Demonstration by Sheffield Hallam Dojo

Sheffield Hallam Dojo recently performed a demonstration at a prestigious event hosted by Sheffield University. The venue for the event was the Octagon Centre. Some of you may remember that the Octagon was the location for the sayonara party of the 1997 IOGKF European Gasshuku.

The evening was a celebration of culture throughout the world, which ranged from Indian dance through to readings of Chinese Poetry. Hallam Dojo were very honoured to be asked to perform and represent Okinawa at the evening. Special guests included the Japanese First Secretary and the Lord Mayor of Sheffield.

Our routine was well practised with our 'performers' staying behind after normal class had finished to fine tune things. A few days before the event there was a dress rehearsal to enable performers as well as the sound and light technicians to get a feel of the 'real' thing.

It wasn't too long before we were backstage waiting to go on as the opening performance of the evening. I am sure for some the anticipation was almost as bad as waiting for a grading to begin. Peeking out from the wings one could only see darkness due to the stage lighting. The M.C started her announcement and on we went.

We filed on in a single line spreading out to form a row from which a traditional rei was performed then we were up to show the audience many facets of Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu. We worked in pairs each showing a different aspect, kakie, kongo ken, chi-ishi, stretching and of course san dan gi.

After two minutes everyone moved back into seiza apart from a pair who were to demonstrate renzoku bunkai of Gekisai Dai Ichi. This was first shown slowly with someone simultaneously showing the kata then at full speed. Next up were Zoe Noble (11) and Chelsea Golland (15) who demonstrated Saifa starting back to back. They did an admirable performance, finishing together and at the correct distance apart. Sensei Andy Barker then along with his attackers Sensei Terry Noble and Brian Tune performed variation bunkai to the kata first slowly and then fast with nage waza. Four students then lined up ready to perform Seiyunchin, they started facing outwards on the points of the compass i.e north, south, east and west. This rendition looked very spectacular especially as it had been practised so well. Sensei Terry Noble finished off the kata part of the demonstration with a solo rendition of Sepai under the glare of the spotlights.

The finale was to be a self defence demonstration by Steph Parker and Michelle Noble against their 'evil' attackers Terry Noble and Esh Ulas. The audience loved this piece and the final act of a simultaneous fumikomi geri from each woman to her fallen assailant followed by a 'high five' brought great cheers and applause.

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Photography courtesy of Ian M.Spooner
1 Palmerston Road, Sheffield S10 2TE
i.spooner@sheffield.ac.uk