Vassie Naidoo Shihan, 7th dan and President of Goju-Ryu Seiwakai USA, traveled to Austin to be head instructor of our training seminar and yudansha grading. As always, the training and level of instruction was amazing. The sessions were Friday, 6 - 8 pm. Saturday, 9 - 4:30 pm, and Sunday from 9 - 11 am, with yudansha grading right after.
Naidoo Shihan concentrated on moving basics, kata from Sanchin through Seipai, and practical bunkai application from the kata. He focused on Sanchin, Gekki Sai dai Ichi and dai Ni, and Saifa as these kata are the grading kata for Shodan ranking. Even as a 6th dan, I learned a great deal, which is both humbling and exciting.
Shihan Rusty McMains and two of his students from Uchinadi Kan Seiwakai of Houston also attended, and McMains Shihan's insights into karate applications are invaluable.
On Saturday night, we had a get-together at Jim and Theresa Pounds Senseis home for Texas barbecue and all the trimmings.
Sunday, after the training session four Shodan candidates were graded and all passed into the Yudansha ranks:
- Sharla Kew
- Ami Pedahzur
- Chris Gallegos
- Aaron Luckevich
