| Hojo Undo Course on the I.O.W
Arriving at Portsmouth Ferry crossing, I managed to catch the 8am ferry which takes about 35 – 40 minutes, it was a lovely day to be on the Solent with a calm sea that looked like a mill pond. The cry of the seagulls and the aroma of the sea would be a great start to the day ahead.
On disembarking I made my way to the Dojo, on the way I had to stop and allow a family of ducklings to cross the road, which was at a place called lake side, while waiting for the ducklings to cross, it dawned on me that this was the place that I took my Goju – Ryu black – belt in July 1975 exactly 30 years almost to the day.
So I stopped and reflected on all the events and happenings of that time. I feel at home with water and nature, and sitting by a small village harbour it was one of the best anniversary celebrations I could have had.
Reaching the Medina Centre, I was met by my good friend Sensei Mark Elliott. The first hour and a half of training was for children, about 30 brave little warriors battled the soaring temperatures to achieve their aims, next it was the turn of the adults, by this time the temperature had gone up well into the 30’s,
As to training, we explored methodologies in utilising your own body weight to maximise the benefit in training without injury, then Traditional Supplementary Training which incorporated Chi-ishi, Nigirii – Game, Tetsu – Sashi, and impact work. After training had finished, only sounds of relief and the taste of natures wine could be witnessed
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