Our 1st course of the year was held last weekend at the hombu dojo with Sensei Derek Ridgway and was a great success. Students travelled from all over the UK to attend the winter course which is always the 1st course of the new year. Saturday was spent covering fundamental kata with lower grades studying Naifanchin Shodan and senior grades covering Naifanchin Nidan and sandan. These kata were taught to sensei Ridgway in Okinawa by Master Isamu Arakaki 10th Dan Shorin Ryu. He explained that they represent the fundamental principles of the Shorin Ryu style and are vital in the proper understanding of Shorin Ryu.
Sunday was to be split between junior and senior grades with junior grades learning kata Ananku and Gekisai. The seniors were given the choice of working on either Sochin or Papuren. Everyone enjoyed their training and went away with much to think about and to look forward to more courses with Sensei Ridgway later in the year.
A big thank you goes out to all who attended especially those who travelled from afar.
Please keep an eye on the website for future courses with Sensei Ridgway
above shows sensei Ridgway being taught my master Arakaki in Okinawa