Fall Camp 2009:
What a great camp we had this fall with Master Okazaki, Sensei’s Field. This was my first training with Master Okazaki and, although there was a lot to learn, what really stayed with me was his telling us to “go back to the beginning” and “to move forward, you must go back”. It was his way of saying we must never forget the basics and always practice and return to them. This is the foundation of Shotokan karate and should never be forgotten.
Master Okazaki was a student of Master Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan, as well as Master Nakayama and was sent to the US in 1961 to spread Shotokan karate to the Western world. He was only supposed to be here for 6 months but as we see, he has remained here to teach us the Way. I also had the honor of testing for Nidan with Master Okazaki and I must say it was rather intimidating to perform in front of such a legend in our art.
It was truly an honor to train with these gentlemen and continue to carry on their teachings to the next generation of karateka.
Oss!
Sincerely,
Matt Tomory
