Visiting our Norwegian Karate Colleagues – October 2021
Left to Right
Alison Thompson
Frank Jensen
Shihan Chris Thompson
Geir Store
Left to Right
Alison Thompson
Frank Jensen
Shihan Chris Thompson
Geir Store
The first one day course for the Washinkai Clubs in Surrey was held on Sunday 10 October 2021. The club, which was started in 1984 by Shihan Thompson, is well and truly established. Many of the students that attended were Dan grades. Students were training for Dan gradings which will be taking place towards the end of this year and next. A good time was had by all!
We look forward to seeing as many Washinkai member as possible at the next course! Check the website for details!
The very first Gasshuku of the 2021-22 season for Washinkai Karate started with a two day course held in Lydd, Kent hosted by Sensei Chris Wateridge 6th Dan.
Despite the torrential rain, there was a good turn out from Washinkai students in the Kent area. All aspects of karate were covered and on Saturday, Shauni from the Dover Club, successfully graded to Shodan. Also Chris Wateridge received his 6th Dan certificate as he had been unable to collect it on the Summer Gasshuku due to Covid!
After the Covid-19 Pandemic prevented us from having our annual summer course at Milton Abbey last year (2020), expectations were high about this year’s course. Fortunately, timing was perfect as it coincided with the opening of the country, but unfortunately Covid hit some of our members at the last minute!
“Freedom Day” was also the first day of the Gasshuku. The weather could not have been better, probably as hot as last year and the year before that.