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The annual Gold Coast Chito-Ryu Karate Kangeiko was held at Springbrook. The day started slightly colder then last year with a 3 degree temperature providing the particpants with the challenge of the cold at the start making some think about how they would handle what was to come. However all eagerly headed of down the track of the Twin Falls circuit ready to test themselves with the various challenges the day provides including the final stage of training under the waterfall.

Gold Coast Chito-Ryu 2009 Kangeiko Participants

The morning started with a jog to the first point were everyone used the lookout to practise Enzen no Metsuke (looking to the far distant mountain). This was followed by standing meditation absorbing the energy of the rising sun.

Gold Coast Chito-Ryu 2009 Kangeiko - Morning Meditation

The next stop was the bottom of Blackfellow falls were after a very slippery climb everyone found a suitable position on the flattest rock they could find for 20 minutes of meditation. With sounds of the water combining with the rest of sounds of the rainforest the oneness with the location was a terrific experience that made the 20 minutes disappear very quickly.

After mediation the jog continued along the bottom of the ridge to Twin Falls were everyone performed various bunkai and one step sparing. The narrow path and uneven environment added an extra dimension to the technique as you were forced to be aware of your environment as well as your partner. There was definitely no room for mechanical repetition of the technique as a step to far could see you land in the water! This feeling continued when the group entered into the caves for one step sparring and sparring with Sensei Adam.

Gold Coast Chito-Ryu 2009 Kangeiko - Rhys Woodhouse and Adam Higgins training at Twin Falls

The angled chasm between the rocks with a slopped path at the bottom as always provided an interesting challenge. First step was to walk through the chasm normally to prove that even standing up straight you did fit easily. Then the challenge began with seisan dachi stepping, 4 kick combination, rinten tsuki, rinten-hanten tsuki. A concentration on just performing the technique with control of the posture, tanden and correct use of eyes saw success, a lapse of concentration saw the eyes take over and try to adjust the body to conform to the angled walls leading to a big lean, in most cases tipping over up against the wall! The results were both humorous to onlookers and educational to the participants as everyone learnt more about their techniques. It was good to see that for those that had done this exercise before that their technique was improving as the hit the wall less.

The last part of the training was what everyone had been waiting for as the group made it way to Rainbow Falls. With the recent rain there was a lot more water then previous years making some places under the waterfall not suitable, however there was plenty of good spots and soon everyone had a go testing their spirit and technique against the falling cold water.

Gold Coast Chito-Ryu 2009 Kangeiko - Emma Woodhouse, Bina Schiffers, Adrian Spoto

With strong kiai’s ringing out and a focus on breathing through the tanden everyone was successful in meeting the challenge presented by the cold water and left the water feeling the warmth of accomplishment and shared experience eager for next year when they could once again test themselves with the Gold Coast Chito-Ryu Kangeiko.

Gold Coast Chito-Ryu 2009 Kangeiko - Adrian Spoto

2009 Kangeiko Participants

Related Links
For more photos visit the 2009 Kangeiko Photo Gallery.
Events - Kangeiko Page