Grading success

Well, Sunday saw another very successful grading for the club, and built nicely on the Nidan and Sandan course that we hosted the day before.

Due to the unavailability of our previous venue, the grading was taking place at Milthorpe School, and other than being a little cold the venue seemed to cope quite well with having 100+ karate-ka and all the spectators.

Paul (B) showing off his back stance

It was always going to be a busy day, there were a lot of kyu gradings, a larger than normal number of Shodan (full gradings and re-takes) attempts, and of course some world class karate training led by our two Instructors Alan Campbell Sensei, (6^th Dan), Chief Instructor of JKS England, and Steve Carless Sensei (6^th Dan).

Unfortunately I did not get to see a lot of the training, but in common with our other courses it ranged from the grading syllabus to more advance kata. Judging from the noise I could hear from the balcony it certainly seemed that everyone was enjoying themselves and working hard.

It was also nice to see a number of the attendees of Saturday’s Nidan and Sandan course on the Sunday – they were fairly easy to spot – they were the ones complaining about the stiffness in their legs and stretching them out after all the burpees that we did!

It always seems that the gradings come around very quickly on these courses, and Sunday was no exception, soon enough the results were coming in thick and fast! Jasmine was first up, and got the club off to a good start with a successful 12^th Kyu pass. She was quickly followed by what seemed like most of the rest of the clubs junior members – Zach, Jeon, Daniel, Thomas and Grace were all successful and achieved 10^th (Zach)  and 9^th (everyone else) Kyu respectively.

Paul (D) and Mary, our adult beginners, were up next and despite Mary’s nerves both put in solid performances to pass their first Grading and gain their 9^th Kyu Red Belt. Not to be outdone by his Gran Nixon showed his usual determination to stay one step ahead of her by gaining his 8^th Kyu alongside Stanish. 

 

A successful Mary and Nixon with Mike Sensei

Mollie, our other beginner was up next. I know that Mollie sometimes suffers from a lack of confidence about her karate, but none of this was evident as she effortlessly (it seemed) doubled graded to 8^th Kyu. Mollie has a lot of potential and shows all the signs of being able to go very far in her karate journey.

It was then time for some more of our junior members with Edwin and Poppy stepping in front of the grading panel. Both of these young karate-ka take their karate very serious and this shows in their training, and it also showed in their grading – they were both successful in attaining 7^th Kyu Yellow Belt. This means that you are no longer beginners, but the training and expected standard does get harder from now on!

Not to be outdone by these youngsters, Paul (R) and Ben also passed their 7^th Kyu. For both of them this represents another step on their karate journey – they will need to keep up the hard work if they do not want to get overtaken by some of the talented younger members of the club like Poppy and Edwin!

Irena was next up, and considering that she did not think that she was ready before the grading she delivered an assured performance to reach 6^th Kyu Green Belt. It does go to show that we need to trust Mike Sensei’s judgement about if we are ready to grade or not.

It was then back over to the junior clubs members as a quartet of green belts stepped onto the floor and were all successful in trading in their tired old green belts for some shiny new purple ones!  Congratulations to William, Aiwin, Oliver and Aidan on all successfully achieving 5^th Kyu. This marks the midpoint of the kyu grades and you have some hard work ahead as we start to prepare you for Brown belt, and ultimately Black belt.

Olivia with a very proud Dad!

The last of our trio of Pauls (B this time!) was looking to take his first grading since coming back to Karate, and in the dojo his confidence had been knocked by some small memory lapses. However, none of this was present on the day as he put in an assured performance to achieve 4^th Kyu. Be warned Paul, Mike and Ian Sensei were watching your grading and will expect that level of performance in the dojo from now on!

Olivia was the last member of our club for a Kyu grading. Olivia seems to have blossomed since joining our club and this trend continued with a successful Brown Belt (3^rd Kyu) pass. She now has Shodan firmly in her sights, and got some useful feedback from Alan Sensei on what he will expect of her the next time she steps in front of him to grade.

A special mention needs to be made of all the club members that attend these courses even though they are not grading. Sometimes I must admit that I forget to mention them, but Kai, Elzabeth, and Bethany all trained hard.

 

With the Kyu gradings complete it was time for the Dan gradings. And to be honest, for our club, we were only really interested on one of them. Brenda was re-taking the Kumite element of her grading. She took an accidental injury to her shoulder whilst training, and despite being in a quite serious amount of pain was determined that nothing was going to stop her.

Before we knew it she was called up in front of the grading panel (Alan, Steve and Mike Senseis) and she started to put in her trademark focussed performance. Her concentration wavered when she received an impact on her injured shoulder, but Alan Sensei asked her to repeat one of the defences. This is an important point to make – the grading panels are looking to pass you if they can, they will ask you to repeat combinations or moves, if they feel it was a momentary lapse and you have the potential to pass.

 

A successful Brenda with her supporters!

Then began the intolerable wait for the rest of the gradings to be completed, and the paperwork done before the results were announced. Helen, Holly and Jonathan all appeared in time to watch the Dan grading and support Brenda, and everyone was on edge waiting for the result....

SHODAN PASS!

As a club we are very proud of Brenda. Her determination and spirit put many of us to shame and she is an excellent example and role model. A well deserved pass saw Brenda in floods of tears (with relief) and I am sure that I saw a tear in Mike Sensei’s eye! A fitting end to a very successful grading course for the club.

I would like to thank Alan and Steve Sensei for their excellent instruction, and of course Paul Sensei for this outstanding organisation and administration of the course.

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

Nidan and Sandan Course.

As most of the training and courses that we organise focus (rightly) on our Kyu grades, Paul and Mike Sensei decided that we would put on a course aimed solely at our Dan grades. Both clubs are in the fortunate position to have a growing number of Dan grades who might be considering grading in the next 12-18months. It was with this in mind that we invited Alan Campbell Sensei, Chief Instructor of JKS England, to our club on the Saturday before the grading.

 

The Nidan Course

We were very pleased that over 30 karate-ka attended the course, and made it a very dynamic and enjoyable training session. Alan Sensei seemed to be inspired by his recent Kangeiko training at the Honbu Dojo in Japan as he took us through a gruelling set of burpees as part of the warm-ups – not only did the windows in the dojo steam up, but the floor began to get quite slippery as well!

The warm ups out of the way, and some well received lessons about paying attention and listening to instruction given, we moved onto the Nidan syllabus. Alan Sensei took us through the Kihon Syllabus in detail, focussing on the key points for each combination, and what the examiners are looking for. We then covered Empi in the same level of detail and stole a little time from the Sandan session to look at one of the Junro Kata.

 

The Sandan Course

After a quick break, we moved onto the Sandan Syllabus. As there is no requirement for Kihon at this level the session focussed on kata: Jitte, Hangetsu, Junro Yondan and Junro Godan; again after an intense kangeiko inspired warm up!

All in all a brilliant afternoons karate. It was great to host Alan Sensei and to welcome so many karate-ka that we have met on the training courses to our dojo. After the training there was only time for a quick change before we were busy again – this time it was into York for a leisurely meal as the opportunity for some socialisation before the stress of the grading course the next day.

 

A well deserved meal after training!

I would like to thank Alan Sensei for his excellent instruction, and as ever Paul Sensei for his organisational expertise.

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

Kangeiko 2017

Jim, Mollie, Mary, Helen, and Ben after training

It was a very cold morning, just over a week ago that I stepped out to scrape the ice from the car at 5am. Once again I was off to Cleethorpes to join our friends at Kiazen No Michi for the last day of their annual Kangeiko (traditional cold weather training). Once again I was not alone, this time I had Helen and Mollie in my car and Ben was taking Mary, this was the most people I think we have ever had attending Kangeiko.

 

Mary and Mollie doing one of the warm ups

We met up with Ben and Mary, the Three Amigos from Selby (Paul Sensei, Simon and Karl), and a host of people from Kiazen on the cold Seafront in Cleethorpes, and soon enough training was underway.

Andy Sensei taking us through Meikio kata

Jackie Sensei took us for a quick warm up and then we were off on the run along the Seafront to get our blood pumping. When I say we were off – I’m really talking about Ben and Mollie, who disappeared like a shot, leaving us more seasoned karate-ka to complete the run at a more sedate pace (thank you to Paul Sensei for being my running partner and making it easier to keep going!).

 

Helen and Ben doing Jackie Senseis' partner drills

We then moved onto the beach and the instruction started with Jackie Sensei taking through a session devoted to Gyaku Tzuki. I was partnered with Kevin from Kiazen, always good fun to train with him. Andy Sensei then took us through a series of running games and finished the training off by taking us through Meikio, with some useful and interesting Bunkai, I was partnered with Karl from Selby for this bit, who I have never trained with before – this is one of the joys of these courses – training with someone new.

More Meikio practice!

Training over, there was a short photo session and we all rushed to the café for one of highlights of the day – a substantial fry up! – although admittedly Ben’s was a bit more substantial than everyone else’s! We then left for the ride home, which, with conversation flowing didn’t seem to take long at all.

 

The obligatory group photo!

I’d like to thank Andy and Jackie Sensei for their invitation, and encourage any club members who might be interested to join us next year (or in the summer for Bears on the Beach).

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

October Grading Success

The October grading always seems to sneak up on us. One minute its the summer holidays, the next its frantic preparation for grading! This grading course was always going to be a good one. Paul Sensei had managed to secure the instruction of Alan Campbell Sensei, Head of JKS England, and Matt Price Sensei, JKS National Squad Coach.

The training started early (well for a Sunday!) and the junior Karate-ka were soon being put through their paces by both instructors – they did seem to be enjoying it a little too much to judge by some of the photos and videos posted on the clubs Facebook page!

Lilly was first to brave the grading panel from the club (and the youngest karate-ka at the course!). She is obviously keen to follow in her big brothers footsteps and came away with her Orange belt (12^th Kyu). Joshua, Zach and Daniel were up next and all put in strong performances. Daniel was awarded a double graded by the examiners and achieved his 10^th Kyu, with Joshua and Zach moving up to 11^th Kyu.

Double gradings are something that are occasionally awarded. As instructors we cannot recommend student to double grade, so they only happen if the examiners see a particularly strong performance on the day. They are much more common for the early kyu grades, as with the higher grades the requirement to know the appropriate Kata for you grade excludes this award.

That said Thomas also put in a very strong Kihon and Kumite performance and was awarded his 9^th Kyu.  Thomas trains the main class and always demonstrates maximum concentrate and dedication, this was a well deserved result. Stanish and Nixon joined Thomas at 9^th kyu following their grading, both making the steady progress that we like to see in our young Karate-ka.

Poppy was next in front of the grading panel. She has impressed her instructors lately with her attitude and commitment, and this showed in her grading, successfully reaching 8^th Kyu and the last Red Belt grade.  Yellow belt beckons, but this will require learning a whole new Kata – Heian Nidan. It is worth mentioning here that the grades from 9^th Kyu onwards are full, adult grades. After 9^th Kyu there are no allowances for age – so it is a big achievement for a young Karate-ka to be awarded one of these grades. Similarly it is a big challenge to move up to the next grade. Karate-ka should not expect to grade at every course, they may need more time between gradings to make sure that they are fully prepared.

Irena was next to grade. She is the only original member of ‘the parents’ class and has been making good progress from day one. Despite claiming to be a little poorly in the morning (which brought back memories of her grading last time with a ranging temperature!), and showing some signs of nerves, she put in a good performance and achieved her Yellow Belt (7^th Kyu) – no longer can you claim to be a ‘beginner’!

Next up were our trio of Yellow Belts, all hoping to trade their tired old belts in for a nice shiny Green one! And that is exactly what they did – William, Evie and Aiden, all put in confident performances to attain 6^th Kyu. Evie in particular has been putting in a lot of extra training and I think it really shows in the big step forward that her karate has taken.

Alice was taking her first grading with us, after joining us from another club. I know she was quite nervous before, but I have felt at firsthand how strong her Kumite has become! She has made great improvements in her karate since joining us and it showed in her grading, a strong performance got her 5^th Kyu and her Purple Belt. Olivia followed Alice in front of the grading panel, she again has seemed to blossom after joining the club, again she seemed quiet nervous before the training started, but these nervous must have dissipated soon enough as her she came away with 4^th Kyu – Brown belt next!

And Brown Belt was exactly what Holly (C) was aiming form. Holly was the last of our trio of nervous girls (and the last member of the club) up for grading. Holly is one of quiet members of the club that warrants watching carefully, her natural flexibility, aptitude, and attitude have resulted in her making steady and consistent progress. She successfully graded to 3^rd Kyu Brown Belt, and is now on the road to Shodan. I am confident that she will get there in her own, quiet way – definitely not one to underestimate!

Whilst all this was going on the training continued unabated. Although I was busy helping out and was not able to observe the training of the Junior Grades. I was lucky enough to join the Senior Grades to train under both Alan and Matt Sensei. Alan Sensei started the senior session by going right back to basics by focusing on Gyaku Tzuki and Mae Geri – two techniques that in his words can tell all about the quality of your karate! This moved on to higher level combinations including Neko Ashi Dachi and then onto more Kumite style techniques such as triple Kazami Tzuki (in one Yori Ash) followed by Gyaku Tzuki. It was great to see members of the club come along for the training regardless of whether they were grading or not. At the club we are very lucky to have instructors of this calibre at our courses and you should be taking advantage of it at every opportunity. Special mention has to go to William, who not only came straight to the course from another sports event (still in his kit!), but also lost one of his teeth during the training (naturally, not as a result f the training I must add!), then calmly put it down on his seat and resumed training as if nothing had happened!

Matt Sensei followed this session by focusing on Kata – Heian Godan. He utilised several very effective drills to improve both hand and leg techniques in Kata that he freely admits to ‘stealing’ from other top level instructors – I am sure that these same drills will find their way in to our Dojos, ‘stolen’ in turn by the senior grades that were training. Again this highlights one of benefits of having instructors of this ability at our courses, your karate not only benefits from the training itself, but your instruction will also benefit by picking up on the techniques and drills that they use. Unfortunately, we did not have time Tobi Ushiro Mawashi Geri (jumping spinning roundhouse kick!), but finished off with a ‘conditioning exercise’ (punching your partner in the stomach!) Matt Sensei emphasised that it is important to karate-ka to get used to being hit (in a controlled environment) so that they know that they can respond to it properly in real life.

It was great to see many friends (old and new) from Bradford, Leeds and Kiazen coming along to train with us. It is great to make new friends at these courses. Finally, as always I would like to thank Paul Sensei for all the hard work he puts in behind the scenes to ensure that these courses run so smoothly.

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

Mike Sensei at the World Championships

Last month saw Mike Sensei Travel up to the World Championships with Paul Sensei from Selby, not to take part, but as one of the small but growing group of JKS Qualified England Referees.

This is one of the reasons that we had invited Geoff Dixon Sensei to visit (as well as to develop the other club members, and to train under him) and we have been having ‘mat nights’ once a month, and Mike Sensei said that this preparation was invaluable

JKS England Team, Coaches and Officials, 2016 JKS World Championships

Before the competition started they took the opportunity to attend the pre competition seminar, and not only trained under the top instructors in the JKS, but also to train with some very talented karate-ka from around the world (in Mike Sensei’s case South Africa!).

Mike and Paul Sensei also took the opportunity to take refereeing qualifications before the competitions started. Congratulations to Mike Sensei on attaining his ‘D’ licence and Paul Sensei for attaining his ‘C’ licence.

There followed two days of incredible karate, with Mike Sensei literally having the best seat in the house! That is not to say that it was not hard work – anyone who has refereed will tell you that it takes constant and intense concentration to make sure that you do not miss anything.

Following the close of the competition there was the opportunity to unwind with friends old and new, before the drive home.

If you are interested in officiating at competitions please contact Geoff Dixon Sensei, JKS England Chief Referee at jksreferees@btinternet.com

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

Geoff Dixon Sensei visits us again

Geoff Sensei

It was one of the hottest nights of the year that Geoff Dixon Sensei 5^th Dan and Chief Referee for JKS England and Head of the Referee Development visited us once again. This is part of the ongoing Referee development that Mike and Paul Sensei have arranged for us, and preparation for Mike and Paul Sensei refereeing at the World Championships in Edinburgh in September.

This time Geoff Sensei packed his Gi so as well as running the refereeing session he took through some kumite exercises as a warm up (not that one was needed as we were all soon covered in sweat!) with a focus on what will score at competitions and working up to combinations and techniques that we could consider.

After a quick break to rehydrate Geoff rotated the senior members of the club (and our friends from Selby) through the judging and refereeing positions (corner judges, main referee, and shadow referee) with our club members providing the competition.

Geoff Sensei was impressed with the keenness and enthusiasm of our students to take part in the kumite, and recognised that our students were more relaxed and moving better then at his last visit. I must admit that I was very impressed with everyone who fought – there was good spirit throughout. Special mentions have to be made of our Yellow Belts – Evie, Oliver and Aiden all did brilliantly against older and higher graded opponents.

 

Geoff Sensei Supervising Ian's refereeing whilst Oliver battles Brenda!

Once again Geoff Sensei provided us with a wealth of advice and was only too happy to answer any questions that might we had. And everyone that I spoke to afterwards came away with something useful.

 

Adam and Alice provide the action whilst Paul sensei looks on

Geoff Sensei seemed to enjoy his visit to our dojo as much as we enjoyed training under him, and expressed a desired to be asked back, we need to make sure that we remind Mike Sensei periodically to invite Geoff Sensei to visit us again to strengthen our link with him and his club. This is one of the strengths of the JKS we are making connections with other karate-ka and other clubs to expand our ‘karate family’.

 

The two sides of Holly (C) - Don't make her angry!

I’d like to thank Geoff Sensei for visiting us again and giving so freely of his time and advice.  We will continue to run referee development sessions once a month which are open to all, and if you are interested in the formal JKS referee development programme please contact Geoff Sensei directly at jksreferees@btinternet.com

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