Training Weekend in Sheffield (Hallam Dojo)
After the news of Sensei Leon 's death it was hard to think straight. The Friday shopping trip which is a regular event with my wife, passed as if it did not happen, driving back to our home I forgot to put my seat belt on. My head was pounding, I have only felt like this with my family members that have passed on before. It was good that Sensei Andy Barker had invited me to conduct a Gasshuku in his Dojo that weekend. Driving up to Sheffield on a Friday afternoon with little prospect of a traffic jam, I was able to assimilate the tragic news about my companion.
On reaching my destination in the countryside I was greeted by the smell of burning logs and coal and the welcoming flames of a warm fire. My hosts and I sat and exchanged our experiences and joy with being with Sensei Leon , we toasted and praised him many times. After drinking litre of water it was time for bed, the next day would start with a class of very energetic children for an hour, so as not to spoil their enthusiasm I had a good nights sleep.
Running through the IOGKF curriculum interspersed with lots of games, their brows were perspiring profusely. I finished by making sure that all their pent up energy was used up by having them wrestle on the mats.
Then it was to the seniors, after a two minutes silence marking respect for Sensei Leon , the request from the people was Kata. With this I spent almost 3 hours on and to Shisochin Kata, slow then fast correcting and scrutinising every move, which pleased all concerned.
Just before the end of class Sensei Andy had briefed me that it was someone's birthday so we conspired to get him out for a demonstration and all grabbed him to give him the traditional birthday 'bumps' all 33 of them, happy birthday Chris (see photo)
Sunday would see much of the same as Saturday but in addition, isolating techniques which I taught on the European Gasshuku in France , all you people out there keep practicing as there are more to come.
By now most of you know my passion for angling, Sensei Andy and I (whom I've managed to convert into being an enthusiastic angler) visited one of the local venues in Sheffield , and yes he caught more fish than me. I hasten to add we always return the fish because the Lord is looking down upon us.
My thanks to all those that made this a wonderful weekend, especially Drew.
I soon will be in Okinawa with the Master, and training every day which helps me cope with life's pitfalls, and listening to the advice of Miyagi and Aragaki Shihan's.
George Andrews
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