Since 1985, GKR Karate has had a class at The Heights School, Modbury Heights. However, it was an end to an era last Wednesday night with the last class held in the old Gymnasium. The school has received a Federal Government Grant for a new modern Gym, and demolition is due to start soon with the new Gym completed late this year or early next year. Modbury has been the scene of many big classes over the years and has been used on occasions as the venue for Region 9 Senior Training. Old-timers can remember the floor covered in indoor cricket turf at one stage, great for making long stances but hard on the feet.
The two Modbury classes will temporarily relocate down the hill to Para Hills High School, still as Modbury, with the only change being a 6.30pm start on Mondays. The very popular Wednesday class will remain with a 7pm start, with both classes still 1.5 hours in duration. The Instructor group, Sensei Greg on Mondays and Sensei Seb & Jeremy on Wednesdays, welcome all to these classes. It is envisaged that the classes will move back to The Heights School upon the opening of the new Gym.
To celebrate the near 25 years at this location, an attempt was made last Wednesday to break the known record for attendance of 49 Instructors and students, set about 4 years ago at a combined Christmas Class. This was achieved with 52 Instructors and students making the class on Wednesday, all coloured belts. Those present were treated to an awesome class by Sensei Seb and Jeremy, aided by the atmosphere of such a large group. Following the bow in and a warm up by Sensei Jeremy, Sensei Seb took the class through a solid basics session. The Black Belts attending formed a line in front of the Kyu grades, not that often there are 10 Black Belts as Sempei for a class. This was followed by partner work, replicating some of the basics combos. Sensei Jeremy and Seb explained correct technique in the punch combo, with the importance of punching at the right target area for head and stomach whilst remaining in correct stance. Kicks followed, once again with partners, with the emphasis on touching the Gi to ensure correct technique was used. Time for kumite, with most people participating, a few practising kata at the end of the hall. After several rounds, all the students broke into their respective kata groups, for around 10 minutes to end the session.
At the end of class, former Modbury Sensei Peter Thompson read out a number of messages of good will from people unable to attend, including one from Sensei Matt Sullivan, in which he passed on the best wishes from Kancho on the long history of the Dojo in GKR and their best wishes for the future. Amongst the people who made a special effort to attend the night were Monday Sensei Greg Warnest and Lisa Warnest, Lauren Degabrielle, Bernie Rowsell, Fraser Thompson, Shaun Williams, Lance and Dee Carroll and Lesley and Nik McDonald. Thanks to all for assisting in making a great class and breaking the record.
At the end of the class, several group photos were taken, including the whole Class, Black Belts and current and former Modbury Sensei.
