Fantastic grading course with Hans Sensei

Our latest grading seemed to arrive very quickly after the previous one, although it had been a full three months since the February Grading, many of our club members were still getting comfortable with their new grade, and were not ready to step in front of the examiners this time.

 

The mid grade class getting ready to perform kata

It is perhaps appropriate to remember that after 9^th Kyu everyone is assessed using the same syllabus, there is not distinction between an adult and a junior karate-ka, it should be no surprise that not everyone will be ready to grade at every opportunity. Bear in mind that for each new grade there is a new kata to learn (and at certain grades a whole new kihon and kumite syllabus as well!).

With 22 karate-ka going before the examiners, what we may have lacked in quantity, we certainly more than made up for in quality!

Not only was I busy greeting people to the course as usual, but I also helped Mike Sensei out on the grading tables, although I did not get to see everyone, what I did see was very impressive!

We were lucky to have one of our favourite instructors return to teach at this course, and from what I saw, and heard afterwards Hans Rana Sensei (JKS 6^th Dan) did not disappoint!

Holly Sensei leading the Junior Class

The training started with the class being split into two groups. Hans Sensei took the senior group for some gentle(?) warm ups, exercises and training, whilst our very own Holly Sensei took the junior karate-ka for some karate related games into order to warm them up and distract them from potentially worrying about their grading later that morning.

It must have worked as James, Jack, and Vismaya all successfully completed their first grading with the club to attain their 12^th Kyu Orange Belt. It was nice to see James and Jack (and father Jason – but more on him later) perform so well on their first grading, it is always difficult for people to change clubs, and this marks the completion of their assimilation into Haxby Shotokan Karate Club.

Next up were Poppy (P), Alfie, Austin, Ella, Florence, Angel, and Kevin. They have all been training with us for some time, and are making excellent progress. I know they (and their parents!) were all relieved when it was announced that they have all passed their 10^th Kyu and they could now exchange their tired old Orange belts for a brand new Red one!

Jason was grading for the first time with the club after recently joining with his sons James and Jack. He was successful alongside Robert and Harley in attaining his 9th Kyu. He will have to work hard to ensure that his sons do not overtake him (as Holly did me!).

Hans Sensei taking the lower grades

Jesteena, Mathew were up next chasing 8^th Kyu, Jesteena is one of the quiet stars of our Early class, she is always listening and tries hard! Both were successful in their grading, and Mathew managed to keep one step ahead of his son Robert! Yellow Belt is next for you, with a whole new kata to learn!

Jeon put in a very composed performance to secure his 6^th Kyu Green Belt, and to keep several steps ahead of his younger sister Angel. I knew that Paul (D) was nervous going into the grading for 5^th Kyu Purple Belt. Like many Karate-ka who start training later in life (me included!) he has struggled with injury and to teach his body how to move in a whole new way, but his nerves proved to be completely unfunded as he put in a confident (seeming) performance to pass his grading – Brown Belt is in sight now Paul!

Thomas and Edwin were up next. Thomas to continue his steady and determined pursuit towards Shodan, and Edwin to try to catch his brother up before he reaches it! Both were successful in taking their next step and were awarded 4^th Kyu.

 

Paul (D) getting some 1-2-1 instruction from Hans Sensei

The last of our karate-ka to grade was Paul (B). Paul has returned to karate after a prolonged break and has only recently begun grading again. He was not expecting to attempt a grading this time, and I think was a bit surprised when Mike Sensei put him forward for grading. The proof that you should always trust in Mike Sensei’s judgement was evident when he was awarded his 1^st Kyu. With Shodan firmly in his sights for a potential February 2019 grading, Paul has a lot of work ahead of him, but there is plenty of support at the club for those whole are willing to put the effort and dedication into their training!

Although he did not grade at the course, it is only fair to mention Ben’s success in attaining his 4^th Kyu a couple of weeks earlier. Ben displays a huge amount of determination and dedication to his training. He commonly trains for 3 hours a session, and attends as many courses as his work will allow. This was reflected in the strong performance he put in during his surprise grading at the club! 

 

Paul (B) performing Bassai Dai

Whilst all this was going on Hans Sensei was tirelessly putting our karate-ka through their paces. One of our Junior grades was most impressed with the fact the Hans Sensei would be training with the same level of intensity throughout the day for over 5 hours! Every person that I spoke to after the course praised Hans Sensei and his instruction. I did not get to see much of what he did (although I am sure I saw the higher Junro Kata as some point) being kept busy helping with the organisation of the course, but Holly was certainly impressed and morn out afterwards.

 

Hans Sensei taking the Senior Class through some advanced kata

I would like to thank Paul Sensei for his tireless effort to organise and run these courses. It is hard ot overstate just what and excellent job he does. I would also like to thank Mike and Keith Gullen Senseis for acting as the examiners for the grading. And of course Hans Sensei for his excellent tuition and proving once again why he is one of our favourite instructors!

If you enjoyed Hans Sensei’s instruction, he will be coming to our Dojo of the afternoon of Saturday 11^th August 2018. Places are limited and are being booked up quickly – so let me know if you would like to take advantage to of opportunity to train with him again.

OSU

Jim

visit www.haxbykarate.co.uk to find out more about our Club. For more information email info@haxbykarate.co.uk