2nd Annual JKS Wales Summer Course and Dan Grading (2024).
On Saturday 8th June, JKS Wales held our second annual summer course and Dan grading, conducted by JKS England Chief Instructor Alan Campbell Sensei (8th Dan) and alongside him, JKS England Senior Instructor and Head Coach Matt Price Sensei (7th Dan).
The course promptly started led by Matt Price Sensei focussing on the kata Junro Shodan, the first in the late Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei’s Junro series. Junro Shodan focusses on combining the mechanics of pushing and pulling through correct use of the hips and legs. This focus was echoed by Matt Sensei who went in depth on finer details throughout the kata including improving fluidity of movement, effective use of the hips when moving through stances and changing direction.
Following this, Matt Sensei moved into his speciality that is Kumite and gave a masterclass on various drills and techniques, with a particular emphasise on footwork and defensive geri-waza (kicking techniques) including Ura-Mawashi-Geri (Hook Kick) and Mawashi-Geri (Roundhouse Kick). This developed further into more partner work with a focus on effective defensive guards that allowed successful blocking to allow reactive and complete counterattacks. Matt Price Sensei concluded this part of the course with a gruelling but rewarding squats workout to ensure that participants were ‘properly warmed up’.
After a short break, Alan Campbell Sensei went through the last of the Junro series, Junro Godan. This final kata of the Junro series focusses on Unsoku or foot/leg movements, particularly Kosa-Dachi (Cross/Crossing Stance), Yoriashi (Slide/Sliding Step) and Ayumiashi (Bridge/Bridging Step). Alan Sensei demonstrated his knowledge and vast experience training in Japan, echoing the finer points of the Junro Godan with emphasise on remaining relaxed throughout the kata. This controlled relaxation allows a karateka to effectively snap techniques, whilst maintaining fluidity and flow throughout the kata.
Next, following the conclusion of the course and a short respite for those grading, the Dan grading began with Alan Campbell Sensei and Matt Price Sensei joined on the judging panel by JKS Wales Chief Instructor Derek Stockham Sensei (5th Dan) and Head Coach Matt Stockham Sensei (5th Dan). The results of the Dan grading are as follows:
​
Shodan (1st Dan):
Scarlett Roper – Llandovery
Kate Lloyd – Gilwern
Dale Owen (Crossover) – Newtown
Jonathon McGorian (Crossover) – Kugun Karate
Nidan (2nd Dan):
Dale Owen – Newtown
Rhys Boyde – Brecon
Ryan Moore (Crossover) – Llanbedr Dc
Leah Smith (Crossover) – Newtown
Ed Curtis – Gilwern
Jonathan McGorian – Kugun Karate
Sandan (3rd Dan):
Ryan Moore – Llanbedr Dc
Yondan (4th Dan):
Ally McDonald (Crossover) – Malvern
Chris Cray (Crossover) – Malvern
Sam Stuart (Crossover) – Malvern
Godan (5th Dan):
Rhianne Rawcliffe (Crossover) – Malvern
Joe Rawcliffe (Crossover) – Malvern
​
We would also like to congratulate Chris Cray and Sam Stuart on gaining their Instructor D Qualifications.
​
Firstly, we would like to thank everyone who attended the training course and to all those who participated in the Dan grading. Whether you passed or may need to attempt again in the future, your hard work and determination is a testament to your commitment to developing as Karateka. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Alan Campbell Sensei and Matt Price Sensei for conducting the spring course and judging the Dan grading as it has become a highlight of the JKS Wales annual calendar. Lastly, we would like to welcome our new members and friends to the JKS Family – we look forward to training with you in the future for the years to come!
