The first two days of summer Camp 2011 proved very interesting.
I‘m never late, it just never happens. The concept of being fashionably late to a gathering is alien to me. But there I was late for the start up workshop and the first practice in a rubbish state of mind as a consequence and the week had barely begun.
Then there were the programme deviations. I like to know where I stand and to be able to plan ahead, so when that was taken away from me with the extended practices on days one and two I found it extremely difficult to cope. It all came to a head when Don and I started off what turned out to be an extremely draining series of Godan katas where the group gradually joined in with the kata in ones and twos until all of us were taking part. I remember Don estimating that we had done around forty consecutive katas and after that we formed into smaller groups to practice it some more! What I took away from these sessions however was priceless and I know that the next time I am dehydrated, feeling sick and thinking that I’m about to keel over any time soon I still can find a bit more to give.
I was struck throughout the week by the intensity of every ones’ practice. Thanks to Colin, the College now has a very powerful message to give, but while the word peaceful admirably describes a way of living one’s life it needn’t be taken literally in terms of how you practice. During practice throughout the week I experienced the most wonderfully honest and genuine interactions with people but no quarter was given or taken and that led me to improve immeasurably.
The beginning of the last practice summed up the ethos of the week for me. Colin’s voice echoing around the Dojo, “ Run round! Come on knees up, put some effort into it! “ Even at that stage when it would have been easy to slacken off and wind down but we were encouraged to focus and put our last reserves of effort in. It seemed purgatory at the time, but how lucky we were to have been there.
In testament to the benefits I have gained by practising karate with the Shotokai College, at the Gala Dinner I stood up and made a speech. It may not have been to Obama’s standards and I forgot half of what I had intended to say, but the point is I did it and three years ago wild horses wouldn’t have dragged me out there.
My thanks go to Colin, Donna, Karen and Don for organising such a superb week and to everyone who helped my learning to go still further onwards.