5th Spring Gasshuku in Fribourg (CH)
April, 21th to 22th 2012
It was for the 5th time running that the Fribourg Jodo Gasshuku took place in the Jura gym. This year was marked by a novelty, that is we rented a well equipped accommodation located under the gym, allowing the participants to sleep there and to have their meal together.
20 jodoka gathered for this Gasshuku (coming from France, Switzerland, and Germany) as well as myself. Training started on Saturday morning with Kihon sotai, followed by Omote. We dealt with technical details, however, personally I emphasized 2 points which seem to me vital: Metsuke and simplicity. The whole Gasshuku was characterized by these 2 concepts: look at your partner (but not at his weapon!) and avoid all unnecessary movements (for example, don't move anymore when you are in Kamae).
Lunch was prepared by Séverin's wife Chantal. I have to admit that the minced chicken she prepared for us was superb and spicy.
In the afternoon, we had the chance to work Chudan, always emphasizing the same principles. If you avoid unnecessary movements, you can be much faster. While Séverin took care of the more advanced people with Ran-Ai and Kage, Markus, Claudia, Urs and John could learn the basic Chudan entries followed by a new Chudan kata.
The training ended with an exam. Yvan Grichting and Charles Forey showed up for the 2nd Kyu which they passed brilliantly.
After training and shower, we enjoyed the wine and sausage specialties selected by Jean-Jérôme for the aperitif. And finally, we had our already traditional fondue. We had a lot of drinking that evening and the night was quite short.
On Sunday morning after the breakfast, training started again with Kihon sotai, and the more advanced could work with Samidare and Gohon no Midare.
The Gasshuku was very successful, the atmosphere was fine and everybody worked hard. I hope to meet even more people next year.
Yves Galley
Group
Fédération Européenne de Jodo / European Jodo Federation