Been a while since I had the time to sit and write a blog. Don't really have the time now but hey!
My thoughts about summer are mixed. As usual, attendance at classes was low. Be it down to students being away on holiday, not bothering to come for whatever reason or totally blind to the fact that we were open for Karate! The Bring a Buddy period was exciting and has brought in a few new full time members so that was a success. Have to do another one soon. On the other hand the leaflet drop wasn't quite as successful but I do thank those who came out and helped.
On the other foot, those who did appear in the dojo for training, were full of enthusiasm and raring to go. After the National Championships in June, there was only the grading to look forward to before the summer holidays. Now they are over and the schools have re-opened, this is the beginning of a very busy few months for me, Masonically as well as Karatery. Nice word!
In a few days time, I will be at the 3 day International JKA Autumn Course in Crawley at the K2 Leisure Centre. Great time to catch up with all my friends that attend the course. Have a couple of TSKC members trying for a DAN grade on Sunday 28th. Best of luck to you.
The World Championships are taking place in October and our very own Jason Fox and our honorary member Nicole Lester will both be competing for England. In November we have the JKA Open competition on the 1st and our own grading with Ohta Sensei on the 9th.
Many will not be aware but I do actually have a social life too which includes my family, Masonry and Geocaching and as such have plays, soirees, caching and hoards of meetings to attend. Just hope my memory doesn't mess up.
The Royal Latin School deserves a mention as they will keep me extremely busy this year with the 15 NEW students whoa turned up last week. My only concern is how many will make the grade and come back for the next lesson!! All I hope. I think I was nice.
That time of year where the last grass cutting is imminent. Yay!
Sue has started her new Mobile Nail business. Go visit her website: HP Nails
Enjoy the rest of the year.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Dying City
An appeal:
This is a huge project for Chris and Emily to undertake so please find the time to support them by going to see the play.
What's the play about?
In Christopher Shinn's new play Dying City, a young therapist, Kelly, whose husband Craig was killed while on military duty in Iraq, is confronted a year later by his identical twin Peter, who suspects that Craig’s death was not accidental. Set in a spare downtown-Manhattan apartment after dark, scenes shift from the confrontation between Peter and Kelly, to Kelly's complicated farewell with her husband Craig. Shinn's creepy, sophisticated drama—infused with references to 9/11 and the war in Iraq—explores how contemporary politics and recent history have transformed the lives of these three characters.You can get more details and information on tickets by visiting the Twitter and FaceBook links.
Rosemary Branch Theatre
Upstairs@The Gatehouse
The Camden Fringe
Monday, March 10, 2014
What's Been Happening?
Since the last entry, a few things have happened in relation to the club. Where do I start? How about - the first thing I can think of. Okay.
There was a JKA England National Course held at Wellingborough which included training for all grades as well as a DAN grading for Shodan & Nidan afterwards. We had 3 students attempting their grading; Ben and Dave C were trying for Shodan but were unfortunately not successful. Nicole was grading to Nidan and was successful. Nice birthday present to herself as the previous day was her 18th! We had a great turnout from TSKC too with a 12.1% yield. Hahahaha.
On 16th February, we held a special KYU grading course in Winslow. This was a 2 hour course for all those - and others if they wished - to have a 'lesson' concentrating solely on the elements of the syllabus for their grading which was due to take place the following Sunday. We had 32 attendees and was very well received.
The following Sunday was the first KYU grading for TSKC of the year. Our grading examiner was Gary Stewart 5th DAN JKA and JKA England Squad Coach. A small grading in comparison to previous gradings but this was complemented by students who wanted to just train - in the first class in particular. There were no temporary passes and I was pleased with the performance of the majority of the students. Well done! Charlie D performed extremely well and double graded from Red (8th kyu) to Green (6th kyu) belt.
On 24th February my daughter passed her driving test! Yay! Well done Grace.
On March 2nd the Instructor and Referees exam took place in Egham. Just need to wait for the results.
Finally, Carlos had asked to host a Kumite course for Purple belts upwards. Again, it was a specialised course, 2 hours duration and held at the Winslow dojo. A hearty 19 students attended an extremely informative and worthy course. Thank you all for attending and supporting TSKC.
22nd March - MY BIRTHDAY!!!
There was a JKA England National Course held at Wellingborough which included training for all grades as well as a DAN grading for Shodan & Nidan afterwards. We had 3 students attempting their grading; Ben and Dave C were trying for Shodan but were unfortunately not successful. Nicole was grading to Nidan and was successful. Nice birthday present to herself as the previous day was her 18th! We had a great turnout from TSKC too with a 12.1% yield. Hahahaha.
On 16th February, we held a special KYU grading course in Winslow. This was a 2 hour course for all those - and others if they wished - to have a 'lesson' concentrating solely on the elements of the syllabus for their grading which was due to take place the following Sunday. We had 32 attendees and was very well received.
The following Sunday was the first KYU grading for TSKC of the year. Our grading examiner was Gary Stewart 5th DAN JKA and JKA England Squad Coach. A small grading in comparison to previous gradings but this was complemented by students who wanted to just train - in the first class in particular. There were no temporary passes and I was pleased with the performance of the majority of the students. Well done! Charlie D performed extremely well and double graded from Red (8th kyu) to Green (6th kyu) belt.
On 24th February my daughter passed her driving test! Yay! Well done Grace.
On March 2nd the Instructor and Referees exam took place in Egham. Just need to wait for the results.
Finally, Carlos had asked to host a Kumite course for Purple belts upwards. Again, it was a specialised course, 2 hours duration and held at the Winslow dojo. A hearty 19 students attended an extremely informative and worthy course. Thank you all for attending and supporting TSKC.
22nd March - MY BIRTHDAY!!!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Update:
Today is the first Shodan Assessment for 2014. The Grading will be held on February 9th in Wellingborough. Wonder how many will want to try or Shodan?
On the 'foot' front, things are looking up notwithstanding the feeling of having a car parked on your chest when I woke on Sunday morning. The pain made me forget about my foot and when I got up this morning both pains appear to have gone. So a little more rest should see me alright into February.
We have seen about eleven new members this year so far; as long as the students have the confidence, quite a few trying for Shodan too.
Good luck to you all in 2014.
Don't forget the curry on the 25th January.
Oss!
On the 'foot' front, things are looking up notwithstanding the feeling of having a car parked on your chest when I woke on Sunday morning. The pain made me forget about my foot and when I got up this morning both pains appear to have gone. So a little more rest should see me alright into February.
We have seen about eleven new members this year so far; as long as the students have the confidence, quite a few trying for Shodan too.
Good luck to you all in 2014.
Don't forget the curry on the 25th January.
Oss!
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Unexpected events
It's been over 5 weeks now and the injury to my foot has still not healed. I am more than certain that I must have broken or fractured a bone in my foot. At least I can walk now, it's just putting weight / pressure on that leg or twisting. Have to take it easy if my intention is to attend the 4 day course in May!
The Christmas period has, as usual, taken its toll on me in two different ways:
1) Not as fit as I should be
2) Put some weight on but not as much as I used to so going to have to watch my food intake - again!
Starting to get back into the swing of things and looking forward to seeing my students again.
Oh and the Curry on 25th!
Oss!
The Christmas period has, as usual, taken its toll on me in two different ways:
1) Not as fit as I should be
2) Put some weight on but not as much as I used to so going to have to watch my food intake - again!
Starting to get back into the swing of things and looking forward to seeing my students again.
Oh and the Curry on 25th!
Oss!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
End of Year 2013
Well, the dojo's are now closed until 2014. Despite the fact that I need the rest so my foot can heal, this is going to be difficult for me. I find the more classes I teach and the more training I do, the more mobile I am. Give me a week off - let alone two! - I tend to seize up.
The cold, wet windy weather doesn't help either. So I suppose I will be a happy bunny (if I can ever be described as 'happy') when the dojo doors open in 2014.
Looking forward to events next year especially the DAN gradings throughout the year as we should have quite a few students ready to take it. Not forgetting the Curry on 25th January!! Nom, nom!
On other fronts, may well take a back seat with regard to 9752 after this year. As I said before, "It's not fun anymore". Still have my others to attend and visiting is always an option. Will get out and about more in 2014 on the Geocaching front so if anyone wants to join me, you will be most welcome.
Have a great Xmas and a Happy New Year!
Oss!
The cold, wet windy weather doesn't help either. So I suppose I will be a happy bunny (if I can ever be described as 'happy') when the dojo doors open in 2014.
Looking forward to events next year especially the DAN gradings throughout the year as we should have quite a few students ready to take it. Not forgetting the Curry on 25th January!! Nom, nom!
On other fronts, may well take a back seat with regard to 9752 after this year. As I said before, "It's not fun anymore". Still have my others to attend and visiting is always an option. Will get out and about more in 2014 on the Geocaching front so if anyone wants to join me, you will be most welcome.
Have a great Xmas and a Happy New Year!
Oss!
Monday, December 02, 2013
Busy Month - One way or Another
November 2013 - maybe not a hectic month as far as karate is concerned but I have been kept pretty busy nonetheless. At the beginning of the month we had the 10 year Anniversary Cup which was held at Burgess Hill Leisure Centre. A huge thank you to all those students who represented TSKC and those who managed to get medals as well. Congratulations.
My son Chris returned home after nearly 5 years away. Didn't realise how loud HE was!
Grace is learning to drive and partying a lot - not at the same time I might add.
then we had a Shodan Assessment on 14th followed by hosting a Regional type Course at Honbu on Thursday 28th where we had invited Ueda Sensei to take a course for us. Ohta Sensei assisted as interpreter. We had students / instructors from Reading, Oxford, Harpenden and Tilehurst in attendance and a great time was had by all.
To finish off the month, JKA England had a National All Grades Course and DAN grading at Bath University on Saturday 30th. Only a few more weeks until we break up for Christmas - that time already? - and a well earned rest.
Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you and a Happy New year for 2014.
Oss!
My son Chris returned home after nearly 5 years away. Didn't realise how loud HE was!
Grace is learning to drive and partying a lot - not at the same time I might add.
then we had a Shodan Assessment on 14th followed by hosting a Regional type Course at Honbu on Thursday 28th where we had invited Ueda Sensei to take a course for us. Ohta Sensei assisted as interpreter. We had students / instructors from Reading, Oxford, Harpenden and Tilehurst in attendance and a great time was had by all.
To finish off the month, JKA England had a National All Grades Course and DAN grading at Bath University on Saturday 30th. Only a few more weeks until we break up for Christmas - that time already? - and a well earned rest.
Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you and a Happy New year for 2014.
Oss!
Monday, October 14, 2013
DAN Grading
In the months leading up to the JKA England Autumn International Course, I have been working hard towards taking my Yondan (4th) grading. The course originally was going to take place at the K2 Leisure Centre but had to be switched to a new venue, Burgess Hill, due to a double booking.
Things were going well until 9 days before the course and my back went! With a little bit of tender loving care, I believed that it would be okay for the grading.
The 3rd day of the course arrived and despite a bit of pain, downed the pain killers and participated in the 3 hour course beforehand. Was then called up to ratify my D licence Referee qualification by performing a kata. Decided on Jion as that was the kata for my grading. I think it went well and the feedback I received was positive.
2 hours or so later, the senior DAN grading commenced. Unfortunately, the painkillers were wearing off. I did the best I could which resulted in Kata only next time. Must admit I was happy with this - enough to celebrate with a curry back in Wing!
Got my feedback on the grading and have a little inkling as to what I need to work on for next time.
Oss!
Things were going well until 9 days before the course and my back went! With a little bit of tender loving care, I believed that it would be okay for the grading.
The 3rd day of the course arrived and despite a bit of pain, downed the pain killers and participated in the 3 hour course beforehand. Was then called up to ratify my D licence Referee qualification by performing a kata. Decided on Jion as that was the kata for my grading. I think it went well and the feedback I received was positive.
2 hours or so later, the senior DAN grading commenced. Unfortunately, the painkillers were wearing off. I did the best I could which resulted in Kata only next time. Must admit I was happy with this - enough to celebrate with a curry back in Wing!
Got my feedback on the grading and have a little inkling as to what I need to work on for next time.
Oss!
Pleasantly Surprised.
JKA England are holding their Annual Instructor & Referees Qualification Course the weekend after next and I am happy to say that we have 9 TSKC members attending the course. This is excellent news for the club.
My vision with newly qualified Instructors means that the club will benefit from having the chance to be taught by other assistant instructors who may be able to inject a new view or aspect into learning our art.
Amongst the established Instructors attending, we have complete novices hoping to get some qualification they can put to use in the dojo in the future.
Oss!
My vision with newly qualified Instructors means that the club will benefit from having the chance to be taught by other assistant instructors who may be able to inject a new view or aspect into learning our art.
Amongst the established Instructors attending, we have complete novices hoping to get some qualification they can put to use in the dojo in the future.
Oss!
Saturday, September 07, 2013
Busy, busy, busy!
It appears to be a pretty busy time for TSKC this month. Having just attended the JKA England National Course in Burgess Hill, participated in the Annual General Meeting afterwards, we now look forward to bigger things to come. Training this month is centring on kata performance and kumite for the upcoming competition. As soon as that is over, we must switch back to the grading syllabus for the Kyu and DAN grades as the former have a grading in October and the DAN grades just one week after the competition. Not forgetting the Shodan assessment on 14th.
The International course starts on Friday 27th September and finishes on Sunday 29th September. It looks as though we may have at least 3 students going for Shodan, 1 for Nidan and one for Sandan. Good luck to all those who grade.
Besides the Kyu grading on October 20th with Sensei gary Stewart, we have JKA England Squad Selection on 13th October and Instructor / Referee Qualification Course at Egham on 27th.
Happy times!
The International course starts on Friday 27th September and finishes on Sunday 29th September. It looks as though we may have at least 3 students going for Shodan, 1 for Nidan and one for Sandan. Good luck to all those who grade.
Besides the Kyu grading on October 20th with Sensei gary Stewart, we have JKA England Squad Selection on 13th October and Instructor / Referee Qualification Course at Egham on 27th.
Happy times!
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
The Good 'Ol Days!
Well they weren't really - not in this case. Yesterday we delivered leaflets to nearly every household in Bierton. I remember doing this on my own back in 1999 and must say I did not relish the thought of having to revert back to this form of advertising in order to market to the younger generation.
"Why not publicise through the schools?" I hear you ask. Well that has become n expensive option nowadays. the Summer School was marketed that way for 3 years. It appears as though the school funds are not what they used to be and they are looking at every opportunity to raise funds too. One school said they would distribute the leaflets for a 'donation' of £50. Ha!
Anyway, Day 2 in Bierton was like a breath of fresh air. With the Inkley family (3); Butler family (4); Luca and myself - Bierton was done in 1½ hours as opposed to the 5-6 hours it took way back in "the good 'ol days!"
Big congrats to Michaela who leafletted over half of Winslow on Monday.
Prelim congratualations and thanks to the Perry's and Irvin's for the imminent delivery in Drayton Parslow.
"Why not publicise through the schools?" I hear you ask. Well that has become n expensive option nowadays. the Summer School was marketed that way for 3 years. It appears as though the school funds are not what they used to be and they are looking at every opportunity to raise funds too. One school said they would distribute the leaflets for a 'donation' of £50. Ha!
Anyway, Day 2 in Bierton was like a breath of fresh air. With the Inkley family (3); Butler family (4); Luca and myself - Bierton was done in 1½ hours as opposed to the 5-6 hours it took way back in "the good 'ol days!"
Big congrats to Michaela who leafletted over half of Winslow on Monday.
Prelim congratualations and thanks to the Perry's and Irvin's for the imminent delivery in Drayton Parslow.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Squad Selection
Whilst flitting through the various pages of the website - and what a great website it is - and blog articles, the Squad Selection date came to mind. Seeing as it's not really that far away, a week before the next kyu grading, I haven't received any requests to try out.
Hopefully our current members will continue.
Hopefully our current members will continue.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
It's the Students!
I have more or less come to the conclusion that a successful lesson is not totally dependent on the teacher / instructor. More of it is to do with the students. They make the lesson. Please don't say "Oh has he only just realised that?". I have known it for quite some time.
"So why are you mentioning now?" I hear you ask. Simple. I never had a blog before and at my age, by the time I get home from one of these great classes, have tea and wind down - I forget! Not tonight Josephine. Class at Honbu was buzzing with energy, down from my DAN grades to the white and orange belts. Time flies by and it just happened to be a night I needed to finish on time to pick up one of Grace's friends from work as they are off to Brighton for Grace's birthday and as I'm off to Newcastle in the early hours, timing was of the essence.
Fortunately all was okay and I got back in plenty of time for them to set off for Brighton. I now have 3 days off from teaching but not training. So enjoy my absence peeps. Back strong on Monday!
Oss!
"So why are you mentioning now?" I hear you ask. Simple. I never had a blog before and at my age, by the time I get home from one of these great classes, have tea and wind down - I forget! Not tonight Josephine. Class at Honbu was buzzing with energy, down from my DAN grades to the white and orange belts. Time flies by and it just happened to be a night I needed to finish on time to pick up one of Grace's friends from work as they are off to Brighton for Grace's birthday and as I'm off to Newcastle in the early hours, timing was of the essence.
Fortunately all was okay and I got back in plenty of time for them to set off for Brighton. I now have 3 days off from teaching but not training. So enjoy my absence peeps. Back strong on Monday!
Oss!
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Best laid plans
Why is it when you sit down and meticulously draft and plan out what you need to say, after publication and distribution you discover you managed to put in the wrong date! Hahaha! Hopefully, not too many people got the wrong info and managed to read the follow up email as well.
The leaflet drop is due to take place on Monday & Tuesday 2nd & 3rd September. Please let me know if you can help us:
Online Form. Click Here!
Online Form. Click Here!
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Summer Camp so far!
Little stars! That's what they are. All different and all with their own little quirks! - And that's the helpers!No resignations yet which is a result. I think I'd lost two at this time last year. Speaking of which, 4 out of 5 of the helpers are previous Summer Camp attendees.
Having a lot of fun and a great feeling of pride watching them evolve in front of your eyes every day. What on earth will happen tomorrow?
Oss!
Having a lot of fun and a great feeling of pride watching them evolve in front of your eyes every day. What on earth will happen tomorrow?
Oss!
Monday, August 05, 2013
Day 1 TSKC (Tairyoku Summer Karate Camp)
All Students turned up on time and after the nerves had settled, were ready to learn. We managed to cover a lot of things today, including;
Straight punch
Stepping
Turning
Stepping punch
Counting to 5 in Japanese
How to make a fist
Yoi / Yame / Mawate
Kiai!
Ranking system
Downward block
Three distinct sections of karate - Kihon / Kata / Kumite
Need to cover Origins of karate; Why we do karate; When we do karate; Part 1 of Kihon kata; Rising head block amongst others tomorrow.
My fantastic helpers today were Hannah J; Rachel K; James A; Emma L and Jennifer G. Oss!
Need to cover Origins of karate; Why we do karate; When we do karate; Part 1 of Kihon kata; Rising head block amongst others tomorrow.
My fantastic helpers today were Hannah J; Rachel K; James A; Emma L and Jennifer G. Oss!
Sunday, August 04, 2013
Just another few tweaks!
Spent this morning fiddling around with the website. The last time I did this, I broke it and it took me an hour and a half to find out what I'd done wrong and fix it. Don't think I broke it this time though.
A few CSS3 additions made to enhance the sidebar; fixed some links regarding the videos opening in correctly sized windows and finally, added additional information for the kata's which opens in a new window - from the Kata list page.
Need to go and eat now.
Oss!
A few CSS3 additions made to enhance the sidebar; fixed some links regarding the videos opening in correctly sized windows and finally, added additional information for the kata's which opens in a new window - from the Kata list page.
Need to go and eat now.
Oss!
Friday, August 02, 2013
Honbu -Thursday
I'd like to report that the Pelvic Thrust lesson went well but unfortunately somebody had alerted the Vice Squad as to the lesson plan and they had staked out the dojo with specialised covert officers posing as new members, surveillance cameras, recording equipment and a 4 year contract with Vivid Entertainment Group!
So instead, I forced myself to take the high grades through Tekki Nidan whilst the lower grades practised their Kumite and Kata.
Good lesson despite the absence of pelvic Thrusts.
So instead, I forced myself to take the high grades through Tekki Nidan whilst the lower grades practised their Kumite and Kata.
Good lesson despite the absence of pelvic Thrusts.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Tonights Lesson - A twist!
Little bit of a twist tonight guys. I am extending the knowledge I have by sharing it with you. We will need to work together in order to move forward. Probably 95% of you would not have done this before.
Oss!
Oss!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
TSKC Leaflet Drop
The next thing to decide is the best method to instigate the distribution. I was thinking of arranging 3 to 4 groups of people, each group with 4 or more people, meeting at different dojos on the same day and doing a mass drop. This is instead of a large group hitting just one area.
I will provide street maps for the group leader and as roads are completed, they can be marked off on the map so if that area is not completed, we will be able to see at a glance what is left to do.
What are your thoughts?
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