Latest Events, Messages and Results
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