Success In Scotland

The class of 2009

The gang on Mary's Mount

Well what can we say about this fantastic trip… we flew, we trained, made good friends, some of us wore ‘the nose’ (Steve Campbell mostly through choice) and, ultimately, we conquered, returning with a huge 15 medal scoop. Not bad for Takimura’s first foray into Dunoon – the gateway to the Scottish Highlands!

For most of us, the trip began at the crack of dawn on Friday morning (we had an exceptionally early flight) which meant that ‘pick ups’ commenced at 4am around Boughton Monchelsea and Maidstone. This is definitely something not to be recommended but it was made far more bearable by the fact that all students were in fine fettle!

The departure from Gatwick airport was an experience as always; however, we were more than adequately entertained by the general shenanigans of the public and the staff of Easy Jet as we stood for over an hour and half waiting to check in. This was followed by a quick slurp of coffee/ something for breakfast and a quick dash to the departure lounge.

Once safely aboard the flight, the frantic yet diligent studying of Steve Campbell for the referee’s exam later that day could clearly be observed; he certainly was a sight to behold as he sat gesticulating and mumbling ‘Aka… jodan…tsuki… ippon’ amongst other terminology! Sam Bird declared open warfare on Andy Mallett’s ears for the full duration of flight (he says they were studying- Sam we know better) and Georgie Grassom was uncharacteristically silent through most of the flight…she was asleep which might explain it!

The TKF crew were met by a slightly bleary-eyed Sensei Alister MacAlister at Glasgow airport after which we all piled into a mini bus destined for Gourock and a ferry point that would mean a further 20 min crossing to Hunter’s Quay -Dunoon. Arron Homes and Maddie Campbell were particularly excited to be crossing the water by boat; equally animated were Andy Mallett and Dave Lanchester who were hoping that it might be like riding a Kawasaki Ninja ZX- 14 Monster Energy (boys and their toys); Georgie was just praying that the waters were calm so she wouldn’t throw up!

Dunoon scenery

We alighted on Scottish terra firma (much to the relief of some) and were immediately struck with the charm and picturesque quality that Dunoon exuded; the mist was clearing at 11am and there appeared to be no sign of rain which could only be hailed as a bonus in Scotland! After dumping our bags at The Park Hotel, our home for the trip, it was time to eat and explore. Full breakfasts all round washed down with an assortment of hot beverages overlooking the sea was the order of the day; what more could you wish for?

All too soon Friday evening rolled around which marked the dreaded ‘referees’ theory exam and course. Nervous participants were herded into the examination hall and spent the next three hours partaking in two written examinations, one for Kumite and one for Kata; as well as some practical experience to ensure that a firm understanding of hand signals and terminology was held by all! A full practical examination was to be held on the following day as candidates were required to referee or judge at the tournament under scrutiny/supervision. Emerging fairly shell shocked, yet relieved after our efforts, the crew were ravenous and decided to head off in search of good old Scottish fish and chips before bed. Saturday heralded the start of a hard course and competition for which we all needed sustenance and rest.

Sensei Greg delivers a hard hitting session of Fit2Fite

The course commenced at 10am with ‘Fit2Fite’- a huge cardiovascular shake up in the shape of Sensei Greg Francis 5th Dan (Assistant National Coach- England and founder of Fit2Fite) who had flown in that morning to be with us on the course. Although he had been up since 4.00am that morning the bounce in his foot strike was present and the glint in his eye was visible…oh no...the training was going to be fierce!

Fit2Fite is a non-contact martial arts based aerobic work out -fighting moves set to funky grooves. This form of training and exercise is used to train the England Karate Squad and members from Satori Martial Arts (Scotland) were eager to see it in action. A full forty five minutes later some were regretting their initial enthusiasm as they staggered away from the floor; however, we were left in no doubt that Fit2Fite is a hard form of training, essential for the development of rhythm and timing as well as stamina for competition fighting. We all left the area warm, suitably energised and raring to go! Lead on Macduff!

Sensei Archie Grassom
5th Dan

Sensei Alister MacAlister
5th Dan

Sensei Alister (5th Dan -Satori Martial Arts), Sensei Archie (5th Dan Takimura Karate Federation) and Sensei Greg (5th Dan & former International competitor) delivered an exceptional course covering all aspects of Karate from kata, kata bunkai, fighting techniques, basic techniques and self-defence for all levels.

Participants were divided in to appropriate small groups taking into account their grade. Each group visited each Sensei who delivered a master class based on level of ability and knowledge. This was a fantastic opportunity to not only further ones understanding of techniques for the higher grades but an opportunity to acquire new skills or apply skills previously learnt from a different prospective. For those students who were participating in their first major trip, course and competition, it proved to be an invaluable and enjoyable experience. The combined wealth of knowledge that all three Sensei’s have acquired over their years of diligent application, training, international competition, teaching, refereeing was a delight to be allowed to source and only sought to remind everyone that we still have a very long journey ahead of us to acquire similar skills!

Sensei Greg Francis
5th Dan

With the course drawing to its natural conclusion this could only mean one thing…it was competition time! Names were called, kata performed, fights were won and lost and in amongst this some of us were allowed to referee and judge. This, whilst a terrifying experience at first, was an excellent way of honing necessary skills, under the watchful gaze of Sensei Alister and Sensei Archie .

Notable performances in the competition included: Maddie Campbell who claimed not one but two gold medals in her category, Arron Homes who sailed through to win gold in Kata, Sam Bird who claimed silver in the senior kata (narrowly missing out on gold) and bronze in kumite, David Lanchester who fought well to take silver in the veterans division and Andy Mallett who took the gold medal in kata in his first major competition. Presentations were made by Sensei Greg Francis and so with medals clasped firmly in the hand of all winners, the competition was pronounced as over.

Luckily during the course of the day participants only had the need to call on the services of our qualified travelling medic (Eve Lanchester) a few times with minor injuries! A huge thank you to Eve for providing this service it was really appreciated by the tournament organisers. Incidentally it was noted by all that if a certain Graham Jackson aka ‘The Gucci Italian Stallion’ had been present during the weekend then Eve would have been far busier with her plasters, bandages and nasal plugging!

The TKF crew hanging out on Dunoon beach

All competitors gave of their best during the entire day and were a credit to Takimura and their respective instructors. Only nine people competed in the competition yet TKF walked away with 15 medals- an achievement that is one to be proud of. (See medal table for full list of achievements)

Other notable successes came thick and fast in the referring department as the following students were awarded the qualification of ‘Judge Level C’: Sam Bird, Steve Campbell, Tim Dean, Andy Mallett and Dave Lanchester.

Georgie Grassom was awarded ‘Judge Level B’ after scoring the highest mark on both the Kumite and Kata theory paper of all the candidates that entered.

Jon Watson was awarded the grade of ‘Referee Level B’.

The day was suitably bought to its conclusion by a celebratory meal at the local Indian restaurant, which was a lovely way to relax and unwind after a hard but rewarding day.

they should of made the bronze statue of me not Mary Campbell

Sunday was spent looking around Dunoon, visiting Steve Campbell’s ancestor (Mary Campbell – please see photo for further explanation) and generally spending some quality time with the TKF team.

All too soon the flight home approached and it was time to depart Dunoon. One last attempt was made by Georgie to convince Sensei Alister to part with his two Labradors Holly and Mellow whom she had fallen in love with during her stay but, unfortunately, he was not willing to budge! Begrudgingly the ferry was boarded and we were finally on our way back to sunny Kent. The weather held until we reached Glasgow airport at which point the heavens opened- we couldn’t grumble as up until then the weather had been good (for Scotland that is). Yes we were wet but still we were smiling!

No don't tell me I 'nose' this one!

Steve Campbell assumed his normal role and did his impression of Dame Vera Lynn, entertaining the troops during the flight home (yes you’ve guessed it, the nose was out again) and before we knew it we had touched down at Gatwick Airport.

The trip had been a resounding success on so many levels; one which will be remembered for a long time to come…but don’t just take our word for it have a look at what some of the students thought and of course take a look at the many photos.

A huge thank you must be extended to our friends across the water in Dunoon who ferried us around- nothing was too much trouble and we really appreciated the care and friendly approach to all of us from all the Satori Martial Arts members. A special thank you must be said of course to Sensei Alister for all his hard work -all the late nights were worth it!

In addition to the above, thank you to Sensei Greg Francis for his continued tutorage and support of all students within Takimura Karate Federation and last but by no means least a huge thank to Sensei Archie who worked so hard prior to and during the trip to make all aspects of the excursion the success that it was.

If you missed this trip – don’t worry- we are already planning the next one!