Wednesday class are moving!

Starting on Wednesday the 8th of June our usual 18:00 Wednesday class will be moving to the Total Fitness Solutions gym.
Due to the popularity of the 8+ classes our training hall is feeling a little small and we want to offer the choice to students of training in either the Indigo Holistic or Total Fitness Solutions gym, parents and students will know that each venue has it's own benefits.
To welcome us to the Total Fitness Solutions venue Brian has offered parents of children training a free trail in the gym while classes are on.

Friday May Student of the Month

Well done to The Little Wolves Jamie O Toole and Ashley Mashbengele who tied for Student of the Month for Friday.

Senior class student winners where Joe Mullan and Derek Reynolds, excellent work guys.

Sensei Alan Campbell at JKS Mayo

Last Sunday we were invited by Sensei Alan Biesty and JKS Mayo to train with visiting Sensei Alan Campbell, in Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo.
Sensei Campball took several classes throughout the weekend but we attended the Sunday sessions. First off was the childrens class, which was both fun filled and educational. Jadzia my nine year old daughters' opinion was that "it was really fun and I learned how to keep my age uke really strong". Since becoming a JKS member, one area where I have been most pleasantly surprised is with the instructors abilities to teach children practical skills within their own bodies, whilst having a fun time and child feels empowered with their new found knowledge. Sensei Alan Campbell was no exception to this.
The seniors class main focus was how to gain speed and kime in a relaxed way. Over the years I have been told that I need to relax more within my karate but with Sensei he gave us exercises and demonstrated methods through which we could achieve this. We used our new found methods to bring into hitting the bag, partner work and Heian Nidan.
Personally I was so engaged in the class that I couldn't believe it was when the time was up that we'd been there for two hours.
Sensei Alan Biesty said that he will definitely be asking Sensei Alan Campbell to come over again. I look for ward to it!

Wednesday May Student of the Month

Well done to two of our students who have really deserved this award, through their constant training and advancement.

Nathan Collins and Jadzia Murphy

Master Wally Dillon, Li Ching Wu

Malcolm and I where invited to a training seminar on Saturday in Ballina by MVF Martial Arts Club were Master Wally Dillon was instructing a seminar. I had previously seen Sifu on the cover of "Irish Fighter" and read an article that had really inspired me to meet him, he had such an interesting journey through his martial arts study.

Master Dillon was instructing courses over the weekend in various aspects of Li Chung Wu. Saturdays classes focused on ground fighting and holds.

Being inexperianced in ground work myself there was alot to take in! But Master Dillon was very patient and encouraging, building all techniques up gradually, which allowed me to get to grasp with what I was learning whilst going in to greater detail for those experianced grapplers.

After the seminar we got to talk with Sifu a little and I was pleasantly taken with what a humble accesable man he is. Once again I was reminded how much more there is to learn in martial arts and why it's one of the few activities that can be pursued for a lifetime. I look forward to training with Master Dillon again.

Tuesday April Student of the Month

Sorry it's a little late getting posted but well done to Luke Comer on winning Student of the Month from the Tuesday class.

An Active Few Weeks

Okay, lets get mobile and go meeting our fellow karateka in training. Next Sunday will see Alan Campbell, head of JKS England come to Mayo and take a course for everyone. This is a huge opportunity for us all to get to see one of the very best Karateka in a local venue.
I highly recommend everyone who is available to attend this seminar to do so. Lifts are available, please just speak to your sensei for arrangemants.
JKS Squad training takes place on Sunday the 29th of May, like wise ask us and we'll sort it out for you to attend.
On the 11th of June The JKS Ireland will have their summer seminar, open to all. This year our guest instructors are Scott Langley, Paul Giannandrea & Flavio Lotscher. It will be a great event, highly recommended.

Photo Competition

Photos for our competition have started to come in and these contributions by Aodhan Mc Carthy will be hard to beat.

Taken in Belmullet, Achill and surrounding areas here is a sample of what he sent in.

Aodhan only began karate in January and will have his first grading in June, I hope he stays training long enough to repose these shots as a black belt.

Faolchú Combat Class

Congratulations to all students who graded last Tuesday night you all did exceptionally well and passed with flying colours with 2 students even double grading which was a fabulous achievement.
Well done also to all the competitors in the MVF vs Faolchú challenge, all fighters fought bravely and displayed great character and spirit, we are very proud of you! This time the final victory was not ours but as Koike Sensei said we should thank the opponent who wins the fight because now we have learned how to better develop ourselves.

Photo Competition

So here's the plan, Easter is over and it's 9 weeks until Summer (offically starts), with all the hard training being put in it's time for some light relief!
We're going to have a karate photo competition.
Get into your dogi and send us a photo of yourself, the more unique the better. Photos will be scored on location, photo quality, sense of adventure and originality.Really it's about having a bit of fun and getting us in the karate feeling.
There will be a winners trophy (can be shipped) and 2 months of free classes if applicable.
Photos should be emailed to Malcolm@Tuamkarate.com or posted directly to our facebook page, just search Faolchú, you must "like" the page to be able to post to it.
This event is open to everyone and independant judges will be asked to choose the finalists.