Denmark Marathon Gasshuku October 2004

After a comfortable flight on good old British Airways, I arrived at Copenhagen Airport, and was met by Sensei Henrik Larson, Chief Instructor of Denmark for IOGKF and his lovely daughter.

Training was spread over the weekend and there were an impressive 320 people attending the course. Saturday was set aside for all grades, with Sunday morning for Black Belts only. From lunch time onwards, it was the turn of the children, Sensei Henrik told me that there were 100 children in attendance.

I'm pleased to say that I was not the only Instructor teaching, the other two instructors present, were Sensei Britt Larson 5th Dan IOGKF and is the National Coach for Kata and Kumite for cadets and juniors in Denmark and the winner of many tournaments world wide.

Also in attendance was Sensei Johnny Jorgensen 4th Dan IOGKF a senior instructor at the Honbu Dojo in Denmark.

The classes were split into 3 groups, thus maximising the knowledge and tuition available. Sensei Britt took her class through kumite skills and introduced them to a new fitness aid, which looked beneficial to karate training.

Sensei Johnny who works for the Secure Unit service in Denmark, taught some pretty impressive self-defence including takedowns and groundwork.

As to myself, basic San dan gi and variations that I have developed. I also clarified the finer points and detail of Kata, and the IOGKF Curriculum, and gave a small talk on using your imagination. (Thank God for spell check)

We finished in pairs running hand in hand around the Dojo, on every third count everyone would Kiai as loud as they could, signify working and training together in friendship.

The traditional shiko dachi punches was the icing on the cake, everyone was absolutely fatigued, and when we finished there was spontaneous ovation.

My special thanks to Sensei's Britt and Henrik for their support and trust.


George Andrews

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