1st IKGA Founder Gogen Yamaguchi Commemorative Master's Seminar - 2014

1st IKGA Master's Seminar - September 2014

From September 22nd to 28th 2014 IKGA members over 5th Dan and holding the title of Shihan attended the 1st IKGA Master's Seminar in Japan. Over 60 Shihan attended from all across the globe, and from every IKGA Bloc. Most often the only time that all members had the chance to get together had been during our World Championships that take place every 4 years, but it was difficult for everyone to focus on anything more than the well-being of their teams.

This seminar proved to be a fantastic way for IKGA's most senior instructors to get together in the spirit of camaraderie to renew old friendships, create new relationships with members that had not met yet, and of course to train together - completely outside of the competitive arena. The Shihans met in Tokyo, and from there were transported to the mountain city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture for two days of training, discussion and building relationships. After training in Matsumoto, members returned to Tokyo for more training.

Over the course of the week, all Shihan participated in technical seminars conducted by Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi, and the IKGA Vice-Presidents, Ingo De Jong Hanshi, Peter Brandon Hanshi and Paul Starling Kyoshi. The classes covered all areas of IKGA curriculum - Kihon, Kata, Kata-Bunkai, Kumite training, Sanchin and Tensho training, Sanchin-Tensho Kotei/Kake Awase practice and Tokutei Kata (IKGA Master's Kata).

Shihan were also treated to a seminar consisting of Traditional Kobujutsu (Japanese traditional weapons) conducted by Kisho Inoue Shihan President of the Ryukyu Kobujutsu Hozon Shinkokai. Inoue Shihan and his assistants provided excellent instruction in the basic technique and kata of the Japanese Bo that was very much appreciated by all members.

In addition to the training, all members participated in discussions led by Saiko Shihan Yamaguchi, conducted Bloc meetings and further developed relationships with each other. On the final day a special lecture on the life of Miyamoto Musashi, the famous swordsman, and an analysis of his book "Gorin No Sho" (The Book of Five Rings) was presented by Professor Takashi Uozumi of Hoso University. It was a unique look into the life of a famous Japanese Budo figure that is well known around the world, and provided interesting insights important to the study of Budo.

In all it was a busy week, filled with top level Gojukai training, special lectures and seminars, meetings, and discussion among members that will not soon be forgotten!

Thank you to all of the IKGA Shihan who made such a long journey to participate in this important event! It is through your dedication and commitment to teaching and promoting IKGA Gojuryu to the world that our association continues to thrive.