Karate Gashiku

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 36, 24 February 1987, Page 16

Karate Gashiku

A group of RaetihiOhakune Karate Club students, their friends and families travelled to Tauranga at Waitangi weekend to take part in a summer Gashiku (camp). They were hosted by the Tauranga karate club which is run by Thomas Hawira. Mr Hawira is a Social Welfare Department worker in Tauranga. Clubs from Otorohanga and Auckland were also represented at the Gashiku. All the guests were accommodated at Waikari Marae and treated to a full Maori welcome. Activities for the students included formal workouts at the marae, McClaran falls, Mt Maunganui Beach and at Welcome Bay. The Ohakune-Raetihi club students put on an exciting demonstration for their hosts at the marae. The Demonstration featured Karate, weaponry, along with dancing led by Raylene Sue and Jazzergetics led by Lyn Pope and Angel Rapana. The training at the camp emphasised self discipline, meditation, mental training and spiritual training. The group was treated to a social at the marae where a

competition of dance, song and speech making was held among the students of the visiting clubs. A presentation was made at the social to 'Sensei' Walter Sue and 'Joshu' Dennis Hawira to honour their birthdays. The group from the Waimarino was led by the Reverend Thomas Hawira who has been the club patron for 17 years. Reverend Hawira conducted three services while in Tauranga.