Representing four continents, a record number of 155 karate-ka from around the globe gathered for this year’s combined Gasshuku and Black Belt Clinic July 9-11. Kaicho kicked off the weekend asking that we “iyasu,” or cleanse our minds, to release ourselves from the stress of our daily lives. The weekend events included a special black belt promotion for students from California, Chicago, Austin, Seattle, Australia and New Zealand, which was made even more challenging by the heat and humidity. In addition to the meditation and training sessions, twelve teams competed in feats of strength (tug-of-war), finesse (marshmallow toss), brains (trivia) and courage (singing on stage). Participants left Mt. St. Alphonsus with a greater appreciation for the community that is the World Seido Karate Organization.