Academy of Shotokan - Eglinton

We will be having a squad travelling down to Dublin for the JKS annual championships on Sunday 13th May commencing at 9am.

Best of luck wishes go to

Daniel Burley (Kumite)

Bradley McCausland (Kumite & Kata)

Thomas Bradley (Kumite & Kata)

Dylan Carton (Kumite & Kata)

Shane Devine  (Kumite & Kata)

Jay Johnston (Gohon Kumite & Kata)

This is a big step up in terms of standard but great experience will be gained and a tremendous boost to confidence. Will also be fantastic for the students to watch a very well ran competition.

I will keep you updated on any developments and pictures!

First I would like to say congratulations to all who graded on Sunday. Even though this was our first grading with ASK & Sensei Hazard, he commented several times on the high standard and natural talent within the club. This is evident on how many 1^st class & 2^nd class passes were awarded. This is no easy feat as I was discussing this with Sensei Mike Hogan (4^th Dan) from Co. Clare, Sensei’s scores the grading very firm and strict. A special congratulation to Bradley McCausland and Thomas Bradley who double graded straight to 9^th Kyu or orange belt. Sensei said himself that double graded is virtually unheard of at aged 13 years never mind 11 years old so very well done. This is testament to the effort these two lads have put into training over the last 3 to 4 months. Also to Daniel Burley who was awarded his 3^rd Mon grade which is his initiation into ASK system as there was no suitable partner for his Kumite match.

I hope to bring Sensei Hazard over again in October or November of this year for the 2^nd grading & weekend course and I will let you all know in due course.

Next on the agenda is a regional karate completion to which we have been invited. I will discuss this in more detail in class but this is on 9^th July and is hosted by Ventures 2 club in Lifford near Strabane. I have categories of Kumite, 5 step sparring and Kata at various age groups and I will select suitable people in the next week or so to allow them to consider if they would like to enter. This is a great opportunity to put your training into practice in a very controlled and safe environment and also a great chance to build confidence and make new friends.

Over the next few weeks I will be looking for fund raising ideas for the club to purchase some essential equipment and to subsidise Sensei Hazards’ next visit. Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated.

So well done to all students and I hope the under 8’s learned something from this weekend and how it all works. Sensei Hazard is a very special instructor and you are all in a very privileged position in being able to train with an absolute world renowned legend. He has only accepted 2 clubs into his association in the last 5 years and we are one of them!! He has told me that he turns down at least 1 to 2 clubs every week!!!

So keep up the hard work and attendance and we shall be working on Kumite techniques and drills as well as the little points Sensei has spoken to me about over the weekend.

 

Oss

Sensei Paul

Firstly I would like to let you all know that we now have our new website up and running! The address is www.eglintonkarateclub.co.uk there is some items that still need to be added/ uploaded but I will be doing this in the coming week so keep a close eye on it. This is a great point of reference for you all and please explore all the links to other ASK clubs in particular Paul Herbert 5^th Dan from Dartford Karate Club.

The club will be closing for 1 month as of Friday 8^th July being the last session and will return Tuesday 9^th August. This allows for you (and me!!) to enjoy the holidays.

The competition in Lifford near Strabane is on Saturday 9^th July and commences at 10am. I have forms for anyone interested in taking part. There are sections for Kata (All ages), Kumite                       (Ages 5 to 7) one step pre arranged & 8 yrs upwards will be free style Kumite. Also there is adult Kata & Kumite. Prices are £6 per event and as this is a competition run by Ventures 2 club, all proceeds go to them. I will be at the competition to support any of my students who wish to go and also to help out judging. I need all forms back by Tuesday 5^th July latest as all money and forms need to be taken up to Lifford prior to the competition.

Our next grading and course with Sensei Hazard has been confirmed which will be November 5^th & 6^th (Sat & Sun). Once we come back from our holidays we will start back to the grading syllabus as this only gives us approximately 12 weeks to prepare.

All fundraising ideas are still welcome and this is what the club needs to focus on after the break. We need essential funds to keep the club running and to bring Sensei Hazard over 3 times a year. This is at huge cost to the club and is in everyone’s interest to help out including me!!! More details will follow once we get these ideas in place.

I will also be putting together a club committee after the break. This will consist of chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, treasurer and 2 to 3 others. This needs to be in place so I can go onto Derry City Sports Council to enable the club to apply for funding for certain equipment throughout the year. Also it gives the club a structure, valuable input and support from others which are needed in any successful club. Anyone interested please feel free to contact me anytime. This would only be a few meetings per year in a local location for maybe an hour, so don’t be worried!

I hope you all enjoy your summer holidays and please be safe. Remember to keep training or practicing over the summer break to keep things fresh in your mind and check out the club website!!

 

Oss Sensei Paul