By Jokokan Honbu
Despite the World Cup in football, there were over 150 participants at Jokokan's summer camp 2006. With over 100 active and sweating participants in the same large hall divided into four areas, this was a very intense training camp, which, however, is always conducted with humor and great smile on the lips, which is characteristic of Jokokan's confederation camps.
In the Jokokan association, the emphasis is not on looking cool, but on being cool on the inside with a smile on your face and a good twinkle in your eye. There is room for everyone at the association's training camps, but we show our foundation of values by respecting and accepting each other with a natural and encouraging level of discipline and atmosphere, so that everyone can concentrate on the essentials; train Yakami-ryu, enjoy the community and expand your own and others' limits.
Training is usually held in two halls, but this year was special. In addition to always trying to improve and develop the confederation camps, there were three instructors and two assistant instructors in the final graduation course.
Training was therefore held in one large hall during this camp, so that the graduates could be assessed together.
The training camp began with joint warm-up, followed by Ukemi (fall training) in 4 areas; adult advanced, adult beginners, Jokokidz beginners and Jokokidz advanced. After a short drink break, the 110 participants were divided into four main teams according to degree. As something new, the main teams were divided by degree and not by age. However, each main team was divided into two according to age; over and under 14 years.
At a high and concentrated pace, each team was led through selected curriculum in Kihon (basic technique), Senkai (four directions basic technique) and kumite. For the first time, the experienced adults were briefly introduced to an organized knife fight - defense against a knife. Which, judging by the smiles, was a great success - especially among the men.
The distance judgment is initially more important than hitting and kicking hard, although this brought satisfied smiles to the faces of most participants. Focused punches and kicks on cushions were therefore arranged so that this was learned and trained.
The summer camp ended with the end-of-season graduation session, which broke a new record with 83 registered and instructor-recommended Jokokaners.
