Wow! What a tremendous weekend it was. This year we had the privilege of Soke Kenei Mabuni himself teaching at the summer camp. This was Soke's first visit to Canada. Four assistants came with him to Canmore, Alberta for this Renshikan Summer Camp. Soke's closest assistant is Nishida Sensei - 8^th dan Shihan (standing right of Soke in the first photo of the gallery), Sofue Senesi - 8^th dan (left of Soke), Kage Sensei - 7^th dan (right of Nishida Sensei), and Komaki Sensei - 6^th dan (left of Sofue Sensei). A man of tradition and strong advocate of a good foundation build on proper and strong basics, Soke's teaching focused on basic techniques and concepts that were very revealing about his mastery of Shito-Ryu karate and the wisdom of the things he teaches.
Akutagawa Sensei, 8^th dan Shihan, Chief Instructor for Renshikan Shito-Ryu Karate-Do International, hosted this camp and was the interpretator throughout the whole weekend. Did a wonderful job in translating all that Soke wanted to communicate to the participants of this unforgetable weekend.
The camp began the Friday with basic practice and kata practice which included a Heian kata, Bassai Dai, and Seienchin. Saturday Soke wanted to emphasize the Sanchin Dachi and so much time were spend on the katas Sanchin and Tenshow with the bunkai to demonstrate the use of the techniques involved. Although Mabuni Sensei is small in stature and 90 years in age his demonstration of the sanchin dachi, shime, and power did not give evidence of his small size nor his age. Many times what appeared to be his effortless demonstration gave proof to the fact that a strong foundation of proper basics is the secret to good balance, grace, and power. One demonstration that I will remember forever, and I would not have believed it if I had not witnessed it myself, was in one of Akutagawa Sensei's (who probably outweighed Soke by about 40- 50 lbs)attacks Mabuni Sensei send him falling back about four feet by simply slapping him on the chest. Soke was not even in a what seemed to me a 'grounded' stance. He had simply stood there in a very small natural forward stance and hit Akutagawa Sensei with a teisho-uchi. I would have been impressed if Soke had just stopped the advance but to see Akutagawa Sensei falling back several feet gave me a rude awakening of the fact that I had just witnessed the amazing power from one of the greatest masters alive in the world today. If I had not learned of anything else this weekend I would've walked away from this camp fully satisfied that I had the privilege of seeing this awesome demonstration.
The comment I heard from many participants was that this was one of the best camps they had ever attended, both from Renshikan and non-Renshikan members. In attendance were other other styles including Uechi-Ryu and Shotokan practitioners. All were delightfully impressed by the quality of instruction and the friendly and fun atmosphere.
Camps and clinics are very valuable learning opportunities. They are wonderful events for gaining more/in-depth knowledge, meet other high level Senseis and peers, and improving skills. For those who have not taken the time or the commitment to learn beyond the walls of the dojo, I would highly encourage your participation in future clinics and camps. There is a whole world of 'new' and exciting knowledge for you to grasp and enjoy. Don't be satisfied with just eating from the same table every day. There is smorgasbord of skills and knowledge beyond the edges of your table waiting for you to taste and enjoy. If you desire greater growth then take the step beyond the boundaries you created or others have created for you. Once you can do that you will be amazed at what you will find.

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