SOUTH NOTTS SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB
Club Grading Examination
The final club grading examination of 2008 was held on Sunday 7th December at Holme Pierrepont. Approximately 40 karate-ka attended the event which attracted many enthusiasts from outside the region. Sensei Frank Brennan 7th dan delivered a training session which was technically and physically challenging to all irrespective of grade, experience or age. Whilst the temperature outside was freezing, the temperature inside thankfully rose very rapidly due to the ferocious intensity of the training. We began with repetitions of the fundamentals before progressing to kumite, or sparring practice. The lower grades immersed themselves in the obligatory basic partner exercises as required by the grading syllabus, whilst the higher grades tackled more advanced blocking and countering drills using the hands, elbows and feet. The session finished with the study of kata, the formal solo routines of karate, enabling the grading candidates to refine their performances. The black belts worked on the katas Jion and Bassai Sho, two of the more advanced katas in the Shotokan system.
Congratulations to the following members of the club who were promoted to the next coloured belt: Willy Astleigh, Thomas Leigh (orange belt); Izzy Ponsonby, Luke Cobb, Jonathan Cobb (red belt); George Coates (yellow belt); Paul Osborne, Jonathan Osborne (purple belt); Bob Dainty, Frank Dennis, Miguel Dennis (purple/white belt); Becky Cassapi (brown belt); Steve Cassapi (brown/white belt).
Arthur Hall
The whole club was very saddened to hear the news that Arthur Hall passed away on 3rd December following a brave fight against cancer. Arthur and his wife Rosemary joined the club some years ago and travelled from their home in Newark three times a week without fail. Their dedication and determination have been an inspiration to us all. It has been a privilege to have spent many happy hours practicing karate with Arthur and our thoughts are very much with Rosemary at this time. We will all miss Arthur very much indeed.
The club wishes all the community in Keyworth a happy and peaceful Christmas & New Year. Adults, young people and children (min 8 yrs), wishing to learn karate in 2009 may contact the club secretary on (07811) 819221 for more details.
SOUTH NOTTS KARATE 