Another early start, another new place to visit, O’ the joys of Karate!!!
Admittedly as I entered the “National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham” into my SatNav I did think that somebody was playing a practical joke, but once I arrived and had a look around at the massive lakes and rowing facilities I noticed a stream of arriving karate-ka, I guessed it was the right place after all.
Training was superb, with Sensei Sherry jumping straight into sparring techniques that were very energising and engaging. Sensei Higgins took over at half time with Bunkai based upon Tekki Nidan which defiantly gives a different angle on understanding this kata.
But the real point of the day was for Sian Belsey (Cardiff Club, formerly Aberystwyth Club) and Sarah Fitzpatrick (Aberystwyth Club) to take their 1st Dan black belt grading. Both had been training very hard over the last few months and my confidence was high, although the nerves were definately showing.
They both demonstrated a very high level of skill and quality of technique, the kumite offering the most entertainment. Sarah showed that attacking in combinations involving jodan is indeed in her forte, she definitely has a fast punch. Sian embraced the ‘aggressive continuous attacking’ strategy (described by a senior fellow instructor as being as “mad as a mad thing” – excellent). Sensei Sherry enjoyed it so much that Sian was called up to fight a lone 1st Dan female going for her 2nd Dan. It was a joy to see that she scored a couple of “Fruity” jodan punches.
Congratulations to our new Dan Grades.
Sensei
