Doldrums of Summer... or not

Summer is usually the time when our kids take a break from the rigors of training and get out to enjoy some time off. Many adults have summer jobs or field work that keep them out of the dojo as well. But we had a few stalwart karateka who trained through the summer. We also saw the return of shodan Peter Deer after a ten year hiatus!

Summer is also the time for camps! Sensei and Zach Giczi attended summer camp in Victoria July 8-10 in Victoria. This was a well-attended event that saw a large number of people grade including two for yondan. Sensei was awarded the rank of rokudan for his many years of training and teaching.

The following weekend, Sensei attended the iaido gasshuku in New Westminster. This annual event sees people come from all over Canada, Hungary and Mexico to train with Maneker Sensei.

In September, Sensei attended two Kobudo Gasshuku with Tamayose Sensei from Okinawa. Tamayose Sensei is the head of our Tesshinkan style of kobudo. The first weekend was in Chiliwack at the dojo of nanadan Sensei Don Shapland. Here, over 40 people attended and six people graded. There was a great celebration under a full moon with a roast pig. Very pagan.

The second weekend was hosted by Sensei Rainer Todsen in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. There was also over 40 in attendance at this event. Sensei tested for nidan and passed. The Saturday night party featured a skit put on by Tamayose Sensei and Holly Mølgaard-Tuttle of the Campbell River Dojo. It was about the "twelfth bo kihon" and featured beer. What can I say.

And now it is time to get back to training. We have at least seven of us going to the Brown and Black Belt Seminar and Grading in New Westminster in November with almost everyone grading. It should be very exciting.