Following the warm up the course began with all students together focusing on basic Kihon training. We concentrated on setting our position to make strong techniques for basic punches, blocks and strikes whilst also moving body position into different stances. This was then further progressed to incorporate both mae geri and kekomi kicks before moving to using these in various combinations.
After a short and much needed break all students remained together and were partnered up being put through our paces using the combinations that were practiced at the start of the course. Prior to the next break Sensei moved on to practice Jiyuu Ippon Kumite using kazami zuki, gyaku zuki whilst making correct distance for attacking and connecting between moves, which naturally progressed to working together on one for one continuous attack techniques.
After a Final break the class was split into 3 separate groups where we were given the opportunity to choose which kata we wanted to practice and study in more depth. The kata were Bassai Dai, Jion and Ninjushiho. Sensei Ohta and the technical committee instructors gave in depth training and technical instruction for their groups.
After a fantastic 3 hour training session with Sensei Ohta the course was at an end. It was evident that all students enjoyed the course and as always could take something out of the course to further practice in our own dojos.
Dan Grading
Following the
conclusion of training a JKA Dan Grading was held. The following
students were successful in passing Dan Gradings.
| Pass First Dan JKA (Shodan) | |
| Aidan Hodge | Shibumi |
| Logan Stewart | Shibumi |
| Gary Watford | Broughty Ferry |
| Stephen Lenaghan | Carnegie |
| Stephen Roger | Alloa |
| Jamie Astley | Dunfermline |
| Pass Second Dan JKA (Nidan) | |
| Holly Williams | Carnegie |
| Tess White | Aberdeen |
| Iona Barclay | Shibumi |
Congratulations to all the above students.
Thank you to Sensei Ohta for an enjoyable and very informative course and many thanks to all JKA Scotland Instructors and students who supported the event making this another successful Special May Course for JKA Scotland.
The next event in the calendar will be the Regional Kyu Gradings in June.