The 2008 Amsterdam Jodo Stage
May, 23rd to 25th 2008
This year’s annual jodo stage in Amsterdam, led by Fred Quant, was marked by the fact that almost half the participants had travelled to Amsterdam from other countries. From about 20 participants, four had come all the way from Budapest, and four from the Czech Republic!
After a three-hour training on Friday night, the stage was formally opened on Saturday morning. The entire morning special attention was given to Kihon and Kihon Sotai practice. After lunch, enjoyed outdoors in marvellous sunshine, the basic techniques were applied in the Omote Kata series. Saturday dinner was taken in an excellent Chinese restaurant in Amsterdam’s tiny Chinatown, and after a short walk through Amsterdam’s oldest streets, moderate amounts of beer were enjoyed in a café which features more than 300 kinds of beer!
Sunday saw the completion of Kihon Sotai practice and much attention was paid to Kata practice. Chudan and Ran Ai Kata were practiced by the advanced students. Almost all participants were given one or two new Kata by Fred Quant, which they could then practice under his watchful eye. Fred Quant and Patrick Orth gave a sharp Kage demonstration, which had everybody, spell-bound.
With about 20 participants of various level, the stage provided a great opportunity to study jodo techniques and Kata. The scrupulous attention to minute detail in basic Kihon and Kihon Sotai immediately paid off when applied in Omote Kata. The fact that everybody was able to leave with new Kata and insights into techniques and Kata already known made the stage worthwhile for all participants.
Budo Association Shin-ShinBuKen wishes to express its thanks to all participants and looks forward to next year’s stage!
Jeffrey Schwerzel
Fédération Européenne de Jodo / European Jodo Federation