ESKA success at AMA International Karate Open

On Saturday 23^rd February 2008 the ESKA Kata Squad competed at the AMA International Karate Open held at the Harvey Haddon Sports Centre, Nottingham. Congratulation go to the following medal winners;

1^st Alex Little (Hitchin) - Boy's Kata 10-15yrs, 4th Kyu & Below

3^rd Paul Raymond (Stevenage) - Male Masters Kata

3^rd Luke Chandler (Stevenage) - Male & Female 16yrs & over - 4th Kyu & Below

3^rd Charlie Fisher (Birchwood) - Boy's Kata 13-15yrs, 3rd-1st Kyu

Wednesday 27th February 2008

Paul "past it" Raymond

Whilst we were all preparing for a fun night out at the annual Dinner and Dance Paul was in Italy to compete in the World Open Championship of Shotokan Karate.

Paul entered the Veterans (Old Gits) Kata section and managed to come 5^th out of 33 in the catorgory. Beaten by two Italians, a Russian & someone that paul can't remember where he was from (must be his age and memory problems...).

Thursday 20^th December 2007

Christmas Dinner and Dance 2007

Saturday December 1^st was the night of the Xmas D&D. The formal part of the evening apart from the dining included the all important Dan grade presentations and a new award in honour of Sensei Cox, "The Peter Cox Karate Award". Sensei Nursey made a small speech and presented the certificates to all the students that had obtained their next grade since the summer ball. We then had the surprise of the night with Richard Scoot calling every single Dan Grade and above onto the stage to present Sensei Nursey with his Eigth Dan certificate.

Congratulations go to the following:

Junior Shodan

Ryan Arnold (Baldock) and Christopher Mutter (Baldock)

Adult Shodan

Jenny Hanson (Knebworth) & Mark Sherwood (Birchwood)

Sandan

Alan Turner (Baldock)

Hachidan (8^th Dan)

Sensei Mike Nursey

The Peter Cox Karate Award

James Kirkpatrick (Stevenage)

Ted Docwra Spirit Cup

Tony Stones (Stevenage / Knebworth / Ware)

Wednesday 12th December 2007

Thank you

A message from Mark Sherwood:

"I would like to thank my Instructions John Gillespie, Ian Ramsden and Owen Ramsden for their support and also thanks to so many people in ESKA for their support in helping me achieve Shodan.

Thank You

Mark Sherwood (Birchwood)

Wednesday 12th December 2007

A Tribute to Sensei Peter Cox

Sadly, Sensei Peter Cox, 5^th Dan, passed away on Saturday 29^th September 2007 aged 69 years. The Funeral took place on Thursday 11^th October at St Mary's Church in Baldock. As many as could make it represented ESKA and the Church was vertually full. Sensei Nursey paid tribute to Peter during the service with the following words:

Sensei Peter Cox

Wednesday 17th October 2007

ESKA Championship Results 2007

ESKA held it's Annual Championship on Sunday 7^th October. The turn out was good and with plenty of Referee's/Judge's the event went quite smoothly. Below are the official results and a link to the pictures of the winners on the day.

See the pictures Click here.

Tuesday 16th October 2007

Wado-Kai 9th All England Championships

On Saturday 21st July 2007, the ESKA Kata Squad competed at the Wado-Kai 9th All England championships in reading. Overall results:

1st Alex Little (Under 6th Kyu, 11-15yrs, Shotokan only)

1st James Kirkpatrick (3rd Kyu and over, 11-15yrs, Shotokan only)

2nd Chris Tan (Under 6th Kyu, 11-15yrs, Shotokan only)

2nd Paul Raymond (Men's Kata, Shotokan only)

2nd Paul Raymond (Men's Open Kata)

2nd Paul Raymond(Mixed Open Kata)

Our events start with Alex Little and Chris Tan (both yellow belts from Hitchin) competing in the Shotokan only, under 6th Kyu, 11-15yr category. Both Alex and Chris performed some brilliant katas' far above their grade, which resulted in them facing each other in the final. Alex won using Empi but Chris' Jion managed to snatch one of the flags.

The second event for ESKA was the Shotokan only, 3rd Kyu and above, 11-15yr category. This was by far the biggest Shotokan category and we had 6 competitors taking part in it. These were: David O'Connell (Shodan, Stevenage and Knebworth); James Kirkpatrick (intermediate Black Belt, Stevenage and Hitchin); Haig Leonard (1st Kyu, Stevenage); Charlie Fisher (1st Kyu, Birchwood); Billy Cudby (1st Kyu, Birchwood); Duncan Clarke (1st Kyu, Stevenage and Knebworth) .

All competitors in the initial rounds made it through and ESKA had no defeats in their first 6 rounds. The later rounds meant that we had competitors against each other, which while unfortunate, couldn't be helped. Some mistakes due to nerves and poor kata choice took out the remaining ESKA competitors leaving only Haig and James. By performing some of his best katas ever in a competition, Haig ending up losing to the eventual 2nd place winner, which threw him into the repecharge component. He used a recently learned Nijushiho to take 3rd place with all 3 flags in his favour. By not losing a single round, James reached the final, using Kanku Sho and superior stance to take 1st place.

In the Shotokan team category, the team consisting of Haig, Charlie and Billy performed well enough to earn themselves 3rd place medals.

Unfortunately Charlie had to leave the competition after this event, which left the team one person short for the open team kata event. A last minute replacement, David, and 2 minutes of training together pulled out one of the surprises of the day. The reformed team hardly put a foot wrong to end up with another 3rd place.

With the coaches (John Gillespie and Paul Grimsey) not competing at this event, ESKA had only one competitor for the adult categories but Paul Raymond (Stevenage) proved that this was all we needed. In marathon roller coaster of 3 events over a continuous period of hours without a break, Paul took 2nd place in the Men's Shotokan Kata, Men's Open Kata and the Mixed Open Kata. Each time landing in the final against a member of the England squad.

Overall ESKA performed brilliantly and for many competitors it was their first competition outside of the association. Well-done lads!

The ESKA Kata Squad has now been running for over 3 years and training is held at the Stevenage Leisure Centre from 10:00-12:00 on every 3rd Sunday. Training consists of developing good basics with an emphasis on stance work, drilling in other aspects of kata and individual tuition. Although geared towards competition the squad training does not change or modify the actual Katas for use in competition, instead we aim to compete using good, solid, traditional Shotokan Kata.

If you are a member of ESKA, are interested in improving your Kata, and/or would like to compete outside of the association, you are more than welcome to train with us. And who knows, maybe one day you could join in on our successes.

Please see Paul Grimsey or John Gillespie for further information regarding the Kata Squad.

Wednesday 1st August 2007

Summer Ball 2007

Friday June 22nd was the night of the Summer Ball. I was not able to attend this year so I've not really got a write-up of the events but I sure a good time was had by all what with the usual fun on the dance floor and passing time at the bar, as you do....

The formal part of the evening apart from the dining included the all important Dan grade presentations. Sensei Nursey made a small speech and then presented the certificates to:

Shodan

Jessica Burton (Ware), Thomas Ray, Lewis Griffiths (both from Sandy/Potton) and John Froy (Hitchin)

Nidan

Farah Malik (Sandy/Potton)

Sandan

Graeme Main (St. Albans)

Congratulations to all of them.

Wednesday 1st August 2007

Grading News

Saturday 12th June 2007 saw 7 students (5 Adults & 2 Juniors) assembled in front a panel of 7 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
Ryan Arnold
Christopher Mutter

Intermediate Dan Grade
Peter Mason

Adult Dan Grade
Jenny Hanson
Mark Sherwood

Adult Nidan Grade
Farah Malik

Adult Sandan Grade
Graeme Main

Tuesday 22nd May 2007

ESKA Squads At AMA Nottingham 2007

Both the ESKA Kata and Kumite squads were in action at the AMA International at Nottingham in February. This competition is one of the largest of the year with strong contingents from Europe and around the world (in particular Iran).

All of the squad performed well and we were a little unlucky not to come back with more trophies. Both Paul R and Paul G could easily have won their events had the judging been slightly more favourable. And Charlie Fisher came close to snatching a 3rd in the Brown Belt category.

Results:

Paul Raymond     3rd    Masters Kata

Paul Grimsely      3rd    Open Kata

Jake Field           3rd    4th kyu & below Kata (junior)

The full ESKA delegation:

Paul Raymond                       5th Dan                                    Daniel Croucher                    1st Kyu
Paul Grimsey                         4th Dan                                    Haig Leonard                        1st Kyu
Kathleen Darby                      1st Dan                                    James Kirkpatrick                  1st Kyu
David O’Connell                     1st  Dan                                   Duncan Clark                        1st Kyu
Lewis Griffith                         1st Dan                                    Jake Field                             4th Kyu
Charlie Fisher                        1st Kyu                                                                   

Kata Coach:   John Gillespie                  Kumite   Coach: Richard Scoot

The whole story:

Day 1

Jake

The day started out well when Jake Field began his event with a winning Jion. For a 13 year old 4th Kyu he is surprisingly confident on the mat. Jake eventually lost to one of the finalists but still managed to take 3rd place in the reprecharge. We can expect big things from Jake in the future.

Duncan

This was Duncan Clark’s first trip with the squad so he must have been a little nervous, but to his credit he didn’t let it show. He made no mistakes and performed a fine Jion in the first round, but even so unfortunately lost.

Haig & Charlie

With 30+ competitors in the brown belt (12-13 years) Category, Charlie Fisher and Haig Leonard were in the largest and most hotly contested group. They both won rounds and Charlie was just pipped for 3rd place. I believe that Charlie’s Empi and Haig’s Jion were two of the best kata performances from any junior that day.

David

David O’Connell was great again, performing an excellent Jion under pressure, but was just beaten by one of the finalists. Sadly he lost again in the reprecharge this time performing Ganka ku. Over the last few months David’s kata have improved enormously, this is all due to his own determination and hard work.

Dan & James

Dan Croucher and James Kirkpatrick were both in the brown belt (14-15 Years) category. Dan won this event last year and as we have come to expect, produced another marvellous performance of Jion in the first round, but lost out in a split decision 2 flags to 1. James also opened with Jion and produced a fine performance, but unfortunately not quite good enough to over come his opponent this time. He went on to win with Kanku Dai in the reprecharge, but eventually went out with Empi in the second round of the reprecharge.

James

James Kirkpatrick also entered the weapons event, with a Chinese sword form. Sadly for James this year the field in this category was unusually strong. In fact at half time the competition was stopped so that we could all watch a weapons demonstration. Well most of these demonstrators actually entered the weapons event! So poor Patrick didn’t have much of a chance, even so his sword Kata went down well with the audience.

Kathleen

Kathleen seemed to enjoy every minute of the day, particularly those few minutes just before her event started when she went a very white shade of pale. She didn't win any rounds but did complete her kata (Jitte) in style. Kathleen can look back with pride as one of the very few adult Black Belts in our association to have competed at this level and only the second lady to do so (Farah being the other).

Paul G

Paul G started out with a spirited Jion to win the first round. In the second round he performed his trade mark Gankaku, a kata which really suits Paul’s dynamic style. With this kata he easily won the second round against a very competent opponent. In the 3rd his luck ran out as his Empi was beaten in a split decision by the eventual winner’s Shito ryu Kata. When the reprecharge came round, Paul produced his best kata of the day, a spectacular Kanku Sho. This won Paul a split decision over his final opponent for 3rd place in the open.

Paul R

Paul R started his campaign to be Masters champion with a solid performance of Jion. This gave him a 3 flags to none win in the first round. Despite a doggy knee, aching shoulder and rumbling stomach (curtsey of Moto services’ full English) he soldered on to produce a surprisingly good performance of Gojushiho Sho which should have won him the bout, but unfortunately the judges were against us, so Paul went out to the eventual winner. In the reprecharge Paul pulled out his best performance, a very impressive Gojushiho Di which deservedly won him 3rd place in the Masters.

Summary (Kata)

Just two years ago we took 6 juniors to the same competition and we didn’t even win a flag, never mind a round. This year everyone is winning flags, most are winning rounds and Jake is even winning medals. ESKA can be very proud of these kids!

Both Pauls were particularly impressive at these championships. Paul G’s dynamic performances were more precise and tighter than I’ve seen from him before. And he’s lost none of his amazing speed, in fact I think he’s actually faster! The timming, speed and power of Paul R’s Gojushiho kata’s are now superb. He has really made these kata his own and there are not many who can do them better. 

Day 2

Lewis

On the second day at Nottingham Richard Scoot took Lewis Griffith, from the Kumite squad, up to the competition. He was entered into the cadet 13-15 years event. Lewis had to wait for his chance to fight as he got a bye in the first round and then again in the second. His chance finally came in the 3rd round, so now he was up against an opponent who had already won two fights and was thoroughly warmed up. Even so Lewis put up a spirited performance, just failing to score with a couple of gyacku zuki’s (judges wrong sighted), but in the end his opponent got through his defences with a dubious looking chudan geri.

All in all a grand couple of days out for ESKA!

Monday 19th March 2007

Grading News

On Saturday 11th November 2006 there was an element of nerves in the air for a few potential Intermediate's and Black Belt's as it was time for their big moment, 8 students were assembled in front a panel of 7 Senior ESKA Dan Grades and put through a few hours of anything and everything to do with Karate. From basics to Kumite through to History and Terminology they were tested throughout.....

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

Junior Dan Grade
Jess Burton (Ware)
Lewis Griffiths (Potton)

Intermediate Dan Grade
Jenny Hanson (Knebworth / Ware)

Adult Dan Grade
Paul Heatley (Stevenage)
John Froy (Stopsley)

Thursday 16th November 2006

Results of Dan Grading held 3rd June 2006

Congratulations to all those that passed their Dan Gradings recently.... well done to all:

Junior Dans Grades;
Charlie Ringe (Ware)
Conor Green (Potton/Sandy)
Shauni Binks (Stevenage)
Hannah Vooght (Stevenage)
Louise and David O'connell (Stevenage)
Jonathan Paley (Birchwood)
Jordan Quirk (Ware)

Adults passing their Intermediate;
Dan Paul Heatley (Stevenage)
John Froy (Stopsley/Hitchin)

Adults Passing their Shodan grading;
Kathleen Darby (Stevenage)
Martin Reader (Hitchin)
Peter Sutton (St. Albans)
Chris Stamp (Hertford)

Adults passing their Nidan;
Ray Smith (Stevenage)

Adults passing their Sandan;
Ian Ramsden (Birchwood)



Wednesday 5th July 2006

Championships Pictures Available

Click on this link to see the pictures from the 2006 ESKA Championships (see news article below).
Monday 12th June 2006

English Shotokan Karate Association Karate Championships

Sunday the 7th May saw nearly five hundred entries from ESKA Karateka take part in our first full competition for some years. Competitors competed in the many disciplines of Traditional Karate including, Kihon (Basics), Ippon Kumite (One Step Kumite), Kata (Forms), Freestyle Kumite (Fighting) and four spectacular demonstrations.

The Morning started with Kata & Kihon and with 6 areas running throughout the day it was then onto Ippon Kumite, the demos and finally the exciting freestlye kumite.

The day would not have been possible without the help of all the judges, helpers, photographers and they all did a fantastic job in making the day run smoothly. Sensei Paul Raymond kept things to the rule book as chief referee and Sensei Nursey & Rae provided excellent trophies for the day. Overall it was a fantastic day for everyone and one that our association should be proud of so well done to every single competitor for making it such a great day.

It was also a great platform for members of the ESKA Kata & Kumite Squads to show their talents. Both squads did very well winning many trophies which shows that the hard work they and their coaches put in pays off. Anyone interested in joining the Kata squad should contact Sensei's Paul Grimsey or John Gillespie eska_kata_squad@yahoo.co.uk, Those interested in Kumite should contact Sensei Richard Scoot info@sandykarate.org.uk for further details of up and coming training sessions.

Click on this link for a complete list of the winners & the photo's of the days events will be published shortly.

Report by Sensei Richard Scoot
Friday 2nd June 2006

ESKA competes at the Wado-Kai 5th All England Open Championship
The Wado-Kai 5th All England Open Karate Championships were held on 13-14th May 2006 in Reading. On the Saturday we took the ESKA Kata Squad down to compete in the Shotokan kata events. Here are the results:-

1st - Jake Field (Woolmer Green): 11-15 Yrs, up to and inc. 4th kyu)

2nd - Charlie Fisher (Brichwood); Haig Leonard (Stevenage); Daniel Croucher (Stevenage): Team Kata (All ages/grades/gender)

3rd - Paul Grimsey (Stevenage/Hitchin): Mens Kata (16 Yrs and over, 3rd kyu and above)

3rd - Laura Gillespie (Ware): Ladies Kata (16 Yrs and over, 3rd kyu and above)

3rd - Jessica Croucher (Stevenage/Stopsley): Ladies Kata (16 Yrs and over, 3rd kyu and above)

Everybody did fantastically well, especially the kata team who stole a flag to the winners whose team included the many times EKGB Enlgish kata champion, Jonathon Motrum. Well done boys.

We are currently looking to boost the kata squad numbers. If any ESKA member would like to come down to Baldock Town Hall on any of the following Sundays from 10 - 11am you are more than welcome:

21st May
4th June
18th June
9th July
30th July

If you have any enquires please contact John Gillespie or Paul Grimsey at eska_kata_squad@yahoo.co.uk

The squad calendar with a list of training dates can also be found at http://calendar.yahoo.co.uk/eska_kata_squad




Monday 15th May 2006

ESKA at the Karate England Nationals
ESKA Squad Instructors saw more success at the recent Karate England Nationals, which see's the merging of the two biggest Karate Organisations; EKGB & KUGB.

Both John GIllespie and Paul Raymond competed in the Masters Kata Category with John managing 1st place and Paul with a close 2nd.

John also competed in the Masters Kumite and this time managed to come 3rd.
Monday 15th May 2006

ESKA at the AMA International 2006

On the 25th of Feb ESKA sent a squad of 10 to the AMA International in Nottingham. The quality of competitors at this event is always of a very high standard, with representatives from all over the world (Demark, Norway and Iran to name but a few). Despite this the ESKA Squad did amazingly well, taking home 5 trophies:-

For Kata:

For Kumite:

Actually we came very close to doing a lot better; both Charlie Fisher (Birchwood) and Haig Leonard (Stevenage) won rounds in their Kata categories and each only missed out on a 3rd place by split decisions. In the Kata teams, "Stevenage A" (Dan, Charlie and Haig) preformed an excellent Jion, but lost to the junior national champions in the first round. There was no rep in the kata teams.

I just missed out of a third in the kata open (18+ years) by a split decision. And again in the men's masters. Unfortunately Paul Raymond lost both his first round matches (open and masters kata). Paul did win a round in the open rep but again sadly lost in the following match.

Robby who came 3rd in the weapons, could so easily have been second. And I could have taken 3rd in the Masters Kumite, if only I could fight (I got a bye into the 3rd round, all I had to do was win one fight!!).

Simon Higgs (Sandy/Potton) entered the adult 4th Kyu kumite and fought really well, but eventually just lost 2 points to 1.

We now have in Dan, Conor, Charlie and Haig a real future for ESKA in kata and in Luke promising potential in Kumite. So at long last it's out with the old guard and in with the new, well done to you all!

Finally: I would also like to mention Sensei Peter Cox and Kathleen who travelled all the way up the M1 to offer their support to the squad. A big thank you from the whole squad!

John Gillespie
(Squad Coach).

Full Squad:
Dan Croucher (Hitchen/Stevenage)
Conor Green (Sandy)
Charlie Fisher (Birchwood)
Haig Leonard (Stevenage)
Farah Malik (Sandy/Potton)
Robby Nutter (Birchwood)
Luke Mascall (Birchwood)
Simon Higgs (Sandy/Potton)

Coach:
Paul Raymond
John Gillespie
Richard Scoot
Wednesday 1st March 2006

Grading News
Congratulations go to the following individuals for passing their Black Belt grading and Intermediates which took place on Saturday 12th November 2005;

Sam O'Boy (Stevenage) - Black Belt


Kathleen Darby (Stevenage) - Intermediate
Martin Reader (Hitchin) - Intermediate
Jonathan Paley (Birchwood) - Intermediate

Friday 2nd December 2005

2nd ESKA Kumite Course

The 2nd ESKA Kumite Course was held on Sunday 25th September 2005 at Sandy club Dojo. Sensei's Richard Scoot and Gavin Paul ran the course which started with basic punching and kicking drills.

The Instructors then took turns to demonstrate and teach various combinations, these were then put into practice with half the class taking to the Tatami for sparring and the rest practicing their combinations one to one.

After two hours of hard training we emerged with some excellent karateka who showed a real talent for Kumite a special mention should be made to a young Miss Pearson who proceeded to batter down most of the mens defences with an agressive barrage of techniques.

The course was attended by around twenty students (15 down on the first course) which was a little dissappointing so can we PLEASE ask all of the ESKA instructors to support and promote these classes to your students as we obviously have some real talent in ESKA who with a little coaching could make an excellent squad and make ESKA proud at competitions. Remember just how well the Kata squad have done in recent years.

Please note that the next course will be in November, the date is yet to be confirmed.

Sensei Richard Scoot
Friday 7th October 2005

ESKA Enters the UK Tough Guy Race second year running

Read a write up by one of the compeditors from ESKA that entered the UK Tough Guy competition. Click here.
Wednesday 17th August 2005

ESKA Kata Squad's massive success at Wado-kai England Open

The ESKA Kata Squad managed a whopping 9 medals at the Wado-kai England Open Kata Championships held on 25th & 26th June 2005 at the Rivermead Leisure Complex in Reading.

Here are the results:-

Male Senior Shotokan Kata

1st - John Gillespie
3rd - Paul Grimsey

Female Senior Shotokan Kata

3rd - Laura Gillespie (no relation to John)

Shotokan Team Kata

2nd - Jessica Croucher, Melissa Wiseman, Mercedes Samavi
3rd - Laura Gillespie, Conor Green, Jonathan Paley
3rd - Daniel Croucher, Charlie Fisher, Haig Leonard

Female Individual Shotokan Kata 16yrs & over, 4th Kyu & below

1st - Jessica Croucher
2nd - Melissa Wiseman

Female Individual Shotokan Kata 11-15yrs, 4th Kyu & below

3rd - Mercedes Samavi






Friday 1st July 2005

New Black Belt and 2 Intermediates
Congratulations go to the following individuals for passing their Dan grading and Intermediates which took place on Saturday 4th June 2005;

Alison Pearson (Stevenage) - Black Belt

Tony Bygrave - Intermediate
Peter Sutton - Intermediate
Thursday 30th June 2005

Competition Success at EKGB Nationals & AMA Internationals for the 2nd year running

With weeks of intensive practice under the expert eyes of Sensei Nursey, our three Senior Squad memebers entered into the AMA International held in Nottingham on 26-27th February and the EKGB Nationals held in Sheffield on 12-13th March 2005.

For the second year in a row they were very successful with quite a few medals and trophies to carry home. Below are the results and if you follow this link you'll find an interesting write-up from another association who was impressed by Paul G's weapon kata's.

http://www.henka-ryu.co.uk/twodescphotos0.html


EKGB Nationals, Sheffield 12-13th March 2005

Male Masters Kata: 1st - John Gillespie, 2nd - Paul Raymond

Male Team Kata: 3rd - Paul Raymond, John Gillespie & Paul Grimsey


AMA International, Nottingham 26-27th February 2005

Male Open Kata: 2nd - Paul Grimsey

Male Masters Kata: 2nd - John Gillespie

Weapons Kata: 2nd - Paul Grimsey

Team Kata: 3rd - Paul Raymond, John Gillespie & Paul Grimsey

Individual Kate 4th Kyu & Below: 3rd - Andrew Flint

Wednesday 13th April 2005

She made it !
Congratulations to Chris(tine) Stamp for passing her Intermediate Dan Grading on Mon 4th April 2005...... well done !
Wednesday 13th April 2005

2004 Competition Result
Follow the link below for the 2004 ESKA Competition Results and some pictures from the day.

Click Here for more >
Monday 6th December 2004

3 2nd's and 1 3rd
Congratulations go to the following individuals for passing their Dan gradings which took place on Thursday 18th November 2004;

John Higgins (Stevenage) - 3rd Dan

Des Allen (Stevenage) - 2nd Dan
Robert Hammond (St Albans) - 2nd Dan
Vicky Byford (Potton) - 2nd Dan
Thursday 2nd December 2004

Stevenage Sports Council awards Grant

Sadly, our boys didn't make the big time in Slovakia back in June and were knocked out fairly early in the competition but to make up for it they ensured they had a great time on the town afterwards....... something about all the women being six foot tall models with legs that go all the way up to their....

To help with their efforts and the cost of the trip, the Stevenage Sports Council decided to award the team with a grant. In the picture below you can see SSC Chairman, Graham Bowles, handing the team (dressed in the offical Engalnd tracksuit and badge) the grant check.

Further news has revealed that John "Scottish" Gillespie has also sworn to "get" anyone that informs any of his fellow clan that he has been seen representing England and wearing an England uniform (hopefully they won't read this then....).

Monday 27th September 2004

ESKA Enters the UK Tough Guy Race

Read a short write up by one of the compeditors from ESKA that entered the UK Tough Guy competition. Click here.
Thursday 5th August 2004

Oops, they've done it again.....

Following on from their success at the EKGB Regional (Midlands) Team Competition and after weeks of hard practice, our three kata champions entered the England Wado-Kai Open Championships and did it again....

The competition was held on Sunday 23rd May 2004 in Reading. Paul 'Ringo' Raymond, John 'Bananaman' Gillespie & Paul 'not so little' Grimsey entered the event as a 'warm-up' to the European Regional Championships (due to be held mid June in Bratislava (Slovakia), where they will be competing against 84 teams from 49 countries) and triumphed over 14 teams to take 1st Place. Each received a impresive gold medalion and a rather large trophy (almost a big as 'little' Paul).

Hopefully this shows that their hard efforts are paying off and that they will be in with a good chance next month in Slovakia.

Thursday 25th May 2004

Training with a 10th Dan
On Sunday 18th April 2004, Sensei's Richard Scoot and John Gillespie along with Vicky Byford and Farah Malick ( Potton & Sandy Clubs) trained with Kancho Hirokazu Kanazawa 10th Dan SKIF and his no.1 son Sensei Nobuaki Kanazawa 5th Dan SKIF at Wanstead in East London. The Course began with Moksu (meditation), followed by a very traditional Japanese warm up by Nobukai Kanazawa. We began with various basic techniques and linking them together to form a couple of great combinations. After an hour or so of Basics we were treated to a phenominal display of Ju Ippon kumite SKIF style with Nobukai Kanazawa partnering up with one of the English black belts. His Zanshin (speed, Timing, kimae, control etc) were excellent, every technique delivered perfectly to the target with incredible speed and control.
After this the Dan grades went through Gojushiho-Dai kata which was infact our Gojojushiho-Sho Kata with Kancho Kanazawa, this was excellent training and the lower grades went through Ju Ippon with Nobukai Sensei. After 2hrs the first session was finished with mokso again.

The 2nd session started with Ju Ippon kumite training with the only problem being that we had to learn the SKIF sets which differ from our own. We then partnered up and put these into practice with our opponents. We finished up with a fun session where, in teams of three's, the middle man attacked his opponent only when either his arm or leg was touched by the person behind him, this is good reaction training and great fun.

Overall the day was fantastic and it was an honour to train with not only Shotokan's living legend Kancho Hirokazu Kanazawa but also his son Nobukai showed us that the Kanazawa name will continue in Shotokan for many years to come.

PS On behalf of our association I threw down the Gauntlet and told the Boys from the Central Federation of Traditional Shotokan (CFTS) that we want our Kumite trophy back. So watch this space for news of a re-match.

Sensei Richard Scoot


Tuesday 27th April 2004

Massive Competition Success at EKGB Nationals

After a gruelling few weeks of intensive practice under the expert eyes of Sensei Nursey, three hopefuls entered into the Regional (Midlands) Team Selections and EKGB National Senior Competitions.

John Gillespie, Paul Grimsey and Paul Raymond spend hours practicing their team kata which has to include demonstration of Bunkai before entering the competitions on Saturday 20th March 2004 at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield.

Their efforts paid of with fantastic results:

1st in Male Team Kata in the Regional Team Selections.
2nd in Male Team Kata in the EKGB National Senior Championships

John Gillespie also went on to compete in the Male Masters individual kata competition, part of the EKGB National Senior Championships, at managed to take 3rd place. A great result after competing in the team categories beforehand.

After the days event they all went out on the town to celebrate and if their was a prize for 70's disco dancing at the Aqua nightclub, it would have been awarded to Sensei Peter Cox.

Their success in this competition means that they have qualified to represent England in the Team Kata event at a competition due to take place on 12th/13th June 2004 in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Wednesday 24th March 2004

Success at AMA International 2004 - 21st February, Nottingham

It seems fitting that a year after driving back from the 2003 AMA International and discussing the conception of an ESKA Kata Squad that our first trophies would be won at this event in 2004.

We arrived with a show of strength in 11 squad members, even though it was hit and miss as to whether the team coaches would get there, after mistakenly filling up with 4 star instead of unleaded.

Among new squad recruits who 'cut their teeth' in very tough categories were Natasha Reader (Hitchin) and Jamie Maher (St. Albans/Birchwood), where they gained invaluable competition experience.

In one of the first categories of the day, Laura Gillespie (Ware/Aston) came 3rd in the AMA International Girls Kata 14-15yrs 3rd-1st kyu, with Alison Pearson (Stevenage) coming 4th.

Directly afterwards Sam O'Boy (Stevenage) performed some outstanding kata to achieve 2nd in the AMA International Boys Kata 14-15yrs, 3rd-1st kyu.

Girls kata 10-15yrs, 4th kyu and below proved to be a very tough category with Lauren Bolger (St. Albans) and Nancy Edwards (St. Albans) being robbed of a place due to no repecharge being implemented on their area. Very nice katas ladies, you did fantastic. Special mention must go to Nancy's kiai, which could be heard from the other side of the sports hall!

Also competing were Andrew Cogan (Stevenage), Christopher Mutter (St. Albans), Jonathon Paley (Birchwood) and Connor Green (Sandy/Potton) who kata'd valiantly but to no avail. Very tough categories lads but we know you'll be champions soon.

Star coach John Gillespie competed in the Male Open Kata and Masters Kata (defending his crown in this event) but narrowly missed placing.

Two months in China for fellow coach Paul Grimsey allowed him to demonstrate a bo kata in the weapons section. Five rounds later and a repecharge containing more rounds than all of the previous events put together, he won in the final to receive a trophy that is only now marginally bigger than his head. After the 5pm final and no food all day, a celebratory chicken burger was ordered from the canteen while he showered. On stepping into the showers the fire bell sounded and the whole sports center was evacuated. No shower and no chicken burger. It was later we found out that on warming up another competitor managed to mawashi geri the fire alarm!

All of the coaches would like to thank the competitors for their hard work and continued training in the squad. Congratulations to all who took part and especially those who won some silverware. See you all at the next squad session.
February 2004

Scoots trains with World's Best
On Saturday 19th July, Sensei Richard Scoot was very kindly invited by members of the Traditional Association Shotokan Karate to a attend a Training course in Milton Keynes, hosted by Sensei Wayne Otto OBE, 9 times world kumite champion......More >
Tuesday 12th August 2003

ESKA goes to Knebworth
From Friday 15th August 2003, Sensei Owen Ramsden and Tony Stones will be starting a new club at St Martin's Parish Hall, London Road, Knebworth. The club will be open to all ESKA student both adult & juniors and will be held from 7pm to 8pm.
To find out more about ESKA clubs and their locations visit our Club Guide Page.
Tuesday 22nd July 2003

Do you Concorde
In true ESKA fashion, John Gillespie (3rd Dan), Owen Ramsden (3rd Dan) and Ian Ramsden (2nd Dan) did it large by flying to New York on Concorde. The thrill of flying at Mach II, fifty thousand feet above sea level together with the gratefully received hospitality soon prompted Gillespie and Ramsden junior to fall asleep. Down Town Harlem, Central Park and the underground system seemed good places (according to Gillespie) to visit and practise acquired skills, however the Ramsden's saw fit to appreciate the city, eating and drinking without moderation.

Awards: Ian wins the prize for having the most robust constitution. He survived all 5 days of excess without a dodgy stomach nor squirty bowels.

Regrets: A wonderful photo opportunity was missed when Owen refused to demonstrate his famous Yoko Geri Kekomi off the ledge on the Empire State Build's 86th floor (coward!)..... & that last drink before leaving the pub (every night)........
Thanks to John, Owen & Ian for the piccies and the brief recollection of their trip.
Click here for some Pictures.
Wednesday 18th June 2003

MBE for 8th Dan
It has just been confirmed in the paper that Sensei Michael Randall (8th Dan, Chief Instructor of SHOTO) has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours. This is fantastic news for both Sensei Randall & Karate.

Congratulations to Sensei Randall from all of ESKA.

To find out more about Sensei Randall visit our History Page.
Monday 16th June 2003

Squad Kata Selection
On Sunday 5th October 2003, the ESKA Squad Committee held a junior Kata Squad selection at Stevenage. The competition went very well and everyone seemed to have a good time. The committee would like to thank the judges and helpers who made the event go so smoothly. We would also like to thank all the competitors for having the gumption to get up onto the area and perform their Kata. Not an easy thing to do in front of an audience and three judges, as any who have done it will tell you.

Note: Any competitor who came in the top 4 of any category (i.e. if your name is listed in "RESULTS" below) is automatically invited to the next squad training session on Sunday the 26th of October, Baldock town Hall, Baldock High Street, at 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

RESULTS:

Category 1. (10 and under, below brown belt). 1st Place: CHRISTOPHER MUTTER. 2nd Place: CHARLIE FISHER 3rd Place (joint): MARCUS FARRER & JACQUELINE DART.

Category 2. (11 and under, brown belt and above). 1st Place: CONOR GREEN. 2nd Place: JESSICA BURTON.

Category 3. (11 and over, below brown belt). 1st Place: NANCY EDWARDS. 2nd Place: KAYLEIGH FYE. 3rd Place (joint): NATASHA READER & JAMIE MAHER

Category 4. (12 and over, brown belt and above). 1st Place: JONATHAN PALEY. 2nd Place: SAM O'BOY. 3rd Place (joint): STEPHEN BROWN & PAUL JENNINGS.
Monday 16th May 2003

The Squad's first time out
On Sunday 11th May at the Rivermead Leisure Complex, Richfield, members of the ESKA Kata Squad entered the WADO-KAI England Open Championships.

John Gillespie 'did it again' and managed a brilliant 2nd place against some very tough challengers.

A few of the younger squad members experienced competitions for the first time outside of the association and a couple managed to get quite good positions, with the Baldock Kata Team managing 3rd place.

Well done to everybody that entered.

.Monday 16th May 2003

John does it again but at National Standard
John 'Ninja' Gillespie has beaten the best karate performers in England to take first place in the English Karate Masters Kata category at the recent EKGB Senior National Championships held in Sheffield on 22nd and 23rd March 2003. Does this make him our National hero?

John's recent competition achievements include: Runner-up in the 2003 AMA International Masters Open Kata and winner of the AMA East of England Masters Open Kata for the past 2 successive years.

Paul Grimsey and Ian Walters also entered events at the competition but sadly were not fortunate this time round.

Click on the Picture for some shots of John & Paul competing.
Wednesday 8th April 2003

Nick Gets his Kata Badge
Sensei Nick Lower (5th Dan - St Albans Club) qualified for his England Kata Judges Badge (elevated straight to 'A' Class) at the EKGB Senior Nationals held at Sheffield on 22nd and 23rd March 2003.

Obtaining this qualification is no easy task, EKGB examiner Terry Pottage expects high standards and commitment.

With Nick now Qualified, ESKA now has a grand total of 5 English qualified kata officials (Sensei Michael Nursey, Sensei Nick Lower, Sensei Peter Cox, Sensei Ian Walters and Sensei Paul Raymond.
Wednesday 8th April 2003