On Friday 7th March along with Tony Sergent we travelled to Knock airport in Ireland. We were met in Sligo by Ray Conway and Jason Sheridan where we were driven up to Northern Donegal a beautiful day for a Two and a half hour drive, stopping off at Ballyshannon for a photo with the statue of Irish legendary guitarist Rory Gallagher and a lunch break in Donegal town.
We arrived at the beautiful Caiseàin Óir Hotel in Annagry and in the evening we went to Kincasslagh for a training session hosted by Paul McNally which was exclusively for Brown and Black belts and was very well attended. We concentrated on Higashi katas and worked on some of the lovely combinations and bunkai developed by Peter Spanton.
As usual, time flies and it was soon time to head out for food and drinks.
We woke up on the Saturday to fabulous weather and after a good breakfast and walk in the sun it was soon time for the day's training.
A full hall saw us practice basics and combinations and then quickly on to Katas and form.
After a short break we had a Yoga session with Lisa McGarvey where we worked on the similarities between Karate and Yoga and control of balance and breathing - an excellent addition to the course.
We then split the students into groups and Tony Sergent taught self defence, Jason Sheridan showed Kumite techniques, Dominic Shannon pad work, and Ciaran Donnelly worked on advanced Shotokan katas.
Soon it was time to finish with some advanced kata and a bit of fun testing brain and body.
It was then time for a grading and I was joined on the panel by Paul McNally, Ray Conway and John McNally.
Huidi McGarvey from Tir Chonaill Higashi was joined by Charlie Anderson from Belfast Higashi and after a very good grading both were awarded Nidan (2nd dans).
Sean Lynch of Tir Chonaill was awarded Sandan (3rd Dan)
Dominic Shannon was awarded the Peter Spanton spirit trophy.
Giovani Bellino received student of the course.
An excellent weekend training and some very good students from the local club especially the younger ones showing a willingness to work hard and learn.
In the evening we returned to the hotel for a great meal and then onto a local bar where we were entertained by the Irish students and their guitars as only the Irish can.
A fantastic course and many thanks to Paul McNally for the invite.
The plan is to add this to the schedule as a yearly event and I cannot recommend it highly enough especially if the weather is as good as we had it.
Steve Bell
HKK Chief Instructor
תגובות