After a vigorous warm-up, Renshi Valentino moved right into the first training segment which included instruction relating to methods of movement and power generation in zenkutsu dachi, seisan dachi and shiko dachi. During this first two hour period, participants were exposed to a number of drills designed to develop “whole body power” and body connection  Many of the principals for these drills were drawn from Renshi Valentino’s study of traditional Japanese, Okinawan and Chinese martial arts.

After a short “water break”, Kyoshi Hedderman passed out practice knives and newspapers (yes, newspapers) and launched into “practical” knife defense techniques utilizing both karate and jiu-jitsu techniques. Kyoshi Hedderman started by demonstrating how something as simple as a rolled up newspaper could be used as a weapon of self-defense. After the newspapers were battered into uselessness, Kyoshi continued the instruction by teaching empty hand knife defenses against a wide variety of attacks. This segment concluded with basic instruction aimed at making each participant more aware of the different methods used by knife wielding attackers.

The final segment of the day included a detailed breakdown of the kata Sanchin, including various methods of developing power and practical bunkai. After performing the kata a number of times, participants were introduced to the famous (or infamous, depending on how you look at it) Renshi Valentino “brick” training. Suffice to say, if you think you have good hand, wrist and arm strength, try performing Sanchin a number of times with a brick in each hand. In addition to the pure strength training, the “brick work” helped each participant to understand body and ground connection.  Once our arms had recovered, Renshi Valentino finished the day with bunkai and two person drills related to Sanchin kata.

All in all, the first annual Kangeiko was a tremendous success, combining energetic training with quality instruction for karateka of all ranks. Without a doubt, each participant came away with a great work-out and instruction that both broadens and deepens their individual knowledge of Chito-ryu karate-do.