Oceania Gasshuku, Newcastle, Australia with Chief Instructor Sensei Higaonna 10th Dan

On the 22nd – 24th February 2008 Sensei John Whitby, Steve Riley and Reena Prasad attended the Oceania Gasshuku and were treated to some awesome training and some great hospitality from our Aussie hosts.

Gasshuku group photo

Training started mid-day Friday and finished Sunday with a dan grading in the afternoon. Reena Prasad represented the Kiwi’s and was graded Sandan and should be congratulated for a fine effort.

New Zealand participants with Higaonna Sensei

During the weekends training Sensei Higaonna had us practicing sandan gi, two man kata, body conditioning, plenty of basics, moving basics and kata, as well as his in-depth explanations of the finer points of Goju Ryu Karate.

San dan gi drills

IOGKFOZ and the Australian Kambukai did a really good job in the organizing of the Gasshuku. They have a really strong group of senior instructors and this shows through to their students. There was a real positive buzz amongst all the participants. The huge group of juniors got some special attention from Sensei Higaonna who went out of his way to accommodate their enthusiasm and I’m sure they would have been inspired to continue in their training.

All in all it was a great weekend and as always a pleasure to have trained with Sensei Higaonna.

Steve Riley
Masterton Dojo