After three weeks of lovely hot sunshine we knew the weather would probably break
before the course, but luckily we had a mixed bag of sun/cloud and wind, with the
rain mostly overnight.
Sensei, Julie and Steve Chamberlain brought the sun with them when they arrived on
Thursday, joining us for refreshments in the garden before going on to their
accommodation. Thursday is a Club training night for us, with our potential Dan
Grade candidates being put through their paces one last time. We were also joined by
Kishin Kai student Michael Phelan who had travelled down from Burnley to take part
in the course. Bob Wymer and the Norway contingent arrived later that evening,
having enjoyed their long but good journey.
Also, Martijn and Astrid Schelen de Vries from the Kenkokai Dojo the Netherlands travelled all the way down to the South West for this course.
Shouwa Jyuku student Teresa Claxton had been promised a sea swim if she arrived
early enough on the Friday, which she duly did. A cold but refreshing dip followed,
with Steve and Bob minding the bags!
In the afternoon we were joined by Kiku Wa Jyuku’s Carol and Meg Chatterton
together with Kishin Kai’s Andrew Genery and his student Paul, who are both now
regulars on the course.
Friday evening was the start of the course proper, with Steve Chamberlain leading the
warm up. Steve Rawson took the initial part of the session with emphasis on how to
make a correct fist, using focus pads as a training aid. Slow and controlled Junzuki
movements were then practised, concentrating on Hikite. I then took the session with
some paired kicking exercises, finishing the evening with some simple paired kumite
drills.
Saturday began with a warm up by Steve R, with Sensei again concentrating on
Sonabazuki and Hikite movements. After a short break the students were divided into
four groups, each working on Pinan Yondan. I took the 4th Dan+ group, under the
watchful eye of Sensei, with Tim, Steve C and Steve R working with the others. At
the end of training, Sensei presented 1st Dan Certificates to Hoku Sei Jyuku’s Per Eide
and Berit Lyngstad and the usual course photograph was taken.
On Saturday evening the seniors enjoyed a group meal at Rona’s Turkish Bar and
Restaurant in the town which everyone enjoyed. The more energetic members
extended their evening with music, dancing and beers in the local pubs.
Sunday morning came round quickly (particularly for those who had extended their
evening!!) with Tim Shaw taking the warm up. After basics, Steve R and Tim were
called upon to demonstrate the Kyu Grade pairworks, starting from 8th Kyu and
working up to 5th kyu. Sensei wanted to ensure that everyone was aware of the correct
movements. Concentration was of the utmost and three hours passed without a break.
All too soon it was the final morning, and a meeting was held for the Instructors. I
took the warm up, then it was more Pairwork practice, with Tim and Steve C taking
the grading candidates to one side and going through their various syllabi. Richard
Barham conducted the Kyu Grading at 12 noon, with Kelly Cavaciuti (Kiku Wa
Jyuku) and Will Doble (Mushin Jyuku) both attaining 5th Kyu.
Sensei covered in detail the remaining Kyu Grade pairwork up to and including 3rd
Kyu plus some of the Kumite Gata with the help of Gary Ockwell and Rob Selby.
By now the clock was showing it was the end of the course and it was time to prepare
for the Dan Grading. Four students attempted 1st Dan and the following were
successful:
Archie Warren – Ken Bu Jyuku
Lewis Higginson – Ken Bu Jyuku.
Congratulations to both.
Pam Rawson
27th May 2025
Shikukai Karate-Do International 