[June 25, 2012]    

Saturday the Yoshukai Karate Alliance had their summer day camp at Kickapoo Creek Park. At this year's event the alliance had many things to celebrate. First, this is the 10th year of the alliance, begun in 2002 by Sensei Dan Dugan. Secondly, this is the 40th year that Dugan has been studying the art of Japanese karate. And, finally it was a celebration of survival and recovery for Dugan, as he is now back to very nearly 100 percent, after a terrible accident in October of 2010.

Pictures by Nila Smith

This photo of Dugan was taken in July of 2010, just a few short months before he fell 30 feet from a scaffolding, hitting concrete below and sustaining multiple injuries

This weekend Dugan smiled for the camera again, back in good health. The only telltale signs of his accident are the scars on his head from the fall and the surgical scar on the back of his neck.

 

The alliance has four dojos: in Kenney, Lincoln, Naperville and Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.  Here Dugan poses with Sensei Sergio Blasco, who travels from Puerto Rico each year for the summer event.

In the early part of the day, the groups set up in the shade to practice and learn new moves. The green, yellow and brown belts practiced together in one group.

 

A quick smile for the camera while waiting for the next set of instructions.

Sensei Blasco demonstrates the next exercise for students.