Free Course February 2026
The main theme for the free course was kata. After a thorough warm‑up, students began practicing selected movements from the Pinan Katas through focused line‑work (Kihon). This allowed them to repeat and refine some of the more challenging sequences under the expert guidance of Shihan Patrick.
Throughout the session, students reviewed tournament etiquette, competition rules, and key fundamentals for team kata. They also worked in groups to demonstrate their understanding and apply what they had learned. Kata application was incorporated to ensure that students not only practiced the movements but also understood their purpose.
This was the second course of the year and helped set the tone for a full and exciting training agenda for 2026.
Richard Patrick (Chief Instructor)
Masters Course 2026
On a wintery damp Sunday, the first BWKS of the year took place. The Master's Course is designed to launch the new Dan grade syllabus for the year and to discuss the key areas that will be taught through this year. This course was attended by four black belts representing each of the associated clubs.
The lower Dan grades were asked to conduct the karate commands and brushed up on how and why things are done. The terminology of the te-waza (hand techniques) and tachi-kata (stances) were discussed at length, and the students answered correctly.
All in all, it was a very technical class, and not as physical compared to many of our other courses, it was a highly enjoyable course and very informative. I wish to thank Sensei Nick 4th Dan for arranging and hosting this event at the Clacton-on-Sea dojo
Richard Patrick (Chief Instructor)
New Black Belt Swaroop On The Block
As any black belt will tell you, that the way to the top is to keep on going and not to stop. They say you only fail when you give up, so, if at first you don't suceed, try, try again!
It was a great day to see New City student Swaroop 1st Dan collect his black belt. I knew what he had to go through and the sacrifice he had to make to be able to earn his belt.
In the first part you will have to make up your mind that you are going to succeed, no matter the route, the pain or the hardship that it causes.
They say, what does not kill you makes you stronger. To succeed you need to surround yourself amongst good honest and trustworthy people, because you are going to get those down days, and you will always need someone to help support you and to prop you up from time to time.
To have the ability to learn and to grow, by the end of the process, you will not be able to recognize yourself from before, as you will have changed both inside and out.
The travelling, drills, training and all the studying that comes with the preparation will nourish both the mind and soul and this process will transform you into the new you.
Finally, you would need to be patient as you may not gain your belt the first time, so you would need to prepare yourself for the second or third attempt. Whatever it takes, if you do not give up, you will succeed, reach your goal, in karate, life, career and even relationships.
