Timra’s visit proves a belter of an occasion
MEMBERS of a Swedish national martial arts team (World Traditional Karate and Kickboxing Association) spent a week training at the Burns School of Black Belts in Heaton.
They swapped training techniques, competed and forged closer ties with their hosts and the region.
In his role as manager of the WTKA English competitions team, Rick Burns hosted the visit by Martin Andersson and members of his club from Timra.
Henrik and Ulf Ericsson, Adrian Persson, Johnnie Berggren, Filippa and Fanny Nordin and Zander Nillson worked with the coaches at Burns’ club to expand their knowledge and experience of points fighting and forms/kata disciplines.
Classes at the club were packed out all week, the Swedish visitors providing a popular attraction.
Andersson coached classes in K1 fighting, one of the great strengths of the Swedish team but a new experience for the members of the Newcastlebased club.
The final-day seminar ended with points fighting competitions for kids, juniors and adults with the home team narrowly coming out on top 2-1. Everyone declared the visit a great success and Andersson, who is the president of WTKA Sweden, said: “I would like everyone everyone for their support and warm reception.
“They made Newcastle seem like a second home for me and my team on our first visit to the city. “
A reciprocal visit has been suggested for August when, along with the Swedish national trials, the Swedish Open takes place in Stockholm.
Points fighting will be included for the first time there and Burns’ fighters have been invited to compete.