Bridging Styles at the Budo Summer Camp in Risør, A Family Affair and a Radix Revelation
By Roy Rolstad
Every now and then, you step into a space that reminds you why you fell in love with martial arts in the first place. For me, that place was Risør, during the annual Budo Summer Camp held every year in week 27, and this year, I had the pleasure of experiencing it with my son, Melvin.
This camp is something truly special. Organized in one of Norway’s most beautiful coastal towns, Risør, the event brings together passionate martial artists from across disciplines, Aikijutsu, Jujutsu, Karate, Taekwon-Do, Kali, Thaichi, Hapkido, Krav Maga and more, for four days of training, sharing, and camaraderie. And this year, we were invited to again present ITF Radix.
A Father-Son Experience
Bringing Melvin along made this year’s camp unforgettable. Watching him jump into sessions, connect with other students, and hold his own in partner work gave me the kind of proud-parent feeling that’s hard to put into words. Martial arts isn’t just something we do, it’s something we live, and getting to share that with my son was a gift.
Sharing ITF Radix Across Styles
I was given the opportunity to present the Radix approach to patterns, how we in ITF Taekwon-Do explore the self-defense applications behind each movement, using biomechanics, timing, and principles to bring our forms to life. And what really stood out was how open and curious the jujutsu, Kali, and karate practitioners were.
We looked at how Taekwon-Do footwork blends with locking principles, how strikes can flow into takedowns, and how simple angles from patterns can be applied directly into sparring or control tactics. The level of interest and engagement reminded me: martial arts isn’t about style, it’s about function, growth, and connection.
The Magic of the Camp
The Budo Summer Camp has a unique energy. You train hard all day, eat together, laugh around the grill at night, and fall asleep to the sounds of the sea. Whether you’re a white belt or a master instructor, everyone is equal on the mat, and that spirit of shared learning is what makes this camp so refreshing.
From Soke Yamaue’s precision and depth, to Uwe Kubosch’s crisp jujutsu flow, to sessions blending traditional patterns with modern combatives, every day offered something valuable. And between sessions, people were sparring, discussing, experimenting, just soaking up the richness of martial arts across generations and styles.
A Clear Recommendation
If you’re a student of ITF Taekwon-Do or Hapkido, and you’re looking for a camp that pushes you out of your bubble, opens your perspective, and fills your cup, this is it. I can’t recommend the Budo Summer Camp in Risør enough. Mark it in your calendar: week 27 every year.
Whether you’re 15 or 50, beginner or black belt, this camp will meet you where you are, and send you home inspired, sweaty, and smiling.
A huge thanks to the organizers with Kittel Gjernes for the warm welcome, to the instructors for your knowledge and generosity, and to all the participants who trained with an open mind. And to my son Melvin: thank you for being on this journey with me. Let’s do it again next year.
Roy Rolstad
