5th Spring Gasshukku in Guadarrama

April, 13th to 15th 2012

Last April, we had our customary Spanish gasshuku in the small town of Guadarrama, directed by Vicente Borondo (SMR Gomokuroku). Some 18 people attended, including Michel Ducret (SMR Menkyo kaiden) who is been coming for the last few years and to whom we want to specially thank for his help and support. As in previous years, the amenities of the Fray Luis de Leon Cultural & Residential Complex proved to be more than adequate to the task. We had hoped to train outdoors, as usual in this gasshuku, but the rain and even some snow confined us to the library of the place; a large, circular open space ideal for an impromptu dojo. (we have to say that is the first time in this gasshuku that this happens) The lodgings were superb and food was as nice as ever and was well washed down with various drinks from the free bar.  SMR Gasshuku usually have a leitmotiv, a defining concept chosen beforehand to which the teachings shall be linked, and on which students are to dwell upon when practising. In this occasion it was “ki no tenkan”. Literally translated, this would mean “the turning of the energy”, referring to the flow of ki through one’s body. This concept has to be experienced physically and is difficult to explain in mere words. It could be explained as being able to be in the appropriate degree of tension in each moment. Muscular stiffness, a typical beginner’s mistake, prevents from reacting in the right instant and makes one to use an excess of energy. Moving in a too relaxed manner when the attitude should be brisk and full of power is also wrong for it may result in not being able to stop the attack of your opponent.  

The experience of this concept started on Friday with the very basics, the kihon waza in Sotai Dosa. Work in these building blocks is always appropriate, and all of us benefitted from the oversight and corrections of Michel, who led the first part of the session since Vicente had to attend another class at his dojo.

Later on, and for the following two days, the training and correction of the Jo kata received its due attention and everyone learnt a new kata as the practise moved on through the different series (from omote to samidare). A peculiarity of this Gasshuku was that we were explained the Kyushu version of those kata in the Omote series where both “ha” of the ryu differ. A rare treat indeed, as these are not the forms officially followed in the Sei Ryu Kai. Explanations were thorough, reflecting on the movements and the riai behind them, and the training of these kata alternated between both versions during the Gasshuku.

Throughout the Gasshuku, Michel Ducret and Vicente Borondo performed for us embu of the first series of kata in Shinto Muso Ryu Jo up to kage and also an embu of the Kusarigama omote kata of the Isshin Ryu.

By night, as it is usual in the Guadarrama Gasshuku, Vicente Borondo showed us several videos from the time when he studied in Japan. This time we enjoyed a full depiction of the Chudan kata from Nishioka Sensei’s class, and also from Nishioka Sensei a rare rendition of the Kyushu version of the Omote kata which we did experience during keiko. Moments of bonding and merriment were also enjoyed, as a Gasshuku is not only training but a living-together experience, where we all learn from each other not only in the technical aspect but also in the human side, the “art of living”. All in all a great experience and we all look forward to the next year’s edition.

Javier Gil-Ruiz

Group
Group picture

Impressions
Impressions



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