club update

8th March 2013

Dear Students / Parents / Guardians,

Doesn't time fly! The Club has now been running for 6 weeks and attendance has been fantastic. We are averaging around 18 Students per week. Let's keep this strong attendance up and start aiming to get to our first Club grading. I am hoping to do this in May, I will let everyone know individually who is grading - note that there is a minimum number of Classes that must be attended and a minimum standard required. This is set out by the SKU (our governing body). Don't worry about the grading; we will do a run through before the day so that everyone knows what is expected of them. Note that the grading will most likely take place on a Sunday morning.

Everyone is doing very well, we just need to get the hang of the kata now and start polishing things up in general. The Class itself is looking better week by week as everyone gradually gets a Karate suit (Gi), if anyone wants an Order form please let me know.

Generally buying a Suit is a sign of commitment to the Art, and it is at this point that I would recommend the Student signing up to become an official member of the SKU (Shukokai Karate Union), this makes you eligible to take grading’s (i.e. it's a requirement), it also allows you to enter competitions and attend courses hosted by our Chief Instructor - Stan Knighton (9th Dan). Membership is £29 (family membership is available at a discount). In order to become a member either ask me for an application form or register via the SKU website and pay via Paypal. A very important part of your application is to enter the correct Club code (094) and to select the correct instructor/club combination (Mark Hudson - Kaihatsu Karate Do Chesterton) - failure to do this will make your application invalid. Any questions please feel free to ask me.

Some of you may have been aware of some changes to the Club that I was considering changing. This would only affect Adults who train alongside their Child (hence I did not inform everyone). However after last week’s session I have decided NOT to change anything just yet. However this may be revisited in the future if necessary. The only change I am planning is to start the Class on time every week. During the first few weeks we were delayed (but made up the time) due to large number of people arriving and filling out forms etc. Therefore please try to arrive on time in order to start training on time.

On Tuesday I announced the SKU National Kata and Kumite (fighting) Competition on Sunday 21st April in Sheffield. Although no Club members are eligible to enter, you may attend to view - there is no entry fee i.e. it's FREE. I have attached the promotional flyer to this update. The Competition is held at the EIS (English Institute of Sport) in Sheffield, S9 5DA. Any questions feel free to ask.

Once again, well done to everyone.

Thank you to Emma Hudson and Andy McGaw for their recent assistance in administration and teaching.

Look forward to seeing you next Tuesday.

Yours in Karate

Sensei Mark Hudson (2nd Dan)