Belfast seminar and grading

On Saturday, 25th July, Proinsias visited Belfast, having been invited by Sensei Artie Speight for a seminar with Shihan Brett Halliday and for the chance to view a grading. After travelling back and forth across Northern Ireland, thanks to Proinsias's legendary sense of direction, we ended up at Sensei Artie's Newington Karate dojo. The day was absolutely fantastic, with a brilliant seminar from Shihan Brett, focusing on kumite techniques and kata applications. We then had a session with Hanshi Joe Carslake, where we learned just how painful Ju-Jutsu can be! We noted the similarities of the techniques shown to many contained within our own kata. Shihan Brett finished off with a careful analysis and repeated practice of the katas Heian Yondan and Jion. At the grading which followed, the young Newington karateka showed their spirit and technique, which was most impressive. I had a great day, and would love to see some Newington friends down in Kinnegad or Portarlington before too long. Here are some photos...

From top : with Sensei Liam Gorman, Irish Shotokan Academy,with Sensei Ken Keating (Ballinteer Kenpo), with Senseis Liam Gorman, Artie Speight and Brett Halliday. Many thanks to Sensei Gorman for sending on the photos.