The International Kempo Association Busen Academy is an annual event for the future leaders of our martial art. This year’s event, as usual, was a lot of fun.
We gathered in Cyprus for a week of training. The effort involved in getting there is part of the point – it makes you concentrate harder because it feels like a rare event.
Of course, it is a rare event, happening only once per year. With a visitor from Japan, and a number of high-grade teachers from the UK gathered in one place, there was a lot of concentrated knowledge and experience available to learn from.
And learn we did.
In the mornings we trained in the dojo – three hours per day for six days straight. We practiced and got feedback on our teaching style, practiced our basics, and learned new techniques.
We also had lessons in restorative techniques from Maeda Sensei, our Japanese visitor. Resuscitation, bone realignment, stiff joints, even how to deal with being kicked in the groin. The amount that he knows about the human body is impressive, to say the least.
Afternoon sessions were held on a selection of beaches and mountain slopes. Beaches are great for swinging 6-foot sticks – plenty of room! We also made time for a little swimming…
If you’re thinking that this schedule – 5 or 6 hours a day of exercise for six days – sounds insane, then you are only partially right. Day 1 is great. Day 2 is a bit of a struggle, especially with the heat. Day 3 is back to being ok, and by day 4 you hit your stride. I felt like I could do this for the next three months!
Of course, scattered among all of this hard work was a lot of social fun. We ate lots of good food, spent much time chatting, and even found a little time to explore Limassol.
This is a highly recommended trip. If you want to experience it yourself, start training (or train harder!). The Busen Academy is open to brown belts and up. If you train hard you could be coming with us sooner than you think!
