Reflections on the 2026 Gasshuku: A Legacy of Friendship and Training

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 by C. Michial Jones

The 2026 Gasshuku has come to a close, and looking back, it stands as a testament to the power of our community. This year was more than just a training event; it was a gathering of friendship, a renewal of spirit, and a deep dive into the technical excellence of Okinawan Goju-Ryu.

A Debt of Gratitude

An event of this magnitude does not happen in a vacuum. It requires a “village” of dedicated practitioners and family to ensure the focus remains on the mats.

• To Ganaha Sensei: I wish to extend my deepest thanks for your willingness to travel across the globe to share your wisdom. Your instruction remains the gold standard, and I cherish the time we spend together both inside and outside the dojo. Knowing you have returned home safely to Okinawa, we are already looking forward to your next visit.
• To Tim Tucker Sensei: My sincere thanks for the heavy lifting behind the scenes. From managing flight and hotel logistics and organizing the T-shirts to opening your dojo for our use, your efforts significantly relieved the workload for Amber and me. Thank you for stepping in on the days I had to work to ensure Sensei was well taken care of.
• To my wife, Amber: For 31 years, Amber has been the engine behind our Gasshuku. From organizing lunches and taking every photo and video to managing the invisible details that make an event “seamless,” she does more than she ever gets credit for. This event simply would not happen without her.
• To my son, Curtis: Thank you for your time and expertise. Having you there to assist with demonstrations and offer corrections to the students adds a level of quality and family legacy to the training that I deeply value.

Quality and Resolve

As we move forward into the remainder of 2026, I am reminded that Budo is not just about the techniques we practice, but the people we practice them with. Despite the challenges of the past year, seeing everyone on the mat together—learning, sweating, and laughing—reminds me why I started this journey in 1977.

The “Wait and See” phase of my recovery continues, but after a weekend like this, the “See” is very clear: the Yushikan, the Goeikai and our extended karate family are as strong as ever