Goju-Ryu Karate Oceania Gasshuku 2007

Motivation and inspiration are quite appropriate words for describing the feelings of those who attended the successful training camp instructed by the World Chief Instructor of IOGKF, Master Morio Higaonna (9th Dan), at the Victoria University Recreation Centre (16th–18th February) in Wellington.

The three-day camp had approximately 120 participants (over half who were black-belts) from all over New Zealand, as well as some from Australia and Japan. Each day consisted of 3 training sessions and at the end of the third day was a Black-belt grading.

Each day started with traditional Goju-Ryu Karate warm-ups, then sessions progressed to different aspects of karate training such as perfecting basic techniques, Kata training, Kata applications, and both physical and spirit training. The value of each session was greatly increased by the wisdom and knowledge from Higaonna Sensei’s stories of his many experiences.

The Black Belt grading on the Sunday afternoon was a true measure of everyone’s dedication, perseverance and their constant strive for perfection. Of special note was the spirit and skill shown by some of the children who graded.

As told by Higaonna Sensei – “a person can become passionate and be inspired when they see great things or see great people”. And that definitely was the case for everyone who had the opportunity to see Sensei’s demonstrations during this New Zealand Oceania Gasshuku.

Shaluka Maddugoda
Auckland University Goju Ryu Karate Club

Oceania Gasshuku photo gallery