Training in
Australia
August 25, 2010, Brisbane, Australia
By Alan Walrond
Going on a holiday
to a foreign country is always exciting. It is even more
exciting when you include Kyokushin Karate in your travel plans.
Kyokushin is
an International organization and there is sure to be a
Kyokushin dojo in the city that you are visiting. This is a
great way to meet some of the locals and learn more about the
city that you are traveling in.
On my recent holidays to Australia, I
found out that there was in fact a Kyokushin dojo in Brisbane
where I would be visiting. Information on the location of
Kyokushin dojo’s can be found at
http://www.kyokushinkaikan.org/en/branch/index.html
If you want to visit a foreign dojo, you must first get your
Sensei’s permission and the permission of the Sensei from the
dojo you are visiting. Then,
your sensei will make arrangements with Branch Chiefs. Nowadays,
this can be simply
done by email. I contacted the Brisbane dojo and asked if it
would be okay to practice there and they indicated that I would
be more than welcomed. In your email to the host dojo, you
should identify your home dojo, the name of your Sensei and what
belt you have.
As for a class
fee, each dojo has a set of rules. Some
dojo’s that you visit charge a small user fee while others don’t
charge a fee at all. Either way, it's always a good idea
to bring a small gift for the Sensei. Beer is
usually never refused. Kyokushin and beer can't go wrong!
The Brisbane dojo
is a well equipped and permanent dojo. The walls were decorated
with tournament awards and also had mirrors which were great for
observing your technique. On entering the dojo, Sensei Dominic
immediately recognized me as the visitor who had contacted him.
He immediately introduced me to the class and made me feel very
welcomed. During the class and after the class, the students
were very hospitable and were sure to introduce themselves.
The class felt
just like home with all the same kihon, stances and terms. The
conditioning and structure of the class was very similar to home
and I had an excellent and challenging workout. I also got to
spar with several of the students as well as the Sensei. It is
great to see that students around the world are taught the same
skills and techniques.
Being able to practice Kyokushin karate
during a holiday abroad is a very nice option to have. It allows
you to meet new people while maintaining your fitness and
skills. It is something I highly recommend as it is sure to be a
memorable part of your holiday.
I'd like to thank
Sensei Dominic and his students of the Brisbane dojo. I'd also
like to thank IKOK-Canada for the great experience I was able to
gain. Osu!
Alan Walrond
Vancouver Kyokushin Karate
Photos of the Brisbane Dojo
Dojo building
Dojo Sign
Osu!
Training equipment
Heavy Bag
Spacious Training area
Students can stay as long as they want to train.
Trophies
Mirror and big mitts
Awards and Certificates
Sosai Oyama
