Journey to a new style...

GASSHUKU THIS WEEKEND!!!

I'm.... a little excited :D. With the other group from last year (same style, different club/org). A solid 10 hours of training, and this year it's beachside, so hopefully we do some beach training!!!

Did I mention I'm excited?
The nearest true beach is just under 8-hours. We do outside workouts several times a year.
 
Oh wow there ya go! I've always lived pretty close to beaches all my life, can't fathom that. Yeah awesome, nothing like training outdoors in nature :)
We have several lakes that are rock bottom and truly beautiful. Surprisingly clear water. I am a get diver, so I get visibility. For those us who are adventurous (hand raised) we do a 1/2 mile 'fun run' swim across one section of Center Hill Lake every year where we also workout and a have a big barbeque. A very fun day. The lake is Core of Engineers controlled, and they do Not like us doing it but have always allowed it and keep boats near.
20-years ago, we did it with our uniform on. Why? I don't recall, but it was neat seeing 20-30 white uniforms going across the water. Life jackets were/are optional and we always have two boats in tow.
There are manmade beaches on parts of the lake where we have worked out. But the Lake is over 2-hour away, so organizing a big trip still has its challenges.
 
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Well it is from whence we came and we carry salty waters in our veins.

Bloody freezing on the beach half an hour ago 🥶 but I saw a seal suspiciously observing me and a raptor dropping a dead pigeon almost upon me! 🦅
See! The ocean does want us to play in it!
 
We have several lakes that are rock bottom and truly beautiful. Surprisingly clear water. I am a get diver, so I get visibility. For those us who are adventurous (hand raised) we do a 1/2 mile 'fun run' swim across one section of Center Hill Lake every year where we also workout and a have a big barbeque. A very fun day. The lake is Core of Engineers controlled, and they do Not like us doing it but have always allowed it and keep boats near.
20-years ago, we did it with our uniform on. Why? I don't recall, but it was neat seeing 20-30 white uniforms going across the water. Life jackets were/are optional and we always have two boats in tow.
There are manmade beaches on parts of the lake where we have worked out. But the Lake is over 2-hour away, so organizing a big trip still has its challenges.
I am an 'avid' diver. not sure what happened there.
 
Gasshuku complete!!! Such an amazing weekend and experience... and feel my karate has deepened and been so enriched by the process. Walked away with so much. Made many friendships and connections and shared a really special time with likeminded folks :)

The theme of the camp was bunkai vs kumite, but we covered all sorts of things from fundamentals, ju/soft sensitivity training drills, kata/bunkai, hip training drills, different cutting blocks, breakfalls, and a different form of kumite, but my favourite highlights were:

- Learning kata Rokkishu (precursor to Tensho)
- Octopus hands sensitivity drill
- After a big day of training on Saturday, a few of us head down to the beach and HURLED ourselves into the ocean. Sooo refreshing and fun
- Deep zen chats :)
- The Saturday night, when everyone had gone to sleep, I was stretching in the training hall, and some of the guys came in to just practice kata together. I joined in for some (including some Ba Gua too) and it was such a special night I won't forget, really enjoyed that time :)

It wasn't as physically intense as last year's camp, but far out today... I am toast 🤣. Incredibly sore head to toe, exhausted, so today was just filled to the brim with nothing. Very much loved it :)
 
Some pics

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