Winter Camp 2013

Winter Camp 2013

By Kris Erickson

Osu,

Winter Camp this year took on a significantly different meaning as a dan candidate.  Leading up to the camp I felt a responsibility to ensure I was well prepared and to perform well as I knew there would be many eyes observing me, thankfully I had the support of many Sempai’s and Kohai’s who provided knowledge and helped quiz me along the way.

Arriving on Friday there were many familiar faces, placing me instantly at ease.  My focus this year was to improve my technical knowledge and teaching abilities, as my role in the dojo and personal goals have slowly been shifting from kumite training to a greater leadership and instructional role.  The change in focus has coincided well with my preparation for dan testing as it has made me reflect on my knowledge and re-establish what Sosai referred to as the beginner’s mind, opening my view on the purpose of training and the endless possibilities that lay forth.

Training sessions over the weekend focused on advanced kata, kumite training, and goshin jitsu.  Kata training upstairs was led by Shihan Don where we focused solely on Seipai.  In training we rarely spend so much time on one kata, preferring to run through many katas in a short amount of time.  This focus allowed me to learn and break down the kata in much greater detail, and Shihan Don’s instruction on tempo, power and breathing drove home the point that kata should be performed with spirit and energy, making the observer feel like there is an actual opponent that the kata practitioner is facing.

Kumite training was led by Sensei Dean and Sensei Brad, two former Canadian fighters with years of competition and teaching experience.  Having had the chance to train at Sensei Dean’s dojo in Port Coquitlam and years ago watch him prepare for tournaments with Sensei Tats at the old Richmond East dojo I always look forward to a physically grueling and high tempo, fun training session.  I also have had the chance to learn from Sensei Brad at previous camps and at the Western Canada training sessions for the last World Tournament.  His attention to detail in stance and movement in kumite coupled with intensity always make for an inspiring training session.  I also had the chance to train with some of the junior students and was impressed with the skill and stamina of our upcoming Canadian competitors.

The goshin jitsu sessions were led by Shihan Don were excellent.  Building on the teachings of Sosai Oyama and Shihan Lowe, you are able to feel a connection to the past,  and  bridging the gap to the future.  I have had the privilege on several opportunities to take part in Shihan Don’s seminars and his knowledge and experience in this field is second to none.   Through my training in martial arts and schooling in human kinetics I am keenly interested in movement and how we can use opposing forces, leverage and physics to control and subdue an opponent.  Shihan Don was able to demonstrate these principles in simple and effective terms allowing all to understand and apply these concepts.

Winter Camp culminated in Dan testing and board breaking, with a few surprises along the way.  Studying hard with my dojo mates testing this year the cabins were full of banter on Kyokushin history, technique and terminology.  The look of bewilderment as we commenced our written exams was priceless.  All I can say is that when looking through a narrow scope it is easy to be lead down a certain path without seeing the greater picture.  Finishing the exam I am reminded that there is a much broader spectrum of knowledge that is equally important to becoming a shodan.  Board breaking is always a highlight at Winter Camp as dan candidates get to show their skill and prowess in the tradition of tamashiwara.  I have had opportunities in demonstrations and tournaments to try my hand at board breaking and always enjoy the challenge.  My goal was to break cleanly with good stance and poise while pushing myself by using jodan mawashi geri for 2 boards, something I have never attempted.  Luckily everything went well and all candidates broke cleanly and made it through.  A big relief for us all that the first of the requirements are completed.

I hope now to take the knowledge I have gained back to the dojo and incorporate it into our training.  The gem of the weekend was Juji kata, as explained by Shihan Stuart.  Speaking with Shihan Stuart, he explained the history of how Sensei Shigeru Oyama used the kata to regularly train his students but that these trainings have disappeared over the years.  An excellent way to challenge the mind-body relationship, Juji kata can be added on to with as many techniques as you can imagine, making it a excellent tool for beginners and experts alike.

I would like to thank our instructors and the IKOK-C for another excellent camp and opportunity for Kyokushin to grow in Canada.

Osu,

Kris Erickson.

Despite my super high anxiety level over the grading events for the weekend I found it to be one of the most enjoyable camps yet.  The instruction was excellent, the variety but consistency in the training was well received by all.

I learned a lot this weekend, not just about the physical part of karate, ido geko and alterations to make it more challenging but still very simple basics.  But also about the organization itself and how there is a very large part of our organization that I had not paid much attention to before.

It was a very eye opening experience that got me thinking about the history of the IKOKC.  I know the information is available but it is not something that we emphasize nearly to the degree that we do the history of Kyokushin or Mas Oyama in general.  This is something that i will be challenging my students to become more aware of as well.

This weekend there were a number of occasions where instructors would break into stories of events past, to either emphasize or relate ideas they were taking about.  I started thinking that it may be of great benefit to our IKOKC members if there were a video documentary about the history of the IKOKC, some explanations of the way it works and interviews with some of the people that have been there along the way.

Over all I learned many things this weekend but the top two things that I got out of this experience is that the background running of the organization is something that everyone in it needs to be aware of, otherwise how will it survive.  And the other is how to take simple ido geko and make it more challenging just by adding different ways of turning.

Osu,
Scott Somers
South Delta Kyokushin Karate

Winter Camp 2013 was a great learning experience in more than one way, which I think most of the potential Dan candidates will attest to.

The weather started out spring like, but eventually turned more seasonal.  The different climate conditions, and the hardiness of the trainings offered by Kyokushin really shows people what we’re made of!

I really enjoy the Ido Geiko especially when it makes you think and then you get totally lost!  It’s nice to see someone, Sensei Dean, execute it flawlessly.  Kind of gives you something to strive for.  On the other hand it’s nice to know something that not everyone else knows.

The written exam, well that goes without saying, but the breaking was exciting and a little nerve racking, but all went well.

The food was very nice and I got to meet some nice new people.

Isn’t that what camps are all about?

Greg Creech

Board breaking, written test and the interview. Kime (Focus) was key for me this year.
6 boards with 3 techniques. I’ve practised this combination in the dojo a few times to ensure I could
successfully complete. Shihan let us pick our own boards, I wasn’t too picky just grabbed my 6 and sat
back down. As the other candidates completed their breaks it was my turn. Once I set my first 2 boards
on the bricks it was game on! I was successful on all 3 techniques and my focus was intense. I couldn’t
tell you who was holding or if anyone else was even in the room….. “Kime”
The written portion weighed heavily on my mind as there is such a wide array of potential questions. I
studied for hours and hours prior to the exam. Studied on the drive to camp and even in my bunk
between training, as did many other candidates. To add fuel to the fire Shihan told us he re-wrote the
exams. I won’t spoil any fun for the upcoming candidates, but I will say the exam was an eye opener. It
taught me to re-exam my position and responsibility to this amazing organization! I will now shift my
focus…. “Kime”
The oh so scary interview! This is where focus was most important, with many… many of my peers
watching and listening to my every word. I focused solely on Shihan and answered with honesty. I
guess there is not much more you can do then that! …. “Kime”
The Camp was a great success for all the participants! The instruction was topnotch. Shihan Stuart
brought us some new Ido Geiko which was challenging as always. Shihan Don taught several classes of
Kata and Goshin Jitsu, his knowledge seems endless. Sensei Larry put a fantastic twist on happo.
One of my favourite classes was with Sensei Brad and Sensei Dean, breaking down Seipai kata to it’s
finest details with such patience and passion.
The meals were great, accommodations were comfortable and the company even better!
I think all the candidates are forming a special bond as we venture through this life changing adventure.
I wish you all the best of luck, and look forward to seeing you soon!
Osu,
Jim lindsay
Stony Plain Dojo