What a Great Week!

Ed and Jean DeCosta hosted a training camp on August 4 through 9, 2014, in celebration of the dojo’s 40th anniversary. Congrats again to Ed and Jean, and thank you for your many years of dedication and service to others! I think all in attendance can agree that they did a great job planning everything, and the training was top notch.

Master Nakahodo, Master Higa, and Mr. Nakasone viewed and critiqued katas for five days straight and presided over a dan test on the sixth.  I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank them as well!

The opportunity to meet karateka from throughout this country was an added bonus.  We put together an e-mail list for networking purposes.  I know I met a lot of great people I’d like to keep in touch with.  Please e-mail me if you’d like a copy of the list.

A recap of the week including pictures, training notes, and a special video follow after the jump!

Photo Album

Karateka getting their sweat on!

Sanchin testing.

The illustrious and illusive Dr. Richard Fisher. If you see this post, e-mail me, Dick!

Master Nakahodo and me.

Masters Ed and Jean DeCosta, my senseis.

Master Higa and me.

Nakasone san and me.

Successful candidates for Rokudan: Dominic Cimino, Katie Hawes, and Yours Truly!

Gifts presented to Ed and Jean to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their dojo.

And, of course, a cake!

Training Log

Here are my notes from a week of excellent training. Some are specific to me, but some are generalized corrections suggested to many other participants as well.  Notes are shorthand and random, but hopefully they’re useful.  If you have anything to add, please do so in the comments.

Sanchin
– keep arms in line with legs
– keep elbows in more and out in front more more
– put low waueke hand on hip, not below
– don’t twist hands too much
– keep elbows in front of ribs
– elbows out in front
– don’t dip right strike
– hand in hip, thumb tucked with palm out for wauke strikes
– pullback all strikes more
– keep “the rub” all the way through on all strikes
– doubles closer together

Seisan
– make spearhand flatter
– groin strike back more, spearhand a little flatter
– hands more even in low horse before jumpback
– jumpback stuff
1. small cross block
2. left leg perpendicular with ground at right angle
3. catch with left hand, curl fingers
4. strong, steady horse stance for strikes

Sanseiryu
– keep fingers tight in groin strike
– pause 2 seconds before first cat stance. go right into second
– use back leg and hip to make the throw. it should be circular and all one motion
– pause when turning into the first catstance, go right into the second
– don’t blend knee break, low block, scoop/throw
– focus on shokens
– curve front foot in catstance for sanchin foot
– slow down the end and stay low
– WAIT 2 seconds for 1st catstance!!! go right into second

General Tips
– Remember to return all strikes!
– Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

Just Desserts

Here is a small part of a taiko drumming performance at the 40th Anniversary Banquet for Ed and Jean DeCosta’s Okinawan Karate School.  The group is called Odaiko New England, and they played several songs and even included some audience participation.

I was very impressed by their playing. See more at their website!

Odaiko New England