By Karsten Nielsen, Member until 2016

It wasn't the best sleep I got from Thursday to Friday, as I had a lot to think about. That's why the duvet was also a little heavy on Friday morning when my alarm on the phone beeped. I was tired, but as always I was looking forward to the training camp. I had agreed to drive with Claus Shishu, who is always good at helping me with the transport. In addition, we had agreed that I would make some sandwiches so that we would have something to eat later in the day. On the way to Ballerup, Claus Shishu and I talked about a lot of things, of course mostly about karate and about how the camp would proceed.

When we arrived in Måløv, the first thing we had to train was Koryu Naihanchi. I was happy about this because there are so many details that have to be in place in the kata. It reminds me that nothing is accidental in karate - not even when doing kata. The same applies to Koryu Naihanchi Nidan, which we also practiced a lot. During the training, Kimu Sensei walked around and made corrections, which meant that there was really a lot to think about. For me, it was a very intense workout, but that might also be why I felt that I had moved.

At one point Kimu Sensei walked around and pulled the sleeve of the gi in order to get us to "release ourselves". I learned that sometimes you have to go a little beyond the limit and thus lose control, because it gives awareness of how far you can move the body, within the limit where there is still control.

After the training, we were divided into groups, after which we were given a task that we had to solve together. What is really good about these group tasks is that:

• You get to talk across the clubs.
• The debate gives space to everyone's position and regardless of whether you agree or disagree, it takes place in the spirit of Shindenkan.
• You find out that the thoughts you have are common to the Team Group you are in.

This task made me think about how much karate means to me and how I imagine myself in relation to karate in the future. It made me think about the future in general and how to see yourself in accordance with what you want.

After the joint task, I had another task together with Elisabeth Shishu, we had to assist Jens Hanshi-dai when he had to teach the students the next day. The group we had to teach was the 10 kyu group where there were a lot of students, which is really nice. In addition, there is much learning in teaching so many.

Another thing that also got my thoughts going were the Ryugi classes at this camp. Kimu Sensei started by welcoming us and telling us that the focus was on the technique in Koryu Naihanchi and Koryu Naihanchi Nidan. Sensei then answered some of the questions that had been sent to him over the past week. These questions should contribute to the development of the group and there was also a little talk about expectations in general.

The second Ryugi part also got my thoughts going. A lot was explained about the densho degrees, which are also mentioned in the syllabus, and that menkyo means knowing yourself. The other preceding densho degrees lead towards menkyo. In connection with this, Kimu Sensei also mentioned that when you participate in something anyway, you might as well learn the right thing from the start.

I am very happy that I took part in this training camp and feel that I have been given a lot to think about, work with and learn a lot. I feel that I have moved a lot and I am very grateful for that.

It was really nice to see all the many Shindenkaners on Saturday, and I was very excited for them, on behalf of my students, who were going up to graduation. They all did very well and really deserved their new degrees. All that remains is to say thank you to everyone for a fantastic camp, congratulations on the degrees and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.