12th Gasshuku in Würzburg
from June 20 to 21, 2009
This year, our traditional Gasshuku took place for the first time without Coco who - due to his health problems - could not come. Those who took part in the Gasshuku wish him all the best!
However, we were lucky enough to be able to invite Kees from the Netherlands for helping Michel who - without Kees - would have to do the whole job alone. This time, we were nearly 30 participants coming from the Czech Republic (Petr Ogurek, Ales Machka), Austria (Helga, Kerstin and Bernhard) as well as groups coming from Dresden, Munich, Frankfurt and Heidelberg. And Kees brought also his wife Wil and several members of his group with him while Michel was accompanied by Jean-Jérôme. We were quite a heterogeneous group which gave the whole a very nice touch.
And as usual, the Gasshuku started on Saturday at 6 o'clock in the morning by practicing the six first Kihon Tandoku and Sotai with - also as usual - a lot of corrections. And those who have already learned it could practice Kenjutsu by emphasizing Ma-ai and good timing. This early-morning training woke us up and it was followed by a breakfast prepared by some members of the club. Many thanks to them!
From 9 o'clock to noon, Michel and Kees divided us into several groups which allowed everybody to practice their Kata intensively and to take into consideration the corrections. Those who were in Chudan series had the pleasure to train Uchi-komi, preparing them for the program in the afternoon.
After lunch, we continued with the same groups as in the morning. The program included Omotte, Chudan, Ran-ai and for the more advanced Gohon-no-Midare. Michel and Kees did a great job, dividing their tasks, going from one group to the other and correcting all mistakes that inevitably come up again when being back home.
Dinner was taken at our traditional restaurant which is located on a small hill from where we had a marvelous view of the city of Würzburg. We had a very nice time (and a good regional beer) as you can see from the pictures.
Getting up next morning at 5h30 was a little bit difficult, but finally everybody was ready for our first morning training. For the first time, we had to train in the big gym because it was raining! We continued the Kihon started on Saturday morning as well as the exercises for Kenjutsu.
After a well deserved breakfast, we continued Omotte and Chudan series, but this time outside, because rain had stopped. Kage was also part of the program. Again, Michel and Kees were quite busy with corrections so that everybody could take full advantage of it. And the more advanced had the pleasure to train Samidare. Furthermore, those who were prepared for it also learned a new Kata.
The last session took place in the afternoon by repeating Omotte, Chudan and Kage. And last but not least, Matthias Scholz from the Munich group did a great exam. Congratulations for the 3rd Kyu!
Many thanks also to Franz and his club for the excellent organization. See you next year!
Matthias Wenderoth, SMR Oku-iri
Fédération Européenne de Jodo / European Jodo Federation