Spain Gasshuku 2015

The training was held in Malaga, the temperature was 35-37°C, one day it was 40°C and with no air conditioning at the venue. The venue was 15 minutes by taxi from our hotel, it was quite a big Sports Stadium with an array of active sports available for Children and Adults alike.

After all the greetings, we were called to line up, I counted about 300 people which was down on previous Gasshuku, as this was due to the Master being absent, there are normally 500 – 700 people that attend this annual event.

As to training every morning for one hour 3rd – 8th dans trained under Sensei Bakkies and I must add the training was informative by breaking down each Kata move by move.

The general training was started by Sensei Nakamura, and then it was split into groups, the most senior instructors would share their knowledge with each group for an hour, when training had finished we would make our way back to the hotel to a small but welcoming swimming pool, and then bask in the Sun, and yes replenish our thirst with a cool beer.

In the evening we would meet in the lobby, and walk the short distance to some fine restaurants in the back streets of the town, and my favorite food is Fish and Sea Food, the Sea food platter consisted Calamari, Squid, Prawns, Sardines and Fish in abundance, and sometimes we were entertained with local musicians.

My Special thanks to Sensei Luis and his Staff for a great job, and not forgetting Martin and Louise for arranging my accommodation and Gasshuku.

George Andrews