Martial Arts In West Midlands At Walsall School of Shotokan Karate

KANGEIKO COMPLETED

At karate dojos all around the world, Karate-ka, students of karate, welcome the New Year in traditional Japanese fashion by showing their commitment to karate via Kangeiko. This annual seven-day event literally means, "cold training". Kangeiko is a consecutive seven-day early morning training program that includes a jog in addition to regular training.

The challenge at Walsall began at 6am at the dojo on Monday 10th January. Twenty six of our members participated in Kangeiko with 14 completing all seven days. Every day we experienced teaching from a different instructor. On the last day of Kangeiko on Sunday 16th, we stayed an extra hour in bed and started at 7am. Following training we ate home made soup, bread and drank a glass of Japanese Sake to celebrate the accomplishment.

For those who committed themselves to Kangeiko, the rewards were great. During the week we saw a massive feeling of camaraderie, spirit and a sense of joint accomplishment. Many students commented on being physically exhausted but also, and more importantly, they felt revitalised with a renewed vigor and determination that positively impacted them afterwards at work or home. This is the true meaning of Karate training.

Well done to all Kangeiko participants.

2010 ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

On Saturday 18th December we held our Annual Christmas Party and Awards evening. Despite the adverse weather conditions on the day, many people still attended the celebration and we had a great evening. Awards were presented by Sensei Andy Jones, 4th Dan, former club member and instructor who travelled from Grimsby on the day to attend our party.

Every year at the party we present awards to recognise students with outstanding performance during the year. Here are the 2010 Award Winners:

Category

Best Attendance

Most Improved Student

Best Overall Student

Juniors

Kerry Danks

Amber Bannister

Courtney Somerfield

Seniors

Andrew Clark

Karl Spence

Cheryl Sanders

The final award of the evening was the Emily Bailes Award which is given to the student who, in the year, has showed indominatable spirit in the face of adversity. This years recipient is Darenz Custodi, pictured below. Darenz was presented his award in the Dojo on Wednesday 5th January as he was on Holiday over the Christmas period.

Congratulations to all award winners. A fantastic performance!

DECEMBER 2010 KYU GRADING

The last kyu grading of the year took place on Wednesday 22nd December. This month eleven eight students were promoted to the next level. The successful examinees are pictured here:

Back Row (L-R): Tim Bell (9th Kyu), Steven Bradley (8th Kyu), Simon Glasgow (8th Kyu), Stuart Cox (8th Kyu), Josh Bannister (1st Kyu), Karl Spence (5th Kyu), Rebeka Thacker (8th Kyu)

Front Row (L-R): Katrina Large (9th Kyu), Lewis Bradbury (6th Kyu), Kerry Danks (2nd Kyu), John Green (8th Kyu)

NOVEMBER 2010 KYU GRADING

The last friday of November saw a Kyu grading at our Dojo again. This month eight students were promoted to the next level with three achieving a Credit pass and five acheiving a Merit pass. The successful examinees are pictured here:

Back Row (L-R): Sensei Mark Turner 2nd Dan, Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Martin Lenton (6th Kyu), Rob Leach (8th Kyu), John Bradley (8th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan

Front Row (L-R): Alec Leary (9th Kyu), Joseph Turton (6th Kyu), Ben Peach (5th Kyu), Amber Bannister (4th Kyu), Dominic Boniface (2nd Kyu)

THREE MORE SECOND DAN BLACK BELTS FOR WALSALL!

Congratulations and well done to Ron Ashby, Cheryl Sanders and Ed Bailes who all passed their Nidan Black Belts on Sunday 14th November 2010.

GREAT RESULTS FOR THE TEAM

Eleven Walsall members were part of a 24-strong SCUKO team that competed at the JKS (GB) Championships in Nottingham on Saturday 6th November. The team competed against many other Shotokan federations from England as well as teams from Scotland, Ireland and Italy. The Walsall competitors were Darren Rushton, Krissy Griffiths, Cheryl Sanders, Tanya Handley, Jack Brown, Adam Wigley, Karl Spence, Josh Bannister, Dominic Boniface, Kerry Danks and Amber Bannister. In total the SCUKO squad brought home 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 5 Bronze medals. A great result and a fantastic effort by everyone in an event with many high quality opponents. A special mention must go to the Juniorse Josh, Dominic, Karry and Amber who were part of the team for the first time.

OCTOBER 2010 KYU GRADING

The last friday of October saw a Kyu grading at our Dojo again. This month eight students were promoted to the next level with four achieving a Credit pass and four acheiving a Merit pass. The successful examinees are pictured here:

Back Row (L-R): Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Rebeka Thacker (9th Kyu), Aminah Mubasher (8th Kyu), Jody Brown (6th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan

Front Row (L-R): George Fenlon (4th Kyu), Khadijah Mubasher (8th Kyu), Maryam Mubasher (8th Kyu), Megan Crowther (8th Kyu), Darenz Custodio (5th Kyu)

WALSALL SENIORS RESULTS FROM THE SCUKO SENIOR LEAGUE - ROUND 2

Walsall Seniors today competed in the second round of the SCUKO Senior League Championship. Our team of four men and three women came back with results as below. Congratulations!

Walsall
Male
Competitors
Kata Position
Round Two
Kata Points
Round Two
Kata League
Position
after 2 Rounds
Kumite Position
Round Two
Kumite Points
Round Two

Kumite League
Position
after 2 Rounds
Steve Spence 4th 5 Joint 3rd 3rd 6 3rd
Darren Rushton 5th 4 5th 7th 2 Joint 4th
Jack Brown 6th 3 Joint 7th 4th 5 7th
Adam Wigley 7th 2 9th 5th 4 8th

Walsall
Female
Competitors
Kata Position
Round Two
Kata Points
Round Two
Kata League
Position
after 2 Rounds
Kumite Position
Round Two
Kumite Points
Round Two

Kumite League
Position
after 2 Rounds
Krissy Griffiths 4th 5 1st 2nd 8 Joint 1st
Tanya Handley 5th 4 2nd 1st 10 Joint 1st
Cheryl Sanders 1st 10 3rd 5th 4 7th

SEPTEMBER 2010 KYU GRADING

The last friday of the month saw Kyu gradings at our Dojo again. This month fourteen students were promoted to the next level with ten achieving a Credit pass and four acheiving a Merit pass. The successful examinees are pictured here:

Back Row (L-R): Sensei Chris Roe 3rd Dan, Rob Leach (9th Kyu), Steven Bradley (9th Kyu), Stuart Cox (9th Kyu), Reece Guest (9th kyu),

Simon Glasgow (9th Kyu), John Bradley (9th Kyu), Julie Whale (8th Kyu), Andy Smith (8th Kyu), Karl Spence (6th Kyu), Andy Peters (7th Kyu), Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan

Front Row (L-R): Josh Green (9th Kyu), Liam Harvey (8th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Lewis Bradbury (7th Kyu), Kerry Danks (3rd Kyu)

AUGUST 2010 KYU GRADING

This months Kyu Grading was held, as usual, on the last Friday of the month. Again, the dojo was packed for the one hour training session prior to the grading, which created a great atmosphere. Following the training session twelve students were examined in front of Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan assisted by Antony Steventon 4th dan and Chris Roe 3rd Dan. All twelve candidates passed with five achieving a Credit pass and seven acheiving a Merit pass. The successful examinees are pictured here:

Back Row (L-R): Sensei Chris Roe 3rd Dan, Aminah Mubasher (9th Kyu), Daniel Grice (4th Kyu), Josh Bannister (2nd Kyu), Ivan Mornington (8th kyu),

Andy Williams (8th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Sensei Antony Steventon 4th Dan

Front Row (L-R): Maryam Mubasher (9th Kyu), Khadijah Mubasher (9th Kyu), Megan Crowther (9th Kyu), Joseph Turton (7th Kyu), Ben Peach (6th Kyu),

Amber Bannister (5th Kyu), Madelaine Broxton (7th Kyu)

TWO MORE BLACK BELTS FOR WALSALL KARATE!

Congratulations to Nathan Tipper and Krissy Griffiths for passing their Black Belts. The grading followed the quarterly Black and Brown Belt course on Sunday 15th August 2010. The school now has 26 active Black belts. Nathan is the youngest black belt at Walsall School of Shotokan Karate.

JULY 2010 KYU GRADING

This months Kyu Grading was held, as usual, on the last Friday of the month. The dojo was full for the one hour training session prior to the grading. Following the training session eight students went through their required syllabus in front of Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan assisted by Steve Spence 4th dan and Chris Roe 3rd Dan. The standard demonstrated during the grading was superb. The successful examinees are pictured here:

Back Row (L-R): Sensei Chris Roe 3rd Dan, Martin Lenton (7th Kyu), Jody Brown (7th Kyu), Amanda Bailes (5th Kyu), Tanya Handley (1st kyu),

Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan

Front Row (L-R): Georgina Bowker (5th Kyu), George Fenlon (5th Kyu), Dominic Boniface (3rd Kyu), Edward Cotterill (3rd Kyu)

SUMMER CAMP 2010

On Friday 9th July some members of Walsall School of Shotokan travelled down to Torbay, Devon for our annual Summer Camp. The camp involved three days of intensive training covering many aspects of Karate. The weather this year was fantastic which made the weekend all the more enjoyable. On the Saturday evening we all enjoyed the usual get together which included a BBQ meal together and many members partied into the early hours. Here's to the 2011 Summer Camp!

JUNE 2010 KYU GRADING

Six students successfully passed grading examinations on Friday 25th June. A one-hour training session was led by Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan. The grading examination that followed was overseen by Sensei Ken, supported by Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan and Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan. As usual Sensei Ken gave feedback to all students on good performances as well as learning tips for the future. The successful examinees are pictured here:

Back Row (L-R): Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Julie Whale (9th Kyu), Andy Smith (9th Kyu), Karl Spence (7th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan

Front Row (L-R): Liam Harvey (9th Kyu), Lewis Bradbury (8th Kyu), Kerry Danks (4th Kyu)

COMPETITION RESULTS WALSALL SENIORS

Walsall Seniors today competed in the first round of the SCUKO Senior League Championship. Krissy Griffiths acheived first place in Womens Kata and second place in Womens Kumite. Tanya Handley acheived second place in Womens Kata and third place in Womens Kumite. Steve Spence acheived third place in Mens Kata. Darren Rushton achieved fourth place in Mens Kumite. Well done to all competitors!

MAY 2010 KYU GRADING

Eight students successfully passed grading examinations on Friday 28th May. A one-hour training session was led by Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan. The grading examination that followed was overseen by Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, supported by Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan and Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan. As usual Sensei Ken gave feedback to all students on good performances as well as learning tips for the future. The successful examinees are pictured here:

Back Row (L-R): Gemma Riley (9th Kyu), Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Lee Stringer (9th Kyu), Josh Bannister (3rd Kyu)

Front Row (L-R): Joseph Turton (8th Kyu), Ben Peach (7th Kyu), Jamie Woolven (5th Kyu), Amber Bannister (6th Kyu)

THREE MORE BLACK BELTS FOR WALSALL KARATE!

Congratulations and well done to Drusilla Ferdinand, Andy Clark and Courtney Somerfield for passing their Black Belts. The grading followed the Black and Brown Belt course on Sunday 16th May 2010.

APRIL 2010 KYU GRADING

Ten students successfully passed grading examinations on Friday 30th April. A one-hour training session was led by Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan. The grading examination that followed was overseen by Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, supported by Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan and Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan. As usual Sensei Ken gave feedback to all students on good performances as well as learning tips for the future. The successful examinees are pictured here:

Back Row (L-R): Andy Williams (9th Kyu), Andy Peters (8th Kyu), Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Ivan Mornington (9th Kyu),

Martin Lenton (8th Kyu)

Front Row (L-R): Elisa Whitehouse (8th Kyu), Louise Whitehouse (8th Kyu), Luke Cattell (2nd Kyu), Georgina Bowker (6th Kyu), Daniel Grice (5th Kyu), Tanya Handley (2nd Kyu)

MARCH 2010 KYU GRADING

Congratulations to all students who passed Kyu grading examinations on Friday 26th March. Nine students in total were successful and were awarded promotions by Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, supported by Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan and Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan (See picture below).

Back Row (L-R): Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, Karl Spence (8th Kyu), Jody Brown (8th Kyu), Tanveer Hussain (8th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan

Front Row (L-R): Joseph Turton (9th Kyu), Lewis Bradbury (9th Kyu), George Fenlon (6th Kyu), Darenz Custodio (6th Kyu), Kerry Danks (5th Kyu), Edward Cotterill (4th Kyu)

FEBRUARY 2010 KYU GRADING

Friday 26th February saw Sensei Ken back at the Dojo for our monthly training session with him followed by the regular monthly kyu grading. This month nine students were subject to Sensei Ken's examination. Congratulation to all nine students (pictured below).

Back Row (L-R): Louise Whitehouse (9th Kyu), Elisa Whitehouse (9th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Martin Lenton (9th Kyu),

Josh Bannister (4th Kyu), Liam Maritza (2nd Kyu)

Front Row (L-R): Ben Peach (8th Kyu), Amber Bannister (7th Kyu), Dominic Boniface (4th Kyu), Jamie Woolven (6th Kyu)

FIRST BLACK AND BROWN BELT COURSE OF 2010

Our first quarterley free Black and Brown belt course took place of Valentines day! Thirty eight students turned out for two sessions with Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan and Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan. A great turnout. Thanks for everyone who attended. The next free Black and Brown Belt course is on May 16th.

FIRST KYU GRADING OF 2010

Friday 29th January marked the beginning of our "First Friday" grading days for the year. Five Walsall students were successful. Congratulations to all five (pictured below).

Back Row (L-R): Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Karl Spence (9th Kyu), Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, Stephen Spence (9th Kyu), Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan

Front Row (L-R): Daniel Grice (6th Kyu), Georgina Bowker (7th Kyu), Tanya Handley (3rd Kyu)

WINTER COURSE 2010

Our 2009 Winter Course took place on 10 January. Nineteen students braved the snow and ice to show true Karate spirit and train with guest Instructor Matt Price 5th Dan. The first session covered Kihon and Kata. Sensei Matt focussed on some simple combinations that has us thinking about effective hip rotation for power as well as a section on foot pivoting with use of both heel and ball with different techniques. We then moved on to two katas: Gyakazuki No Kata and Heian Godan. The second session was all above Kumite. We started with practising a strong Gyakazuki in a Kumite scenario and then building conbinations around it, often to take-down. We then moved onto to some ground-work with some effective techniques to help when the fight goes to ground. As ever Sensei Matt proves to be a very inspirational instructor.

LAST KYU GRADING OF 2009

Monday 21st December was the date of the twelfth and final monthly Kyu grading of 2009. Although the weather was below zero outside Sensei Ken Organ ensured the temperature was raised inside with a well paced 1-hour session. The grading followed and nine students were successful. Congratulation to all nine students (pictured below).

Back Row (L-R): Jody Brown (9th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Andy Peters (9th Kyu), Sensei Chris Roe 3rd Dan, Giles Crawford (5th Kyu), Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan

Front Row (L-R): Corey Selvey (5th Kyu), Madelaine Broxton (8th Kyu), George Fenlon (7th Kyu), Darenz Custodio (7th Kyu), Kerry Danks (6th Kyu), Edward Cotterill (5th Kyu)

2009 ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

On Saturday 19th December we held our Annual Christmas Party and Awards evening. Over 200 people attended the celebration and we had a great evening.

Every year at the party we present awards to recognise students with outstanding performance during the year. Here are the 2009 Award Winners:

Category

Best Attendance

Most Improved Student

Best Overall Student

Junior Program

Nathan Tipper

Presented by 1998 Winner

Lisa Miles 2nd Dan

Dominic Boniface

Presented by 2002 Winner

James Crump 2nd Dan

Joshua Bannister

Presented by 2006 Winner

Jack Brown 2nd Dan

Senior Program

Andrew Clark

Presented by 2003 & 2004 Winner

Ed Bailes 1st Dan

Natalie Golding

Presented by 2007 Winner

Cheryl Sanders 1st Dan

Tanya Handley

Presented by 2008 Winner

Mark Turner 2nd Dan

The final award of the evening was the Emily Bailes Award which is given to the student who, in the year, has showed indominatable spirit in the face of adversity. This years recipient is George Fenlon. George was presentated by Jessica Bailes 2nd Kyu, sister of Emily, and Jack Freeman 2nd Dan, last years winner.

Congratulations to all award winners. A fantastic performance!

NOVEMBER 2009 KYU GRADING

Friday 27th November saw Sensei Ken back at the Dojo for our monthly workout followed by the regular monthly kyu grading. This month nine students were subject to Sensei Ken's examination. Congratulation to all nine students (pictured below).

Back Row (L-R): Sensei Chris Roe 3rd Dan, Tanveer Hussain (9th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Josh Bannister (5th Kyu), Krissy Griffiths (1st Kyu), Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan

Front Row (L-R): Jamie Woolven (7th Kyu), Ben Peach (9th Kyu), Amber Bannister (8th Kyu), Jack Whiteley (6th Kyu), Dominic Boniface (5th Kyu), Nathan Tipper (1st Kyu)

SUCCESS FOR WALSALL STUDENTS AT THE JKS(GB) NATIONAL OPEN SHOTOKAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

On Saturday 21st November the SCUKO Team travelled to Nottingham to compete in the 2009 JKS National Shotokan Open Championships. The Team of 10 consisted of the organisations top 3 Senior Males, the top 3 Senior Females, the top Junior Male, the top Junior Female and the top 2 under 18 athletes.

The team competed against the other Shotokan organisations from the UK and had a fantastic day. Of the ten events the team entered we medalled in seven events with eight medals in total. These included 2 Golds, 4 Silvers and 2 Bronzes.

Six of the team were Walsall members. Congratulations to them all. Here are the medals won by Walsall members:

Tanya Handley - First Place - Womens Junior Kumite (JKS National Kumite Champion 2009!)

Antony Steventon - Second Place - Mens Team Kumite

Cheryl Sanders and Krissy Griffiths - Second Place - Womens Team Kumite

Antony Steventon - Third Place - Senior Male Kumite

Jack Brown - Third Place - Boys (14-15) Kumite

The SCUKO Team (L-R): Jack Brown (Walsall), Adam Wigley (Walsall), Adam Ward, Yasha Bobash, Howard Taylor (Team Captain), Antony Steventon (Walsall),

Tanya Handley (Walsall), Natasha Meredith, Cheryl Sanders (Walsall), Krissy Griffiths (Walsall)

OCTOBER 2009 KYU GRADING

"Last Friday" saw Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan teach a great class with the focus on three areas; (1) relaxation and correct body positioning when moving through techniques, (2) the correct use of short controlled breathing to create sharpness and power in the finalisation of techniques, (3) focussing on ensuring all techniques are finalised in basic practise, as opposed to fighting practise. Following the class was the regular monthly kyu grading. This month six students were eligible to grade and were all successful. Congratulation to all six students (pictured below). Sensei Ken, as usual, gave some invaluable feedback to all six. This will ensure they have the key points to focus on in regular training to move to the next level.

Back Row (L-R): Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Amanda Bailes (6th Kyu), Javed Iqbal (6th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Tanya Handley (4th Kyu),

Jessica Bailes (2nd Kyu), Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan

Front Row (L-R): Georgina Bowker (8th Kyu), Elian Clark (7th Kyu)

SUCCESS FOR WALSALL SENIORS IN THE 2009 SCUKO SENIOR LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Walsall School of Shotokan had a successful day at the third and final round of the SCUKO Senior League Championships on Sunday 27th September 2009. Congratulations to the following Walsall members for their fantastic results in the overal final Senior League placings:

Antony Steventon - First Place - Male Kata (Annual SCUKO Kata Champion 2009!)

Steve Spence - Third Place - Male Kata

Antony Steventon - Third Place - Male Kumite

Cheryl Sanders - Third Place - Womens Kata

Krissy Griffiths - Second Place - Womens Kumite

Kata

Kumite

Senior Mens SCUKO Champions 2009

(L-R):

Steve Spence (Walsall) 3rd Place

Antony Steventon (Walsall) 1st Place

Howard Taylor (Tamashii) 2nd Place

(L-R):

Antony Steventon (Walsall) 3rd Place

Howard Taylor (Tamashii) 1st Place

Yasha Bobash (Tamashii) 2nd Place

Senior Womens SCUKO Champions 2009

(L-R):

Cheryl Sanders (Walsall) 3rd Place

Jackie Jones (Kaizen No-Michi) 1st Place

Natasha Meredith (Tamashii) 2nd Place

(L-R):

Natasha Meredith (Tamashii) 3rd Place

Jackie Jones (Kaizen No-Michi) 1st Place

Krissy Griffiths (Walsall) 2nd Place

SEPTEMBER 2009 KYU GRADING

The Last Friday of the month once again marked grading day at Walsall School of Shotokan Karate. Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan visited the school to examine students against their grading syllabus. Seven of our students succesfully passed the grading examination. Sensei Ken, as usual, gave some excellent feedback to all students in order to help them to improve their karate. Congratulations to our successful students.

Back Row (L-R): Liam Coyne (8th Kyu), Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Courtney Somerfield (1st Kyu)

Front Row (L-R): Amber Bannister (9th Kyu), Darenz Custodio (8th Kyu), Louis Potts (7th Kyu), Kerry Danks (7th Kyu), Luke Cattell (3rd Kyu)

£778.32

That's how much money Walsall School of Shotokan raised on Saturday 29th August during the Charity Bay Pack at Morrison's supermarket at Walsall.

The money has been donated to the Emily Bailes Fund, raising money for the CCLG (Children's Cancer & Leukaemia Group).

Thank you to the following people that helped out on the day:

Jess, Amanda & Ed Bailes, Josh, Amber & Vicky Bannister, Courtney Somerfield, Dominic, Luke & Jane Boniface, George & Melissa Fenlon, Corey Selvey, Jack Brown, Darren Rushton, Andy Clark, Cheryl Sanders, Tanya Handley, Steve & Beverley Carless

Pictured are some of the helpers on the day

AUGUST 2009 KYU GRADING

The Last Friday of the month again marked grading day at Walsall School of Shotokan Karate. Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan visited the school to conduct a training session followed by a Kyu grading for those students eligible. This month another eleven of our students succesfully passed the grading examination. Sensei Ken again gave some excellent feedback to all students in order to help them to improve their karate. Congratulations to our successful students.

Back Row (L-R): Dawn Larose (3rd Kyu), Josh Bannister (6th Kyu), Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Giles Crawford (6th Kyu), Andy Clark (1st Kyu)

Front Row (L-R): George Fenlon (8th Kyu), Daniel Grice (7th Kyu), Corey Selvey (6th Kyu), Dominic Boniface (6th Kyu), Liam Maritza (3rd Kyu), Nathan Tipper (2nd Kyu), Edward Cotterill (6th Kyu)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ADAM AND KIRTI!

Congratulations and well done to Adam Wigley for passing his Black Belt and Kirti Patel for passing her 2nd Dan Black Belt on Sunday 16th August 2009.

JULY 2009 KYU GRADING

The Last Friday of every month is grading day at Walsall School of Shotokan Karate. Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan visits the school every month to conduct a training session followed by a Kyu grading for those students eligible. This month eleven of our students succesfully passed the grading examination. Sensei Ken always gives excellent feedback to all students on a 1-1 basis before awarding passes. Congratulations to our successful students.

Back Row (L-R): Lee Payne (8th Kyu), Aaron Hammonds (1st Kyu), Sensei Steve Spence 4th Dan, Sensei Ken Organ 6th Dan, Sensei Steve Carless 5th Dan, Tanya Handley (5th Kyu), Krissy Griffiths (2nd Kyu)

Front Row (L-R): Darenz Custodio (9th Kyu), Georgina Bowker (9th Kyu), Madelaine Broxton (9th Kyu), Jeruel Camat (9th Kyu), Jamie Woolven (8th Kyu), Jack Whiteley (7th Kyu), Kallum Soars (5th Kyu)

SUMMER CAMP 2009

The 2009 SCUKO Annual Summer Camp took place on 10/11/12 July in Torbay, Devon. The three day course was taken by Sensei Ken Organ 6^th Dan & Sensei Steve Carless 5^th Dan, with 31 students attending in total. The course included many new techniques, tips & strategies which students can use to compliment their normal Dojo training. The evenings were great fun too with plenty of eating & drinking, dancing & even some singing!

WALSALL SENIORS RESULTS FROM ROUND 2 OF THE 2009 SCUKO SENIOR LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Walsall School of Shotokan had a successful day at the latest round of the SCUKO Senior League Championships on Sunday 28th June 2009. The male competitors from Walsall were Steve Spence, Antony Steventon, Christie Roe, Mark Turner and Andy Clark. The female competitors were Cheryl Sanders, Krissy Griffiths and Tanya Handley. Valuable points were gained to for the League positions. Notable results were:

Antony Steventon - First Place - Male Kata

Steve Spence - Third Place - Male Kata

Cheryl Sanders - Second Place - Womens Kata

Krissy Griffiths - Second Place - Womens Kumite

The current SCUKO Senior League is listed here.

CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS!

Congratulations to Jack Brown and Adam Wigley on their most recent success at the FEKO Children and Cadet National Open Karate Championships on Sunday 14th June 2009.

Jack

Third Place - Kumite 13-14 years Male Shobu Sanbon - under 65kg

Third Place - Kumite 13-14 years Male Shobu Ippon - Open Weight

Adam

Second Place - Kumite 13-14 years Male Shobu Sanbon - under 55kg

Second Place - Kumite 13-14 years Male Shobu Ippon - Open Weight

BLACK BELT SUCCESS!

Congratulations and well done to Natalie Golding and Anna Green who passed their Shodan Black Belt on Sunday 17th May 2009.

Walsall School of Shotokan Karate

The number one choice in the area for those serious about Karate