Zanshin Seminar - A brief outline

by Marcus Sherwood - Honbu Dojo

This year the Zanshin Seminar was conducted at the Cataract Scout Park situated in NSW approximately 1 hour south west of Sydney.

These were difficult conditions. The accommodation was rudimentary, which in itself is no big drama however fighting a losing battle with hordes of mosquitoes was a difficult task. The food was beyond redemption and although the beautiful bush surroundings were inspirational for a weekend of karate, we soon found out that the training hall was going to be a challenge with its rough concrete floor.

Once the sleeping arrangements were fianalised we headed to the training hall for the first session. It was quickly established that training bare foot was probably not a healthy activity, although some of the traditionalist were all for it.

For this session and throughout the rest of the seminar the re-occurring theme was "single motion". Techniques are to be performed simply, efficiently and quickly. This may seem obvious yet over years of training techniques can become bogged down with extra movements that serve no purpose except maybe some learning tool of a past belt life. As is often the case with Sensei Arie the demonstrations were clear, simple and impressive.

After the first session we were introduced to the dining hall and realised how grim the situation was. It was at this time that the camp rules were outlined to us in no uncertain terms, especially when it came to go breaking the 10km speed limit. This was later an irritation amongst some who observed the local authority doing just that.

The next morning after a night of battling the mosquitoes and a dodgy breakfast we traipsed through some bush land to the hall. The first order of the day was a morning jog then we were divided into two groups based on ranking. Sensei Kora took the seniors through a series of exercises emphasising the single motion principle. Sensei Arie took the coloured belts through similar exercise but tailored to their level of expertise.

Later in the day Sensei Arie re-visited "Ten No Kata", a kata, out of a series of katas,  that allows the practitioner to demonstrate their level of understanding through the use of basic techniques.

After dinner Sensei Arie gave a talk on karate designed to inspire and motivate. Then it was back to do battle with the mosquitoes.

In Sunday's first session we practiced Jion Oyo, connecting the various bunkai techniques, resulting in a very dynamic demonstration of kata.

Finally it was time for the gradings. This year there were some Kyu gradings scheduled. These were followed by the Dan gradings. As is the tradition all non black belts were asked to leave the hall. All those remaining had to be wearing their Gi's. Dan gradings are always very tense moments as people's hopes and aspirations of years of training come to fruition.

Then it was off to the BBQ. Followed by the presentation where the previous year's Dan gradings were confirmed and this years results announced. There was a further bitter sweet moment when Sensei Kora announced her retirement from the Chief Instructors position handing the Zanshin Shotokan seal to Sensei Ron.

Thank you to Sensei Yossi, Sensei Kora, Sensei Ron, Sensei Arie and to all the others that helped in many ways to organise this event.

Oos.