This year we were blessed with wonderful weather during the whole course. As last
year, Sensei, Julie, Steve & Mary 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 and we were joined by
Kiku Wa Jyuku student Andrew Skelton. Bob Wymer and the Norway contingent
arrived later that evening, having enjoyed their long but uneventful journey. Friday
afternoon we were joined by Kiku Wa Jyuku’s Carol and Meg Chatterton together
with Kishin Kai’s Andrew & Fiona Genery after their long drive from Doncaster.
The Spring Course always attracts a good turnout and this year was no exception. As
well as the usual attendees from the UK Shikukai Clubs, we welcomed students from
Norway, Holland and Kishin Kai, Doncaster.
Friday evening was the start of the course proper, with Steve Chamberlain leading the
warm up and initial hour of training. Sensei was keen that students practised correct
hand movement and this was the theme of the evening. Steve Rawson and I continued
the theme, with Sensei completing the session.
Saturday’s session was initially taken by myself, with the theme being Junzuki and
Gyakuzuki movement. Under Sensei’s watchful gaze these movements were broken
down and I had the “pleasure” of being the guinea pig to demonstrate the good and
bad points of Gyakuzuki with the help of Sensei’s shinai! After a short break the
students were divided into four groups,. Tim Shaw took the senior Dan Grades
through Seishan kata, while Naihanchi was the kata of choice for the other Black &
Brown belts. Steve Chamberlain and Bob Wymer took charge of the lower Dan
Grades under the watchful eye of Sugasawa Sensei while Steve & myself took the
brown belts. Richard Barham put the Junior Grades through the Pinan Katas. At the
end of training, Sensei presented Astrid Schelen de Vries from Holland with her 2nd
Dan Certificate. He also presented Kenbu Jyuku students Archie Warren and Lewis
Higginson with their Shikukai belts, following their attainment of 1st Dan at last
year’s Spring Course. The usual course photograph was taken.
On Saturday evening as last year, 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,
while Steve & I headed home for a bit of rest and relaxation!
Sunday morning’s session came round quickly. This time it was the turn of Steve
Rawson to lead the training. Sensei wanted the students to practice core stability in
relation to their kicks, so the lesson was dedicated to being able to balance on one leg
and Kaeshi kicking. After a short break, Sensei used Steve R as his “model” –
focussing on Gyakuzuki No Tsukkomi. Steve & myself took the 1st Dan and brown
belts for Kihon Gumite while Tim and Steve C worked with the seniors on Kihon
Gumite Ipponme under the watchful eye of Sensei. The juniors were taken by
Richard and Steve Thain.
All too soon it was the final morning, and a meeting was held for the Instructors.
Tim Shaw took this session which focussed on San mi Ittai Dosa. The two hours
passed very quickly, during which time Showa Jyuku student Dave Fowler graded for
1st Kyu and was successful. Steve & I took the senior Dan Grades through some non
syllabus pairworks while the Dan Grading candidates were put through their paces by
Sensei Sugasawa.
All too soon, time was up and the hall was prepared for the Dan Grading.
The following students were successful:
1st Dan – Andrew Skelton and Meg Chatterton (Kiku Wa Jyuku)
2nd Dan – Margaret Harris (Kiku Wa Jyuku) and Teresa Claxton (Showa Jyuku)
3rd Dan – Frank Parry (Zendo Jyuku)
Congratulations to all.
Pam Rawson
30th May 2026
Shikukai Karate-Do International 