USKL 2023 Annual Winter Gasshuku (Special Winter Trek & Train)

Saturday, January 28th 7:30 AM – 11:00ish AM

Higginbotham Park: 600 Mt. Carmel Dr. Claremont, 91711

All Dojo members (past & present), including other martial art forms are invited and encouraged to meet us at Higginbotham Park (for a morning hike & informal training) to share our enthusiasm for the Martial Arts, enjoy the natural beauty of the region, and celebrate the new year together! It's Free!

We’ll meet at 7:30ish at Higginbotham Park and start the hike on Sycamore canyon trail (the most northern tip of the park) at 8:00 am.  Family, and friends join us to trek up the trail, share our enthusiasm for life, good health, and the martial arts.  Parking on the streets around the park is ample, free and no permits required.

We will start our hike PROMPTLY at 8:00.  We will trek to the top of the trail, find a suitable landing, train for about an hour, then hike back down to the park to hang out and share in potluck (feel free to contribute) Bring a water bottle for hydration. Park amenities: Playground, Restroom facility, Picnic benches, scenic environment and drinking fountains. There are no amenities on or above the trail. The Trek: will start at Thompson creek trail that will lead us to Sycamore Canyon trail that will take us near Johnson’s pasture, train, then work our way back down.  Hikers: may want to wear warm, layered street/gym clothes so that you can adjust appropriately as both you and the day, warm up, and comfortable shoes/hiking boots for hiking a steep trail.  Be sure to arrive on time or earlier to hike up the trail with the group! If you arrive late simply walk up the trail (to the right) and meet us at the landing. Listen for Hii – Yaa’s!!

Winter training is a budo (martial way) tradition meant to charge us with spirit for the new year of training. Nishiyama Sensei (10th Dan) has said: "One has to win over self before winning over opponent." Train often and train hard.  


Gambate! (Do your best!),
Happy New Year!    
Sensei Ty Aponte 951-204-0341,
TyAponte@yahoo.com

All ranks and ages come together for our special training, celebrate: the winter solstice (Dec. – Feb.), the Chinese Lunar “Year of the Wabbit” and a new season of training together. Winter training is a Budo tradition that dates back centuries. Signifying closing out the old year and a rite of passage into the new.  Kokki means “to challenge and overcome self.”  Reignite your passion for life, the martial arts, improve our skills, set goals, and look forward to the journey.  Training is led by senior Black Belts.   There is no fee for this event but what price could we put on the shared fun, camaraderie and on having great workout to kick things off.


Note: No in dojo karate class, this event will be in place of all karate classes.