SEMINARS (past)
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ELWK Dan Grading - 4th December 2011-Unity Hall Walthamstow

5 students attempted their The Dan Grading and they took around 4 hours to perform their skills.

Charlotte (Littlehampton Wado Kai) and Barbara Miller 1st Dan, Geraldine Weiss and Ray Miler (all Waltham Forest) 2nd Dan and Tom Kempton (Guildhall) 3rd Dan.

All the students had spent the past year or so preparing for their next Dan Grade, all appeared ready (but nervous) they warmed themselves up and then gave it their all!

A 20 minute written exam on Karate terminology, competition contest and judging (Shiai and Shinpan) and etiquette started the Grading! The Dojo was very quite as the students filled in their test papers under strict supervision from John Grantham (John also set the Test paper).

Charlotte had travelled all the way from Littlehampton with her Sensei Yvette Hollyoake 2nd Dan, she had tried her best but unfortunately was unsuccessful on this occasion. The judging panel praised her brave efforts and after speaking to her, she said that she would return next year all the more stronger such was her enthusiasm!

Barbara Miller last graded around 9 years ago and really was the star of the day with her performance in her techniques throughout the Grading. Barbara was successful in Grading 1st Dan.

Geraldine Weiss was successful in Grading 2nd Dan, Geraldine has very good all round ability in her Karate, very good technique, agile, strong and determined. Very well deserved !

Ray Miller was successful in attaining 2nd Dan and very well deserved too! Ray's strength in technique and his all round fitness was very evident on the day!

Tom Kempton was also successful in Grading 3rd Dan. For 3rd Dan Tom had to perform all his Kihon Waza (basic techniques) Renkei Waza (combination techniques) and all the 15 Wado Kata (form). Tom made some minor errors on one of the Kata (nerves) but quickly moved on to the pair work. Peter Howells was his Uke (partner) for the day!

Tom and Peter performed all the Yakusuko Gumite ( 24 pre-arranged practical fighting) Kihon Kumite (10 basic fighting techniques) Ohyo Kumite (8 semi- free fighting ) Tanto Dori (7 knife defences) Jiyu-Gumite (free fighting) though Kumite Shiai (competition fighting) was not carried out on this Grading. What was interesting was as the pair work progressed, the 'spirit' was rising - with some great throws and take downs - with Tom adding a few 'killing' techniques of his own to add to the excitement !

Eric supervised the Jiyu-Gumite (free fighting) Barbara and Geraldine showing good spirit and control.

1st & 2nd Dans had selected pair work and Kata to perform, but for 3rd Dan ALL the physical techniques are performed!

The Grading ended to rounds of applause with a very 'feel good' spirit in the Dojo, all the students had worked very hard.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the successful candidates!

ELWK Grading Panel - Eric Krappinger, Ken Harrison and John Grantham.

ELWK Clacton Weekend Camp 17th-18th September 2011

The camp was reasonably well attended from most of the affiliated clubs, the weather was very warm and this may have been our 13th camp (?) .

As usual most students turn up on the Friday afternoon with  their families then head off to their favourite restaurant in the evening. The traditional 'meet up' in one of the bars afterwards is always very popular with all the students and their families. Its always surprising how 'tall' some of the children have grown in the past 12 months ???(what do they feed them on ?).

The late evening meet up in one of the caravans(thanks Dean) is always fun for the adults, this helps prepare the mood for the next mornings training...

Scott Geary 1st Dan took the warm up and definately loosened all up for the next 4 hours training (children 2 hours). Eric took the Adults through basic kihon, kata and pair work. Eric picked out lots of the finer points of the Wado techniques and I can tell you that his 40 odd years of Wado training certainly helps make him a very interesting and knowledgeable Sensei.

I took the children through their kihon, kata and sparring. Being a summer camp I always introduce lots of 'fun games' which really include exercises and lots of fitness work. I also split them into teams (learning teamwork skills) also appoint team captains (leadership skills) and then individual skills. They work hard but in a very fun way too! (and noisy !!!)

The afternoon most head off to the heated swimming pool for games, while some of us take off to Walton for the beach, shops and pie and mash ! Then it is the traditional evening meet up again for everyone in the clubhouse. The children head for the computer games and dance floor. The adults share stories and a few beers ! The evening finishes off in Deans caravan (thanks Dean) for eats, drinks and laughs.

The next mornings warm up was taken by Ray Miller 1st Dan and definately prepared everyone for the next 4 hours of training(children 2 hours). Eric took the Adults through all 15 kata and pair work (Yakusuko, kihon,ohyo kumite and kumite Gata) Eric demonstrated all the pair work showing Wado technique and also where the take downs and strikes could come in useful...Again Eric passing on his vast karate knowledge in a very interesting way with a few laughs thrown in here and there.

I took the children through kata competition and importantly the rules, also pad work and more 'games' they did work very hard and they had a lot of fun doing it (did I mention their enthusiasm ??)  - they were also taught to count to ten in Japanese and the names of basic stances too!

The course finished up with the Annual AGM and ELWK  was discussed with the upcoming Dan Grading (minimum requirements) the annual Kata competition (organisation) with the general running of the association. Dave Savage 1st Dan (Licencing officer) was thanked for his efforts on the quick turn around of Licence applications. Also a special thank you to Barbara Miller for her 'unsung' efforts for helping ELWK run smoothly !

I must say that the spirit in ELWK is very good and everyone (including the families) helped make the camp the success it was and will be in the future!

The weekend camp was a great success and September 2012 is already booked ! A number of parents approached me and thanked us all for great camp! and said they would definately return next year - see you there !

Ken Harrison 5th Dan

Guildhall Wado Kai- Adult Learners week demonstration 18th May 2011

Guildhall Wado Kai - Shidokan Judo course - Fulham    25th September 2010

Shihan Burnell 6th Dan invited Guildhall to one of thier regular Judo sessions with Sensei Graeme Welsh 3rd Dan (former champion).

The course is tailored to suit stand up Karate ka for throws and take downs. Only Serge and Christain braved the lack of trains (typical weekend) to train here, (it took me two hours to get there). Sensei Graeme showed clearly  throws and take downs, which were shown live and then explained in detail with some good tips too!

Sensei Graeme explained and  he demonstrated the techniques very well and he took time to see that  everyone was able to do the techniques safely.

It was a very worthwhile course for Karate-ka and hopefully Guildhall will return in the future to learn new skills.

Thanks to all at the Shidokan Dojo for their warm welcome and especilally to Sensei Graeme and Shihan Burnell for the invitation.

Ken Harrison

ELWK 2010 weekend camp - Clacton - 18th - 19th September

This year not only was the weather very hot at Clacton, but we discovered that all our caravans had 'proper' central heating systems installed - not that they were needed !

The attendance was good (around 30 students) but not as well attended as previous years. After settling in on the Friday afternoon, discussions / introductions were held at one of the (quieter) camp bars, the main Clubhouse is the main attraction, with LOUD bands playing, accompanied by dancing and much enjoyment for the guests! On the Saturday morning lesson, Scott Geary 1st Dan took the warm up, it was 'blood pumping' exercises together with lots of flexible movements included - a good start to the day! Eric Krappinger 6th Dan then took everyone through Kihon Waza (basic technique), by this time the children had arrived and joined the class. Pinan Kata (form) followed.

The class then seperated and I took the children through Individual Competition Kata. This was followed with 'team' games, light sparring and working with pads. The children's session ended with Japanese terminology (number counting & names of stances) then meditation - which is always a favourite with the children (no I don't know why?) and where do they get there energy from ???

The adults meanwhile worked through Kihon Gumite(basic fighting), Yakusoku Gumite(pre-arranged fighting), Kumite Gata and Ohyo-Gumite(advanced fighting).

Eric took the lower grades through Kata and I took the adult students through advanced Kata.

Saturday afternoon on the beach for me, some students were  in the heated swimming pool playing the traditional water polo (gets a bit rough - the kids I'm talking about!) Saturday evening everyone met at the Clubhouse for refreshments and then the annual party at a caravan, until the early hours......ooooohhh!

Sunday, Carl Rendora 4th Dan took the warm up, which was surprisingly moderate for Carl (I think he took pity on a few people). Eric started with Renkei waza (combination techniques) right up to Dan grade syllabus - phew! The class again was divided and I took the children through Team Kata, more games, sparring, kihon waza and the whole group performed Pinan Nidan together for the parents and adults students, this went down very well, with much applause, the children were very pleased with them selves, it was a very nice moment! they finished off with meditation!

the adults worked their way through remianing pairwork similar to the previous day and finished off with Advanced Kata. A meeting was held for the Association to discuss the upcoming Kata competition plus general updates on Association matters.

The weekend went very quickly and was very enjoyable, in fact we have booked ELWK camp for 2011 - see you there!

Ken Harrison 5th Dan

Guildhall Wado Kai - Adult Learners week Demonstration  - 19th May 2010 - Guildhall Old Library, London

This was the third year running that Guidhall Wado Kai carried out a demonstration in support of a very worthwhile cause. Again we had a good turnout of students (around 16) who performed Kata, team Kata, Kata Bunkai, basic techniques (Kihon) it was the bag work that really stood out with Cathy, Sandra, peter, Steve, Florian all hammering the bags with ligthning style powerful kicks, Sam really stood out here being the clubs tallest student (white belt) and really throwing out some kicks - wow !

The sparring was lively but controlled nad everyone really enjoed themselves. Their was also knife defences (Tanto Dori) and self defence techniques shown too!

In all a very enjoyable day together with Belly Dancing, Tablle Tennis and Police dog handling displays this event just gets bigger every year nad hopefully we can offer our support agian next eyar.

Ken Harrison

ELWK Spring Course - Chingford 28th February 2010

The content of this course has disappeared, but the 4 hours covered all the normal Wado syllabus, Kihon, Kata, pair work.

Eric and myself decided to run this course for FREE to the students. This  is something we do annually, to thank the students for their continued support! But also to thank the 'unsung' people within the Association that contribute their free time to the ELWK ! to name Barbara, Ray, Dave, John, Peter, Tom, Yvette, and Sam our Licencing Officer !

Without their support the ELWK wouldn't run so smoothly !

Ken Harrison 5th Dan

Guildhall Wado Kai - Shihan JJ Burnell Shidokan 10th November 2009

ELWK Weekend Camp - Clacton 26th-27th September 2009

The weather was superb and we had a good turn out of students too !

Eric Krappinger 6th Dan took the adult students through Kihon Waza, Renkei Waza, Kata, Kihon Gumite, Yakusuko Gumite, Ohyo Gumite, Kumite Gata and Tanto Dori over the two day course. I took the children through Kihon Waza, Kata, bag work, sparring followed by some very noisy enthuisiastic games, which led onto thevery popular meditation, where I was able to walk away and leave the children 'meditating' for ages, much to the amusement of the parents.

Though I must admit it wasn't just all hard work, their was the traditional get together in the clubhouse saturday evening followed by a small party (into the early hours) discussing Karate ? with a few laughs thrown in.

The training finished off with the annual ELWK meeting where all students have the opportunity to raise any questions or concerns, and the ELWK schedule was discussed in detail!

Again another succesful weekend - hopefully we will be back !

Ken Harrison 5th Dan

ELWK Summer Course - Chingford 14th June 2009

ELWK Spring Course - Chingford, 29th March 2009

This was the first course held this year with the ELWK, the turnout was good & as the 'usual suspects' had turned up (the regulars) it was decided to hold the course for free of charge! - A good start to the afternoon for everyone.

Peter Howells 3rd Dan took the warm up which was followed with partner stretching. then it was practice all techniques (Kihon Waza) followed with all the combination techniques ( Renkei Waza ), from 8th kyu (yellow belt) through to the Dan Grade(black belt) syllabus (20 different combinations in all).

Eric then took everyone through the Pinan Kata, then the lower grades practised Yakusuko Gumite while the higher grades practised all the remaining kata. It was onto Kihon Gumite (basic fighting techniques) nos. 1-5, folowed with Kumite Gata nos. 1-3. The class was split into two camps of choice - Ohyo Gumite (fighting techniques) & Tanto Dori (knife defences).

The course finished up with Keri waza (kicking techniques) combination drills on one leg only (tricky stuff) - the 4 hours went really quickly, so it was off to the local Pub to discuss the finer points of karate - another succesful course!

Ken Harrison 5th dan

Sensei Sugasawa Course - Chelmsford, 28th February 2009

Attended by Eric, Peter & John

There were two sessions, the first one was meant to be for up to 4th kyu and followed by a second session for the higher grades. As usual the first session was populated mainly by Black belts doing both sessions to get the most out of the day. We began with static stretching exercises followed by basic punching and blocking drills, to ensure correct movement. This was followed by sliding step movements in all directions.

Sensei then decided to concentrate on the nagashi movement that is so unique to our style. He then tested the effectiveness of this by allowing a boken (wooden sword) to drop down towards us. To reasure us he said he wasn't actively putting force into it, and that it was only gravity (funny not everyone seemed reassured by this, especially those who got hit). We finished the session with some Sanbon & Ippon Kumite (which was taken from the association syllabus).

John Grantham 3rd Dan

ELWK Winter course - Chingford - 16th November 2008

We had a reasonable turnout with Mike Hart 5th Dan & Leslie travelling from Witham, Yvette Holyoake 2nd Dan making the long trip up from Little Hampton + the usual suspects.

Eric took the warm up, reminding us all of his favourite knuckle push ups! (ouch) then it was staright into the kicking drills, combination of many kick (great fun). Basic (Kihon waza) followed.

we then paired up & practiced Kihon Gumite, Ohyo Gumite, Kumite Gata & kneeling defences. The mats were laid out ready for the heavy throws found in Ohyo Gumite no. 3 & 5, Kihon Gumite no. 10 & kneeling defences carried out standing up no. 5.

To finish of all 15 Wado Kata were practised with Bunkai (application) to Pinan Shodan & Sandan.

In all another succesful course - fast paced, covering many different aspects of the Wado syllabus. As Ian said afterwards that 'the course absolutely flew by which iis always a good sign' & Florian said that these courses do give you an opportunity to practice different things as we have more time - couldn't have put it better myself!

As Victoria mentioned in the pub afterwards (oopps!) as a green belt she really enjoyed the course and she would definately train at the next one!

Ken Harrison 5th Dan

BWKS National Competition - Wanstead sports centre - 2nd November 2008

As usual John & I are kicking our heels & wondering what to do with our selves this fine sunny day ? Then out of the blue we thought that we would visit our old friends at the BWKS.

The competition wasn't as well attended as previous years, this may be due to the latest ruling by the EKF ( that you have to belong to them to be able to enter most Wado Competitions or something politically similar ? anyway apologies if I have that information completly wrong).

Our friends Chase Wado Kai were there with Instructor David Jillings ( we have attended many courses ovet the years with Chase & David with Sakagami sensei) also Fran Nangle had brought over students from Ireland - again always good to see old friends !

We managed to meet Bill Mossman, Richard Patrick, Dave Walling, Sue Hampshire, James, Tailha & many more - all our ol' training buddies from yester year (many hours of sweat, blood & tears we all remember) - it is great that most of us are still training in Wado !

The standard of both Kata & Kumite was very good, with good / fair refereeing - no complaints at all! It was very enjoyable to watch & the trophies were fine too!

With Sensei Yoshi Shinohara refereeing the Final of the open Men's Black belt kumite Final (I believe that this was the BWKS 30 th Competition - a great achievement).

John & I enjoyed the competition & seeing all our friends made it a special day !

Cheers Guys !

Richard Patrick is holding his annual club Dance / Disco - very soon !watch this space!

Ken Harrison 5th Dan Karate

Sugasawa Sensei Course - Woodham Walter near Chelmsford - 4th October 2008

This made a nice change for us to go to a course so much closer to travel than our normal trek to the Midlands. Though this time only Eric, Peter & myself (John) made this trip as Ken was otherwise engaged (at a party). The day consisted of two sessions, one from 12.30 - 2.00 pm & the second from 3.00 - 5.00 pm. The first session was supposedly for up to 4th Kyu, but was populated mainly by the same Dan Grades as the later session.

Eric last saw Sugasawa Sensei some 25 years ago (Eric thinks he may of been a green belt back then - Eric that is of course) and wondered if he would still remember him ? When we walked in & he said don't I know you from somehwere ? As I said to Eric afterwards, how many short Austrians do you think that he knows ? ?

The first session started with some static stretching exercises that were good but much harder that they looked! Judging by how flexible Sugasawa Sensei is himself they certainly must work. This was followed by various basic exercises involving punching & blocking on both sides in a set pattern, all good exercise in proper movement.
During the first session we also broke down Pinan Nidan & we were asked how we turned, heel or ball of the foot ? and more importantly why ?

Interesting that you can do something for years without being able to answer something straight away ? After about 5 or 10 minutes he said so far how come the 7th Kyu was the closest to the correct answer ? among all these Dan Grades (doh), and it was to do with Sei - Chu - Sen (centre of the body axis).

The second session covered some of the same plus more practice of Kake Te & Ohyo Kumite with the emphasis on moving forwards into the attack. As usual, it was a shame the lesson wasn't longer and we look forward to more of the same in the near future!

John Grantham 3rd Dan Karate

ELWK weekend camp - Clacton - 20th - 21st September 2008

The camp was well attended once again with Yvette & her students travelling from Littlehampton, Stuart from Chelmsford, Robert from Witham + all the regulars.

These days it's almost a tradition as Stuart took us all through a quick warm up. After Eric had taken everyone through the basic techniques, the lower grades were passed onto Ken. This allowed the Black Belts to concentrate on the more advanced Kata's, Kihon waza, Kumite Gata, Ohyo kumite etc. The lower grades practiced Pinan Nidan, then spent time on the Bunkai i.e. some of the punches, strikes,kicks, take downs, locks etc.pads & kickbags were used for this purpose. Jiyu Kumite (free fighting) then followed, all the lower grades worked hard (as did the higher grades of course) then it was into the swimming pool, the weather was fantastic.

A (civilised ) party was held to celebrate Ray & Barbara's 33rd Wedding Anniversary late into the night.

Sunday & Stuart took us through our paces with a different warm up, then after basics the class was divided again. Ken took the lower grades through many kicking techniques & combinations, then punching combinations on the pads. This was followed with self defence 'stuff' the usual take downs, strikes, arm & wrist locks. Ground work basic mount & guard position escapes.

Most people know that Vincent Gardener who trains with me is a yellow belt & is a working Priest, but did they know that Vincent is a 3rd Dan Aikido Instructor ? Vincent took & talked us through basic Aikido movements & locks - very enjoyable!

The higher Grades going through more pair work & we all finished up with Tanto Dori (knife defences) & Ohyo Kumite & Kimite Gata.

Another great weekend, well attended & a lot of fun too! I can't wait for next year

ELWK Dan Grading - Walthamstow - 6th July 2008

This Dan Grading was slightly different, as Geraldine Weiss was the only student attempting for her Black Belt today! (not as easy as it sounds). In fact as the eyes of the Grading Panel were obviously on her the whole time, I think Geraldine was more determined than ever to perform to her best - as she did.

Geraldine (even now s a young woman) has been training at Waltham Forest Wado Kai ever since she was very young, some nine years I think. She performed technically very well & strong throughout all her basic Kihon / Renkei waza & Kata.

In fact I thought that her Kata was performed to a high standard. The pair work followed Yakusuko Gumite, Kihon waza & Ohyo Gumite with Peter Howells 3rd Dan.

Jiyu Kumite (free fighting) & Shiai (contest) followed on.

At the end of the Grading Geraldine was awarded her 1st Dan - a fantastic achievement - her first attempt!

Eric has said that Geraldine has really taken her Grade seriously at the club, she has really grown in confidance & really enjoying her regular training!

She takes amean warm up too!

ELWK Course - Walthamstow - 18th May 2008

This was the first 'in - house' course to be held for 2008 & it was a great success! The turnout was excellant with Yvette & Alex bringing students all the way up from Littlehampton. Stuart McCann from Chelmsford attended and he is becoming very popular with the students for his warm up routine and did indeed warm us all up ready for the techniques ahead.

Eric took everyone through all the basic techniques - kihon Waza followed with Renkei waza. After a short break it was Kata's, all the Kata's were covered, with Ken & Carl taking the Black Belts through the advanced Kata's.

Eric then took everyone through Kihon Gumite ( 1-5), Ohyo Gumite ( 5 & 7). we ended practicing our breakfalls. In all the 4 hours went very quickly, everyone seemed to enjoy the course & we are all looking forward to the weekend camp at Clacton - see you there!

Keep on kickin'

Sensei Yanagawa 8th Dan 'Maximising the body's potential' - 17th &18th November 2007 - Horsham

This was a truely amazing course, Sensei Yanagawa was a student of Grandmaster Otsuka & continued his training through the years in Budo style. Assisted by Sensei's Sakagami, Peter May, Kida & Takayanegi. Sensei Yanagawa guided us all through the basic's in stance work, kicks, blocks & punches in his own formidable style. Great emphasis on breathing when performing techniques together with 'squeezing' your shoulder blades together was just one way.

The way Sensei performed smooth stance movement, it appeared as if he was almost floating (honest). Sensei's teaching of Pinan Yodan, Godan & Naihanchi was again much different to any Wado teaching that I have had before, great emphasis was given to speed of movement with maximum power (including correct breathe control & relaxation). Their definately was a difference in the power I thought.