• Zanshin 06 Lennox Head NSW

 
Zanshin 06 -October 20 -22, 2006 Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head
Zanshin 06 was enjoyed by the many karate kas from both member and non-member dojos. Lennox Head with its Lake Ainsworth is an ideal spot for a karate seminar as many of us discovered (rediscovered for some). The township of "Lennox" has grown since the days of earlier seminars as has the Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreational Centre. The first training of the seminar was conducted on the Friday night where after the introductory speeches  Sensei Arie launched into a rigorous training session that was to pave the way for the rest of the seminar.
 

Of course, the following day the early morning training on the beach was a must. Even up at sunny "Lennox" the mornings can be cool and the Senseis had to muster all their discipline to get everybody warmed up and ready for training; however, a few laps up and down the beach; some wrestling; pushing and pulling; and everybody was ready for breakfast.
Sometimes throughout the seminar the senior and junior ranks were divided up so that the material taught matched the level of experience; and other times the material was applicable to all ranks. The post breakfast training was a divided session where  Sensei Arie commenced by outlining the importance of the centre of gravity and balance. Emphasis was put on relaxation where a relaxed and balanced practitioner is in a position to "snap" the technique then "push" themselves out. Sensei Kora launched the junior ranks into a series of  kihon techniques leading into kihon ipon  exercises. Throughout the seminar the importance of timing, distance and kime were emphasised.

Sensei Arie also took the opportunity to revisit Sochin Bunkai. Again elements of this kata were explored in depth demonstrating how kata can be used to understand the principle of karate.

One night Sensei Arie shared some of his experiences of the recent Israel/Lebanese war and how karate was a huge support for the local practitioners of his village. The fact that his dojo remained intact while buildings around it succumbed to shelling from across the border strengthen their resolve and the belief in their karate.
 

On the last day presentations and results of gradings were made. Emotions were high as the culmination of years of  training bore -fruit.
Finally it came time to say good bye as friends went their own way until next year's seminar where we hope to see everybody again.

Thank you to Sensei Kora, Sensei Ron, Sensei Yossi, Sensei Arie, Sensei Waller and all the others that helped in the organising and smooth running of the seminar.