01 Dec 40 Year Tradition: Annual Beach Training
Our annual beach training session will be held on 22nd December this year, from 7:00-8:00am at Redhead beach. HVMAC students from all five centre’s will join together for the final training session of the year on the sand, for the fortieth year.
“The tradition began in 1983 when I opened a training centre, or dojo, in West Wallsend. We would enjoy training on the sand and in the water, testing our balance and grounding. The tradition has carried on for 40 years, so this year is a milestone for us.” Says Kyoshi Brian Hayes, Hunter Valley Martial Arts Chief Instructor.
The session involves traditional basics, kata (or forms), partner applications and fitness drills. The session begins and ends with a kneeling meditation, used as a reflection time. It is mostly the black belts and advanced students who attend.
“Training in nature is a really important facet of martial arts training. The connection of mind and body through movement, breathing and mindfulness has an ultimate aim, to develop a greater harmony with nature.” Says Kyoshi Brian Hayes, Hunter Valley Martial Arts Chief Instructor. “In the modern world, with its enormous mental and emotional stresses, it’s important to find ways to centre and ground, listen and wait, and find a perspective that allows us to cope better.”