This was the biggest group to go since this began 6 years ago. After everyone arrived late Friday, Shihan taught a meditation class outside, at midnight, under the stars, and against the backdrop of cherping island crickets, along with the occasional passing through of a native skunk.

After a big breakfast early Saturday, the group headed to Edgartown to shop, walk, and eat, while canvassing the ornate streets of the picturesque town bustling with pedestrians from many states.

While we were at the farmers market in West Tisbury, the weather continued to threaten our plans for the much anticipated lobster “meet and greet”, as well as our workout on the pier in the fishing village of Menemsha.

But alas, a miracle happened which allowed not only the lobster event and the great workout to take place, but we were treated to yet another fabulous, world renowned sunset.

At 8:01 pm, we caught the bus out of Menemsha and headed back to Edgartown for more walking and shopping until 11:13, when we were lucky enough to catch the final bus of the evening back to the hostel where we proceeded to break most of the house rules, including but not limited to lights out and 10:00pm quiet time.

Sunday brought a beautiful sunny day and Shihan proceeded to tell some more colorful stories on the bus about past events in his career while on the way to our 12:00 noon workout at the Cliffs at Aquinnah by the lighthouse, now a Tenkara tradition while on the island.

Everyone was home by 1:00am Monday morning safely.

I have to say that this was another great trip, and everyone is already looking forward to next year.

Osu!!

Shihan Patrick Hussey

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On Wednesday, June 1st, with the help of all of Tenkara Black Belts, Jim was required to perform all of the pre-arranged self defenses on the syllabus. This included beginner, intermediate, and advanced technique, both regular way and from the opposite side, or migi hagime. After he completed this, he then took part in kumite. Each round was approximately 3 minutes, with a total of 28 rounds fought.

On Sunday, June 5th, part two of the test was held which was closed to everyone under the rank of 4th degree. In attendance with Shihan Hussey, who gave the test, was Tenkara senior black belt, 4th degree Sensei Nino Minissale, Shihan Munchback, Sensei Blakely, both from Galway, and Sensei Joe Bruchac, form the Pentchak Silat dojo in Stillwater.

Part two of the test was comprised of every technique that Jim learned since day one of his training, 15 years of katas, all of his weapons, including the Bo, Jo, Sai, and Tonfa, and all applicable kumite, kata, and dosas that pertain to the weapons syllabus. In addition, there were countless pushups with extra weight supplied by Sensei Nino, and numerous encounters with the shinai.

Shihan Hussey remarked how well prepared Jim was and how strong he looked during this very demanding rite of passage.

As a result, Tenkara has a new Sensei!

Congratulations Sensei Jim Bruchac on a job well done.

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After the workout, everyone assembled by the pond for lunch and watched 3 of the shodans take some students out on the boat to the island in the middle of the pond.

The resident abbots were very excited to have us there, and invited us back in the fall.

Osu!!

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