21/12/2010: Reynella East Halloween Class

Sensei's usually plan their classes with care for their students, one class might feature kata, another kumite and yet another strengthen basics. However when a Sensei takes the time to plan and advertise a special type of karate class, you would expect that it would be a class with a difference. Especially the last Wednesday class in October at Reynella East dojo; Sensei Des' Halloween Karate Class!  

It's the small things that make a difference, a parent who hand sews dozens of plastic centipedes to her small son's gi, another taking the time from a busy schedule to dress their child as a monster, fairy, ghoul, devil or witch just for this special fun class. You never know who, or what will arrive on the night. A large hairy ape in a black belt, several scary, and not so scary witches, a Japanese samuri with bow, devils with pitchforks, ship's captain, green fairy, a pimp was our DJ and I saw Hiawatha's grandmother join the fun.

At the start of the day was the "blowing up of the balloons", resulting in a lot of red faces as it seemed a lot of people didn't have a lot of air. Yet again, some students rocked up in normal attire - and wondered why there were so many badly dressed people around. Sensei Steve Burford was doing his best to scare people in his King Kong outfit - well maybe only me :). There was also a guy in a chair who didn't seem like he had eaten in a while - especially when his pet "thing" (hand) kept walking away.

A number of basics were performed, some students and sensei's used the opportunity to walk up and down the line scaring people instead of doing the basics - and a couple of students (samarai and the devil) were using their weapons instead of punching/kicking.   The partner work by the adults resulted in some close contact. As well as some [not so usual] basics we did first kata to scary music, other katas to cheeky comments, laughter and the occasional "boring" from the onlookers waiting their turn to run the gauntlet. Cricket's "Barmy Army" could take lessons. 

Kids played "dead karate fish" and were so good at keeping still during the freeze game (I think the sensei's where hoping for a break at this time :), that Sensei Des had to resort to moving the kids into uncomfortable positions (stacked onto of each other) in the hope that they would be caught moving.  In the end the game was declared a draw because too many kids were just too good at being still. The reward was eating "worms" [cold spaghetti] blindfolded.  We burst balloons, pegged our faces and afterwards shared sweets and a BBQ cooked by Sensei Peter and Mark who manned the BBQ - and the sausages where very nice.

At the end of the night was a walk around by all the students (and sensei's) in order to determine the best costumes of the night.  Three kids and three "older kids" were chosen and awarded medal for their costumes. A good night overall -  lots of fun and [some] karate enjoyed by all, especially the kids who had a great time.

Thanks to Marion Fielke and Paul Jeromel for this report and Photos.