A visit to the Holy land I have visited Israel every year for the last 37 years and in that time it has changed every year, the housing developments and towns and commerce seem to expand without stopping, and for the time being there seems to be a calm atmosphere “ in ša Allah” In an hired car I made my way to Padis Hana, where I would stay with my family for a week, and in that time I conducted a class at Sensei Leon's Dojo for Black and Brown Belts. The training was detail in kata training, after 3 hours of training everyone was aboslutly exhusted but very happy. Then it was off to the Sea of Gallilee for a week at my friends private beach of which is surrounded by orchards of fresh fruit, sleeping under the stars in a mosqito net one could look at the stars and pick out the different stars “ luminous ball of plasma ” which is quite astounding, after awhile one would drift into a sleep and then be awaken by the sun and the chatting of the birds. The Sea of Galilee which is sweet water is inviting first thing in the morning which cools the body and relaxes the mind and it is like paradise in the desert, the ever present kingfishers. I watched a white cranne diving for a meal, descending on the unexpected fish that bask in the sun, while the flocks of green parrots chat about which direction they should fly. As I exit from the sea my body begins to perspire, natures wine (water) seems to be the only thing that will quench ones thirst and a few portions of water melon, I invited 3 of the instructors that are responsible for the IOGKF Israel for private training, they were very happy because this is what they need, one to one training for the pursuit of excellence and development of the country. I will continue to visit Israel to conduct a Gasshuku yearly to promote IOGKF in the Middle East . My special thanks to the Committee of IOGKF Israel for making this trip pleasurable. George Andrews |