Sensei Bakkies Laubscher, 8th Dan IOGKF – Chief Instructor, South Africa Weekend training session at OTGKA Honbu Dojo
We arrived at 10am for the training session with great anticipation of what the weekend would hold in store. We were not to be disappointed.
Saturday morning began with an hour and half training specific to 2nd Dan and above, looking at the basic details within Sanseru kata. This was followed by an hour and half all grades training before lunch and a further 2 hours afterwards. Sunday morning was for 3rd Dan and above consisting of an hour and a half of detailed explanation and practice of Sanchin, Tensho and Sesan kata, before moving on to the all grades sessions with more ‘basics', moving repetition and co-ordination training with a spin on self defence. As they say, “Time flies when you're having fun!” the 10 hours training was over before we knew it.
If you have not trained with this inspiring instructor, you must. To sum up in one word “Awesome!” To see such a big man you instinctively think power, but couple that with speed and agility, you have Bakkies Sensei.
Demonstration and explanation around everything we did, coupled with Sensei's sense of humour, masked the fact that we'd done almost two full days of basics, which, as Sensei said, is the foundation of Karate, there are no shortcuts (he assured us if there were, he would have found them!). It was pleasing to see his wry grin at times, in appreciation of the commitment and effort from everyone, especially when he increased the work rate, combinations and co-ordination patterns. 
The course was very well attended and I am sure everyone left as tired, inspired and motivated as we were. The weekend was an absolute pleasure.
Many thanks to Sensei George and everyone involved in arranging a very successful course and most of all our thanks go to Bakkies Sensei, we are forever grateful of your time and knowledge.
Arigato gozai mashita.
Terry & Michelle Noble
Sheffield Woodhouse Dojo