The Dragon's Head Blog: Oregon Branch Annual Picnic and Intensive

 The Oregon Branch held its annual potluck picnic and intensive on July 13th. The picnic has been held for over 15 years.  For the last five the picnic has been hosted by the Vancouver, WA participants at their location.  Carpooling from the Portland Branch allowed non-drivers including some from Pain Relief classes to join in the fun.  For the 3rd year the picnic was followed by an intensive in the bright and airy gym.  We were pleased to see many new participants experiencing their very first intensive.

At least 74 (including some guests and at least one service dog) attended the picnic and enjoyed a vast array of homemade summertime dishes including the crowd favorite:  homemade black cherry/dark chocolate chunk ice cream.  

Much of the instruction was devoted to deepening our understanding and practice of the toryu.  We experienced increased spine movement, deepening connections, and chest opening as we allowed our shoulders and elbows to remain relaxed.  These changes were then incorporated into several moves.  Our final set was softer and more relaxed.