Over Christmas Tuam Karate Club was fortunate enough to have visits from not just one but TWO of its former instructors who were visiting their home town over the Christmas period. Sensei Gerard Clyne taught in the club for almost ten years before he moved with his wife Meimei to China and he remains a close friend of all the senior students. Also visiting was Sensei Joe King (also known affectionately as “Redser” on account of his vibrant hair colour!) who instructed us in 2007 before moving permanently to the U.S.
While most martial arts clubs were still on holidays, the first of our two gruelling training sessions took place on St. Stephen’s Day – in a very, very cold dojo! Sensei Gerard focused heavily on the Karate of the late master Asai, 10th Dan, specifically “muchiken” (use of the body to generate whipping power) and “junansei” (softness or relaxation of the body). We also covered the correct use of the upper back muscles in kihon waza for maximum power generation, which we developed in our second class two days later. We also trained in “progressive,” all-in sparring (chaotic!!) and the effective use of the uppercut to the abdomen, as well as some punishing conditioning and fitness drills. Hugely enjoyable and top quality instruction and training and a real honour for all who made it in to train with these two excellent Karateka. OSU!!
*Pictures to follow hopefully!
Ben.
