News

The last visit to see Dave Martin, the Chief Instructor of our clubs in Northern Ireland, was in 2018.  A visit had been planned for 2019 but due to 'Flybe' going into administration, the flight was cancelled.  Then in 2020, COVID 19 hit the world and cancelled all travel.

Covid had a serious effect on our clubs in Northern Ireland, but members are slowly returning. However, Dave Martin, 7th Dan and his wife Michele, 6th Dan, have been greatly assisted by Brendan O'Neill who runs the Omagh Club.

Brendan successfully passed his 5th Dan grading on the 12th May.

On Saturday 29th April a one day course was held at Lydd Community Hall, hosted by Chris Wateridge 6th Dan.

A lovely Spring day greeted all participants for the course.  Many techniques were covered over the three hours.

Shihan Chris Thompson took the course and tried to cover as much kihon, kata and kumite as possible for all grades, from orange belt to senior Dan level.

As usual the course finished too quickly, however everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

On Sunday 5 th March 2023, Washinkai held its first National Championships following a two year
break after Covid19

The competition was held at Canons Karate Club in Mitcham Surrey, formerly the home of the
Championships throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

Due to the long gap between the Championships of 2020 and 2023, it was expected to have only a
small entry. However, we were pleased to see that over 120 entrants participated in the
competition.

This year the Winter Gasshuku was held at the Nuffield Health & Fitness Centre in Chichester.

Clubs from Chichester, Denmead, Canons, SMKC, Tadworth, Dover and Lydd were in attendance on both days.

At the end of training on Saturday, Stednet Gray and Jean Wedja both took their 5th Dan grading. After a strong performance, both were successful. In the evening the group enjoyed an evening meal at the local ‘Wildwood’ restaurant in Chichester.