Imagine if you could build your perfect dojo, a sprung hardwood floor, mirrors down one side, hanging bags, makiwara, views out over palm trees to a strip of white sand and a tropical sea...... No this is not a dream this is the dojo of the IOGKF Thailand representative Geoff Pickup.
Geoff used to be my student in Sheffield but after he retired early he took himself off to Australia and New Zealand where he did his Shodan under Higaonna Sensei. On his way back to England he called into Thailand to do some rock-climbing and fell in love with the place and met his wife to be. Geoff has always been on at Margaret and myself about coming over and training there and on our recent trip to South East Asia he got his wish. We called in and stayed at his place for 4 days on the island of Koh Samui.
On the evening our arrival I took Geoff's kids class as he had asked me to grade them if I felt they were of a good enough standard. I covered everything they would need to know for their grading which was to be on the following morning. After the kids class I conducted a class that was attended by some martial artists of different styles, which turned into an impromptu demonstration of Goju Ryu and Wing Chun. The morning brought an early start again and some very eager children who were here for their grading. The kids were great and of a high standard, I am pleased to say that they were all successful and very exited to be graded by a visiting instructor.
Following the grading it was Geoff and Margaret's turn to be put 'under the microscope' I spent three hours putting them through their paces with some kata training. We started with San Dan Gi and variations and through kata from Gekisai Dai Ichi to Sanseru and basic bunkai to the kata. I could have gone on longer but the temperature was becoming oppressive and I do have to say that I could see the beach and the sea looked very inviting!
Geoff and Aell have just opened their resort and have brand new bungalows to rent out at very reasonable rates. If you fancy a trip to Thailand and would like to train whilst you are there then this is the ideal spot. (Click here for a poster)
I would like to thank Geoff and Aell for their hospitality during our visit.
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| Kids Class | Pad work in the grading | Kata training for Geoff |
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| Geoff's Dojo |