The Ninth Annual Visalia Karate-Do Winter Gasshuku was a tremendous success. Students of all ranks participated in part or all of this great Southwest GKK Tradition.

     The 4-Day event began on December 17th, with an All-Rank Kata Recital and Kyu-Rank promotions.  The following kyu-ranked students were promoted:

12th Kyu: Bradley Abrams, Ronnie Ayala, Justin Carrasco, Chad Cloyd, Juan Gomez, Zyttlali Morales, Richardo Rojas.  11th Kyu: AJ Anaya, Joel Morales.                         

10th Kyu: Jerald Carrasco, Jerrod Aguilar, Diego Soto, Isacc Soto, Haleigh Powell, Jessica Reis, Richard Reis. 

9th Kyu:   L Jay Ayson, Eliezer Sotillo.

8th Kyu:  Aaron Cruse.  6th Kyu: Evan Kimura, Ruben Rodiquez, Kevin Soliven.

     December 18-20 were three days of training with Motoo Yamakura, Hanshi.  Hanshi taught technical aspects of Goju-Ryu kata, yakusoku kumite, as well as kihon, and kihon ido.  Additionally, he gave excellent lectures on the use of ki, osu, and other pertinent budo topics.

(Photo of participating I-Kyu and above)

     On December 19th, a Banquet was held in honor of Yamakura Hanshi.  Gifts of appreciation were presented to Hanshi.  Hanshi later honored some black-belt students with promotions/ awards as follows:

Ed Soliven:              Yondan Karate-Do,             Shodan Kobudo,             Renshi Title

Ryan Cruse:              Nidan Karate-Do,             Nidan Kobudo

Mike Reitz:              Nidan Karate-Do,             Shodan Kobudo

Rachel Reitz:              Nidan Karate-Do,             Shodan Kobudo

Lorena Beltran:              Nidan Karate-Do

Greg Rader:              Nidan Karate-Do

Christian Rader:              Nidan Karate-Do

Wayland Louie:             Nidan Karate-Do

Ted Reitz:              Shodan Karate-do

Matt Prillwitz:  Shodan Kobudo                                               (Photo of participating I-Kyu and above)

     Planning has already started for next years 10th Annual Visalia Karate-do Winter Gasshuku which will include Yamakura Hanshi’s most valued instruction.