Sensei Bakkies Laubscher, 8th Dan IOGKF, Honbu Dojo, London 2007
After the introductions it was time for training, the first session was for 2nd Dans and above, and the request by the people was for Kata, Sensei Bakkies scrutinised the Kata Sanseru. He broke down the Kata with many repetitions of individual sequences.
The next session was for all grades, there were 44 people lined up ready to receive instruction, after the basic IOGKF warm up with lots of variations Bakkies Sensei went through Kata Gekisei Dai Ichi and again broke down the Kata not only using basic applications but incorporating many variations by this time people were feeling quite tired. The dojo temperature rose to an unseasonal 24 degrees.
After a welcome lunch break everyone's enthusiasm was restored. It was wonderful to see people communicating and making new friends, because this is what training together is all about. I skipped out of training this time to make way for my wife, she complains that I train on all the Gasshuku's with the Master, and she doesn't get her chance. So my job was to prepare all the food and baby-sit which allowed her to train with Bakkies Sensei.
On Saturday evening everyone gathered at the Dragon Castle, 114 Walworth Rd, SE17 1JL, Elephant & Castle, this is a huge Chinese Restaurant and I have to say that the food and company were superb.
After the weekends training had finished Bakkies Sensei said to me "Such nice people" the same words that Master Higaonna said in past visits.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people that gave their time and effort to make this Gasshuku a success and to the people that attended because without you this Gasshuku would not be possible.