Sensei Jose Ferrand, of Miami Shotokan Karate Club was the guest instructor at the JKA Bahamas Autumn Training Camp  (September 20^th-22^nd, 2019)

 

JKA Bahamas was honored to host Sensei Jose Ferrand of the Miami Shotokan Karate Club, who was accompanied by one of his students, Andre Fiallos, for our annual training camp. The camp was held in Nassau, The Bahamas, September 20^th thru 22^nd, 2019 with an additional class thrown in on September 19 for advanced ranks only. This was Sensei Ferrand’s second time instructing at a camp in the Bahamas and we were excited to welcome him back.  There was a total of 14 participants at this camp ranging in age from 7 to 70 including one participant from another style.

Sensei Ferrand is a very charismatic instructor whose teaching style is very energetic, and each class appeared to have its own theme. From kihon, to creative interpretations of the kata Taikyoku Shodan, to kumite drills for that theme, which all tied very coherently into the other classes as well.

The first class was focused primarily on developing speed in Kihon and combination techniques. We then practiced Taikyoku Shodan in its original form as well as on the opposite side. Finally, we were introduced to Sensei Ferrand’s training method which involved executing all techniques and stances of the kata moving only in a straight line forward and backward.

The remaining classes had themes including hip rotation and leg strength followed by partner drills which emphasized the hanmi hip position for blocks and shomen position for a punch using the same hand for both blocking and punching. We also paired up for reaction training as well as a drill for closing the distance using tsugi-ashi.

Overall, the camp was very informative and enjoyable, and we can’t wait to do it again.

We would like to express our gratitude to Sensei Ferrand, as well as to Andre Fiallos who did an excellent job in assisting with demonstrations, and we hope to host them again in the future as we continue to broaden our knowledge of JKA Karate in the Bahamas.

Osu!