This annual event is always looked forward to and true to form, it proved to be a
great success.
The course was overseen by Sugasawa Sensei and successfully organised by Steve
Rawson Sensei 7th Dan and Pam Rawson Sensei 7th Dan. Instructors and students
from across England, Brittany and Norway came together to train and work on the
principles of Wado.
The unofficial start of the course was the normal Thursday night club training at the
Ken Bu Jyuku Dojo hosted by Pam and Steve Rawson. “I can highly recommend
making the very most of the course by attending the Thursday night training. It really
set the scene for the weekend and gave students an insight into the themes and
principles that would follow” (Sue Dodd)
Friday morning saw a small group meet up at the beach for a dip in Weymouth Bay.
The water temperature was a balmy 11 degrees with a strong easterly wind that made
for some interesting waves. This led to some challenging swimming, but great fun
was had by all.
Sugasawa Sensei opened the course by welcoming students back to Weymouth.
The timetable ran its usual course over the Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
This year’s theme was Tai Sabaki but as was explained throughout, this was not a
focus on a mere verbal translation but much more a deeper understanding of all
aspects of body management whether performing technique, holding position or,
perhaps especially when transitioning from one technique to another. The warm ups
on each day were both focussed and challenging with each instructor bringing the
benefits of their expertise to the table.
The Rawson Senseis kicked off the training on the Friday evening with a number of
physically demanding basic drills which concentrated the mind and prepared
everyone for what was to come. Students were then put into groups of 5 to practice
the drills in all directions and with different opponents.
Saturday training began with a special ‘Mokuto’ in memory of our dear friend Tim
Dixon.
After the warm up, Tim Shaw Sensei 7th Dan and Steve Chamberlain Sensei
7th Dan took the Black and Brown Belts working on Okuri Ashi, the involvement of
the hip through to Tsugi Ashi and Surikomi Ashi.
Steve and Pam Rawson took the Green and White Belts showing them the importance and correlation between Shiko Dachi and their Junzuki movement.
The Kata session that followed saw the groups sub divided again. 4th Dans and above
were given a detailed break down of Chinto Kata by Sugasawa Sensei and assisted by
Steve Rawson.
The lower Dan Grades were taught by Tim Shaw and covered Naihanchi looking at applied principles (rather than applied techniques).
Steve Chamberlain took the Brown Belts for Pinan Yondan whilst Pam Rawson worked on
Pinan Sandan with the junior grades.
A session on pairwork followed with Steve Chamberlain and Richard Barham Sensei
6th Dan taking 2nd Dan + working on Kihon Gumite Happonme.
Steve & Pam Rawson introduced the Brown Belts to the Uchi variations of Kumite Gata. Sensei once again gave his invaluable expertise on the body movement required for an effective technique.
Tim Shaw took apart some of the Nihon Gumite with the Green Belts, whilst Carol Chatterton Sensei 6th Dan worked with the White Belts.
The formal session closed with the presentation of a 2nd Dan Certificate to Mark
Troman, followed by the usual group photo.
It was then pleasing to see how many students took advantage of the extra hour personal practice offered by the host club in their mirrored upstairs Dojo.
Saturday night was the usual chance for over 40 students and family members to have
a social get together at the Gurkha all you can eat buffet (Frank Parry holds the
current record for the number of plates of food consumed!!!) Afterwards many
students burnt off the calories with a visit to the various live music events being held
in the town.
Sunday saw Sugasawa Sensei lead the training for all with a very informative two
hour session on the importance of using the elbows correctly whilst delivering a
variety of techniques. In particular he scrutinised everyone’s movement on Shuto,
with no escape for senior Dan Grades.
Pairwork practice followed with everyone trying to use their elbows in the correct
manner. Rob Selby Sensei 5th Dan and Bob Wymer Sensei 5th Dan assisted the senior instructors in delivering this session.
The culmination of Sunday’s training was a surprise demonstration of Kata/Dance by
Steve and Pam Rawson showing why Sugasawa Sensei named their club Ken Bu
Jyuku 拳舞塾
A small group of selected seniors were invited by Sensei to join together for a meal at
the Oliveto restaurant to reflect on and celebrate the life of our dear departed friend
Tim Dixon who will be forever in our hearts. Whilst it was an emotional time it was
a chance to support each other and raise a toast.
The Monday session came all too quickly and seemed to be over in a blink, however
all levels enjoyed focussed Kihon Nagasu training “the Norwegians in particular”
(Bob Wymer). Kihon Gumite pair work was looked at, offering/suggesting potential
next steps, whilst emphasising that such things are impossible unless you are in
charge of your body management.
A kyu grading session was held with Joanne Quy from Chelmsford successfully
passing her 7th Kyu grade.
Sensei then closed the course thanking everyone for their continued support.
Report compiled by Pam Rawson Sensei 7th Dan with contributions from Tim Shaw Sensei 7th Dan, Bob Wymer Sensei 5th Dan, Sue Dodd Senpai 2nd Dan.
Shikukai Karate-Do International 