Last week, I travelled to Antwerp for the KNBK European Gasshuku which is held this time every year.

As previous years the theme was to cover as much of the Shoden level curriculum so that everyone got a lot of practice of the basics to work on.

I know I did.  With the Battoho and the Tachi Uchi no Kata refresher, the Friday was a lot of scribbling of notes during the breaks.

It was also good to spend time with Bokken in hand covering all three sets of paired Bokken Waza for Shoden level.

Over the weekend we covered:

Friday

• Kamae
• Kirioroshi
• Happo Giri
• Battoho Shodan
• Tachi Uchi no Kata
• Battoho Kumitachi

Saturday

• Cutting Drills
• Battoho Shodan
• Battoho Okuden
• Omori Ryu Seiza No Bu

Sunday

• Tachi Uchi No Kurai
• Free Practice
• Tachi Uchi No Kata

Off the floor we had a great time at various restaurants. We don’t need to elaborate on that! 

It was great to catch up with our European friends as well as a first visit of the Kenkyukai leaders from Plymouth.

Congratulations to everyone that took a test and passed on Saturday.

The dates for next years are already set so if you are thinking about coming next year – and it is a worthwhile trip. For 2018, the seminar will have the same format as this year, the date is already set for October 5, 6 & 7.

Get it in your diary now!