Report by Diana Lenk
For a very long time in advance, all preparations, necessary planning and approvals were organized by our board, and many threads were drawn in the background. An incredibly complex task, when you then see and feel with what dedication, heart and soul and not least an enormous expenditure of time this very special event could take place here in Freital. Simply every detail has been considered. Be it the organization of the day during the stay of our important guest, or the coordination of the helpers or hours of "packing seminar envelopes".
On the day of arrival of André Sensei at the airport in Munich, Lufthansa went on strike and he was picked up from there without further ado by two club members. What a great action of the two.
And then it was finally time.... On Friday evening, André Sensei kicked off in a community training session with us in the dojo, first for all club members of all graduations. It was also a very impressive experience for our newer members to train with such an internationally known trainer. André Sensei explained the basics very vividly and practically. He made it important that everyone could take home inspiration for their training that evening. The consistently positive feedback confirms this. Then it was the turn of the "big ones". A total of 3 examinees successfully faced the experienced and professional judgment of André Sensei.
On Saturday it started early in the morning for many helpers. With combined forces, the gymnasium of the Weißeritz-Gymnasium was transformed into a dojo. Many hardworking hands ensured that tables and benches were set up, the refreshment station was created, the signage in and around the hall was attached and the national flags of the participants could fit harmoniously into the picture. A very wide range of culinary products was also prepared. Between absolutely appetizing sandwiches and breads, many different homemade cakes, muffins and biscuits, which were contributed by various members and helpers, it was difficult to decide.
Around 9 a.m. the preparations were completed and the first participants also found themselves. Guests from various European nations could be welcomed. Including the Czech Republic, Poland, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Even guests from Norway, Ukraine and Great Britain found the way to Freital. Everyone received from our team at the reception their personal envelope with all important information about the course as well as the voucher for the evening event and a card to pick up the ordered T-shirt "No Danger".
The seminar, which was awaited with great excitement and anticipation, began at 10:00 a.m. The hall was well filled with almost 200 participants and everyone could feel this special atmosphere. We welcomed a good-natured and a sympathetic André Sensei from the first moment. His incredible presence is difficult to put into words.
He built with us piece by piece, the Kata "Maizuru Dai" (as much as Dancing Crane) unknown to us, and explained the individual techniques vividly, comprehensibly and very impressively, both in the Kata and in the Bunkai. Only three students of Grand Master Asai from Japan are currently teaching this special Kata. For this reason, it was a special honor and also a personal claim for us to implement what was shown as well as possible. Both demanded a lot of concentration, especially from the low-graduate participants, because as light and powerful as every movement of the Sensei looked, it was much more difficult than expected to put them into practice themselves. At this point, one or the other became once again very aware that the path of the warrior (Budo) is a very long, even lifelong process, in which one can only gain the understanding between the harmony of mind and body through long, intensive and continuous training. Through the many detailed descriptions and demonstrations of the extremely effective techniques, everyone was able to take away many, sometimes also new insights, for themselves and their training. Thanks to the direct translation by Marco, there was no loss of information.
After the first very demanding seminar day, it was time for all those who had registered in advance, "Getting together in a relaxed atmosphere" in the Ballrooms Coßmannsdorf. Those present expected a cozy evening with a relaxed atmosphere. With a very varied buffet there was something for everyone and there were no wishes left unfulfilled. There was the opportunity to exchange ideas across national borders and to make new contacts. In addition, you could experience André up close. All evening he wandered from table to table, gladly answered all questions and was an absolutely sought-after conversation partner with his uncomplicated manner. Until the late evening hours you could enjoy this special atmosphere and let the anticipation of the second day increase.
Also on Sunday morning, the hard-working helpers gathered again at the hall and ensured with their commitment that the participants lacked nothing. Without many words, everyone knew what to do, and in no time the preparations were finished.
On the second day it started already 09.00 o'clock. From the first moment, this special mood was again due to the presence of the Sensei in the air. We repeated and deepened what we had learned and gained new insights about timing, distance and control. For all participants it was time to be there again with full concentration and commitment. André explained precisely the sometimes complex mechanics behind the techniques and was able to give valuable tips for their training to the many highly graduated Dan carriers. Later it went into the partner training to work on the implementation of what has been learned. And again there were so many new impressions, WOW effects and small AHA moments for each individual, which will make this spectacular event have an effect for a very long time.
A special and respectful gesture at the end of the seminar was that André Sensei’s personally thanked each individual participant and helper, and thus secured a very special place in retrospect of this weekend.
At this point, I can only thank you very much that through the perfect organization, the cooperation of so many helping hands and supporters, this weekend has become inspiring, instructive and above all unforgettable for everyone.
The images are copyrighted by Oliver Schömburg.
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