The second AMA martial arts camp at PGL Liddington, near Swindon took place over the half term weekend of 21st-24th October.
Course instructors were Peter Allen and Christine Pullan, 8th dans, Bob Hague and Peter Wright, 7th dans and Martyn Skipper 6th dan.
Mornings were devoted to martial arts while afternoons saw a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, zip-wire and abseiling. Despite appalling weather, the outdoor activities, supervised by PGL staff continued, rain or shine.
The martial arts training encompassed traditional and modern, weapons and empty hand, kata and kumite, and sport and traditional practice.
Peters Allen and Wright taught very different applications of jo (short stick) giving students a chance to compare and contrast the different approaches.
Shotokan giants Christine Pullan and Bob Hague covered Empi kata, with Christine emphasizing vigour and precision of performance and Bob putting his unique spin on practical application (bunkai) of the form.
Pete Wright led two vigorous sessions. In one class he introduced the adults to his Goju kihon drills, testing students’ mental as well as physical endurance and ability. A further session was titled “G&T”. Unfortunately, the expectation of a refreshment interlude was rudely, and quickly dispelled when it was revealed that this “G&T” was “Give and Take”. In pairs, participants were invited to both provide and receive blows to understand body resilience and to recognize appropriate counter measures.
During one of the afternoon outdoor activity session Bob and Martyn offered an alternative to getting wet with an adults-only bunkai session. Bob considered Shotokan kata Hangetsu, whilst Martyn explored Shito ryu form Seipai. Each teacher looked at some brutal, uncompromising interpretations of these kata appropriate for close-range, realistic confrontations.
Fitness sessions tested the mettle of the group and in addition there were plenty of opportunities for individual and group training in the large training hall. AMA exec officer Darryl Bagley CBE held a first aid course, and Peter Allen, along with Christine Pullan led squad training sessions in advance of the WUKF European championships in Florence. Usually a bonfire provides one evening’s entertainment but as the weather prevented this a cheese and wine evening was held in the main bar on the Saturday night.
On the Sunday afternoon the AMA technical panel sat, and congratulations are due to the following successful candidates; Craig Smith 3rd dan, Phil Mann 4th dan, Jaga Singh 6th dan.
The sayonara party was held on the Sunday night and the Monday morning concluded with more outdoor activities and lunch before departure.
If you’d like to join us next year please contact office@amauk.co.uk or southendgojukai@hotmail.com
