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 was 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

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