Kyushindo Karate has many katas, which have been developed over the years. Many are available to learn at Romsey, but with only a one-hour session a week, it isn’t easy to learn more than 10.

Only one student at Romsey has learnt all the unarmed syllabus Katas up to black belt and the five optional dan grade katas (B, D, E, kicking and circular). Well done to Ava, who showed outstanding commitment to learning them all before leaving to study at University around 2018.

If you want to pursue a particular path after earning a black belt, such as the optional Katas, the club will accommodate you—you only need to ask.

Although Kyushindo Karate does not typically promote involvement in Karate competitions, the KIJA has held its own Kata competition ,along with separate awards for Solo Rehearsed Sequence and Paired Rehearsed Sequence.

This was held in Oxford in October 1985 at one of the car manufacturers’ social club – Morris, I think as many Oxford senior instructors worked in the Motor industry. Entrants consisted of all the Oxford area clubs and the Banstead club.

There was some discussion about who should be on the judging panel, but it was decided on the day that George Mayo would be the only judge.

Knowing what I did about George from Martin, I concentrated on making my Katas flow with complete movements rather than worrying about showing power.

There were separate competitions for Kyu grades (senior and junior) and Black belts.

The Banstead club did well, with many winners and runners-up, considering the number of club members that went.

Was it a good idea? Yes, but any competitive event can generate strong emotions. Even as a blue belt, I picked up a lot of ‘bad vibes’ regarding the results. Also, allowing ‘family and friends’ to be present often allows strong opinions to amplify ‘what the result should have been’.

Extract from KIJA Newsletter for Banstead Club report.

There wasn’t another one organised.