New Video

2013 has been a very busy year for Haxby Shotokan Karate Club. Our new video on YouTube shows just some of the highlights.

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

Kangeiko On The Beach

We have been invited by Sensei Andrew and Sensei Jackie from Kaizen No-Michi to join their Kangeiko. You are welcome to just do the final day (which is what I did last year). It is well worth getting up at a ridiculous hour in the morning for, they are a great bunch of karateka, and the atmosphere is fantastic! Let me know if you are interested and we can sort out lifts etc...





Description: A great start to the New Year with our traditional Japanese 7 day winter training - KANGEIKO

The challenge starts in the cold and darkness at 6am in Cleethorpes. After a quick warm up, both students and instructors take to the local roads on the sea front for a 20 minute run. Then it's off down to the beach for a training session until 7am with a different instructor each morning to motivate and energise everyone with their own unique style of karate. Kangeiko 2013 was a great success and members of Haxby and Selby Karate schools also joined in on the action.On the final day, students were rewarded with a hearty breakfast and a certificate of completion to acknowledge their achievement.

It is a great opportunity to join in a tradition enjoyed by many karate-ka across the world.
All you need is your gi bottoms, your belt, t-shirt or track suit top, hat and gloves if you wish, running shoes and a bit of WILL POWER
Hope you can join us.
Remember
DECIDE COMMIT SUCCEED
Osu

Jim

Christmas Break

Our last training session for 2013 is Thursday 19th December. We will be back training on Monday 6th January 2014.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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

JKS National Championships 2013 - the view from the sidelines

Elizabeth's dad Ian made the mistake of mentioning to Jim that he has a music blog called 'Not Quite Music Journalism'. Jim took this opportunity to enlist Ian as the Club's roving reporter. Here's his report from the Nationals that took place on Sunday 24th November 2013. 

This year saw a small, but determined, squad travel down to the JKS Nationals in Nottingham. As ever, there was standing room only in the arena with a couple of improvements made this year which seemed designed to speed up the competition. There was an extra tatami, meaning four events could be held simultaneously and a small change in the scoring system meant that there could be no draws in kata.

First up for Haxby were Bethany and Elizabeth in the Individual Kata, 3^rd – 1^st Kyu, 10 – 15 yrs, Female. Elizabeth received a bye through to the second round and was soon joined there by Bethany, who scored a unanimous win from the judges for her first round Heian Yondan. Unfortunately, her second round Heian Sandan wasn’t as good as that of her opponent, who went through with another unanimous decision. Elizabeth, meanwhile, also went out in the second round. A stumble towards the end of her Heian Godan was thought to be what caused the unanimous decision against her, although she later admitted that she also thought she had made a mistake in the middle.

Oli and Jack, competing in the equivalent Male event, had to wait for a preliminary round to finish before starting their event. Both made it through to the second round, Oli’s Heian Shodan giving him a unanimous win from the judges, while Jack won his Heian Godan with a score of 4:1. Both were given Heian Nidan in the next round and, unfortunately, neither were able to progress. Jack’s opponent got the unanimous decision this time, while Oli’s was a narrower 3:2 defeat.

Jim and Tom Smith were in different pools in the Individual Kata, Dan grade, 16+ yrs, Male. Jim had a bye into the second round, where his 5:0 defeat in Heian Godan saw him go no further. Like Elizabeth, he admitted to having made a mistake but also acknowledged that, if he had performed the kata to the best of his ability, he wouldn’t have beaten his opponent. For some reason, only three judges watched Tom’s Heian Godan which saw him defeated in the first round with a score of 2:1.

With all the kata rounds completed, focus switched to kumite. Xander, in his first competition, was Haxby’s first representative, in Individual Kumite, Pee Wee, 5 – 7 yrs, Mixed. Showing no sign of the nerves he must have been feeling, he put up a good fight against Damien Hobben, an orange belt from Leeds. Eventually, though, two punches to Xander’s stomach gave his opponent the win despite Xander taking an early lead with a chudan punch of his own. Xander took his defeat with grace and Damien ev

entually went on to win bronze medal in the event.

Elizabeth was back on the tatami for the 3^rd Kyu – Dan, 11 – 13 yrs, Female competition. Because of her age and, perhaps, more obviously her size, Elizabeth often struggles with kumite and today was no exception. Another bye took her straight to the second round, where she faced a brown belt who was quite a bit taller than her. As ever, though, she gave it her best shot, going in close to try to prevent her from getting clean hits. One punch did get through, though, hitting Elizabeth in the face. That was the only score at the end of the bout, so the decision went to the judges. Despite Elizabeth’s attacking, they awarded the win to her opponent, with a score of 4:0, and Elizabeth’s competition was over.

The Male equivalent event had already started on tatami 3 and the medics were being kept busy on that mat as a number of fights ended with or contained injury, mainly due to over-eagerness than any intentional brutality. Spectators around this mat had already been treated to some superb team kata and they were still in the mood for cheering as this event saw some of the best fights of the day. Jack was up first for Haxby but lost his bout against black belt Elliott Saggers after taking two hits to the head. Oli, though, seemed to be fired up. His ferocious kiai as his left his starting position seemed to disconcert his black belt opponent and it was only a matter of seconds until Oli was one point up. He eventually won the bout 2:0, going through to face a Dan grade who, we were told, is the current world champion. Again a head shot gave Oli an early lead but this only seemed to galvanise his opponent who launched a frenzied attack, only to be pulled back by the referee. Despite some solid defence by Oli, he ended up taking two hits to the stomach and lost the bout 2:1 but there was definitely no shame in that result and the consensus was that this was Haxby’s performance of the day.

Tom took to the mat again for the 3^rd Kyu – Dan, 16 – 18 yrs, Male event. His opponent was Jed Dickinson from Leeds, who had the advantage of Sensei Matt Price’s coaching from the side of the mat. A head shot saw Tom go a point down quite early in the bout but a spirited fight-back seemed to have his opponent reeling, with a few shots that might have scored on another day. With the score still 1:0 at the end of the bout, the judges unanimously awarded the win to Jed. I thought Tom was unlucky but he admitted to me afterwards that, although a few of his shots had found targets, his technique wasn’t what it should have been.

Haxby’s final competitor was Jim, in the Any grade, 40+ yrs, Male event. Up against 1^st Kyu Anthony Wilks, he was defeated 2:0, later admitting that he, “needed to block more. Or at least stop blocking fists with my face.” I can’t help but think that there’s a lesson there for the younger members of the club.

So, no medals for Haxby but each competitor did their best, performing to the best of their ability on the day. It’s easy for me to say that it is the taking part that counts – I don’t have to suffer the nerves of competition or the sting of defeat. I am, however, proud that Elizabeth is associated with the club. Each of the club’s competitors showed the required spirit and, more importantly, sportsmanship, taking both victory and defeat with dignity. 

Thanks to Ian for his report. Check out his other write ups at www.imassey.blogspot.co.uk

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

JKS National Championships - Sunday 24th November 2013

The JKS National Championships are being held on Sunday 24th November 2013 at Nottingham Wildcats Arena, Greenwood Road, Bakersfield, Nottingham, NG3 7EB

  Registration from 8.00am

Championships start 9.00am prompt

Starting with ALL Kata events to completion followed by Kumite

All individual events - £10.00
All team events - £20.00
All Spectators - £5.00 each

Further information is available on the JKS England Website 

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

Oli and Dojo

Here are some pictures that were taken when Dojo visited with Oliver for a fortnight.

 Peace and quiet in the Goodwin household...that's because they're both outside instead!

Oli showing Dojo that even though bears don't have fingers to hold a paintbrush, paw prints can still be artistic and creative,just ask Brittany the Elephant.

Dojo gets green paws as he helps with the harvest.

It's behind you....no honestly it is!

Dojo always said that tomatoes were evil!

Just look at this plants red eyes!

Oli is making Dojo eat healthily.
Even to the point of eating evil tomatoes with the the threat of cucumber to follow.

( Oli looks like he's enjoying that too much)

Dojo, after all that healthy eating, feels the need to visit the pharmacy for some medicine for his poor tummy.

Oh!  look who works here, Oliver's Mummy.Maybe she'll know how to make Dojo feel better.

All sorted out.

It's now Oli's job to ensure that Dojo takes his medicine.........

Syrup of figs.........

Dojo come back, it's a fruit, not a vegetable!



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

Dojo's Friend - September

Dojo's friend for the month of September was.....(drum roll).......William.



William started with us in June this year.

When William first started training, I thought that he was very quiet and reserved.


But on getting to know him I found that these two personal qualities were actually an ability to listen carefully to what is being said and a very mature attitude of "this is what I'm here for" and putting it into practise!a rare quality in one so young.

William is preparing for his up and coming grading in November, which I'm sure will go fantastically well with all the commitment and attention to detail he is showing.

Gradings take place on Thursday 14th November.

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

19th October Course

Haxby Shotokan Karate Club has been invited by Sensei Glenn to his course on 19th October. Hans Rana Sensei 5th Dan JKS is to visit Akashi Shotokan on the 19th October. Training times are:

• White belt-4th Kyu: 12.00pm-1.00pm,
• Black and brown belts: 1.30pm-3.30pm .

The training fee is £10.00. This course is invite only and students from Haxby are more than welcome to attend. Both sessions are going to be focused on correct Khion. The course is being held at Akashi Shotokan Karate Club, Stainbeck Church, Stainbeck Road, Leeds, LS7 2PP


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

Change of venue

Monday's training session will be held at Ralph Butterfield Primary School, Station Road, Haxby, YO32 3LS. Click here for a map.

Training times are 6pm - 7pm for Haxby Karate Kids and 6.45pm- 9pm for the main class.

Training will be back to normal next Thursday.

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

Course and Grading September 2013

I always enjoy the run up to a grading. There seems to be a special sense of excitement in the club, and everyone always tries that little bit harder with their training. The preparation for our recent grading was no different, well perhaps it was a little different – as some of our Haxby Karate Kids would be grading at the course for the first time!

We're off to see the wizard!

Sensei Alistair

A very proud Sensei Lorraine

Again we were lucky to have two excellent instructors, Sensei Alan Campbell, JKS England Chief Instructor, and Sensei Alistair Mitchell, 7^th Dan who has recently joined JKS England. The course had very much a kumite feel to it. Sensei Alistair was emphasising relaxation (with Colin stoically bearing the brunt of this painful looking demonstration!), and ease / flow / continuation in your movements with your block flowing into and leading to your counter, not working against it. 


Sensei Alan’s session with the senior grades focused on movement in kumite (I learnt the hard way that Ray is a difficult man to get past!). A special mention must go to Tom (F) who after being volunteered by his instructors stood up well to 15 minutes of kumite demonstration with Sensei Alistair – I lost track of how many times you ended up on the floor Tom, but you kept getting back up!

The gradings themselves provided cause for celebration with all our students continuing their progression on their karate journeys.Our Karate Kids performed brilliantly – every single one of them dug deep and successful achieved their first official JKS grade. Well done to Dylan (12^th Kyu), Dexter, Oliver & Evie (11^th Kyu), and Edward & Xander (10^th Kyu) – you did yourselves proud and I’m sure I saw a tear in the corner of Sensei Lorraine’s eye!

I Know that Andy and Joe were nervous going into their first Grading with us, but they did not let it show, putting in strong performances to get their 9^th Kyus. Colin and Gareth continued to show what they are made of, both securing 8^th Kyu – you have a whole new kata to learn before your next grading so it is important to continue with your dedicated approach. Katherine put in her usual graceful performance (after almost concertinaing her body during one of the exercises on the course – I really wish I could be half as flexible as she is!) to finally get rid of her red belt and replace it with a yellow one for 7^th Kyu.

 Lisa (as usual) was the first of the Gowland clan to face the grading panel and showed the younger generation how it was done by gaining her Green belt (6^th Kyu). Rebecca, how happy that her mum was the same grade as her (even if it was very briefly) dug deep to find her inner aggression to gain her 5^th Kyu.

Ray, Robert and Bethany grading

Then we were onto our brown belts. Ray was up first, and despite some issues with the kata his technique was strong enough to secure 3^rd Kyu – the path to Shodan starts here and you have some tough training (and gradings) ahead of you! Our 3^rd kyus were up next, Bethany successfully graded to 2^nd Kyu, but an early mistake in the kihon seemed to knock Robert’s confidence. Despite that he did put in a strong enough performance to secure a Temporary 2^nd Kyu. I know, from personal experience, how disappointing it is to get a temporary grade at 2^nd Kyu, but I know that he has the determination to keep going and the dedication to work towards getting your 1^st Kyu in February. One of the things that has always impressed me about Robert is that he never gives up – if he takes a hit during kumite, or stumbles over a kata, he always refuses to sit out to recover – preferring to work through it and carry on. It is this determination that will carry you through this disappointment and to your Shodan.

Wow! What a course! And the next one promises to be even better. Sensei Paul has outdone himself by arranging for Sensei Alan Campbell, JKS England Chief Instructor, Sensei Scott Langley, JKS GB & Ireland Technical Director, AND Sensei Shinji Nagaki, 5^th Dan WKF World Kumite Champion to run our course and grading on Sunday 23^rd February 2014. Save the date in your diary as it is definitely not to be missed!

OSU

Jim 

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

Family Fun Day, September 2013

An exhausted Bethany

This year’s family fun day seemed to sneak up on us – sandwiched as it was between the return to school for a lot of our members and the September grading.

Jim defeating Dave from Selby

True to form the weather was superb and the Fun Day was once again a roaring success! Our family fun days are aimed to give a little something back to the club members for all the hard work and dedication that they put into their training throughout the year. They are an opportunity for the club (and family and friends) to socialise more informally than is normally 
permitted in the dojo and have some fun.

And fun was certainly on the cards, between the inflatable pugil stick duels, the surf board simulator, the sumo boxing suits everyone seemed to be having a great time. For some reason the chance to throw sponges of very cold water at a black belt seems to be irresistible, and once again ‘Soak a Shodan’ proved to be one of the highlights of the day!

Thank you to Brenda and Sensei Lorraine for organising such a fun day, and to their legion of helpers who cooked, cleaned, provided a candy floss making machine, and generally made sure that everyone had a great time.

Brenda and Lorraine will now be starting planning our Christmas party, and if anyone wants to help – I’m sure they would welcome it!

Once again Jim got wet

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

Dojo's Friend August

As usual, Dojo doesn't do things by halves! In fact why have one , when you can have two!
That's right both Evie and Oliver got to take Dojo home as the winners for the month of August. Oliver being the gentleman he is, let Evie go first as he had Dojo last. ( We did ask Dojo if we could split him in half.........he declined to comment!)

The reason Dojo picked them both, was they had both attended every session during the summer holidays! He was astounded by their level of commitment at a time when most children can only think of having fun and not doing anything that has a faint whiff of hard work.

Both of them now ( and others) are getting ready for the big grading sneaking up, and with the level of dedication they have shown, will get through with flying colours.

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

Dojo's Friend July

Well it didn't surprise anyone that the winner for the month of July was Oliver.......again!  At this rate we will have to ask Dojo to invite his brothers Zuki and Geri over to help out, but that is another story for another day.

Dojo is no stranger to Oli ( and his house!) and I am pretty sure he now knows where Oli hides  his secret stash of sweets. Maybe a change of hiding place is needed as he does have a sweet tooth!

Oli continues to impress with his fantastic attitude to learning, his willingness to exceed everything that is asked of him and his determination to improve his techniques in each and every lesson.

Looking towards the end of this month all I can say is...............I wonder who will get him next?

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

Family Fun Day 14th September

Our Family Fun Day is being held on Saturday 14th September from 11am to 3pm at Wigginton Recreation Hall. Entry and activities are free with a small charge for refreshments. Lunch tickets are now available and can be bought at training sessions. Please book your lunch tickets by Monday 9th September.Last years Fun Day was great fun!

 Tickets cost just £3.50 and £12 for a family ticket.

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

Dojo's Friend for June

Thank goodness Dojo has a better memory than me!  He reminded me on Thursday evening that I hadn't written up June's winner yet. With the end of term and numerous events like the Haxby Carnival and Bears on the beach, it had totally slipped my mind.

So just in case he's waiting to tell me off on Monday I better do it now, before I forget, AGAIN!

The winner was Thomas.

Thomas joined the club in March and has shown Dojo that he can stand still, listen, remember and repeat back instructions.  He also gives 100% effort during his training. However Thomas' new target is not to get too carried away, which we all do, even me, when we learn something new.

Both Dexter and Dylan also were awarded certificates this month as both were joint winners with Thomas and since they had both had the ....dubious...pleasure of Dojo's company and Thomas hadn't, it was fair to send him packing with Thomas(who I'm sure gave him as good as he got!) Dexter and Dylan both continue to give outstanding behaviour, enthusiasm and commitment to the club and it's instructors. Well done all of you.


Haxby Karate Kids 6.30pm to 7.30pm Monday and Thursday ONLY £10 a month. Haxby Karate Kids is part of Haxby Shotokan Karate Club, Wigginton Recreation Hall, The Village, Haxby, York, YO32 2PL www.haxbykarate.co.uk

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

Dojo's Friend May

After a very tough grading, it was a delight for Sensei Mike to award Dojo to.....Jack.

Jack started at the club in June 2012.

He has always shown the determination and diligence that we expect from all our students, but maybe not so much from our very young Karate kids!

Jack was awarded his certificate for always trying his hardest, no matter how tired or stressed he was from a hard day at school.

I always notice that Jack is quick to line up without being told, and always listens closely to instructions given.  He puts effort into everything that is asked of him and that shows in the quality of his techniques and the spirit he displays.

I'm sure that Dojo will have a great time with Jack and that he will come back having matured (hopefully!) into a more sensible and responsible young bear!

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

The Adventures Of Dojo Chapter 5

What a fantastic time Dojo had with his friend Dylan.
He dragged poor Dylan around the Scarecrow festival, over the very hot ,May Bank Holiday weekend, stopping at the local for a quick drink of .......water? (I hope)












Of course the day would not be complete without visiting our club scarecrow.  Dojo seems to think that one of the karate kids is making a ' Do-crow ' next year.  Whoever gave him that idea has alot to answer for.....Dylan methinks !












Aha! This looks like Roundhay Park.
Uh oh.... not a good idea to turn your back on Dojo near water. He has a terrible sense of humour and thinks water sports is anything to do with making the biggest splash possible.  Ever since the time I washed him in the Washing machine hes had an aversion to water, I wonder why.........?






What a lovely tranquil picture. Well it probably was until these two turned up!
Errr Dojo, are you holding a fishing rod? I'm pretty sure that you're not allowed to do that there.  And here I was thinking that with Dylan's help you might have been turning over a new leaf!
Actually I think I better check with the parents just to make sure that your little mischievous habits are not rubbing off on the children.  At least  I hope their wonderful manners and behaviour will change you! Only time will tell.













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

Grading - 2nd June 2013

With everything that has been happening over the past few months (the surprise course for Sensei Mike and Sensei Ian, and the Selby Competition) this grading almost seemed to sneak up on us! Despite this everyone has been working hard to get themselves as ready for it as they could be.

Sensei Paul watches as Sensei Mike and the other senior grades
demonstrate Kata 

We were lucky enough to have arranged for Sensei Paul Giannandrea (6^th Dan, JKS Scotland Chief Instructor) to share the instruction with Sensei Alan Campbell (6^th Dan, JKS England Chief Instructor). This means that we have now had the Chief Instructors from all the JKS organisations in the UK to run our courses, an achievement to be proud of.

Unfortunately I was unable to train on Sunday, but everyone I have spoken to has raved about the instruction (and judging from the aches and groans in the Dojo on Monday it was as intensive as it looked!).

The Junior class was definitely fully engaged (judging by the noise they were making and the smiles after the course) and all seemed to have a great time.

Elizabeth and Bethany stretching out!

There were 98 gradings to get through, and thanks to Sensei Paul's fantastic organisation the day went smoothly. First up from our Club were Colin and Gareth – both were feeling quite nervous beforehand and wondering what they had let themselves in for. However, neither should have been overly concerned (I do always think that a small amount of nerves helps sharpen your performance!) as they both gave their all to successfully get their first grading pass – well done guys.

Katherine continued her steady progress to deliver a very strong grading to attain her 8^th Kyu – yellow belt next, and a whole new kata to learn!

Katherine and Rebecca training

Lisa was the first of Gowlands to step in front of the grading panel, and despite struggling a bit with Heian Nidan in the Dojo, delivered a confident performance on the day. This meant that she was now the same grade as her daughter Rebecca.

But not for long as Kian and Rebecca were next. Both put in good performances – in Kian’s case moving one step closer to his brother Aaron, and in Rebecca’s keeping that all important one step ahead of her mum!

Next up were two people who had not put themselves forward for grading for some time. With work commitments it has been a couple years since Helen got her Purple belt, and she was determined to trade it in for one with a white stripe. This she did by putting in a very confident   performance to secure her 4^th Kyu. Well done Helen!.  Ray (who managed to avoid having his photo taken by me for the entire day!) was going for his first grading with the JKS having come to the Club after studying a different style of karate some years ago. He put in a very strong performance to confirm his 4^th Kyu grade, and I am sure that his determination and ability will see him conquer Brown and Black belt gradings in due course.

Helen and Brenda show off their new belts!

The last of the Gowland family was in the next group from the Club to grade. Robert, Fraser and Brenda were all going for their 3^rd Kyu – brown Belt. This is always a challenging grading as the standard that is expected is at a different level. But despite someone looking very nervous (Brenda!) all were successful. Robert stayed ahead of his family – Fraser moving one step closer to the coveted Shodan, and for Brenda I think it marked the fulfillment of one of her personal goals. Well done to all!

The successful Gowland family

As this was not a Black Belt grading course the grading is usually finished off with the 2^nd and 1^st Kyu Gradings. These are always the most difficult grading (before the Dan grades) and the standard expected here is very high indeed. Jonathan was up first and successfully attained a temporary 2^nd Kyu, Adam was up next and moved from a Temporary 2^nd Kyu up to a full 2^nd Kyu, Elizabeth was the last of our brown belt gradings and successfully moved from Temporary 1^st Kyu to Full 1^st Kyu. It is very common for karateka to move slower through the Brown Belts than they have through the other grades, the improvement the examiners are looking for at each step is greater. Well done to all of you – now is the time to start planning your assault on Shodan - this will mean more dedication, spirit and sweat in the Dojo – but that is what karate is all about after all!

We are lucky at the Club to have quite a few brown belts, who are starting to think about their Shodan grading. Attendance at these courses and Sensei Alan’s regular Black and Brown Belt course is essential if you want Sensei Mike to even consider putting your name forward.

Usually that would be the end of the grading section, but not this time. Peter and Sam (from Sensei Paul’s Selby Club) were retaking the kumite section of their Shodan Grading. Both were very nervous going into this, and quite tired after a full days training (along with some extra tuition from Sensei Mike and some of the other instructors present). However both put in very strong and confident permformance to successfully confirm their Shodan. Congratulations to both of you – this is a huge achievement, but as I’m sure they have already been told – this is where the training really starts!

Sensei Alan, Sensei Mike with successful Shodans Peter and Sam

As is traditional I’d like to close out this report by thanking Sensei Alan and Sensei Paul for their brilliant instruction, and Sensei Paul for all the hard work and effort that goes on behind the scenes. 

Osu

Jim

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

Change of Venue

Monday's training session will be held at Ralph Butterfield Primary School, Station Road, Haxby, YO32 3LS. Click here for a map.

Training times are 6pm - 7pm for Haxby Karate Kids and 7pm- 9pm for the main class.

Training will be back to normal on Thursday.


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

Extra training session - Bank Holiday Monday

There is now a training session next Monday (Bank Holiday), from 6.30 - 7.30pm for Haxby Karate Kids and 7pm -  9pm for the main class. Normal place.

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

Change of venue and times

Monday's training session will be held at Ralph Butterfield Primary School, Station Road, Haxby, YO32 3LS. Click here for a map.

Training times are 6pm - 7pm for Haxby Karate Kids and 6.45pm- 9pm for the main class.

Training will be back to normal next Thursday.


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

Selby Shotokan Karate Club Novice Competition

The Haxby Team

This year saw a team of sixteen, covering a range of ages and grades, from HSKC travel the short distance across to Barlby High School to compete in the Novice competition organised by SSKC. Sensei Paul has designed the competition as an introduction for those who are thinking about competing, and as such anyone who has held their Shodan for more than a year is not eligible to compete. The focus then is on allowing karateka who are coming up through the coloured belts to get a taste of competition and to test themselves in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

This years Competition was the biggest yet!

This was the biggest competition yet, with 170 competitors in total the school gym was inevitably a bit cramped, not only with the number of people watching but also the addition of a third “mat” to allow more events to be held at the same time. It did, at times, seem a little chaotic with the organisers, judges and administrators having to make themselves heard over the noise of competition, warm-ups and chatting spectators but, excepting one or two “mishaps”, things were well organised, a credit to Sensei Paul who puts in a lot of time and effort to ensure that things run smoothly.

Katherine looks to be
enjoying herself too much!

The event itself lies somewhere between the Children’s Competition and the JKS Nationals. It is a bit more relaxed than the Nationals, particularly in respect of some of the junior kumite events during which the judges could be seen to be giving a lot of thought towards how to explain some of their decisions to the younger competitors while still allowing a competitive feel. On the other hand, the inclusion of older competitors results in some very fierce and hard-fought matches. Almost inevitably in a martial arts competition there were a few injuries, ranging from minor bumps among the juniors to near-knockouts among some of the seniors, the Red Cross were there to minister to the few people then needed attention.  I don’t remember seeing anybody from Haxby having to have first aid, but I did see both Abi and Dave from Selby (and, occasionally, Haxby) being knocked to the floor. Both were able to get up and carry on, with Dave eventually winning first place in his event.

Thank you to Deal who, as team captain, did an excellent job of getting the team organised, making sure everyone was in the right place at the right time, and keeping track of our results:

Under 12 Kata:

Kian never seems phased
 by competitions !

Bethany was Haxby’s star of this event, making it through to the semi-finals before being beaten into fourth place, just missing out on a medal. Kian, the only competitor from Haxby to not have a “by” into the second round, managed three wins before being beaten while Elizabeth managed her first ever Kata win in the second round before being beaten by Lucy Winn in the third. It was Lucy who beat Bethany to take third place in the event.

Under 17 Kata:

Adam, Katherine and Oliver were all knocked out in the first round of this event. Thomas successfully joined Holly in the second round but only Holly progressed, eventually taking second place (and Haxby’s first medal of the day) behind Emily Crockford of Selby.

Over 16 Kata (Beginner to 3^rd Kyu):

Both Helen and Lisa made it through to the second round of this event but Gareth, in his first competition, was knocked out in the first round.

Over 16 Kata (2^nd/1^st Kyu +U22 Shodan):

Dael’s second round defeat was to Matt Beard, the eventual winner of this event, so no shame there.

Dael performing Tekki Shodan against Matt from Selby

Family Kata:

I don’t know whether Kian and Aaron progressed past the first round but Lisa and Rebecca had a very unfortunate draw which saw them up against Holly and Bethany in the second round. The Bamfords won that round and, eventually, first place overall and a second medal for Haxby.

The Gowlands performing Family Kata

Under 12 Kumite:

Again Kian was the only Haxby competitor to start in the first round and managed to defeat two opponents before being beaten the third. Elizabeth started in the second round but made no progress despite a spirited showing against the much taller Laura Tideswell of Crystal Peaks.

Elizabeth's opponent seemed much bigger in real life!

U17 Kumite – Male:

There were more Haxby competitors in this even than in any other. Oliver was the only one to fight in the first round but was beaten by Niall Worsfold of Akashi, who went on to win third place in the event. Aaron, Jonathan and Adam were all beaten in the second round, while Thomas progressed to round three where he was knocked out by eventual winner Darenz Custodio of Walsall.

Adam sizes up his opponent!

U17 Kumite – Female:

Katherine, another first-time competitor, was knocked out in the first round while Holly was beaten in the semi-final by the ever-impressive (and eventual event winner) Rebeka Thacker of Walsall before coming fourth behind fellow 1^st Dan Jane Jackson of Bunbu.

O16 Kumite  - Male (Beginner to 3^rd Kyu):

Gareth progressed to the second round where he was beaten by Scott Haxby of Selby, an excellent performance given the disparity in grades and the fact that Scott won second place in the event.

O16 Kumite – Female (Beginner to 3^rd Kyu):

Helen, Haxby’s final competitor of the day, was knocked out in the first round by Lindsay Kirk of Selby.

This was the first competition for some of our squad (Lisa, Katherine, and Gareth) who all showed impressive spirit and courage to step onto the mat. You must remember that the majority of Karateka choose not to take part in competitions. It takes real courage to step on to the mat, the aim should always be to test yourself and your karate, and that courage was displayed by the whole team.

Oli displaying the sportsmanship that we are proud of at the club

It was also the last time that Holly would be eligible to compete in the Selby Competition, and she put in a very good performance gains Fourth in Kumite, Second in Kata and bringing the Family kata cup home to Haxby again. It has become a tradition for the family kata cup to come to Haxby, and as we pride ourselves on being a family club it is a reflection of the values of the club. We will be looking to our other family teams (the Acasters, Gowlands, Sutherlands, and others!) next year!

The Bamfords collecting gold for Family Kata

With a first, a second and two fourths HSKC came fourth in the medal table, an impressive showing. Well done to all competitors, both for their spirit and their sportsmanship.

Thank you to Sensei Paul for all the hard work he obviously put in beforehand to ensure the competition ran so smoothly. Thanks also to Sensei Mike and Sensei Ian who must have been exhausted by a full days refereeing, and to Jim, Pete and Catherine who all volunteered to help out with the running of the competition on the day. Thanks also have to go to Ian Massey for writing this report and being in charge to the photography.

Finally well done to every who competed and supported your spirit, sportsmanship and dedication are a credit to you and the club.

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