Venue

Port Eynon on the Gower coast, October 3rd - 5th

Friday

After packing the hire van with the camping kit and Embo's kit which wasn't going to fit into any normal vehicle due to his "just in case" or "you never know" packing motto!, we all set off from Sensei's house.

On arrival at the camp site we all chipped in to set up camp. Once done, we set off for a short walk to familiarise ourselves with the immediate area, taking in some of the breath taking scenery of Port Eynon.

Upon our return Sensei Louise had prepared a fantastic meal of home made soup (thanks Lou). During the meal we discussed the agenda for the weekend, which according to Simon's recollection of the agenda started with a leisurely walk along the beach followed by a break for ice-cream, weather permitting.

Before turning in for the night, we all had a game of cards where Embo and Jason were introduced to the game of Nap.

Saturday

Be-Beep, Be-Beep, Be-Beep, Simon's watch says it's time to get ready for our run at 7:00 (a.m. that is, can't complain it was 6:00am last year!). We all gathered outside the tents ready for our run (well all but one, Dan the Man who was meeting us for training that morning, but didn't arrive in time for the run!).

Off we set, a gentle jog up, then down the beach, then we took the opportunity to study the embusen (direction) of some kata on the sand, which was a valuable lesson. Following this we headed to the sea, for a swim! (yes, this was the first weekend in October and isn't recommended for the faint hearted).

A quick sprint to the towels followed the swim, where we dried off before heading back to camp, where Lou was preparing a hot drink and breakfast.

We got back to camp to find Dan had arrived in time for breakfast! But had redeemed himself by doing the previous night's washing up (Sensei's note - that's what he told us lot, but apparently Lou did it!)

Following breakfast (thanks Lou) we commenced our training.

Bassai Sho was the chosen kata for the weekend. Sensei spent the morning session taking us through the kata for the first time. During the session we didn't simply study the moves and stances of the kata, but Sensei explained the Bunkai of the kata, and demonstrated these applications, ensuring a deeper understanding of Bassai Sho.

Following the morning session we headed back for a 'help yourself' selection of food laid on by Louise, and a hot drink.

The first session of the afternoon was with weapons. Sensei took us through Nidan Tonfa and Yondan Sai, again taking time to explain the bunkai of the moves. Sensei also explained, and took us through defences from Bo attacks, using Tonfa.

Time for a quick break. After a hot drink and a change of Gi, we jumped into the back of the hire van, (no seats just wheel arches), and headed off for beach training at Rhossili with Sensei at the wheel! Louise was riding shotgun, not forgetting Paddy and Bracken gripping on with their paws for dear life along with the rest of us.

During an earlier conversation in the back of the van, Dan had been misled into believing that a student (Colin) had died here at Rhossili last year, during Gasshuku 2002 beach training. Sorry Dan, forgot to mention Colin was in fact Embo's old VW Camper van, which had died at Rhossili last year when its brakes fell apart! Anyway we all had a good laugh about it when Dan realised Colin had been the name of Embo's camper, not a student and the relief was almost too much for Dan to bear.

Upon arrival at Rhossili we jumped out of the van A-Team style (okay maybe not), and headed off down the steps to the beach.

On the sand again we took the opportunity to study the embusen of our newly learnt Kata, Bassai Sho, followed by any other kata of our choice (which stumped Embo). Next was ippon kumite, firstly on the sand, then in the sea, which is not only great fun but really pushes the boundaries of what you have to think about, other than the block and counter, when training outside on an uneven, ever changing surface.

When we had finished, Dan (who missed the early morning swim) couldn't relate to the fact the sea was warmer than it had been earlier. Anyway we headed from the beach back up the steps, to the waiting van, for a towel and dry clothes. Well those of us who didn't take a towel and change of clothes down to the beach, unlike Simon, who strolled back to the van nice and warm having taken his towel and change of clothes with him.

We were now all dry and full of enthusiasm from the training we had just done.

Back at camp after another journey in the back of the hire van, and a wash & brush up was the order of the day, ready for the barbecue and of course a game of Nap.

Louise took a back seat while Sensei took control of the barbecue (well that's what Louise let him believe anyway). Dan had brought the meat down with him in the morning, and it must be said it was excellent. Never have I tasted finer sausages, burgers or minted lamb.

Sadly Dan had to leave before too long and headed back down the M4 homeward bound. Then the sad news that Jason (AKA Mozer, AKA Concrete Forearms) had to leave also, due to illness.

Not to be deterred the remainder of the Gasshuku attendees settled down to a game of Nap and a sociable drink, whilst sheltering in the tent from the gale outside.

Sunday

Be-Beep, Be-Beep, Be-Beep, Simons watch once again says it's time to get ready for our run at 7:00am, this time there was ice on the tent!

Then there were 3, Sensei, Simon and Embo. Off we set for our run up, then down the beach (well Embo made it up the beach, and nearly back). Then Sensei asks, do you want to go for a swim? BIG silence, then after exchanging puzzled looks and waiting for the catch, both Simon and Embo said ye-ye-yes. After wading up to our waists we then had another 5 minute discussion on when we would all dive in, on 3 or after 3 (ever watched Lethal Weapon, then you know what I mean).

After the swim we headed back to camp for a hot shower, then breakfast and a hot drink prepared again by Louise (excellent porridge Lou).

The final training session was a chance to run over our new kata, Bassai Sho, clearing up any points with Sensei, and then a chance to go over our current katas, Tekki Shodan and Bassai Dai, before the session finished. Once back at camp we changed ready for a final walk out onto the rocks. Louise came along with both Paddy and Bracken.

Once out on the rocks Sensei, Simon and Embo regressed into their childhood and had a competition, to see who could hit a big rock with pebbles off the beach, of which there were plenty. Very simple, but excellent fun. Then there were Paddy and Bracken repeatedly racing into the water to see who could get to a thrown stick first. Before too long it was time to head back to camp.

When we got back Louise set about preparing the final meal - Cowboy Hotpot (Mmmm it's fab), both carnivore and vegetarian alternatives. I think Lou was still catering for 6 as there was plenty for all, in fact I don't think anyone ate for another 24 hours (excellent grub Lou).

The final task was to break camp, take the tents down, clean up, then we were homeward bound, after a Great 2003 Gasshuku.

Thanks again to Sensei and Louise for all your hard work and efforts.

Andrew Embling - 3rd Kyu