Letter from Kyoshi

Post date: Jul 11, 2013 8:40:8 AM

Greetings to everyone in our Kiyobukan family! I pray that this letter finds everyone in good spirits and training diligently.

I am writing the this letter after a very good trip to Okinawa to train with Hanshi Nakaza.

As always we were greeted at the airport by Hanshi and Oshiro-san. Also this time we were greeted by our first time interpreter, Miki. After a quick introduction/reunion we were off to get a quick bite to eat. Since it was almost midnight when we finally got there, we ate Japanese fast food as Hanshi caught up with us and asked about others that were not in attendance. Next, we were shown our hotel (in Itoman City). This was the very first time any of us ever stayed in any other city other than Naha. The hotel was less than a year old, had a pool, close to a beach and Hanshi's dojo.

We did the normal tthings, such as go to Shuriedo, train like hell (in the heat), go to the beach, etc. What was different/unique about this trip??

1. We were featured (with pictures) in two of the biggest newspapers in Okinawa with Hanshi announcing the upcoming Summer Camp/Kiyobukan Tournament (check my facebook out for the pics).

2. Hanshi and myself were photographed for the Okinawan Masters project (I was truly honored).

3. Hanshi rented a beach cabin for everyone to enjoy the beach and for us to have a BBQ (the food was spectacular and of course before we left the day turned out to be a impromptu karate lesson in the cabin).

4. We attended a traditional dinner with traditional singing (our interpreter Miki is also an accomplished singer/guitarist. Her full time job is singing in Naha at a dinner theater)

5. Like last year, we attended the boat races in Itoman.

6. Everyone, including Hanshi attended the "Dojo Bar" and signed their names on the wall!

At any rate, Hanshi is very much looking forward to Summer Camp this year. After explaining everything to him, he was excited about this years first Annual Tournament! He was very adamant about EVERY dojo participating with their BEST athletes!!! So, again please encourage participation and if there are any questions please let me know.

After explaining the rules to Hanshi he made the following change to the rules:

In kata competition, you must at least use a minimum of 2 kata. You can not repeat the kata, until you have performed another kata in the next round.

for example:

1st round: Passai dai, 2nd round: Kusanku sho, 3rd round: either Passai dai or another kata other than Kusanku sho.

Remember this tournament is ONLY for current Kiyobukan members and for only ranks 5th kyu and above. Winners will not only be awarded their medals personally by Hanshi but also will receive FREE tuition for next years camp in sunny San Diego ($200 value).

Don't wait until the last minute to get your athletes prepared!!! Lets make this be an exciting part of the camp!!!

Just a friendly reminder: testing both black belts and under ranks in are eligible to test in front of Hanshi. There is no higher honor than to receive a certificate for a higher rank from the leader of your association.

Hanshi should be coming into Norfolk on Tuesday prior to camp and leaving the Tuesday after camp. Everyone that has signed up for camp is welcome to come early and/or stay later and train at my dojo. Please let me know if you plan on attending.

I look forward to seeing everyone this year at camp. If you have any ideas or suggestions please let me know asap!

In the spirit of Budo,

Brian Hobson,

Kyoshi