JKA Scotland Squad for JKA European Championships 2010
Bochum Germany

The JKA Scotland Squad has been selected for the JKA European Championships which are being held this year in Bochum Germany on 27th March 2010. The squad was announced following last months joint JKA Scotland Squad training session.

The following JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) members were selected for the squad:

Andrew Hamilton
Magnus Garson
Andrew Reid
James Sinclair
James Campbell
Drew Caffery

As well as the above competitors John Deans (joint JKA Scotland Team Coach) and Bert Stewart (Squad Manager) will be travelling officials with the squad.

Congratulations to all JKA Scotland squad members who were selected to travel to this event and represent Scotland. The final joint squad training session prior to the championships is to be held on Sunday 14th March. See squad page for more details.

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) Championships
Sunday 21st February 2010

The JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) 2010 championships will be held this year in Dunfermline on Sunday 21st February. Last years championships were a great success and we look forward to another successful championship this year.

Entry form and Events list can be downloaded below.

Download Entry Form                                                                                  Download Events List

JKA Scotland Gasshuku October 2009

Over the weekend of Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October JKA students from all over Scotland came together for the annual JKA Scotland October Gasshuku. There were also a number of students from out with Scotland attending the event. This year the venue was the Peek Sports Village in Stirling a brand new multi million pound sports complex with a large modern sports hall capable of accommodating the event. With a hotel, restaurants and shops all with a five minute walk from the complex this made for an ideal set up for the weekends course.

The instructors for this year's course were the following:

Sensei Shiina 7th Dan JKA

Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA

Sensei Wood 6th Dan JKA

Sensei Shiina 7th Dan JKA: Sensei Shiina was the guest instructor from the JKA Honbu Dojo in Tokyo Japan. He is a former JKA World and All Japan champion.

Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA: Sensei Ohta is a graduate of Takushoku University and is Chief instructor of JKA England

Sensei Wood MBE 6th Dan JKA: Sensei Wood is a Scottish instructor now resident in Australia with JKAWF Western Australia

Over the three days training the classes were broken into three groups Black Belts, Brown Belts and Colour Belts. Each day's three hours training was split into two sessions of 1-1/2 hours. Each instructor rotated around the groups after each session resulting in each group being instructed twice over the course from each instructor. The following is a brief overview of what was covered over the weekend.

Friday sessions:

Friday started with the opening formalities and introduction of the instructors and was then followed by the start of the training sessions.

Colour Belts were instructed first session by Sensei Shiina and second session by Sensei Wood with both instructors covering various aspects of colour belt level Kihon, Kumite and Kata.

Brown Belts were instructed first by Sensei Ohta and second session by Sensei Shiina with both instructors concentrating on Kihon and Kumite for Brown Belt level.

Black Belts were instructed first by Sensei Wood who concentrated on Katas Empi and Jion with specific points of common errors being highlighted and explained in detail. The second session was taken by Sensei Ohta who started off with some basic kihon exercises which was a lead into the practice of Kata Nijushiho and application.

Saturday sessions:

Colour Belts were instructed first by Sensei Ohta and second session by Sensei Shiina

Brown Belts were instructed first by Sensei Wood who used this lesson to work on Kata Jion and the second session was taken by Sensei Ohta who worked on kihon and Kata Heian Sandan and Enpi.

Black Belts were instructed first by Sensei Shiina who started off with some quite amazing kumite drills with multiple partners with one drill using the entire width of the hall. The drills varied in attack distance from very short to medium and long range attacks with Sensei Shiina joining in on some of the drills. He then moved onto Kata training with Sochin.

The second session was taken by Sensei Wood who started with Kata Chinte breaking the Kata down in sections and then finished with some kumite training concentrating on different timing drills for counter attacks.

Sunday sessions:

Colour Belts were instructed first by Sensei Wood and second session by Sensei Ohta

Brown Belts were instructed first by Sensei Shiina who concentrated on Dan test training highlighting key points he then moved onto Bassai Dai including demonstration and practice of application. The second session was taken by Sensei Wood who continued Dan test training.

Black Belts were instructed first by Sensei Ohta who started with Kihon and Kumite exercises and then concentrated on Kata Gojushiho-Sho and application.

The second session was taken by Sensei Shiina who as the previous day started off with a number of special kumite drills with single and multiple partners he then moved onto Kata Jitte with in depth demonstrations of the Kata and applications.

All the sessions were conducted in a great atmosphere where the emphasis was on learning with each instructor taking time to ensure that everyone understood what was being explained and demonstrated with time taken during each session for questions to be asked. A lot was covered over the three days by the instructors with a good variety and various changes of pace between sessions to keep things fresh making the sessions very enjoyable as well as informative.

The level of instruction received over the three days and the fantastic facilities and enthusiasm and effort shown by all who attended made for a great course. With the attendance up again from last year and the feedback received following the course it can certainly be considered a very successful course. We would like to thank all three instructors for their efforts over the three days.

JKA Dan Grading

Following the conclusion of the training on Sunday a JKA Dan grading was held up to 4th Dan with the grading panel consisting of all three instructors.

The following students from JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) passed Dan Grade and will receive their JKA certificate from JKA Honbu dojo Tokyo Japan.

Pass 1st Dan JKA (Shodan):
Benjamin Osborne, KEL Musselburgh
Andrew Edwards, KEL Musselburgh
Blair Currie, KEL Musselburgh
Alex Neil, Scone
Marianne Livingstone, KEL Musselburgh
Joan Lunn, KEL North Berwick
Leona Murray, Oh Kami KC - Glasgow
Richard Conway, Daisho SKC - Aberdeen
Andrew Waugh, Oh Kami KC - Glasgow

Pass 2nd Dan JKA (Nidan):
Christopher Karpacz, KEL Musselburgh
Stephen Fraser, KEL Musselburgh
June Reid, Oh Kami KC - Glasgow

Pass 3rd Dan JKA (Sandan):
David Osborne, KEL Musselburgh
Andrew Hamilton, Orkney
Kenneth Roy, Orkney

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) would also like to congratulate all students from JKAWFS who passed Dan grade on the course.

The JKA Scotland October 2009 Gasshuku was organised and held jointly by JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) and JKAWFS who work together to promote JKA Karate in Scotland.

Special Kata Course Saturday 19th September 2009

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) held a special Brown and Black Belt Kata course with Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA on Saturday 19th September at Stonyhill Community Centre Musselburgh. Over the course Katas Jion, Nijushiho and Sochin were covered. Each Kata was broken down into sections and practiced along with specific Kihon related exercises. Application of key sequences and movements were also practiced to further develop a full understanding of each Kata. Following a final demonstration by Sensei Ohta to the class of each Kata he then took time to answer any questions on specific points.

The object of the course was to help those that attended further develop their Kata practice and knowledge and then build on what they had learned back at their own dojos. Feedback received from the special Kata courses held this year show that they are very popular and enjoyed by all. More courses such as these are planned for the future.

Special Kata Course Class Musselburgh 19th September 2009

Training Course for Senior Dan Grades and Instructors Sunday 20th September 2009

Following the previous days Kata course a special training course was held in Musselburgh with Sensei Ohta for senior Dan Grades and instructors. It was an ideal opportunity for our senior grades to get together and train in a group.

KDS Instructors Gerry McDougall and John Deans practice during Sunday's course.

JKA England Course August 2009 Guildford London

Members from JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) travelled to Guildford London to attend the JKA England August 2009 summer course. The 3 day course was held from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th August at the Spectrum Leisure Centre in Guildford with a JKA Dan grading on the Sunday following training. The course instructors for the 3 days were:

Sensei Ueki 8th Dan                 JKA Honbu dojo Tokyo.
Sensei Taniyama 6th Dan      JKA Honbu dojo Tokyo.
Sensei Ohta 6th Dan                JKA England.

Sensei Taniyama (five times JKA Kumite champion) was making his first visit to the course and as usual the level of instruction from all three instructors was of an exceptionally high standard with the three hour sessions broken down into one hour sessions with each instructor. Each day's instruction included in depth Kihon, Kumite and Kata training over the three hours.

As well as taking advantage of the instruction and training it was also a great opportunity to catch up once more with our friends from JKA England, JKA Norway and all the other countries that attended.

JKA Scotland Course October 2009 Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th October

We are pleased to announce that Sensei Shiina 7th Dan JKA former JKA World and All Japan Champion will be the guest instructor from JKA Honbu Dojo Tokyo for this years JKA Scotland October Course.

The full line up of instructors for the JKA Scotland October 2009 course are:

Sensei Shiina 7th Dan JKA
Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA
Sensei Wood 6th Dan JKA

There will also be a JKA Dan grading held on Sunday 25th October up to and including 4th Dan.

The venue is a brand new £27 million indoor sports complex called 'The Peek at Stirling Sports Village' with hotel accommodation and facilities a 5-10 minute walk away.

Full training schedule, accommodation information and booking procedures can be found on the attached booking form which can be down loaded below.

Download Application Form here

Sensei Ohta June 2009 Regional Courses.

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) recently held their summer regional courses. The courses were held over two weekends on 13th June in Glasgow, 14th June in Saltcoats, 26th June in Aberdeen and 27th June in Musselburgh. Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA Chief Instructor of JKA England instructed at each of the 4 regional courses. As usual the courses were enjoyed by all that attended.

Following each course a Kyu grading was held. Congratulations to all students who passed a Kyu grading on one of the courses. Regional courses will be held next in November.

Special Course Sensei Tanaka 8th Dan JKA
Thursday 21st - Sunday 24th May 2009

Dunfermline - Scotland

JKA Honbu Dojo instructor Sensei Tanaka 8th Dan JKA travelled to Scotland from Tokyo Japan to instruct on a special training course held over 4 days. It has been over 20 years since Sensei Tanaka has last been in Scotland and since these dates were first announced many students have been looking forward to the opportunity to train with such a world renowned instructor. For many it was their first time training with Sensei Tanaka. The following is a brief summary and pictures from the 4 days.

Thursday:

The course started off on the Thursday with a special senior Dan grade and Instructor session. The main emphasis of the session was on correct Kihon not only in its practice but also specific check points for instructors teaching their students. This was an excellent opportunity for dojo instructors to further their knowledge on the basic Kihon points and their practice and instruction. The depth of instruction given by Sensei Tanaka during the class was quite exceptional with detailed demonstrations and explanations given.

Friday:
The first session saw the Kyu grades being instructed on the basic points for their Kihon with Sensei Tanaka checking and correcting student s constantly throughout the session to try and achieve correct form. The lesson then moved onto Kihon combinations for Kyu grade level.

The second session saw the Black and Brown belts practicing kihon combinations with Sensei Tanaka explaining and demonstrating in great detail the effects and check points for various stances, upper body positions, and weight distribution when moving forwards or back. Time was also spent on Mae geri training with the emphasis on various distances to the target. The session then moved on to kumite practice with the emphasis on blocking and countering techniques to stop an attacking opponent. These were again demonstrated superbly by Sensei Tanaka showing the correct timing for each technique made.

Saturday:
The first session was again for Kyu grades and concentrated on Kata training with the Hean Katas being covered.
The second session saw the Black and Brown belts concentrating on kumite training practicing various attacking combinations with a partner. This included combinations intended to make your opponent retreat so you could then follow with a punching attack or ashi bari and punching attack. The session finished of with Kata training with Sensei Tanaka demonstrating application for key techniques.

Sunday:
This session started with various Dan test kihon combinations being practiced. Sensei Tanaka took time once more to demonstrate and explain clearly how these combinations should be performed especially with regard to a Dan grade. Common mistakes were also covered along with explanations on how these can be rectified.

The session then moved on to Kata training which also included Sensei Tanaka giving some last minute advice and help to those that we going to attempt a Dan grading following the lesson.
Following the lesson a JKA Dan grading was held with the following JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) students passing:

Pass 1st Dan JKA (Shodan):
Sean Khaira
Ray Barry
Krzysztof Sirant
Bhopinder Purewal
John Richardson
Cormac Convery
John Ballantyne
Sam Morris
Declan Downie  

Pass 2nd Dan JKA (Nidan):
Andrew Reid
Sue Struthers
Magnus Garson
David Hall  

Pass 3rd Dan JKA (Sandan):
Lynn Lester

Congratulations to all who passed a Dan grade.

Medal Success at JKA European Junior and Cadet Championships Belgrade Serbia May 2009

JKA European Junior and Cadet Championships
Serbia May 2009

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) will be sending representatives as part of the JKA Scotland team to the JKA European Junior and cadet Championships which are to be held in Belgrade Serbia over Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May.

The following are travelling to the event:

Squad Manager and Coach
Bert Stewart

Competitors
Chris Karpacz
Murdo Lunn
Alicia Steele
Robert Morrison
Drew Caffrey
James Sinclair

All competitors are currently training hard for the event and we wish them luck in the Championships.

JKA England Course
Guildford London May 2009

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) members travelled to Guildford London to attend the JKA England 4 day course which was held over Friday 1st May to Monday 4th May. The list of course instructors was as usual very impressive and consisted of the following:

Sensei Osaka 8th Dan JKA
Sensei Sawada 7th Dan JKA
Sensei Ogura 7th Dan JKA
Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA

The course was well attended with over a dozen countries being represented which made for a truly international feel to the course. Over the 4 days many aspects of Kihon, Kata and Kumite were covered with the technical content being of a very high standard as you would expect.

On the Saturday afternoon following training an International Friendly Match was held and on Sunday following training a JKA Dan Grading was held.

On conclusion of the course many have already started planning a return trip in August for the next one.

Special Announcement May 2009
Sensei Tanaka 8th Dan JKA to visit Scotland

World Famous Instructor Sensei Tanaka 8th Dan JKA of JKA Honbu Dojo Tokyo is to visit Scotland in May and will be teaching over a 4 day period from 21st to 24th of May 2009. This will be an excellent opportunity to train with a true karate master. Various level classes will be held which will include special instructor classes. There will also be a JKA Dan Grading on Sunday 24th. Classes will be held in Dunfermline Scotland more information to follow.
Download Registration Form

JKA European Championships April 2009
Maastricht Netherlands

JKA Scotland Squad

Following a lot of hard training and preparation the JKA Scotland squad and officials travelled to Maastricht in the Netherlands over 3rd to 5th April to attend the JKA European Championships. 24 European countries were present all sending squads to represent them at this prestigious event making for a high standard of competition.

The hard work and preparation put in by all in the JKA Scotland squad paid off with a good display from all competitors with many progressing through the draw. Andrew Hamilton was on great form in the Men's Kata and progressed through to the finals and received a 4th place medal for his efforts.

Andrew Hamilton (far right) receives 4th place medal Men's Kata

JKA Scotland Men's Team Kata

Well done to the JKA Scotland competitors, coaches and officials for the commitment and hard work they have put in and to Andrew Hamilton for making it through to the medal stages in such a prestigious tournament.

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland)
Association Championships 28th March 2009

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) association championships were held on Saturday 28th March 2009 at Queen Anne High School Dunfermline. Senior and junior competitors from all around Scotland travelled to the event to take part in the various Kumite and Kata events that were being held over the day.

The Championships started on time at 10-00am with events being run simultaneously until 6-00pm. There were a wide range of age groups and grades taking part with all competitors not only competing to the best of their ability but also conducting themselves impeccably showing correct etiquette and respect towards their opponents win, loose or draw. This is something that is very important in JKA Karate and all competitors were a credit to our association.

There were a number of great matches during the day from both our junior and senior competitors including a number between our international competitors. The day concluded with a very exciting Men's Senior Kumite final between David Bettley (Shibumi) and Andrew Hamilton (Orkney). Both men are current JKA Scotland competitors and gave the crowd an exciting final with David just edging out Andrew on this occasion to win the Men's Senior Kumite event.

One special guest competitor was young Mia Doonan whose father Chris now runs the JKA Asahi dojo in Osaka Japan. Chris is originally from Hawick and was back in Scotland with his family on holiday. Mia went on to win the Children's Kyu grade Kata category.

Thanks to all competitors who took part and to the referees and officials who gave up there time to make sure the day ran smoothly.

Below is a selection of photographs from the day and you can view the full results table by following this link.

Children's Kyu Grade Kata competitors

Ladies Senior Kumite Final

Men's Kumite Eliminations

Men's Kumite Eliminations

Children's Kumite Final

Children's Kyu Grade Kata

Junior Team Kata

Children's Kumite Final

Men's Senior Kata

Men's Senior Kata

Men's Senior Kumite Final

Men's Senior Kumite Final

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland)
Association Championships 28th March 2009
Final Results Table

Children's Kata under 10 yrs Boys and Girls up to 4th kyu

1st Mai Doonan (Asahi Osaka Japan)
2nd Ross Lunn (Musselburgh
3rd Equal Aria Pascual (Shibumi) & Calvin Bruce (Shibumi)

Children's Kata 10-12yrs Boys and Girls 3rd kyu and above.

1st Alicia Steele (Musselburgh)
2nd Declan Downie
3rd Equal John Ballantyne (Shibumi) & William McGowan

Junior Kata 13-15yrs Boys and Girls up to 4th kyu

1st Gareth Grant
2nd Sandy Carmichael
3rd Equal Shawnie O'Donnell & Casey McCracken (Shibum

Junior Kata 13-15yrs Boys and Girls 3rd kyu and up

1st Chris Carpach (Musselburgh)
2nd Robert Morrison (Shibumi)
3rd Equal Drew Caffery (Perth) & David Neill

Female Kata 16 years and over 3rd kyu and above

1st Angela Strachan (Shibumi)
2nd Sue Struthers (Orkney)

Male Kata 16 years and over beginner to 4th Kyu

1st Callum McDonald
2nd Steven McIntosh
3rd Equal Arthur Bruce (Shibumi) & John Benn (West Kilbride)

Men's Kata 16 years and over 3rd kyu and above

1st David Bettley (Shibumi)
2nd Andrew Hamilton (Orkney)
3rd Equal Magnus Garson (Musselburgh) & Andrew Reid (Oh Kami)

Junior Team Kata under 16 years

1st Musselburgh
2nd Perth
3rd Shibumi

Senior Team Kata 16 years and over

1st Shibumi A
2nd Musselburgh
3rd Shibumi B 3rd JKA Orkney

Children's kumite up to 12 years beginner to 7th kyu

1st Simon Carmichael
2nd Tony Beck
3rd Equal Josh Thomson & Finn Ritchie

Children's kumite under 10 years 6th to 4th kyu

1st Ross Lunn (Musselburgh)
2nd Chantelle Wallace (Shibumi)
3rd Equal Maim Berets & Aria Pascual (Shibumi)

Children's kumite under 10 years 3rd kyu and above

1st Alicia Steele (Musselburgh)
2nd Hamish Thomson (Musselburgh)
3rd Equal Daisy Haining (Musselburgh) & Thomas James (Aberdeen)

Children's kumite 10-12 years 6th to 4th kyu

1st Gareth Grant
2nd David Ryles
3rd Equal Casey McCracken (Shibumi) & Daniel Murphy (West Kilbride)

Children's kumite 10-12 years 3rd kyu and above

1st Max Challoner
2nd Alex Neill
3rd Equal Lynsay Milne Thomson (Aberdeen) & Peter O'Donnell

Junior kumite boys 13 to 15 years 3rd kyu and above

1st Drew Caffery (Perth)
2nd David Neill
3rd Equal Sam Morris (Perth)& Kyle Caffery (Perth)

Men's kumite 16 years and above up to 3rd kyu

1st Lewis Edwards (Aberdeen)
2nd Calum McDonald
3rd Equal Author Bruce (Shibumi) & Stephen MacIntosh

Junior Team Kumite

1st Perth
2nd Musselbrugh
3rd Shibumi

Ladies kumite 3rd kyu and above

1st Sam McIntosh (Musselbourgh/Dalgety Bay)
2nd Inga Antonia (Orkney)
3rd Equal Sarah MacDougall (Shibumi) & Jade Hunter (Musselburgh)

Senior Men's Kumite 3rd kyu and above

1st David Bettley (Shibumi)
2nd Andrew Hamilton (Orkney)
3rd Equal Jamie Stewart (Musselburgh) & Andrew Reid (ORK)

Special Awards

Best Senior Competitor award: David Bettley (Shibumi)
Best Junior Competitor award: Alicia Steele (Musselburgh)

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) Association Championships
28th March 2009

The JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) association championships will be held on Saturday 28th March 2009 at Queen Anne High School Dunfermline. See the attached application forms for more details and how to enter

Download Entry Form      Download Events List

Special Training Course Kirkwall Orkney
Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA February 2009

The Kirkwall Orkney Dojo held a special training course with Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA on Thursday 26th February 2009. The above photo shows Sensei Ohta demonstrating Kata Chinte during the course

Two separate sessions were held over the evening. The first session was designed to accommodate all grades. In this class Sensei Ohta emphasised the use of correct basic technique, compression and expansion of the body, and the correct application of power through use of the stomach, hips, and lower body. These themes were developed throughout the session and applied during practice of kihon, kumite and kata.

The second session involved all students over 4th kyu. This class concentrated on kata, ranging from intermediate to advanced kata. By the end of the three hours' training all the senior students were exhausted but elated at having trained with someone of Sensei Ohta's reputation, and witnessed first hand the speed, fluidity, and focus of his technique. The highlight of the class was Sensei Ohta's kata demonstration which left all students amazed at the precision and accuracy of his technique - certainly something to aspire to.

All instructors at JKA Orkney would like to thank Sensei Ohta for making the trip to Orkney and to all students for their continued commitment and support.

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) Regional Courses

As well as travelling to our Kirkwall Orkney Dojo in February Sensei Ohta also managed to fit into his busy schedule visits to instruct on our regional courses which were held over two weekends in February and March on the following dates.
Saturday 28th February West Regional Course Port Glasgow
Sunday 1st March South Regional Course Saltcoats
Friday 6th March North Regional Course Aberdeen
Saturday 7th March East Regional Course Perth

Kyu gradings were also held following each of the above courses.

Kirkwall Orkney Course and Kyu Grading

On 13th and 14th March the Kirkwall Dojo held a course and grading with KDS Instructor Alan Simpson 5th Dan JKA. Training sessions were held on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th March with a Kyu grading being held Saturday afternoon following the morning training session.

Congratulation to all students who passed a Kyu grading an all of the above courses.

JKA Scotland Squad for JKA European Championships Maastricht Netherlands

The JKA Scotland Squad has been selected for the JKA European Championships which are being held this year in Maastricht Netherlands over 3rd to 5th April 2009

The following JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) members were selected for the squad:

David Bettley
Martin Sommerville
Andrew Hamilton
Magnus Garson
Jamie Stewart
Andrew Reid
James Sinclair
James Campbell

As well as the above competitors John Deans (joint JKA Scotland Team Coach) and Bert Stewart (KDS Squad Manager) will be travelling officials with the squad

Congratulations to all squad members who were selected to travel to this event and represent Scotland. The final joint squad training session prior to the championships is to be held on 22nd March. See squad page for more details

Special JKA Scottish Squad Training Session
Sunday 25th January 2009 Dunfermline

As part of the preparations for the JKA Scotland team selection for the JKA European Championships to be held in Maastricht Netherlands in April and the JKA World Championships to be held in Tokyo Japan in September special JKA Squad training sessions are being held. These are open to JKA competitors and students in Scotland wishing to be considered for possible future team selection. The sessions are also intended to benefit and are open to those students wishing to work on there own individual training for competition or grading.

The first session for 2009 was held at Dunfermline Police Station on Sunday 25th January with JKA students from all over Scotland coming together to take part. Association squad coaches John Hazel (JKAWFS) and John Deans (JKA Karate-Do Shotokan) both experienced former international competitors oversaw the training session with both Kumite and Kata being covered. The students taking part which also included a number of experienced international competitors got the opportunity to train in an environment with a competitive edge while at the same time helping to push and encourage one another during the training.

The next session is planned for Sunday 22nd February at the same venue.

Special Kata Course Saturday 17th January 2009

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) held a special Brown and Black Belt Kata course with Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA on Saturday 17th January at Stonyhill Community Centre Musselburgh. Over the session which lasted 3-1/2 hours Katas Hangetsu, Bassai-sho and Meikyo were covered. Prior to each Kata being practiced short Kihon exercises were covered which related specifically to helping with the Kata to be practiced. Following the completion of each Kata practice session Sensei Ohta then gave the class the opportunity to ask any specific questions they may have and then finally demonstrated the Kata to the class. Everyone that attended the course showed a willingness to learn and progress and was encouraged to use this training as a spring board to setting their own personal goals and targets for 2009 training. This was our first event for 2009 and everyone is looking forward to the coming year.

Click here to view full size image of Group Photograph of January Kata Course with Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA

Sensei Ohta Regional Courses 20th - 22nd November 2008

The weekend of 20th to 22nd November saw Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA visit JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) for our last series of regional courses for 2008. Over the three days courses were held in Musselburgh, Aberdeen and Saltcoats. As always many students took advantage of the opportunity to not only attend their own regional course but travel to attend the other courses held over the weekend. Each session varied with regard to Kihon, kumite drills and kata's covered over the three days.

Regional Kyu gradings were also held over the three days. Congratulations to all students who passed a kyu grading.

Our 2009 regional courses are already being planned with the next being held over February and March.

JKA Scottish National Gasshuku October 2008 Photos and Report

Over the weekend of Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October JKA students from all over Scotland came together at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan Fife for three days of instruction at the annual JKA Scottish October Gasshuku.

The instructors for this year's course were the following:

Sensei Imamura 7th Dan JKA

Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA

Sensei Wood 6th Dan JKA

Sensei Imamura 7th Dan JKA: Sensei Imamura was the guest instructor from the JKA Honbu Dojo in Tokyo Japan. He is a former JKA World and All Japan kumite champion.

Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA: Sensei Ohta is a graduate of Takushoku University and is Chief instructor of JKA England.

Sensei Wood MBE 6th Dan JKA: Sensei Wood is a Scottish instructor now resident in Australia and is a senior instructor with JKA Australia.

The following is a brief report and photos of the weekend:

The Scottish Police College in Fife as a venue allowed for the course to be residential with many students staying on the campus over the duration of the course. This made for a friendly atmosphere as students were able to socialise out with training times. It also made for a very convenient short walk from the residential rooms to the Dojo.

Not only had many students travelled from all over Scotland to attend but there were also a numbers of visitors from other countries showing how popular this event has become.

Friday Training:

On the Friday following the usual registration and room allocation formalities the course started with a short opening ceremony and introductions of the instructors to all students in the main hall.

Introduction of the instructors in the main hall

The class was then split into three groups with each group being instructed by one of the instructors:

White to Purple Belt class
Brown Belt class
Dan Grade class

The Dan grade class then moved to a separate hall with the other two classes remaining in the main hall. Each three hour session was structured Kihon and Kumite first half and Kata second half with a rotation of instructor half way through the three hour session. The following briefly summarises what was covered in the Dan grade sessions.

The Friday session saw the Dan Grade class first being instructed by Sensei Wood on Kihon and Kumite. The initial emphasis of the class was on correct use of the hiki-te withdrawing hand and hips during the execution of various punching techniques. Correct attitude and awareness while training were also emphasised during the session. Mae-geri and Mawashi-geri kicking techniques were also covered with common faults being highlighted and identified. The session then moved on to Kumite with a range of attacks and defence being practiced with an opponent using the techniques and combinations covered during the first part of the session.

After a short break the second half was taken by Sensei Ohta who concentrated on Kata with Empi and Gankaku being practiced including application of some of the key techniques. Each Kata was then demonstrated to the class by Sensei Ohta at the end of each Kata session.

Kata Empi being demonstrated by Sensei Ohta

Kata Gankaku being demonstrated by Sensei Ohta

Application practice Gankaku

Saturday Training:

On the Saturday following the start and warm up of all the grades together in the main hall the class was then split as per the previous day.

The Dan grade session started with Sensei Imamura. As a former JKA World and All Japan Kumite champion that has had many classic competitive encounters over the years all were pleased to see him travel to Scotland from JKA Honbu dojo in Tokyo to attend the Gasshuku. Many of the lower grades up until then had only seen him in the classic video clips from his competitive days in the 80's.

The session concentrated on Kihon and Kumite. The emphasis was on delivering attacking techniques and blocks from a relaxed but aware Shizen-tai position rather than from a tensed state. The object of this training was to help with the reaction time and speed of each technique being delivered and from one technique to the next.

Saturday training Sensei Imamura

The second half of the session was taken by Sensei Wood who concentrated on Kata Nijuu-shiho. Each section of the Kata was practiced with each technique explained in detail then the application was practiced with a partner until the entire kata was covered.

Saturday Evening:

Saturday night saw a party being held in the Police College bar and hall with a live band providing the music. This was a good chance for all on the course to relax and socialise with old friends and new.

Sunday Training:

Sunday training for the Dan Grade class started with Sensei Ohta. The session quickly got off to a brisk pace with various kihon kicking and punching combinations. Kumite practice followed which concentrated on a number of punching techniques and combinations but changing direction against two and three opponents. This certainly helped wake everyone up following the previous night's party.

The second half was taken once more by Sensei Imamura who first identified the various kata's being performed by students attempting a Dan grade later that afternoon. He then spent time on each Kata teaching the entire class then the students intending to perform the kata for their Dan grading were given further instruction and help. Although this was an added bit of pressure for those involved it was certainly worth while and of benefit.

Sunday Dan Grade class Kata training with Sensei Imamura

Following the conclusion of the Sunday class all groups got together in the main hall again for a short closing ceremony with a presentation to the instructors thanking them for their three days of excellent instruction.

JKA Dan Grading:

On Sunday afternoon in the main hall a JKA Dan grading was held up to 4th Dan with the grading panel consisting of all three instructors. Sensei Ohta and Sensei Wood took the Kihon while in the other half of the hall Sensei Imamura took the Kumite with all three examiners coming together for the Kata and final pass fail deliberation.

Sunday afternoon JKA Dan Grading in main hall

The following students from JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) passed Dan Grade and will receive their JKA certificate from JKA Honbu dojo Japan.

Pass 1st Dan JKA (Shodan):

Stephen MacLaughlan
John Lunn
Murdo Lunn
Craig Carse
Jade Hunter
Alicia Steele
Robert Morrisson
Ryan Conlan
Erland J Allen
Lorraine Dillon
Bobby Brown
Reza Safari
Stuart Black
Lynn Scott-Cockle
Stephen Farquharson
Fraser Stark

Pass 2nd Dan JKA (Nidan):

James Sinclair
James Campbell
Keith Moar

Pass 3rd Dan JKA (Sandan):

Graeme Esson

Pass 4th Dan JKA (Yondan)

Angela Baigrie
Martin Sommerville

JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) would also like to congratulate all students from JKAWFS who also passed Dan grade on the course.

The course was organised and held jointly by JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) and JKAWFS who work together to promote JKA Karate in Scotland. The three days of training were held in a friendly atmosphere and was enjoyed by all demonstrating the healthy position of JKA Karate in Scotland and what it has to offer its members. We look forward to more such events in 2009.

September 2008 Course and Kyu Grading Kirkwall Orkney

Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September saw the Kirkwall Orkney Dojo hold a course and Kyu grading with Sensei Alan Simpson 5th Dan JKA. The training over the 2 days included practice for correct hip rotation, body shifting and practice of the various types of Empi strikes both in Kihon and Kumite. Also covered were the various types of Kumite for Kyu grading including Gohon, Ippon and Jiyu Ippon kumite. Jitte Kata was also covered during the senior class.

Following the training session on Saturday a Kyu grading was held. Congratulations to all students who passed Kyu grade exam.

Previously JKA Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) held their August Squad training session in Orkney see below for details.

August 2008 KDS Squad Training and course Kirkwall Orkney

KDS Squad Coach Sensei John Deans 4th Dan JKA and Squad Manager Sensei Bert Stewart 4th Dan JKA visited Orkney on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August 2008 to hold a training course and squad training session. Friday night's course was open to all students and concentrated on a variety of drills to help improve both technique and speed. The instructors gave tuition on all the Heian katas and Tekki Shodan.

A squad training session was held on Saturday from 10 am to 2pm. This included various partner drills, kata technique, sparring bouts and tuition on the correct etiquette for taking part in competition and judging. The Kata session included Heian Yondan, Jion and Gankaku, emphasising technique, power and timing.

KDS Instructors Training Course
Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA
14th September 2008

Our Musselburgh dojo was the venue for a special KDS Instructors Training Course held on Sunday 14th September. The instructor was Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA Chief Instructor of JKA England. KDS Dojo Instructors and Assistant Instructors were invited to attend this special course which was a follow up to the one held earlier in the year in January. KDS Instructors travelled from all over Scotland including MacDuff and Orkney to attend. The object of these special instructors courses which are organised by the KDS Technical Committee are to help develop our Dojo instructors not only with regard to their technical ability but also in their knowledge and understanding of the technical principles and fundamentals of the techniques they are teaching to their students at their own Dojos. The course ran from 10am to 5pm and covered instruction on both theory and practical. KDS would like to thank Sensei Ohta on behalf of our Instructors for an excellent day's instruction which will not only benefit our Dojo Instructors but also their students.

Guildford London
22nd - 24th August 2008

Sensei Ueki 8th Dan JKA
Sensei Kurasako 7th Dan JKA
Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA

KDS members travelled to Guildford London for the JKA England JKA Summer Course which was held over the weekend of Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August. Along with the JKA England May course this is a regular feature of our KDS Calendar. Special guest instructors from the JKA Honbu Dojo in Japan were Sensei Ueki 8th Dan JKA and Sensei Kurasako 7th Dan JKA along with Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA from JKA England. Although a very tiring but enjoyable weekend the 3 days of instruction were of a very high technical content which covered various aspects of Kihon, Kumite and Kata which everyone will have benefited from. As usual there were many participates from other countries who attend this course.

......and also previously in May

Guildford London
2nd - 5th May 2008

Sensei Osaka 8th Dan JKA
Sensei Omura 7th Dan JKA
Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA
Sensei Nakata 4th Dan JKA

KDS members also travelled to Guildford London in May to attend the JKA England Spring Course which was held over the weekend of Friday 2nd to Monday 5th May. Attending from JKA Honbu Dojo in Japan was Sensei Osaka 8th Dan JKA. Sensei Omura 7th Dan JKA Chief instructor of Thailand and former All Japan JKA Champion was also in attendance. Another guest instructor from Japan was Sensei Nakata 4th Dan JKA former ladies JKA World Kata champion. Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA Chief Instructor of England completed a very impressive line up of instructors. This is a very popular course and this year was no exception with a large turnout for the 4 days of quality instruction.

KDS Instructors visit the Dojo of Sensei Naka 6th Dan JKA

During a training trip to Japan earlier in the year by Dojo Instructors from KDS to train at the JKA Honbu Dojo in Tokyo they were given the opportunity to train at the Dojo of Sensei Naka 6th Dan JKA. Sensei Naka a former JKA All Japan Champion is a very popular instructor and has also recently co-stared in the Japanese movie Kuro-Obi. (See publicity photo's below). There were also members of the Japan Team and All Japan JKA competitors in attendance at the Dojo training and helping to instruct alongside Sensei Naka

Sensei Naka (centre) in his Tokyo Dojo with visitors from JKA Karate Do Shotokan(Scotland)

Sensei Naka Publicity photos for film Kuro-Obi

Update: Sensei Ohta Courses 13th - 15th June 2008

Once more we were fortunate to have Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA visit our association on 13th, 14th and 15 th June. The courses were well attended with Sensei Ohta covering various aspects of Kihon, Kumite and Kata. As usual there were some innovative Kihon and Kumite exercises for us to practice which always makes for an enjoyable training session.

Kyu gradings were also held. Congratulations to all students who passed a kyu grade.

Sensei Ohta's next visit to our association will be on 5th July.

Good Luck to the JKA Scottish Team for the JKA European Championships
in Belgrade 5th April 2008

We would like to wish good luck to the JKA Scottish Team that is travelling to Belgrade Serbia for the upcoming JKA European Championships on Saturday 5th April 2008.
The JKA Karate-Do Shotokan (Scotland) members that are travelling as part of the Scotland party are: Craig Stewart, David Bettley, Martin Sommerville, Jamie Stewart and Bert Stewart.
Good luck to all in Belgrade.

JKA European Championships
Belgrade
Serbia 5th April 2008

Karate Do-Shotokan Squad members are currently training hard for the upcoming championships where they will be representing Scotland as part of the JKA Scottish Team.

Sensei Osaka 8th Dan JKA Course and Dan Grading 18th and 19th March 2008 Report

Orkney March Course and Kyu Grading

Orkney March 2008 Course and Kyu Grading

On Friday 7th March 2008 Orkney karate was pleased to welcome back Sensei Alan Simpson 5th Dan JKA for our Spring Course and Grading

Nearly 60 karate students and instructors attended the course on Friday evening. This course concentrated on basic technique and partner work. This allowed all grades of students to participate in the class. A section of the class included work on Kihon kata with Sensei Simpson emphasising the importance of a strong stance and turning correctly. Sensei also concentrated on kicking exercises and emphasised the importance of setting the leg in the correct way before executing the kick. The class also included Kihon kata with a slight difference, as students were only allowed to use kicks

On Saturday morning the class from 10 am to 12 noon, was for purple white belt and above. This was well attended with the club now having a very healthy senior class. Once again Sensei Simpson concentrated on basic technique, running through the grading syllabus for Shodan. The second part of the class concentrated on kata, including Bassai Dai, Jion, Enpi and Nijushiho

In the afternoon the course was for white to purple belts. This class concentrated on hip rotation and mechanics, and using basic blocks to counter an attack by sanbon zuki, triple punch. The final section of the course worked on kata's Kihon, Heian Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan and Godan

Following this course a grading was held with 46 students sitting an examination. Congratulations to all who passed their grade

Thank you once again to Sensei Simpson for a great course and grading

KDS Regional Courses with Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA. February 28th to March 2nd 2008

Thursday February 28th to Sunday 2nd March saw Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA visiting our association for our regional courses. These courses are always very popular and well attended and were spread over 4 venues Perth, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Saltcoats Ayrshire. As usual the standard of instruction from Sensei Ohta was not only of a high technical standard but also very enjoyable.

Kyu gradings were also held over the weekend. Congratulations to all KDS members who successfully passed a Kyu grading

KDS at the SKGB Scottish National Kumite Championships

The SKGB Scottish National Kumite Championships were held on Sunday 18th November at Meadowbank Sports Centre Edinburgh. Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) was represented at this event by a number of our members who all competed very well and to the best of their ability. Thanks to all KDS competitors who represented the association at this event. For a more detailed report please use this link.

November Regional Courses with Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA

Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA visited our association from Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th November for our November Regional Courses. The Courses were held in Musselburgh, Aberdeen and Port Glasgow over the 3 days. As always the courses were very enjoyable and well attended with some members managing to attend all 3 courses even though this meant quite a lot of travelling.

Kyu gradings were also held over the weekend. Congratulations to all KDS members who successfully passed a Kyu grading.

Special October JKA Scottish Gasshuku 2007 Report

Queen Anne High School Leisure Centre Dunfermline was the venue from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st October for a special JKA Scottish Gasshuku. Over the 3 days students who attended were treated to a fantastic weekend of instruction of the highest level from the following JKA Instructors

Sensei Osaka 8th Dan JKA
Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA
Sensei Inokoshi 4th Dan JKA

From Left to Right Sensei Osaka, Sensei Ohta and Sensei Inokoshi at the Gasshuku

The course was very well attended over the 3 days which along with the high level of instruction and friendly atmosphere made for a successful course. This event was organised by the JKA Scottish Umbrella Group

For report and more pictures from the above Gasshuku please use this link

Kirkwall Orkney Dojo September Course and Kyu Grading

Our Kirkwall dojo in Orkney held a special course and Kyu grading over Friday 28th and Saturday 29th September. The visiting course Instructor was Alan Simpson 5th Dan JKA. A number of students (pictured below) then sat their kyu grading following the training on Saturday. The course was well attended and all students seemed to enjoy the two days training and showed a lot of enthusiasm and effort. Congratulations to all students who passed their kyu grading.

Kirkwall Dojo Students and Instructors following the Kyu Grading

Alan Simpson 5th Dan JKA demonstrates Ushiro Mawashi Geri on Kirkwall Instructor Keith Moar.

Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA visits Scotland
Saturday 30th June 2007

The Carnegie Centre in Dunfermline was the venue for a visit to Scotland from Sensei Ohta 6th Dan JKA. Students from all over Scotland from as far away as Orkney travelled to Dunfermline to take up the opportunity to train with this very popular instructor.

Once more nobody was disappointed as Sensei Ohta demonstrated his excellent teaching ability and technique. As well as his unique Kihon and Kumite drills Sensei Ohta also taught a number of Kata's over the two sessions with each one ending on an individual demonstration by Sensei Ohta. As expected this was a very enjoyable course and the first question asked by many of the students at the end being “when is the next one? ”

Sensei Ohta has a long history of teaching in Scotland and we are all looking forward to his further visits in the future.

Following the course KDS Instructors Bert Stewart and John Deans travelled to London to attend the JKA England National Championships as guest referees which were held on the Sunday.

Dalgety Bay Course and Kyu Gradings

Saturday 11th August saw a Course and Kyu Grading hosted by the Dalgety Bay Dojo. The course was well attended with many KDS Senior Instructors taking part along with students travelling from other dojos to participate in the training. This made for a good atmosphere during the course. Congratulation to all students who passed Kyu grades.

Karate-Do Shotokan (Scotland) welcomes new dojos

Dalry and Kilbirnie Dojos:

We would like to welcome Instructor Sandy Kerr and his assistant instructors and students from the Dalry and Kilbirnie dojo's to our association. Most of you will already know Sandy who is a very experienced Instructor and we look forward to having them as part of our association.

Karate Do Shotokan (Scotland) June Course and Kyu Gradings

The weekends of 16 th -17 th and 23-24 th June saw a number of courses and Kyu gradings being conducted by Karate-Do Shotokan (Scotland). Courses were held over the 2 weekends in Aberdeen, Perth, Port Glasgow, Musselburgh and Saltcoats. The Port Glasgow course also included an additional Squad Training Session. A course and Kyu grading is also planned for later in the year in Kirkwall Orkney. Congratulations to all KDS members who successfully passed Kyu gradings on these courses.