Black-Belt Camp 2016
Arnhem , Nov 4-6th '16 - The second Black-Belt camp has come and gone, and like the first time it was a big succes thanks to the efforts of our Dutch Masters and some very appreciated volunteers. The event did not only succeed in learning us a lot, it was also fruitful for the team-building between Dojangs. Besides Master Kahn another three Masters from the GBTSD attended namely: Master M. Allen, Master L. Allen and Master Woodford. Not only that, also Master Trogemann of the German Association was with us a foreign guest.
The Friday was filled with a practise session in tournament judging by Master Trogemann. Therefore a number of new Black-Belts got the opportunity to obtain corner judge or regional judge certifications. After this introduction we were feasted on pizza for dinner.
On Saturday it was time to start working. Our day commenced before sunrise at 6:50 with a Ki Kong session of Master Trogemann. This entailed relaxation and breathing exercises by ways of movements with characteristic names such as ‘the walking chair’ or ‘a look at the back of the moon’. The session ended with 20 minutes of meditation or: sit still, close eyes and think only about breathing. Thereafter we together had a solid breakfast for the long day that would follow. From experience of last year this might be beneficial; Master Kahn has the reputation to give intense warming-ups. This fear was actually not necessary, the warming-up proved to be mild and focused on good stretching. Then the higher Black-Belt exclusive Hyungs were trained on such as: the Naihanchi forms, Sip Soo, Jin Do, Ro Hai, Kong Sang Koon and even more difficult 4th and 5th Dan Hyungs. There was also explanation on the application of techniques and combinations in Hyungs such as at the starts Pyang Ahn Sam Dan and Pyang Ahn Oh Dan Hyung or the strikes backwards in Sip Soo. With it came some history about the origin of Hyungs. It turns out that most Hyungs were coming by one way or the other from Okinawa Japan as heritage of Funakoshi, the founder of Karate - and there are indications that he has had inspiration from China. Little to nothing has been written down however and Korean, Japanese and Chinese have not liked to admit they learned from each other.
After lunch we got a very varied program from the other Masters. Master Woodford showed us that we could also learn more about the lower Hyungs - starting at the end and working our way backwards to the beginning. Masters Allen reviewed with us a selection of optional 1-2 step Dae Ryun with sticks. A kind of Soo Ki/Jok Ki with sticks. Master Suijker learned us some more about Kup Soo - vital and/or pressure points. Master Heskes had prepared a selection of knife self-defence techniques for us. Master Lee walked through a number of Dang Bong Ho Sin Sul techniques. A Dang Bong being a 20-30 cm long stick, a simple weapon which with some practise can used effectively both defensively and offensively.
After all this new knowledge with a break in between to jump into the swimming pool, it was time for dinner. This time there was delicious Indian food with soup as a starter and an authentic Indian dessert afterwards. After dinner we had a feast. First activity on the program: a TSD theory quiz with some 40 questions. Then commenced the dance battles against each other and line dancing with Tony Sobnath. ( though not the American line dancing on country music )
Nevertheless we started again next morning at 6:50 with Ki Kong by Master Trogemann. The movements of yesterday were arranged after each other into a Ki Kong Hyung. Naturally, this was followed again with 15 minutes of meditation. This time no breakfast, we continued directly with a last practise session judging with exams thereafter. Then there was a large brunch with soup, eggs and chicken sate. Finally, the houses were made in order and we said our goodbyes.
