Each year the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) hold two Special Courses which are free and specifically designed for those Karateka taking San Dan and above. The two-hour intensive courses focus on developing the participants’ Karate to the highest technical levels. This includes not only performance of Kata, but also the application of those Kata and Kumite techniques.
The final course of 2019 took place at the state of the art Sports Village at Bath University. This huge, sprawling facility which caters for many sports is always very busy with numerous athletes in intensive training, including Olympians.
The Course was led by KUGB Chief Instructor and Chairman, Sensei Andy Sherry (9th Dan) assisted by Sensei Bob Poynton (8th Dan) and Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan). It was well attended with Black Belts ranging from 1st Dan to 7th Dan from across the Country and Ireland. The 100+ Karateka training hard, pushing themselves to their limits, both physically and mentally, studying and striving for perfection under these inspirational Instructors.
Attendance on the Special Dan Grade Course and other black belt courses is fundamental to the development of a Dan Grade’s standard of Karate, not only personally, but also as Instructors and the KUGB expect all of its Dan Grades to make every effort to attend.
Gradings for San Dan and above followed the course in the purpose-built Dojo. Many congratulations to those Karateka who successfully passed their gradings.
