Romane 6th kyu :
I’m extremely happy with this weekend in Germany. It’s so nice to be able to meet people who share the same interests. The small size of the group made it easy to get to know each other, and there was a great atmosphere. Having the opportunity to train with other teachers makes you learn in a different way, which is really interesting. I feel like I’ve really progressed. Thank you so much to all of them, for the attention they paid to each and every one of us. Sunday’s competition was our first. There was a lot of stress, inevitably against much bigger, more experienced and older competitors, but we put up a good fight. 3rd place in kata, we’ll be taking our revenge in shiai very soon. A small aside for our crushing victories in the battle of nerves.
Morgane 6th kyu :
I’m extremely happy with my internship in Germany. Both the teaching and the practice itself. Everyone was extremely caring and eager to do the right thing. The fact that we were in a small group made it easier to make contact and it was extremely pleasant to be able to talk to people who shared the same interests as us, with a common desire to help others progress. What’s more, I really appreciated the fact that even though I don’t speak the language or English, they tried to make me understand by speaking softly to me and miming me, so that I could get the same information as the others. And the icing on the cake was the battle of nerves, where everyone played along and it was really enjoyable.
Benoit Laurençon
I’d like to thank Mark Bergham, who took the time to give me some corrections he himself received in Japan before passing his 5th dan.
This kind of sharing is invaluable. Because these are 4th dan corrections to reach the 5th dan level. In other words, advice on how to improve posture during an attack and at the end.
This spirit of sharing at European level makes me want to do this kind of course again, with perhaps a little more variety in the exercises, which were based solely on the different ways of attacking the sune.
I’d like to thank the German team for welcoming me as a referee so that I could perfect my refereeing.
I’d like to thank the French students I carpooled to Germany for their joie de vivre and good humor. Naginata is all about sharing and exchange.
