Karateka gather in their masses for Gasshuku
The 2022 Japanese Karate Association (JKA) West Rand Gasshuku held at Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge attracted 236 participants from four dojos in the West Rand.
Karateka in their masses, young and old from four dojos across the West Rand flocked to Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge on Saturday, October 29 for the 2022 Japanese Karate Association (JKA) West Rand Gasshuku.
According to 2nd Dan Steven du Plessis from the Roodepoort Karate Centre, Gasshuku (Training with Friends) is a long-standing tradition in JKA Karate.
“The benefits of such a Gasshuku are multiple,” said Steven.
“Not only do you train with unfamiliar opponents but also receive instruction from different Sensei’s, each having their own way of communicating their specialty techniques. Instructing Sensei’s on the day were Sensei Wendy Wannenburg (6th Dan – SA JKA Operational Director) and Sensei Daniel Gombe (6th Dan – SA JKA Sub-Sahara Africa Director). Gasshuku also gives opportunity to socialise with people that have a common interest. It gives participants a feeling of being part of a bigger Karate family. Training outdoor also gives a more natural feeling to Karate and proves that your Karate skills goes everywhere that you go.”
The Dojo’s involved at this year’s Gasshuku included the Horison Karate Centre, Krugersdorp Karate Centre, Roodepoort Karate Centre and Tomodachi Karate Centre and with a total of 236 participants (28 black belts, 110 white to junior black belts and 98 spectators) raring to go, the day had to get off on a flying kick start at 08:00 sharp with the first hour session being Kihon (basic moves).
“Kihon is a Japanese term meaning ‘Basics’ or ‘Fundamentals’. The term is used to refer to the basic techniques that are taught and practiced as the foundation of most Japanese martial arts. Kihon includes punches, strikes and kicks and blocking techniques for defence. In this session all students participated in one group irrespective of belt. As per normal we do not wear our belts at a Gasshuku. This is inspiring to the lower belts as they train with the black belts.”
A Kata session then followed after a short water break.
“Kata is a Japanese word describing detailed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs. Karate kata are executed as a specified series of a variety of moves, with stepping and turning, while attempting to maintain perfect form.
“During this session we split into groups based on belt colour and instruction was done according to the competency level of the students. At the Gasshuku we always try to teach students a Kata at a higher level than their belt colour. This is a huge advantage to students attending the training.”
After another well-deserved break, training then focused on Kumite.
“Kumite is one of the three main sections of karate training along with Kata and Kihon. Kumite is the part of karate in which a person trains against an adversary. Kumite can be used to develop a particular technique or a skill or it can be done in competition. The benefit of doing Kumite at a Gasshuku is not knowing the skills level of your opponent. This is of huge benefit to Karateka as you never know what to expect from an attacker.”
Steven added JKA is one of many styles of Karate.
On the West Rand there are numerous Karate Clubs from different styles. When considering joining a Karate Club one should pay attention to the style and the skills of the instructing Sensei. JKA offers style-specific provincial and national tournaments throughout South Africa and is one of the larger styles.”
To find a JKA Dojo near you, visit www.karate.co.za.
The next big event for the students is the grading towards the end of the year, where they can achieve their next level belt.
