Haxby Carnival 2018

What a scorcher it was at the carnival, not only was the weather hot clear and sunny but the attendance to the parade was staggering 21 karate-ka came along to support the club and the carnival as a whole.

 

Everyone supporting the club and the carnival

Our day started out at 11 am with a good group including Jim Sensei, Holly Sensei, Mary, Elizabeth, Will (M) and myself as well as some extra hands from Cathrine, John and Nixon we set the tent and stall up for our cake sale, headed up by Mary directing us to where she wanted us placed and where the tables set for maximum sales, Nixon also came along to help and made sure all the cakes were out and displayed efficiently for all to see.

the newest member to the club joining in for a picture
(Ft. Goose)

At  12 our troop was joined by Will (V), Annie, Alfie and Poppy  headed out to Grey Firs for the beginning of the carnival, upon arriving one by one the rest of the parade grew around us as well as our members arriving to join in in no particular order we had, Matthew and Robert, Jason, James and Jack as well as Jason’s daughter, Edwin and Aiwin, Olivia, Angle, Jeon and Austin. And last but most certainly not least Brenda Sensei made a guest appearance to join us in the parade through the village.  Right before the parade we were joined by a special member of our community Goose came for a picture with us to show of his skills and earned his black belt.

The march through the village was amazing, as was the level of support from the whole village. The streets were lined with supporting, family and friends, as we headed for our destination at Ethel ward playing field.  All of our members did a fantastic job in the parade keeping together and smiling to the crowd and waving all the way.  When we arrived at our stall the whole attendance lined up for a group photo, soon followed by the first wave of cake sales to our younger members.

 

Marching through the village

As the afternoon rolled on we became fewer as people set off home to spend the remainder of the day with there family’s and enjoy the sun, but for the few of us that stayed on through out it all it was fantastic spending some down time together and meeting members from around the community, the organisers and everyone else.  

This year we dedicated our stall for raising funds for the St. Leonard’s hospice and with all the help from all who visited us on the stall we raised a staggering £120.  So a big thank you to everyone who helped us get there.

 

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So on to next years carnival where we aim to join in the parade, hold our usual stall and also get up in the arena as give a strong demonstration for all to see what our karate family is all about. On behalf of myself, Jim and Mary thank you to all who attended we are very proud of you all.

Oss

Ben

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

Sun, Sand and Karate

The time had come around again for our annual summer trip to Cleethorpes for bears on the beach with kaizen no-michi and Selby Shotokan Karate Club.  For a change we had a nice lie in before a long drive over to the coast thanks to a later start we could happily leave York at 9.30 for the smooth drive through. We had a fantastic turn out of 10 karate-ka this year who all had a fantastic day on the beach with some quality training lead by Andre Sensei from KNM and Paul sensei from SSKC as well as some fun and games on the beach.

A quick Photo before we started the day.

Arriving at 11 o’clock promptly we set up base on the beach and awaited the arrival of all who would participate in the day, for a prompt start at around 11.30. To begin we went through so light stretches but nothing to heating as the weather was already pushing a lovely 24 degrees, followed by a hips exercise lead by a young member of KNM called “the Floss” which proved difficult for adult members to get the grips off the all the youngsters seemed to excel at it.

Running through JONO kata

The first session lead by Andy Sensei saw us going through a simple but testing round of gyaku tsuki, this exercise leads on to some pairs work to practise the combination of attack front turn and attack rear then front attack again, attacking 3 different opponents. The last part of this exercise we split up and had mini competitions between 2 lines to see who could react the fastest to the combination. 

The final part of the session we went through JONO kata (beginners Kata) followed by a look at the application of the kata and how it is more advanced than it appears.

Andy Sensei demonstrating a take down
making Ben eat sand.

After a break for lunch and some playing in the sea and sand we had our second session this time lead by Paul Sensei, to begin we ran through Heian Shodan but after a couple slow run throughs Paul sensei added a twist and had us run through facing 4 different directions doing a directional team kata style go through. This proved that it doesn’t matter what way you face while doing a kata no matter where you are doing it the kata will always start and end the same and every step in-between does not change. 

Practising the take down.

After practising Heian Shodan, we moved on to Meikyo (polished mirror) fortunately for HSKC some of the seniors had had a brief run through of the kata the Thursday so we could look in to more of the detail of the kata, but for many it was their first try at it. Meikyo is a symmetrical kata that branches out to envelop a lot of basic khion to create a fantastic kata. Finally, some of the more complicated moves Paul sensei described and demonstrated so we would properly understand what was happening in them rather than us just washing through the kata and running through the motions without thought for what was happening.

What bears on the beach is about!!! fun in the sea.

Ending our day on a high we packed up base and headed up to the kiosk to get our last ice-creams and gather ourselves before our  journey home after a very warm extremely fun day on the beach, really couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a Sunday than with great company and friend and a whole lot of karate, and maybe an apple juice or two for the adults.

So on behalf of HSKC I'd like to thank Andrew Sensei for inviting us to join KNM on the beach and for his expert instruction and Paul Sensei for his thorough instruction of Meikyo.

Oss

Ben

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

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

Fantastic Results at the Selby Competition

Saturday saw the arrival of this year’s Selby Novice Competition. We had a fantastic turn out from HSKC with over 25 members competing in kata and kumite.

 

Olivia performing Heian Sandan

The day started early for Paul Sensei setting off to manor school to set up with the help of  Mike, Ian S, Matt, Rebecca, Steve Sensei and myself, soon followed by a few other members arriving early to the competition. Registration began at 10am and the hall soon filled up with all 63 competitors and supporting family and friends from York, Selby and Haxby and the atmosphere of the day seemed to be set with some having competition nerves, others very excited and most fitting in a little bit of last minute training before hitting the mats.

Promptly at 10.30 Paul Sensei called all the competitors on to the floor to brief them on the day and where everyone needed to be. The first event was 7a (mixed knee boxing) followed by event 7b and 8 and event 3 (12- 16 kata) followed by events 4 and 5. From what I could see between competing everyone who stepped up on the mats for these events performed well and shone making themselves, myself and the club proud! The results showed this with a mix of achievements, Annie taking silver and Joshua taking silver and gold in event 7b, and Aiwin and Will M taking silver and gold in even 8. Olivia gained a bronze in event 3, I took gold in event 4 and Paul B walked away with Bronze in event 5

The next even to run was the family kata event which was very mixed and very competitive, with everyone performing strong kata, but Will and Annie seemed possessed as they performed showing some of the best kata the pair of them have performed together, and both the Vince’s and Simon’s came away with bronze.

Matthew performing Heian Shodan

After a short recess for lunch it was back to the mats for the final 3 kata events with the (12^th-10^th kyu) event 1a began and what a good event it was as I managed to watch through the whole event, with it being the first competition Florence, Isla and Robert have entered they did amazingly well. Followed quickly with event 1b and 2 where Annie and Joshua came away again with silver and gold, and in event 2 we had a very strong team going in and they showed off their best karate with Poppy taking home gold, Will M stealing a silver and Aiwin sneaking on the end with a bronze.

And with the conclusion of the kata events it was just on to the last 7 kumite events starting with (the female 9-12 category) event 9 where true to her love for kumite Lucy went up conquered taking gold and Poppy coming away with the silver. Next the event 10 (male kumite 12-14yrs) Joe went up and didn’t disappoint with a strong performance and taking bronze. And event 11 (female kumite 12-14) didn’t disappoint either with both Romie and Olivia going up and performing and taking bronzes.

 

Edwin and Will face off against each other!

After a brief stop for the judges to get up and move around a little we were back on with the final for events for the OAP categories also known as the Over 18yrs!  - first was event 14 (beginner - 3^rd kyu) and from the outset the atmosphere around the mats was strong and determined. Paul D was first up on the mats and he had what looked like his most relaxed match to-date, then Matthew and I were up and it was a close and strong round for Matthews first time up on the mats he performed extremely well, and the final was very competitive between myself and Alan from Selby. The results being me stealing gold, and Matthew and Paul D taking home the bronze. Next up we’re the ladies in event 15 and a small 3 way competition it was between Helen, Katherine and Kirsty who all performed well and showed that they enjoyed the rounds and Helen came away with a bronze to her name.

Ben performing Heian Yondan

Event 16 (Over 18 2^nd Kyu- Shodan) was next and we were all back up on the mats,  myself and Paul be stepped up for our first bout and the feeling on the mats were amazing the tension between Paul and I was phenomenal and it was a really fun and good round to be in, then Paul D was up with Alan for his round and they were both going round and giving each other a real run for their money, the semi-finals  saw Scott Haxby and I up against one another and for a fleeting moment we were on the mats before Scott took victory, next Matthew and Alan took to each other on the mats for a heated and what seemed a very long round. The final saw both Scott and Alan compete to the eventual victory for Scott who took gold, Alan silver and Matthew and I took bronze. The final event with the ladies Over 18 2^nd kyu- Shodan again saw all the ladies back up in the mats and again some very strong rounds. With Helen taking herself another bronze medal for her collection.

All events were done and all we had left was to pack up and with the help from everyone it seemed to fly by and was tidied away in no time. And as customary we retired to the local hostelry for a post completion drink with friends to celebrate what a good day we’d had.

Paul (D) also performing Heian Sandan

So I think all that needs to be said is a big thank you to all who competed in the completion and to all the supported that came for our club. A even bigger thank you to the officials both sensei’s, club members and  family alike and finally a massive thank you to Paul Sensei for if it wasn’t for all the hours of planning and preparation he’s put in to organising this event it wouldn’t have been possible.

Poppy gets in a lovely long Gyaku Tzuki

 

From me to all a big thank you.

Osu

Ben

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

JKS Spring Seminar

Once again, the annual spring technical seminar has come around lead by Masao Kagawa Shihan (9^th Dan) down at the Djanogly centre Nottingham. Departing from York at roughly 8am three cars loaded, eager and ready for a hard days training set forth; in one we had Mike Sensei driving with the company of Jim and Brenda Sensei, Paul and Elizabeth another with Ian Sensei and Olivia and the final was myself (Ben), Dael, Lucy and Romie. After a rather wet but smooth flowing drive down to Nottingham we all arrived promptly by 10am with time before training to meet and greet with friendly faces from across the country. Slowly the hall filled up with more and more karateka until it was packed beyond a usual course.

Not a moment late we were called to line up for introductions to the course by Alan Campbell Sensei (7^th Dan) and introduction to Kagawa Shihan, we began with some heavy warm-ups to get the blood pumping and loosen us up a bit (and we needed it for what came next).  We began with what you would assume was a simple task to just punch choku-tsuki jodan and chudan relaxed and with control (trying to be relaxed is very hard) and then we moved on to kicking maegeri chudan with the same control.  All demonstrated with extreme control and precision by Kagawa Shihan as he made it look as easy as it sounds. Then we practised mawashi-geri and yoko-geri kekomi with our partners as a target, and then bent over as an obstacle for us to kick over to allow us to target over their back with our kicks.

The Haxby contingent (with the exception of Paul B)
with Kagawa Shihan

Following this practice of control and relaxing we moved on to demonstrating what we had learnt by doing basic Kihon Ippon Kumite (one step sparring) Jodan, Chudan, Mae-geri, Yoko-geri, Mawashi-geri and Ushiro-geri. After running through this a couple times, we were called around to watch and listen to Kagawa Shihan explain what he was more looking for in the form of Kaishi Ippon Kumite (reaction sparring) where he explained that as we stand together we look into the eyes of our opponent and as he phrased it, read their minds as to where our opponent would be attacking, stating that against a black belt this is easy because they think about how to attack, where a Kyu grade simply throws themselves in making it harder to read. After watching his demonstration, we moved on to putting it in to practice, to begin with we only attacked jodan and chudan oi-tsuki, so we could get a feel, after ten attacks from each side we moved on to attempt it with both mawashi-geri and Ushiro mawashi-geri. To round off the lesson of control and relaxation within karate Kagawa Shihan did one last demonstration where we chose a rather tall karateka to come out and just stand in stance with a roll of tape sat on his head, stating beforehand if he kicks him he is very sorry. With perfect control Kagawa missed his first kick just catching the side of his partners head, next he easily placed his foot about a foot over the target and finally he caught the tape and sent it sailing through the air towards the end of the hall. 

After a short 2-minute water break we got straight back in to training and ready for some kata practise, where we went through Junro Shodan, Nidan and Sandan and thanks to Mike and Paul Sensei we were slightly ahead with having recently been through the Junro katas at the dojo. We focused on trying to perform the katas as Asai Sensei had envisioned them when he created them, to be free flowing and smooth rather than the standard Shotokan kata, which tends to be more rigid. 

A well earned lunch break

After a quick lunch break and a catch-up with everyone from all ends off the hall on how the training was going we got back to training. The last session was focused around Kagawa Shihan’s favourite kata Bassai Dai, where he explained that everyone should choose their favourite kata based on how if fits to you, both in body and mind, because if the kata feels right to you in every aspect of your karate then it will always be performed effortlessly and with full feeling. After several practice runs (and being corrected by Jim Sensei and a couple others further up the line for where we were in the kata) and some in depth practice of certain moves and transitions between them it was time to preform what we had learnt. Sending everyone to one side the kyu grades were called up first, followed Shodan to Sandan for a very strong performance of the kata and finally Yondan up performed in front of everybody and quite honestly showed how to perform a kata the way it was intended to be.

After a short stop the Sandan and Yondan gradings took place and powerful performance were had by everybody, some exceptional kata was performed and staying true to what was said in the last lesson, bassai dai was chosen by Kagawa Shihan for every grading. The level of kumite was top notch as everyone wasn’t battling to beat their opponents but battling to attain their next Dan grade, the next step in their karate journey. A huge congratulation to Matt and Steve Sensei from Selby on both passing their Sandan.

Kagawa Shihan with the JKS England Senior Instructors

And after a long hard and warm days training with the most exceptional instruction we departed for home not without taking a small detour for a well-deserved ice-cream en-route. I think I speak for us all when I say good day was had by all.

Osu

Ben

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

More Grading Success!

Once again it was time to assess how far our club members have come on their karate journey, so we gathered again at Manor School for our grading course. There was something different about this one, and it was not just that it was held on a Saturday! Mike and Keith Sensei were going to examine all the student up to 1^st Kyu, as this would free up Alan Campbell Sensei (7th Dan), Head of JKS England, and Steve Carless Sensei (6^th Dan) to concentrate on the instruction.

Steve Sensei taking the class through Tekki Shodan

As always I was busy welcoming people to the course so did not get to see much of the training or grading for the Junior Grades, but I do know that everyone did brilliantly. Angel, Florence, Austin, Ella, Alfie, and Poppy (P) were our first club members to step before the examiners and all did very well and were awarded their 11^th Kyu. Meanwhile Isla, Jaxon, Harley, Robert, Liya, and Evan continued their steady progress and picked up their 10^th Kyu.

Jesteena, Venus, Matthew and Will (B) were next up for the club. There were some nerves on show from Venus and Matthew but they were easily overcome as everyone was successful in attaining their 9th (Jesteena, Venus & Matthew) Kyu or 8^th Kyu (Will).

The club gained a troop of Yellow belts as Jeon, Annabelle, Joshua, Zach, and Daniel all impressed the examiners to be awarded their 7^th Kyu.

 

Some of our Junior grades showing off their technique

Paul (D) was up next to try for his 6^th Kyu. I know that Paul was nervous on the run up to the grading, but he trains hard, and tries his very best at each and every training session, and this paid off as he was able to walk away with his Green Belt.

Edwin, Thomas, Ben, Poppy (M), and Aidan all continued their relentless progress through the mid grades with Edwin, Thomas, and Ben being awarded 5^th Kyu, and Poppy (M), and Aidan being awarded 4^th Kyu. Brown belt is on the horizon, and to reach will require another step change improvement in your karate, the challenge is there but I am sure that you are more than capable of rising to it.

 

Paul and Ben battle it out!

Overcoming this challenge was exactly what William (V), Aiwin, and Oliver did. They all put in good performances, and nice strong katas to attain 3^rd Kyu Brown Belt. Now they start the long round to preparation for Shodan (Black Belt). Again each of them has the potential to get there, but it will require dedication and hard work!

Will (M) and Paul (B) took their next step on their journey to Shodan by both successfully grading to 2^nd Kyu. I know Paul was quite nervous going into the grading, but his kumite in particular has developed over the past several weeks, and this showed in his grading. Will also seems to be settling down into his karate lately, his technique has improved a lot and has become more focussed.

Olivia looking very composed!

Olivia was the last of our club to grade. Despite her outward calm I know that she too was feeling pre-grading nerves. Olivia has made steady progress since joining the club and this continued at the grading where she put in a very confident (despite the nerves) andcompetent performance to gain her 1^st Kyu. The next step is Shodan! There is an entirely new kihon syllabus to learn and freestyle kumite to master, but I am very confident that she will continue her determined pursuit of Shodan and be joining the clubs group of Black Belts before too long.

Whilst the Senior Grades were being tested Alan and Steve Sensei were continuing their instruction of the rest of the attendees. The class was split slightly differently than normal, with Alan Sensei taking the Dan Grades through as a special Nidan and Sandan course whilst Steve Sensei continued to instruct the rest of the class.

I attended Alan Sensei’s session, and to be quite honest is was brilliant. He slowly built up the techniques in the Kihon syllabus to drive home the important and underlying points. The level of technical detail was excellent, but what was equally important were the hints and tips as to what the examiners are looking for in terms of spirit and attitude as well as technique. All in all it was an excellent course, and invaluable for any aspiring Nidans or their instructors.

 

Alan Sensei taking the Senior class through Bassai Dai

As always I would like to thank Alan and Steve Sensei for their instruction, and Paul Sensei for arranging and administering the course (ably assisted by James Vince, who has kindly agreed to help out with the administration of the courses).

OSU

Jim

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