E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness - West Cumbria
  • Home
  • News
  • Classes
    • Karate Classes
    • Fitness Classes
    • Locations
  • Virtual Training
  • Free Taster
  • Members
  • Home
  • News
  • Classes
    • Karate Classes
    • Fitness Classes
    • Locations
  • Virtual Training
  • Free Taster
  • Members

LATEST NEWS

February Senior Grading

27/2/2014

1 Comment

 
On Tuesday 25th February, a grade examination was held at the Arlecdon dojo for those challenging brown belt ranks.  By virtue of these being the senior Kyu ranks and close to that a very significant milestone of first Dan (Black Belt), they take a little longer and need very focussed attention from the grading panel.  The pair challenging 3rd kyu and the pair challenging 2nd kyu were therefore given the opportunity to grade at what is usually the venue for our closed dojo at the weekly slot for that class.
Now by the time members of our group reach the stage where they are ready to challenge senior kyu ranks they have already travelled a fair distance along on their karate path and this time as Lewis Cullen, John Smallman, Peter Hinde and Dave Parker bowed in, there was already something approaching a combined 30 years of travelling behind them.  Many members of the closed dojo and the open dojo's had come along for support and while the number grading was much less than our standard events, the anticipation, tension, excitement and expectation created the most amazing atmosphere.
Picture
Dave Parker and Peter Hinde at each end of the "panel" (Peter Sempie, Chris Denwood and Jonathan Roll) wearing their new 3rd Kyu brown belts
I think it fair to say that the audience were treated to a remarkable display of effort and focus with a number of outstanding individual performances, as the panel put them to the test.  From the sheer power and mental intent displayed from fundamental techniques to the elegance of kata performances, the audience was captivated.  From the exquisite choreography and symmetry of the pre-arranged kumite to the raw demonstrations of power generation in pad work and live drilling, the spectators were enthralled.  From the control and precision shown in bunkai demonstrations to the sheer spirit to fight through the exhausting and mentally draining sparring sessions, the onlookers were inspired.

Now, at every training session and every grading those that practice the wonderful art of traditional karate take a few more steps along that seemingly endless journey of growth.  Each of those steps form a part of the experience, learning and knowledge that will be called upon many times over as further steps are taken. Indeed, there are no wasted steps on journeys like these.

I was proud to have witnessed the four challengers all take some very impressive steps on Tuesday night.  Congratulations on behalf of the whole group to Peter Hinde and Dave Parker for advancing to 3rd kyu and a huge "well done" to all four for such an amazing performance.

Dave F
1 Comment
David Forsythe
3/3/2014 04:19:02 pm

My good friend, student of the year (again) and holder of a brand new 3rd Kyu brown belt, Peter Hinde asked me to post this comment:

Ive been very fortunate to train with the ESKK for nearly 10 years now and am very proud to know such amazing Karateka, and superb instructors. Some time ago I thought about the grading and began working more closely with Dave Parker on preparation for our joint grading. I was extremely nervous, as we all were, and the atmosphere in the room was tense, but we had brilliant support from our fellow club members who turned out on a cold and wet night in Arlecdon.

Then the grade started, and i knew what was coming...brutality and a real test of our understanding skill, dedication, fitness, concentration, and the hours of practice we do to improve and refine the applications, kata and all other aspects of the art form we are truly devoted to. And it was superb, yes i know i made mistakes, and some applications felt 'better' than others, but like my other Karateka, gave it my all. Before i knew it we were coming up to the Kata, and my mind was telling me to do what i had been taught, and i was very tired at this point. But i love the art and could feel those in the room wishing us all to push deeper, the sweat and anticipation was adding to the pressure we were all feeling. And throughout the grading that 'seme' was intense. At the breaks we encourgaded each other to keep pressing on, such is the commarderier and support we all give to each other.

By the end, we were extremely tired, but pushed on, and when Sensei called a halt, we were truly spent. The group hug and congratulations for completing the grading was moving, we do truly support each other.

Grading is one of the most, terrifying, frustrating, painful and at the
some time exhilarating experience. Im still sore today, and i know fine well that i couldnt have got through it without the support of those amazing, dedicated and passionate friends in the ESKK Club, this is an ethos developed by our strong bond for each other and the superb teaching of our Sensei, they keep pushing us on...because they have faith in us as people and Karateka.

I need to thank everyone, and I know Dave was outstanding, thats a given. But can I please dedicate my grade passing to my brilliant wife who encourgaded me and allowed me the time to push on, and to David, my brother, who recently passed away. He always asked about how I was progressing, i know he will be as pleased as me and Cheryl are !! (he still thinks i do Judo though).

Notwithstanding our Sensei Chris, Peter and John relentlessly pass on thier support, skill and encouragement, and it was fitting that Chris was awarded his 5th Dan, from his close friend and Karateka Peter Sempie, this made an amazing night even more memorable, Congratulations Sensei, your all an huge inspiration to us.


Cheers

Peter

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012

    RSS Feed

In association with:
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Home | Policies | Site Map | Contact Us
Copyright © 2012 The Denwood-Ling Group.  All Rights Reserved.