Nine times World Champion Wayne Otto was our guest instructor. The day was split into 2 sessions, with the youngsters first, and the higher graded juniors and seniors to follow. Throughout both sessions Wayne was on top form. The lesson content was aimed obviously at competition fighting with Wayne passing on his vast knowledge and theories on training, along with his training methods. Both sessions were a sell out. The senior session was limited to 50 places so every one could see and hear Wayne, and also get the chance to ask questions and talk to Wayne.The feedback from those present was brilliant and we were sick of people asking when we could get Wayne back for another course. Watch this space.

ENGLISH CHAMPIONS PAST AND PRESENT.

Wayne Otto attacks English Champion 2004, Chris Tully, who trains at Kishin Academy in Barnsley.

Wayne Otto pictured explaining a point to the class, with Josh Heath, also English Champion 2004.

This years course proved to be our most successful in recent years. The hotel provided us with excellent facilities. Friday 27th started with a 2 hour session which consisted of combination techniques followed by partner work and sparring to finish.

Saturday 28th started at 7.00am with circuit training. This was a circuit known as the 'Dirty Dozen'. 12 exercises done 12 times, then repeated 11 times, 10 times and so. An ideal way to work up an appetite for breakfast.

The weather on Saturday was warm and sunny, so full use was made of the roof top terrace. The session started with kata. The first kata's practiced were from the pinan series, followed by Nai Hanshi and Bassai from the dan grade syllabus. The class moved on to combinations practiced with a partner, with techniques added at regular intervals. This session concluded with kicking practice.

Sunday 29th also began at 7.00am. This was again a circuit training session.

The main session on Sunday also began with kata, an ideal way to loosen stiff muscles. However, it was short lived. The class were then introduced to a training method called 'Targeting'. This was tough, but many said they enjoyed this session the most. Sunday finished with the kata Tai Shin. The picture shows that Joe Egan can kick faster than the camera and he performs Mawshigeri jodan on Ryan Wilson

Monday 30th started with kicks. Not what you really want after such a weekend.  The session moved on to partner work aimed at kumite. The session concluded with sparring. After the sparring session all those who attended were presented with a certificate and a group photograph to remember the weekend. The picture shows Josh Heath and Paul Stanton caught in high speed action.  

It is a good job Steve Readman got out of the way of Neil Williams' gykuazuki. That would have hurt. Neil, pictured on the was awarded Student of the Course.

The course was split into 2 sessions. During the first session Willie explained the points he wanted get across, with the class practicing the training drills still in lines. This involved kicking, punching and avoiding routines

Pictured above are members of the BWKU squad with Willie Thomas, (Centre). The picture below shows Willie demonstrating an evading movement with the assistance of Nathan Clarke.  

The second session involved putting the principles practiced from session 1 into a more realistic situation with a partner. This moved on to attack and defense with 5 partners coming one after the other. After the session all those who attended were presented with a certificate which was signed by Willie.

We were expecting something special and we got it. Willie started by explaining the techniques he was going to use during the afternoon, and he wanted them performed. He is seem here demonstarting Kazami Zuki on Neil Williams. 

Willie moved on to explaining avoiding and countering sequences. This time Paul Baker is on the receiving end. The intended break between the two sessions turned in a discussion session, highlighted by Willie reliving his past successes.  

The second session consisted of putting into practice the ideas that had been covered on the first session. These were done with a partner. This photo shows Willie getting his point accross to Joe Egan.

Willie finished the session by adding some throws to the previously covered routines. In this pictured Willie is seen throwing Neil Williams, (honestly).

A big thank you to all who attended, and to Willie for coming.

The Gasshuku 2005 was again held at the Fernlea Hotel, in St Anne's near  Blackpool.

The course began on Friday 26th. This session involved the use of focus pads.

The sequences were performed for a specified time, with the students working on speed and focus. The session also included the compulsory number of sit-ups and such like. This session concluded with sparring.

The day began at 7.00am. This was circuit training. Although the circuit was known as the Dirty Dozen, the format of which has been used before, the exercises were different this time. Each of the 12 exercises are repeated 12 times, then 11, then 10, down to 1 of each. Then hit breakfast.    

The class re-assembled at 10.30, this time on the roof of the hotel, making the most of the Lancashire weather. After warming up, the class began with Kata. This consisted of Jion, Ku Shanku and Nai Hanshi. After the kata, the class covered numerous paired work moves. These consisted of the ones from the Dan Grade syllabus, which were practised in isolation, and then put together in a fighting sequence. The session finished with some take down moves. The pictire shows Paul Stanton sweeping Chris Tully.

Saturday night consisted on failed attempts to gain access the the high spots of St Anne's, our mission did not succeed due to the wearing of trainers, which it has to be said were both stylish and expensive. A letter will be sent to Lacoste.

The day again began at 7.00an, for the 'Aerobic' session. This was 16 combination sequences, each one performed 5 times slowly, and then then 10 times fast, in each stance. Very sweaty. The photo shows Mick Tully practising Kihon 5 with Steve Readman, from later in the day.

The main session again began with Kata. This time Tai Shin and Bassai were the chosen kata. After kata, and by popular demand, the class were treated to the BWKU Karate Fitness Test. This tests core strength, Karate and aerobic fitness, and gives an age related fitness score. Although very tough, people do enjoy it, and love to compare scores.

The session finished with Kihon Kumite. the second picture shows Paul Stanton and Chris Tully practicing Kihon 5.

The session on Monday beagn with the class covering the 3 combination sequences taken from the Dan Grade syllabus. After that, it was a session of the focus pads. Strengthening exercises and fast blasts on the pads. What a way to spend 1 and 1/4 hours. The session concluded with sparring. At the end, all who had attended were given a certificate and a group photo.

Steve Connor holds the pads for Neil Williams. Is that pain or determination on Neils face.

A big thank you to all who supported this event.

FOOT NOTE

Joe Egan and Josh Heath were given the responsibility of looking after the focus pads for the weekend. If it was not for Mick Tully deciding to take matters into his own hands these pads might have been lost for good. Josh obviously blames Joe. This picture shows Josh explaining the situation to Joe.  

A true Master Class.

For those who have trained with and under Geoff before, this was eagerly awaited. Those who had only heard of Geoff could not have anticipated what they got.

Geoff Thompson showing he can still perform Ura Mawash Jodan.

Geoff started by warming the group up, which flowed into the 1st part of his course plan. Geoff covered a number of the fakes and avoids that helped him win 5 World titles.

Geoff demonstrates how to avoid front punch. 

One of the main things that stood out from the session was the mind set of Geoff. He explained how he had taken the basic moves of karate, and adapted training principles from other sports, incorporated psychology, biomechanics and such like to produce his winning format.

Josh Heath on the receiving end of a sweep.

Geoff promised us something special before he arrived. Not only karate training, but coach education that could be applied to competiton, gradings and all areas of karate and life in general.

The day finished with expected photo's and autographs. A day to remember.

This was Geoff's much anticipated return to our Doncaster centre.

This course was split into 2 sessions. The first was a warm up and some basic moves. Then came the tough bit. Geoff built up a sequence, involving basis moves and switches of stance. The mid session break was warmly welcomed by all.

Geoff avoids a sweep from Gareth Dunkerley

After a short break, session 2 started. This was partner work. The class worked on attacks and defences as well as avoiding moves. These were done in 3 minute bursts.       

The physical session finished with sparring. Geoff himself joined in and sparred with most of the seniors present. At this point it must be noted that the fights lasted 1 minute then partners were changed. Not too difficult you may think. Approximately 20 fights later and you know about it. (I would also like to question the time keeping abilities of our friend Balfour.)

Geoff answered some questions ands entered into discussion over refreshments before heading for his train. A truly memorable day.

We would like to thank all who helped make this day a success, and to Geoff for his superb and proffession coaching.  

Joe Egan get a Jodan kick.

Just walking into the Doncaster dojo, from a cool November midday, one could sense the atmosphere. As the class gathered in the dojo, you could see the nervous anticipation, twitching legs, the odd giggle, a glance every time someone came through the door. Then, enter Geoff.

Geoff avoids, here comes the Uraken.

The deliberate warm-up was followed by basic moves building up, with emphasis to detail that we have come to expect from Geoff. Before you know it, the intensity is up, so is the heart rate and suddenly you start asking yourself the questions.

Geoff's theme for the day was intensity. The dojo at Doncaster is a big old building, and it takes some heating.

Believe it or not, this is not a bad photo, it was taken at the end of the session through the steam produced by 30 committed karate-ka.

It is difficult to put into words the Geoff Thompson experience. Those who have met him, he is never forgotten. He is a truly unique person and karate-ka. Some try to demand respect. Geoff both commands and earns respect.

Respect sums the session. Respect for the 30 people prepared to ask themselves any number of questions, and find the answers. Respect for the effort put into the session. Respect for a true legend, GEOFF THOMPSON.

Many thanks to all who supported the day, and to Margaret for food and drinks.

The much awaited return of Geoff Thompson. This was Geoff's 4th visit and he had promised to step things up. After warming up, which was combined with the basic techniques and application, Geoff moved the session on to combinations. This was approximately 60 minutes. A hard 60 minutes at that. After some stretching short break was then in order.

Geoff explaining a technical point to Jim Moseley who trains at kishin Doncaster.

"Geoff keeps his eye on proceedings during partner work." After the break it was into the pairworks. Avoiding, covering and movement were the main areas to be covered.

Does the camera ever lie? Josh Heath performing Gykuazuki. The next element was sparring. Continuous fights, one after the other, we lost count. As the steam began to re-appear along with the memories of November, the session was concluded with a warm down, stretching and a questions and answers.

Some well earned refreshments were available afterwards.

A massive thank you to all who attended, and to those who worked behind the scenes to make this day a success.

Bujin Karate Club, run by Marc Hopper in Scunthorpe were the hosts to Wayne Otto, 9 Times World karate champion.

Despite the course being held on Easter Sunday, the session was well attended. The session began with warming up, which consisted of sparring, gently at first then building up speed and intensity. The group then got into pairs, for what was a very demanding sequence, both mentally and physically. The sequence began with Gykuazuki and developed into a 10 part combination, involving both attack and defence.

Ben Moir on the receiving end on a Wayne Otto Gykuazuki.

After a short break, Wayne covered some combination moves, which were practised individually then with a partner.

Another one bites the dust.

Many thanks to Wayne for an excellent session, and Marc and the Bujin club for organising the event.

A welcome return the BWKU for former World and European Karate champion Willie Thomas.

Willie Thomas has always proved popular with the BWKU students, and this session was Willie at his very best. From the way Willie started the warm-up, we knew we in for something special. (The picture shows Willie Thomas performing Gykuazuki on Paul Jalam.)

Willie worked alot on movement, using natural forces to help speed and efficiency. These were applied to the karate drills the class were working on.

After a short break, it was back to the movement.  This consisted of avoiding attacks from an opponent. Willie then introduced the Viper belts, (fortunately there are some at Doncaster), for a very gruelling resistance training element. This time Paul Jalam is on the end of a Willie Thomas Mawashigeri.

Willie eventually called time on the session almost 30 minutes later than planned. After the session Willie presented Dan Grade certificates to those who passed in May.

Many thanks to all who supported us at this event, and we still have Wayne Otto and Geoff Thompson to come this year.

Former 9 times World Champion Wayne Otto was welcomed back to the BWKU, for what turned out to be an awesome session.

The session began with gentle sparring to warm up, and as the students got the warm, so did the sparring. This was followed by stretching. Wayne then introduced some sequences with a partner, which were then put into a fighting situation. These moves involved some of Wayne favourite and most successful techniques. Our first picture shows Wayne explaining a point with the help of Josh Heath.

This time Aidan Genery is on the receiving end. After a short comfort break, it was into lines. What followed was 5 basic attacking techniques and 5 defences. These were then done with a partner. Then came the sting. One at the front, and 5 facing. All the five attack the front man with technique number 1, then all attack with one and two, then one, two and three, get the idea.

The physical side ended with 5 more fights. Wayne finished by asking for any questions.

The session was due for 3 hours. The students actually got 4 hours, which flew by.

Once again, another truly amazing session, and may we thank all who once again attended and supported the BWKU.  

5 Times World Champion Geoff Thompson was welcomed back to Doncaster, for what turned out to be another excellent session.

The session was of high intensity. The first part was working on distance and technique, while moving at high speed.

After a short refreshment break, Geoff got hold of a set of Focus Pads. Everyone had used these before, but not like this.

After the students had had their turn, Geoff had his go. He stood and said he would beat the longest time, and he did.

In a smaller dojo, with a smaller group, Geoff opened up. He gave those present a chance to see the Geoff Thompson of old. His personality, drive and determination came through for all to see. The majority of those present have never witnessed such determination, mental strength and personal motivation from one man in a gi before.

Whether you are a fighter, a black belt, or a Coach, the main point that came across was the heart and mind needed to be a Karate-Ka.

Many thanks to Geoff for the session, and all who helped in the event.

One could say this was a day of returns. Once again, 5 times World Champion Geoff Thompson was returning to deliver another of his unique Master Classes. It was also the first session we have had in our old backyard and Headquarters in Baxter Avenue since the renovations.

All were impressed by the new dojo, so it was time for Geoff to impress. After a short verbal from Geoff setting out his plan for the afternoon it was down to work. The picture left shows BWKU Head Coach Andrew Genery covering a Geoff Thompson Mawashigeri Jodan.

The first part involved movement and basic techniques, building into combinations. These were done at intensity with a maximum of 12 reps. (A confession from BWKU Head Coach, Sensei Andrew. Geoff had told Andrew, he was going to 'burn them and see what they had left.'

After a recovery period, partner work. Again high intensity, with each partner sequence being performed for 3 minute periods. This was followed by a sparring session. Geoff rounded off with a question and answer session. Our picture left shows Paul Threlfall trying to out run Geoff.

Once again, a massive thank you to all who supported this event.

Once again former World Champion Willie Thomas made a return to the BWKU.

The warm-up was as much about the body as preparing the mind, with Willie using partners to 'wake-up' the mind with some reaction work while warming-up the body. Willie built on this theme on reactions and agility while explaining the process involved.

Paul Trellfall on the receiving end on a Willie Thomas face punch.  

Willie moved on the reaction training to include countering and taking the punch / kick early. This was followed by showing small subtle moves to increase the speed of a sequence and confuse an opponent.

The session included sparring breaks to put into practice what had been covered.

The fun came at the end with a 'take down' routine. Good fun, but highly demanding. A couple of rounds of anaerobic punching on the pads and stretching ended the physical, with a question and answer session to finish.

At the end Willie complemented the students on an excellent work ethic and committment.

Many thanks to all who attended.

We welcome back 9 times World Champion and new England National Coach Wayne Otto.

There are warm ups, and there are warm ups. 30 minutes sparring is certainly one way to get warm. A stretching  break followed. It was then onto basic techniques, practised with a partner. This started with a single technique performed five times, building to a 6 move sequence performed 5 in sets of 5.

This was followed by a sequence on focus pads, again building from one move to an 8 moves sequence.

Grab a drink. !! Hardly time before the class was called back into lines. 5 defensive moves were covered. These were then put into a fighting situation with a partner and then into 3's.  

The BWKU would like to thank all who supported this event and helped make it a success.

The return of Geoff Thompson.

What can we say that has not already been said. Geoff was his usual charismatic self. The warm up itself was demanding, involving using major muscle groups, changes of direction and mental concentration.

The session moved on to basic moves, involving blocks and counters, and progressing to fast blocks designed to increase thinking and coordination.

A short recovery break.

Back to it with a partner. Attacking, gykuazuki, kazami and ashi barai with the use of avoiding and countering techniques.

Next came Kumite.

If that wasn't enough, close partner work avoiding punches and finishing with Gykuazuki, against a partner, aiming to be first.

A big thank you to all who supported this event. 

Once again, the popular Willie Thomas makes a welcome comeback to the BWKU.

After a warm up, involving areobic work, changes of pace and direction, the stage was set for a warm one. The session began with movement work and progressed to avoiding techniques.

Willie Thomas demonstrating avoiding strategies, against 2 people.

Next came kicking practice, leading to a takedown move.

After a short break, back to kicking sequences and adding focus pads and variety.

The group were full of applause and appreciation for Willie, and a everyone said how much they had enjoyed the session.

Thanks to all who attended and to Willie Thomas for another superb session.

Once again we played host to former World Champion Willie Thomas.

There was certainly an air of expectation prior to the session, and for the few who had not met Willie before his reputation went before him.

A good warm-up followed by some combination drills. Now we were begining to sweat.

Next, into pairs and the focus was on evasion moves. This progressed into developing corrrect timing so as maximise the effectiveness of techniques.

During the break, Willie set up the Dojo for a Karate circuit. This was designed to increase muscle endurence, explosive speed and reactions. All essential elements within Karate.

The afternoon concluded with a warm down and question and answer session.

The first question to be asked was, 'When are you coming back.'

WATCH THIS SPACE.

Our annual 1-Day Summer Gasshuku was held on Sunday 8th August.

As the students began to gather there was an air if anticipation and an
abundance on sports drinks and bananas.

SESSION 1

This was very Traditional. Sensei Andrew Genery took students back to the
traditional methods of training.

After an 'old style' warm up, the session begun with Gykuazuku. Various methods
were employed to help students, (even the old and frail) to generate speed and
power. Additionally, students were shown how to get the elusive 'snap' or 'whip'
on the end of the punch. To a man, all said their Gykuazuku felt faster and
stronger.

Kata came next. Students were shown a training method they could use at home to
ensure the mind and body were at one when performing Kata. Sounds deep, yes, but
an essential element to the performance of a Kata as it moves are finished
properly.

This was followed by Chinto, which is considered one of the Kata involving the
main principles of Wado-Ryu. Sensei explained various aspects of Bunkai and
performance details.

The final part of this session featured syllabus kick blocks. Explanations were
given to students of the concepts of Maai and the 3 types of Sen. These were
then applied to the chosen pair works.

SESSION 2

A more modern approach. The first drill involved single techniques on Focus
Pads, again bearing in mind the principle of Maai.

The session then progressed to a mix of combinations using the pads and kumite
sequences using a partner.

SESSION 3

Old faithful returned, the Dirty Dozen. 12 exercises, a combination of
strengthening and Karate. Each one done 12 times, then 11 times right down to 1.

Sounds easy? No way.

An easy finish was called for. Students finished with two Idori Pair works

A good stretch to finish followed by much shaking of hands and consumption of
the afore mentioned ports drinks and bananas.

The feedback from the course has been excellent, but dont believe me, sak those
who were there.

The Winter 1 Day Gasshuku will be in December. Watch this space.

The BWKU would like to thanks those who contributed to make this a very
enjoyable day.