Report on Waterfall Training Saturday 8th January 2000
by Senpai John Watkins

On Saturday 8th January 2000 members of Cardiff Kyokushin Karate Club once again undertook the rigours of waterfall training at Sgwd Yr Eira in the Brecon Beacons National Park. This year we were joined by Senpai Colin Elias and members of the Roath Kyokyshin Karate club.
In the absence through injury of Sensei Gary Bufton the training event was led by Senpai Nofal Elias. Under his skillful direction the run from the Lamb Hotel to the waterfall, which normally takes about 20 minutes, was completed in just over two and a half hours. Some people were claiming that we got lost whereas in fact this was an additional element of cross country training to purge ourselves of the millenium excesses. [This is what Senpai Nofal says and I of course believe him implicitly. I am not commenting to those who said that, as I have also attended about eight of these events previously, I should have known the way!]
It was a very calm and clear day, in many ways ideal for such training. The waterfall itself was very full and cold but, in the conditions, relatively safe.
Under the direction of Senpai Nofal we crossed behind the waterfall and took up position on the rocks on the far bank of the river. Here training concentrated on Kihon, performing repetitions of basic strikes, blocks and kicks. Performing techniques while trying to maintain balance on an uncertain surface with icy spray from the waterfall is, to say the least, an interesting experience.
Following this we entered the waterfall itself. For safety reasons this was done in pairs. Each pair performed a series of punches whilst standing under the fall, the number to be completed depending upon the grade of the karateka.
The session concluded with a run, after changing, back to the lamb hotel – the short way this time. We were welcomed by Sensei Gary Bufton who was looking in Yellow Pages for the mountain rescue telephone number. Hot coffee, soup, roles and various alcoholic refreshments soon took away the tiredness and the cold and as usual everyone vowed to attend again next year.As before, a very enjoyable training event. My personal thanks to all those who attended.
Could those who intend to join the 2001 session please remember that you turn right at the stile and do not go over it.