10th Annual Gasshuku in Paradise

It was a very good Gasshuku according to the feedback I received, the challenge this year was to complete 2500 Push ups, Sit ups, Leg squats and Samui Star jumps, which was required in the morning training after a warm up and 45 minutes of intense Pad work, 180 of the above mentioned. The same was required in the evening training after the completion of technical and methodology training, Kata and Bunkai; everyone was feeling the apprehension about completing this mammoth task over the week.
 
However, by Thursday evening everyone was eager to complete the programme and some even did more. I’m pleased to report that some people lost 5 kilos. This Gasshuku is limited to 30 people and on this occasion there were 22 people, including contingents from Vietnam, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand and England.
 
After each morning session, there were lectures on Physiology and Anatomy, Nutrition, History of Karate-do, Criminology and Prevention of injury.
 
At the end of the Gasshuku I was approached by Sensei Geoff's wife, Aell and we had a meeting about future Gasshuku in Samui Dojo Resort.  It was quite emotional and she said that she will close the Dojo after we finish, because she wants to create more rooms to rent, we were both very sad, but I said no problem you must do what is best for the future of your family.

You may remember when the Marble Factory Dojo was destroyed by fire I just thought that it is time to move on, and the same with the Institute, and now I must move on again, so I’m pleased to pronounce that I have found a place which is a Muay Thai Gym.  It is fully equipped with showers and toilets and they are very happy to accommodate us.
 
I have confirmed the dates with them and this will be 20th – 26th March 2017, I will send all details out soon. Looking forward to seeing you all again on the Gasshuku in Paradise, Koh Samui, Thailand.

​George Andrews