This was the first time that I had visited Canada, by the invitation of the Chief Instructor Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura. The flight from London to Toronto is about 6 hour’s, which was quite comfortable and not too draining.
Not knowing what to expect, I was meet at the airport by Nakamura San, after a short drive we reached the place where I was to stay, just two minutes on the lake which is really as big as an ocean and is sweet water. After forty winks and a freshen up I was invited to Nakamura San’s home for dinner, it was so nice to meet with some of the instructors that have supported him in Canada.
I arrived a couple of days before the Gasshuku started, and was taken to see one of the wonders of the world, the beautiful Niagara Falls with it’s water spray, which look like clouds coming out of it, the sheer power and presence of the falls, mesmerises your thinking. Looking away from the Falls, just behind and looking up said Nakamura San, here is where the 2006 IOGKF World Championships and Gasshuku is being held at the famous Sheridan Hotel on the Falls. After a buffet lunch in the hotel, I was given a sneak preview to the venue, for those that were present at the 1989 IOGKF Budosai the setting is much the same (comfortable). While I was there we managed to visit the wine tasting region, where the famous ice wine which is made. Apparently it takes twice as many grapes, and they are picked when they are frozen, hence the price $30 a bottle.
Nakamura Sensei has a wonderful well equipped full time Dojo, and my Gasshuku teaching started there on Friday evening with the children for the first hour and then Yudansha for two hours. Nakamura Sensei requested San Dan Gi’s and variations of, which we covered in those two hours. On Saturday, four hours with one hour for the Yudansha and three hours all grades, and the same request, San Dan Gi’s and variations again with Oyo Renzoku Bunkai of which I incorporate into the IOGKF basic curriculum.
Impact work with variations, for stamina, accuracy and co-ordination were received with great enthusiasm, after 45 minutes none stop, the water break was welcomed by all, after training it was back to Nakamura’s San house for dinner. On Sunday a taste of Iri – kumi with ippon kumite, and to finish a reading on "using your imagination in Kata", read by the lovely voice of Adrienne one of Nakamura San’s black belts.
I would like to thank the Canadian members and the American contingent for their support, and of course the Nakamura family for taking care of me.
Look forward to seeing you all again in May 2006
Sensei George Andrews
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here to go to the Canadian site for participants comments on the Gasshuku
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Photos from the Gassuku |  |