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As the year draws to a close
it is always a good time to take stock, to review where we are and where we
might like to be.
This is as relevant within our karate. At the beginning of the
year it was suggested we set ourselves a goal, objective or a target. It might
simply to have been to achieve a grade or to master a single technique, move or
kata. We sincerely hope you have achieved your aims and if not that you soon
will. It is also our hope that you have progressed and enjoyed your training
within CFTS. Now is a good time for us the executive to pause and reflect upon
the last twelve months.
Grading
standards continue to improve, partly because of renewed use of record cards,
partly the way we now grade intermediates but also because of the efforts of
you the students are making in partnership with your instructors. On the point of gradings we would like to
thank all those actively involved in the special open day held in Bletchley back
in March. A thoroughly great day was had by all. Dan gradings held in March
went very well so once again we must congratulate all who achieved a new rank
of dan grade.
Club,
Dan Grade and Technical committee meetings continue to be well supported and seem
to achieve their aims. Thanks to all who support the meetings by attending and by
their input and effort.
The
competition day in April was a roaring success the only negative being over
running. We have explored why and will ensure it was a one off. All our courses
this year have once again been well attended but I wonder why so many of our
students, both adult and junior, have never attended one? They
are put on for everyone’s benefit and enjoyment and the licence fees subsidise
these events. At the back end of last year Sensei Sahota’s course took us
through various kumite moves, some easy some not so and then on to kata, a
course which was enjoyed by all who attended. Early in the year Sensei Holmes
visited us with his usual sensei of humour and wit not to mention his skill Due
to breaking two metatarsals Sensei Finch was unable to take his course in May
but did visit us in November taking some of us through Bo work and then for the
many through some Matsuri Kumite. This too was another great course. Having
swapped dates with him, Sensei Randall visited us in May, who took his usually
high standard course of traditional karate.
This
year saw the introduction of our new magazine. Your new magazine which is
coming to you free by courtesy of CFTS and MASA. Once again something back for
your licence fee and very worthwhile too. We hope you continue to enjoy it. If you want
to have an article published first please run it past your instructor and then
email or post it onto the Martial Art Standard.
Socially a picnic at
Emberton park was organised by Newton Longville but the lack of support was
disappointing. The CFTS ladies group
continue with their occasional meetings for light refreshments, extending their
invitation recently to a few wayward gentlemen.
Most recent though has been
the charity football match which culminated in producing enough profit for a
motor bike and a push bike as well as leaving some funds over for petrol,
insurance and a year’s maintenance contract. Steve Kavanagh of Kempston kindly
took photos which we sold and bought at £2 each. The proceeds were almost
sufficient to send the Christmas shoe boxes over for the street kids of Lira. The
only reason the funds didn’t quite cover the costs is that we far exceeded the
number of Christmas boxes we were aiming for. Instead of the thirty plus we
were aiming for we sent almost ninety as well as some other miscellaneous
essential items of aid. In which ever way you have helped and supported our appeal
a very big Thank-you” must go to each and every one of you. On Christmas day
you can all be pleased with your efforts that you have put a smile on a young
face who is not as fortunate as we all are.
Looking forward to 2009 we
shall again be having our annual competition day and an array of fine
instructors for our courses. Please try to support these events. They are put
on for your development, pleasure and to enhance your knowledge. It is good to
have a variety of input into your training to receive a variety of instruction
and to retain your interest. It might also
be a poignant opportunity to remind everyone that at orange belt, if not
before, one is expected to up your training to twice a week. This is to enable
the instructor to assist you learning the syllabus for your next grading. Without
sufficient training, and a variety of it there is no depth of knowledge as one
nears black belt. A question we like to ask is do you want to be a black belt
or to be as good as a black belt?
Who knows what 2009 might bring with all this
talk of economic doom and gloom. We sincerely hope that it is not too bad for
you and your family but if things get tight please talk in confidence to your
instructor, who is human after all, who may be able to come up with a solution
for you. We would rather help you in any way we can rather than you cease
training all together.
Finally may we, the
executive of CFTS, take this opportunity in wishing you a very happy Christmas
and a healthy and prosperous new year.
Sensei A.Kidby Sensei E.McClagish Sensei L.O’Reilly
Chief Instructor Chairman Secretary
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