Optimism shone through on April 9, 2005 as the newly formed Koshin-ha Chito-ryu Karate Association gathered together for the first time in the spirit of training. Kyoshi Van Horne with the help of Kyoshi Davenport hosted the clinic at Northern Kentucky University in Florence Kentucky, where the sun shone brightly to welcome all the different schools and lend itself to excited spirits. High expectations were met as eager students soaked in the knowledge of several of the organization's high-ranking instructors. They say when the student is ready the teacher will appear. That is precisely what happened as students were divided by rank into separate groups and they anxiously awaited each instructor to rotate through the sections and teach a little bit of his own area of study. These instructors included Kyoshi Vanhorne, Kyoshi Davenport, Kyoshi Hedderman, Renshi Valentino, and Shihan Hedderman.

The sections were then made and the instructors each claimed a group. Bunkai was the main focus of the clinic. Each instructor shared his own insights into certain kata. Kyoshi Vanhorn taught bunkai in relation to Tenshin, presenting ideas that made students think about the kata in a whole new way. Kyoshi Davenport let us in on some of his secrets of body manipulation within the bunkai of Sanshiryu. Eyes lit up as partners fell to the ground with little effort just by pushing the right buttons. There were many other aspects of kata explored as well. Renshi Valentino gave a detailed explanation into the concept of contraction and expansion while focusing on the kata Sochin. He looked with satisfaction at the black belts when he saw a general improvement in their kata from the beginning of the clinic to the end. Kyoshi and Shihan Hedderman focused on Jiu-jitsu techniques (from their Koseido-ryu Jiu-jitsu curriculum) to free oneself from various holds , pulling out the mats and allowing students to really get the feel of being dumped to the ground by motions that seem so harmless.

Water breaks? Who could think of water when there were so many ideas to talk about!

They swear that the clinic was 4 hours long, but it seemed to fly by so fast that four hours felt more like one or two at the most. But eventually it did come to an end. Ending remarks gave closure to the clinic, demonstrating a general satisfaction in both the instructors and the students. Recognition was also given to those leaders of the organization who have led us through troubled waters.

There is nothing more satisfying than hard training followed by good food; lots and lots of good food. The banquet was held at the Asian Buffet where everybody ate their fill (and then some) while catching up with old friends. Again our high ranking instructors ended the evening by each sharing their thoughts and ideas about both this clinic and the future of the organization. But the banquet did not end with their speeches. They then invited the rest of the karate-ka gathered in the room to share each individual's thoughts. The old and the young, the kyu ranks and the Shihans, everyone was encouraged to speak out on his or her feelings, concerns, and comments. The day proved that the organization would live up to its name, incorporating both the old and new, and making us a family.

Jaclyn Krah, Shodan
Yoseikan Pittsburgh North Dojo

Back to Previous Events