European Yudansha Training August 2003 This year I extended the training from Wednesday until Sunday, thinking that people who did not attend the European Gasshuku in Hamburg, Germany with Higaonna Sensei, would able to choose to train with us at the Institute. However, with England basking in glorious but record temperatures, the thought of training indoors may contributed to the lack of attendants. The temperature in the Institute reached a very muggy 29 degrees centigrade even with all the doors open. To be honest I don't blame them, but for those that did train for the duration of the course I can only give them praise, for their determination and hard work in such soaring heat. I counted about 30 Black Belts from as far as Belgium, Scotland, Sheffield and Winchester. The training was steered towards the fundamentals of Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu karate-do. Movement and partnered routines in Neko Ashi Dachi and Sanchin Dachi paved the way into a methodical exploration of many variations of San Dan Gi. I must say that everyone seemed to enjoy this structured approach to basic technique. Going through the various disciplines, we turned to Kata and it was time for Yondan and Godans to perform their Katas, from Gekisai Dai Ichi through to Suparinpei. I can only comment on seeing such grace and concentration in one kata performed by Linda Marchant, who as been a student of mine since she was 20 years of age, now she is 40 years of age. The reason I say this is not from just what I see, but what all people see and their comments about her, she is the epitome of femininity, and is an asset to Higaonna Sensei as far as Okinawan Goju Ryu is concerned. She is a true inspiration not just for women but for all karate-ka. Saturday evening after everyone had freshened up with a shower it was time for a BBQ. Some people even had a sauna in the dojo, why I will never know! They had just had 6 hours training in a virtual sauna. As people arrived from the shower they looked like they had just lost a million pounds, but when the food was ready and a few beers were drunk, spirits were soon lifted. I shall continue to conduct this course every year but from Friday until Sunday, I'd like to thank all the people that have supported me and look forward to the future together. Sensei George Andrews Home | Articles | Archive List