SEKU Instructor Class
6th April 2008
Despite four inches of snow that fell
that very morning the SEKU Instructor class took place as normal at the Priory Community
Sports Centre in Southsea.
Unfortunately, due to the weather
there were some faces missing but never-the-less it didn't take long for the class to be in
full swing. Mervyn O'Donnell led the first class taking us through Heian Godan Kata
with some unusual and interesting Bunkai. Mick Dewey conducting the second class with
some in-depth revision of Jiyu Ippon-Ni. This was well received by the class members
as there has been some confusion amongst us all as to the correct
procedure, the class
should have left all members in little doubt of the requirements.
Last part of the class was the
practise of some realistic self-defence techniques shown by Mick and assisted by Mark
Elliott.
it was a good class with plenty of
revision that is always needed in order to keep us on top of the
game and to make sure we
agree on all we do.
Next Instructor Class - Sunday 7th
November 2008 same venue
SEKU Instructor Class
4th September 2008
The SEKU Instructor Class
convened Sunday 4th November 2007 at the Priory Community Sports Centre, Fawcett Road,
Southsea. This has been a new venue for us this year and class members seem to enjoy
the facilities.
The Class began with Brian
Smith taking us through a warm-up session, nothing too strenuous. This was followed
by Merv O'Donnell leading a thorough study of Jiin Kata from the performance to its bunkai
(applications) in its various forms. Mick Dewey lead the final part covering the
performance of the basis techniques of Shotokan Karate and their application. This
was time for class members to revise and refine their technique and it was quite
surprising how some Instructors had become somewhat 'rusty' in their performance and
understanding of certain aspects of their training and teaching.
Then again this is what the
current Instructor Class is all about - it is not about 'blood and thunder' but
about improving your teaching ability and how to get it across to your students. Its
a great pity that those Instructors who are missing from these Classes do not get along
more often as it is they and their students who will benefit more.
The class finished with
Mervyn O'Donnell running through the grading syllabus that will be introduced for those
clubs wishing to participate in gradings for children from six to under eight years of
age. This is not a grading as such but a progress report that will be a light exam
conducted at club level. We must stress to Club Instructors that to qualify for
examiner status in this scheme you must attend the Instructor Classes regularly.
The next scheduled
Instructor Class will be Sunday 6th April 2008 at the Priory Community Sports Centre,
Fawcett Road, Southsea, Portsmouth.
Instructor Class in
Portsmouth
SEKU Club Instructors met at
the Priory Community Sports Centre Sunday 24th June. Class members revised their basic
techniques and an intense study the Kata, Kanku Dai. A thorough study of some
self-defense techniques was also carried out with some surprising outcomes.
The class were worked very
hard and went away tired but having enjoyed the day and the course content.
The next instructor class is
scheduled for 28th October 2007
Instructor Class in
Andover Sunday 25th June 2006
Considering the weather and
the fact that England were playing the same day, this course was well attended. The
class was split in two with Brian Smith working with the senior Dan Grades during the
first class, going through various aspects of kumite. Contributions were also
invited and given by the more experienced members of the class, the input from them proved
to be very useful. Merv O'Donnell covered basic Kata and it's bunkai with the less
experienced Dan Grade Instructors which proved to be very interesting and gave them a
better understanding. For the second class, the two instructors swapped
classes with Brian Smith covering the same aspect of Kumite as the first and Merv
O'Donnell running through kata Meikyo and it's bunkai. Mick Dewey,
recovering from major leg surgery observed the days proceedings with interest.
The whole day was very
successful and finished in good time and allowing most people to get back home in time for
the football (not sure about the Plymouth contingent though)
Representatives from clubs
in attendance were: Plymouth, Portsmouth, Shima, Paulsgrove: Bromley,
Portchester, Crofton, Lovedean, Newport Fitness Factory, Clevedon, Andover, Avon, West of
England University - If you can't see your club on the above list, harass your instructor
to be there or at least send a representative, it will improve the overall standard of
both your club and SEKU. Watch the events page for future classes.
INSTRUCTOR CLASS IN
ANDOVER
A well attended course was held at a
new location in Andover Sunday 12th February. Thirty plus Club instructors and
assistant Instructors were put through their paces by the Senior SEKU Instructors, Mervyn
O'Donnell and Brian Smith and overseen by Chief Instructor Mick Dewey.
Theme for the first part of the day
was general basics followed by an intense study of Yoko Geri. Kizama Tsuki and
Gyaku Tsuki were then tested for effect to the extreme. Chosen Kata for the day was
Wankan with bunkai demonstrated by the innovative Brian Smith.
All who were in attendance said after
that they enjoyed the training. It was somewhat overwhelming to some of the new
junior instructors however, who were in attendance for the first time but, they soon
settled in as senior club Instructors took them under their wings and guided them through
the day. It was generally accepted that class had an abundance of content and that
members had plenty to take back to their respective clubs and pass on to their
students.
Seminar's such as this are the way
forward and is 'good practice' for SEKU and it's Club Instructors. Training methods,
teaching systems, grading syllabi, basic and advanced Kata, good technique/bad technique
are all studied and put into practice at length and will lead only to a better
understanding of our Karate and teaching methods.
The only down side to the day was
that some Senior Club Instructors were prominent by their absence and their clubs were not
represented - if you were one of those who were unable to attend, and you are unable to
make future courses, please send your assistant Instructors as your club will only
benefit.
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