Posted 26th August 2002.
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Sensei Paul Fenech.
Academy training with Kase Sensei
Andorra: 24th -28th July
After a total travel time of 44 hours, we arrived in Andorra for the seminar with Kase sensei. I
had been travelling with sensei Arie Farkash and one of his younger black belt students all the
way from Sydney.
The hotel was in walking distance from the dojo, so the walk every morning was a good warm up.
The first day of the seminar included some of the more familiar Kase techniques. It was a great
introduction to the seminar and more importantly to each other.
I picked a few familiar faces including sensei Pascal Lecourt and Bruno Garnero of France. There
were 16 countries represented and Australia being the furthest destination.
Sensei allowed us to practice specific teqniques in pairs for 1 hour at a time. This gave us
ample time to get the idea and feel for our opponent.
By the end of our first session, our arms were marked with bruising and I was definitely looking
forward to a rest that evening. Every day sensei kase would ask a senior instructor to take a
warm up, then he would start the class with some new ideas, then we would pair up again. I was
impressed by the technical ability of the Italians and the other European countries.
The final sessions included Kata and kata bunkai using some advanced kata's. Sensei often asked
the senior instructors and their students to come forward and demonstrate the bunkai of kata
(ni ju shiho). This demonstration was fierce and a great example of Shotokan bunkai.
In summary, this seminar was an eye opener and I started to understand some of these concepts.
It was physically brutal and exhausting, but to practice it this way is the only way to
understand its meaning. There was some serious injuries including a broken hand and a broken
nose……
Representatives from Israel, Kuwait, England, France & Australia in Andorra.
Final day of Seminar in Andorra with Kase Sensei
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Denmark :2nd - 4th August
Summer camp Training: Shihan Raffi Liven
My plans were then to head for Denmark for a summer camp with Shihan Raffi Liven. It was a three
day seminar which included Shotokan kata, Kumite, self defence / knife defence and krav Maga.
Apart from the regular Danish karate-ka, A group from Norway also attended. My interest of course
was the Shotokan training, but the self defence was interesting and gave me some new insights.
Shihan Raffi liven is a very robust and energetic karate-ka and being so flexible, he compiled
many leg exercises which suited me just fine. The final day saw some free for all kumite which
topped a great seminar.
Sensei Kase using 2 very highly ranked Italian Brothers in a demonstration.
Sensei Paul flanked by Sensei Pascal Lecourt and his wife.
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The Danish made us feel very welcome, and I would love to return in the next few years.
Next year my travel plans will include a seminar in Brittany
(west France) with sensei Pascal Lecourt, a seminar with sensei Kase in Andorra and possibly a couple of other countries. If anyone is interested in attending one or all of the seminars next year, please contact me.
This photo is from the summercamp in Demnark. Pix in centre is Chief Instructor Raffi Liven 10th Dan
This Pix was after the final session in Denmark. Centre is Chief Instructot Raffi Liven.
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