AUNDECK OMNI KANING––Manitoulin School of Martial Arts students were honoured with a visit from Hanshi Alain Sailly, 8th Dan Goshindo, last Sunday at the Four Directions Complex in Aundeck Omni Kaning. Hanshi Sailly is the international ambassador of the World Kobudo Federation and travels to over 30 countries every year, spreading the skills and values of the martial arts and the mission of the World Kobudo Federation. He hails from France and is currently on the Canadian leg of his 2018 world tour, The Art of Goshindo.
Goshindo is a Japanese term which could be translated as ‘the way of self-defence’ or ‘the way of protecting oneself.’ Goshindo is said to contain the best of aikido, karate, judo, grappling and jiujitsu in unique combinations that improve flow, coordination, strength, flexibility and mental calm, and uses a large range of techniques to increase martial effectiveness. Its diverse origins mean Goshindo is a martial art in constant evolution.
Renshi Dan Fletcher of the Manitoulin School of Martial Arts has trained with Hanshi Sailly three or four times previously and praised him as an exceptional instructor. “This is the second time we’ve had him here to work with our students,” he said. Renshi Fletcher and several assistant instructors travel to Ottawa each November to train with Hanshi Sailly there.
Following the instruction with Hanshi Sailly students were treated to a lesson from WAKO World Kickboxing competitor Dawn Culgin of Sudbury. WAKO is the international federation for kickboxing, a modern western-style contact fighting sport based on several traditional eastern combat sports and martial arts.
Ms. Culgin has earned provincial and national titles in varying weight categories but feels her biggest athletic accomplishment was placing at the world championships. She operates the Onna Bugeisha (OB) Women’s Only fitness and martial arts program located in Sudbury.
The Manitoulin School of Martial Arts is currently in its eighth year. All-ages classes are held Wednesday nights at the Four Directions Complex. New students are able to join at any time. There are approximately 80 students ranging in age from three years to 60 years. Nearly 30 students attended the seminar, including groups from North Bay and Sudbury.
