Coaching, Kata & Kumite April 2026
Saturday 18th April 2026 - Summary of the coaching course, kata and kumite competition.
The weather on the day pleasant 18 degrees and sunny as we arrived on Clacton-on-Sea seafront. Our day started with the competition mats being laid and the students from various clubs arriving, we were met by our host TWK Sensei Nicolas 4th Dan.
We started the course with the warmup exercises and stretches, we had a great discussion on the key areas judges and referees would look for when marking in kata and kumite competitions.
The next phase of the course was an officials overview, where we discussed the various aspects of competition scoring, how to score against an opponent and the areas of the body that are not allowed. This part of course event displayed with some impressive examples of scoring and judging.
The Ladies and Men's kata and mixed kumite competitions were conducted, see the results below and photos attached.
The students practiced their 3 person team kata and this was followed by the bunkai practise - this is an demonstration of breaking the kata down in its component parts with 4 students conducting preprepared attacks.
Towards the end of the course we discussed the new regulations when deciding how to differentiate 2 finalists in a team kata competition.
As the course came to the end we took our obligatory photos and said our goodbyes. Our next BWKS kata competition will be held at the Lenwood Karate Dojo, East Ham E6.
Richard Patrick (Chief Instructor)
BWKS Spring Course March 2026
The BWKS spring course got off to great start with 15 students attending, this was our first Spring Course leading up to Spring competitions.
Shihan Richard 6th Dan took the group of students through their paces and went through the moves and areas where the judges assess, and how the students can improve within this area.
Stances, power and form was tested and the results were impressive.
To the latter part of the course, we went through the procedure of entering the competition area and announcing and the correct Japanese terminology.
At the end of the course, photos were taken and we looked forward to our association kata competition which will be held @ Lenwood Karate Dojo, East Ham.
Richard Patrick (Chief Instructor)
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.
