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SPRING SEMINAR SUCCESS
By Admin
01 April 2023 9:21 am

On Sunday we were delighted to host two exceptional JKS England instructors: Nick Heald Sensei (7th Dan JKS) and Ashley Scott-Heald Sensei (5th Dan JKS).

Nick Sensei is a former ESKA European team kumite champion, KUGB national champion and JKS England national coach. Ashley Sensei is a former JKS European Champion, national champion, BKF champion and EKF all-styles squad member. Needless to say, everyone was relishing the opportunity to train with them both!

In our first seminar of the day, the class split in two, with Nick Sensei starting with 8th kyu and below and Ashley Sensei teaching 7th kyu and above. At the midway point, our guests switched groups, so everyone had plenty of time to train with each instructor.
Each group had were treated to some dynamic movement drills, which put smiles on faces, while the cogs in everyone’s heads were visibly whirring!

After the first seminar – with bodies suitably warmed up – we held our Spring grading for 12th kyu and above. In all, 38 passed, taking the total number of members passing a grading that weekend to 48. The Academy instructors were proud of the standard that was on show, particularly after receiving compliments from our guest instructors.

Our second seminar was a two-hour masterclass for everyone graded 1st kyu and upwards.  The Academy makes a special effort to put on classes that are dedicated to senior grades and we’re always glad to see our members take up the phenomenal opportunities on offer. And our instructors didn’t disappoint. With both kata and kumite-focused drills, everyone training was given a new perspective on how they can prepare for dynamic movement in kata, feel focused and embattled during kumite before freeing the mind to understand how to look for scores in competitive karate.

A huge thank you to Nick Sensei and Ashley Sensei for making the trip down from Leeds to teach us. Thanks to those that joined us for a fantastic event. And finally, a big thank you to those that helped run the event.

We now look forward to our next two events – our special seminar with Makita Sensei on Monday 3rd April and our Summer seminar and grading on Sunday 2nd July. More details of our Summer seminar will be announced soon!