On Monday 17 July, Washinkai held its annual four day summer (gasshuku) course at Milton Abbey School, in Dorset.
This has been our home since 1991, except for a few exceptional reasons.
Many of our UK clubs were represented, but this year, a large group from Spain attended with their Instructor, Sensei Geovanny Sanchez Salazar 5th Dan. In addition, our Andover Club came for the first time.
We had four days of superb, sunny weather, training outside everyday and when it did rain, it was always at night.
On Wednesday, Dan gradings were held with one student from Spain grading for Shodan, John Bleeker from Andover took Sandan and Lionel Zeffertt from Andover took Godan. All successfully passed.
In the evening our annual quiz, hosted by Sensei Calum Mendham, 5th Dan, was held. Just before the quiz started, Sensei Saintly Roy Gould was awarded his 7th Dan. A totally surprised Roy accepted his Nanadan certificate. Roy joined the Washinkai family in 1985 at the Canons Karate Club in Mitcham. He had gained Shodan in Shotokan having been graded by Enoeda Sensei. Roy represented Washinkai in many competitions throughout the 1980s gaining many medals.
Thursday saw all the Spanish leave the Gasshuku early as they had a midday flight to catch. Unfortunately, they missed Sensei Ohta, who came to teach a coupl e of advanced Shotokan kata.
The Gasshuku finished after lunch on Thursday with everyone looking forward to returning to Milton Abbey for next year's summer course.
