KSTSK Friends & Family Summer Barn Dance 2010 - 23rd July

The Brookfield Band and their caller guided the group through the various dances for the evening.  Students, friends and family spanning all ages got together and put on a great show.

It was great to mix as a group in a relaxed and social setting.  The evening concluded at 11pm, when the entire group gathered in a huge circle for the 'final dance'. 

A special thank you goes to Karen Gibbs for organising the catering and entertainment.

Our next social event is the five year special KSTSK Christmas Party at Tewin Bury Farm Hotel on Saturday 4th December.

KSTSK Tournament 2010 - 16th May

This was the 5th annual KSTSK tournament and was held at Wodson Park Sports Centre, Ware on Sunday 16th May, 2010.

This year saw a larger than usual number of students competing for the first time, which was fantastic to see. Every KSTSK club was represented and everyone showed just how well they could rise to the challenge of competing in Kumite (sparring) and Kata (Formal Sequence). The junior competitors showed great competition Karate spirit and fully deserved the praise and encouragement they received from the spectators.    

Events covered all ages and grades including Black Belt Kata and male and female Black Belt Kumite.  The Family Team (synchronised) Kata event, was a massive success again with twenty teams entering.  Each event ran from the preliminary rounds right through to the finals where upon completion, the presentation of 1st 2nd and 3rd place trophies were made.  Every junior was presented with the unique KSTSK competitor medal for taking part and representing their club in the competition.
 
 First aid coverage was again provided by The St. John Ambulance, who although were seldom required, provided an excellent service.

KSTSK Chief Instructors Rakesh Patel and Peter Khera wish to thank the instructor and black belt officials for their help on the day and for their support at the clubs in the run up to the competition.

Well done to everyone who made the day yet another special one! More news from the tournament can be seen in the next KSTSK Newsletter as well as various local newspapers.

 KSTSK Spring Open Course 2010 - 25th April

 Students from Beginner to Black Belt trained at this years
KSTSK Spring Open Course held in Hatfield. 
The KSTSK Open Courses are organised so that all have the opportunity
to mix and train with members from other clubs.  The Spring Course is dedicated to preparatory training for the KSTSK Annual Tournament in May. This year saw a large number of beginner grades in attendance.
 
Every student trained in three progressive main sessions with the first two being directly under Sensei Rakesh Patel and Sensei Peter Khera. Specific Kata and Kumite themes were explored to gain the 'edge' in competition.

In the third session, everyone participated in a scaled down mock tournament, with all competition events being covered.  Each group was taken by KSTSK Instructors and Black belts:
Wayne Bilcock, Jane Bunyan, Cherylle Cooper, Matthew Duggan, Lewis Farquharson, Karen Gibbs, Gerry Gooch, Peter Newton, Marisa Wade and Vasudev Zaver. This gave them the opportunity to run and coach separate events under tournament conditions.

Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera noted that although it was a new experience for some, the standard of the entire group was very good.

Just before the close, Sensei Patel made a short but poignant speech about Sensei Khera and his continuous dedication to his Karate and KSTSK.  This culminated in the announcement that Sensei Khera has been promoted to Godan (5th Dan Black Belt) by NAKMAS National Governing Body.

Sensei Khera received his framed diploma from Sensei Patel and then a special presentation of his new belt by Jane Bunyan 2nd Dan - Sensei Khera's first ever student.

The KSTSK Annual Tournament is confirmed for
SUNDAY 16th May in WARE.

The next open course is the KSTSK Autumn Open Course confirmed for SUNDAY 7th November, in HATFIELD.

KSTSK Children's Party 2010 - 30th January
  
The afternoon of Saturday 30th January was PARTY TIME for
the KSTSK Juniors! 

The party ran for two hours and included DISCO, LIGHTS, MUSIC FUN & GAMES with PRIZES, PIZZA, FRUIT JUICE, PARTY BAGS and much more.

 An exceptionally loud "Thank You!" was given to Karen Gibbs for organising the children's party.  Thank you also went to the helpers on the day, who ensured that everything ran smoothly: Jane Bunyan, Cherylle Cooper,
Lisa and Andrew Frame and Neil Miller.
 
 It was noted again by Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera just how well
behaved the party was.

The now famous KSTSK Party Bags went down very well and again were described as being "Cool!"

Look out for details of the next KSTSK Children’s Party!

KSTSK Christmas Party 2009 - 5th December

 Tewin Bury Farm Hotel in Welwyn Garden City was the venue for KSTSK very own dedicated Christmas dinner and end of year celebration.
The sell out evening was a huge success with a delicious four course meal, presentations and disco party.  Adult and Junior members and parents enjoyed the great night out.

Sensei Rakesh Patel and Sensei Peter Khera formally thanked
two people in particular for their behind the scenes organisation and contribution to KSTSK Gradings and Social events.
Cherylle Cooper and Karen Gibbs received a special gift
as a token of appreciation.

This year saw 12 Dan grade examination the successes.  The following students were presented with their framed KSTSK Dan Grade Diplomas:

Matthew Duggan (WGC & Hatfield) - Nidan
Lewis Farquharson (Hertford & Ware) - Shodan Junior

Wayne Bilcock (Henlow & Stevenage) - Shodan
Douglas Clackson (WGC & Hatfield) - Shodan Junior
Thomas Gillespie (WGC & Hatfield) - Shodan Junior
Gerry Gooch (Hertford & Ware) - Shodan
Paul Harvey (Hertford & Ware) - Shodan
Neil Miller (Hertford & Ware) - Shodan
Peter Newton (WGC & Hatfield) - Nidan
Jack Sheldrake (WGC & Hatfield) - Shodan Junior
Yasmin Sheldrake (WGC & Hatfield) - Shodan
Marisa Wade (Henlow & Stevenage) - Shodan

Next year's party will be an extra special KSTSK 5th Anniversary
celebration and will be confirmed on the KSTSK Calendar of Events
due out in January 2010!

KSTSK Autumn Open Course 2009 - 8th November

 This years KSTSK Autumn Course was held again in Hatfield on
Sunday 8th November.  White belts through to Black belts made up the spread of students.  The Open Courses are organised so that all have the opportunity to mix and train together.
 
Every student trained in 3 progressive main sessions, each under
Sensei Rakesh Patel and Sensei Peter Khera where Kihon, Kumite and Kata were covered.  Kihon involved pairs of open hand strikes drilled as a hip exercise as well as block and counter combinations utilising elbow strikes.  Sparring sessions focussed on semi free set defences
drilled in groups of three.  Also covered were four unique attacking combinations consisting of two of punches only. 
The third session was dedicated to the practice of the second nominated association Kata "Chinte".  The class was split into two equal groups of mixed grades and were guided through the Kata slowly and progressively.  Both groups then joined again and the Kata was practiced as a whole.

The last session concluded with everyone performing various body weight strengthening exercises and stretching.

At the very end of the course, Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera made a special announcement.  The KSTSK Grading Syllabus is now available for all on a 4 disc DVD set.  Everyone received a leaflet explaining the intention and content of the DVD set.  The DVD Introduction with sound is available to watch for free via the homepage.  Order forms will be circulated shortly.

Everyone performed very well and Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera were very happy with the high standard and enthusiasm shown on the day.
 
The next open course is the usual KSTSK Spring Open Course 2010 in HATFIELD - date to be confirmed.
KSTSK Tournament 2009 - 16th May

The 4th KSTSK annual tournament was held at Wodson Park Sports Centre, Ware on Saturday 16th May, 2009. 

As usual, all KSTSK clubs were represented.  All competitors really were excellent in their display of Karate and competition spirit in
Kumite (sparring) and Kata (Formal Sequence).  The high standard across all events was in particular noted by Chief Instructors
Rakesh Patel and Peter Khera

Families and friends were in attendance to cheer their respective clubs on throughout the day.  Events covered all ages and grades including Black Belt Kata and male and female Black Belt Kumite.  The Family Team (synchronised) Kata event, proved a huge success again with many teams competing.  The tournament started with the junior Kata events.  All three Kata arena commenced simultaneously and ran through to the finals where upon completion, the presentation of 1st 2nd and 3rd place trophies were made.  Every junior was presented with the unique KSTSK competitor medal for taking part and representing their club in the competition.
 
 First aid coverage was again provided by The St. John Ambulance, who although were seldom required, provided an excellent service.

The team of KSTSK Dan grades who organised each event through judging and refereeing were:

Glen Gray 2nd Dan
Cherylle Cooper 2nd Dan
Jane Bunyan 2nd Dan
Stevan Rolls 2nd Dan
Peter Newton 1st Dan
Karen Gibbs 1st Dan
Vasudev Zaver 1st Dan (Junior)
Lewis Farquharson 1st Dan (Junior)

Well done to everyone who made the day yet another special one!

KSTSK Spring Open Course 2009 - 26th April

 Students from Beginner to Black Belt trained at this years
KSTSK Spring Open Course held in Hatfield. 
The KSTSK Open Courses are organised so that all have the opportunity
to mix and train with members from other clubs and are dedicated to preparatory training for the KSTSK Annual Tournament in May.
 
Every student trained in three progressive main sessions with the first two being directly under Sensei Rakesh Patel and Sensei Peter Khera
where Competition Kata and Kumite was covered. 
To improve Kata and Kumite, specific drills were taught and practiced with simple principles in mind.

The third session was taken by KSTSK Instructors and Black belts:
Glen Gray, Cherylle Cooper, Jane Bunyan, Stevan Rolls, Matthew Duggan and Karen Gibbs.  This gave them the opportunity to run and coach separate events in Individual Kata and Individual Kumite under tournament conditions.

Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera noted that although it was a new experience for some, the standard of the entire group was very good.

The KSTSK Annual Tournament is confirmed for
SATURDAY 16th May in WARE.

The next open course is the KSTSK Autumn Open Course confirmed for SUNDAY 8th November, in HATFIELD.

New KSTSK Club starting in STEVENAGE
  
 The Stevenage School of Shotokan Karate (KSTSK) will officially be launched on SUNDAY 13th September, 2009 at 9am.

Summer Taster Sessions will be held soon.

The club will meet at Marriotts Sports College, Telford Avenue. Stevenage.

For further details, please email admin@kstsk.co.uk

 Club Website - Bricket Wood School of Shotokan Karate  - 20th March
  
 The Bricket Wood School of Shotokan Karate (KSTSK) is run by
Sensei Cherylle Cooper 2nd Dan and has just launched the
revised club website.  The website is clear and focussed and can be
viewed by browsing www.Bricketwoodkarate.co.uk.

KSTSK Children's Party 2009 - 7th February
  
 For KSTSK juniors, it was party time on Saturday 7th February! 
The KSTSK Children's Party ran for two hours in the afternoon and included DISCO, LIGHTS, MUSIC FUN & GAMES with PRIZES, PIZZA,
FRUIT JUICE, PARTY BAGS and much more.

The Boys Vs. Girls "Pass The Lion Game" was won by the
boys after the girls initially stormed to the lead!
 
 Special KSTSK RECOGNITION AWARDS were presented by
Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera to those select few who have demonstrated a little extra in Good Karate Sprit and Effort in their recent club training.
 
 A special thank you went to Karen Gibbs for organising the children's
party, in fact it was more of a loud cheer from the children themselves!  Thank you also went to the helpers on the day, who ensured that everything ran smoothly:  Cherylle Cooper, Lisa Frame and Elaine and Neil Miller.
 
 It was noted by Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera how well behaved
 the party was.  Yet again, they received many a 'Thank You'.

The feedback from juniors and parents has been fantastic. 
The Special Party Bags were described as being "Cool!"

Look out for details of the next KSTSK Children’s Party!

KSTSK Christmas Party 2008 - 6th December

 The beautiful Fanhams Hall Hotel in Ware was the venue again for
this year's KSTSK Christmas Party.  Adult members and parents enjoyed the great night out.  Drinks by the fireplace were followed by a delicious 4 course dinner, with drinks, decorations and disco. 

The winning placed team for the ever popular 'Music Intro's Quiz' was again settled by tie-break and our team captains Stevan Rolls and Lee Banwell were called to dance floor for the 'Play-off".
Air Guitar and Air Saxophone were the weapons of choice.  Both Stevan and Lee put on very 'spirited' performances with Lee just nosing ahead.  Most people would agree that it was maybe Lee's impromptu lap of the entire room that clinched it in the end!

Sensei Rakesh Patel and Sensei Peter Khera formally thanked
two people in particular for their contribution to the smooth
running of KSTSK.  Karen Gibbs received a special gift for organising KSTSK social events and Cherylle Cooper for her role as grading secretary.

Sensei Peter Khera presented Stevan Rolls with his Diploma for
Nidan (2nd Dan Black belt).  Stevan, a founder member of the Hertford Club (1994) successfully graded in April 2008.

Next year's party will be confirmed on the
KSTSK Calendar of Events due out in January!
KSTSK Autumn Open Course 2008 - 9th November

 The ever popular KSTSK Autumn Course was held again in Hatfield on Sunday 9th November. 
White belts through to Black belts made up the spread of attendees. 
Open Courses are organised so that all have the opportunity
to mix and train together in material not directly related to the
usual grading syllabus.
 
Every student trained in 4 progressive main sessions, each under
Sensei Rakesh Patel and Sensei Peter Khera where Kumite and Kata
was covered.  The sparring sessions focussed on the basic set defences and were drilled in such a way that was different to the norm. 
For Kata, Heian Godan and Jitte were covered in detail as well as a basic application for downward block and stepping punch for
the lower grade group. 

The course was concluded with everyone performing various body weight strengthening exercises and stretching.

Everyone performed very well and Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera received many comments from attendees expressing how much they
enjoyed the course.
 
The next open course is the usual KSTSK Spring Open Course 2009 in HATFIELD - date to be confirmed.

Sensei Rakesh Patel successfully passes 5th Dan with
The British Combat Association - September 2008

 Sensei Rakesh Patel already a Shotokan Karate 5th Dan, awarded by NAKMAS in 2007, took the bold step of arranging to grade to 5th Dan with The British Combat Association.
 (one of the world's leading groups for close-quarter combat, self-protection
and practical martial arts).

On Thursday 4th September, Sensei Rakesh Patel drove to Cockermouth, Cumbria and nervously settled into the local Travelodge for the night. 
At 11am the following morning, Rakesh started his 5th Dan grading examination under Sensei Iain Abernethy 5th Dan, who took Rakesh through the technically and physically demanding grading which consisted of
Basic Combinations, Kata, Kata Bunkai
(including a complete written breakdown of the Kata Jion), all range Sparring and round after round of high impact pad-work. 
Two hours later, Rakesh emerged as BCA 5th Dan. 

For Rakesh, it's long been a personal ambition to grade under the BCA and already Rakesh is working on other demanding projects.

Sensei Rakesh Patel is grateful for the support of both
Sensei Peter Khera 4th Dan, Co-Chief Instructor of KSTSK and
Sensei Martin Gadd 3rd Dan DSKC during and in preparation for the grading.
KSTSK Friends and Family Summer Barn Dance 2008 - 7th June

'Strip the Willow', 'Left hand Star' and 'The Doe Ce Doe' were just some of the moves that made up the Dances at the KSTSK Summer Barn Dance.  It was great to see students, families and friends supporting the main summer social event at Wodson Park Sports Centre, Ware.

The evening started at 7pm sharp as the live band had been practicing since 4.30pm, and how great they were as five musicians and caller took control of the entertainment.  The caller would describe the dance for the whole group, who would then have a little practice go, before dancing to the actual music!

By far the best was the children only dance!  The caller did great job in describing the dance, and the children even better in putting the 'older ones' to shame!

The evening concluded at 11pm, when the entire group gathered in a huge circle for the 'final dance'.  A special thanks go to Karen Gibbs and Jane Bunyan for organising the catering and entertainment.

Our next social event is the KSTSK Christmas Party at Fanhams Hall confirmed for Saturday 6th December.

KSTSK Tournament 2008 - 17th May

The 3rd KSTSK annual tournament was held at Wodson Park Sports Centre, Ware on Saturday 17th May, 2008.  As usual, there was representation from all KSTSK clubs and everyone put on an excellent display of Karate and spirit in Kumite (sparring) and Kata (Formal Sequence).  Families and friends were in attendance to cheer their respective clubs on throughout the day.  Events covered all ages and grades including Black Belt Kata and Kumite.  The ever popular Family Team (synchronised) Kata event, proved a huge success again with many teams coming forward.  The day started with the junior Kata events.  All three Kata arenas commenced simultaneously and ran through to the finals where upon completion, the presentation of 1st 2nd and 3rd place trophies were made as well as special KSTSK competitor medals for everyone who took part.
 
It must be noted that every KSTSK club featured on the trophy and medal list, a great achievement for KSTSK newest clubs:
Bricket Wood, Henlow and Royston.

Chief Instructors Rakesh Patel and Peter Khera, gave a special demonstration at the half way point.  Each performed an advanced solo Kata followed by a demonstration of the recently revised KSTSK Basic One Step Sparring.  Each set was performed in order slowly then fast, showing logical progression.  This sparring takes effect in the June grading examinations.  First aid coverage was again provided by representatives from The St. John Ambulance.  Fortunately the only first-aid required was the odd visual check here and there during the kumite events, showing what great control the competitors exercised. 

Special recognition goes to the KSTSK Dan grades who either refereed or judged each event:

Glen Gray 2nd Dan
Cherylle Cooper 2nd Dan
Jane Bunyan 2nd Dan
Stevan Rolls 2nd Dan
Peter Newton 1st Dan
Maija Fisher 1st Dan
Karen Gibbs 1st Dan
Vasudev Zaver 1st Dan (Junior)

Well done to everyone who made the day such a special one!

KSTSK Spring Open Course 2008 - 20th April

 From Blue belt to Black Belt, every KSTSK club was represented
at the 2008 Spring Open Course held in Hatfield. 
The Open Courses are organised so that all have the opportunity
to mix and train together.  The Spring Course is usually dedicated to preparatory training for our Annual Tournament in May.
 
Every student trained in 2 progressive main sessions, each under
Sensei Rakesh Patel and Sensei Peter Khera where Competition Kata
and Kumite was covered.  Key points on how to improve the standard of our Kata and Kumite were taught and drilled using simple principles.
The third session was taken by KSTSK Instructors
Glen Gray, Cherylle Cooper and Stevan Rolls where
Team Kata practise was the focus.  Everyone grouped into three's and performed their chosen Team Kata in a mock event setting, receiving specific tips/feedback before and after their Kata.

Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera commented on how well everyone
adapted to the competition style training. 
It was a new experience for a lot of attendees.

The next open course is the usual KSTSK Autumn Open Course
confirmed for SUNDAY 9th November, in HATFIELD.

 KSTSK Children's Party 2008 - 26th January
  
 The Function Suite at Wodson Park Sports Centre, WARE was
 THE FUN PLACE TO BE for KSTSK juniors on Saturday 26th January!  The KSTSK Children's Party ran for two hours in the afternoon and included DISCO, LIGHTS, MUSIC FUN & GAMES with PRIZES, PIZZA, FRUIT JUICE, PARTY BAGS and much more.
 
 Special KSTSK RECOGNITION AWARDS were presented by
Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera to those select few who have demonstrated a little extra in Good Karate Sprit and Effort in their recent club training.
 
 A special thank you went to the three main organisers of
 our first Children's social event. 
 Jane Bunyan, Cherylle Cooper and Karen Gibbs did a fantastic job in ensuring everything was prepared so that the party ran smoothly.
 
 It was noted by Sensei Patel and Sensei Khera how well behaved
 the party was.  They received many a 'Thank You'. 
 Such good manners are important in Karate.

The feedback from juniors and parents has been fantastic - one boy described the party as "the best I've ever been to!"...

Look out for details of the next KSTSK Children’s Party!

KSTSK Christmas Party 2007 - 8th December

 The beautiful Fanhams Hall Hotel in Ware was the venue again for
this year's KSTSK Christmas Party.  Adult members and parents were all treated to a great night out.  Drinks by the fireplace were followed by a delicious 4 course dinner.  Over coffee, the resident 'Music Intro's Quiz' took place, culminating in a fierce 3 way tie-break, settled by a hilarious
'Air Guitar' play-off...

Sensei Rakesh Patel and Sensei Peter Khera formally thanked
two people in particular for their contribution to the smooth
running of KSTSK.  Karen Gibbs received a special gift for organising KSTSK social events and Cherylle Cooper for her role as grading secretary.

Sensei Peter Khera presented Jane Bunyan with a
Diploma for Nidan (2nd Dan Black belt).  Jane, a founder member of the Hertford Club (1994) successfully graded in April 2007.

It was announced that in November, Sensei Patel was awarded
Godan (5th Dan Black Belt) by NAKMAS National Governing Body.
Sensei Patel's close friend and fellow Karate-ka for over 20 years
Richard Pound (4th Dan TSKAGB) presented Rakesh with his Diploma.

Next year's party is confirmed for Saturday 6th December, 2008!
KSTSK Autumn Open Course 2007 - 4th November

 KSTSK members of all grades attended the
Autumn Open Course in Hatfield. 
These courses are held to so that members from different
clubs have the opportunity to mix and train together. 
All students embraced the material taught by
Sensei Rakesh Patel and Sensei Peter Khera (with the help of KSTSK Instructors Glen Gray, Cherylle Cooper, Jane Bunyan and Stevan Rolls who took a short session.)

The class was split into two groups and all covered
Kihon (basics), Kumite (sparring) and Kata (Forms).

The next open course is the usual KSTSK Spring Open Course
planned for next year, details out soon! (with 2008 Calendar of Events)
KSTSK Junior Summer Holiday Course 2007 - 28th July



Junior members of HATFIELD and PANSHANGER were treated to
a special Summer Holiday course on Saturday 28th July in Hatfield. 

Run by Sensei Rakesh Patel the objective of the course was to
have fun and learn more about Kata and its meaning (Bunkai) in the context of Self-Protection.  The students were introduced to some basic bunkai drills using principles that apply to Kata techniques they already knew well. 
This was followed by impact development methods using hand held
focus pads.  The second part of the course was based on
combat drills from the floor where the objective was to avoid being
grounded, and if this fails, how to escape. 
The final section of the course included a fitness drill that recapped the main points of the course covered so far.  Every student performed so well and embraced the challenges of the new material. 

Special prizes went to Laura Hobson and Chloe Gottlieb-Hunt for
their excellent spirit and focus.

Watch out for details on further school holiday courses soon...
KSTSK Tournament 2007 - 19th May

KSTSK held their second annual tournament at Wodson Park Sports Centre, Ware on Saturday 19th May, 2007.  Members representing 9 clubs put on an excellent display of Karate and spirit in Kumite (sparring) and Kata (Formal Sequence).  Families and friends came along as spectators to cheer their respective clubs on throughout the day.  Events covered all ages, from age 6-7 Kata, through teenager and adult  categories and Black Belt Kata and Kumite.  The popular Family Team (synchronised) Kata event, proved a huge success again with many teams coming forward.  The competition was very close this year, as all teams put on an excellent performance.  The day started with the junior Kata events.  All three Kata arena commenced simultaneously and ran through to the finals where upon completion, the presentation of 1st 2nd and 3rd place trophies were made as well as special KSTSK competitor medals for everyone who took part.  Chief Instructors Rakesh Patel and Peter Khera, gave a special demonstration at the half way point.  Each performed an advanced solo Kata with basic applications of some of the Kata techniques.  This was followed by an explosive display of competition style sparring starting with simple attacks and defences, building up to the more advanced – a great display!  First aid cover was again provided by representatives from The St. John Ambulance.  Fortunately the only first-aid required was the odd visual check here and there during the kumite events, showing what great control the competitors exercised.  Having attended many martial art tournaments before, it was noted by the first-aiders how well run the KSTSK tournament was, the best in fact!  Credit goes to all who were part of the day!