Summer Ball 2010

Friday 2^nd July 2010 was once again the night of our annual Summer Ball at "The Old Palace Lodge Hotel", in Dunstable, Buckinghamshire.

Sensei Nursey along with Sensei Lower presented the awards as follows:

Shodan
Christian Sloan (Stevenage / Knebworth)
Shannen Fuller (Baldock)

Assistant Instructor
Tracy Lester (Stevenage / Knebworth)

Congratulations to all of them.

Click here to see a few photos of the evening.

Wednesday 7th July 2010

Dan Gradings May 22nd 2010

Congratulations to those that passed their grading on Saturday. Particularly as it was the hottest day of the year so far!

INTERMEDIATE
Andrew  Quenet - Birchwood
Luke Santilli - Hertford
Amanda  Veitch - Baldock
Tracy Lester - Stevenage/Knebworth
Ian Cheale - Cottenham
Mark Fielding - Potton

DAN GRADES
Junior
Rose Steggles - St. Albans

Adults
Luke Stephens-Chandler  - Stevenage
Andy Smith - Potton

ESKA Mini Olympics May 16th 2010

To see more photos click here!

On Sunday the 16th May over 170 ESKA Karateka took part in the first ESKA Mini Olympics instructors course at the Stevenage Honbu.
Students were able to try various martial arts including, Self Defence, Freestyle, Pad Work, Jo/Bo Weapons, Nunchucku's, Judo and Kata Bunkai.
The course lasted just over two hours and everyone thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the days different disciplines.
A great big thank you must go to everyone for taking part in the course and to the fantastic club instructors who gave up their time to promote the event and run the different areas. All of the students who took part received a well deserved certificate of taking part in the biggest course ESKA has run for some years.
Thank you once again to everyone for making the course so successful.
Oss
Sensei Richard Scoot
ESKA Course organiser

AMA International 27th – 28th February 2010

Results

1st:  John Gillespie – Male Veterans Kata
2nd:  Paul Raymond – Male Veterans Kata
3rd:  James Kirkpatrick – Weapons Kata
3rd:  Sara Rand – Girls Kata 14-15yrs 3rd – 1st Kyu
3rd:  Emma Gillespie – Female Veterans Kata

ESKA took it’s largest ever contingent to the AMA International Open Karate Championships in Sheffield.  Representing ESKA were:

Paul Raymond (Stevenage) - kata
John Gillespie (Birchwood) - kata
Richard Scoot (Potton/Sandy) - kumite
Jeff Rand (Cambridge) - kata
Sebastian Ryglewski (Birchwood) – kata and kumite
Aneta Feibig (Birchwood) – kata and kumite
James Kirkpatrick (Stevenage) – kata
Emma Gillespie (Birchwood) - kata
Sara Rand (Cambridge) - kata
Stefan Subocz Schram (Potton/Sandy) - kumite
Bryn Griffiths (Potton/Sandy) - kumite
Will Golding (Potton/Sandy) - kumite
Lewis Griffith (Potton/Sandy) - kumite
Luke Santili (Hertford) - kata
Andrew Quenet (Birchwood) - kata
Tyler Lester (Knebworth) - kata
Alex Little (Hitchin) - kata
Chris Tan (Hitchin) - kata
Ben Tan (Hitchin) - kata
Alex Campbell (Hitchin) – kata

For most people this was their first competition outside of ESKA and gave valuable experience as well as seeing how other styles perform.

Xmas Ball 2009

Saturday 28th November 2009 was the night of our annual Xmas ball and Ball. But not only that, it was an event to mark ESKA's 30th year!

Luke did a presentation showing some highlights of photos and video of those 30 years. We had many special guests to help us celebrate including Anthony Hamilton and his wife Linda. Anthony and Lewis Hamilton trained many years with ESKA at Stevenage club and were awarded their Shodans.

Along with the presentations to those who have achieved their Dan certificates, many Club Sensei's were awarded a special Samurai award, for those who have run a club for over five years.

Junior Shodan

Katie Irwin - Hertford

Emily Ringe - Ware / Knebworth

Shodan

Suzi Cudby - Birchwood
Paul Clements - Knebworth
Matt Allen - Knebworth
Warren Bone - Knebworth

Nidan
Jenny Hanson (Ware / Knebworth)

Sandan

Jeff Rand - Cottenham / Cambridge

Vicky Byford - Sandy / Potton

Yondan

John Higgins - Stevenage

Angus Pearson - Stevenage

Tony Stones - Stevenage

Rokudan

Nick Lower - Stevenage

Peter Cox Karate Award
Katie Irwin - Hertford

Ted Docwra Spirit Cup

Jeff Rand - Cottenham / Cambridge

Congratulations to all of them.

Photos click here

08 December 2009

Dan Grading Results November 2009

Congratulations go to the following on completing their Dan Gradings.... well done all;

.

Intermediate Dan Grade

Andy Smith - Sandy / Potton

Nidan Dan Grade

Jenny Hanson - Ware / Knebworth

Dan Grading Results - 14th November 2009

Congratulations go to the following on completing their Dan Gradings.... well done all;

Intermediate Dan Grade
Luke Stephens-Chandler - Stevenage

Guy Rutherford - Baldock

Shodan Dan Grade
Christian Sloan - Knebworth / Ware
Shannen Fuller - Baldock

Sandan Dan Grade
Jeff Rand - Cambridge / Cottenham

Vicky Byford - Sandy / Potton

ESKA 30 Years celebration championships 2009

In this ESKA’s 30th year it is nice to say that the championships were yet again a big success!
Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves (I know that I did!) and we’ve had lots of positive feedback from parents and competitors.

As always the ESKA senior grades did an excellent job as judges, table officials and helpers. Without their help there would have been no competition, so a big thank you to all those who helped out. Especially Luke Stephens-Chandler who brilliantly took on the job of commentator/announcer at the mike.

And a special thanks to Sensei Steve Pell for lending his expertise as a kumite judge. Sensei Pell is an old (very old?) competitor at the ESKA championships, who fought with great success over many years, so it’s always nice to see him making a guest appearance.

It was brilliant to see so many adults taking part this year! The freestyle events were particularly strong with a lot of good quality competitors taking part. We even had a full draw sheet in the Brown and Black Belt category!

There were some titanic bouts, but the one I remember most was the match between Martin Reynolds and Richard Scoot in the second round.
Both big men with lots of experience and a long reach. The fight progressed with each man trading combinations and points. Martin attempts an ashi barai gyaku combination, Richard counters with a kizami, gyaku choku zuki combination. Always Martin is slightly ahead and each time Richard pulls it back to even. Then with only 10 seconds left on the clock Richard pulls even again and it looks like extra time. But out of nowhere Martin throws a long ranging gyaku chudan which neatly switches to a jodan uraken and it’s Jodan Uchi, one point……. and Martin takes the match!

There was also a strong field in the Black Belt kata competition. We saw some exceptional kata, judged by the 5 top judges in the association. In the end James Kirkpatrick deservedly took first place with a fantastic Unsu!

The team kata events proved popular again, both with the competitors and the audience. The kata squad took the Black Belt team title yet again this year (well done Louise for stepping in at the last minute), but they were pushed hard by “Birchwood A” with an excellent Nijushiho.

Lastly I must mention Sensei Paul Grimsey and all the hard work he put in to make the day work. You might not think it but actually it can be a “little” stressful running a competition and it doesn’t help if you’ve been up to 4am the previous night filling out draw sheets. Well done Paul, another great job!

John Gillespie.

Click here to see the photos

Tuesday 20th October 2009

Summer Ball 2009

Friday 3^rd July 2009 was the night of our annual Summer Ball. This year we re-visited "The Old Palace Lodge Hotel", in Dunstable, Buckinghamshire.

For the second year running the food and service was to a high standard, each table was served in turn with clockwork efficiency. It was certainly very nice to see the level of service hadn't changed since last year.
The Summer Ball is less formal than the Xmas set-up, dress code being smart Casual and the speaches kept to a minimal. After Dinner Sensei Nursey thanked all those that had contributed to ESKA's success over the last six months. Along with Sensei Lower, Sensei Nursey then went on to present the Dan Grades as follows:

Shodan
Maxine Charlton (Baldock)
Duncan Clark (Stevenage / Knebworth)
Matthew Clark (Stevenage / Knebworth)
Victoria Hodges (Stevenage / Knebworth)

Nidan
Louise O'Connell (Stevenage / Knebworth)
Jess Burton (Ware / Knebworth)
Charlie Ringe (Ware / Knebworth)

Congratulations to all of them.

Click here to see a few photos of the evening.

Wednesday 28th July 2009

Dan Grading Results - Saturday 25^th April 2009

Congratulations go to the following on completing their Dan Gradings.... well done all;

Junior Shodan
Katie Irwin - Hertford
Emily Ringe - Knebworth / Ware

Intermediate Dan Grade
Matt Clark - Knebworth

Shodan
Suzi Cudby - Birchwood
Paul Clements - Knebworth
Matt Allen - Knebworth
Warren Bone - Knebworth

Nidan
Louise O'Connell - Stevenage / Knebworth
Jess Burton - Knebworth / Ware
Charlie Ringe - Knebworth / Ware

Friday 8th May 2009

John & Helen finally tie the knot

On Saturday 21^st March 2009, after many years of our "badgering", John & Helen finally got Married.

Their day turned out to be really good, especially with the weather which was faultless for the time of year. The picture below show the ceremony of "The Bottle". This coveted prize is passed on to any couple that get's married providing one of them is training in ESKA at Stevenage. This tradition has been going now for some 11 years or so. The picture shows the previous holder (Lois) passing Helen "The Bottle". The last couple managed to keep it for 6 years, lets see how long John & Helen can manage before someone else gets married !

Tuesday 24^th March 2009

English Karate Federation Nationals 2009

On Saturday 21^st March 2009, at the English Karate Federation National Competition 2009, Paul Raymond competed in the Veterens Kata with a good 3^rd place.
Well done Paul.

Tuesday 24^th February 2009

ESKA at the AMA International 2009

On February 28th seven members of the ESKA Kata squad went to the AMA International in Sheffield. This is the largest competition of the year with about 2000 competitors taking part over the two day event. This is a very popular competition and it attracts some of the best competitors from around the world: England, Germany, Finland, Bangladesh, Iran, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and even Australia!

The ESKA Squad for the AMA International 2009 was:

Paul Raymond 5th Dan (Stevenage Club),
Darren Drohan 2nd Dan (Birchwood Club),
James Kirkpatrick 1st Dan (Stevenage Club),
Sara Rand Intermediate (Cambridge Club),
Katie Irwin Intermediate (Hertford Club),
Andrew Quenet 3rd Kyu (Birchwood Club) and
Emma Handisyde 5th Kyu (Birchwood Club).

Although we had only a small squad this year, we still did extremely well.
For only 7 competitors we came back with 5 trophies, almost one each!

   One 1st place: Paul Raymond in the Masters.

   Two 2nd places: James Kirkpatrick in the Weapons & Sara Rand in the 1st Kyu girls 14-15.

   And two 3rd places: Emma Handisyde in the 4th Kyu adults & Katie Irwin in the 1st Kyu girls 14-15.

The whole squad did well, it's an overwhelming experience for the first timers just having the courage to step on the mat is enough to earn my respect.

We started out well with Emma taking 3rd place in the senior 4th kyu category after a bit of a wobbly start. She performed an excellent Bassai Dai in the reprecharge.

Then shortly after that Sara performed a magnificent Jion to beat a really first class Shito Rye girl in the semi-final of the 1st Kyu category and only just lost out in the final. Still 2nd place is not bad for a first attempt! ESKA was fortunate enough to have a second winner in this group, as Katie had already picked up 3rd place.

Andrew, who only recently passed his 3rd kyu grading, was up against it in both his categories. All his opponents were experienced Black Belts. Never the less he gave a very good account of himself with two very solid performances of Jion (one in the open and one in the Masters). Although new to competition Karate and generously giving several (he's older than me!!) years to his opponents, he didn't look out of place at all and I would not be surprised if he gets into the top three next year.

This was Darren's first time at the Nationals and I could tell he was impressed by the standard of his competitors in the Open. He was not quite so happy when he got Jonathan Mottram (10 times National champion) in the1st round! So Darren lost the 1st round, but still performed a spirited Jion. In the reprecharge he chose Nijushiho and won a flag but not the bout.

James entered 3 categories this year; the cadets, open and Weapons. Although he preformed well in the cadets he unfortunately didn't win a round. In the Open James won his first round with a very sharp Jion, but in the 2nd round he came up against one of the best competitors in the country and unfortunately went out on a two flags to one decision. However it was the Weapons category that was the event for James this year. He performed a fantastic bo kata (as developed by Sensei Paul Grimsey), beating 3 opponents before narrowly missing out in the final, but still going home with 2nd place!

Last but certainly not least, we had Paul Raymond in the Masters category. Paul has waited a long time to win at the AMA and this was his year! He started out with a very sold Jion to win his opening round 3 flags to none. In the second round he performed Gojushiho Sho, which is one of Paul's best kata and he won again. In the semi final he came up against a former champion (the Iranian chief instructor) and beat him two flags to one with a superb Gojushiho Dai. At last in the final and after 10 years of trying Paul came through with his best ever Unsu to win the title!

Write-up courtesy of Sensei John Gillespie

Tuesday 24^th February 2009

Akita Sensei Training Course - Sunday 1st February 2009

As part of the English Shotokan Karate Associations 30^th Anniversary celebrations Sensei Richard Scoot organised a one day course at Stratton Upper School with one of Japans finest Shotokan Karate Instructors, Sensei Shinji Akita, 5^th Dan Chief Instructor of the Shotokan Alliance International based in Berlin, Germany.

The Course was well attended by over 90 Karateka from ESKA's clubs based in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex.

The course started with a traditional Japanese warm up and then we went straight into practising basics. The theme for the course was focusing our power and energy through our Hara (Stomach). Akita Sensei made it clear that for us to be powerful we needed to relax, with this, speed and power would follow.

After a short break, Akita Sensei took us through the basic Heian Kata often pausing to show us Bunkai application which we then practised in pairs.

At the end of the course Sensei Mike Nursey, 8^th Dan, was presented with a gift from Akita Sensei to help celebrate the associations 30^th year of Shotokan Karate.

I would personally like to thank Sensei Nursey for allowing me to book the course, the instructors for their continued support and of course, all the Karateka who made it to a somewhat cold venue.

Sensei Richard Scoot

Click Here to read more about Akita Sensei.

Monday 9^th February 2009

Christmas Dinner and Dance 2008

Saturday 22^nd November 2008 was the night of our annual Christmas Dinner and Dance. There was another change of venue this year, so we found ourselves in "The Letchworth Hall Hotel", strangely enough in Letchworth.

Sadly the service was a little rushed and the bar even stopped serving beer and larger when the pumps refused to work. After a number of discussions with the duty manager we managed to convince them that it was in their interest to bring down pitcher after pitcher of beer from the Hotel's private bar.

Despite this small set back, everyone soon recovered and all had a great time. ESKA always seems to find something to laugh about. After dinner came the formal part of the evening with Sensei Nursey making his speech, during which he thanked all those that had contributed to ESKA's success over the previous year.

Sensei also concratulated John Gillespie on his engagement to the lovely Emma.

Sensei then went on to present the Dan Grades as follows:

Shodan
Haig Leonard

Nidan
Kathleen Darby
David O'Connell

Godan
Lois Stewart
Raesa Nursey

Peter Cox Karate Award
David O'Connell

Ted Docwra Spirit Cup
Richard Scoot (Toocs)

Congratulations to all of them.

Friday 9th January 2009

Dan Grading Results - 15th November 2008

Intermediate Dan Grade
Paul Clements - Knebworth
Sam Walker - Stevenage
Warren Bone - Knebworth
Matt Allen - Knebworth
Mark Hibbert - St Albans

Shodan
Duncan Clark - Stevenage
Maxine Charlton - Baldock

Nindan
David O'Connell - Stevenage
Kathleen Darby - Stevenage

Congratulations to all.....

Wednesday 28th January 2009

ESKA Kata Competition Results 2008

The annual ESKA kata competition took place on Saturday 8^th November at the Stevenage hombu. There was an impressive turnout from all the ESKA clubs with over 40 teams and nearly 200 individual competitors taking part in 17 categories.
A special mention must go to the Baldock club who dominated that junior team kata events and to the Birchwood club for taking the lion's share of the adult medals and trophies.
Congratulations also to James Kirkpatrick and David O'Connell for picking up first places respectively in the junior and adult individual black belt kata events.
The organisers would like to say a huge thanks to the club instructors for the high standard of entries on the day and to the judges and table officials, without whom the event would not have run so smoothly.
We look forward to seeing you all again at the next kata / kumite competition

Paul Grimsey & John Gillespie

Friday 14th November 2008

Summer Ball 2008

Friday 4^th July 2008 was the night of our annual Summer Ball. There was a change of venue this year as our usual place had been bought out and was shut for refurbishment. So we found ourselves in a venue called "The Old Palace Lodge Hotel", in Dunstable, Buckinghamshire. The place is an very old building supposedly commissioned by King Henry I in 1109.

The food and service was to a high standard (much better then the previous place), main meal's came out piping hot and all staff seemed well trained and efficient, even the manager on duty that evening found the time to stop and have a chat / laugh with each table whilst still ensuring all was going like clockwork. It was certainly very nice to see this level of service. I didn't stay at the hotel but I'm told the rooms were also nice and spacious.

After dinner came the formal part of the evening with Sensei Nursey making his speech, during which he thanked the following for helping ESKA in various ways over the last six months:
Richard Scoot for orgainising the Wayne Otto course
Steve Pell & Gavin Paul for organising the Gasshuku (training camp) weekend, in bournemouth
John Gillespie, Paul Grimsey, Paul Raymond, Rae Nursey for orgainising the Kumite Competition and all those that helped out on the day
Sensei thanked all those that helped out at the recent Kata Course
Jeff for his work on producing the Dan grade certificates.
Matt for his efforts on this web site
And of course, we all thanked Rae for orgainising this venue after all the hassles with the old one.

Sensei then went on to present the Dan Grades as follows:

Junior Shodan
Stephen Loriet (Baldock)
Daniel Jones (St Albans)
Christopher Martin (Baldock)

Adult Shodan
Peter Mason (Baldock)
James Kirkpatrick (Stevenage/Hitchin)

Adult Nidan
Stephen Pierce (Baldock)

Adult Sandan
Des Allen (St Albans)
Malcolm Stamp (Hertford)

Congratulations to all of them.

The evening then continued with a disco and the usual mingling around the bar and of course the traditional bacon sandwiches. At some point Paul Raymond decided it was time to start a drinking game at the bar, which consisted of some shots and a glass covered in a napkin and a straw..... I'm sure the headache the next day was worth it but you'd have to ask Paul about that.

I'm sure all those that went would agree that it was a great night and that we are all looking forward to the Christmas Dinner and Dance, which will be held at yet another venue, The Letchworth Hall Hotel, Letchworth, Hertfordshire. If you want to go I suggest you book early as there are only 130 places which is a lot less than normal.

Thursday 15th July 2008

On Sunday 29th June ESKA held a Kata Course for all it's Students at the Stevenage Hombu. Over 40 black belts and about 100 kyu grades attended. All split into different groups learning different katas.  Everyone said they had a great day.

Click Here to see the Pictures taken on the day.

Wednesday 9th July 2008

ESKA Kumite Competition Results 2008

ESKA held a Kumite Competition on Sunday 11^th May 2008. Below are the official results and a few pictures of the winners on the day.

Tuesday 24th June 2008

Grading News April 2008

Saturday 26th April 2008 saw 6 students (3 Adults & 3 Juniors) assembled in front a panel of Senior ESKA Dan Grades all eager to test for their next belt's.

Congratulations go to the following that passed...... well done:

Junior Dan Grade
Matthew Clark - Stevenage / Knebworth
Victoria Hodges - Stevenage / Knebworth
Haig Leonard - Stevenage

Adult Nidan Grade
Steve Pearce - Baldock

Adult Sandan Grade
Des Allen - St. Albans

Malcolm Stamp - Hertford

Wednesday 4th June 2008

Wayne Otto Course

On Sunday 20th April ESKA hosted a course with Wayne Otto OBE 9 times world kumite champion.
Sensei Richard Scoot organised the course and 87 ESKA students attended the course at the Sandy Dojo in Bedfordshire.
Wayne started the first session by partnering every one up with us all sparring with several people as a warm up exercise. Then after some basic stretches the course began with Wayne teaching us all a number of applications.
Wayne showed the combination we then practised this up and down the dojo before partnering up and trying it for real. Wayne often called up a number of the youngsters and senior grades from ESKA and treated them to a few of the techniques that made him world champion so many times and reminded them "never go to the left, bad things happen on the left!, it's kind of the dark side of the force"..... this was very funny (although not for the recipients).

The second part of the course started with a similar warm up, we then practiced more combinations on our own and then partnered up. The most interesting part of the day was when Wayne explained about changing our line of attack to make our techniques work more effectively, in practice we could actually see what he meant.
Wayne also showed us a couple of his favourite techniques and explained when and how he used them to become world champion.
At the end of the session Wayne very kindly signed licences and had photos taken with many of the students.
The course received 100% positive feedback and we will most certainly be inviting Wayne down again next year.

Richard Scoot

Wednesday 28th May 2008