Journey to Belarus 2016

On the invitation of Mr Peter Kalinin 8th Dan, regional Director of ISKF Belarus, I flew to Minsk.

Already on Friday night I had to held the first training in two groups at Club Everest. The first chairman Vladimir Kuchmasov was waiting for us and welcomed us very heartily. He is a great coach  and he has an awesoem team on his side. I would like to sincerely thank Mr Kuchmasov and his team. I have rarely seen such a high level of discipline. Also, I am grateful for the attention and the generous gift i recieved with my name imprinted on it. The high quality of the studens were also proven to me after 4 succesfull Dan-Exams. After Training I recived the announced that they wish to join the ISKF and want the new Sho-Dan graduations register by the ISKF. Awesome!!!

On Saturday morning we drove to the club Atlant. There I met old acquaintances and friends. The main content of the seminar were basic techniques, combination and applications. There was only a short time left for Kata and partner exercises.

On Saturday night we went back to the club Everest where we did some more Jiu-Jitsu and a kata that was requested. The enthusiasm could be seen in the eyes of the students.

On Sunday we went to University tractor in Minsk where Sensei Anatoly Lazurkin prepared a small Kata competition fort he students oft he university. The parents of the students were thrilled about their children. Here Sensei Kalinin and Sensei Nikolai Gerasimenko showed some forms of self defense. I demonstrated the Kata Hangetsu and got properly applaused. My personal highlight oft he day, was when they handed over an icon for me. It was unique and therefore very valuable. „Michael Bock , the great friend of the Belarusian home“ was written over it. it was a great honor for me.

In the afternoon we went a second time to the club Atlant, here we worked on the requested Kata: Tsettsui Bama Yama with Bunkai. As a gift to me, the daughter of Sensei Kalinin „Dacha“ showed the kata Matzumura Passai. Congratulations!!!

The next day we met more friends and celebrated the 23.02. the so called „Russian Day of Men“.

I want to thank my friends and brothers Sensei Peter Kalinin, Sensei Anatoly Lazurkin and the President of the Association Mr. Vladimir Everest Kuchmasov.

Michael Bock