Sensei Angelo Sanna Course including referee training.

Sensei Sanna is Chief Referee for the WTKO (World Traditional Karate Organisation). He graded to Rokudan (6th Dan) under the esteemed Enoeda Shihan. He is an A class referee, A level Instructor, B level Examiner and A level Referee, all awarded by Tanaka, Osaka and Ueki Sensei in Tokyo.
As some are aware, I started off my karate journey in Shotokan, attaining my Shodan under Sensei Kato. I have always maintained my Shotokan roots and regularly attend courses with my fellow Shotokan karateka. Recently I joined the WTKO as an independent member to keep in touch with my Shotokan heritage. They have a pool if renowned instructors that Sanna Sensei is part of. The course I attended yesterday was of the same high standard I have come to expect from the WTKO. It was hosted by Glenn Riley Sensei at the Akashi Dojo at Leeds.
The course consisted of a two hour training session then a further two hour study session for Senior Grades on refereeing and judging.
During the first two hours we concentrated on a number of points. Efficiency of movement when stepping either forward or back whilst punching. This involved avoiding unnecessary extra movement that would slow down your technique and warm your opponent of your intention.
We then moved on to the best way to deal with a mawashigeri by not blocking, but instead attacking, either punching or kicking the opponent before the kick fully forms.
Finally we were shown how to make basic kihon more interesting by modifying kihon kata using basic kicks, blocks and punches.

The referees course was a less physical part of the day, yet no less demanding. Sanna Sensei went though the WTKO Referee and Judges manual giving examples of terminology, signals and whistle blows. This session was a precursor to a future examination in the next 6 months. If the attendees wanted to sit the exam they would need to study and practice hard over the months ahead. Depending on their grade and experience would depend on what level qualification they could attain.
By the time this was over my head was throbbing. So much to learn.

Club Instructor helps out Durham PHAB Club

On Wednesday last week I received a call for help from Dunelm Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club (PHAB). They were holding an activities event for members in order to raise funds for this great charity on Saturday 5th September. Unfortunately they had been let down by one of the activity leaders so I said I would gladly run two hour long sessions for any one interested in trying their hand at a bit of karate. I had 5 in each group and they were a very enthusiastic bunch to teach. The lesson consisted of first donning a Gi and belt to look the part, a brief explanation of karate and its roots, then a warm up. We then started off with basic zuki techniques and pad work, then maegeri, again with pad work. The session ended with a short demonstration of kata and controlled techniques. Before I knew it the session was over. I presentation was made before a lovely buffet lunch, where each participant received a Congratulations for completing an Introduction to Karate Certificate. Thanks for the invite Dunelm PHAB club.

Japan Trip 2015

On October the 18th 2015 I will be flying to Japan with my fellow karateka from the WTKO. 14 of us will be travelling from 4 different countries, The trip will be led by Scott Langley Sensei who is a Rokudan, 6th Dan Karateka and Technical Director for WTKO GB. Scott is also the best selling author of Karate Stupid, which tells the story of his ordeals whilst completing the gruelling Instructors course at the JKS Honbu Dojo in Japan.

The itinerary  for the trip is as follows and I will write a blog on my return highlighting my experiences during the trip of a lifetime:-

Japan Trip ‘15

18^th October

Leave for Japan

19^th October

Arrive in Japan – Go directly to Hakone and stay at http://english.ichinoyu.co.jp/daihakone/

Hakone is at the foothills of Mt Fuji and is a great natural spa area.

21^st – 26^th October

Return to Tokyo - Stay in Homeikan, near Tokyo Stadium. http://www.homeikan.com/

During our stay in Tokyo we will train with Ohta Sensei at Keio University and also Kawasaki Sensei at Kamakura. We will also have chance to go sightseeing around Tokyo and we will also travel to Nikko. http://www.nikko-japan.org/

26^th – 29^th October

We will fly to Naha in Okinawa where we will have a 3 day, private seminar with Senaha Sensei 9^th Dan Goju Ryu at his private dojo. Naha is a wonderful, tropical town, so during our days we will sightsee and visit Shuri Castle, Kokusai Dori (International Street), the famous “Kill Bill” sake bar amongst other local legendary attractions!

29^th October

Return Home.

Ground work and throws

Our karate club now has a full set of mats so that we can cover the whole dojo. These were donated by Sensei Steve Wilkinson, John Ward and Paul Young (Who runs the Tai Chi class with Steve). Throws and ground work are an essential part of karate and need to be practised regularly to ensure that they become part of a fully rounded karatekas skill set.

Within the kata we practice and our kihon drills there are throws and take downs, but to practice them just in this way without practical application means they become worthless. Ground work on the other hand is what karateka need when things go wrong. A karateka should aim to stay on his feet where possible. This is where our strength lies. But sometimes we could end up on the floor. Not a good place to be as this is a very vulnerable position to both injury from the hard surface of the ground, the aggressors associates and obviously the aggressor themselves. We therefore need to be if not experts in the ground game, proficient enough to  at least get out of it. The same principles apply on the ground as stood up i.e Connection, keeping relaxed, sensitivity, balance and finding the empty space.

A link to terminology is attached.Throws and ground work terminology

New Management Committee established.

As part of the club restructure a management committee has also been established with the following quorum:-

Chair and Chief Instructor - Sensei Steve Wilkinson, Yondan (4th Dan).

Vice Chair - Sensei Martyn Butterfield.

Secretary and Child Protection Officer - Sensei Andy Bailey, Yondan (4th Dan).

Treasurer - Sensei Linda Croakin, Shodan (1st Dan).

New Chief Instructor

Sensei Steve Wilkinson is the new Chief Instructor for the club. He has over 40 years martial arts experience and is a Yondan (4th Dan) black belt in Anshin Ryu. Sensei Wilkinson also has experience in Judo as well as being a practitioner of Tai Chi Chuan for over 8 years, which influences his karate.

Newton Aycliffe Karate Club Constitution and Policies Documents

Link to Newton Aycliffe Karate Club Constitution and Policies Document:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2zbRSojyJZBZkt3SXhuWUZjZzg/view?usp=sharing


Link to Newton Aycliffe Karate Club Licence Application and renewal form:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2zbRSojyJZBQ1gxQnVsYktXSWc/view?usp=sharing