Fighting with bears in Russia.

In the first weekend of May I travelled to Russia to see the IBK warriors from Tomck, Novosibirsk, Moscow and even some more Dojos.

On Request from Dai Shihan Bychkov and under guidance from Kaicho Jon Bluming and Kancho Henk Kuipers I had planned training in All round Fighting and Self-defence (with and without weapons) – all part of the IBK.

However besides the “normal” programme of Training and Testing – Our Siberian Friends had planned quite a show to improve the visit.

Shihan Konstantin Bely 7th Dan had travelled all the way from Moscow to join as well as our good friends from Novosibirsk(Sensei Vetoshkin and Sensei Vasin) and some other places (Sensei  Sergejev)- further instructors from the Russian Army joined.

In the seminars we covered lot of ground fighting (Russian Bears don’t use mats for that)

During the testing Top Fighter Simur and a brilliant technical fighting girl from Novosibirk passed the test of 1st Dan after fighting 30 x 2 min. against other strong Russian fighters. Great, great spirit, heart and technical skills. CONGRATULATIONS on your great results.

Also outside the training Shihan Bychkov and his team had planned and arranged for a good time. Besides from the great restaurants were we kept up tradition by eating Borsch soup and other Russian delicacies Shihan Bychkov and his Team had planned for events with dancing, bowling (sorry for that guys), music and social time. I will always join a Russian “Vosawi” – any time!

I send my respect and thanks to all who participated in the Seminars and training. I send my grateful regards to Shihan Bychkov and his team.

Greatest respect to our IBK – Osu Kaicho Osu Kancho and Osu to the rest of the board.

Hope to see you all soon again.

All good and Osu

Tom Madsen 7th Dan IBK

Dai-Shihan Scandinavia