....which is good news for all you keen beans. I can hear the "hurrahs" from all the the way down here in sunny Cardiff!
The deal is this: you have all been doing so well in training, at gradings and at the millions of competitions and courses we've been to lately, that we thought you deserve more opportunities to train than you are currently getting. In order to make this possible, a number of Tekki black belts have volunteered to help out with the teaching, which is actually really good for you guys because you'll get a whole range of ideas and perspectives on karate (more details are in Sensei's letter which he'll be handing out on Sunday).
It is important that you really do try and train twice a week, because if numbers go down it won't be viable to run the sessions. And of course your karate will improve no end :D
Sessions will be an hour and a half long, and will be at the reduced price of £3.00 per session. Bargain or what! Times are listed on the right.
Friday, 1 June 2007
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
National Championships
So off we went to the biggest competition on the calendar… with six whole people from Clifford competing (marvellously brave - well done!).
The day kicked off with the Childrens Ippon Kumite; which filled almost every floor. Congratulations to Katie and Jess for winning loads and loads of rounds to get to the semi finals. Also well done to Tyler for having sooo much spirit it was scary!!
Next up was the 10 & 11 year olds freestyle fighting. This was Morris’s first time fighting, and as luck would have it he was up against a black belt. He achieved what he had hoped for, which was not to get smacked in the face. In fact, he fought very well, constantly evading attacks - which just annoyed the black belt even further!
Megan also did freestyle fighting for the first time in the 10 – 15yrs under 5’ 3” category. Quite scary for Meg, as there’s a big difference in that age group. Megan was the lowest grade to compete and ended up fighting a 2nd dan, (one of the highest grades in that event!) Poor Meg. But not put off, she did very well and went in on her opponent many times.
Team Kata….. hmmmmm. This year Euros, Mark and Sensei John teamed up and did a stunning Kata until they had to stop halfway through as judges, desks and officials got in the way. Anyways, although it was obvious to everyone what had happened, the judges insisted on having an intimate group discussion, leaving the team quite humiliated standing on the floor…… but we still didn’t come last!! Life is a learning curve – next time the judges will know to get out of our way!
Special congratulations to Jess, who achieved 3rd place in the under-16 below brown belt Kata event. Jess performed Heian Sandan, and first of all drew for 2nd place. Jess, unfazed by the hundreds of people watching, had to perform her Kata again and was awarded 3rd place, and a really heavy bronze medal!
This is an amazing achievement for Jess and the club, and we are very proud of her and everyone who competed :D
By
Lindsey & John
Megan
Ok, finally getting around to sorting all these photos out (you will all be pleased to know)!
Here is Meg, with her shiny trophy for winning 2nd place at the kyu grades! hurrah!
Here is Meg, with her shiny trophy for winning 2nd place at the kyu grades! hurrah!
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
Prestatyn Championships
Lots of Tekki people went up to the Kyu Grades Championships on Sunday, where we all did marvellously well to endure the very early morning, looong drive, and very hot sports hall...and some of us even managed to fit in some karate.
Everyone did brilliantly, lots competing for the very first time; Rob and Wes were particularly brave to enter the freestyle kumite category (where *someone* got disqualified..tut tut!)
Megan Lloyd was the only Tekki member to get through to the finals, after fighting through loads of rounds of ippon kumite, even beating a fellow Tekki Welsh Champion! She put on a great performance to win 2nd place, and got a cool trophy! Yay Meg!!!
Other special mentions go to Michael Fitzpatrick and Meleri from the Aberystwyth club, who got joint third for ippon kumite; and to Jess Palmer who was nominated for the annual "best etiquette" award.
All in all it was a very long and tiring day, and well done to everyone for going and taking part. Photos will be up as soon! Promise!
Everyone did brilliantly, lots competing for the very first time; Rob and Wes were particularly brave to enter the freestyle kumite category (where *someone* got disqualified..tut tut!)
Megan Lloyd was the only Tekki member to get through to the finals, after fighting through loads of rounds of ippon kumite, even beating a fellow Tekki Welsh Champion! She put on a great performance to win 2nd place, and got a cool trophy! Yay Meg!!!
Other special mentions go to Michael Fitzpatrick and Meleri from the Aberystwyth club, who got joint third for ippon kumite; and to Jess Palmer who was nominated for the annual "best etiquette" award.
All in all it was a very long and tiring day, and well done to everyone for going and taking part. Photos will be up as soon! Promise!
Thursday, 12 April 2007
Prestatyn - Kyu Grades Championships 2007
Guess what everyone...it's competition time!
This is a brilliant one to go to because there are NO black belts!
It's on Sunday 29th April, at Prestatyn Sports Centre in North Wales, and open to all kyu grades who have a valid KUGB licence.
Let us know ASAP if you want to go (there are kata and kumite events for male, female and child categories, for teams and individuals).
(Full address of venue: Prestatyn Sports Centre, Princes Avenue, Prestatyn, LL19 8RS)
This is a brilliant one to go to because there are NO black belts!
It's on Sunday 29th April, at Prestatyn Sports Centre in North Wales, and open to all kyu grades who have a valid KUGB licence.
Let us know ASAP if you want to go (there are kata and kumite events for male, female and child categories, for teams and individuals).
(Full address of venue: Prestatyn Sports Centre, Princes Avenue, Prestatyn, LL19 8RS)
Friday, 30 March 2007
Important Training Information
Due to the Torbay course and Easter, there will be NO training this week. The next session will be SUNDAY 15th APRIL.
We have decided to combine the sessions on a Sunday, so training will be 4 - 6pm every Sunday, for EVERYONE.
From now on there are NO MORE Wednesday sessions.
Wishing everyone a happy Easter break!
We have decided to combine the sessions on a Sunday, so training will be 4 - 6pm every Sunday, for EVERYONE.
From now on there are NO MORE Wednesday sessions.
Wishing everyone a happy Easter break!
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Torbay
So kids, it's nearly here... are you ready for your week of er, non stop fun? Lets just hope the sun shines...
It's my experience that the Torbay course is one of the most tiring, insane things anyone would do of their own choice. However, there is a huge amount to be gained from the training sessions, and it is impossible not to feel pleased with yourself for getting through it at the end of the week! The social side of things are to be highly commended too. It's a great opportunity to get to know other members, and Tekki is an exceptionally friendly and welcoming club (I know I'm biased but it is true).
If you're going, check out the last two posts which are full of John's survival tips for the week. I will put directions and stuff up in the next few days.
All the best.
It's my experience that the Torbay course is one of the most tiring, insane things anyone would do of their own choice. However, there is a huge amount to be gained from the training sessions, and it is impossible not to feel pleased with yourself for getting through it at the end of the week! The social side of things are to be highly commended too. It's a great opportunity to get to know other members, and Tekki is an exceptionally friendly and welcoming club (I know I'm biased but it is true).
If you're going, check out the last two posts which are full of John's survival tips for the week. I will put directions and stuff up in the next few days.
All the best.
More Torbay inside info from John
Tips to make your life in Torbay a bit easier
There is heating in the caravans but bring an extra fan heater if you can…. The mornings are freeeezing. Bring some extra bedding too. Leave the main heater on during the night (be careful though)…
Take some coat hangers.
After training air your Gi in the open – and to have a nice ironed effect lay it flat under you mattress each night.
We usually go to Sainsburys the day we arrive to stock up… Don’t bother with frozen food, the freezers are tiny.
Don’t feed the seagulls – trust me.
Be aware that you may be next door to one of the Senseis!!!! I had Frank as my neighbour one year! So best behaviour outside of the dojo too.
Always carry your pass for the park with you.
Take a LOUD alarm clock
If you're lucky enough to have a 2 bedded room to yourself, put the mattresses on top of each other, it soooo comfortable.
Take some kind of muscle rub cream, just in case.
The showers aren't great in the vans, the hot water doesn’t last long. There are extra showers in the parks main building.
There is heating in the caravans but bring an extra fan heater if you can…. The mornings are freeeezing. Bring some extra bedding too. Leave the main heater on during the night (be careful though)…
Take some coat hangers.
After training air your Gi in the open – and to have a nice ironed effect lay it flat under you mattress each night.
We usually go to Sainsburys the day we arrive to stock up… Don’t bother with frozen food, the freezers are tiny.
Don’t feed the seagulls – trust me.
Be aware that you may be next door to one of the Senseis!!!! I had Frank as my neighbour one year! So best behaviour outside of the dojo too.
Always carry your pass for the park with you.
Take a LOUD alarm clock
If you're lucky enough to have a 2 bedded room to yourself, put the mattresses on top of each other, it soooo comfortable.
Take some kind of muscle rub cream, just in case.
The showers aren't great in the vans, the hot water doesn’t last long. There are extra showers in the parks main building.
John's Top Torbay Training Tips
Torbay is here!!!!
Tips for training
Always arrive at least 15 minutes before each session. Use that time to do your own warm up. If you do arrive late for a session (for reasons beyond your control I’m sure!!) Don’t be afraid to enter the dojo, simply assume the kneeling position at the side of the dojo and wait to be bowed in.
Always train with 100% effort, speed, and attitude. That way you’ll get the most out of each session. Remember you are representing your club!
Ladies – If you have an over enthusiastic sparring partner who insists on lack of control especially in the chest, tell them.
Never let your eyes wonder up to the balcony, unless you want to be singled out and told off! (especially when Sensei O'Neill is teaching)
Adults – Spend a few minutes stretching off at the end of each session to help your recovery.
Bring some medical tape – you will get blisters!!
Wear your Chest guard/box.
It’s up to you if you walk or drive to training. Walking takes 15 minutes. Watch out for the red mud, if it gets on your Gi it will never come off.
Try and get to know the other members in your group, look out for other Tekki members too.
It’s always been tradition to train ALL sessions. I will be, and I expect you to! If you complete the week it’s a great achievement. The only exception will be due to injury. Any sessions missed must be reported to Sensei.
On Thursday the course hosts a light hearted kata competition. This is for ALL kyu grades! It’s a great way to gain experience.
Take a bottle of water with you to each session, it can get very hot.
Turn mobile phones off. Do not wear jewellery. Keep nails short.
Try and eat something before the first session.
Don’t be afraid to put your hand up if you get a bit lost. Some combinations may be long, hard and not what you're used to. The secret is to just pay good attention.
Don’t go blaming me for any of your mistakes!!!
Lastly, enjoy it!
Sensei
Tips for training
Always arrive at least 15 minutes before each session. Use that time to do your own warm up. If you do arrive late for a session (for reasons beyond your control I’m sure!!) Don’t be afraid to enter the dojo, simply assume the kneeling position at the side of the dojo and wait to be bowed in.
Always train with 100% effort, speed, and attitude. That way you’ll get the most out of each session. Remember you are representing your club!
Ladies – If you have an over enthusiastic sparring partner who insists on lack of control especially in the chest, tell them.
Never let your eyes wonder up to the balcony, unless you want to be singled out and told off! (especially when Sensei O'Neill is teaching)
Adults – Spend a few minutes stretching off at the end of each session to help your recovery.
Bring some medical tape – you will get blisters!!
Wear your Chest guard/box.
It’s up to you if you walk or drive to training. Walking takes 15 minutes. Watch out for the red mud, if it gets on your Gi it will never come off.
Try and get to know the other members in your group, look out for other Tekki members too.
It’s always been tradition to train ALL sessions. I will be, and I expect you to! If you complete the week it’s a great achievement. The only exception will be due to injury. Any sessions missed must be reported to Sensei.
On Thursday the course hosts a light hearted kata competition. This is for ALL kyu grades! It’s a great way to gain experience.
Take a bottle of water with you to each session, it can get very hot.
Turn mobile phones off. Do not wear jewellery. Keep nails short.
Try and eat something before the first session.
Don’t be afraid to put your hand up if you get a bit lost. Some combinations may be long, hard and not what you're used to. The secret is to just pay good attention.
Don’t go blaming me for any of your mistakes!!!
Lastly, enjoy it!
Sensei
Thursday, 1 March 2007
Dydd Dewi Sant
Happy St David's Day everyone!
Yeah yeah I know most of you are English.
But the red dragon is loads better than the white dragon :)
Yeah yeah I know most of you are English.
But the red dragon is loads better than the white dragon :)
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
Monday, 26 February 2007
Grading February 2007
Well done to everyone who graded last weekend (and, indeed, to those watching!). It was a very, very long day - the biggest grading the club has ever had, with over 100 people training and 86 grading. Everyone did brilliantly, without exception ( my eyes must have been closed during that mistake!).
Now lots of new katas to learn!
Pictures coming soon (there's something to look forward to).
Now lots of new katas to learn!
Pictures coming soon (there's something to look forward to).
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