Gasshuku in Iceland 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen please fasten your seat belts, as the plane descended towards Reykjavik Airport, I looked out of the window and the land is covered with a blanket of snow and protruding from the snow was Mountains and Hills of black volcanic rock accompanied by temperatures and Geothermal water which is used to heat around 90% of Iceland’s homes.

I was delighted to be back in Iceland as this was the 20th year that I have been teaching there, I was met by Sensei Olafur Hreinsson Chairman/ Senior Instructor of the club, as we drove I saw the American Military Base on the way which is now deserted, but in days gone by was buzzing with movement.

Because the flight was delayed we drove straight to the Dojo where all the students were eagerly waiting to train. To my surprise there were many of the old faces that had trained with me in the beginning it was so lovely and I felt honoured that people came to see and train with me again.

Iceland has a place in my heart that I can never forget, it one of the counties that gave me happiness in my life, so what you take from the land you must put back so the future generations can benefit.

I would like take this opportunity to thank my dedicated student Sensei’s Gretar Orn Halldorsson and Halldor Svavarsson for their Loyalty and diligent training in Okinawan Goju – Ryu Karate – Do over the years.

George Andrews