Brian Herberts

COME ALONG AND HELP LAURA THOMPSON RAISE MONEY FOR LITTLE HAVENS HOSPICE. £5 TICKET,BRING OWN FOOD & DRINK. IT WILL BE A GREAT NIGHT!

We arrived in the tropical Paradise and were met by Sensei Sorab with supporters to take us to our Accommodation near Grand Baie, situated at the north of the Island. We went by the scenic route and saw much that other tourists might have missed. That evening, hosted by Sensei Sorab, we enjoyed a meal in a delightful Chinese Restaurant in preparation for the 2 days set aside for the international.

To Port Louis and then beyond we took to the dojo for the first day and joined some 40 students ranging from Beginner to 2^nd Dan, juniors and adults alike and Sensei Lee was asked to demonstrate some techniques on your writer acting as Uke. If you didn’t know before, I’m here to tell you that he really is officially awe-inspiring; Accuracy and Vigour and all with Control.

To Port Louis and then beyond we took to the dojo for the first day and joined some 40 students ranging from Beginner to 2^nd Dan, juniors and adults alike and Sensei Lee was asked to demonstrate some techniques on your writer acting as Uke. If you didn’t know before, I’m here to tell you that he really is officially awe-inspiring; Accuracy and Vigour and all with Control.

From making the mistake of throwing a Right Roundhouse Punch at Sensei Lee, he drew me whilst demonstrating Evasion (a principle of Ju Jitsu) and issued a series of distraction Strikes as he circled under and around me to complete with Kicks to the backs of both legs and showing a Lock to Finish. And I was…finished. The Gambit of my Right Roundhouse Punches allowed Sensei Lee to Enter and Flow into variations of Strikes and Finishes coupled with Throws. All this was designed to show the students how they could apply their ju jitsu and also add to it, where appropriate. Imagination and Opportunity are key in practising the Art, once you have learned the syllabuses by rote. (So, that’ll be a few more years for me then…) For example, after one technique, he threw a Reverse Kick which he carried through to helicopter through the air to complete a circle yet landed in a firm fighting stance. No, I can’t do it, the Gi Trousers are too tight and…and…and but 2 students, who showed a flair for kicking were brought to the fore by Sensei Lee and from his coaching showed every aptitude for emulating his spectacular technique.

This continued through the afternoon, did I mention it was 4 hours? And Sensei Lee and myself also showed the juniors techniques to practise. They enjoyed Escapes from Wrist Grabs and Sensei Lee was most impressed by a little Chinese girl and her partner, a little Indian girl on their quick take-up on things. Especially when she issued a perfect kick to the Abdomen. By chance, her mother was on the Adult mat, so making it easier for Sensei Lee to pass on his compliments on her daughter’s quickness of thought and emerging skill.

Reassembling on Day 2, almost every student was there again. Sensei Brian had been mainly demonstrating technique on the adult mat through Day 1, and then added a repertoire of ground-techniques all of which work perfectly with the Jikishin syllabus and he showed how the Fighting stance translates to groundwork. It was an education for this writer just as much as for the Adults. His application allowed him to flow through various evolutions of technique all resulting in my being Finished. More fool me.

Unfortunately at one point later in the day, there was a clash of Heads which result in a cut to my Forehead but a split Eyebrow for Sensei Lee. This was a deep cut, which required Hospital treatment. So, off he went and was swept straight into the Surgical Theatre to have his eye sutured. Noticing his Gi, the Surgeon asked him what he had been doing so Sensei Lee demonstrated the Wrist capture, Shoulder Lock and more to the surgically garbed Doctor who was impressed and amazed (just as I had been). Let’s hope the free lesson spurs him and his medical colleagues to take up Ju Jitsu.

Upon the formal closing of the International, Sensei Sorab called on all 3 Jikishin Senseis to say a few words to the students who had taken the time and trouble to attend the 2 day seminar in very very hot conditions. They had all comported themselves admirably in attendance and effort and the children had been full of joy and enthusiasm. Sensei Sorab and his seniors then took us with partners to Dinner. This was absolutely terrific and I regret now for not having taken a photo of the Fish Platter, which had prawns almost the size of Lobsters. Incredible. For me, I had an excellent Steak with Mushroom sauce (since you are keen to know). Having dined in Regal Style, we were transported back to the Jikishin Hotel in Grand Baie to sleep it off.

On Monday, Sensei Brian and Peter, were invited to return to Port Louis and had the unique experience of giving an Interview in English on Radio Mauritius. This followed the main News and was the first ever given in English on a French-speaking Station. The interviewer later complimented on us for our clear, direct answers to his questions.