Onegaishimasu,

I just came back from the Calgary Gasshuku. The event was organized by Sensei David Ching and students of Shubukan Dojo. This Gasshuku was very unique and I really liked it. One of Shubukan’s black belt members, Sempai Fernando kindly offered his large property for the Gasshuku. He has over 120 acres of farmland, a short 1-hour drive north of Calgary. We slept, ate, trained, and played games together (there were pool tables, ping-pong, and more). He also has a small lake where he farms rainbow trout. I went fishing in my free time and caught more than 10 fish 🙂 There is also a lot of wild life on the property (deer, fox, hawks, and more). We also spent some time driving quadbikes (four-wheelers) through the woods.

From Shudokan: Sensei Spencer, Sempai Jack, Sempai Megan; from Taki Dojo (Niagara Falls): Sensei Daryl, Sensei Lynne, and 5 students; from Keiko Dojo (Brampton): Sensei Chris and Vivian participated. There was also Sensei Rainer and students from Qualicum Beach, and Sempai Gary from Vancouver. There were also two black belt ladies from Yakima, Washington, USA. We also had a new member dojo join us from Lake Cowichan, Vancouver Island. The Sensei’s name is Dave Jackson. It was really nice to meet him and spend some time together. He also likes fishing 🙂

The gasshuku went very well. Sensei Rainer, Sensei Daryl, Sensei Lynne, Sensei Kevin, and Sensei Spencer all shared in teaching parts of the Gasshuku. Everybody enjoyed the whole experience. After the Gasshuku, Sensei David and his students took us to Lake Louise and Banff. This area is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I would like to thank Sensei David and his staff for their great hospitality! Special thank you to Sempai Fernando for letting us use his property. I had a great time 🙂

• Here are some photos from the event

Tetsuji Nakamura