Meiryukan camp gasshuku

From Saturday, May 11th to Sunday, May the 12th Aikido Meiryukan held its first camping gasshuku. As kind of a trial, this time was only offered to a few adults.

Located in Chiba prefecture, near the famous Katori shrine "19" is a private campground which we had all to ourselves. Rare in Japan. Most places are tent to tent with other families, rules, regulations, curfews...

We started everything off early Saturday morning - 5 cars, 3 bikes, albeit a bit windy, beautiful weather and a nice cruise alongside the river.

After a short stop at a nearby supermarket to get food and drinks we then headed over to our campsite.

Camp set-up took about an hour and a half. Nice teamwork! Thanks to everyone for bringing all the camping goods etc.

From about 3pm we started our training. First we worked on blending with the ken. Different partners, matching timing, distance, power and kokyu. 

Next moved on to jo. 31 no jo, as well as 31 no jo awase. Leading, controlling, inviting and concentration. It was nice to be out in the fresh air working up a sweat.

From around 8pm dinner time. Chicken, steak, sausages, ahijo, oden and plenty of drinks and snacks. Great getting to spend some quality time off the mats and out of the dojo.

Surprisingly after only about 4 hours of sleep, most were up at a bit after 5am.

It was a fairly cool morning, so the hot coffee was a perfect way to get going. Breakfast included hot sandwiches, mixed vegetables and Japanese manju.

A very successful event that we now intend to include in our yearly calendar. Next year we are hoping to invite kids as well as families. Striving to show connection and harmony in more than just technique.