At the end of November 2016 Robert Sensei, along with others from JKS Scotland and around the world, traveled to Japan where the JKS International Seminar was due to take place.
Though Robert Sensei wasn’t able to stay for the entire trip, in typical fashion he set himself a challenge of attending all 3 of the daily training sessions at the Honbu dojo over 5 days.
This initially doesn’t sound much like a challenge, however, anyone who has had the privilege of training at the honbu will know exactly how physically and mentally demanding each and every session there is, under the best instructors and practitioners in the world!
He documented the trip on social media and we have cut together the diary of his training sessions below. No matter what your level you will always come away in awe of the karate on show in Toyko and the students here in Edinburgh are already seeing some of the technical aspects which Robert Sensei has brought back from his short time there!
-Oss
| 28/11/16 | First session at honbu completed, wow that was very hard. First day always tough. Dojo was busy with students from India, Russia, South Africa, Denmark and Scotland. Shinji Nagaki Sensei taught the class just basic punching and kicking combinations then kumite drills partner work free sparring and finishing off with Junro Yondan. I had to say was exhausted but considering how unwell I’ve been for last 4 weeks I’m pleased. Two more sessions tonight then ready for bed. Wee trip to Asakusa getting all the presents bought for coming back home. Noahs two new ninja swords first purchase. Great to catch up with Jesper Markvardsen and have nice udon curry for lunch a bargain for about £3! Starbucks for battery juice and coffee (declined a cake as far too heavy)
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| 28/11/16 | Arrived back at homiekan after completing 2nd & 3rd sessions today Okamoto Sensei first evening class hard basics as always then Watanabe Sensei with kumite drills and my nose and lip burst blood everywhere that’s what I get to trying too hard with a 7ft Russian (at least he was that size next to me!)
Great evening meal afterwards, lots of laughter with Jesper Markvardsen, Nagaki sensei and Matsue Sensei. Time now to soak and wash our gi although head a little light from taking a hit to the nose in the 2nd of the evening classes! Roll on tomorrow’s 3 sessions!
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| 29/11/16 | So 2 days in, 6 sessions down! Body very very sore. Ace evening classes with Okamoto and Matsue sensei concentrating on basics and then kata.
Off for dinner, gi washing then try and sleep ready for session 7, 8 and 9 tomorrow
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| 29/11/16 | Well session no 4 done with Okamoto sensei this morning, basics and kanku dai and kanku sho.
Body sore already! A nice lunch with Jesper Markvardsen at the coco curry house no 5 for an exceptionally hot curry which was much needed! Back to meet up with Paul Giannandrea, Alistair Mitchell, Sarah Queen and the kids. After a shower it was off to the Tokyo dome before night time and sessions no.5 with Kanayama Sensei and no.6 Matsue sensei.
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| 1/12/16 | Day 4
10th 11th & 12th session completed evening 2 classes with Yamaguchi sensei and late evening class with Arimoto sensei. Feeling tired but loved the classes. Enjoyed refreshing the kata Roshu! Off for dinner then washing!!! Day 5 to go. 3 more sessions to go then fly home!
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| 1/12/16 | Session no 10 Takashi Yamaguchi Sensei awesome class and once again a much needed lunch with Paul Giannandrea, Sarah Queen, Alistair Mitchell and Jesper Markvardsen. Feeling better than last night that’s for sure!
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| 2/12/16 | Session 13 of 5 day challenge just 2 to go. Awesome class with Kanayama sensei, as always an incredibly difficult session physically but well worth it! |
| 2/12/16 | Well that’s me done 15 sessions in 5 days 14th with Makita sensei and last session with Nagaki Sensei. Enjoyed dinner with Jesper Markvardsen and Jan sensei then off to do final washing. I’m going going to miss Japan for a while now with babies on the way but happy to have trained lots this past week and lots to take back to the dojo.
Hope Paul Giannandrea and the guys enjoy the rest of their trip! |
