Kyu Grading, Mykita29th November 2011
The winter grading was held for Junior and Intermediate students on the 29th November at Mykita
Pictured with their instructors, examiners and parents are the successful students who passed their gradings with flying colours!
They now move into 2012 ready to start the hard work and training for their next grading examinations.
Congratulations to them all!
Dan Grading, Bramhall 30th January 2011
The Swanda Karate Association Dan grading was held on Sunday 3oth January at Bramhall club's residence on Linney Road, Bramhall. There were 2 members trying to attain their first dan – Fred Moore and Jade Moran. Over the past 6 months, their training has increased in various ways (extra karate training sessions/extra fitness sessions and extra stamina sessions). A writte4n letter to Shihan was also done by them both – giving their reasons why they should be awarded 1st dan and what they have done over the years for the club. Fred has been with the Association for a number of years and jade joined 8 years ago, when she was aged 8.
Shihan Alf Burgoyne (7th dan) and Sensei Shaun Unsworth (5th dan) ran the day. A number of other students attended to support Fred and Jade. The morning session consisted of an overall revision of the syllabus which then included free-time for practice. The afternoon session started with Fred and Jade performing the grading for the 1st dan level. Nerves were visual and stamina was tested, but Fred and Jade performed well. Shihan and Sensei interviewed each of them. The result was a PASS for them both gaining their 1st dan black belt grade!
Shihan awarded Fred and Jade their black belts with all the other students lined up. They were both so pleased and it was thoroughly deserved. Well done Fred. Well done Jade.
Following Fred and Jade’s award – Shihan asked all students to line up again. It was then (unbeknown to other students) Shihan awarded Sensei chantelle Unsworth her 5th dan. Chantelle has been with the club for the last 19 years and runs the Bramhall club with her husband Shaun(5th dan). She also runs a karate club at a local school – with an emphasis of children aged 7 – 11 having a “taster” of karate with the hope that some students will join their club. Chantelle was completely overjoyed and the tears welled up – yet again! Chantelle thanked Shihan Alf (whilst still crying!) and Sensei Shaun for all the years of support. Chantelle also thanked Eleanor and Joe (her children) for supporting her in her role as Sensei.
2009
Nab Cottage, Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria, October 2009
On the 16th-18th October, Nab Cottage owners Tim and Liz Melling were the perfect hosts, meeting all our needs from accommodation, breakfast, luch, dinner and refreshments throughout the day. Fifteen Dan grades from 1st Dan to 5th Dan (plus two junior Kyu grades), were training inside and out from 10am each day. Sensie Shaun Unsworth (5th Dan) led the course with Shihan Alf Burgoyne (7th Dan), overseeing that all went well.
The course aimed to improve and develop the teaching and karate skills of all those who attended. The weekend was a great success and the scene is set for 2010 when the Dan grade gashuku will take place.
We would like to thank Mike Greaves for supporting the weekend and for bringing some of his senior grades to train alongside us.
2007
Burnham on Sea Gashuku, May 2007
