O'Sensei Fey Conducts Yet Another Successful Karatedo & Kobudo Clinc

On February the 29th, 2004 the ShotoJukuKai Honbu Dojo hosted a Karatedo & Kobudo clinic for its senior students as well as those from the Kubetsu Dojo (Elite) Martial Arts Dojo.  A capital time was enjoyed by all as O'Sensei Fey (Executive Director & Chief Instructor of the SKJF) worked his magic by fusing the past with the present, while laying the groundwork for the future pedigree of our fine art.

The event started off with O'Sensei Fey instructing all in a kihon drill to be used by one to defend against an attack by four people.  After several "bansha" (apologies) to each other for the occasional collision and foot stomps, the transitions from stance to stance, blocks and strikes came together.  It was time to put it all to the test.  Breaking up into groups of five, having one surrounded by four attackers the drill continued.  After several goes by each of the five taking a turn in the middle, O'Sensei Fey had a competition between the groups to see who performed the drill most proficiently. It came down to a tie between two groups, the "Shoto Sheilas" and the "Unwashed Five".  The suspense was almost intolerable as the two groups squared of against each other to decide the victor in the old way.  Eyes fixed on their opponents, muscles flexing, the breathing controlled, the feet being placed just so to explode in attack.  You could chew the air the tension was so thick.  At last Sensei counts it down, ichi, ni, san, HAJIMAE..!! And the most grueling show down of Rock, Paper, Scissors this author has ever witnessed took place, with the Unwashed Five coming out ahead.

After a brief intermission, O'Sensei Fey was on to Okano no Sai Dai.  A sai kata that in and of itself is a thing of beauty when performed by O'Sensei Fey.  As for those that followed his example, though not beautiful, all had a superlative time trying to get it down.  This is never a worry when O'Sensei Fey is instructing. He will always see to it that when he is finished, you have what you need to practice.  O'Sensei Fey runs his clinics, not to mention his regular classes much like an attentive and experienced farmer.  He prepares the soil in such a way, as to get the maximum yield from the seeds he sows.

Alas, three and a half hours went by like a shot and it was time to wrap things up.  After all was picked up, wet gis changed for comfortable Florida attire, all headed to a local restaurant to enjoy each other's camaraderie over our just shared experience. 

The ShotoJukuKai would like to thank Sensei Lancaster and her students for making the trip to attend.

Pictures of the clinic can be viewed by clicking here.