In what is becoming an annual event, last night Bath Karate Club once again welcomed back Sensei Holly Bruce, 5th Dan, from Sendai Kushiro Karate Club. As an internationally acclaimed competitor and KUGB ambassador, Sensei Bruce brought her characteristic attention to detail and technical precision to another exceptional session that benefitted the whole club, from novices to 6th Dan.

The evening began with focused kihon, centred around a three-step striking combination. Sensei Bruce’s emphasis on slow, controlled movements set the tone for the session. She guided students through the critical elements of weight distribution, demonstrating how a softened back leg creates the foundation for fast, direct technique delivery.

The evening’s focus was a kumite session built around the fundamental techniques of kizami zuki and gyaku zuki. Sensei Bruce’s systematic approach to controlling the distance was fundamental and clear. The defensive strategy she taught was particularly insightful, “you have only two options,” she explained, “go in and counterattack, or escape then counter—never attempt both simultaneously.”
The progression from slow, controlled partner work to full-speed attack and defence allowed everyone to develop their familiarity and skills gradually with progression and intensity. Swapping partners ensured students experienced different timing and distance challenges, reflecting the unpredictable nature of kumite.

The session concluded with kata, focusing on Heian Sandan and Gojushiho Sho. Sensei Bruce connected the kata elements back to the kihon at the session’s start emphasizing how proper weight loading and smooth transitions carry through every aspect of karate practice.
Sensei Bruce’s ability to break down complex concepts into simple actions was evident throughout the evening. Her teaching approach — progressing from foundational principles through partner drills to full-speed application — ensured that every participant, left the session with concrete technical improvements and a deeper appreciation for the strategic elements that separate effective kumite from mere stepping and punching.

Bath Karate Club held its latest kyu grading under Sensei Rob Welsh last week. We would like to thank Sensei for making the trip to Bath, for taking the club training session and then the grading. Thank you to all those club members who turned up to train and support the evening. Finally, many congratulations to the club members who passed their grading:

Beatrice Craig – 8th Kyu
Florence Watson – 7th Kyu
Chloe Burden – 6th Kyu
Jake Williams – 6th Kyu
Ollie Childs – 6th Kyu
Marlena Gulaj – 5th Kyu
Amy Beattie – 4th Kyu
Emma Thompson – 4th Kyu
Harry Sanders – 4th Kyu
Storm Jackson – 1st Kyu
Peter Ashby – 1st Kyu
Dan Walklin – 1st Kyu

Congratulations to Richard Thompson for passing his Shodan yesterday at the University of Bath Sports Training Village, under Sensei Frank Brennan (8th Dan) and Sensei Garry Harford (8th Dan) of the KUGB.

Richard’s achievement comes as no surprise to those who train alongside him. His commitment to training twice weekly, combined with his competitive spirit has created has created a disciplined approach that serves as a model for all club members.

The grading also saw Roy Sanders attempt his 2nd Dan examination, successfully completing two elements of the grading. While he will need to retake the kumite portion, his performance earned praise from the examiners for his strong attitude and determination.

Both Richard and Roy received special recognition from Sensei Brennan, who commended their attitude, and had noted their participation in the additional training sessions at the KUGB Spring Torbay course – note to all club members, it’s important to go and train on KUGB courses!

We’d also like to thank all those club black and brown belts who turned up to represent the Bath club on the training sessions led by Senseis Brennan and Harford that preceded the grading.