Jodo SMR Gasshuku at Iles de Lérins
March 30 and 31, 2008
This year, we had the sun with us and we could train outside, on the city wall of Fort Sainte Marguerite amidst spring flowers (isn't it idyllic?).
We were 18 participants from Bastia, Cannes and Nice gathering for a Gasshuku with the slogan chosen by Marie-Ange from Corsica: KI MUSUBI. A quite interesting subject for everybody, because for those who started with Kihon Sotai and for those who try to speed up during the last series, the unification of KI is the impetus for a good practice. To be better linked with your partner, to feel when the attacks starts, to tie up the centers, all this makes sure that the movement is correct ... well, a lot of work to come during these two days.
Saturday morning was dedicated to study the six first Kihon Sotai and the first Omote Kata. In the afternoon, we finished Kihon Sotai, Omote, and for those who are in Chudan we finished the day with some exercises typical for this series and also did some Ken exercises.
During this long day, I did not forget to encourage (and to correct a little bit) Sandrine and Jérôme who practiced the 12 Kihon Tandoku very seriously and with much assiduity.
The 6 o'clock training on Sunday morning(which started actually at 6.30 because of the change from winter to summer time) gave us the possibility to study Tanjojutsu ... the techniques were a little bit forgotten by many of us. The remaining time of the morning training was dedicated to Kenjutsu, but before we did of course the Ken Kihon.
During the last hours of the Gasshuku everybody had the opportunity to practice the last Kata he/she had learned.
The last ship awaited us already ... and - as usual - we left this marvelous place with a lot of regret. See you next year!!!
Gilles
Fédération Européenne de Jodo / European Jodo Federation