2017 Shorinjiryu Koshinkai National Camp

On the 28^th, 29^th and 30th April 2017, Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo held its 2017 National Training Camp at the Coffs Harbour Adventure Centre.

Members from Seiryukan (Bribie Island), Kensuukan (Coonabarabran), Shishikan (Sth Brisbane), Chuzankan (Blue Mountains), Kazoku (Murgon), Kensuikan (Rockhampton) and the Newcastle Dojo, travelled to the venue in Coffs Harbour to participate in our National training Camp. Unfortunately our Melbourne dojo members were unable to make it and our Assoc President, Shihan Des Paroz, was unable to attend due to work commitments.

Kyoshi Jim Griffin and Kyoshi Max Estens kicked our camp off on the Friday with the senior members (Brown and Black belts) going through a range of the syllabus program including revision and a focus on kihon waza.

Early Friday evening, the Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo Assoc (ASKA) Inc, held its Annual General Meeting. The respective dojo instructors tabled their dojo reports followed by the Presidents and Treasurers reports. The National Executive positions were declared vacant, nominations from the floor were called and new elections were conducted. The following were nominated and elected to the National Executive Committee for 2017/2018:

▪   President:          Des Paroz

▪   Vice President:   Tony Fletcher

▪   Treasurer:          Jim Griffin

▪   Secretary:          Lesley Griffin

▪   Councillor:         Max Estens

An early start on Saturday morning had members warming up for the start of the Koshinkai Fitness test as part of the requirement for Yudansha testing. As per previous years, everyone got on the bandwagon and joined in. After breakfast, the formal camp started with the official welcomes and bow in by our Chief Instructors, Kyoshi Jim Griffin and Kyoshi Max Estens.

The weekend’s activities covered the complete range of the Koshinkai kata syllabus incorporating everything from Naihanchin sho right up to Sochin. The kumite’s and Randori’s got their fair share of air time as did Gokyo no Kumite - Te Waza plus Kansetsu waza with Kyoshi Max.

Gorin no bo, Shishiryu no bo and kudaka no jo had a thorough work out and Kyoshi Jim demonstrated Ufuchiku no jo. As part of her Yondan grading, Sensei Leanne Sippel demonstrated the sword kata performing Gokyoku no ken.

During the whole weekend, all Yudansha promotion nominees demonstrated their required grading content, with all students also demonstrating after completing a training session.

The early evening moved into the official Yudansha grading and we are pleased to announce the following promotions: 

▪   Leanne Sippel promoted to Yondan, 4th Degree Black Belt

▪   Clinton Andrews promoted to Nidan, 2nd Degree Black Belt

▪   Bill Bohan, promoted to Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt

▪   Tim Woods, promoted to Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt

▪   Jaimelee Milliner, promoted to Probationary Black Belt (Shodan Ho)  

▪   James Quaglino promoted to Probationary Black Belt (Shodan Ho)

We also congratulate Tony Fletcher for being awarded the Honourable title of Renshi. Congratulations to Renshi Tony.

At the end of the camp, Renshi Graeme Bowdon announced that Eric Tabor from the Seiryukan Dojo won the “Spirit Award”. Congratulations Eric

This was an excellent camp where we reviewed basics and our syllabus to the 110% participation and enjoyment of those there. We also thank those Instructors who took or assisted in the lessons.

Well done to all and congratulations to everyone.