Kumite
Blackfriars Priory School Gymnasium was the venue for the mid year Black Belt Grading and Assessment and it was a large group of around 80 of Region 9 and Region 23 Instructors and students who attended. It was a unique occasion with not only Southern Zone Director Sensei Mark Case in attendance but also Shihan Stacey Karetsian and Senior Sensei Sensei Gavin Samen also attending. This was the first time Sensei Gavin had been in South Australia since his promotion to International Vice President back in December 2004.
The first part of the Grading followed a similar format to recent ones, with a solid basics session. In a change of pace, Shihan took a session on the correct application of using both hands in blocks to enhance the efficiency of the techniques. Sensei Gavin then took a solid kicks session followed by a series of combinations, mainly moving off line to the attack.
The group then broke into two, with those being assessed moving apart to go through all their grading Kata required for Shodan-ho. They went through each Kata to the count and own timing with the Assessors reviewing each Kata on completion. The group then went through several rounds of sparring prior to completion. While this was occurring, the bulk of the students trained with Sensei Gavin, with a series of partner work combinations and applications. Sensei Gavin demonstrated the finer points of each application first and then the group broke off into pairs to practise the particular application.
The two groups were then brought back together for the bow out and the presentation of certificates to those that had been graded on the night. Eight students were awarded their Black Belts and Shodan-ho certificates. Congratulations to Jason Spiteri, Tegan Miller, Angel Marsden, Ryan Edwards, Clive Wetton, Tanya Tregenza, Julie Cook and Terry Hart. The evening concluded with the usual congratulation to all new Black Belts, Photographs and the opportunity to speak to the guest Sensei's.
