Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association - Kent Course & Championships

Photos Available Free.

Medal Winners & Course & Competition Photographs from the Jikishin 2016 Kata & Random Attacks Nationals.

In Photo Album:

2016 Kent Competition

Report

Report: Sensei Peter McCarney
Photos: Earl Walker

We returned to Ditton Community Centre for the 2nd Kent Kata and Competition following the great success of the inaugural event last year. KentSamurai and North Kent Ju Jitsu Kai worked hard again to arrange the course and this showed in the detailed preparation that bore such fruit. Upon arrival, Senseis Ann Kitchener, 4th Dan, and Trudy Kitchener, 1st Dan accepted the Budo Passes and booked in all participants. The Hall was already prepared with 3 sets of mats already down and a large seating area for spectators, which also included the stage.

The Event opened and the senior senseis were introduced to both players and spectators. These included Hanshi Brian Herbert, 8th Dan, Head of Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association, Shihan Ricky Izod, 7th Dan, Senseis Eddie Garvey, Steve Cole, Sandy Mackay, Earl Walker, 5th Dan, Ann and Terry Kitchener, Lee Bywater 4th Dan.

Sensei Earl Walker, National Fighting System Coach and owner of diverse skill sets, then took control of Mat 1 and drilled players in various Ground-Fighting techniques. Sensei Lee Bywater, took Mat 2 for Random Attack. He is also the Coach to Team UK Random Attack Squad so this was a good opportunity for many to practise skills and to show the spectators what can be achieved through guided training.

Shihan Ricky Izod stepped onto Mat 3 and using Sensei Steve Cole as Uke, took the players through clever Ju Jitsu techniques so as to extend their knowledge and feed their Imagination. One such example was the use of the forward hand, in which most Jitsuka deploy as an ?S? Block or ?Goose? Block. However, Shihan Ricky used it to Deflect the punch, which he then pinned with an Outside Block, allowing his now free hand to Distract with a Strike to the Floating Ribs. He then used the same hand to execute a Circular Block to open up the Guard of the Uke so allowing him to further Distract with a Right Punch to the Solar Plexus or Chest. Got that? No? Good. Go and train with him and he?ll show you. Remember, students must always train under a suitably qualified instructor. That warning aside, the next part of Shihan Ricky?s technique was to pivot into a Throw. What he was drawing out here, was Correct Movement allows for Momentum to Inform the Throw making it appear Effortless. It?s easy to overlook this as many less skilled use Strength to haul the Uke over. Nuance and Skill are the qualities of the senior sensei and Shihan Ricky exemplifies this in his Technique; it?s Implicit and not an ?Add-On?. The result of years of training, practise and increased Understanding.

After more in this vein, Sensei Steve Cole took control of the mat and demonstrated a range of techniques to the students, which included Senseis Brian Hicks, Lee Williams, 2nd Dan, Ronan Winters, 1st Dan and others. Sensei Steve will be hosting the Swindon course in the near future so this would be another opportunity to learn from him as we always do when we visit his dojo. I also noticed Sensei Dave Gadd, 3rd Dan, Swindon Ju Jitsu, prowling the mat. By now, you will know that I was on Mat 3 so was unable to view Mats 1 and 2 but I heard the encouragement and enthusiasm of all.

After a short lunch, we marched on in grade order and Hanshi Brian spoke to all in opening the Competition phase of the Event. As ever, Hanshi Brian urged all to enjoy the day and that?s really what it?s about; taking part and showing spectators what can be achieved through correct training and instruction.

Mat 1 was given over to Kata for Kyu Grades. I was lucky enough to be a judge and joined Senseis Eddie Garvey and Tony Park, 3rd Dan. We were continually impressed by the high standards of all students. Some medals were decided by the smallest of margins; others were ?tied? and needed a recall to the mat for a decision. All did very well - it was great to see - and this made the judging the more testing

Mats 2 and 3 hosted Ground-fighting, Random Attacks and Senior Kata. I saw Sensei Brian Hicks perform Naginata Kata, Sensei Wayne Williams, 3rd Dan, perform a high quality Tonfa Kata. Sensei Eddie Garvey performed Presentation, 4 Cuts, De-Presentation of Katana (Samurai Sword) and rightly won Gold. For Open Hand, Sensei Lee Williams performed a very good Long Stance Kata (I shall be stealing some of this). Sensei Wayne performed 1st Blocking Kata. Sensei Eddie performed 3rd Blocking Kata and won Gold again.

For Random Attacks, Sensei Andy Jones, 3rd Dan, displayed his usual high standard and Sensei Chris Carter, 2nd Dan, as Uke, bore witness to this. Get well soon, Sensei Chris. Sensei Eddie showed great technique. I was also able to see Adam Ramsey show excellent Random Attacks technique and he rightly won a medal. Me? I went out early. I was again caught out by a Wrist Grab and I then waited for the punch that never came.... You?d think I?d know better ?cos I?ve been caught out by this before. Not to worry, it allowed me more time to watch a great competition; inventive and skilled technique,with Ukes committed to playing their part. A testament to TEAM UK Squad training but also in-club training. The spectators seemed thrilled, so it must have gone down well.

A pause now to thank the kind ladies who volunteered to run the Refreshments and provided excellent Tea, Coffee and Cakes. I made repeated visits so on behalf of myself and everyone else, ?Thank You?.

Upon completion of the Competitions came the awarding of Medals. This was a great opportunity to mount the podium and received an award from Hanshi Brian, Shihan Ricky, Sensei Terry Kitchener. In addition to the applause from the spectators and participants, Sensei Earl Walker kindly took the formal photographs to mark the successes of all.

A final word to mark all those who assisted this great event and not otherwise mentioned. Thank you; Sensei Rula Metaxas, 3rd Dan, for all the behind the scenes organisation, also, Senseis Glen Williamson, 1st Dan, Sophia Allwood, 1st Dan, Martin Kidd, 3rd Dan, Jackie Walker, 4th Dan for helping out through the day and judging and more. Here?s to a Return in 2017.

Results

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