The 43rd ISKF Master Camp in Green Lane, Pennsylvania was another successful event in the long established tradition of Shotokan Karate. More than 400 people of varied backgrounds and of all ages participated representing 46 member countries. The atmosphere was one of friendship, goodwill and fun.
We all had the honor and pleasure to train with respectable masters like Sensei Okazaki, Sensei Kanazawa, Sensei Yaguchi, Sensei Miura, Sensei Ochi, Sensei Field, Sensei Woon-A-Tai and many others.
The week long camp had a full schedule highlighted by the Dan, Instructor, Examiner and Judges Exams, and by the popular Goodwill tournament.
A typical day was reminiscent of boot camp, with Sensei Bob and his ubiquitous whistle making sure that everybody received an ear piercing wakeup call at 6:00 am. At 6:30 am we all met at the tennis field and after a brisk jog we had our first training of the day in one of the dojos. Breakfast followed and after a short break there was another training at 11:00 am and following lunch we had the opportunity to train twice more at 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm.
The camp setting was idyllic surrounded by lush green forests. Food, despite prior rumours, was surprisingly comestible. In the short but savoured free time we had access to plenty activities like tennis, ping pong, basketball or the use of the pool.
At the end of camp there was a celebration at a venue called “Rising Sun” where we were entertained by live music and especially by Sensei Miura’s dancing skills.
With the minor exception of lodging the camp can be characterized by three words: Great, Great and Great; Great experience, great fellowship and great fun.
OSS! Adrian Rus
