Paul Raymond wins the vets category at the AMA Yorkshire Karate open Championships in Sheffield on Sunday 18th October.

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

Junior Results
Group 1 White Belts & Tiny Tots (Kihon Basics)		Group 2a Blue Belts (Kata)		Group 3a Red Belts (Kata)		Group 3b Red Belts (Kumite)
1st -	Phoebe Bennett (Martinswood)	1st -	Archie Fisher (Stevenage)	1st -	Robert Jurczenkd (Birchwood)	1st -	Robert Jurczenkd (Birchwood)
2nd -	Ayana Lindsay (Stevenage)	2nd -	Ronnie Goodyear (Stevenage)	2nd -	Freya Cheale (Cottenham)	2nd -	James Procter (Stevenage)
3rd -	Aman Eakabbor Ali (Martinswood)	3rd -	Patrick Bevis (Knebworth)	3rd -	Max Wynroe (Knebworth)
3rd -	Kyle Price-Smith (All Saints School)	3rd -	Banaigh Mutinda (Martinswood)	3rd -	Robert Donald (Stevenage)
Group 4a Orange Belts (Kata)		Group 4b Orange Belts (Kumite)		Group 5a Yellow & Yellow/White Belts (Kata)		Group 5b Yellow & Yellow/White Belts (Kumite)
1st -	Olivia Willmore (Hertford)	1st -	Dominic Lomax (Hitchin)	1st -	Charlie Amondsen-Wells (Stevenage)	1st -	Len Radley (Hertford)
2nd -	Luke French (Clifton)			2nd -	Sean Leighton (Hertford)	2nd -	Shakeel Gavioli-Akilagun (Hertford)
3rd -	Amy Lewis (Kimpton)			3rd -	Len Radley (Hertford)	3rd -	Sean Leighton (Hertford)
3rd -	Niles Wilmore (Hertford)			3rd -	Shakeel Gavioli-Akilagun (Hertford)	3rd -	Hadley Boughton (Potton)
Group 6a Green & Green/White Belts (Kata)		Group 6b Green & Green/White Belts (Kumite)		Group 7a All Purple Belts (Kata)		Group 7b All Purple Belts (Kumite)
1st -	Hamish Niven (Hitchin)	1st -	Daniel Smith (Clifton)	1st -	Rhianne Batty (Knebworth)	1st -	Luke Boxer (Stevenage)
2nd -	James Brooks (Kimpton)	2nd -	James Brooks (Kimpton)	2nd -	Sonny Dyson (Knebworth)	2nd -	Sebastian Sergeant (Stevenage)
3rd -	Adam Kent (Stevenage)	3rd -	Oliver Wood (Kimpton)	3rd -	John Manson (Stopsley)	3rd -	Josh Scoot (Clifton)
3rd -	Tia Charlton (Baldock)	3rd -	Harrison Tracy (Birchwood)	3rd -	Denis Howard (Stevenage)
Group 8a Brown & Brown/White Belts (Kata)		Group 8b Brown & Brown/White Belts (Kumite)		Group 9a Brown/Reds, Inter Black & Blacks (Kata)		Group 9b Brown/Reds, Inter Black & Blacks (Kumite)
1st -	Tyler Lester (Knebworth)	1st -	Patrick Rutherford (Kimpton)	1st -	Katie Irwin (Hertford)	1st -	Bryn Griffiths (Potton)
2nd -	Alex Little (Hitchin)	2nd -	Tyler Lester (Knebworth)	2nd -	Christian Sloane (Knebworth)	2nd -	Rennan Tilbury (Baldock)
3rd -	Jasmine Charlton (Baldock)	3rd -	Jacob New (Kimpton)	3rd -	Ben Wllace (Knebworth)	3rd -	Aidan Tilbury (Baldock)
3rd -	Dowi Pilsworth (Cottenham)	3rd -	Jasmine Charlton (Baldock)	3rd -	Rory Clark (Stevenage)
Group 10b Yellow to Purple Freestyle (Pool A)		Group 10b Yellow to Purple Freestyle (Pool B)		Group 11b Brown to Black Freestyle (Pool A)		Group 11b Brown to Black Freestyle (Pool B)
1st -	Len Radley (Hertford)	1st -	Shakeel Gavioli-Akilagun (Hertford)	1st -	Bryn Griffiths (Potton)	1st -	Humza Chandna (Stevenage)
2nd -	Daniel Smith (Clifton)	2nd -	Rhianne Batty (Knebworth)	2nd -	Christian Sloane (Knebworth)	2nd -	Rennan Tilbury (Baldock)
3rd -	James Brooks (Kimpton)	3rd -	Thomas Deards (Knebworth)	3rd -	Josh Perry (St Albans)	3rd -	Rudey Buzzard (Kimpton)
3rd -	Drew Wonforth (Ware)	3rd -	Robert Kendrick (Stopsley)-
		Junior Team Kata Green Belt & Below		Junior Team Kata Purple Belt & Above
		1st -	Potton A	1st -	Baldock A
		2nd -	Kimpton C	2nd -	Knebworth A
		3rd -	Triple A (Stevenage)	3rd -	Hitchin A
				3rd -	Kimpton A
Adult Results
Group 1a White & Blue Belts (Kata)		Group 2a Red & Orange Belts (Kata)		Group 2b Red & Orange Belts (Kumite)		Group 3a Yellow & Green Belts (Kata)
1st -	Emma Leighton (Hertford)	1st -	Carlton Avison (Potton)	1st -	Siobhan Manning (Stevenage)	1st -	Dave Ellis (Potton)
		2nd -	Siobhan Manning (Stevenage)	2nd -	Carlton Avison (Potton)	2nd -	Daniel White (Birchwood)
		3rd -	Richard Lane (Cottenham)			3rd -	Justin Doel (Hitchin)
						3rd -	Gavin Corcoran (Baldock)
Group 3b Yellow & Green Belts (Kumite)		Group 4a Purple & Purple/White Belts (Kata)		Group 4b Purple & Purple/White Belts (Kumite)		Group 5a Brown & Brown/White Belts (Kata)
1st -	Ronald Shipman (Baldock)	1st -	Simon Green (Knebworth)	1st -	John Leighton (Hertford)	1st -	Emma Handisyde (Birchwood)
2nd -	Dave Ellis (Potton)	2nd -	Jenny Nutter (Birchwood)	2nd -	Adam Culley (Knebworth)	2nd -	Christian Boehmer (Stevenage)
3rd -	Gavin Corcoran (Baldock)	3rd -	Joanne Morris (Potton)			3rd -	James Barton (Birchwood)
		3rd -	John Leighton (Hertford)			3rd -	Sharon Smith (Potton)
Group 5b Brown & Brown/White Belts (Kumite)		Group 6a Brown/Red & Inter Black (Kata)		Group 6b Brown/Red & Inter Black (Kumite)		Group 7a Black Belts (Kata)
1st -	Robert Horton (Stevenage)	1st -	Sara Rand (Cottenham)	1st -	Debbie Aquart (Potton)	1st -	James Kirkpatrick (Stevenage)
2nd -	Emma Handisyde (Birchwood)	2nd -	Luke Stephens-Chandler (Stevenage)	2nd -	Luke Stephens-Chandler (Stevenage)	2nd -	John Gillespie (Birchwood)
3rd -	Sharon Smith (Potton)	3rd -	Guy Rutherford (Kimpton)	3rd -	Amanda Veitch (Baldock)	3rd -	Jeff Rand (Cottenham)
		3rd -	Ian Cheale (Cottenham)			3rd -	Richard Scoot (Sandy)
Group 7b Black Belts (Kumit)		Group 8b Purple & Below (Freestyle)		Group 9b Brown & Above (Freestyle)		Group 10a Female Open Kata
1st -	James Kirkpatrick (Stevenage)	1st -	Daniel White (Birchwood)	1st -	John Gillespie (Birchwood)	1st -	Louise O'Connell (Knebworth)
2nd -	Richard Scoot (Sandy)	2nd -	Justin Doel (Hitchin)	2nd -	Martin Reynolds (Birchwood)	2nd -	Emma Hanisyde (Birchwood)
3rd -	Jeff Rand (Cottenham)	3rd -	Ben Will-Bond (Birchwood)	3rd -	Thomas Cwalinski (Birchwood)	3rd -	Amanda Veitch (Baldock)
		3rd -	Carlton Avison (Potton)	3rd -	Thomas Wright (Hertford)	3rd -	Shannon Fuller (Baldock)
Group 10b Female Open Freestyle		Team Kata		Team Freestyle
1st -	Louise O'Connell (Knebworth)	1st -	Kata Squad (Various)	1st -	Potton / Sandy B
2nd -	Debbie Aquart (Sandy)	2nd -	Birchwood A	2nd -	Birchwood B
3rd -	Emma Handisyde (Birchwood)	3rd -	Baldock A

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 some Pictures taken during 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.

Click Here to see some Pictures taken during the evening.

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.

Click Here to see some Pictures taken during the evening.

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

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

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)

Click Here for the Pictures of the evening.

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 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.

See the pictures - Click here.

If you have sent me some photo's please get in touch as I might not have got them (works email address is not letting pictures through).

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

Christmas Dinner and Dance 2006
Find out who's gone up a Dan and see the pictures....

Click Here for more
Wednesday 6th December 2006

Are you Insured ?

Following a recent Radio 4 interview regarding the alleged collapse of the Karate Governing Body, there has been a few questions about whether our members and students are still insured or not.

In reply to these questions a message from our Chief Instructor, Sensei Nursey "As ESKA had many reservations regarding the new Governing Body we subsequently insured directly with the Insurance Company thus safeguarding our members"

ESKA is affiliated with the Martail Arts Standards Agency (MASA), see the "Links" page for more information.
Thursday 16th November 2006

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

A New Member (well maybe one day...)

Congratulation's go to Helen and John on the arrival of their baby boy. He was born on Monday 25th September 2006 at 13.21pm, weighing a whopping 10lb 6oz..... must be the ESKA record for the biggist to far and if he turns out as tall as John we'd better start practicing those Jodan techniques.....
Wednesday 27th September 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

ESKA Open Kata Squad Training
The next ESKA Kata Squad training sessions start on 26th March 2006 at the Baldock Town Hall.
Further sessions will be held on 9th & 23rd April 2006.
All sessions start at 10:00a.m. until 12:00 noon

Note: The first hour (10:00am to 11:00am) is open to any ESKA student who wants to improve their kata for the ESKA Competion in May. The second hour remains for squad students only.
Thursday 16th February 2006

4th Kumite Course
Happy New Year to all...

The next ESKA Kumite course will be held on Sunday 22nd January 2006 at the Sandy Upper School as usual.

See this file for entry form.
Tuesday 10th January 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 Summer Ball 2005

Read a short write up of the Summer Ball and see the pictures - Click here.
Thursday 14th July 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

Friday 24th December 2004

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

Scooty in Japan
During the Last week of September, Sensei Richard Scoot fullfilled an ambishion of his and went to Japan to train with some of the best. Read Richards account of his trip......More >
Tuesday 5th October 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

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

A New Shodan Down Under !
Ian Main, original creator of the ESKA web site, KaratePlanet web site and former member of the St Albans Club has passed his Shodan in Australia.

Ian moved to Australia 18 months ago and has continued to train in Shotokan Karate with Sensei Keith Geyer (the web site for his club can be found in our links page).

We at St Albans are extremely please for him... Well Done Ian !!!
Kampai!

This article was submitted by Tony Cobley - Dojo Captain - St Albans Club
Wednesday 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

Nidan's x3
Sunday 7th March 2004 saw 3 karateka take their next dan grading test. After a long grading session including Bunkai of their grading Kata plus teaching methods, Keith Brewer, Karl Morris and Roger Mutonga all managed to successfully pass their 2nd Dans.


Tuesday 23rd 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

Grimsey On Tour
Follow 'little' Paul's adventures in China at the Monastery......More >
Friday 24th October 2003

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.

Click More > for further information on The Squad Training Programme.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