Now that I have a moment to myself after rushing to get everything for issue 1 all print ready and uploaded, I would like to mention one of the most enjoyable karate camps I may have ever attended. As I mentioned a couple of blog entries ago, the camp was taught by Mikami Sensei, Osaka Sensei, and Taniyama Sensei, all of whom are JKA All Japan Champions, and graduated from the JKA instructors' training program. We went over a lot of kata and kata-related kihon. The classes were very technical, much to the benefeit of the MANY people that showed up for the event... I seriously gave up trying to tag that photo on Facebook by the way.
In addition to the two or three training sessions a day, there were also judges', instructors', kyu (colored belt), and dan (black belt) exams. These exams were judged by the three sensei and were really my only chance to take pictures of them in action during the business of the weekend. In retrospect, I begin to wonder if they found my stalking them with a camera a bit creepy. Above is Osaka Sensei (left) from head quarters in Tokyo and Mikami Sensei (right). For those of you who may not know, or recognize him, Osaka sensei is basically in every single "Best Karate" text book ever printed. Being there in person it was easy to see why. Despite not speaking but a few words of English, he communicated fine points to everyone by demonstrating everything through body motions.
Taniyama sensei (pictured above) also teaches at headquarters in Tokyo. In addition Taniyama sensei was the All Japan Champion in 2000-01. Oddly enough I had the pleasure of joining him and a few other dojo members for dinner on Sunday night. Normally, I'd be the last person to get the opportunity to speak with a headquarters instructor, but because I was one of only a handful of karateka that spoke Japanese, I had the opportunity to talk a good bit with Taniyama sensei. Apparently he's friends with everyone I ever trained with in Osaka, and is also quite skilled at baseball.
I look forward to someday making it to JKA headquarters for some more training with Osaka sensei and Taniyama sensei. It's possible that another trip plan is already in the planning stages for several of my dojo-mates. I guess I'll have to start saving up money again! Next stop, Tokyo! I better brush up my kanto-ben (just kidding).
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