What a great camp!!"I don’t want to drive over there alone, I don’t want to be the only girl, I’m too old….." There are several excuses I tried. Thankfully, Mr. Rosbarsky struck them down as I said them. I am so glad I didn’t miss this opportunity.
Besides the nice accommodations and good food, the people are amazing. They came from all over the state and seemed to all know each other already, but it didn’t take long to feel a part of something great.
After dinner and introductions on Friday night, we listened to a lecture from Grand Master Park, Grand Master Fujiwara and Master Martin. They spoke of the Way of martial arts & life and they gave their testimonies of their journeys. They are very humble and thankful men. It was an honor to get to know these men better.
Saturday, we ate and then went on a drive to spot critters and saw several white tail deer. We got back to camp and gathered our gear for our Judo training. We took the bus to the training site near 
Elkhorn Hot Springs. We then made our way up to the pristine field where the snow was untouched. That didn’t last long as we started into the field. The first step sunk the line leader down to the hip. After forming our line and stomping out a suitable sized outdoor Dojo, we stretched and partnered up. Thankfully I was wearing a black cap or I may have been too camouflaged to find in the snow with my white gi and white belt. We worked on piggy backs first and then Ippon Seoinage , Morote Seoinage , Osoto Gari, O Goshi , Hane Goshi and Tai Otoshi . Between the two sessions, we gained valuable instruction and practice. The snow was soft to land on even softer than the blue mats at the Dojang. Footwork became more difficult with the snow conditions, but we kept on going.
Elkhorn Hot Springs. We then made our way up to the pristine field where the snow was untouched. That didn’t last long as we started into the field. The first step sunk the line leader down to the hip. After forming our line and stomping out a suitable sized outdoor Dojo, we stretched and partnered up. Thankfully I was wearing a black cap or I may have been too camouflaged to find in the snow with my white gi and white belt. We worked on piggy backs first and then Ippon Seoinage , Morote Seoinage , Osoto Gari, O Goshi , Hane Goshi and Tai Otoshi . Between the two sessions, we gained valuable instruction and practice. The snow was soft to land on even softer than the blue mats at the Dojang. Footwork became more difficult with the snow conditions, but we kept on going.
The Hot Springs was a lot of fun. Many people soaked in the warmth while the others volleyed a ball around until we finally got 171 straight hits. That must be a Hot Springs record.
Dinner was great. We had prime rib, salad, rice and kimchee if you dared. The talent show followed. Not only are these people talented at Judo, but they can also sing, play instruments, act and tell jokes. As for me, I will not give up my day job, but it was a neat experience anyway.
The Missoula Team came in second place in Yut (a Korean "Sorry" game using sticks).
Grand Master Park instructed us for a third session on Sunday because he "liked us". :) We worked on footwork. It was a lot different than the deep snow we were in the day before. The temperature was probably 65 degrees warmer in the building too. It was a great work out. You know it is good when your legs shake after you’re done. It was awesome.
We said our goodbyes and went on our way. The Navigator buzzed with talk about the camp, next year’s plans, lessons learned, and the people we met. We all came out of the camp with the same lessons and some of our own. I was reminded that you need to "seize" the opportunities when you can. They are not always available. And that age is not an excuse to quit or not try. Martial Arts is a way of life not a hobby for a season. Do you have any excuses?
Kim
PS. It is probably best to do surprise attacks when dunking people, however it is not recommended to "surprise attack" Masters in Taekwondo.
Kim
PS. It is probably best to do surprise attacks when dunking people, however it is not recommended to "surprise attack" Masters in Taekwondo.
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