The 9th edition of Camp Banzai is history, and we can note another success! This years guest instructor was non other than: Vladimiras Silvaško Shihan, Lithuanian national team head coach!
All Photos in the article by Banzai Kyokushin Karate / Annika Peterson Shihan
The participants had expectations that were, to put it mildly, high when entering this year’s Camp Banzai.This can be divided into two: The natural expectation one has for this well-organized event. This year’s guest instructor, who is one of the absolute highest-qualified instructors one can find.
This year’s number of participants, from Norway and Sweden, just over a hundred, has stabilized over the years and is a considerable number considering that it is the beginning of the season – sort of a kick off for many.
The camp is for anyone who has a desire to improve their fighting skills, but it is not a locked-in camp for those at the highest level. Here everyone gets something to work on, and there are significant extremes in level. From active international fighters to avid practitioners. There is also a visible number of trainers and coaches who actively participate in the camp.
The camp has always had a good work ethic – it’s not a “selfie camp” where people come to take pictures and build a profile – you come to work on Karate and that’s it. At the risk of repeating what has been said before, one must praise Banzai’s team who, year after year, put on this event so that anyone who wants to can have the opportunity to train with highly ranked profiles.
Through this year’s camp you get a small taste of Vladimiras Silvaško Shihan and his enormous knowledge. How can you foster more world-class athletes from a small town with a limited environment?! It is also worth taking into account the time aspect of this, because Vladimiras Silvaško Shihan has delivered champions for decades!
There will always be a limit to how much information and, not least, training you can get through during a camp – but if it is well organized, you will gain insight into the thoughts and plans behind the exercises and philosophy.
Don’t be a punching bag – were his clear words, and it’s probably not the only top instructor who has said this. but how you solve this, it’s of interest. Break the center line, use angles, always be in position to execute a counterattack.
Leading your opponent to attack where you want is also very advantageous – not only is there greater control, but your counterattacks are significantly more effective.
Training drills, repetition – all with a solid thought behind. More drills and eventually with an increasing stress factor, which in turn will reveal your technical and physical shortcomings – which will further address what needs more training.
Sparring was also included, and just like drilling, the participants were divided into three groups based on age. At Vladimaras’ request to try out the things that were the focus of the camp, it must be said that the athletes were really close to the tasks. One could easily notice elements of the training in the sparring.
Saturday is the main day of the camp, but three sessions in the gym, as well as the legendary “The Raven Hill Challenge” A team competition that has many different elements. The day ends with a very good dinner at the hotel – where the teams also provide some of the entertainment!
It is impossible to describe Camp Banzai in words – especially since the social factor weighs so heavily. The social foundation of Banzai leaves its mark on everything, and everyone. Vladimiras, with the help of Aleksandras Braiko (interpreter and demo partner), patiently guided the participants through the 9th edition of Camp banzai – as a participant, you couldn’t ask for anything more.
We have started the countdown to next year’s Camp Banzai – the 10th edition!!