Friday
Friday evening was reserved for Dan
grades only and was led by Saiko
Shihan Morio Higaonna. Participants all
turned up in good time eager for the
commencement of this special
Gasshuku and the opportunity to train
with one of the worlds leading karate
masters. It was great to see so many
people in attendance and also to reconnect with so many friends from various
Gasshuku’s around the world. The session ran from 18:00 to 21:00 hours and
commenced with the unique IOGKF
Junbi Undo (preparation exercises) with
emphasis placed on correct performance with Sensei Higaonna providing detailed explanations
on correct posture, breathing, timing and the use of the hips.
Sensei Higaonna led from the front inspiring students not only with his exemplary technique but
also with a speed, power and spirit that belies his age and reinforces his status as one of the
foremost Karate Masters of our time. During this part of the session Sensei explained that
Junbi Undo is a fundamental part of Goju Ryu karate, that whilst the routine was designed to
warm up and prepare the mind and body for Karate practice, the techniques themselves are
part and parcel of the system and need to be executed with exactly the same gusto and attention to detail as that required in any other Karate technique.
Following the Junbi Undo Sensei Higaonna then led the Dan grades through kihon (basics),
with particular emphasis on a spirited delivery of basic tsuki (punching) and uke (blocking)
techniques with speed and power. Particular emphasis was given to the importance of relaxation in delivering fast technique, culminating in continuos relaxed fura-tsuki’s (short punches)
and age-tsuki’s.
The final part of the evening was dedicated to the practice of Sanchin kata where Sensei Higaonna demonstrated correct movement and breathing. Sensei emphasised the importance of
keeping the feet in full contact with the floor throughout the Kata and the need to keep elbows
tightly in position to protect the ganka. Sensei Higaonna made particular emphasis to the importance of correct posture then went on to explain 3 types of breathing - tandem, chest and
stomach and their relevance both during and post performance of Sanchin
kata. Like all good things in life the evening flew, culminating with a hearty applause from a hall fall of hot, sweaty
and happy karateka.
Saturday
A junior session was held between
10:15 to 11:15 hours on the Saturday
morning and was carefully co-ordinated
to ensure the continued smooth running
of the weekend.