European Committee visits Athens

January marked the first official excursion since the formation of the new European Executive Committee last year. Myself, Jitan Kundalia (European President) and Lou Chu (European Secretary) were met by Artemis in Athens after an uneventful flight on Thursday 26^th January. We enjoyed some sightseeing on Friday morning before meeting Artemis after work to visit a Goju Ryu dojo in Agio Dimitrio,  Athens. When we arrived at the dojo we were greeted with the familiar sight of students executing Tsuki in Shiko dachi to the usual Japanese count. Shortly after, we were warmly greeted by Sensei Dimitris Tsakatanis (Godan -5^th Dan) who welcomed us to his dojo and invited us to get changed and warm up in preparation for the class.

After the children’s class was over, the adult students joined them on the mats and following a short introduction, it was time for our demonstration. Our goal was to give them a taste of Yamanaka-Ha Shindo Ryu Jujutsu as the majority of the students there only study Goju Ryu Karate. It went very well (although it was not as dramatic as Sensei Diego Gruer and Sensei Davide Stivanello’s performances) and showcased a variety of waza (techniques) from the style that is so close to our hearts. After a little convincing, Artemis agreed to participate as well, allowing the girls to start by showing how effective Shindo can be against physically stronger opponents.

We then took part in the Goju Ryu class and trained Seipai Kata along with some bunkai. To finish, we were treated with a kata performance from Sofia Livitsanou (Sandan), one of Sensei Tsakatanis’ top students and a national kata champion for 8 consecutive years and a gold medalist in world championships.

After bowing out, we spent some time getting to know Sensei Tsakatanis and his senior students, sharing our common love for Budo. At the end of the evening, we were invited to run a Shindo class for the children on our next visit and left the dojo with some new friends.

On the Saturday we travelled out to Vari (South Attica) to visit an SOS Children’s Village. SOS Children’s Villages have been set up to help children who are in need of care because they have lost their parents or are homeless for other reasons. The children are provided with a new and permanent home, a suitable education and sound preparation for independence in adult life. The concept of SOS Children’s Villages has had a powerful influence on work with abandoned and orphaned children worldwide. Children are accepted by SOS Children’s Villages irrespective of race, nationality of creed, solely according to their need of care.

We weren’t really sure what to expect so we arrived with nothing but our Gi’s and an open mind. To say that the children had a lot of energy would be an understatement; it was the first time that I have experienced children literally hanging from the ceiling (the wall bars made it possible).

Between the four of us (using Artemis as our translator) we managed to cover Te Hedoki Waza (hand escape techniques), Uke Waza (blocking techniques) and some Tai Sabaki (Body Shifting) before finishing off with a game. Even though it was a challenge to keep them focused, it was great to see kids with such energy, spirit and affection.

George, our contact at SOS Villages later told us that he was surprised at how we were able to hold their attention as he said they don’t normally listen to anyone. However, the biggest compliment came in the form of a request to return there and work with the kids on a more regular basis. This obviously poses logistical challenges, but it is something that we are going to do our best to make happen.