This year, the beautiful surroundings of Varna, Bulgaria, right on the Black Sea coast, once again hosted the 17th Summer Budo Camp at Golden Sands. This international gathering, full of training, shared experiences and a great atmosphere, attracted many budo enthusiasts from different countries. Our sensei Marián participated in this gasshuku for the fourth time, and once again he did not miss the opportunity to spend several intensive days in the company of friends and teachers from the iaido and jodo communities.
The gasshuku lasted six days, with the first four days following a well-established and very intensive schedule. Each morning started with a three-hour jodo training session, followed in the afternoon by another three-hour iaido training session. During the jodo training, Marián focused mainly on his preparation for his upcoming examinations. René sensei worked with him in great detail during the sessions and provided him with many valuable insights and corrections. The afternoon iaido sessions were led by René and Peter senseis, and Marián was among the instructors assisting the 7th dan holders. It was another valuable experience and also an opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with the other participants.
Thursday brought another important moment of the event, the very first Open Bulgarian Jodo Championships were held. The competition was a great opportunity to test technique in a friendly yet focused atmosphere. Marián achieved an excellent 2nd place, adding another valuable achievement to his ongoing preparation for his examinations. The weekend was traditionally dedicated to koryu. Marián led the Tamiya ryu group, giving participants the opportunity to practise this school in greater depth and explore its principles more closely.
Of course, a summer camp by the sea would not be complete without the weather having its own plans. The first two days welcomed participants with typical summer heat, but the following days brought cooler temperatures and rain. Even that, however, could not affect the atmosphere of the event. Training continued at full pace, and the shared time was filled with budo, friendly conversations and new experiences.
Seven days passed incredibly quickly. This time, Marián did not even find time for a short swim in the sea, as besides the many training sessions he was also taking care of his work responsibilities. But that is also part of the journey. Once again, the Summer Budo Camp in Varna brought together high-quality training, a pleasant summer atmosphere and meetings with people connected by the same path of budo.
