Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai - Gasshuku 2001 Recap

For the past four years, TIKK has introduced Isshinryu practitioners to the opportunity to expand their abilities and their understanding of Isshinryu through the Gasshuku. Each year has enabled all of the TIKK students to see infinite possibilities for themselves in what they can learn and accomplish in Isshinryu karate. Each year has shown the students how to harmonize hard and soft concepts like working hard and playing hard. Each year we have seen examples of students who go the extra mile, and endure to expand themselves to larger and greater heights. These students inspire all of us as we "leave our baggage at the door" to focus on our Isshinryu karate training for three days.

This year was different in that we had the pleasure of having several people outside of Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai attend the Gasshuku. Two Isshinryu black belts, Mr. Maynard from Reno, Nevada and Mr. Owen Makris from Houston, Texas, had the opportunity to see what the TIKK Gasshuku can provide for Martial Arts practitioners.

"Kyoshi Kristensen had told me that [the Gasshuku] would be like nothing I have ever done in my many years of training," said Mr. Makris. "It was truly a mind, body and spirit enriching experience."

Next year, we hope to have participants from several other dojos who wish to expand their abilities and understanding of Isshinryu karate. This will help to enrich the experience for everyone - the more knowledge that attends, the more that each of us can learn.