TradKA UK

NEWS (not reported elsewhere)

1. Leeds Kodokan Gradings

Leeds Kodokan was pleased to receive Sense Terry Wingrove - Kudan, on Saturday 8 March 2008 as the lead member of a Jiu Jitsu grading panel.  The panel was established to complete the assessment of a number of Jiu Jitsu students.  The students all performed creditably clearly represent the high standard expected. Following the grading Sensei explained one or two of the finer points of Jutsu as evidenced in pictures 2 and 3 below! 

Many congratulations to the following:

2.  Karate Dan Grading

Many congratulations to the following karateka who achieved rank progression either to Shodan or Nidan at the grading held on Sunday 24 February 2008 at Kaizen MAA's West Leeds Dojo.  The candidates followed the usual intensive testing covering Basics, Kata, Bunkai, Ippon Kumite, Jiyu Ippon Kumite, Okuri Kumite, Jiyu Kumite and knowledge. The candidates performed very well indeed and achievements were as follows:

3.  New 4th Dan

Many congratulations to Sensei Dave McNalus of Nakama Do Shukokai Karate Club to whom TradKA UK  awarded the degree of 4th Dan in Shukokai Karate on 3 December 2007.   In the absence of Kyoshi O'Connor, Sensei Jim Reece of Kaizen Martial Arts Academy, was honoured to be able to present Sensei McNalus with his 4th Dan certificate.

4. Black Belt International Gala Banquette and Awards

On Saturday 10 November 2007, representatives from TradKA UK member dojos attended the Gala Banquette and Awards Ceremony hosted by Black Belt International and held at the Hilton, Bradford.

As well as the meal there was an opportunity to talk to key celebrities from the  world of Martial Arts - notably Karen Shepherd (Hercules), Silvio Simac (Unleashed etc), Jason Frank (Power Rangers).  There were two demonstrations this year and they were of the highest quality.

Many danced until the early hours of the morning and rally enjoyed the evening. Two Kaizen students, whose names will be reported at its own awards ceremony, received National Accreditation Awards.  In addition, TradKA UK's  Peter Clarke was awarded the rank of Rokudan in Jiu Jitsu and Jimmy Kirk was awarded the rank of Godan in Shotokan Based Freestyle Karate.  Many congratulations to the two Sensei.

5. A fine effort in Bradford

Saturday 27 October witnessed the All England Open Karate Championships held as usual at the Richard Dunn Centre in Bradford.  The Kaizen squad was led by Sensei Jim Reece, the Nakama Do squad by Sensei Dave McNalus and the West Leeds Shotokan Academy Squad led by Sensei Ad Winter.

This competition regularly attracts entrants of the highest calibre and is always a delight to watch. Obviously the key roles of the three Sensei meant that they were often involved in officiating. Watching the teams clearly showed that they are improving all the time.  The three dojos all produced winners or placed competitors.  A fine effort.