Sensei Ian Ratcliffe was proud to see his Shotokan Karate Club students achieve 100 per cent success rate in their recent grading examinations. Following successful gradings last May, his Kilgetty Shotokan Karate Club has grown from 12 members to 21. The youngsters, who train twice weekly with Sensei Ian, 3rd Dan, also performed a brilliant demonstration at the Kilgetty Fun Day in July.
Saxon Karate's three times world champion and three times European champion, Sensei Leigh Smith, 6th Dan, and 3rd Dan Michael Ball travelled from Manchester to lead the training and grading. Sensei Leigh, who is also a black belt examiner, encouraged the students to listen carefully; he also had some fun with the youngsters, who were a little nervous about the grading.
Sensei Leigh taught the students that: "Safety and self defence depend on obeying the rules of Shotokan Karate. You become much stronger when you breath and stand correctly. I'm not here to just to give grades, I'm here to help you improve, with fast and strong breathing."
The students used the words 'fast and strong' as part of their training, helping them use correct breathing techniques.
In an increasingly dangerous environment, with knife crime on the increase, people are looking for ways to feel safe.
Sensei Leigh believes: "If you are in danger and under attack, you panic, but with your Karate training, you can learn to think in a new and controlled way; avoiding conflict completely or defending yourselves from attack."
Sensei Leigh is closely involved with local schools in Manchester and fully supportive of anti-bullying strategies of all descriptions.
The 17 children from the Kilgetty area involved in Saturday's grading session were thrilled to receive their new belts in an award ceremony held at Coppet Hall Hotel, Saundersfoot, where red and white belts were awarded to: Merlina Ashdown, Rowen Ashdown, Harry Banner, Tristan Thomas, Dewi Thomas and Miles Johnston; red belts - Cameron Barrat, Ieuan Jones, Carys Bowen, Thomas Bowen, Cody Hayes-Wright, Domonic Cunningham and Kieron Johnson; orange belts - Georgia Thompson, Aimee Beynon, Leah Duffy and Shannon Shields.
One parent shared how Kilgetty Shotokan Karate Club had helped her son: "My son suffers from dyspraxia causing him trouble with co-ordination. Since joining Kilgetty Karate Club his co-ordination and confidence have improved."
Kilgetty Shotokan Karate Club caters for the needs of several students with co-ordination and hearing disabilities, and provides training regimes for people of all abilities.
Kilgetty Shotokan Karate Club meetings are held at:
Kilgetty Scout Hall - Thursday and Friday evenings from 6.30 - 8 pm, cost £2 per session.
Tavenspite Village Hall - A new children's class begins on Tuesday, September 30, from 7 - 8.15 pm, cost £2.
Coppet Hall Hotel: A new adult class begins on Wednesday, October 1, at 7.30 pm, cost £3.
For details of all classes, call 01834 811713.
A prize bingo night takes place on September 29 from 7 pm onwards at Kilgetty's RAOB Club, where all proceeds will be donated to Kilgetty Shotokan Karate Club.
Thanks are expressed to Kilgetty Scouts and Coppet Hall Hotel for use of their facilities during the weekend.