‘Merry Kickmas’ at Oban Shotokan Karate Club
Oban Shotokan Karate Club’s ‘Merry Kickmas’ saw the club hold its first grading test for junior students since lockdown began in 2020. The club has only been back training normally since September this year in Oban Scout Hall. These young athletes were put through their paces on Friday December 17.
They had to undergo several routine disciplines to gain their next belt at Shotokan Karate. Being a competitive sports karate club they must pass traditional and sport karate techniques which are very different. One being traditional hard blocking, and striking techniques, whilst the other is more fluent and athletic for competitive composition. (No mean feat for adults never mind youngsters).
They started off with basic blocking, punching and kicking movement, then went on to performing Kata – a sequence of 24 pre-arranged movements from the five Heian – meaning peaceful mind – Katas.
Once they had passed this element of the exam they had to compete against each other in Kumite, which is sparring. Each candidate had to score at least three points against their opponent in this section.
The last part was showing their ability in confident assertive body movement (AKA self-defence).
It was great to see that all candidates on this occasion had passed to their next level.
The club hopes to start competing again in the new year at national and international level, subject to government guidance.
It meets every Friday at the Oban Scout Hall any anyone wishing to attend, juniors or adults, are welcome.
Coach Rab Neil cogratulated all the students on passing their grading and wished everyone a very ‘Merry Kickmas’ from all at Oban Shotokan.