Shinkyokushinkai 6th Summer Outdoor Training and Belt Grading By: Shaun Patrick Bañares It was a blessed day and karatekas from different dojos were all excited to attend the Shinkyokushinkai 6th Summer Outdoor Training and Belt Grading at Terraza de Sukol Resort, Alitagtag, Batangas City, held April 29-30, 2023 was made possible by our Respected Philippine Branch Chief and Sensei Richard Picar along with our Senseis and Senpais. Each karateka made their efforts by either commuting, renting a van, riding a motorcycle, or even tagging their family along, for those who have their own vehicle, it didn’t seem to be just an outdoor training but instead, it became bonding for all whether you are a karateka or not, you’ll surely feel welcomed. The program started at about 4:30PM and we were graced by the presence of The Telus Kitchen club led by their hosts Charlie Bernal and Chef Randell Fermento who shared their specialty dishes “MuchasAfterHiyaaa!” such as Cheesy Avocado Egg Sandwich, Creamy Chicken Wraps and Strawberry Lime Electrolyte Drink which aims to promote easy to prepare nutritious post-workout meals and drinks. There was never a dull moment because of the optimism, high energy, and humor of the host Charlie Bernal who shared each of the meals benefits and at the same time accomodating questions from karatekas, not only that, but they also provided free tastes of the said meals. After the awesome presentation of the Telus Kitchen club, games and activities were conducted by our very own Senpai Mark ” Sharpay “Almanzor who is also the current President of The Telus Karate Special Interest Group(SIG). Different games consist of passing a ping pong ball by the use of an illustration board, passing the hula-hoop from one person to another while it is turning on one arm, and last but not least, “Protect the Leader” wherein the karateka who is at the front of the line needs to tap the leader of the opposing team who is situated at the rear of the line. These games aimed to bring out the coordination, teamwork, and strategy of each karateka and brought so much fun and laughter to everyone’s faces. We were also privileged and very lucky to be able to learn Emergency Response Training & Basic Life Support from the Telus Motorcycle Club which was Presented by Ms.MJ Zambrano a Red Cross volunteer and an EMS NC II certified instructor of the emergency response unit under Tesda. She showed us how to properly approach a conscious/unconscious victim lying on the floor, the things that we need to take note of before conducting the rescue, and how to initiate proper CPR and Automated External Defibrillator(AED). Each of the respected Telus SIG clubs received a certificate of appreciation from Shinkyokushinkai Philippines that was handed over by our Philippine Branch Chief Sensei Richard Picar along with our Senseis and Senpais for their outstanding contribution to our 6th Karate outdoor training and without these awesome Telus SIG Clubs, we will not have delicious healthy foods, great video and images plus the benefits of knowing how and when to save ones life. Thank you so much Telus SIG Clubs (Kitchen, Lente, Motorcycle). Let’s not forget the wonderful videos and images that captured our hearts, each image was captured with precision and great angle, thanks to Mr. Jeremeel Polintan of Telus Lente. The following day we were so excited because we had to wake up at around 4:30AM. Little did we know that we were about to face a new challenge to test our “Bushido” and that is to do Trekking. Each and everyone of us wearing our GI(Kimono) went down the steep and dangerous path that tested both our determination, perseverance and patience. It is a matter of going down the steep steps unharmed and uninjured, slowly but surely. It took all of us to go down the mountain about 30 minutes and there we all lined up at the side of the beach to do our drills. Everyone was tired but was wearing a deep smile on their faces, s if they were able to unlock an achievement that they haven’t been able to do before in their lives. Sensei Richard Picar then instructed us to go back to the resort. All of those who will take the belt grading will go up the same way they came down. It will only take us a shorter time to reach and head back to the resort, but the catch is, we must go up the same steep path that we’ve gone through going down the mountain and we will will then meet up at the top. on the other hand, those who will not be part of the belt grading such as kids and elderly will take the longer route but will walk for about 45 minutes on pavement without the risk of falling. We made it! We were able to go back to the resort uninjured and fulfilled. We were surprised that we got there first instead of those who walked on paved road. They even took a long time to get to the resort and they alighted their vans. They stated that “we should have been here earlier if we had taken the same exact route”. This taught us a very good lesson not just for Karate but also in life. There will be risks, failures and adventures that we will face a long the way, but if we show our determination and put our hearts on the line, we can achieve our goals. This taught us that there are NO shortcuts in improving ones self. No Pain No Gain.