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The annual training camp for Australia Kei Shin Kan Karate Do was held on 25 – 28 October 2013. The location this year was Port Sorell in Northern Tasmania. Port Sorell is a small township between Launceston and Devonport.

Under Shihan Uchida, 30 instructors and students gathered for a great weekend.

Included in the attendees were the following Senior Instructors:

Peter Walton (Melbourne), Warren Hands (Broken Hill), Miles Synnott (Gold Coast), David Lanham (Tasmania) and Marcel Radojevic (Sydney).

A training camp provides an opportunity for everyone to challenge themselves physically and mentally. Sometimes we think we have reached our limit, but when we push harder we may be able to go further. This can be through hard physical training but also by each person thinking more carefully. This is one way to improve.

This training camp was a challenge to all, but at the same time the spirit of friendship between all dojos was very strong. Training commenced on Friday night with basics and exercises. The next session was at 6am on Saturday with a third session after breakfast. These sessions included a lot of free sparring and everyone pushed themselves hard. On Saturday afternoon there was a kata competition (kyu grade and dan grade) as well as kobudo demonstrations by the senior instructors. Shihan Uchida also demonstrated a Sai Kata. This was followed by a grading with 6 people making the attempt. Four people passed and two people are required to try again. Training on Sunday morning commenced again at 6am with the emphasis on kata. After breakfast there was a kumite tournament (kyu grade and dan grade). The spirit in the tournament was very good, while all competitors showed good respect for their opponents. This was followed by a kata demonstration by each senior instructor and finally a kata demonstration by Shihan Uchida.

The final session after breakfast on Monday concentrated on Kobudo, including kata, combinations and bo sparring. The camp concluded at lunchtime on Monday, and interstate students travelled back that afternoon.

Although the weekend involved many hours of training, it seemed to pass very quickly. There was a great feeling of encouragement and support and it was good for everyone to meet again at this camp. Hopefully we have all improved a little more.

Special mention is made of a moving and emotional presentation from Shihan Uchida to Miles Synnott (Senior Instructor – Gold Coast) on Sunday. Miles has been through some difficult times over the last few years and continues to face physical challenges. These are Shihan Uchida's words to Miles:

“Today we recognise your achievement in the study of Karate Do. You have studied continuously for over 30 years to improve your mind, body and spirit in the way of the Art. You have never given up your training, even in difficult times. The students of Kei Shin Kan recognise your achievement and commitment. You have been and continue to be a great example to everyone. All students are grateful for the opportunity to learn from your example to improve themselves. We look forward to further training with you in the future, as we continue our journey to improve.” Finally, we must thank Shihan Uchida for his guidance over the weekend. All instructors and students are very grateful for his instruction during the training camp and throughout the year.

The results from the kata and kumite tournaments were:-

Congratulations to the winners and place getters and it was pleasing to see the spirit displayed during both tournaments. Finally, we must thank Shihan Uchida for his guidance over the weekend. All instructors and students are very grateful for his instruction during the training camp and throughout the year. We are all looking forward to the 2014 training camp, to be held at the sunny Gold Coast!