HALIFAX/DARTMOUTH KYOKUSHIN
KAIKAN KARATE

Last grading went very well.Sensei Herb lead a great Kihon and Kata class. His knowledge and exeperience is a great addition to the Dartmouth Club. His class was quick and demanding no break. All student went through the class alive We had students going for orange strippe, blue belt, green belt and brown strippe.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sensei John and his student from the KanreiKai Karate club in Halifax. Sensei John braught his students to chalenge Dartmouth dojo's student in the Kumite.

We liked what we have seen during the test. The Kihon was very demanding and most of the student did it with mention. All though, for some it was a little bit more challenging for different reason, (*1). Kihon started with a good warm up to prevent any injuries and then we raised the heart beat's pace up a nutch with jumping jacks and aerobics. We were used to traditional punching, blocking and kicking always in the same traditionnal sequence, but Sensei Herb showed us different and effective ways to do our Kihons with more variety and speed.

The Kata part was a different chalenge this time as well. Students went one by one. They had to be in front of everyone and do their Kata under the pressure of being wached! What that does, it forces the students to stay focus, no matter what is going on arround them, keep their next sequence of movement in mind even if people are talking around them. Doing the katas all together is a good opportnity to work as a team, everyone tries to be synchronise with their peers, but if a student has a dfficulty, he can watch others around him and keep going without making significant mistakes. But alone, no one to rely on, that is when you know if a katas has been well learned or not. Also, having a hard time doing a kata alone in a class (beside normal nevosity)tells the Senseis that a student hasn't done his home work

When we got to Kumite, some had to reach inside to find energy to go on. I want to especialy congradulate Thommy for an OUTSTANDING test! Never before we saw him with that much determination, focus and desire to win! Great Job. Kymris, had his teeth removed two week ago, therefore, he missed a few classes prior. Even thought, his testing was good enought to inspire others to work harder. Good job.

Now students all did good, but it doesn't end there, next time will be harder. Kyokushin will never get easier! But YOU, will get better!

*1-Today, i want to point out the importance of eating well and keeping yourself well hydrated before classes. Dehydrations makes your body weaker, loosing energy faster then usual as well as making you feel nauseous and gives you muscle cramps in your legs, toes and fingers. It can lead to vomiting during physically demanding activiies like soccer, basketball or Karate. Make sure you drink between 1 to 2 Litres of water everyday, at least two days prior to class, or any other demanding physical activities for that matter. Eat well, (protein, carbs,fibers) but be sure to eat at least one hour and a half prior to do any physical activities.

We will be back on January the 6th. We wish you all a happy and safe holidays to all of you, for you are my second familly.

Pat

www.kyokushindartmouth.ca