We just got back from a marvelous two days of training at Sensei Randy Kopke’s dojo with Sensei Herbert Allen! 
The training was fabulous as always but what really stood out was the way Allen Sensei was able to convey the sincere love of karate and the caring nature that all great teachers have to the people they teach and touch.  I know that I and all those present clearly felt that special ability that he has as a highly experienced and talented teacher of karate.  It was refreshing to see the intensity and skill that Allen Sensei had in teaching us the details of the kata.  His message of ‘slowing it down’ was excellent.  He said that you cannot see let alone learn the details if you just speed by them.  He said it would be like driving down the local road at 70 MPH while trying to find Sensei Randy’s dojo.  He made it clear that the katas were the most important element in Goju Ryu Karate. 

Beyond the training much was gained from the friendship and fellowship outside of the training.  Nothing beats the chance to share a bite to eat and liquid refreshments with the new people you have just met and hit.  Even thought this was just a local gasshuku we saw people from New Jersey, Buffalo, Canada, and Dayton.  It was the perfect size.

We need to give a lot of credit to Sensei Randy.  He has certainly played a huge role in keeping the IOGKF and the NE region active and involved.  We came up with the idea earlier this year.  I offered any assistance he needed but he did not need any.  He pulled off an awesome gasshuku by himself.  I know how much it takes to put on an event like this.  Much credit should be given to him and his staff.  Nice job Randy!

We will be having another local gasshuku on October 10^th for the advanced adult students followed by your Tournament on October 17^th then the Black Belt Gasshuku November 20-22 in Burlington.

The NE region is alive and well,

Sam Larioza
Ohana Karate
 

Sensei Allen,

   I cannot thank you enough for the great training experience this past week end in Toledo. My students and I especially enjoyed Kata training. You have given me much to share with my students who could not attend as well as the continued commitment I need in my own training.

Ed Bowker
Kokoro Tanren Dojo
Buffalo, NY

 

Onegaishimasu, I hope all finds you both well along with your families.

I am reporting to you on the NE Regional Gasshuku that was held this weekend. We had approximately 75 total participants from the following dojos, New York, New Jersey, Ohio (Dayton and Toledo) and Michigan. The event went off without a hitch and Sensei Allen was great as expected. We have already had a lot of compliments from our students and families as well as those that trained at the event.  We are all looking to the next gasshuku to get together and train.

Best regards,

Randy Kopke
Sylvania Family Karate