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 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.
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.