RIKodokan Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Kimo Sensei Visit

Kimo Sensei's Inaugural Visit to Rhode Island

WAKEFIELD, RI--In an unexpected change of his busy summer schedule, Rhode Island Kodokan had the fortune of training, sailing, and feasting with Sensei Kimo Wall for two weeks.

The Rhode Island Dojo has been in operation for five years, with the last three years in its present location at the town of Wakefield's Parks and Recreation Department--the Neighborhood Guild. The dojo has 19 students, and, as their sensei, Frank Duffin, states "The dojo was at a solid green belt level on the whole. Kimo Sensei's visit took our dojo to the next level."

The two weeks of training consisted of videotaping and testing during the first week, speed and power training the second week, and lengthy discussions about Giles Hopkins’ article “The Secrets of Goju Ryu: What the Kata Shows.” After the two weeks of training we celebrated promotions with a cookout at sensei Duffin's house. The dojo now has three black belts instead of two and seven brown belts instead of four.

Although the two weeks mostly consisted of training and incredible conversations, one of the biggest highlights was sailing to Martha's Vineyard during the July 4th weekend. Imagine Kimo Sensei at the helm of a 31 foot sailboat, the wind gliding over his enlightened forehead, eyes fixed on the open sea as a tiger stalkes its prey, and him artfully piloting the boat in 20 knot winds and five to ten foot seas. Many other sailors chose to hunkered down in Narragansett bay because of the aftermath of hurricane Bill, but Kimo sensei, Frank sensei, and Cheryl sensei took off for the Vineyard, which they safely arrived at after high seas off of Newport and thick fog off of Cuttyhunk. The current and the wind were all in the trio's favor and they arrived at Vineyard Haven in eight hours. After an incredible salmon dinner on board, the adventerous trio skiffed to shore to pillage the island.

They continued their pillaging the next day, after a refreshing night on board, and decided to pull anchor and head out to the wild blue yonder in 25 knot winds. Kimo sensei suggested heading out to more fertile lands and Captain Frank's thinking was agreeable because if the wind was favorable on the way to the Vineyard, it would probably not be favorable on the way back. He was right. It took twice as long to return to Jamestown as it did in going to the Vineyard. The wind was dead on, which means numerous tacks and covering about twice the distance on the return voyage. The trio braved rough seas and high winds, under full sail (the main was unreefed and the 150 percent Genoa was fully unfurled). As light was fading, Captain Frank decided to anchor in Tarpaulin cove, just northeast of Cuttyhunk, for the evening. After an uneventful night (these are the best types of nights on board--no dragging anchors or leaks), they headed off to Cuttyhunk to pillage and plunder once again. Cuttyhunk is one of Cheryl and Frank's favorite islands--its small, undeveloped, and inhabited by 34 year-round residents. It has a small general store, a smaller market, and a one-room schoolhouse. The most interesting aspect of the small community, however, is the raw bar. In the evening, skiffs go from boat to boat to sell oysters on the half shell, clams, etc... There is nothing better than sitting on your boat with a glass of wine and having the Raw Bar shuttle up with its boat side service. Food always tastes better on board after a great sail. The trio then pulled anchor and headed home.

In short, the two weeks were incredible. On the last day Kimo sensei was in town, he gave a Thai massage seminar to the dojo, which interestingly complements all aspects of karate. We look forward to Kimo Sensei's next visit and wish him well in his summer adventures.

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