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XXIII Copa Murayama 2006 |
17-11-2006 |
This was our 4th visit to Monterrey Mexico and our fourth Copa Murayama. Making the trip this time were Sensei Phil Powell, Sensei Steve Bolland, Russell Heath, a student from Worcester dojo and myself of course.
After that joy of joys, Texas immigration, we made the final leg of our journey to Monterrey. In contrast to the glorious sunshine in Houtson, Monterrey was miserable and wet, aah home from home! |
We were met at the airport by my friend Gabrielle Cantu, a long time student of Murayama sensei who I befriended in Japan just a few weeks before. After taking us to our hotel to freshen up he then treated us to a meal at his own Spanish themed restaurant. A superb paela later and we were looking forward to our sleep.
he following day we were up early to take the shuttle bus to training which started at 9am.
Murayama sensei welcomed all the students and then began teaching Matsumura ha Rohai and then Nipaipo including bunkai. The second seminar was on Nanban Satoryu Kempo Jutsu, a speciality of Murayama sensei and a real treat for everyone in attendance. |
The afternoon seminars were on Jo jutsu and a rarly unknown kata named Suparimpei Sho taught by Nakamura sensei, an 8th Dan Goju Ryu Master and good friend to Murayama sensei.
After the 8 hours training the Black Belt exams followed at the Honbu dojo in San Pedro. Sensei Phil and Sensei Steve were attempting 5th Dan which I am delighted to say they passed with flying colours!
The Copa Murayama tournament followed which is always well attended and the 3 Brit instructors officialled many events over the 2 days. In the evenings we were wined and dined by Jose Luis Calderoni, founder of the Copa Murayama and long time friend and student of Sensei.
Our last two days were spent relaxing during the day and then training at the Honbu Dojo during the evening. Four hours training were followed by dinner with sensei, his wife Astrid and daughter Yuko. We had a wonderful evening and decided to repeat it the following day! Yes another 4 hours training and then dinner!! |
On our last night Jose Luis and Marselle took us to another Spanish restaurant where we enjoyed Spanish guitars and Flamenco dancers. It was simply fantastic!
The next morning Murayama and Astrid met us at our hotel for breakfast before driving us to the airport. We said our farewells and left reluctantly. The time spent with Murayama Sensei is so precious and goes by so soon.
My sincere thanks to Murayama sensei and his wife Astrid. Also congratulations to Sensei Phil and Sensei Steve on receiving their 5th Dans. Why not e mail them to say well done!
philosksm@actcomputing.com
steve@snwkarate.co.uk |
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