This autumn we had visiting instructors Osaka Yoshiharu 8th Dan and Imamura Tomio 7th Dan, both from the Tokyo Sohonbu join JKA England’s Ohta Yoshinobu 7th Dan for our three day seminar.
Osaka Sensei’s Sochin class is always popular, especially with senior grades. It’s his signature kata and one that ensured he collected many international accolades in the 70s and 80s. He demonstrated with his usual humour, captivating those around him and moved with a smoothness, speed and power that belie his 69 years of age. He just seems to move better and better each time we see him.
Imamura Sensei’s approachable demeanour easily draws people in. Being in a relaxed teaching environment makes learning so much easier. He delivered an informative Chinte class that was easy for those unfamiliar with the kata but also provided the appropriate level of feedback for those needing to develop, with hints and tips for improving various parts of technique, timing and rhythm.
Ohta Sensei led a brilliant kihon and kumite session. One might imagine that eventually, they could get used to training under an instructor of such a high caliber but just when you think you might be ready for one of his sessions, he teaches something so inspiring in its creativity that it leaves everybody talking about it afterwards.
Sunday saw the dan grading where Shion from the club achieved his Shodan. His large support team, including Grandma who was on holiday, were all very proud of his achievement (cue lots of photos, hugs and high-fives). Well done!
We were extremely fortunate that, on this occasion, Imamura Sensei was able to spare the time to visit Shiranamikai in Stanmore to teach a special lesson for those hankering after an extra day’s tuition. More on that here…
These courses present an opportunity to learn from the best instructors in the world and train alongside some of the keenest members of the wider JKA community. This year saw another great autumn international course and we look forward to next year’s which will be held in spring and winter!
