Faolchú Competition 2011

Karate in Tuam was alive and kicking yesterday with our annual inhouse competition. The event was hosted this year in Total Fitness Solutions to accommodate the large numbers of participants and their supporters. We had a busy day but with a lot of help and organising (and a little luck), the day ran smoothly. Details of winners will be posted soon.
Well done to everyone who participated and supported the event. We are very proud of you all and respect the character and spirit displayed by those who challenged themselves by standing on the mat. As sensei Stephen Kelly said to me afterwards you have true martial spirit.

Yamaguchi Sensei at the JKS Scotland Hombu Dojo

When Scott Sensei informed me a couple of weeks ago that Yamaguchi Sensei would be coming over from Japan to teach in Scotland I immediately started looking for flights.
Yamaguchi Sensei is one of those inspirational instructors that you really don't want to miss out on training with. I had seen many you tube clips of him instructing and for years now, I have been looking for the chance that he'd be within reach!
Needless to say I was not disappointed.
I was very happy to see Koike Sensei when I arrived in the Scotland Hombu Dojo was also in attendance. Koike Sensei proved to be invaluable on the day, as he is more fluent in english and provided translation throughout the class and weekend.
The Scottish where very welcoming with Paul Sensei arranging for me to be met and collected at the airport by Ann. (Thank you Ann:).When I arrived at the Hombu Dojo, classes where already underway for kyu grades (and Sensei Dermott O Keeffe, who stayed on the floor once their was any class on).
The black belt class was a two hour session which was focused on Asai Ryu katas, Kakuyoko Shodan, Kakuyoko Nidan and Junro Godan. A challenge to take all on board!
Yamaguchi sensei moved swiftly through the class, accommodating those of us learning the kata and the more experienced karateka by going through bunkai for each kata by demonstrations and partner work and including training drills for both individual and partner work.
I look forward to having the opportunity to train with Yamaguchi Sensei again but I've been left with plenty to work on and develop in the mean time.

Karate Competition

Faolchú will hold their second annual inhouse Tuam Karate Competition on the 30th of July. All entrees are now in and random draws have been made. A big thanks to Indigo Holistic Healing who have kindly sponsored our trophies this year.
All students must have their own gum shields which are available in any sports shop or from myself (Marie). Minimum protection of mitts and groin guards can be provided on the day but students may also wear shin and instep protectors if desired.

The event will be held in Total Fitness Solutions Tuam in the main gym, where the Wednesday karate classes are now normally held. Two mats will run throughout the day to help keep things moving along swiftly. We are very fortunate to have Stephen Kelly Sensei a qualified national karate referee to assist on the day. Sensei Kelly will be head referee on mat 1 on the day. Running order on the day is planned as follows

10:00 to 12:00

Mat 1

4&5 year old girls kumite

4&5 year old boys kumite

6&7 year old boys kumite

Mat 2

6&7 year old mixed kata

4&5 year old mixed kata

6&7 year old girls kumite

12:00 to 14:00

Mat 1

11-13 year old boys kumite

11-13 year old girls kumite

8-10 year old boys kumite

Club Champion 11-13

Club Champion 8-10

Mat 2

8-10 year old girls kumite

8&9 year old mixed kata

10 year old mixed kata

11-13 year old mixed kata

14:00

Mat 1

Mixed adult kata

Mens Kumite

Womens Kumite

Faolchú Tuam Karate Club Championships

The Club Championships are fast approaching. Get your entries in as soon as possible as today was the closing date. If you intend to compete make sure to contact us by phone or e-mail as we will be making the draws for events next week.
Here are photos from last year.

Dont forget the Nunchaku Course, currently we have 30 entries and will be ordering the nunchaku next week so again if you want to take part contact us immediately.
or visit us on FACEBOOK

Sensei Dermot O'Keeffe Seminar

On Sunday 10th July members from Faolchú Karate Club Tuam travelled to Kiltimagh in Co. Mayo to train with JKS National Squad coach Sensei Dermot O'Keeffe 5th Dan JKS.
It was a rewarding seminar covering Khion (basics) and Kata (patterns). Sensei O'Keeffe focused on turning techniques and balance for the first half of the class.
The second half was to take this farther and taught the Katas Junro Shodan and Gankaku. All our Junior members did well and took part in these advanced Katas with great enthusiasm. It is a great testament to their dedication and spirit.

Tuam Karate Classes New Location

Karate Classes in Tuam will now be in Total Fitness Solutions Tuam from September on Wednesdays and Fridays from 18:00. Our children's class has continued to become increasingly popular, with some Little Wolves due to also progress to the next level shortly, space is becoming a bit of an issue. Total Fitness Solutions offers an exceptional training hall with the added bonus of gym facilities for parents to use whilst their children train.
Faolchú other classes of Adults Karate, Combat Training and Little Wolves Karate will remain in Indigo Holistic Healing Centre our regular dojo.
Why not visit us on Facebook as well.

Dermott O Keeffe Course Reminder

Tuam karate students from Faolchú Will be travelling to train with sensei Dermott O Keeffe on Sunday in Kiltimagh Community Center.
Classes will be divided into under 10 years, junior and over 10 years senior. Any lifts required please let me know.
Course Details:
10.30am - Registration for junior class
11.00am - 12.15pm - junior class
12.45pm - Registration for senior class
1.00pm - 2.15pm senior class followed by a break
2.30pm - 3.45pm senior class.
Cost - Juniors €8- Seniors €10

Summer Time Class Change

Karate in Tuam classes are changed during the summer months, to help suit students better during the holidays from school. All Little Wolves training is on Tuesday from 6 to 7 in the Indigo Holistic Healing Center. Fridays 8+ children's karate class is now on from 6 to 7:15 in the Indigo Holistic Healing Center. Wednesdays children's karate classes is now in Tuam's Total Fitness Solutions which will be it's new home.
Like last year we will not be running regular classes during August but there is still plenty going on with Nunchaku training and Saturday squad training sessions.

Karate in Tuam has two new Student of the Month Awards

Tuam karate students Liam Synott and Jake Donlon received the Wednesday class Student of the Month medals after continuously working hard and excelling within their karate training. Well done boys

Nunchaku Beginners Course

On the 6th of August, Faolchú are hosting Sensei Stephen Kelly, who will be teaching a beginners seminar in nunchaku. This course is open to all but pre registration is essential due to the need to have enough training nunchaku for everyone.
We understand that students enjoy a varied and interesting training schedule and by continuously introducing students to the many skilled instructors both in the JKS and within our martial arts community we aim to help students have a more rounded knowledge of their karate. The event will take place in the Total Fitness Solutions, main hall.

10:00-11:00 under 10 years old

11:15- 13:00 10 years and up including adults.
The course will only cost €15 and this includes your own training nunchaku.