Dear karate friends, thank you for your warm wishes, artwork, messages, company, and generosity. It is all very much appreciated. 50 feels so much better than 49!
Here is some of what transpired plus a x50 recording of training.
Austin
Ohta Sensei is renowned for his ability to deconstruct kata and build back up through kihon and kumite drills, and his recent visit to Shiranamikai was no different. The Japan Karate Association in England’s Chief Instructor taught a special session based around Heian Yondan for kyu grade attendees, followed by a masterclass in Chinte for senior grades.
Well done to everyone on passing their grading!
Shiranamikai members participated in the JKA England National Karate Championship at the weekend. Well done to everyone who took part, especially those who competed in a karate competition for the first time, and thank you to parents for their support during the day (and photos!). Results as follows…
Ella: Bronze in Kumite 🥉
Ariana: Bronze in Kumite 🥉
Blanche: Gold in Kata, Gold in Kumite 🥇🥇
Lara: Bronze in Kumite 🥉
Jacqueline: Silver in Kumite 🥈
Alex: Silver in Kata 🥈
Austin: Gold in Kata 🥇
Congratulations!
This was a great result so it was nice to relax and catch up over dinner after our regular training session a few days afterwards!
Instructors, Ogura Yasunori 8th Dan and Hakizume Yushi 3rd Dan from the JKA Tokyo Sohonbu, and Sawada Kazuhiro 8th Dan from JKA Belgium joined Ohta Yoshinobu 7th Dan for a three day international training camp.
These courses are a great opportunity to practise alongside other keen students under the tutelage of some of the world’s best karate instructors.
A black belt dan grading was held on the final day of the course. Congratulations to Alex on achieving his 2nd Dan. Well done!
Categories
Sakura Hanami London Spring 2023
Shirahanamikai members outside the dojo with the beautiful cherry blossom. It felt almost as if we were among the clouds 🌸
Shiranamikai students enjoyed a special training session with Japan Karate Association England Chief Instructor, Ohta Yoshinobu 7th Dan, this March.
Fundamentals of blocking and counter attacks using hands, elbows and feet underpinned the session while targeting and distance work, timing and shifting was a key focus of partnerwork. Having utilising the three main Shotokan stances of zenkutsu, kokutsu and kiba dachi throughout the lesson, it was fitting that we finished the session with the kata Jion.
Well done to everyone on passing their grading, especially our younger attendees for trying their best.
We celebrated Shiranamikai’s 14th anniversary at the beginning of the year with a morning training session swiftly followed by tea/coffee and homemade cake!
Christmas & New Year Training Schedule
Sessions run as normal up to and including 21st December.
We make a full return to schedule from 3rd January 2023.
| Tuesday 20th December | 6.30pm O2 Centre |
| Wednesday 21st December | 7pm Harrow |
| Saturday 24th December | No training |
| Sunday 25th December | No training |
| Tuesday 27th December | 10.30am O2 Centre |
| Wednesday 28th December | 7pm Online |
| Saturday 31st December | No training |
| Sunday 1st January | No training |
| Tuesday 3rd January | 6.30pm O2 Centre |
A big thank you to Ohta Sensei for visiting Shiranamikai on Friday to lead keiko and conduct a kyu grading for our students. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a high level instructor lead our karate association in the UK, and who takes the time to develop every grade at club level.
Instructors, Hirayama Yuko 7th Dan and Igarashi Tatsuro 3rd Dan from the JKA Tokyo Sohonbu, joined Ohta Yoshinobu 7th Dan for this year’s JKAEngland Winter Gasshuku.
Hirayama Sensei created a buzz with her encouraging lesson delivery and positive, yet demanding, teaching style. She is now well known to students in the UK after several visits. Igarashi Sensei challenged participants with calisthenic exercises combined with karate technique, designed to increase speed and power in delivery.
A black belt dan grading was held the final day of the course. Congratulations to Chantelle on passing her 1st Dan. Well done!
