The Honbu dojo was treated to a challenging and powerful session by Sensei Simon Staples on Tuesday 7th April. Sensei Staples is a highly thought of Shotokan Karateka not only throughout SEKU but through many organisations across the country. Sensei Staples himself was once a member of SEKU but is now currently teaching his own club as well as coaching the squad of Sensei Hazards Academy of Shotokan Karate (ASK).

Sensei Crowe and Sensei Staples have known each other for many years and have trained and fought side by side (and each other) across the world including their extensive stay at the JKA headquarters in Japan. Needless to say Sensei Staples experience and dedication to Karate has made him truly an inspirational technician, which is why when word of mouth spread that Sensei Staples was teaching at the Honbu several guests arrived to train.

 

The overall focus of the session was on hip movement and changing stances to shift the weight distribution and distance between attacker and defender.  After initial development on zenkutsu dachi and age-uke Sensei Staples built on a combination using several dachi, uke and uchi.  Each step and addition to the combination then gave chance for a pair up and with so many in the class there were great pair ups to be had by all. 

Sensei Staples teaching style allowed, within the same combination, the juniors of the group time and confidence to learn and apply the combination but likewise gave plenty more advanced and intricate components to think about and work on for the seniors.

The final part of the session which was just for the senior grades, linked back to the initial movements used at the very start of the class, the zenkutsu dachi and age-uke.  The movements were used in a kumite application against multiple attackers and it was stressed that an awareness of both attackers and dealing with each should be done quickly and effectively.

As always from start to finish there was a great atmosphere in the dojo and both students and Sensei Staples seemed to build on each others efforts making an intense and excitable training session.

Many thanks to all who attended, Sensei Crowe for organising another inspirational guest instructor and Sensei Staples for his time and knowledge, the Honbu looks forward to your next visit.