Spring Camp in Athens, Texas, was the best yet. It was such a thrill to be exposed to the top teachers in the U.S., who generously shared so much information and practical application.

Athens Camp 2007

I didn't take as many photos as in the past, in order to better focus on what we were learning throughout the weekend. Three students from our school attended camp and came back excited about the experience and about their potential to continue to grow in Matsumura Seito Shorin Ryu karate. Students, be sure to ask Patty and Les and Gabe about camp!

The fun - and sweat - started on Thursday evening at the Athens Karate Dojo of Shihan John Shipes. We worked on flow drills and koteate and greeted old friends. Camp officially began on Friday morning. It amazes me to look back and realize how much excellent teaching was fit into one weekend. We practiced tuite, ippon kumite, kata, basics - the 25 basics, black belt basics and some additional sets of "power basics", taught by Shihan Jeff Ader, who also taught us nitan bo basics and kata. Each 6th dan sensei, working with Shihan Shipes, demonstrated a tuite technique, which we then practiced with our partners. Thomas Ashley sensei led us through fighting drills.

Various groups and individuals perfomed demonstrations on Saturday afternoon. Ben Madsen sensei and Bob sensei (sorry, Bob sensei, I can't remember your last name) from Minnesota and I did a demonstration of some take-downs.

Bob vs. Ben
Bob vs Ben


Bob is down
Bob goes down



Bob take-down... and again

A testing took place on Saturday evening, and everyone did a great job. More training followed on Sunday, then we kicked back and enjoyed good company and good food at a barbecu. Here's a photo of Les and Patty, along with Alex and Mary Beth from Minnesota. (It's not the beer making Les smile - he doesn't even drink beer - but you can tell he's having a good time!)

Patty and Les at camp BBQ 2007

Here are the people who made the barbecue happen - Thomas sensei (from Buffalo, TX, dojo), George, and Thomas sensei's dad, Tom Ashley, brought in their pit and worked all day to cook a delicious meal. Pat and his wife Summer hosted the barbecue at their ranch, which was a beautiful setting. Pat and Summer, thanks so much for inviting us into your home!

Camp BBQ photo 2007

Okay, North Texas Kenshin Kan students, I want to hear about your training over the weekend!