Healesville Gasshuku

by Lucas Gosling

This year's summer Gasshuku, was as fun and interesting as it was challenging. Once again, we headed off to Healsville in the Victorian countryside, with around 30 students attending.

The first half was similar to last years 12 hour marathon and Sensei took us through a tough 6 hours of continuous training, starting at 6am. This was followed by a competition of a different kind in the hours following lunch.

We were very honoured and privileged to once again have Sensei Stan Schmidt in attendance and also Sensei Mark Wainman from South Africa was also able to come along.

Spirit was high during the Gasshuku with the weather once again being kind to us.

We started with an hour of Heian Shodan followed by a huge variety of different exercises.

These included one and five step kumite, combination training, advanced kata (with Jion for Kyu grades, thanks Cindy), grappling, self defence techniques, foot sweeps, bag work.

All this was rounded off with some Tekki Katas.

Once again there was one student who was singled out for special treatment at the end of the training.

Travis was lucky enough to tackle parts of his 8th kyu grading, and did a fantastic job under considerable pressure. Congratulations on passing Travis!

The afternoon saw the competition unfold, with four events. These were:

• Bo kata, with each of us quickly attempting to learn tekki shodan with a 6 foot stick

• Knife fighting, with both combatants using a knife in an effort to contact the other person without getting cut

• Sumo wrestling, where some people (who shall remain nameless) taking special delight in the pre-sumo ritual and

• A pre-arranged demonstration, containing many action packed scenarios and bad acting.

Lots of fun was had by all with Luke emerging the eventual victor and Cindy not too far behind. Outstanding performances also came from Sensei David Whyte and Jessica Geyer.

One of the highlights of the competition would have to have been Hayley's remarkable fighting with the knife, taking out some very experienced and fast Karateka with her calm manner and explosive technique.

Remind me not to argue with her!

 

After a night of heavy socialising, we all headed back to Melbourne bleary eyed but content for once again passing the challenge of Summer Gasshuku.

Thanks once again to Sensei Keith for all of the organising and training throughout the day, and congratulations to all those that participated.

I am sure next years Gasshuku will be even bigger and better (if that's possible).