The weekend of 20-21 August 2011 saw black and brown belt practitioners of Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo gather at Pilliga Pottery near Coonabarabran for the annual Black Belt Training Camp. Instructors and karateka represented every dojo, with participants coming from Rockhampton, Murgon, Bribie Island, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and of course Coonabarabran. Most arrived on Friday evening for some relaxing catch up and delicious home made pizza!
The proceedings started at 6.15am on Saturday with an early morning session on sword, with Shihan Jim Griffin revising basics of sword, and leading us through the sword kata Gokyoku no Ken. This early session was a great way to get the mind engaged (important when holding a sharp metal weapon), and also set the scene for the nature of the camp.
After breakfast, Renshi Des Paroz lead the group on the first of the new self defence routines being phased into Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo. These first five defences are based on the kata Naihanchin Sho, and are based on 5 common self defence attacks - a push, two different chokes, an arm bar and a double wrist grab. The session culminated in a short drill (Naihanchin Sho Waza) that was enthusiastically received by all. It was decided that this drill, not the five individual defences, would be what is examinable at future promotions for yellow belt.
After a short break, Tasshi Graeme Bowden and Shihan Max Estens re-introduced the yakusoku kumite called Randori Kumite Go, which is being phased back into our syllabus. Tasshi Bowdo provided a good overview of the types and purposes of yakusoku kumite, and a load of good information on technique, setup and more. Everyone got a lot out of this session, and we all benefited from the perspective on kumite.
The next session saw Shihan Jim and Shihan Max lead us through another yakusoku kumite that is being reinstated into our syllabus - Randori Kumite Ni. As with Randori Kumite Go, all present were excited that this is once again part of our syllabus.
The final formal training session of the day saw Renshi Des work through the second of self defences. These 8 sequences are taken from the kata Happiken, and will now become the yellow-to-orange belt grading curricul for self defences.
Following this session, we had an "open floor" session where all the karateka present could work on anything they wanted, and be able to get advice on particular things from their peers and seniors. Some revised material from that day, some reviewed advanced material they rarely get to work on (particularly with a senior present), and some polished their demonstrations for the yudansha grading.
After this, 5 karateka provided their demonstrations for their promotions, which was immediately followed by the presentation of certificates and belts, and the traditional sake ceremony. Instead of sake, Shihan Jim provided an unforgettable green plum wine. At the same time, a couple of presentations were made, including the presentation of the Black Belt of the Year, and a special presentation to Maria Rickert of Pilliga Pottery by Renshi Lesley Griffin, in appreciation of the great venue and hospitality provided each year.
After a delicious dinner of kangaroo goulash, a short discussion session on kata bunkai. Many sleepy karateka got an early night, with only a couple enjoying a quiet glass of port.
Sunday morning again started early (6.30am) with a run through of the jo kata Kudaka no Jo. Lead by Tasshi Tony Fletcher and Renshi Des, this revision was important to cement this kata's practice into our syllabus as one of our early weapons forms.
Next up Shihan Max lead the group through the kata Kusanku Sho (previously known as Koshiki Kusanku or Koshiki Kusoku). This kata is also being reinstated into our syllabus, so it was a great opportunity to get all yudansha on the same page with this advanced form.
The final session before the formal close of the camp saw Renshi Des and Shihan Max lead the group through the third new set of self defences. Again consisting of 8 sequences, these are all taken from the kata Nijushiho, and involve defences against knife attacks. These are being introduced as the self defences curriculum for those progressing from orange to green belt.
This was the final session, with many people leaving after lunch to begin their drives home. Some individuals stayed back to participate in videoing the new self defence sequences, which are being made available to all yudansha through our Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Vimeo Group.
The 2011 Black Belt Training Camp was a real highlight for all present. All agreed that a lot of material was covered, yet they felt the pace was appropriate to ensuring they will retain the material so they can further work on it in their various dojo. The food and venue were once again excellent, and our thanks go to Maria Rickert, Sensei Johannes Rickert and the Pilliga Pottery family for their amazing hospitality.