Following the highly successful Senior Central Region Gasshuku that took place at the beginning of the month, Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia hosted their Junior Central Region Gasshuku this past weekend on Saturday the 27th of March.

The Gasshuku was once again hosted by Sensei Carl van der Merwe (7th Dan IOGKF) and joined virtually by Sensei Nico Maritz and his students at his dojo in Walvis Bay. Due to Covid-19 regulations the Gasshuku was split into two separate groups, with a total of 63 students attending in Windhoek and another 13 in Walvis Bay.

Mask on, Mitts on! Kumite Time during the Advanced Children’s Session.

The winning team of the Beginners Children Gasshuku Challenge!

A few of the dedicated Walvis Bay students who joined on Zoom!

Gasshukus, which can be seen as training seminars, form an integral part of the Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate syllabus and exist primarily to expose students to various forms of karate training and ultimately expand their knowledge.

“Teaching a Gasshuku for the children is often more challenging that teaching adults, but their willingness to learn always makes teaching the children a huge pleasure! They have a basic understanding of karate already therefore the focus was to teach them more advanced skills by expanding on what they already know. We trust that we achieved that goal and that they are highly motivated for the rest of the year.”

Next on OGKN’s year program is the annual Karate Fitness Challenge Fundraiser with is set to take place in April!