The 2014 Shorinjiryu Koshinkai National Training Camp commenced on Friday the 28th March with a training session for the Brown and Black belt karateka. After the welcomes and bow in, Shihan Estens and Sensei McKernan took everyone through Sankakutobi Shodan Ichi. Shihan Paroz then took the group through a very informative session on Bunkai Theory.
Following on, Shihan Paroz lead us all into an in-depth lesson on Tanbo Self Defence which has been introduced for our 4th Kyu grading. Shihan Estens then took the group through Sai kata to finish off a full training session in very hot and humid conditions
After cleaning up, we all met for a joint evening meal and held our AGM. Various topics were discussed and the following personnel were elected to the National Executive Committee:
President Shihan Des Paroz
Vice President Tasshi Tony Fletcher
Treasurer Kyoshi Jim Griffin
Secretary Shihan Lesley Griffin
Councilor Shihan Max Estens
Saturday kicked off with the Shodan-ho candidates, under the watchful eye of Shihan Lesley Griffin, take the early morning session of kata Naihanchin no sho. After breakfast, Kyoshi Griffin and Shihan Estens officially welcomed everyone to the National Camp. Members came from Kennankan in Melbourne, Kensuukan in Coonabarabran, Kengokan in Sydney, Shishikan in Brisbane, Kazoku in Murgon, Kensuikan in Rockhampton and of course the students from Seiryukan Bribie Island.
The days’ events went straight into Wankan Waza with Kyoshi Griffin and Tasshi Fletcher followed by Wankan kata taken by Kyoshi Griffin and Shihan Lesley Griffin. Renshi Bowden then took the whole group through a fighting strategy session that was informative and realistic. The shodan-ho candidates followed with demonstrations and part of their grading.
After lunch Shihan Paroz and Shihan Estens introduced Tanbo Goshinjutsu no Waza that is now part of the syllabus for grading to 4th Kyu Green Belt. This was an exciting inclusion in our training and was welcomed with much enthusiasm by everyone. Kyoshi Griffin and Shihan Estens took the group through Randori Go followed by a lesson from Shihan Estens on Ten Chi Jin San Nin Kumite. Open floor practice time was given to all
Shodan-ho Candidates
The Shodan-ho candidates then performed more grading material and after continual grading demonstrations throughout Friday and Saturday, Olivia Grech and Deji Balgun were awarded their shodan-ho much to the delight of everyone there but especially to their instructor Tasshi Marnie Roberts who wasn’t able to hold back tears of joy.
The Presentations for Black Belt of the Year (BBOTY) and the newly introduced Karateka of the Year (KOTY) were then made.
Black Belt of the Year Sensei Anne Kratzman
Sensei Kratzman (mother of Sensei Leanne Sippel) has been instrumental in keeping the Kazoku Dojo going and providing support while Sensei Sippel is finishing her degree.
Karateka of the Year Sempai James Quaglino
Sempai Quaglino has been a very hard worker overcoming personal difficulties to achieve his Brown Belt and see’s his Black Belt grading as the next personal goal and achievement. He is strong supporter in the dojo and is always willing to help wherever he can.
After dinner and all presentations and awards were finished, group photos were taken and a very happy group of karateka went home around 9pm.
Sunday morning saw another early pre-breakfast session taken by Shihan Paroz, Shihan Estens and Sensei McKernan who introduced the “Koshinkai Fitness Test” designed to bring a minimum level of fitness to Yudansha personnel who will be required to pass this as part of their grading.
The fitness test covers upper and middle strength plus aerobic exercise and was welcomed with much enthusiasm by everyone. Groups of people conducted this test with Shihan Paroz showing the way by leading from the front. While this has been introduced at Yudansha level, the interest shown by all the Mudansha, may see a natural progression for this fitness test to be part of the complete grading syllabus.
Shihan Paroz and Shihan Estens continued on with the Tanbo Goshinjutsu no Waza breaking down the moves and explaining both Omote and Ura Waza applications. Such was the interest in this program; extended time was given allowing the students to practice more.
The last part of the training camp was dedicated to Kata Nijushiho going through every aspect, understanding the techniques and the correlation to the waza application. Everyone saw and felt the benefits of learning the waza and applications to better understanding the kata
An excellent training camp, well organized and executed. Everyone gave 100% focus with high levels of enthusiasm. It was very apparent that the camaraderie continues to grow as our small but dedicated group shows how closely knitted our family is.
Congratulations to the well deserved recipients, Instructors of the day, the National Executive, the Chief Instructors and most of all the students who trained diligently and hard.