Gasshuku in Iceland
This was my last trip abroad this year and one I always look forward to, especially to the return of the person who first invited me to teach in Iceland back in1989, he was the senior instructor then and a formidable fighter and is still active in Okinawan Goju Ryu today.
He met me from the airport which was quite a surprise, leaving the airport one had to tread carefully due to the ice and snow that was evident, a fresh temperature of -5c and a slight wind which made it feel even colder. Getting into the car was quite a relief but even in the car one’s breath was visible.
Driving on the road that leads you to the city centre, one could see the tremendous change that is taking place, the absence of the American Military Base which is a fraction of what it was 18 years ago. Perhaps this is a sign that there is communication, understanding and agreement and peace in some part of the world.
Development and progress seems to be in dominance, the changing face of time and demands of the service industry make way for the majority and also the financial stability of the country.
On reaching the hotel which is I must add is the Grand Hotel and the finest you will see in Reykjavik, on entering the lobby the temperatures embraced me. On entering my room which is a new part of the hotel, incidentally non smoking it was a pleasure and time to thaw out!.
The next morning I made my way to the breakfast room, in the lift I looked at myself and thought my body was quite big and felt proud. On entering the breakfast room my stature seemed that of a little boy. All round me were men who's average height was two metres, and a staggering 225 kilo’s to support it.it I soon found out that Reykjavik was host to the strongest man in the world contest. Link
On leaving the breakfast room I approached the lift to go back to my room, there in front of me was a young man that was in his late 20’s he was at least 2 metres and a tower of strength, I knew he was from Russia, but the ambassadorial instinct in me made contact with this dinosaur.
On reaching the Dojo that evening in front of me I counted during the evenings training at least 65 people which enjoyed every minute of the varied techniques and traditional training that Okinawan Goju Ryu has to offer.
I look forward to visiting this wonderful place and the people in March 2007.
Be ready for me.
George Andrews
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