A Training seminar was held in the North Bondi dojo in Australia hosted by Branch Chief Shihan Trevor Tockar. Sensei Artur Hovhannisyan from Honbu and Sensei Garry O'Neill and Sensei Dominic Hopkins were the guest instructors. Seminars spanned three days, with instructors and students from throughout Australia, which included an outdoor session overlooking the famous Bondi beach. Sensei Artur and Sensei Garry O'Neill also took part in the North Bondi dojo's year-end grading.
Sensei Artur's first session focused on kihon, ido-geiko and kata, with paying particular attention to the value of technique in the generation of power, and the importance of balance between these two elements in training. Emphasis was also placed upon the training of the mind alongside the body, and the symbiotic nature of this relationship, as well as INTENTION and "zanshin" in training.
The second session's training covered exercises designed to strengthen muscle groups to improve technique and power, as well as partner work designed to bring awareness to, and activate "tanden"; further assisting in the fluidity of movement. Sensei Artur's outdoor session covered fighting combinations with focus on particular targets, and the art of creating space to open up these targets. Using torque in the body to create space and generate power was also demonstrated. Sensei Garry's session focused on footwork (splits, shuffles, switches and blind-side-stepping), movement, and moving off opponents' striking lines while remaining in offensive positions. He also paid particular attention to correct technique for yoko geri, ushiro geri, and ushiro mawashi geri; emphasizing dynamics for good power and reach. The 5-hour grading took place on Sunday with two students grading successfully to shodan; having had the honour of fighting with both sensei Artur and sensei Garry in their final rounds.
After an incredibly busy and successful year, North Bondi dojo was very proud to host Sensei Artur and welcome him in his first visit of (hopefully) many to Australia.