HeaderKazoku Kai Xmas Bash 2010
The Kazoku Kai 2010 Christmas Basho celebration kicked off with a comprehensive 3 hour training course which covered every aspect of the enjoyable kata "Sanseiru" which translates as "36". The session was taught by Chief Instructor, Sensei Derek Ridgway at the Hombu Dojo and was attended by several of the Kazokukai groups. Members in attendance were taught not only the Kata itself, but its principles and some of the related bunkai (fighting interpretations of the kata).
Sanseiru is a fairly short kata which is programmed at a very high technical level, including some key senior-grade theory which is hoped to be developed by each practitioner far beyond simply learning the structure of the form. It is balanced with slow, heavy movements and quicker, lighter techniques which are linked together with a constantly changing dynamic of tension.
The bunkai was particularly interesting, featuring superb demonstrations of several practical applications that had been extracted directly from sequences in the kata. Varying from devastating combinations to throws and take-downs, even including a couple of disguised/secret techniques for some of the more subtle movements, many students were inspired by such an exciting array of kumite (fighting) taken from a relatively simple kata.
Following the training, some friends joined the group as they moved on to a favourite local Chinese restaurant. The fantastic all-you-can-eat food was great value and the huge feast was enjoyed by all hungry karatekas, helped by traditional chopsticks and revolving tables. The extensive menu catered for all food tastes, including traditional Chinese food, vegetarian options and even curry and chips to satisfy everyone's appetite.
The party began shortly after the meal - the Local "Minerva" pub in Essington chosen as the best venue for this year's Basho with a huge turn out of members and a resident DJ hired to blast out the tunes, old and new. Several people chose to attend in fancy-dress (as per the invite) which saw us amongst Pirate-Queens, Maids, Gangsters, Generals, the "Whoever You want Me to be" man, a German "Oberleutnant" (Leftenant/Liutenant), Yasser Arafat and also the well received "Man and a Suitcase".
The crowd were asked to cheer in turn for who they wanted to win. The maids outfit seemed to draw most attention, closely followed by Yasser Arafat and the German Leftennant. Thanks were passed to all those who wore fancy dress and a presentation ceremony was held to reward certain Kazoku Kai students and instructors for their hard work and dedication to the association. The awards were gratefully appreciated by all those who received them.
The Basho progressed with a happy atmosphere which was evident as the Kazoku Kai family danced, joked and chatted with each other throughout the whole night and into the early hours of the morning. Many of the frivolities were captured on cameras as fond reminders of the occasion, marking the end of an exciting year for Kazoku Kai International which has welcomed several new members into the fold and also made sound progress with its continuing journey into traditional Karate.
Congratulations to the award winners below.
Abigail Thompson: Junior student of 2010
Peter Tinsley: Senior student of 2010
Kevin Bates: Instructor of the year 2010
Anthony Holt: Dedication and service to Kazoku Kai
Well done to them all they thoroughly deserved their awards.
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