All Grades Course Taught by Sensei Elywn Hall

Venue: Lackham College - 25 September, 2005 Sensei Elwyn Hall is a renowned kumite champion and is respected by countless Karate-ka world wide. We were privileged to have him instruct one of our monthly courses. The session was primarily kumite based and concentrated on a limited number of techniques, so as to not overwhelm students with too much information. The lesson began with kizami-zuki, gyaku-zuki and maewashi-geri techniques; emphasising spirit commitment and depth of attack but also control!. This then moved to kicking ushiro-geri working on the speed of turning as well as not over rotating the hips to create a kekomi style kick. Finally we moved onto reaction training, attempting to beat the attackers techniques with a fully committed counter attack, followed by some paired-up kumite, involving blocks, leg sweeps, kicks and counters. The lesson was a great high impact session especially emphasising dynamic movement within kumite. Sensei Hall demonstrated all the movements with lightning fast speed and yet still with accurate targeting. The one technique that stood out in particular was his ushiro-geri, the technique, speed, positioning and power of which left us all in awe. Overall the lesson was very hard working and tiring but as Sensei pointed out when in this state and you continue to train with spirit your karate makes the most improvement. So in all, the session was extremely enjoyable. Thanks Sensei!