Okinawa Gasshuku 2006

To train with the Master is always a pleasure, he generates the passion that one lacks in their personal training and the camaraderie and atmosphere that is apparent seems to ignite everyone’s input. The training was for Chief Instructors and 5th Dan and above however, the Master allowed some 3rd and 4th Dan’s to train, and in attendance I counted 80 Dan grades from 20 countries.

I was accompanied by my assistant Linda Marchant, as we arrived at Heathrow airport I was treated to a fish supper which was delicious and white wine to finish it off. After an 11 hour flight we arrived at Narita Airport then a quick transfer to Hanida Airport where after a 2 hour flight we arrived in Okinawa, the temperature was a cool 23c but the humidity was apparent. On reaching the hotel I took a much needed cool shower then straight to bed in anticipation for the next day’s training.

After a restless night sleep due to the time change and a light breakfast, it was good to walk to the Okinawa Budokan which is about 20 minutes from the hotel, with temperatures increasing to 28c I had already started my training regime. On reaching this wonderful building and entering the door you can feel the energy that has passed through previous times.

Waiting for the Master and watching all the familiar faces from around the world arriving, greetings and acknowledgments were exchanged.

As we lined up on the command of the Master, I made space to my right which was vacant due to the absence of Sensei Leon but in spirit he was present, after a two minutes silence it was time for movement. Training to my surprise started at a low key, perhaps this was a mark of respect to Sensei Leon, however it was not long before the Master stepped up a gear into full swing, and Kata was the main theme Suparinpei would dominate the first day. For the rest of the week every Kata was scrutinised in detail and the Master would explain in depth the principles and etiquette of existence.

During the week we were treated to an audience with Master Miyagi and Master Aragaki who gave a lecture on history and the concept of Chojun Miyagi Bushi Also as an added treat every day we were treated to fresh fruit from one of the Japanese contingent which was appreciated by all.

Training was broken by a visit to the Island of Tokashiki, incidentally it’s quite bizarre when I was in Mushindo Karate my Dojo’s name was Tokashiki, this Island is what you could call paradise, turquoise blue sea, white sands, and bright yellow sun and nature surrounds you. Our hall of residence was a missile base during the Second World War, however it is now a hall of residence for young people with many activities to cater for all, surrounding the complex is a small wall which keeps out the enemy, namely in a abundance very poisonous snakes.

Training would not be completed without a visit to the Sakiyama Sogen Roshi Zen Temple, up at 5am meditation at 6am for one hour, then tea and a lecture which was quite profound.

Okinawa is the birth place of Goju – Ryu and we must keep the roots there, these are the words of Sensei Yehuda (Leon) Pantanowitz, I totally agree with this concept. Towards the end of my trip I requested an audience with Master Miyagi Anichi to show my respect and wish him well due to ill health however, he was in his Karate – Do Gi and looked like he just finish training. After a 40 minute appointment and the request of Nakamura San my official interpreter was to allow Master Miyagi to rest, with this I bid my farewell.

My special thanks to all the staff and Nakamura San for his valuable translations without this facts and history would be lost.

George Andrews

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