Karate practitioners found new strength in Iceland

I 15 years the training stay in Iceland has been a firm tradition for Nuuk Shotokan Karate Do.

Every year the club sends a group to refine theirs technical skills and strengthen cohesion across age and level.

I 15 years the training stay in Iceland has been a firm tradition for Nuuk Shotokan Karate Do.

Every year the club sends a group to refine theirs technical skills and strengthen cohesion across age and level.

Of the year trip was no exception – in fact it became an even stronger proof of where great importance this trip has for the development of the club.

Intensive training with Sensei Amos

When Nuuk Shotokan Karate Do goes to Iceland, there are always plenty of highlights – but this year it was the training with Sensei Richard Amos, one of the most recognized and experienced in Shotokan karate who stood out. Sensei Amos, who has a international reputation as an expert in the discipline, led the practitioners through several days intensive training, where both basic techniques and mental strength were put to the test.

They basic techniques, called kihon (天天), is the foundation of all karate systems and was trained intensively. At the same time was the participants challenged in kata (形), a series of predetermined moves that simulate a fight against multiple opponents. Through kata, the techniques are trained in a coherent flow that strengthens both precision and mental concentration. For Mikkel Bendixen, who on a daily basis teaches both children and adults in karate, the trip was a unique opportunity to even develop technically.

- My focus has been on the technical details – timing, balance and body control at a higher level. It has given me a greater technical understanding, which I can come with me in my work with the club, says Mikkel, who used the trip to obtain new knowledge and inspiration.

Stars of the future

The children on the trip has really made a difference. Their discipline, commitment and will to learn has been impressive. They did not only carry out the planned ones workouts, but also threw himself into longer sessions than usual, which has resulted in clear improvements both technically and in endurance. Mikkel has noticed how the children support and motivate each other, both on and off the training mat – an important step towards creating a strong and coherent community.

- This year, the level of commitment has been higher than ever, and this is particularly so among the children, that the will to focus and develop has been clear. There have had a clear will to work purposefully and take responsibility for own development, says Mikkel proudly.

Community and cultural experiences

One training sessions like this aren't just about refining technique - it's that an opportunity to experience new sides of the world and strengthen the community. Among the highlights were the impressive Lava Show, the excursions to the iconic Den Golden Circle and the relaxing stay in the geothermal Secret Lagoon. Michael Bendixen emphasizes that the stay gives the participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in karate in a completely different way than in everyday life. At the same time, it provides new experiences and inspiration that they can take with them both in their training and personal development.

- A training stay like this gives the participants the opportunity to immerse themselves karate in a completely different way than in everyday life. At the same time, it provides new experiences that can inspire both in training and in personal development, he explains.

The community has also been strengthened off the training mat. Mikkel notes that the respect, support and cooperation that characterizes the training continues throughout joint activities and experiences.

- The community is really strong throughout the stay. On the training mat there is respect and support across age and level, and outside the training continues this through joint activities that strengthen unity, says Mikkel with a smile smile.

One tradition that continues

With this year's stay maintains a strong tradition of Nuuk Shotokan Karate Do international training stays. The experience and skills the participants have acquired, extends far beyond the training mat – they also make a significant contribution to the personal growth of the individual practitioner.

- We want to maintain the Iceland trip as a permanent part of the club's activities and continue the collaboration with the instructors we have trained with, says Mikkel Bendixen, which sees great value in the continued tradition.

With this year's success and the many positive experiences in the bag, Nuuk Shotokan sees Karate Do forward to continuing the Iceland tour as an indispensable part of the club's calendar. For both young and adult players, the trip has become a symbol of the club focus on both technical perfection and personal development – a tradition that is came to stay.