Monday, October 22, 2012
REPO:
JKA-TANZANIA
SOUTH, CENTRAL & EAST AFRICA REGION, 2011
(GASSHUKU & TOURNAMENTS)
It was a bright Monday morning with a lot of anxiety and excitement on how the Gasshuku would be.Karatekas arrived from Kenya, Uganda and Zanzizibar to be part of the Gasshuku.
For many, it was their first time to participate during the JKA-Tanzania Gasshuku.
The Gasshuku & Tournaments was organised by JKA-Tanzania and it took place at our usual venue at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Upanga Auditorium Dar es salaam, Tanzania, where JKA-Tanzania Headquarter and Hombu Dojo is based.
Hand Shakes, hugs and introductions were taking place amongst Karatekas and Sensei Edward Mtshali (7th Dan JKA) who is the Regional Director of South, Central & East Africa Region walked into the Auditorium with a big smile on his face. For many the assurance to train, practice, eat, drink ‘Karate ‘was now on their door step and they couldn’t wait to get started.
He thanked everyone for availing themselves for the Gasshuku and emphasised that “time was of great essence” and Karatekas should put into consideration “distance covered, money spent and time availed” and wished them well during training.
He thanked JKA-Tanzania for making it possible to have him come to Tanzania for the 3rd time in a row. He briefly talked of JKA-Tanzania progress since 2009 and encouraged other JKA countries to dedicate and commit themselves to JKA Karate.
Other present JKA Instructors from the region: Sensei David Mulwa (4th Dan JKA), James Opiyo (4th Dan JKA) and Peter Njagi (3rd Dan JKA).
For those Karatekas who have trained with Sensei Edward Mtshali this was another opportunity to milk and get the source of the cream and gather the bits and pieces together and take them to their respective dojos for perfection. As for the first timers, they were amazed with what Sensei Edward Mtshali was capable of doing putting into mind age, years of training and how he made all moves look so easy only to complain of the strains and aches later.
Every day of the Gasshuku was a bright new day.
Training time…The grounding, stances, proper techniques and most of all being able to understand what you are doing became a package. It was amazing how Sensei Edward Mtshali took to the floor and come the end of the Gasshuku Karatekas were graving for more!!!
Sensei Edward Mtshali put Karatekas through a number of “katas” but focused on “Jiin”which is a Senior Kata. Some of the katas trained are Heian Sandan, Jion, Jitte, Wankan and Gojishihosho. Jiin kata was a new kata to most of the karatekas hence, he introduced it cautiously in bits and pieces and by the time it was made whole all Karatekas were smiling on the drilling they had just gone through. One thing viewed by karatekas is that it was very important to make it a habit to train Heian Katas to be able to flow in the senior Katas.
Sensei Edward Mtshali pointed out that when doing the Senior katas a Karateka will find Heian pieces in Katas hence he stressed that to be a good kata player all Heian Katas should be mastered and practiced at all times. Word of advice “A dedicated Karateka is one who shares and asks for more by researching” The Gasshuku ended on a high note and Karatekas requested JKA-Tanzania for a longer training period which the Officials said they would put into consideration.
Saturday was the Tournament day which was officiated by Sensei Edward Mtshali amongst other JKA Instructors from the region.
The Kids Tournament was exciting and very interesting to watch. There were different age categories and the Kids gave it their whole. As much as they were competing against each other from different regions they seemed like they were from the same Dojos. The comfort, confidence and understanding what they were being put through, made it easy for the Judges to do their thing and that is judging the JKA way.
The Individual Open Tournament was very competitive and regardless of the regions, all Karatekas were already winners. It was time to prove their commitment, time spent at their dojos training on the floor and surely did each one perform to their capacity.
Time had come to say good bye.
One week ago we were one big family and how time flies so fast.
From the look on Karatekas eyes this was the moment we were all dreading for. How we wished time could be extended but no! The truth is, there was a beginning and there had to be an end. Good bye was a sad word to say to Sensei Edward Mtshali, Officials and Karatekas from different regions.
Sensei Jerome George Mhagama (4th Dan JKA) and Chief Instructor of JKA-Tanzania summed up by first thanking Sensei Edward Mtshali for always availing himself whenever needed and also thanked all the Officials and Karatekas from different regions for making time to join JKA-Tanzania.
Sensei Jerome George Mhagama lastly said, as much as I would want you to all stay, it is time to let go and pray to meet again in Tanzania same time in 2012.
Your in Karate,
Jerome G. Mhagama
Chief Instructor
JKA/WF - TANZANIA
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