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Reykjavik Iceland 19th December 2002
This is the last report from me from what was a very busy year and I’m very happy with the way things turned out. Now It’s back to Iceland no, not the supermarket but the country that everyone thinks is covered in snow and ice. Well you would get a shock, as they haven’t had any snow for a couple of Christmas’s. In fact it was the same temperature as in London and for the next four day’s it would remain the same.
As we drove to the guesthouse most of the house’s had their Christmas decorations lit up, there were so many variations it was wonderful to see the Christmas spirit. It reminded me of when I was a kid, we got a Mars Bar, 2 shillings and a orange in a smelly sock “Those were the day’s”… only joking Mum. I settled in to my room then made my way to the dojo (Training Hall) that is situated under a very large swimming pool in the centre of Reykjavik. This means that after 3 hours training you can relax in a hot tub that holds 30 people which is geothermally heated. Then if you fancy it you can have a steam bath or a mud bath but by then you’ll need a stretcher to take you back to the Guesthouse because you will be absolutely knackered.
As I enter the dojo the children are waiting to see this visitor from abroad there are some new faces and old one’s some of the older kids started training when they were about my belt height, now I’m almost their belt height, and they never forget you.
After about an hour of basic’s and kata and lots of games the children looked satisfied and ascended to the hot tub. Then it was the all grades seniors after the introductions it was down to training first the warm up then the 3 k’s Kihon (basic’s) Kata (prearranged forms) Kumite (sparring). This would continue for the next 3 days, which gave everyone a most enjoyable Gasshuku (community training). As for next year everyone is excited about Master Higaonna visiting ICELAND in May check www.otgka.co.uk for details.
I’d like to thank all the ICELANDIC people for their trust and support over many years. And I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy new year, and don’t forget there are a lot more people out there worse off then you and me so be grateful for what you’ve got.
Sensei George… |
