I was invited earlier this year by Sensei
Steve Rowe of Shikon Martial Arts to participate in this years SENI
exhibition at the N.E.C.
He suggested that it might be a good idea to
share with the many disciplines at the Mind and Body Festival, a
demonstration of Okinawan Traditional Goju Ryu supplementary training
aids or Hojo Undo which on the day drew a large crowd. An array of
implements were demonstrated, Chi Ishi, Kongo Ken, Tetsu Sashi, Nigiri
Game, Makiwara and Ude Tanren. Sanchin and Tensho Katas were also
demonstrated.
Then it was to the ladies lead by Sensei
Linda Marchant to demonstrate Ippon Kumite against 4 opponents first
slow then fast which incorporated Nage Waza, these techniques ably
demonstrated that with close quarter techniques, a woman can be
affective. At the same time I and Sensei Andy Barker performed Kakei or
sticky hands which incorporated joint locks, throws and strangles.
The audience after we took the final bow demonstrated their appreciation of our efforts with a long applause.
As to my seminar I was blessed with one
participant and that was one of Sensei Gavin Mulholland's students,
Simon who really enjoyed himself and seemed to absorb everything I
showed him, well done Simon. The concept of Goju Ryu is quality not
quantity, with this in mind, everything starts with a single step.
I wanted to meet the directors of SENI, Tony
and Sarah Pillage, it was a pleasure to meet with them and thanked them
for all their efforts. I also had the pleasure of meeting Sensei Terry
Wingrove, Sensei Patrick McCarthy and the respected Sensei Tino
Ceberano, I hope that in the future we can work together to develop
Traditional Karate – Do.
When I look back to the Mind and body
Festival at Olympia in the early 70’s where I did demo’s and how
everything has changed, having said that everyone seemed to be having
fun with what they were doing.
I hope we are invited back next year to at least do a couple of demos.
