Gasshuku in Lebork, Poland, February 2017

I arrived in Gdansk to a chilling morning and was met by Sensei Marian Czylkowski. We made our way to Leba where I would stay for the duration of my trip; the guest house is run by Sensei’s Andrzej and Monika Markowski. After settled in, I was invited to join Andrzej and his family and Sensei Marian for dinner, because I have not been to Poland for 2 years we had a lot to catch up on, and to discuss the schedule for this visit.

The next day I invited Sensei Marian for private training, I checked his Kata and he as improved then breaking down Seisan Kata he was very pleased to be corrected, then I invited Andrzei and his wife Monika to join us working through the curriculum and corrective training all seemed very happy.
The Gasshuku was over 3 days starting on Friday evening, with Basics and Kata with Applications the time went so quick.

Saturday morning after breakfast we made our way to the Dojo where I was greeted by the Children, who were eagerly waiting for training, and then it was the turn of the Adults. After a brisk warm up, Kata and Bunkai dominated most of the session, as a plus I talk, about using your imagination in Kata and added some Buddhist concept in Kata.

On Sunday morning once again it was the Children ready and waiting; as I entered the Dojo I was greeted by Sensei Adam Litwinski a long time student of mine, and the Senior Instructor of IOGKF in Poland. Then once again Adults training with warm up first, then Bunkai from Gekisai to Sanseru, and then an introduction to basic knife defence, to finish Sanchin, Turning Sanchin and Tensho with Bunkai, everyone was happy with the diversity of techniques.

After 8 hours of Karate – Do it was time for the examination, 5 people lined up ready to test then after scrutinising each one only 4 sat the test, then after 2 hours of the curriculum, I’m please to announce the all were successful in their attempt. So congratulations to Andrzei Markowski, 3rd Dan Pass, Monika Markowski 2nd Pass, Katarzyna Becker 2nd Dan Pass and Slawomir Zdanowski 2nd Dan Pass, I would just like to add how much I was impressed with the Ladies, well done to all.

My special thanks to the Mayor of Wicko Mr. Dariusz Walaśkiewicz for his support in making this Gasshuku a very successful event.
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George Andrews