The August Bank Holiday training in Brittany, France is one of the longest established courses in the Shikukai calendar. The course is hosted by Mumei Juku and this year was attended by students from England, France and the Czech Republic. These guys deserve a special mention, as they drove for 18 hours in each direction to attend the training.
Instruction was provided by Steve Chamberlain 7th Dan under the supervision of Chief Instructor Sugasawa Sensei.
The overriding themes for the three days of training was to aim for softness of movement and effective use of breathing. Saturday began with a focused warm up based on controlled breathing techniques that set the scene for the rest of the course. We began with a ground-up practice of Zuki and Shuto-uke, moving slowly to appreciate the subtleties of the techniques, the tracking of elbows, smoothness of the movements, and how the breath integrates with all of this. The practice then moved on to Meoto-te (co-ordinated defensive and attacking movements) including focused paired exercises based on the format of Kumite Kata.
Several students shared a very well-appointed flat in nearby Huelgoat, and were pleased to host a get-together for all on Saturday evening. As the conversations developed, one member recounted an unnerving experience in their accommodation which as we later learned, was known to be haunted!
Sunday’s training delved into Naihanchi and Seishan kata, looking particularly at the extension and contraction of muscles (Shinshuku) necessary to perform the kata correctly. Each part of the kata was studied individually to ensure that the full range of movement was utilised, with encouragement to move outside our personal comfort zone, but at the same time within the constraints of our own body. This level of awareness when performing the kata added an interesting dimension to the practice.
The practice of Seishan kata focussed on the use of elbows (another overarching theme for the weekend) and the connection to tanden. As a test of whether we were really getting it, we practiced in pairs to feel the effectiveness of the technique from the perspective of both Tori and Uke. It was interesting to have the opportunity to practice with different partners.
The Shikukai family came together again on the Sunday evening and enjoyed a feast including a speciality bean stew prepared by the students from the Czech Republic
Sugasawa Sensei led the final session of the weekend, with a practice of the muscular and biomechanical aspects of Koshi wo Kiru. Once the details were translated into movement we were able to appreciate how this felt, and the benefits of this way of operating were immediately evident. Then, in complete contrast, the remainder of the session consisted of a run-through of all Kumite Gata in fast succession. Was the hidden agenda here was to test whether these kata could be performed with correct Koshi wo Kiru? Maybe!
After the training, those that did not have to start their journeys home right away, made a small excursion to a nearby beach providing a chance to enjoy a fine late-summer’s day and take in some fresh air.
Feedback from the course was very positive and as a testament to the quality of the course all students have already booked to return.
Richard Barham 6th dan / Sue Dodd 2nd dan
Shikukai Karate-Do International 