We are now in the last month of classes before summer, with a short break before the Nova Scotia summer camp being held July 11 to 15 in Halifax.

We have had a busy few weeks with various tournaments and, most importantly, a visit from Soke and Higuchi Sensei at the end of April for a three-day workshop.  That workshop provided karateka at all levels with the unique opportunity to refine skills, practice techniques and ask questions of the world-wide head of our style.  In addition, Higuchi Sensei provided a great deal of instruction with the bo and with sais – medium-sized sword-like weapons. 

For our competitive dojo members, the recent focus has been on getting back to basics with strong footwork and defensive techniques.  The emphasis has been on ensuring that both footwork and defense are strong enough to create opportunities for immediate and effective follow-up offensive techniques.  In Soke’s words, any offensive technique should aim to “do damage.”  Competitors have also been focusing their efforts on delivering very clean techniques – as they have learned that referees are focussed on NOT awarding points – meaning that for a technique to be successful, it must be so clean and effective that it leaves not doubt in a referee or judge’s mind that it deserves a point. 

In preparation for the Nova Scotia summer camp, we are spending lots of time reviewing our katas as well as implementing the corrections and refinements that Soke offered.  As well, several dojo members are training for their next belt test, also to be held at the summer camp.  For more information on the camp and day-by-day schedule, see the link on the right side of this page.  Stay tuned for further information related to travel support and accommodation in Halifax. If you have any questions about the camp, please contact me.

“Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Lou Holtz

Announcements

• Last Day of Classes:  The last day of class for this training session is June 22.  Classes will resume in September.  Stay tuned for the date.
• Please kindly check your records to ensure that your fees are paid to the end of June. 

Enjoy Your Training!

Gary Sabean

Head Instructor