Senseis Wendland, Watt, Dacic and Fagerland
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The National Karate Federation's annual September course has been declared the best yet by organisers and participants. Over 200 students, from beginner to 5th Dan took part in the course, which was held in Kincorth Academy and the Woodbank Shell Club 9th-12th September.
The course had a real international feel to it and was presided over by Ronnie Watt 8th Dan, Dusan Dacic Chief Instructor of the Serbian Karate Union, Dr Fritz Wendland, the founding member of the World Karate Confederation and the first Shotokan black belt in Germany, Norways Alf Ronny Fagerland (5th Dan), Mike Bisset (5th Dan), the NKFs Wado Ryu Chief Instructors, Christopher Bruce and Duncan McPherson (5th Dan), and NKF managers Paddy Jamieson , Ken McNeil and Tina Burgoine
Senseis Wendland, Watt, Dacic and Fagerland
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Dusan Dacic has written many books on training methods in Karate and this great wealth of experience was also brought to bear to assist the Adults and Children training for the World Championships which this year will be held in Hanover in October 2006 and in and Italy in October 2007.
Senseis Dacic, Wendland and Watt
The well structured course, put together by Dusan Dacic, Dr Wendland and Ronnie Watt covered Kihon and Kumite. Each aspect of the kumite was covered, demonstrating the specific Ippon techniques, which were then applied by the students with partners covering Shobu Ippon and Sanbon.
The teams and officials
Saturday also saw a visit by a Member of the Scottish Parliament, Mr Alex Johnstone and his wife Linda and Brian Morgan, Aberdeen Active Schools Manager, who watched the Scotland v Norway match. Mr Johnstone MSP said "I am deeply impressed by the skills and commitment shown by the athlietes from Scotland and Norway. At a time when we are not considered fit and people are becoming obese, it is clear that quality Karate tuition provides an excellent environment to become super fit, learn self confidence, discipline and skills that anyone would be proud of and I congratulate the NKF for their hard work in bringing friendships together from all over Europe". Brian Morgan was also keen to emphasise his wish to get young people active and fit with the Active Schools Programme, which has karate as one of its selected activities. Alex and Brian presented medals to the teams from Norway and Scotland with a narrow win for the home team both in the Mens and Ladies categories.
On Sunday, the course continued with Kata in preperation for the squad to attend the WKC Championships in October 2006. Dusan concentrated on Specialist training for kata, while Dr Wendland concentrated on kata Unsu. There was squad training in the morning with Heian Kata for coloured belts and advanced Sanbon Genka for the black belts under Sensei Watt.
Ronnie Watt thanked Alex Johnstone MSP and his charming wife Linda who have shown a great interest in the work of the Federation and also congratulated Brian Morgan and wished him every success with the Active Schools programme. The NKF hope next year to bring some of the leading Karateka in the world to Scotland for another four day course. Master Yamamoto from the USA and Sensei Tomie Ochi will be invited, with another visit from Dusan Dacic.
