Yesterday, in Lastra a Signa (Florence), a splendid seminar was held with George Alexander sensei, organized by the Masters Alberto Doni and Mirko Mori, both members of our Kenkyukai. About thirty participants from different areas of Italy were able to experience the Matsumura Shorin-ryu of Alexander sensei 10th dan. Besides the practice of kata and traditional bunkai, the study of Kitae (conditioning), yakusoku kumite, Tuidi (joint manipulation) and Kyusho (acupressure points) was not lacking. The study of short-range combat and conditioning may be foreign to those coming from Japanese Karate, but it is typical of Okinawan Karate, and is a great way to reconnect with "lost roots". Alexander sensei personally corrected all the practitioners, checking that the training took place correctly, assisted by the Masters Doni and Mori, the Italian official representatives of his school. In addition to being an excellent teacher, he also proved to be very helpful and nice, tearing more than a laugh with his witty remarks. To appreciate also the fact that Alexander sensei expressed himself, when he could, in Italian.
To underline the fact that the Masters Mori and Doni, in the days before the seminar, were subjected to a hard and intended examination, obtaining a well deserved 7th dan in Matsumura Shorin-ryu!
From left to right Manuel Vignola, Emanuel Giordano, Alberto Doni, George Alexander and Mirco Mori