Over 250 martial Artists and members of Seiki Kuku Karate joined instructors from Six Nations at the Bolton Arena on Saturday March 10th for one of the largest seminars ever held in the north west of England.

An annual event organised and hosted by the N.T.K. Assocation and based at Andy Wilshaw’s Miyabi Ryu Ju Jitsu club at the arena, brings together students from many styles including Ju jitsu, karate, judo, kick boxing and Aikido.

Guest instructors this year included Grandmaster Jack Hogan from Florida, Sensie Henri Vilaire from New York, Renshi Joao Fernandes Portugal and Sensei John Duggan from Ireland who gave practical and effective instruction and demonstrations of a wide variety of traditional and modern techniques covering locks, throws, strikes and pressure points.

N.T.K. is an organisation representing over 600 martial arts students from across the North West, its roots are in Bolton where Andy runs and coaches several clubs. They also provide martial arts, self defence and fitness instruction at many Bolton Schools and organisations. The organisation also supports several local charities especially the air ambulance service a raffle being held at the closing presentation.

The training was truly enjoyable and informative and the standard of coaching exceptional. This event has doubled in size each year and is a testament to Andy's commitment to martial arts.

The event closed with a social evening at The Lostock Arms in Bolton enjoyed by all.

Junior training

Juniors now have their own dedicated instructor on Wednesdays Sensei Steve Chriscole. Steve has many years experience in karate particularly kata forms and their application together with a coaching style that is patient and structured. Early feedback is highly positive from the kids! with more new members starting this is developing into a really good section.

Gradings

The first junior grading for 2007 took place Sunday March 4th at the Robin Park Arena.

A good performance from all with 2 people double grading! Well done all our juniors!

The Second junior grading for 2007 took place at Robin Park Arena on Friday 28th September. 14 Juniors took their grade and all passed. Well Done! The improvements since March were easily seen and are a credit to all the participants.

2 purple belts and 6 brown belts graded in June. in front of a full panel of 5 club instructors. It was a hot day and hard work for over 3 hours. All passed though the brown belt gradings are really stretching the students who have a lot to do over the next 6-9 months.

We have 3 prospects for Shodan in 2007 who will be coming up for grading by the end of the year.

Instructors

We now have 5 top quality Dan grade instructors in the club all now taking various sections of our training. The depth of experience these coaches have ensure our classes are always interesting and enjoyable. In the new year we will be also added nerve point classes Kyusho to our courses.

Congratulations to our latest Shodan

At a grading in Bolton November 4th Shaun was promoted to 1st Dan. Examined by a panel of 4 senior dan grade instructors Shauns promotion was well deserved. And congratulations to the other successful students who passed their grades.

Sensei Bob Carruthers flew over to Jacksonville Florida October 2nd to attend an international Kyusho and martial arts training weekend hosted by Jack Hogan. See pictures in our Photo Gallery.

2008 March Seminar Bolton

Another seminar organised by Andy Wilshaw was a great success instructors included Jack Hogan 9th Dan Karate from Florida and Jack Hearn 8th Dan Judo. A full day with over 200 attending.

2008 March Seminar In Ireland with John Duggan and Jack Hogan attended by Bob Carruthers.

2008 April Junior Gradings

Just over 6 months from the last grading 10 juniors graded all passing to the next belt, with 2 double grades fantastic progress from a core group of juniors many having over 2 years with the club. Well done all juniors on your well deserved promotion.

Double Graded Keir and Gabby!

2008

Seminar at Robin Park featuring Master John Duggan 6th Dan Kempo Jujitsu Sunday 17th August 2008

at the Robin Park Arena 1.00pm till 3.00pm (juniors 1-2pm)

All welcome £5 juniors £10 seniors by ticket from 01204 667152 Stuart or pay on door .