Latest Events, Messages and Results


Sydney National Gasshuku 2008

Sydney Gasshuku 2008Once 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!


Okinawa World Budosai July 2008

Budosai 2008 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


Newcastle Gasshuku 2008 with Sensei Morio Higaonna

Newcastle gasshuku 2008The 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