On 25th February 2023 Shoto held a brown and black belt course at our Sawbridgeworth Dojo. It was a fantastic day, and not only a great chance to train together but also to socialise afterwards.
The day started with a good warm up and basics session (Kihon) as a single group before splitting into separate groups for almost two hours of advance kumite with:
- Advanced Jiyu Ippon Kumite from Sensei Tony Kilcullen (8th Dan) for 3rd Dans and above
- Simultaneous block/counter from Sensei Chris Martin (7th Dan) for brown belts and 1st Dans
- Okuri Jiyu Ippon - positional awareness from Sensei Steve Johnson (6th Dan) for 2nd Dans
- Kumite Combinations from Sensei Gareth Waldram (6th Dan) for 2nd Dans
- Close in Karate from Sensei Paul Wilson (5th Dan) for brown belts and 1st Dans
The afternoon session was devoted to Kata for just under 2 hours with:
- Seienchin: taught by Sensei Tony Kilcullen (8th Dan) for 3rd Dans and above
- Gojushiho katas: taught by Sensei Jil Rickards (7th Dan) for 2nd Dans
- Gankaku: taught by Sensei Robin Welch (6th Dan) for brown belts and 1st Dans
Our thanks to Sensei Paul Wilson and Sawbridgeworth Dojo for their hospitality in hosting the event and arranging a meal post training, which made for an excellent day.
We look forward to our full open day to all adult Shoto members and guests on 14th October 2023.
