturday’s training began early with a run in the dark and training on the iced over lake just behind the Silver Lake Forestry Center. The training on the lake in the cold mountain air is an interesting experience and also a tradition at Winter Camp. There were three training sessions on the Saturday as well as all of the components to my shodan test. My main focus was to be successful in tameshiwari which was the first event of the shodan testing. Myself, as well as many others were successful in the board breaking; and were anticipating the next step which was the written exam followed by the interview. These were held one after another later in the evening. Saturday evening is when I had felt the most relieved. I had completed the first portion of the shodan testing and there were only a few classes remaining in the camp.
Sunday morning I participated in training and this year’s winter camp experience had come to an end. We had a long drive ahead of us to return to Calgary and unsure of road conditions we decided to head out.
My experience at this year’s winter camp as a shodan candidate was not as stressful as I had anticipated it being. The syllabus had outlined what we needed to do for testing at this camp and the camp schedule had clearly outlined when we were to do them. I did not find the whole process overwhelming and I personally felt like the weekend proceeded quite smoothly.
I would like to thank Shihan Stuart, Shihan Don, Sensei Brad, Sensei Leo, Sensei Larry and Sensei Terry for their organization and instruction throughout the weekend. And I would also like to thank the Silver Lake Forestry Center/YMCA staff for the meals and help that was provided throughout the weekend. This camp was a positive experience for me and I’m sure for many others. Thank you.
Osu!

Have you ever jumped into a dogi, to go running in a place,

Where snowflakes drift lightly across yourface ?

Have you evertrained to fight
on a frozen lake by moonlight?

Have you ever done push-ups in the snow
withpeople beside you row after row?

Have you ever felt anxiety so deep
that you could not sleep ?

Have you ever gone through training sessions,dantesting,
board breaking, and so much more without resting?

Have you ever pondered the true essence of the phrase
‘osu no seinchin‘on one of your mostchallenging karate days?

Have you ever been taught karate by some of the topelite
leaders and instructors you could ever think to meet?

Have you ever spent time with a group so caring and sharing
That you felt you could actually strive for goals that you thought were far too daring?

If your answer was yes,YOUare probably one if the selected few
who were part of the amazing 2012 Kyokushin Winter Camp crew !

Thank-you so much to all the wonderful and dedicated individuals
that made Winter Camp 2012 such an incredible learning experience.

Osu!

Another winter camp has come and gone. And once again I take a lot home with me. Kihon, Kata, Ido Geko and Goshin-Jitsu always seems new at winter camp. I’m continually amazed at finding out how much I don’t know about our style of karate. Always a humbling experience, it shows me how much more there is to learn.
I was a little nervous this year, being a dan candidate, and tried to keep my focus but lost some of it while board breaking. Perserverence. Osu.
I would like to thank Shihan Stuart, Shihan Don, Senseis Terry, Leo, Larry and Brad for a great weekend.
Also thanks to Sempai Kathy for organizing the camp and I should not forget everyone else that was there training and expressing their great spirit.
I’ll see many of you again at summer camp, until then;
Osu!