After a short break the the kyu grading started with Sensei Steve and Sensei Paul as Grading examiners and assisted by Stuart and Brenda .Since the last grading great improvement had been shown by all as seen in a 100% pass rate so well done all and keep up the hard work.
Black & Brown belt course
Sunday 08 February Newport IOW 2009
Sunday 8th February 2009 saw the annual SEKU pilgrimage to the isle of Wight for the first black and brown belt and dan grading of the year. This event also doubles as a renewal of old friends last seen at the Portsmouth Invitation Tournament t held in November.
After the formal start to the day , Sensei O'Donnell started the training with a variety of defensive techniques with an emphasis on the smooth transition between stances. This was well considered and appropriate as some of the class still had their sea legs from the ferry crossing! This exercise developed into pair-work which swiftly raised the temperature and intensity of the class. I believe the whole class quickly grasped the spirit of the day by the work rate and kias reverberating around the dojo. I say this is what I felt because at the time I was preventing the attacks of the senior kumite coach from reaching their target!
Suitably warmed up, Chief Instructor Sensei Dewey took over the class instruction. The theme for the morning was the kata 'Bassai Dai'. This kata, probably practiced thousands of times by the seniors in the class always warrants a review to ensure the standardization of technique and also serves as a welcome practice for those attempting shodan grading. During the class, Sensei Dewey demonstrated bunkai to certain sections of the kata and welcomed alternatives from the class. This produced some simple yet effective results. We were all reminded that however, that essentially all applications must be effective as they are defense against real attacks that are intended to do serious harm.!
The morning class was soon over and it was clear to see that all had immersed themselves into that spirit I was talking about i. e. sweaty and smiling!A short break to replenish much needed fluids and then a return to the dojo for class No.2. This was led by Sensei Brian Smith who took the class through Kihon ippon kumite. It seemed to be a day of reviewing elements of the syllabus. It should be noted that all courses are carefully considered to reflect different trends of the time and it is an opportunity to remind everybody of the nuts and bolts of what we do. The statement 'ikken hissatsu' was identified as a point of reference to illustrate what the spirit of karate actually is and it is in this spirit that we should practice.
Once again, the class quickly settled into a vibrant work rate to which all participants contributed. It was go to see senior grades getting stuck into what could be perceived as basics, but the senior grades in this class demonstrated this by the work rate and enthusiasm they applied to the exercise. In addition to Kihon ippon, Heian Nidan was practised in the orthodox manner and in reverse. Thought provoking to say the least and a good mental exercise. Something to take away to our respective dojo and practice.
For most of us, the training was complete, but for those taking their Dan grading, the supreme test was about to happen. As it turned out, there were smiling faces for all and returning back to the mainland were some tired but happy souls.
The next course in June will be in Plymouth and those attending last years course will remember another terrific SEKU day. See you there.Congratulations to Saltash Karate Club members for passing their Dan Grading
Hannah Day - Yondan
Jim Grimwood - Sandan
Congratulations Sensei
Sensei Bill Hollister 6th Dan Swanda Karate One
On the weekend of 11th -12th October 2008 at a Swanda Karate One gasshuku in the Lake District , Sensei Bill Hollister was awarded his Rokudan from Shihan Alf Burgoyne 7th Dan.
All of us here at Saltash Karate Club would like to offer our warmest congratulations on his achievement.
Brown & Black Belt Course
Sunday 5th October saw the latest Brown & Black Belt course, this time held at Sensei O'Donnell' s ,Porchester Karate Club,in Portsmouth.
Traveling up from our Saltash dojo along with Sensei Steve were Hannah , Jim , Mike , Jason , Mike Young and Harry Miller to what turned out to be a very busy and enjoyable class .
Sensei O'Donnell took the warm up and after, along with the Brown belts, moved to the other hall where the concentrated on brown belt syllabus along with kata Bassai Dai.
Sensei Dewey took the Dan Grade class through revision of Jiyu Ippon Ni and Kaeshi ippon kumite stressing the importance of Tai sabaki (body movement ) with demonstration from Sensei Crowe and Dave Galloway. Sensei Steve was then asked to give a short example of what goes on on the Senior squad classes and used a small exercise that had been used in a squad class relating to movement.
The second part of the class (brown and black belts ) was taken by the Senior Squad Kata coach Sensei Stacey Crowe. The class was given an introduction to the kata Gojushiho Dai.This was well received along with comments of aching left thigh muscles (not sure why!!!).
Congratulations also ,to all those that passed their Dan gradings.
