Israel Gasshuku March 2011

As I stepped out from the airplane to my surprise I was greeted by one of the senior instructors who escorted me through Passport Control and waiting in the arrival lounge my good friends Sharon and Eitan who drove me to Pardes Hanna (Hanna’s Orchard) where I would stay for the duration of my trip.

On the way we passed the Wall that divides Israel from the West Bank and it’s sad that all the families behind that Wall have to be detached because of a few extremist, continuing along on our journey this time of the year Israel’s Hillsides and Meadows are covered in grass and wild flowers and the some of the land is covered with water, within a month all this will change and the land will be parched.

After a good nights sleep it was time to make our way to the training which was in Natanya, 80 people would be in attendance over the 3 days of training, the request from the kambukai was training for 3rd dan’s + would be Kururunfa and Sesan Kata and Bunkai, Tensho Kata and Bunkai and in depth detail of Sanchin Kata and Breathing.

As to All Grades training the IOGKF curriculum and many Self – Defence Methodologies and everyone enjoyed the training. On Saturday evening the IOGKF Kambukai came for private training and to celebrate after training there was a BBQ and our special guest was Sensei Leon Pantanowitz’s wife Norma it was lovely to see and be with her.

Looking forward to seeing you all again in August.

George Andrews