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Preparing for Gasshuku

For those attending Gasshuku, the following information will help you to prepare for the weekend.  You will find a list of rules set forth by Seido as well as Mt. St. Alphonsus Retreat Center, as well as a list of 'required', 'optional', and 'not necessary' items for the weekend.  All information below is provided in every participant's welcome packet, which will be available for pick-up the week before Gasshuku.

 PACKETS WILL BE READY FOR PICK UP BY 3:00PM ON FRIDAY, JULY 2.

Please use the lists below to give you an idea of what you are required to bring, as well as items we feel may be beneficial to you during your stay.  Of course, you are expected to pack for a normal three-day weekend (regular clothes, etc.) but we have not listed those in hopes that you already know how to pack those things.

REQUIRED ITEMS TO BRING

·       At least two(2) sets of Gis

o   One for outdoor training (which WILL get dirty) and one for indoor meditation.

·       Your belt (and a white belt for those taking promotion)

·       ±5 Seido t-shirts

·       Black Belts: One plain white t-shirt (basic undershirt is fine)

·       Fight gear: if you are taking black belt promotion or intend to help with promotion

·       Sunblock

·       Insect repellent (deer ticks)

·       Toiletries

o   Shampoo

o   Soap

o   Toothbrush/Toothpaste

·       Sneakers (for training outdoors)

·       ALARM clock!!!

OPTIONAL SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING

·       Extra Gi pants (to be worn with Seido t-shirt for outdoor training)

·       Seiza bench or cushion for meditation (highly recommended)

·       Knee pads or mat (for outdoor meditation on pavement)

·       Bo/Jo and Sais (Black Belts only)

·       Fight gear (for 4^th Kyu and up if you want to participate in Kumite)

·       Sandals

·       Baseball cap (sun protection)

·       Snacks (non-perishable)

·       Musical instrument (guitar, bongo, etc. for team song or possible Jam Session)

·       Sunglasses

·       Reading material

·       Long socks (for protection from ticks and insects)

·       Extra socks (in case grass is wet)

·       Small fanny pack (for keeping your valuables when not in your room)

·       Water bottle

·       Fan (although there are ceiling fans in every room, you may want extra)

·       Sketch pad or notebook

·       Camera/Camcorder

NOT NECESSARY TO BRING – DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING!!!

·       Bedding and bath towels  (MSARC is providing these for us)

·       Seido blazers/formal attire (for Black Belts)

Although it should not be necessary to remind most of you, we are guests at this Retreat Center and, moreover, you are expected to act as you would at your own dojo.  You are a representative of this organization and are all here to participate in a serious karate retreat.  It is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen existing friendships and develop new ones, however, this is not a social function and is not meant to be a vacation.  You are here to train and re-focus your life.  You are expected to participate fully and be on time for everything.  DO NOT be late.  Below is an additional list of rules that must be followed at all times.

Keep your room clean and be sure to leave it as you found it.

·       If you have a car:

o   Do not leave valuables in your car.

o   Use the circular driveway for “drop-offs” only.

·       In general, try to keep telephone use to a minimum.

o   MSARC will, however, take phone messages and post them on the board outside the reservation office.  NO calls before 9am or after 10pm.

o   Pay phones are located on basement level at the north end of the hall and the 1st floor at the south end of the hall.

·       NO SMOKING ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME.

·       NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.

·       Cell phones may be used only in your room.

·       Meals start and finish at designated times listed on the Summer Camp Itinerary.  These one-hour meals are set by the Retreat Center and cannot be changed.  They begin and finish on time, so don’t miss a meal.  Please be courteous and clean up after yourself at mealtimes.  Although Mount St. Alphonsus provides our meals, it is not a hotel.

o   Breakfast: 8am – 9am

o   Lunch: 12pm – 1pm

o   Dinner: 6pm – 7pm

·      NO GRATUITIES NECESSARY.  However, if anyone wishes to do so, all tips will be put into a special account and divided among all the Lay staff.

·       Treat the elevator in the middle of the house gently.  This one can be used when the light is on.  A handicap-accessible elevator is located in the wing.

·       Keep all furniture in the room of origin.  If you move furniture around in a room, return it to its original set-up.

·       Report any damage whether caused by you or discovered with your use.

·       Silence after 10pm on the 3^rd and 4^th floors near the bedrooms and in the elevators.  Donders Lounge (basement level) may be used for discussions after 10pm.  However, you must be in your own room by 11pm.

·       NO swimming in the river.  There are dangerous currents and debris.

·       Fruit trees are off limits as they are not part of Retreat grounds.

·       In the event of a Fire Alarm, evacuate the building immediately and meet near the St. Alphonsus statue towards the garage.  Wait there for further instructions.

·       Limit the number of valuables you bring with you (don’t bring jewelry).

·       As a courtesy to others, keep your showers short (5 minutes).

·       A clean Gi must be worn to evening meditations and please DO NOT BE LATE.

·       BE ON TIME, OR BETTER YET, ARRIVE EARLY TO EVERYTHING!

If there is anything on the preceding list that is unclear, please speak with Kaicho or Nidaime.  Some rules are set by MSARC and some are set by Seido.  Regardless, they are to ensure that your weekend is safe and enjoyable.

For Directions to MSARC: click here