Special Training: Facing Oneself

The first Northwest special training was held at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver in 1974 and was led by Caylor Adkins. In 1977, the annual site of winter special training became Camp Elphinstone on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia--a beautiful place with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

When Ohshima Sensei visited Seattle in June of 1982, he asked that the members of Seattle area Shotokan consider hosting a special training in Washington. On May 28, 1983, this plan was realized, and Washington hosted its first summer special training on Whidbey Island. The old naval base of Camp Casey provided a good facility with barracks, a gym, and a large grass field beside the waters of Puget Sound.

From that time, the Northwest region enjoyed two special trainings a year, one in the winter at Camp Elphinstone, and one in the summer at Camp Casey. In 1992, the locations of summer and winter sites for special training reversed, but the Northwest special trainings remained distinctive and memorable in these two locations. Both places are remote, and a ferry ride is often necessary to get there. In fact, the locations make it easy to think of nothing in the world other than special training.

Northwest special trainings have been regularly attended by karatekas from British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Often visitors from California and other places around the U.S. and Canada have come as well. After leading the special trainings for over 13 years, Ron and Norman passed the torch to yodans Don Gee, Alan Kazuta, and Rob Powers. Throughout these years, we have had the fortune to learn from other visitors who have helped to provide strong leadership for these events, such as Caylor Adkins, Tom Muzila, Ken Osborne, Lee Muhl and Bruce Kanegai.

Now when we have winter special training in the small gym at Camp Casey, there are so many people in attendance that the only kata for which there is room is Tekki Shodan. Perhaps we may have finally begun to outgrow the venue which has been the remarkable location for so many of the karate students who braved their first special training in the Northwest.

"The essence of Special Training is reaching a true understanding of yourself, and making a sincere effort to improve yourself."
-Ron Thom

Copyright © 1996 by John Gosink