We travelled over on the Friday night, where Jayden participated and I observed the children's classes. A fantastic and buzzing group of children, a variety of ages and grades trained in a positive and fun filled class. All the while learning and practising high level skills that where basic principles to these eager students.
On Saturday Jayden and I joined a large Harrogate class which was in the majority adult black belts with decades of experience and training behind them, in what was one of their regular weekly classes.
Once again Sensei Matt taught in his unique positive, engaging yet challenging way. On this morning many of the drills where kumite related working on reaction, timing and fitness.
We consistently changed partners, which in a group of 30-40 gave me a great variety of partners. However unlike a karate seminar where we all have a tendency to be a little on edge as we are out of our normal space, these karateka had a buzz of friendliness and relaxation.
We finished off the session with Gojushiho Dai (at the request of Jayden) and some character building stamina exercises!!!
We where kindly invited to join the group in their Saturday post workout pub lunch and get together, in the local pub across the road. Ordering my dinner at the bar I couldn't help but feel that Malcolm would have had a difficult time choosing an ale (there was great selection of new beers on tap).
Three generations of friends met up and caught up on the week and made myself and Jayden very welcome, helping us out with advice of where to go in the lovely town of Harrogate.
Jayden and I really enjoyed ourselves and would very much like to return sometime soon. We are most grateful of the Harrogate Karate Club for making us welcome.
OSS
