4th Belgian Gasshuku

Sensei Louise and I first visited Belgium in 2012 on the invitation of Sensei Marc of Brussels to a gasshuku with Masuyama Sensei, 8th Dan.  The fantastic training and the warm welcome of the Brussels dojo quickly found a place in our hearts.  We were too busy in 2013 for the second gasshuku, but we returned last year with one of our students, Steve.  This year the Brussels dojo celebrated their 10th anniversary and Masuyama Sensei was joined by Kuramoto Sensei, 7th Dan.  The opportunity to train with two senior Japanese instructors a mere two hours train journey from London was not to be missed and our small group grew to a squad of 7, with our students Fabio and Holly joining Steve for a return trip and our instructor Sensei Dave Amber and Dan, one of his students.

It goes without saying that the training was superb.  Aside from the training, gasshuku are a great chance to meet up with friends to share stories over a beer or two, which is even better in Belgium with excellent beers to sample.  Many thanks to Sensei Marc and Els for organising another brilliant gasshuku and for going above and beyond to look after us.  Thanks to the students of the Inoshishi dojo for looking after us and providing transportation, making the whole experience free of any stress.  But obviously there wouldn't be a gasshuku without the instructors travelling to Belgium to share their knowledge and wisdom with us all, domo arigato gozaimasu Masuyama Sensei and Kuramoto Sensei.

And in breaking news, the 5th Belgium gasshuku has just been announced with both instructors promising to return!!