Sensei George Andrews Winchester Visit March 2008
Sensei George has been coming down to us since 1989, he is almost a local and could give the Winchester tour as good as me, but without the waffling!!
I met Sensei at the usual meeting spot, Tesco’s car park, before taking him up to Worthy Down barrack’s the home of our dojo.
As Sensei as been coming down for so long the AGC and Provost all know him well and always enjoy the banter before the training starts.
We had over 40 people booked in for the weekend, with an average of 30 training both days so I was very happy. A big thanks to Martin and Louise who traveled down from Cambridge (where they have just relocated), and Daphne and Andre who came along from Camberley on Sunday.
Saturdays training began with sprints across the dojo before moving into junbi undo. Sensei then took us through a serous of exhausting kihon waza before spending time on Sandan Gi’s Ichi and Ni. After a short break it was back to some self defence combinations for which I was Sensei’s attacker. Sensei introduced some new combinations plus some variations on some more familiar defences. Sensei always works you hard with these but always with control. I am always just glad that I am on his side. We the moved on the Kata before finishing off with some light sparring.
The class finished at one and after three hours we needed to get something to eat.
So Sensei and a group of us went into Winchester City to a new Dim Sum and Noodle restaurant “The Dim T” . If you are ever in Winchester give this place a call the food is excellent (I get no freebies from them for the recommendation by the way).
I cannot remember what dish Sensei ordered but it did maker me laugh when his face went a bit red and he gave a splutter as it was hot and spicy (Shh! Don’t tell him).
The evening was spent relaxing at our house, having a quiet drink and discussing the history of Goju Ryu.
Sunday came bright and early with no rain for once, and the clocks had been moved forward one hour due to British spring time. I had been informing all about the change of time for some weeks and all arrived on time except for one couple who shall remain nameless (not mentioning any names but they come from Camberley and Daphne blamed Andre, nice one!)
Training began again with runs and sprints taking us in to Junbi undo. From there the theme of the class was kata, kata and kata. With Sensei taking us all the way through from Gekisai Dai Ichi up to Kururunfa for the seniors. Sensei broke down each section and kept us repeating until he was happy. The class finished of with lots of impact work, with Sensei leading in his usual style which left all grasping for air.
I would like to thank Sensei for the last 18 years, for looking after us and for making us feel welcome in the OTGKA. (On a personal note he has put up with my useless trivia and waffling, so thank you sensei)
This year is the 25th anniversary of the Winchester dojo (now The Hampshire Traditional Karate Academy). We are the city’s oldest karate club and I am hoping to have a special event with Sensei when he returns in September to mark the event.
You, of course are all welcome.
( I have enclosed a few photo’s of all in attendance, I also wanted to get a picture of Sensei next to the statue of King Alfred “ a true Saxon King” but the rain kept us away on Saturday. So to keep the Saxon/Viking banter going with Andy and Mags and my Sheffield karate family)
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Jason, Sensei's George and Simon |
Group Photo | Group photo again with a twist (manipulation by Andy Barker) |