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
In a display of talent and competitive spirit, two Bath Karate Club karateka added to their medal collections at the South West KUGB Championships, held at Uffculme School near Exeter, last weekend. The tournament featured multiple categories across various age groups and skill levels, showcasing the depth of karate talent in the region.
Bath Karate Club made a strong showing at the championship, fielding four competitors across different categories. The club’s representatives showed karate as a family pursuit, with two parent-child pairs competing.
Emma continued her impressive competition streak, securing a bronze medal in the Children’s Individual Kata. The result validates her recent silver medal performance in the Girls Individual Kata at the KUGB Youth & Student Championships in October. This establishes Emma as a consistent competitor on the circuit. Most remarkably, Emma has now medaled in all three of her competition appearances, showing remarkable consistency for a young martial artist. Her father Richard also competed in kumite and kata, making it a true family affair.
In the Children’s Ippon Kumite competition, Harry demonstrated his fighting spirit by claiming a bronze medal. Ippon Kumite, requires precise timing, control, and technical execution, making his achievement particularly impressive in this demanding discipline. Harry’s father Roy rounded out the Bath club’s competition squad, illustrating how karate can bridge generations within families.
These results highlight the growing strength of youth karate in the Bath Club, with both Emma and Harry exemplifying the dedication and spirit that characterises our martial art. Their success suggests bright futures ahead in their karate journeys, as they continue to develop their skills and competitive experience, supported by their karate-practicing parents.
Last night, Bath Karate Club hosted Sensei John Bruce, 6th Dan, national and international champion, and Chair of the KUGB. Sensei Bruce’s session was nothing short of inspirational; sharing his wealth of experience in both kata and kumite.
Sensei Bruce’s approach to kihon was fundamental and detailed. He emphasized the importance of using body weight effectively in kicks, thrusting the hips and moving the centre of gravity forwards to generate power, not simply focusing on balance. For punching and blocking, he stressed the significance of using full hikite and fast body rotation to develop speed and hence power. His instruction to the black belts on extending this approach to one-arm blocks was straightforward to understand but harder to realise – more practice needed!
This concept was taken into kata with Bassai Dai, and Sensei Bruce encouraged us to avoid less than fully extended movements and to harness body weight to generate power. Throughout the session Sensei placed emphasis on self-reflection and analysis, reminding us of the importance of personal, continuous study in our karate training.
Kumite training focused on thinking beyond just blocking, emphasising the need to get out of the opponent’s range – moving in at least four directions, backwards, either side, and also going forwards to close the distance in order to strike. Sensei stressed that there are no shortcuts in karate, and our focus should be on long-term development through consistent, correct practice.
Sensei illustrated his holistic approach to karate, viewing kihon, kata, and kumite not as separate entities but as interconnected aspects of a single practice. Sensei Bruce’s parting words on attitude left a lasting impression. He emphasized that it’s not just about ‘trying’, but ‘trying in the right way’. This encapsulates John Bruce’s approach to karate – a blend of fundamental techniques with a deep understanding of body mechanics and mental discipline.
Bath Karate Club has had the opportunity to learn from one of the very best instructors and Sensei John Bruce’s visit has left us all inspired to elevate our practice and strive for excellence in our karate journey.
Last Thursday, Bath Karate Club had the privilege of hosting a training session led by Sensei Holly Bruce, 5th Dan (Sendai Kushiro Karate Club) an internationally acclaimed karateka, instructor known for her meticulous approach, and ambassador for the KUGB. Sensei Bruce delivered a session that left everyone with detailed insight and actions to improve their karate.
The session began with a deep dive into kihon based on a series of stepping combinations. Sensei Bruce emphasised the importance of performing each move slowly and with precision, focusing on the detail and efficiency of preparing each move and weight distribution. She encouraged students to increase their speed only after they fully understood the correct execution of each technique. This approach not only highlighted the importance of forming good habits but also the necessity of refining each repetition to improve on the last.
Building on the kihon, Sensei Bruce transitioned into kata. Here, she stressed the importance of detail, biomechanics, and posture. Each move was dissected to understand the individual components, with a special focus on the escaping steps. within.
The final part of the session was dedicated to kumite. Sensei Bruce introduced drills aimed at improving distance management and the execution of single, double, and triple punches. Participants engaged in three-partner drills designed to enhance both their reaction times and their offensive skills. These exercises underscored the dynamic nature of kumite and the necessity of quick thinking and adaptability during sparring.
Throughout the session, Sensei Bruce’s clear explanations, focus on personal development, and attention to individuals were evident. Her approach ensured that every participant, regardless of their grade or skill level, left with a clear understanding of what they could improve upon. The session wasn’t just about performing techniques but about evolving as karate practitioners. Bath Karate Club looks forward to future sessions with such an exceptional instructor.
On the 11th July Bath Karate Club held its latest Kyu grading, and we would like to thank Sensei Rob Welsh who made the journey to Bath to take the training and grading. We would also like to thank the club members who turned out to support the evening. Congratulations to the Bath members who passed their next grade.
Also this weekend, the KUGB held its latest Black and Brown Belt Course at the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village. The instructors were Sensei Frank Brennan and Sensei Garry Harford. Thanks to all the club’s black and brown belts who took trained on the course.
On February 8th we were delighted to host Sensei Holly Bruce, 5th Dan, from Sendai Kushiro Karate Clubs in County Durham. Holly Bruce is an international champion in both Kata and Kumite, and a fantastic role model for the KUGB. Holly’s instruction was first class, and her session focused on details of moving efficently and then applied to kata. We look forward to welcoming Holly back to the club later in the year.
Congratulations to those who successfully graded on Thursday 14th March under Sensei Rob Welsh.
Well done to those club members who competed at this year’s Southern Region Championships in Reading on 16th March. Thanks also to those who made the trip to support the club.
We would like to make a special mention to Emma Thompson who obtained Bronze in the Junior Kata competition in her very first outing as a competitor.
Also, many congratulations to Sensei Kieran Shore who won 1st place in the Veterans’ Kata competition. We hope this encourages more club members to follow in their footsteps!
Congratulations to Philip Southgate who passed his 2nd Dan grading on 12th April at the KUGB Spring Course in Torbay. Philip achieved this fantastic milestone under the scrutiny of three examiners, Sensei Jim Brennan, Sensei Frank Brennan and Sensei Billy Higgins (L-R above).
The club held its final kyu grading for 2023 last night. We had a great turn out for the training, and also welcomed karateka from local clubs. A big thank you to Sensei Rob Welsh, 7th Dan, our grading examiner, for travelling to Bath. Congratulations to all those Bath club members who successfully graded:
Rey Tang – 9th KYU
Siobhan Tan – 9th KYU
Emma Thompson – 9th KYU
Harry Sanders – 9th KYU
Amy Beattie – 8th KYU
Storm Jackson – 6th KYU
Lucas Mitchell – 6th KYU
Jonny Barden – 5TH KYU
Holly Coles – 4th KYU
Peter Ashby -4th KYU
Tom Park – 3rd KYU
Richard Thompson – 3rd KYU
Ethan Park – 2nd KYU
Oscar O’Keeffe – 2nd Kyu
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sensei Brian Middleton on Thursday 12 January 2023. Brian founded Bath Shotokan Karate Club in 1969. He ran it for over 25 years before passing the torch on to Kieran Shore. He was an influential instructor – some say ‘a force of nature!’ With Brian’s instruction and guidance, at least 150 – 200 members of the club achieved their First Dan grades.
We will post a more complete account of his legacy in due course here and on our Facebook page. In the meantime, the ‘older’ members of Bath Karate Club send their condolences to Brian’s daughters and to Helen, his soul mate.
bath shotokan karate club 