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| Kangeiko: iPhoto |
Realizing that this photo is blurry, and not a great photo,
I use it because it conveys what we see at Kangeiko
so early in the morning, on the first Sunday of the New Year.
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then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?
For me, it started at 4:24 am, when the alarm sounded.
It had rained the night prior and was still raining at 4:24 am.
I never sleep sound the night before Kangeiko,
dreading the cold but grateful to be able to go train.
Dressed in my gi, a heavy green coat (that I bought at
a thrift store just for Kangieko) & Uggs.
I drove the dark, deserted freeways to Huntington Beach.
$15 to park but worth every penny. My car said 50 degrees.
I started taking pictures with my iPhone, in the dark, before.
I guesstimate we had 85 karate-ka training this year.
Demura Sensei joined us, though since he is fighting pneumonia,
he probably should have stayed in bed.
His presence, of course made the event more special.
I took more photos after ...
This annual event is a tradition, as is the beach's cold, cold sand,
so much so that when we end up in the water, it is a relief.
The format of running, warm-ups, kihon, kata, kumite and
even sumo help us focus on our techniques in
adverse conditions, partly forgetting the cold.
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| photo by Brandon Okumura |
And before we know it, we are doing seiza
facing the upcoming sun, with Demurs Sensei,
as big waves crash and seagulls circle.
The best way to start a new year in 2019.
Years ago, Demura Sensei's Costa Mesa Dojo decided they
still had some energy after seiza, and decided to return to the
water to do kata. Welcoming all dojos to join, some did.
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| photo by Brandon Okumura |
We decided to each pick and count one kata, and to take
one step deeper into the Pacific with each kata.
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| Jared Stanton & Masa Okumura, photo by Brandon Okumura |
The latter had to be modified with the current rip tide.
By the time we finish and make our way back to the fire,
the others have changed and our changing is easier.
We are grateful to Demura Sensei for the tradition and
his inspiration.We need to especially thank Gary Pitts,
who has helped us to be able to use the Huntington Beach
venue for this annual event. To Jerry Short who doesn't get
enough thank you's, for cheerfully bringing hot water and
snacks for everyone after training, some years, firewood too.
And to Roy Center who directed today's beach training.
A personal thank you.
First, to Demura Sensei for inspiring us and for the traditions.
Next, to WonderWoman who has finally stopped nagging
me not to do this training, because of age and health etc.
And, today to Luis, Apeman, Masa, John, Jared and
other strong bodies who looked out for me in today's
rip tide & big waves, I am so grateful to you all
to still be able to participate with you.
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| photo by Monica Lopez, official CM Dojo photographer |
A smile for Monday ...
