Congratulations to Neil. Student of the year 2008.

Neil Cameron was 2008's student of the year. Congratulations Neil and keep up the hard work.

Christmas Party

Thanks to Sara for taking a few snaps at our Christmas party/Training session. We even had a special guest appearance by Sensei Santa himself.

December Gradings

Congratulations to all those who graded in December.

Andy Smith - 3rd Kyu Brown Belt

Neil Cameron - 6th Kyu Green Belt

Iain Abernathy Course, October 18th 2008

Sensei Dave Blackburn, Linda Croarkin and myself, Sensei Andy Bailey attended a seminar/training session at Thornaby on the 18th October with Sensei Iain Abernathy, 5th Dan. It was a well spent 5 hours. We concentrated on grappling and take downs. Sensei Iain went through the 9 throws that Shihan Funakoshi presented in a book to the Emperor when he went over to mainland Japan from Okinawa to show him the martial art of Karate that was being practised on the island. At the end of the session, Iain was kind enough to read them out in order so we could video them on my phone. Excuse the poor execution of these as we had only just been shown them and were still a bit unsure, but it was an excellent reminder as we would have forgotten most of them by the Monday as there was so much to take in. The throws are in order:-

1. To topple a folding screen - Byobudaoshi

2. Spinning top - Komanage

3. To encircle the neck - Kubiwa

4. Half Wheel - Katawaguouman

5. V Turning swallow - Tsubamegaeshi

6. To spear a ball - Yaridama

7. To push off a cliff - Taniotoshi

8. To encircle the arm - Udewa

9. To hammer upside down - Sakatsuchi

Apologies for the spelling. Blame Sensei Dave's writing.

September 2008 Gradings

We have decided to grade students in batches rather than all at once. Congratulatuions to all the white belts who graded in September to Yellow Belt, 8th Kyu.

Ben, Mike, Carlie, Rowland, Jeff and Daniel.

Well done everyone, especially Charlie who got best grading. Excellent stance and Kicks Charlie!

May Gradings 2008

Congratulations to all those who graded.
Grading to 7th Kyu Orange Belt:-
Charlie Gabriel
Neil Cameron
Louis Cameron
Sara Hutchinson
Oliver Smith
Grading to 4th Kyu Purple Belt:-
Andrew Smith
Grading to 1st Kyu brown Belt:-
Linda Croarkin

Club Fees

Just a quick note. The Adult fees has increased from £1.50 to £2.00 a session. This is still extremely cheap.The club does not operate at a profit and any money is put straight back into the club. On some sessions we were operating at a loss and therefore have had no choice but to increase the fees.