Medal Time!

Following our club competition. There was as air of excitement when Sensei Tom announced on Monday 26th that the medals were almost here and should be ready to present at our Thursday training.

They had been ordered from Spain and we were wondering if their delay had been caused by the world cup celebrations.

So with Lynn organising the order of things etc. and Karen our club photographer clicking like mad, the medal presentation took place at last.

With several students winning more than one medal, it sounded like Christmas had arrived early with the jingling of sleigh bells as they ran back into line – with big smiles.

Well done again to everyone. Please see our gallery for pictures.

JKA Stevenage holds Club Competition

On Saturday 10th June we had our first competition, and did we all enjoy it!

It started early in the morning and after all the entrants had finished competing we had all witnessed a very high standard of Karate – a pleasure to watch.

From the youngest to the older, the smallest to the bigger, everyone can be proud of their efforts.

It was run exactly along the lines of the national competitions, so all the students now have an invaluable understanding for future competitions - internal and external. And I’m sure they will be entering many more to come.

In the evening, thanks to much arranging and organising we had a medal presentation – although the medals were substituted with certificates, until they arrive.

With the presentations done we all let our hair down – those with enough – and tripped the light fantastic, that’s dancing to our younger people. With the bar open and a fantastic array of good food, there was nothing left to do but have really good time.

We are all most grateful to all those that did the organising and arranging.

Well done all those that took part – you are all winners.

Go to our gallery to see photos of what a good time looks like!

Club Grading

Congratulations to all students who graded today! An excellent lesson with Gary Stewart 5th Dan JKA was followed by a successful grading for everyone who attempted their next belt. Special congratulations to Graham who double-graded from 10th to 8th Kyu, well done Graham!

JKAE National Championships at Crawley

Well done to the students that entered the Nationals in Crawley on 3rd July.

It was a long tiring day, with a very high standard of competition. The students that entered were:

• Arabella Cutts
• Jolyon Martin
• Laetitia Alexandre
• Jon Cooper
• Dave Thomas
• Nick Taylor
• Steve Deal
• Steve Rowe
• Mick Farquharson

Dave and jo both got bronze medals in kumite, well done!

Sensei Tom Peebles and Lydia Chown were referees, Sandy Tse was Club Coach and Lynn Peebles and Carol Deal were timekeepers.

Sensei Ohta passes 7th Dan

Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Sensei Ohta, who successfully passed his 7th Dan grading! Read more about Sensei Ohta in our profile.

Kyu Gradings

Stevenage had a successful grading with Roy Tomlin 5th Dan JKA and all students passed!

Shodan for Mark

Congratulations to Mark Payne who attained his 1st Dan (Shodan) in Bath on 21st March. Well done Mark!

Kyu Grade Championships

Stevenage Karate Club had some great successes at the 2009 JKA National Kyu Grade Championships! Congratulations to the following students who won medals at the Kyu Grade Championships:

• Charlotte Lopez (age 11), Gold medals in both Kata and Kumite
• Arabella Cutts (age 11), Gold medal in Kumite, plus trophy for best junior female
• Sandy Tse (age 21), Gold medal in Kumite, plus trophy for best senior female
• Kev Marchant (age 30), Silver medal in Kumite and 4th place in Kata
• Julie Lopez (age 43), Bronze medal in Kumite and 4th place in Kata
• Laetitia Alexandre (age 28), Bronze medal in Kata

Dan Gradings

After months of hard training congratulations to Dave Thomas who attained his 1st Dan (Shodan) and to Steve Rowe who attained his 2nd Dan (Nidan). Well done both of you!

National Championships

Congratulations to Jo Martin who came second in this years JKA National Championships in Junior Male Individual Kumite 16 to 18 years.

Lydie gets Nidan

Congratulations to Lydie who successfully passed her 2nd Dan grading.

Jo gets Nidan

Congratulations to Jo Martin who has successfully passed his 2nd Dan grading. Well done, Jo!

Dan Gradings

Congratulations to Lydia who, after a lot of training, successfully passed her 2nd Dan grading.

National Championships

Jon Cooper and Steve Rowe came joint third in 21 and over age category (3rd Kyu to 1st dan Kumite). Jo Martin came 3rd in the Kumite section.

Dan Gradings all round!

Club regular Jon Cooper gained his 1st Dan grading this month after a lot of hard graft - congratulations to Jon!

Our Chief Instructor Tom Peebles continues to excel by successfully passing his 4th Dan grading.

Congratulations to Sensei Tom for this fantastic achievement!

Andrew gets Shodan!

A very big and well-deserved "Congratulations!" go to Andrew Fitzharris who, after a lot of training, has achieved the rank of 1st Dan (Shodan). Well done, Andrew!

Jo makes the National Squad

Congratulations go to Jo Martin who, after a very tough session, has made the grade and qualified to become a member of the JKA squad. Well done, Jo!