International Summer Gashuku - September 2009

6.30am start for this years International Summer Gashuku held in Hemsby Norfolk. With top UK instructors......

Gashuku begins with Kanku-dai with the rising sun coming up over the north sea

Kanku-dai was then taught with a further break down of application by senior instructors

As the sun comes up the students were split into groups where further kata and application were taught

The morning session finishes with Sumo wrestling, sit-ups, stretching and running as the sensei's look on...

With the morning training over we head to the Great Yarmouth dojo

Sensei Leigh taught the Senior grades the kata Chinte with application

The morning session was followed by the swimming gala which took place between the 4 teams.

The events include all the normal races plus the 'imaginative dive', 'fancy dress relay' and 'beat the sensei's relay'.

1.30 pm and we assemble at the camp-site to walk to Hemsby beach

Warm up and kata on the dunes..

Sensei Needham takes charge of the relays..

Once the teams are warmed up then beach volley ball begins..

The infamous 'King of the Hill'.... teams have to capture the others flag

Off to the sea to cool off....

The North sea... a very pleasant 2 degrees!!

Sensei Needham asks if his Mawashi-geri has improved on last year....

Sensei Leigh starts the diving contest...

The team pyramid building contest begins. The higher the better....

Another excellent afternoon training over and now the rush to the showers

The Saturday evening BBQ is always a great way to unwind from the days proceedings..

Cary presents the fabulous raffle prizes to those very lucky happy winners...

After the BBQ we retire to the Dolphin bar where the sensei's like to relax and be themselves

Too much fun for some people!!!

The Team Tug-o-war followed by the new Welly-wanging competition..

The Sunday hike begins from Winterton-on-sea the next Northerly village to Hemsby

Horsey Mill, just under a third of the way.

Rounders at Horsey Mere

Sensei Leigh takes the 100 mile ball in the stomach.... it knocks him over and he just laughs!!

The seals are there to observe the sand castle building contest...

Sumo in the dunes....

The last challenge of the weekend..  Sensei Marriott's favourite event 'The Indian Chief and his Squaw' rain dance

Vit from Czech Republic and Olga from Kazakhstan show the Brit's how it's done..

Gashuku finishes with the awards for various achievements and honours earned over the weekend..

'Hard as nails' goes to Shelley, Natalie & Alison                     Whilst the 'William Acquaah award' goes to Shelley

Good bye for another year......         But please leave quietly as to not wake Steve