The weekend of the 12^th to 14^th October saw the annual autumn course with Shihan Eddie Daniels take place at the headquarters of the Shukokai Karate Federation in Blackheath, West Midlands.  Both junior and senior grades from the North and South of England joined those from the Midlands in benefiting from the teaching of one of the World Chief instructors of Kimura Shukokai International.

Shihan Daniels took the kata Paiku as his theme for the weekend, which complimented the kata Heiku which was taught on the spring course earlier in the year.

The course was split into two groups; all grades up to 1^st kyu and black belts, but the fact that this kata had never been taught before in the Shukokai Karate Federation was a great leveller between the classes.

Friday night saw the first 21 moves of the kata undertaken with students concentrating of absorbing some of the more intricate and flowing techniques. It was hard but enjoyable work that left everyone wondering what the following day would bring.  Shihan Daniels added to that anticipation by telling everyone that the second half of the kata would contain some interesting and exciting moves.

Saturday dawned and the rest of the kata was developed by Shihan Daniels. Students had the opportunity of incorporating jodan yoko geri keage, ippon ken and a considerable amount of kakete into the kata. Students left for the day with plenty to think about and remember for the following day.

On the Saturday evening of the course it is traditional for all students, instructors and parents to get together in the dojo for a dinner. Once again we were all treated to such a feast of excellent food from Arthur and Anthony Callaghan that we hardly noticed that England was beating France in the semi final of the Rugby World Cup! A fund raising game of bingo was held with all proceeds going towards the squad tracksuits for the 2008 World Championships to be held in Switzerland. In the true spirit of Kimura Shukokai a pleasant evening was had by all.

Sunday morning came around far too quickly and Shihan Eddie introduced the timing into the kata and demonstrated the bunkai which put a unique angle on the previous days training. The final part of the course gave everyone the opportunity of demonstrating the kata in front of Shihan Daniels.

Following the end of the course the black belt grading took place at which all senior grades were asked to perform Paiku, in addition to the usual expected techniques and kata, The following students were successful:

1st Dan (Shodan)

Steve Farrow
Edward Mitchell
Chris Plant
Stacey Matthews
Chervyonne Bissell
Ryan Bissell
Kabir Hussain
Sameer Hussain

2nd Dan (Nidan)

Matthew Acton
Thomas Mullitt