IOGKF Chief Instructor’s Gasshuku 2017

There were 30 countries in attendance, about 80 people, Chief Instructors and 5th Dan and above. The training started at the famous Okinawa Kenristu Budokan for the first day, then we moved to the pristine Okinawa Karate Kaikan, Higaonna Sensei arrived and looked in good spirit and was happy to see us all. After the greetings the words echoed “Line up”.

The adrenalin started to flow in anticipation for the Master to start the class, after 4 hours of pure Okinawan Goju – Ryu Karate – Do all appetites were replenished and a few cobwebs were removed.
Great attention was paid to detail to Kata and Bunkai, Higaonna Sensei scrutinised everyone and said, only basic bunkai not variation, as we worked in partners.

Sometimes Higaonna Sensei would say I can’t do this movement now but you must try, then he would demonstrate the movement and you could see and feel the power and speed of his technique.
Higaonna Sensei spoke about Karate Ni Sente Nashi, “There exists no first attack, because all Kata begin with a block."

My body is feeling tried but I have a renewed enthusiasm to develop and improve my Kata after being in the presence of the Master.
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George Andrews