Friday, September 20, 2013 by C. Michial Jones
Over the weekend of August 16–18, I hosted our annual Gasshuku at the Yushikan. To ensure the highest level of technical transmission, I invited two senior instructors from the Miyazato lineage to assist in the instruction: Col. Roy J. Hobbs Hanshi (9th Dan) and Col. Tony Willis Renshi (7th Dan).
The goal of this event was not simply to “show” kata, but to dissect them under the scrutiny of three different sets of eyes, ensuring that no detail was missed and no bad habit went uncorrected.
The Foundation: Sanchin and Kihon
We began Saturday morning with the absolute essentials. Hobbs Sensei led the Junbi Undo (preparatory exercises), followed immediately by Sanchin Dai Ichi. This was not a “follow the leader” session; every participant, including the instructors, ran the kata multiple times.
After the repetitions, we moved into a “rotation of observation.” Each instructor took turns checking every individual’s kata, providing specific, tailored advice to each student. We then transitioned into Kihon Waza, breaking down the fundamental basics to ensure proper execution before moving into the more complex movements of the system.
The Progressive Syllabus
Throughout the weekend, we methodically moved through the core syllabus:
- Gekisai Dai Ichi & Ni: Breaking down the sequences for power and transition.
- Saifa: Focusing on the shifting of weight and the “tearing” motions unique to the kata.
- Bunkai and Oyo: For each kata, we provided deep-dive insights into the standard applications (Bunkai) and the advanced variations (Oyo).
The “Participant’s Choice”
One of the most valuable portions of the Gasshuku occurred on Saturday evening. We opened the floor for a Q&A session where participants could ask about any kata or application they found challenging.
This led to a fascinating exchange where each of the three instructors took turns teaching a different Bunkai or Oyo application to answer a single question. This showed the students that while the “form” of the kata remains fixed, the “function” is a vast ocean of possibilities. On Sunday, we continued this personalized approach, allowing students to select the specific kata they felt needed the most “polishing.”
Building the Quarterly Rotation
This Gasshuku was the third major event hosted at the Yushikan this year, following sessions in January and May. These events are not isolated seminars; they are part of a long-term strategy to preserve the Okinawan ways.
Willis Sensei and I are currently discussing a quarterly Goju-Ryu training rotation between our two dojos. By rotating the training locations and combining our efforts, we ensure that the students are constantly challenged and that the standard of the Miyazato lineage remains uncompromisingly high across the region.
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