Article on Keibu Kan course Saturday 27 June 09

The course was organised and hosted by Sensei Harrison in the Basingstoke sports centre.

The day was split into various times for grades, finished off with the Brown and Black belts.

My report is on the Brown and Black belt session. We were taken around the Dojo to look at what might be in a traditional full time Dojo, Picture of Funakoshi, Other masters, Flags, Books, Belts, Punch and kick bags, Strike shields, Break boards, items form sale.

We then had a warm up led by Phil Timms 3 rd Dan, with a partner we went onto using blocks, takedowns, finish, against all punches and kicks. We were allowed to experiment with what would flow after a takedown, see what openings occurred, what body parts were obstructing a final technique and come up with something to over come the issue.

I was partnered up with Gary who seemed to enjoy what we were doing, as did I. It was hot in the Dojo so sweat started to leak everywhere, it did not stop us from working though.

The second part of the session was a different technique from each Kata, its application and use, variations, as the opponent would not always land where you wanted them too, so small adjustments were required to get them in the right place for further punishment.   As you all know I do like this stuff very much as it enhances the understanding of the Kata, which helps in doing it.  

There are 4 stages to Kata:

The first is to learn the Solo Performance , the sequence of moves as laid down.

The second is to understand the Functional Application of technique.

The third is once you have gained an Understanding of practical application you should begin to include Variations in your training.

The fourth is to do Live Practise in a non Karate environment, this means practise for use against non-karate people, close up combat.

If we learn the first 2 then we would improve our personal Kata performance .

The session ended as time was up, a Dan grading was held.

I would like to thank Sensei Harrison for the session.

Thanks to the RSKC students that attended.

Oss Sensei Dave.