Latest Events, Messages and Results
The 2009 Canberra regional Gasshuku was a massive success. Members travelled from as far away as Newcastle to participate in what was a memorable weekend.
Training began on Friday night at at Sensei Joe Roses' Canberra Dojo, with a good turn up of over 40 Karate-ka. The
'light' warm up was taken by Sensei Simon Beaumont, who took the participants through a
vigorous routine of press up's, sit up's and squats, along with some interest ducking and weaving exercises.
After this Sensei Roses took the class through some hard basic training to get the sweat going, covering basic, blocking, punching and kicking techniques. The session was then ended by Sensei Chris Larken teaching Sanchin, then partnering everybody off to examine each others technique.
Saturday morning had a turn out of about 80 and began with a warm up from Sensei Paul Parlett, that was followed by a great basics session from Sensei Simon Beaumont. Sensei Simon moved quickly and covered a lot of the basic curriculum with some great challenging combinations.
After a short break it was back to training, but this time in grade groups. Sensei Kevin Nash and Sensei Gary Johnson took the young children, Sensei Paul Parlett took the lower kyu grades, Sensei Chris and Sensei Simon took Sandan and above and Sensei Joe taught the Brown belts - Nidan. All participants seemed to enjoy this chance to get closer to senior instructors.
After a short break, another, smaller, split session was held, rotating instructors around the same groups, before Sensei Ari Takkanen did a one hour lecture on
Pilates, Goju-ryu and core area strength. Many commented that they learnt a lot of valuable exercises. Sensei Roses took the young children for training during this session.
Following this, a large amount of participants enjoyed the hospitality of Deeks Cafe in Pearce, along with a great dinner at the Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Sunday morning began with a physical dose of warm-ups and basics from Sensei Chris Larken. Sensei Joe then took over
utilizing the same techniques just practiced by Sensei Chris, but putting them into Kumite type drills.
Following this was the Gasshuku's last split session. Sensei Roses took the Sandan and above, Sensei Simon and Sensei Chris took the grading participants, Sensei Paul took the lower Dan grades, Sensei David Liftson took the Children and Sensei David Lambert took the lower kyu grades. Again a lot of positive feedback was taken from this session.
After this students were given a rare treat with demonstrations by senior grades, in the following order.
- Gekisai Dai Ichi & Gekisai Dai Ni
by senior black belt members
- Seipai and two man Kata
by Janet Young and TJ DeCastella
- Hojo Undo
by Sensei David Lambert and Rob Decastella
- Saifa
by Sensei Kevin Nash
- Suparimpei
by Sensei Paul Parlett
- Sesan
by Sensei Chris Larken
- Sanchin with Shime
by Sensei David Lambert and Sensei Joe Roses
- Kakie
by Sensei Joe Roses
A Dan grading was held that afternoon at Sensei Joe Roses Dojo and I am pleased to report that all members passed the test.
Thank you again to all the participants who travelled to attend this great camp and thank you to all the instructors for their time and efforts.
Stay posted to the IOGKF Australian website for news on our many upcoming events!
On February 17, Sensei Joe Roses visited the IOGKF Lambert dojo in Goulburn,
New South Wales for a special junior session. It was aimed at students aged
between 10 and 16. The visit was much anticipated, not only because it was
the first time many participants had trained with a new instructor, but
it was also the first time since 2006 that a guest instructor had visited
the dojo for training.
Sensei Joe arrived around 5:00pm and most students arriving for the 5:30pm
start commented that it was good to see Sensei Lambert being trained on
senior Kata by the Australian joint chief Instructor.
At 5:30pm a large group of junior participants lined up to be trained
by the visiting instructor. Sensei Joe started with a lengthy talk about
how self defense is not only about Karate techniques, but being safe by
telling people where you’re going, listening to instructions carefully and
being your own person and not allowing yourself to be bullied. “Leadership
is important. Be a leader, not a ship.
The session began with an explanation of etiquette in Goju ryu. Sensei
Joe explained about seiza and respect when bowing.
He then began Junbi undo training, exposing the participants to a variety
of different stretching techniques. Sensei Joe then took everyone through
a series of energetic push up sets, again showing a variety of techniques
and methods.
The guest instructor then dished out a dose of Kihon for all members,
starting basic and building up into combination training. Sensei Joe gave
small technical tips about footwork, hip and body movements for each different
technique.
At the conclusion of the basic training, Sensei Joe commented he was
very happy with everyone’s technique. All participants tried very hard and
took a lot away from this part of the training.
Partner drills were next, with the aim of the students being able to
get used to the presence of attacking techniques and also to be able to
absorb the impact of a strong attack with a strong block or defensive movement.
Kata training was next on the agenda. Sensei Joe examined every student’s
Kata and was very happy with their technique. He again gave technical tips
about foot work and how to generate even more power in techniques.
Sensei Joe explained to the participants that there were endless applications
to self defense from the Kata. Sensei Joe and Sensei Lambert then demonstrated
Gekisai Dai Ichi Renzoku Bunkai (two man Kata). First it was done with full
power, then slowed down and broken into sections so the participants could
see the techniques of the Kata.
All participants also commented that they enjoyed the last section of
the training, where Sensei Joe demonstrated self defense techniques on Sensei
Lambert. Once this was completed, everyone bowed out and Sensei Lambert
presented a gift to Sensei Roses for his time and teachings on the night.
Sensei Joe thanked everyone for their attendance and enthusiasm towards
their training. He explained that if they keep training hard with Sensei
Lambert that they all have the ability to become very strong and sharp Karate-ka.
With that everybody’s enthusiasm was raised and all have become even more
determined to succeed with Karate.
On behalf of the IOGKF Lambert Dojo, we’d all like to thank Sensei Joe
Roses very much for coming to visit the dojo and we very much look forward
to hosting him and other guest instructors in the near future.
Thank you very much!
Once
again for Australia’s National Gasshuku we were fortunate enough to
welcome Sensei Bakkies Laubscher to our shores. The training took place at
the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen. IOGKF Australia has used this
great facility numerous times before and the reasons for why we’d come
back again were obvious. To be able to stay, train and be served great
food, all at the same complex made life very easy and enjoyable.
The training over the course of the weekend focused strongly on the
fundamentals of Karate. Bakkies Sensei incorporated a lot of basic attacking and
defensive sequences with different moving and evasion techniques. Our guest
Instructor also explained that you have to be able to move as well as you can
defend and counter, and that we shouldn’t sacrifice power and technique for
speed. If you work hard, the speed will come with the power.
Kata also featured highly on the training agenda with the Black belt
contingent being exposed to Sanchin, Tensho, Sanseru, Seipai and Sesan practice
under Bakkies Sensei’s watchful eye. All appreciated the variety in the
explanation of technique and they’re application to various situations.
Due to the large variety of grades attending the Gasshuku, split sessions
were also held, giving attendees the chance to experience training with Bakkies
Sensei and our chief instructors in smaller and more grade specific groups. All
members seemed to enjoy this experience.
One of the major bonuses of everyone staying at the same facility meant the
camaraderie between members was great. This especially applied at meal times,
when Bakkies Sensei would regale us with stories of his Karate life and from
living in South Africa.
The Gasshuku came to a close around midday on Sunday and the 50 participants
had, had they’re motivation for Karate boosted again. Bakkies Sensei thanked
everyone for attending and explained to the instructors that if you don’t
attend, then your students won’t attend.
It is important that rally as many troops to the cause as we can when these
events are held. We must never take for granted the talent of Higaonna Sensei
and our IOGKF Senior instructors and all members should make their greatest
effort to attend these camps. Having said that, Bakkies Sensei was very happy
with the standard in Australia and said that we were on the right track.
On Sunday afternoon as Dan grading was held. Congratulations to Malcolm,
Janet and TJ on their Sandan pass, and to DJ on his Nidan pass.
IOGKF Australia has events and merchandise in planning for next year, so
please stay tuned to this website and your Dojo instructors for more details.
A big thank you goes to Sensei Simon, Mike and Claude for their amazing
efforts in organizing the event. They ran a very professional and organized
camp.
I would also like to take this opportunity on the behalf of the IOGKF to
congratulate Sensei Simon Beaumont on the birth of his first child, one day
before the Gasshuku.
I look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year and I wish you all a safe
and happy upcoming festive season!
See gasshuku pictures!
I have recently returned from the World Budo Sai held in Naha,
Okinawa. There were well over 800 Karateka in attendance of
which 20 plus were Australian. Students and Dojo instructors
from Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, Goulburn, Tweed and Mackay
trained 4 hours per day with fellow practitioners from over 53
different countries. There was a great sense of family and
fellowship displayed by all with many friendships made and
renewed.
The rotation of senior instructors gave immense variety and
insight for all grades. For many students, taking classes with
senior instructors from other countries, of which they had only
heard of, was a real delight. The wealth of knowledge in IOGKF
was apparent to all who participated and trained hard in the hot
humid conditions. The special regard that everyone has for
Sensei Higaonna is clearly visible. Just being in his presence
gives one a sense of humility and we are so privileged to have a
master who is so approachable.
Several members of the Australian team participated in the
demonstrations held before a large crowd on the last day of the
Gasshuku. It was awe inspiring watching hundreds of black belts
execute Sanchin Kata after the Kyu grades performed Gekki Sai
Dai Ichi. Several other styles demonstrated their version of
Sanchin Kata along with other disciplines.
Our visit to Okinawa was highlighted by several social
events. The welcome party started the ball rolling allowing
everyone to acquaint themselves in the relaxed setting of the
Hotel Orion with some making it into the wee hours of the
morning....I can’t imagine how they survived the training that
day.
The Irish Bar provided the perfect setting for viewing the
rugby Tri Nations Test between the Wallabies and the
Springboks………shame! A great night with the South Africans, they
were gracious in defeat!
Another memorable night was the ANZAC reunion held in the
theatre restaurant alongside Starbucks. Joe Tate managed to
persuade the staff to use his innovative ordering system while
we partied, danced and drank into the night……there was much
cheering and laughter throughout, especially from the two
Scottish ring-ins.
The Sayonara party saw the closure of the Gasshuku with all
participating countries expressing their culture in a variety of
performances on stage.
We represented ourselves outstandingly. Thanks go to Paul
Parlett on the Didgeridoo who accompanied the Choir From Down
Under in a wonderful rendition of Waltzing Matilda. In no time
at all the audience, captivated by our enthusiasm, joined in the
chorus. A terrific time had by all.
A huge thank you must go to those who organized the Budosai
and especially to my fellow Aussies for contributing to the
fantastic time I had. I must not forget our little mascot Jonah
who was stole the hearts of all and his Aunty Lou who proved to
have a fabulous sense of humor and direction as poor as mine.
see Budosai Pictures
SAYONARA Kerri Larken
The
2008 Oceania Gasshuku, held in Newcastle, Australia was a huge success. The
event attracted over 120 participants from all over Australia, New Zealand and
Scotland.
See gasshuku pictures... and gasshuku
YouTube video
Higaonna Sensei was in very good spirits and taught a fantastic in depth
Gasshuku. As always Sensei was inspiring to all, from the senior black belts to
the lowest kyu grades, everyone came away charged to continiue their sincere
practice into the art of Goju-ryu Karate.
Special thanks go to Sensei Chris and Kerri Larken and their very professional
team of well organized assistants who helped make the Gasshuku the massive
success that it was.
Large thanks also go to the many parents and karate-ka who travelled large
distances to attend the camp along with the 3 participants from IOGKF NZ and
Gary Adams who came all the way from IOGKF Scotland to train.
Congratulations also go to the 3 Karate-ka who were successful in sitting their
grading tests.
Also view the
New Zealand gasshuku report....
DJ Lambert
November 2007 Grading Results
Congratulations to
- Michael Scott - 1st Kyu, brown belt
- Tom Shael - 1st Kyu, brown belt
- Therese Wicks - 1st Kyu, brown belt
- Tom Mayfield - 1st Kyu, brown belt
- Zeke Ezra - 2nd kyu, brown belt
I.O.G.K.F Canberra Gasshuku - 12 to 14 October 2007 with Sensei Bakkies
Laubscher
Many thanks to Sensei Joe Roses of the IOGKF-Canberra dojo
for hosting this event.
It was a great success with about 50 students attending 3 days
of intensive basics and kata training. As always, it was an
inspiration to train with Sensei Bakkies.
Congratulations to Richard Hopkins of the Newcastle dojo for passing his Yon Dan.
Helmut
February 2007 New Zealand Gasshuku Update
Another great gasshuku with Higaonna Sensei. It was very
well organized by the IOGKF New Zealand. Many members from
dojos all around New Zealand including 14 members from
Australian dojos attended. The NZ members made us feel very
welcome and an enjoyable experience. The gasshuku ended
with a black belt grading, congratulations to Sensei Gavin
Hill of our Mackay dojo who passed his yon dan and all other
attending.
Helmut