As we approach the end of one year, and the start of 2025, it is fitting to remember our good friend and sensei, Bob Poynton, and his thoughts on karate and life. The KUGB made this film of Sensei Bob Poynton in December 2019, sharing a bit about himself – https://vimeo.com/399117804

See you all on January 6, 2025 for our first session back. Happy Christmas!

As another successful year draws to a close, Bath Karate Club has recognised two exceptional members who have embodied the spirit of karate through their dedication, perseverance, and achievements.

The prestigious Student of the Year award, carefully deliberated by the club’s senior instructors, has been awarded to Sara. This recognition celebrates more than just technical progress – it honours the essential qualities that define a true martial artist: consistent training, resilience in the face of challenges, and an unwavering belief in self-improvement.

Sara has demonstrated these attributes throughout the year, maintaining an exemplary training record and showing determination even when faced with obstacles. Her commitment to the art was ultimately validated by her successful achievement of Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt), a testament to her dedication and the very qualities that earned her this award.

This year we have reinstated our Competitor of the Year award, with Emma earning this recognition. Emma’s competitive record in 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable, securing medals in all three regional and national competitions she entered. The highlight of her competitive season was claiming silver at the National Children’s Championships, an outstanding achievement at such a prestigious event.

Beyond the medals, Emma’s competition experience has enabled a deeper engagement with her karate journey. Her success on the competition circuit has enhanced her confidence and led her to take greater ownership of her training and development – a mature approach that promises even greater achievements in the future.

These awards not only celebrate individual excellence but also reflect the strong foundation and supportive environment that Bath Karate Club continues to provide for its members, from beginners to advanced practitioners, from recreational students to competitive kareteka.

Please note that our last training session this year will be Thursday 19th December, and we will start training again on Monday 6th January 2025.

Bath Karate’s instructors wish you all a peaceful and Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Congratulations to Sara Kousalari for passing her Shodan, last weekend at Chelmsford, under Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan) and Sensei Garry Harford (8th Dan). Sara has travelled a long way to achieve this, and I don’t mean the 8 hour round trip to Chelmsford; her dedication and commitment have been plain for all to see. She has been ‘on the boil’ for most of the year and has worked tirelessly and with ‘quiet’ enthusiasm (she does remember to relax a little and to smile now and then). She has also had ‘The Eye of Sauron’ (aka Sensei Ron Hicks) on her for at least 6 months, but has endured – and enjoyed – it. Sara represents everything we at the Bath club hold dear and is a welcome addition to the ‘Black Belt Club’. The next challenge – all those new kata to learn. Congratulations Sara!

We have also recently held a Kyu grading with our examiner, Sensei Rob Welsh, 7th Dan. Congratulations to the Bath members who passed their next grade:

Florence Watson – 9th Kyu
Jake Williams – 8th Kyu
Olly Childs – 8th Kyu
Cloe Burden – 8th Kyu
Amy Beattie – 6th Kyu
Harry Sanders – 6th Kyu
Emma Thompson – 6th Kyu
Lucas Mitchell – 5th Kyu
Storm Jackson – 3rd Kyu
Peter Ashby – 2nd Kyu
Marc Bessant – 2nd Kyu
Tom Park – 1st Kyu