Latest news
In all, eight children from age 5 to 7 completed the latest Bushido Warriors course, which consists of eight weeks of Karate lessons targeted especially to that age group.
The progress made over the course by each and every child was fantastic! We're delighted that after completing her Bushido Warriors Level 3 certificate (the highest in the programme)
that Ruby will now be joining our standard classes, having shown excellent progress over the last year and great potential for the future.
If you'd like to enrol your child in the next Backwell Karate Bushido Warriors course, which starts on Friday 28th February, visit our Warriors page and complete
the contact form or email info@backwellkarate.org.
We're also delighted to confirm our Christmas meal will be on Friday 20th December at Britannia Spice, just across from the Parish Hall dojo.
This year's meal takes place after a combined beginner to black belt training session from 6.30-7.30pm.
Please note that there is no separate brown and black belt class on this evening.
The event is open to club members who are over 16 and any children that are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please let us know if you can make it
by joining the event set up on Facebook or by emailing chrisdenny@backwellkarate.org.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and to thank all the members and parents for their ongoing efforts, support and
hard work over the last year.
The competition, held at Nottingham's Wildcat Arena, drew some of the biggest and best clubs from across the UK and Ireland. With over
800 individual entries and 100 team entries, the event ran for 11 hours solid. As a growing club, with a growing reputation, Sunday's championship
was a massive test for Nailsea & Backwell Karate clubs.
Brown belt, Nicole Tanner took home a brace of medals in the below black belt senior events. With a sharp Tekki Shodan kata earning her the
silver behind Joe Bulmer of Leeds, Tanner then went on to take bronze in a final fight that went to overtime, with the win coming from a quick
body punch against her Sheffield competitor.
Backwell Karate's elite senior kata team (Devon Troskie, Steven Connell and Tim Griffiths) added another bronze to the medal
tally, beating teams with exceptional reputations along the way to qualifying for the final. The Gold went to a
team representing the TSKUK association (made up of 26 clubs in the South-East of England) whose final kata was delivered with exceptional precision
and impeccable timing. But a solid performance of kata Ji'in gave Backwell the edge and saw the trio take third place.
"In particular, Nicole Tanner performed really well. Having just moved up to the Seniors this year it's a great achievement. Off the back of today's
performance we're now looking forward to seeing her knuckle down and develop her skills so she's taking medals in the black belt categories in the future.
She's definitely shown the potential."
Sensei Price, who coached the JKS England team at the World Championships in Japan earlier this year, taught students from orange belt to black belt the
skills that he coaches his elite team and own club. With techniques ranging from strikes, chokes, throws and scorpion kicks, those attending were treated
to a master class which left the class buzzing by the end.
Sensei Price was the second senior instructor to visit the Nailsea and Backwell clubs this year, following on from Sensei Andy Sherry, 9th Dan,
in July. This was the latest in a series of guest visits to help build the clubs into a centre of excellence for Karate in the region, and with the
club winning another national bronze in September adding to the Southern Region Championship earlier this year, it seems to be working.
Says Sensei Matt Price: "The club is a very good standard and it is a pleasure to see the progress everyone has made since my visit in December
last year. The improvements are only achievable through good, honest time in the dojo with the correct instruction."
Under 16s from the clubs took 7 out of 9 trophies on offer at the competition, which saw youngsters from across Bristol and Bath compete in both
kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) categories.
Dylan Mateer was awarded best overall competitor, after winning his kata category against 2nd place Dayne Troskie (also from Backwell)
and coming 2nd in his kumite event, while Sam Henley pipped club mate Ben Lee to first place in another all Backwell kata final before Charlie Carter
picked up another first place for the club in above 6th kyu kumite.
Club instructor Tim Griffiths was proud of the performance by the Nailsea & Backwell members: "Everyone at the club put in a phenomenal effort!
All of the club's instructors were impressed by all the performances – from those that built up the courage to compete for the first time
through to the trophy winners – there was a great attitude by all. All the parents and senior club members help make the club what it is by being so
supportive and so the atmosphere at the club is fantastic at the moment. Well done to everyone and thanks to all those that put in the time and effort to
keep us moving onwards and upwards!"
Our final coloured belt grading of the year took place in Oldland Common, Bristol, hosted by the Bath Shotokan Karate Club. Before the grading, Sensei Bob Poynton took a
two hour class for members of the clubs in attendance.
The Nailsea & Backwell Karate instructors would like to offer our congratulations to all those that passed their gradings, and a special mention to Lainey,
Yannis, Dayne and Arabella for skipping from white belt straight to red belt.
The class instructors would like to congratulate everyone that passed Warrior Levels 1, 2 and 3. It was great to see everyone have fun at the same time as really improving since starting at the beginning of October.
The next Backwell Karate Bushido Warriors course starts on Friday 22nd November. If you know someone that is between 5 and 8 who would like to join us then please email info@backwellkarate.org for a registration form. Or if you'd like more information, please visit our Backwell Karate Bushido Warriors page.
Sensei Price is a former ESKA European Kumite Champion, KUGB Grand
Champion and WSKA World Team Champion. He is now the JKS England national
squad coach, having recently returned from Japan where he coached at the
JKS World Championships. Sensei Price passed his 6th Dan this year in
Japan.
Training times are as follows:
The course will take place at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre (the auditorium) in Nailsea. It's £10 per class if booked in advance, and £12 on door if there are any spaces remaining on the day.
The only way to guarantee your place is to book and pay for your place in advance. Bookings can be made at Nailsea & Backwell Karate classes or by sending confirmation of the class you're booking and your training fee to Backwell Karate, c/o 71 Bryants Hill, Bristol, BS5 8QZ. Cheques should be made payable to 'Backwell Karate'.
Griffiths competed in the Male Senior Kata event, which saw competitors from across the UK and Ireland perform advanced katas, judged
by a panel of referees and judges, in the hope of winning the prestigious Shotokan Cup trophy.
After a close elimination round and semi-final, the evening's final was contested by the same four competitors as the 2012 event.
Tim Griffiths, who teaches Karate in Nailsea & Backwell, said, "To get through to the final of a national event two years in a row is
something I'm really proud to achieve. But this year's event was so tight that I can't help feeling that with another push over the
next few months we can bring back a national medal of another colour to the club over the coming months and years.
"As well as our normal lessons week-in-week out, the plans for the clubs are to continue to bring in some of the best competitors
and coaches for special seminars to help everyone improve both their traditional and competitive Karate. Having picked up golds
at the Southern regions earlier this year, we’ll be pushing for improvement in all areas over the coming months.
And with such great attitudes from everyone at both of the clubs I know we’ll keep moving forward."
This coming Friday, 20th September, the Parish Hall will be unavailable so training is moving to Nailsea School Auditorium.
Please use the School's Community Entrance and follow the signs. For those of you that train at Nailsea School for the Nailsea Karate classes,
the Auditorium is the hall we use that's furthest from the entrance.
Our training times will be the same as usual. 5.50-6.30pm for Bushido Warriors, 6.30-7.30pm for below brown belts (including beginners)
and 7.30-8.30pm for brown and black belts. The full address is Nailsea School, Mizzymead Road, Nailsea, BS48 2HN.
The final coloured belt grading of the year is scheduled for Sunday 10th November at Sir Bernard Lovell School, North Street, Oldland Common, Bristol, BS30 8TS. There will be no training in Backwell
that morning. Training will take place from 12-1.30pm and will be followed by the grading soon after.
After the grading the Annual Bill Winfield Memorial Children's Competition will taking place. We would
encourage all under 16s to take part, which gives a great introduction to competing in a friendly, safe environment.
Those training or grading will need an up-to-date KUGB licence which needs to be brought in your red KUGB
grading record book on the day. If you're not sure whether you'll be eligible to grade, please speak to one
of the club instructors at training.
British Karate’s foremost Shotokan Karate pioneer, Sensei Andy Sherry (9th Dan, KUGB) was the guest of honour at Backwell Karate's Parish Hall dojo this weekend.
The Karate Union of Great Britain's chief instructor taught a special course for 40 karate practitioners from the Nailsea and Backwell Karate clubs, as well as visitors from Bristol and Bath. After a class dedicated to coloured belt students, club members took a belt exam, with 22 out of 22 students from the club passing, including the club's youngest ever orange belt, 6 year old Holly, who recently graduated the club's Bushido Warriors children's Karate course.
A separate black belt class followed, with 14 students from 1st to 5th dan benefiting from the expert knowledge of Sensei Sherry.
Backwell Karate are currently riding high, having won the team title at last month's KUGB Southern Region Championships and a visit from the national chief instructor and squad coach has delighted the club's students even more.
Club instructor and national squad member Tim Griffiths was thrilled by the visit: "Everyone in British Karate knows who Sensei Sherry is, so to have such a special guest agree to come down to North Somerset is a real honour for us. I was so pleased to hear our chief instructor be so positive about the overall standard and even point out a few students to really keep an eye on in the future.
"Continuing to offer opportunities to train with the very best Karate exponents is part of our continuing strategy to lift the club to be seen as one of the top traditional Shotokan clubs in the country. Having won the Southern Region Championships last month and then having such a high profile visitor this month, we're certainly heading in the right direction."
Both Nailsea Karate and Backwell Karate stay open throughout the school holidays and are currently accepting new members.
A dozen North Somerset youngsters were beaming with pride after they received certificates for completing a special two month Karate training programme.
Friday night saw the culmination of this training, as the children demonstrated to parents and relatives everything they'd
learned throughout the programme, from bowing to basic kicks, punches, stances right through to partner work in an end of course test.
Backwell Karate run the course as part of their support of the national Change For Life campaign, an NHS initiative to encourage
people to eat well and move more. The club has been a Local Supporter of Change for Life for over two years, with the scheme
recommending children from age 5 are active for at least 60 minutes every day.
Club instructor, Tim Griffiths said, "it's great to see our Junior Warriors exercising with us week-in, week-out and learning
a new skill at the same time, as part of our specialist children's Karate course. Bushido Warriors introduces kids to fun
but disciplined exercise which builds confidence, helps develop attention and gets them moving and I’m really proud of how they’ve all done.”
The club's next Bushido Warriors course begins on Friday 6th September, and spaces are strictly limited. As soon as places are full we
operate a waiting list for future courses. For more information about the Bushido Warriors programme, visit our dedicated page.
Nailsea & Backwell Karate clubs hit new heights this weekend at the Karate Union of Great Britain Southern Region Championships,
taking three regional titles including the blue riband event, Team Kumite (free sparring).
The gold for the prestigious team event, where clubs from across the south of England put their best fighters into teams of
three plus a reserve, was won in a gripping final against the 2011 and 2012 champions, Egham Karate Club. Tim Griffiths,
Devon Troskie and Dan Henley lined up for Nailsea & Backwell, but after three tight matches the scores were tied at one fight
each and a draw. The fight went to one more deciding match, which was won on judges' decision by Backwell karateka Devon Troskie
after dominating throughout an intense final bout.
In all, the clubs came away with an impressive 11 medal haul from the championship, which took place in Reading. After
moving up into the 16-17 age category Steven Connell picked up his 2nd straight Southern title with a confident performance in the final.
There were also impressive performances in Kumite by Nicole Tanner, Ayla Moore and
Fergus Puddy and in Kata by Sam Henley, who each picked up medals in their respective events.
We're really delighted at how well each and every one of you performed on the day. All those that
represented the club did us proud, with so many great performances! Here is our full list of results:
Male Team Kumite 1st: Tim Griffiths, Devon Troskie, Dan Henley, Steven Connell
Full list of competitors: Tim Griffiths, Devon Troskie, Dan Henley, Steven Connell, Ian Connell, Dan Salter, Fergus Puddy, Jim Mateer, Sam Henley, Nicole Tanner, Kevin Hooper and Ayla Moore.
Sensei Sherry will be taking a Kyu grade training session, Kyu grading and a special Dan grade class. This is the first grading to be held at the club in our 35 year history, and we could think of no better person to be our first in-club grading examiner!
Sensei Sherry is an inspiration to those who train under him. He has recently been promoted to 9th Dan of the KUGB – 47 years after passing his 1st Dan under the auspices of the late Karate legend, Sensei Enoeda. Sensei visits us just ten days after celebrating his 70th birthday and he certainly shows no signs of slowing down.
The evening will run as follows:
Kyu grade training: 6.00-7.00pm
As usual, the combined training and grading fee will be £20. Training only will be £10. Training is only open to students of Nailsea Karate, Backwell Karate and invited guests of the clubs. Please note that the start time is earlier than our usual Friday night training time.
We hope as many of you as possible will be able to join us for this momentous occasion for our club. It is sure to be an evening to remember!
After a training session for all grades, twelve members from both Nailsea Karate and Backwell Karate took their grading with all achieving full passes. A special congratulations to our five members who graded for the first time: Toby, Josh, Archie, Sandra and Matt.
Both Dan and Dan have put in a lot of hard work and dedication to reach an excellent standard and we are all very proud of their achievements.
Dan Salter joined Nailsea Karate as a 1st Kyu a year ago and has quickly become a valued member of both Nailsea and Backwell.
Dan Henley is only the fifth person at the club to have been awarded Nidan level, but is the third within a year, showing the strength of the club at the moment.
We will be delighted to see their continued progress over the coming months and years, and hope that their achievements prove
an inspiration to those looking to take their black belt gradings in the future.
Eight youngsters were put through their paces in the final class of the course, reviewing everything they'd practised over the last
two months, with two children completing level 1 and another six completing Level 2.
The next course starts on Friday 10th May and spaces are strictly limited. If you'd like your child to give Karate a try on our Backwell Karate Bushido Warriors programme, then visit the Bushido Warriors page and get in touch.
Please note that there will be no training on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.
Friday 29th March and Sunday 31st March are our only scheduled breaks from training
until Christmas. Training will be back to normal at our sister club in Nailsea on
Wednesday 3rd April and at Backwell on Friday 5th April.
The first coloured belt grading of 2013 for Backwell Karate members will take place on Sunday 24th March, hosted by Bath Shotokan Karate Club.
The grading will be held at a new venue: Culverhay Sports Centre, Rush Hill, Bath, BA2 2QL. Sensei Bob Poynton (7th Dan) will be the grading examiner.
Because the grading is on a Backwell Karate training day there will be no training in Backwell that morning. A class taken by Sensei Poynton
will take place from 12-1.30pm and will be followed by the grading soon after. Those training or grading will need an up-to-date KUGB licence which
needs to be brought in your red KUGB grading record book on the day. For those training and grading the cost is £20 and for those just attending the training session the cost is £5.
Only those who have completed the minimum number of training sessions and are at the required
standard will be able to grade. If you're not sure whether you'll be eligible, please speak to one of the club instructors at training.
These sessions open up our usual 7.30-8.30pm 3rd Kyu and above class and are only open to Nailsea or Backwell Karate members who are at least 6th Kyu and
over 15 or are brown belt and above and any age. Remember that if you are below brown belt you must attend the previous 6.30-7.30pm class to be allowed to train in the Kumite class.
For these people there will be no additional charge for the 2nd class.
Those attending should be prepared for a tiring class and must also bring a gum shield and sparring mitts to be allowed to train.
Groin guards and chest protectors are recommended.
After selections, Tim took part in the first squad training of the year - a three hour Kata class, going through the finer points of katas required for
competition from the Heian katas right the way up to advanced katas. We hope this is the first of many successes for club members this year - here's to a great 2013!
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and to thank all our members for their continued support and hard work over the last 12 months. We look forward to picking up where we left off in 2013 for another successful year.
Backwell Karate are currently accepting new members at all age levels, including for their latest Bushido Warriors special course for children aged 5 to 8.
The Bushido Warriors beginners’ course (which starts up again on Friday 25th January) is designed especially for Primary School aged children and is a great way to have fun and learn something new in an environment that’s especially for your child’s age. Over the eight weeks of the course, your child will learn the basics of Karate-Do, from bowing, to kicking, punching and also basic partner work.
Through regular training, students will improve their balance, posture, self awareness, self confidence and self esteem. Parents and teachers continually report on the improvement in the behaviour of children who train regularly.
If your child is keen to give Karate a try then get in touch by emailing info@backwellkarate.org for more information or to enrol.
After a surprise appearance at the Backwell Karate dojo on Friday night, Price taught two seminars at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre in Nailsea
where he shared both competition and traditional Karate techniques and drills that have not only taken him to a European title but have also
seen him coach a new generation of champions to their own Euro titles in Italy earlier this year.
Saturday's lessons saw Nailsea & Backwell Karate members put through their paces with drills to improve punches, kicks, sweeps and submission
techniques over the course of three hours.
Chief Instructor at both Nailsea & Backwell Karate, Tim Griffiths, said, "We are delighted to host guest instructors of the calibre of Sensei Price here in Nailsea as part
of our strategy and ethos for continuous improvement for the area. The progress we've made as a club this year has been fantastic, having won medals at
regional and national competitions and also having seen numerous outstanding performances at belt examinations.
"The instruction at special courses like this – along with the hard work and dedication from club members week
in, week out – help us to keep improving. I’m really proud to be part of something that feels so special right now."
Karate is an excellent way to get fit at the same time as learning a skill that improves concentration
and discipline. Nailsea & Backwell Karate are currently accepting new members.
Backwell's latest Junior Warriors complete course
26 January
Congratulations to our latest group of Backwell Karate Bushido WarriorsTM who completed their course on Friday 17th January.
Christmas training times and club Christmas meal
8 December
Backwell Karate will be taking a short break over the Christmas period, with the last training session of the year taking place on Sunday 22nd December. We'll
be starting back on Friday 3rd January 2014, with all classes (including the children's Bushido Warriors class) back to normal. For those that train at Nailsea Karate, the last
session of the year in Nailsea will be on Wednesday 18th December, restarting on Wednesday 8th January.
Press release: Three national medals for Nailsea & Backwell
8 December
Precision kata and gutsy punching saw Nailsea & Backwell Karate clubs take home three medals from the JKS Open National Karate championship on Sunday 24th November.
At the end of the day, Tim Griffiths, Chief Instructor of the clubs said: "To take away any medal from a competition of this size is a phenomenal
achievement, but to take away three was fantastic! There were so many good performances from the whole team and the team spirit from all
those that travelled was fantastic.
Press release: National coach visits Nailsea & Backwell
16 November
Karate practitioners from across the South West were treated to a morning of instruction from the world renowned coach, Sensei Matt Price, this weekend.
Press release: Nailsea & Backwell impress at Memorial competition
10 November
Nailsea & Backwell Karate club juniors put in a sterling performance at the weekend's Bill Winfield Memorial competition in Bristol.
Grading success!
10 November
Congratulations to the 21 Nailsea & Backwell Karate students that passed their grading in Bristol on Sunday 10th November.
Bushido Warriors complete their course!
28 October
Friday night saw our latest group of 5-7 year old Backwell Karate Bushido Warriors complete their 8 week course, with 11 passing on the night and 13 passing in total.
Sensei Matt Price to teach Nailsea & Backwell Karate students
26 September
We're pleased to announce that Sensei Matt Price will once again be joining Nailsea Karate & Backwell Karate for a special course on Saturday 16th November.
10-11.30am: all grades
12-1.30pm: dan grades only
PRESS RELEASE: National medal for Nailsea & Backwell
17 September
Nailsea Karate & Backwell Karate's Tim Griffiths picked up a national medal this weekend in the Karate Union of Great Britain's 38th Shotokan Cup tournament.
Friday 20th September training moves to Nailsea
17 September
Coloured belt grading and Bill Winfield Memorial competition
17 September
Press Release: British Karate pioneer visits Backwell
21 July
Sensei Sherry, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, was the first person in the UK to be awarded a black belt in Shotokan Karate and was the first ever all-styles European Champion in 1968.
Press Release: Youngsters demonstrate Warrior spirit
30 June
Five, six and seven year olds from Backwell through to Clevedon completed the Backwell Karate Bushido Warriors course,
which put the little Warriors through 8 weeks of Karate training in a programme especially designed for their age.
Nailsea & Backwell take Southern Karate Championship
16 June
As well as the team event, Backwell competitors Tim Griffiths and Devon Troskie took Gold and Silver, respectively, in an
all-Backwell Senior Male Kumite final, which was won by Griffiths in overtime with a spinning back kick to the stomach.
Male Senior Kumite 1st: Tim Griffiths
Male Junior Kumite (16-17) 1st: Steven Connell
Senior Team Kata 2nd: Tim Griffiths, Devon Troskie, Steven Connell
Male Senior Kumite 2nd: Devon Troskie
Male Senior Kata 2nd: Tim Griffiths
Girls' Kumite over 5'3" 2nd: Nicole Tanner
Female Kyu grade Kumite 3rd: Ayla Moore
Boys' 10-11 Kumite 3rd: Fergus Puddy
Children's Kyu grade Kata 3rd: Sam Henley
Male Senior Kata 4th: Steven Connell
KUGB Chief Instructor to visit Backwell
24 March
We are delighted to announce that the Chief Instructor of the Karate Union of Great Britain, Sensei Andy Sherry, will be paying a special visit to the Backwell Karate Parish Hall dojo on Friday 19th July.
Grading: 7.00-8.30pm
Dan grade training: 8.30-10.00pm
Kyu grading passes in Bath
24 March
Congratulations to all those members that graded today in Bath under Sensei Bob Poynton, 7th Dan.
Dan grading
16 March
Congratulations to both Dan Salter and Dan Henley who passed their first and second dan gradings, respectively, today in Egham.
Bushido Warriors complete course
16 March
Backwell Karate would like to congratulate our 5-8 year old Bushido Warriors who completed the latest 8 week course last night.
Closed for Easter
16 March
Next Kyu Grading date announced
9 February
Friday Night Kumite Development class
9 February
After a successful first Friday Night Kumite Development session last month, we're announcing our next two dates for February and
April.
National Kata Squad selections
2 February
After taking part in squad selections, overseen by Sensei Andy Sherry (Chief Instructor of the KUGB), Sensei Tim Griffiths was selected for the KUGB England Kata Squad.
Christmas training times
8 December
With Christmas around the corner, we wanted to let you know that our last training session of 2012 will take place on Sunday 23rd December, after which we take a one week break. But we'll be starting back in Nailsea on the 2nd January and in Backwell on Friday 4th January for those keen to get back to regular training.
Backwell Karate Bushido Warriors complete course
8 December
Congratulations to those that successfully completed the Winter 2012 Backwell Karate Bushido Warriors programme last night. Everyone did brilliantly in the final session, where we reviewed everything that the Warriors learnt over the 8 weeks.
Press release: Sensei Matt Price coaches in North Somerset
2 November
Nailsea & Backwell Karate practitioners were buzzing this weekend after a visit from European Shotokan Karate Champion Sensei Matt Price.
Backwell Karate Bushido Warriors launches!
19 October
Today saw the launch of our Autumn/Winter 8 week Warriors programme, and what a fantastic start by everyone that came along!
Our first 8 aspiring Warriors completed a 40 minute class packed full of punches, kiais and fun activities to help them learn the basics of Traditional Shotokan Karate.
The course continues until Friday 7th December, where those that successfully complete the programme will be awarded with their Level 1 certificate, to confirm them as fully fledged Bushido Warriors.
The Warriors programme is designed especially for Primary School aged children. It is a way to introduce children from 5 upwards to Karate and for our older members is a route to help our aspiring champions of the future to improve their Karate and compete, if they choose.
Our next 8 week course is due to begin at the end of January and we are accepting enrolments for those aged 5 to 7 who are completely new to Karate and also for those who have completed Level 1. Spaces are strictly limited. Please contact info@backwellkarate.org to book a space.
December Kyu grading and Bill Winfield Memorial competition
19 October
The final coloured belt grading of the year is scheduled for Sunday 16th December at Bath University Sports Village (New Sports Hall), Bath, BA2 7AY. There will be no training in Backwell that morning. Training will take place from 12-2pm and will be followed by the grading soon after. After the grading the Annual Bill Winfield Memorial Children's Competition will taking place. We would encourage all under 16s to take part, which gives a great introduction to competing in a friendly, safe environment.
Those training or grading will need an up-to-date KUGB licence which needs to be brought in your red KUGB grading record book on the day. If you're not sure whether you'll be eligible to grade, please speak to one of the club instructors at training.
Backwell Karate launches it's new youth section in October.
Backwell Karate competitor Tim Griffiths picked up bronze medal at last weekend’s Shotokan Cup, a national competition for the Karate Union of Great Britain’s brown and black belts.
Sensei Matt Price special training course
27 August
Nailsea Karate and Backwell Karate are proud to be hosting a special training session with Sensei Matt Price on Saturday 27th October.
Sensei Price is the current JKS England Squad Coach, and is a former European Shotokan Champion and KUGB Grand Champion. Those who've trained with Sensei Price in the past will vouch for the fact that he lives up to his reputation for teaching exciting lessons, with something that bit different from many other instructors.
Training will be held at the Scotch Horn Leisure Centre (Auditorium) from 10-11.30am for 9th to 4th kyus and 12-1.30pm for brown and black belts.
The cost of training will be £10 in advance and £12 on the door, and as space is limited, the only way to guarantee your place is to book in advance.
To book your place, you can
- reserve with your course fee at Nailsea Karate and Backwell Karate classes
- send your course fee, name, grade and contact details by post (Backwell Karate, c/o 71 Bryants Hill, Bristol, BS5 8QZ)
Take a look at the links below for clips of Sensei Price in action:
Sensei Price ippon at European Championships
Sensei Price demonstration at JKS World Championships
Press release: Double Gold for Nailsea & Backwell Karate
28 June
Backwell Karate picked up two titles amongst a raft of placings at the KUGB
Southern Region Championships held in Reading this weekend.
Steven Connell and Tim Griffiths both picked up a brace of medals, with Connell taking Gold in boys' kumite (free sparring) and Silver in under 16s kata and Griffiths taking Silver in men's kata and bronze in kumite. Jim Mateer also picked up a kumite bronze (men's kyu grade category) in his first ever KUGB tournament.
In the team events, Backwell Karate took Gold in Team Kata and bronze in Team Kumite.
With an overall haul of two gold, two silver and three bronze medals this was the club's best ever performance at the tournament for the 70 KUGB clubs in the south of England.
Club instructor Tim Griffiths said, "Everyone's made fantastic progress over the last few months in Backwell and also our new Nailsea club and today's results really help demonstrate this. There was a great team spirit at the competition, and the medals put the icing on the cake.
Nailsea and Backwell Karate hold classes three times a week for both adults and children aged 7 and up and are currently accepting new members.
For more photos, visit the Backwell Karate Facebook page.
Latest Kyu grading
17 June
Today's grading saw over 60 people decend on Sir Bernard Lovell Sports Centre in Bristol for a training session with
Sensei Bob Poynton followed by a coloured belt grading.
This is the first grading since Nailsea Karate opened its doors so it was good to see the first of Nailsea's students join those from Backwell to make up a third of the attendees. The training session was a fun mix of basics for gradings and combinations to keep us on our toes!
Congratulations to all those who passed, especially for those that managed to double grade - an excellent standard and spirit from both Nailsea Karate and Backwell Karate members (full list in the Summer newsletter, due out shortly).
Backwell Karate at the National Championships
7 May
On Saturday, a group of nine competitors and five spectators from the club made the trip up to Birmingham's National Indoor Arena
to compete in the 46th KUGB National Championships.
Many of our competitors got a taste for winning in either their kata or kumite event, which was a great way to get ready for the Southern Region Championships in a month's time. Though there were no Backwell medallists on this occasion, it was a great opportunity to spend some time together as a club and watch many of the KUGB's top competitors fighting it out to become national champion.
There were many outstanding performances throughout the day, not least from recent visitor to the club, Holly Sterling (Sendai Kushiro), who became only the third ever female KUGB Grand Champion, by winning both the Female Senior Kata and Kumite. Many congratulations to Holly, who was also awarded the Sensei Enoeda Trophy, for best overall competitor of the day. We would also like to congratulate Ryan Tucker (Leeds Shotokan) and Hisham Saif (Al Gazhali) for winning the Male Senior Kumite and Kata, respectively.
Next coloured belt grading date announced
28 April
The next Kyu grading is scheduled for Sunday 17th June at Sir Bernard Lovell School, Oldland Common, Bristol, BS30 8TS.
Prior to the grading, Sensei Bob Poynton (7th Dan, KUGB) will be taking an all-grades training session, which starts at 12 noon. There will be no training in Backwell that morning. After training finishes at 1.30pm there will be a short break before the grading commences. For those who pass their grading, new belts will be on sale at the back of the hall.
Those grading are advised to bring their up to date licence with grading book and also something to eat and drink prior to the grading.
If you're not sure whether you'll be eligible to grade, please ask at your next training session.
Change of venue on Friday 27th April
25 April
On Friday 27th April the Parish Hall will be unavailable, so training is moving
to the Backwell Budokan Hall at our usual training times of 6.30-7.30pm for below brown
belts and 7.30-8.30pm for brown and black belts. To get there, use the Rodney Road entrance to Backwell Recreation Ground. The Budokan is
immediately behind the Scout and Guide Hut. Take a look at the map to see
where it is in relation to our usual dojo.
Press release: Nailsea & Backwell Karate host two World Champions
9 April
World team champions John Bruce and Holly Sterling took time out of their busy training schedules to teach in Nailsea on the weekend to mark
the launch of a new Karate club for the town.
Bruce and Sterling taught thirty local martial artists the skills that are helping them to success both nationally and internationally when they
taught a three hour course on the weekend.
Both instructors are currently at the top of their game, having picked up medals at the World Shotokan Championships
just last year in Chicago, as well as being current KUGB National Champions. With big hopes for the Nailsea club, it was
great to hear that they were already impressed by the standard of people in the area.
“We were delighted to come down and teach a group of students that are clearly so dedicated to their Karate in Nailsea
this weekend – and great to see that they were picking up new tips quickly!” Said three times world team champion and
former world junior champion John Bruce.
Local resident Annette Connell was delighted to join in the training. “Both senseis were absolutely brilliant to train
with, but it was particularly inspiring for the women and girls at the club to be taught by Sensei Holly and to see how
far she has progressed – it gave me a real boost!”
Nailsea Karate opens its doors for the first time this month and welcome both children and adult new starters aged 7 upwards.
Easter training schedule
1 April
Please note that Easter Sunday is the only day we will not be training over the Easter school holidays. We will be training as normal on Good Friday and we have our special course with Sensei John Bruce and Sensei Holly Sterling on Saturday 7th (for details see news article below). We will be back to training as usual the following week.PRESS RELEASE: Backwell Karate celebrate three dan grade passes
24 March
Backwell resident Ian Connell was delighted to pass his black belt after years of hard training while Ian's son Steven and also Devon Troskie both passed the advanced 2nd Dan black belt examination.
The trio were put through their paces by Karate Union of Great Britain Chief Instructor Sensei Andy Sherry in exams which covered advanced combinations, kata (or forms) and free sparring before they were awarded their coveted grades in front of around 100 other Karate practitioners from across the southern region.
All three train at Backwell Karate where the team of instructors were all delighted at the outcome. National squad member and club instructor, Tim Griffiths, said, "What a day! Dan gradings are always very hard, so for three out of three club members to pass at the same time is especially pleasing! We're all really proud of Ian, Devon and Steven's achievements which are the result of their continued hard work and dedication."
The instructors from the club are launching the new Nailsea Karate dojo from Wednesday 11th April, where new members will be encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the Backwell trio. Classes are open to children and adults from 7 years upwards.
UPDATED Special course announcement: Sensei Bruce and Sensei Sterling
13 March
There are two training sessions which everyone can attend. Training times are 10am to 11.30am and 11.45am to 1.15pm. There will be separate classes with each instructor which will be split by grade (beginner to 4th Kyu and brown and black belts) which means that everyone will get a good chance to get the best out of the training.
Space is limited and so places will only be guaranteed by buying a ticket in advance. Tickets for the whole day cost £16, but please remember that while Senseis Holly and John have a 600 mile round trip to be here, for us it's a great opportunity to train with some of the best competitors in the country right on our doorstep!
Tickets can be bought at Backwell Karate training sessions, or reserved/paid for by emailing us. Email info@backwellkarate.org for details.
Nailsea Karate to open its doors on 11th April!
17 March
We're delighted to announce that our new sister club, Nailsea Karate, will be opening its doors on Wednesday 11th April at 6.30pm in Nailsea School (Sports Hall).
From 11th April we'll be holding two classes every Wednesday evening. One that's dedicated to beginners and another for more advanced students, from purple belt upwards.
Backwell Karate members are very welcome to train at both clubs, with your membership now being extended to cover both dojos.
As it's not every day that you get to train at a club's inaugural session we'd like to invite you all to join us for a celebratory first night.As a special thank you for supporting us, any members that have tickets for the Sensei John Bruce and Sensei Holly Sterling will be invited to train for free that night! We look forward to seeing you there!
For information about the club, visit the Nailsea Karate website.
Next coloured belt grading date announced
16 February
The next Kyu grading is scheduled for Sunday 4th March at Sir Bernard Lovell School, Oldland Common, Bristol, BS30 8TS.
Prior to the grading, Sensei Bob Poynton (7th Dan, KUGB) will be taking an all-grades training session, which starts an hour later than normal at 12 noon. There will be no training in Backwell that morning. After training finishes at 1.30pm there will be a short break before the grading commences.
If you're not sure whether you'll be eligible to grade, please ask at your next training session.
England Kata Squad selections
4 February
Sensei Tim Griffiths was once again selected for the England Squad. He was in good company - of the 23 selected there were at least four competitors who have previously won the KUGB National Championships and also placed at European and World Championships.
Tim is not only proud to be representing Backwell Karate but pleased that he can continue to train at the very highest level so he's able to pass on his knowledge to members of the club.
We look forward to this being the first of many highlights for the club in 2012!
Christmas and New Year Schedule
23 December
Tonight's class was the last one before a short break over the festive season.
Press release: European Champion visits Backwell
19 December
Karate practitioners from across the region got an early Christmas present on Sunday
when former European Karate Champion, Sensei Matthew Price, visited Backwell for a special training course.
Sensei Price shared some of the techniques and training methods that helped him build an
international reputation both as a competitor and instructor – including some of the
latest thinking being taught at both his successful home club, Leeds Karate Academy,
and to international competitors on the all-styles English team.
Updated: Former European Champion to teach in Backwell in December!
5 December
We are delighted to announce that Sensei Matthew Price will be teaching a special Christmas
course at Backwell Karate on Sunday 18 December, replacing our normal class.
10.00am-11.30am (below bown belts)
11.30am-1.00pm (brown and black belts)
Sensei Price ippon at European Championships
Sensei Price demonstration at JKS World Championships
Press release: Backwell youngsters in the medals
28 November
Under 16s from Backwell Karate club had a reason to celebrate last weekend as they brought home the medals from a youth Karate competition in Bath.
Club members Aaron, Fergus and Jake took home all the coloured belt first and second place trophies between them at the Bill Winfield Memorial competition, which saw children from clubs from across the Avon area take part.
Both Aaron and Fergus were awarded as ‘best overall junior competitors’, winning a place each at a week-long special training course next year.
National squad member and club instructor, Tim Griffiths, said, “The success of all members is testament to the hard work they've put in since we introduced our beginners classes at the start of the year, so it's great to see everyone perform well in both the competition and the coloured belt grading earlier that day.”
Backwell Karate have recently announced the extension of their beginners’ classes – held at Backwell Parish Hall - into 2012. Classes are open to children and adults from 7 years upwards.
Change of venue on Friday 16 September
13 September
On Friday 16th September the Parish Hall will be unavailable, so training is moving
to the Backwell Budokan Hall at our usual training times of 6.30-7.30pm for below brown
belts and 7.30-8.30pm for brown and black belts. To get there, use the Rodney Road entrance to Backwell Recreation Ground. The Budokan is
immediately behind the Scout and Guide Hut. Take a look at the map to see
where it is in relation to our usual dojo.
Date announced for next coloured belt grading
13 September
We're pleased to let you know that the final coloured belt grading of the year will be on Sunday 20 November, again hosted by Bath Shotokan Karate Club. The venue and times will be confirmed nearer to the time.
At the last grading of each year, a small, friendly Karate competition - the Bill Winfield Memorial - is held for junior club members. We'd encourage all our students to take part, so if you're interested, please speak to one of the senseis before or after one of our training sessions.
Backwell Karate club members train with the champions
8 August
Last week, club members Toby Ballard, Jim Mateer, Aaron Mateer and club instructor Tim Griffiths took part in an annual Karate Summer School, held at Lancaster University. The course saw Karate students from around the country train with English Karate pioneers, Senseis Sherry, O'Neill, Poynton, Rhodes, Higgins and Brennan.
The course was a week long, consisting of nine Karate sessions, two 'bo' weapons classes and a brace of lectures on the physical aspect of Karate and also its history.
Club members threw themselves into the week, with Jim Mateer and Tim Griffiths also taking part in an extra grappling session, kindly given by former European Karate Champion, Sensei Matt Price.
We would like to thank all the instructors for a week of enjoyable classes, and also to congratulate Toby Ballard for passing his red belt at the end of the course.
Those people wishing to 'train with the champions' closer to home will be interested to know that we expect to host Sensei Price at a session in Backwell later in the year. More details as soon as the training session is confirmed.
Next coloured belt grading
4 June
The next coloured belt grading will be held on Sunday 17 July, hosted by Bath Shotokan Karate Club. As there is an all-grade training session before the grading, we will not be training at Backwell Parish Hall on this day. Training will start at 12 noon, with the grading following after this.
Please note that although the grading will be held at Bath University, as usual, we will be using the Founders Hall, not in the main sports village.
To be able to grade you will need to have completed a minimum number of training sessions and be at the required standard. If you're hoping to grade, please speak to one of the instructors in the next few weeks.
45th KUGB National Championships
14 May
On Saturday 14 May, the KUGB's showcase event, the 45th KUGB National Championships took
place at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. Clubs from across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the
Republic of Ireland took part in this major event which has to run simultaneously across 12 'tatamis',
or mats, to keep this event to just one day.
Three Backwell Karate club members took part, with Tim Griffiths competing in Kata and both Ian Connell and Devon Troskie taking part in both Kata and Kumite disciplines. The standard of the tournament was high, meaning that placing in the event was always going to be challenging. Both Ian and Devon put in guttsy performances in both their events. Tim was eventually put out of the competition by former Welsh champion, Christian Whale.
Backwell Karate would like to congratulate the following winners of this year's KUGB Nationals:
Excellent effort at grading by Backwell Karate members
3 April
At today's coloured belt grading, Backwell Karate members put in a solid performance as they represented the club and took their next step towards black belt. Instructors Tim Griffiths, Chris Denny and Bryan Gideon would like to congratulate all those that passed, with special mentions to both Aaron Mateer and Jake Devereux for grading straight to red belt.
Well done to the following members;
New beginners' course starts from 8 April
2 April
The latest beginners' course starts from 8 April, running at Backwell Parish Hall on Friday evenings from 6.30-7.30pm. We also run an all-grade training session on a Sunday morning from 10-11am. We're currently offering your first 2 lessons for the price of 1, so come along and give it a go.
Visit the Join us page for more information about joining as a beginner. Space is limited, so get in touch to book your place.
Coloured belt grading
2 April
Don't forget that the coloured belt grading takes place tomorrow at Bath University Sports Village, Bath, BA2 7AY.
As usual, we will holding a pre-grading session in the morning from 10am at the Parish Hall, finishing promptly at 11am, before heading over for a 12 o'clock start in Bath. There will be a pre-grading training session with Sensei Bob Poynton, who will be taking the grading. The training and grading costs £20. For those not grading, the training is £5.
KUGB Squad Selections
12 March
Local Karate instructor, Tim Griffiths (pictured far right), was delighted to take a place on the Karate Union of Great Britain’s national Kata squad last month.
No training this Friday - club curry night
12 March
There will be no training on Friday 18th March, due to the drama club taking our usual booking slot. Instead, we'll be holding a club curry night at Britannia Spice on Backwell crossroads, diagonally opposite from the club.All club members are welcome. We'll be sitting down at our usual training time of 7.30pm. If you can email us beforehand we'll be able to make sure there's space for everyone who'd like to come.
Order one of our new club jackets
29 January
The brand new Backwell Karate club jackets are currently being finalised for orders. Jackets come complete with 'traditional, progressive' Japanese kanji (characters) embroidered on the left chest. They're ideal for travelling to and from the club, as well as for staying warm at competitions and gradings.
To help make sure you order the correct size we'll have samples to try within the next week and we will be placing our order very shortly after. If you're interested in placing an order, please speak to one of the senseis within the next week.
29 January: Date for next Kyu grading announced
The next coloured belt grading will take place on Sunday 3rd April and will once again be hosted by Bath Shotokan Karate Club. As soon as the timings and venues are confirmed we will announce them at the club.
As usual, we will be a pre-grading session in the morning at the Parish Hall before we head over to Bath.
Those of you wishing to take a grading, please make sure you've completed enough sessions and also speak to one of the senseis over the next few weeks.
20 December: New training session on Fridays
We’re pleased to announce that training on a Friday night will now be split into two classes: 6.30-7.30pm for novice to purple and white belts and 7.30-8.30pm for students who are 3rd Kyu and above. Both sessions will be held at the Parish Hall on Backwell crossroads.
The new class means that both novices and senior grades will receive training that’s tailored to their level.
Our new Friday training session starts in the new year, from Friday 7th January. Sunday morning training continues to be for all grades from 10-11am.
20 December: Christmas break
We're taking a break over the Christmas period. There will be no training on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve or the 2nd January.Thank you for your support throughout 2010. Have a fantastic Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in the new year, when training resumes on Friday 7th January (6.30pm for beginners to purple and white belt and 7.30pm for 3rd kyu and above).
12 December: Club members make the grade in Bath
On Sunday 12th December, Backwell Karate club members took the trip over to Bath University’s state of the art Sports Village for a special training session and coloured belt grading, taken by Sensei Bob Poynton (7th Dan, KUGB). With ten of us there, the club was well represented in the two hour training session, where we were taken through a number of kicking drills on our own and with a partner. Sensei particularly focused on picking an appropriate target 100% of the time. We then moved on to kata, where the senior students were put under the spotlight in front of the rest of the class to demonstrate correct form and performance of katas including Bassai Dai.
The training was followed by a coloured belt grading. Congratulations to Mark, Fergus, Jim and Adam for successfully passing their gradings and thank you to Bath Shotokan Karate Club for organising the day.
The next coloured belt grading is expected to be at the end of March. More news as soon as this is confirmed.
12 November: Training with a Karate legend – Shihan Hirokazu Kanazawa, 10th Dan
Written by Chris Denny, 2nd Dan (Instructor, Backwell Karate)
Sensei Kanazawa is the World Chief Instructor of the Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) and had recently announced his retirement from world travel.
On Sunday 7th November 2010, I attended Watford Leisure Centre where Sensei would be leading a ‘good bye’ course, joined by his sons, Nobuaki Kanazawa (6th Dan) and Daizo Kanazawa (5th Dan), along with the Chief Instructor of Nara Prefecture, Japan - Sensei Ohigashi.
The event was ticket only and had sold out well in advance, due to Sensei’s popularity. The venue was completely filled with around 300 students. As soon as the Senseis entered the hall, there was complete silence and everyone bowed with respect.
Sensei Kanazawa initially addressed the importance and the correct procedure of seiza, using left then right knees and hands.
The course went on to kihon (basics) starting with correct punching and keeping the elbows in. This progressed to short combinations of punches, stressing the use of hips with each punch and block. All the while, Sensei Ohigashi was walking around, reminding everyone of ‘hikite’ (correct use of your ‘reverse hand’).
Whenever we were shown a new combination, Senseis Nobuaki and Daizo Kanazawa would demonstrate these with precision timing and flawless technique. We learned combinations with kicks, punches and blocks and used these with a partner before going into groups of three and using four blocking combinations against two attackers.
During the course, we were privileged to a display of numerous counters to jiyu ippon kumite attacks displayed by Senseis Nobuaki and Daizo Kanazawa.
Sensei Nobuaki Kanazawa also performed the kata Gankaku Sho. This was a highly intricate kata that included moves I had not seen demonstrated in a kata before. It was absolutely fascinating and I joked with a fellow student that we’ll be doing that next. And then we did! Several times. It was excellent and I was glad Sensei Kevin Leigh (from the hosting club) trained in the crowd near me to show us the moves.
I cannot express how honoured I felt to have trained with all the Senseis on this momentous day. After receiving a long standing ovation, Sensei Kanazawa and his colleagues made themselves available for everyone to have their photo with them and an opportunity for Sensei to sign his famous signature on books students had brought with them.
It was truly a memorable occasion and a chance to say goodbye to one of the foremost Shotokan Karate masters in the world.
12 November: Change of venue on Friday 19 November
On Friday 19th November we’ll be back at the Backwell Budokan Hall at our usual
training time of 7.30-8.30pm, due to a drama performance at the Parish Hall.
Use the Rodney Road entrance to Backwell Recreation Ground. The Budokan is
immediately behind the Scout and Guide Hut. Take a look at the map to see
where it is in relation to our usual dojo.
7 November: Grading and Bill Winfield Memorial Children's competition
On Sunday 12th December Sensei Bob Poynton (7th Dan, KUGB) will be taking a
training session and grading at Bath University's sports village, hosted by our friends at Bath Shotokan Karate Club. Training starts at
12 noon and the grading will follow.
Although the training is open to all Backwell Karate students, you'll need to have attended enough sessions in order to be allowed to grade. Please speak to one of the senseis to check if you will be eligible.
After the grading the day will continue with the annual Bill Winfield memorial children's competition. Sensei Bill Winfield was the man responsible for bringing KUGB Shotokan Karate to the Bristol area and was the instructor of Sensei Bryan. The competition is a friendly event that's free to enter for KUGB members, so I'd encourage any under 16s to take part. If you're interested, please speak to one of the senseis.
7 November: Training and grading with Sensei Sherry & Sensei Brennan in December
The final southern region brown and black belt course of the year will
be held in Egham Leisure Centre, Vicarage Road, on Saturday 4th December. Tap TW20 8NL into
your sat nav or Google Maps. Training
is free for KUGB brown and black belts and will be followed by a grading for 1st & 2nd dan.
Times are as follows:
Black belts: 12.00pm-1.30pm
Grading: 2.30pm onwards
This is a great opportunity to train with two of the UK's most respected exponents. For more details speak to one of the Senseis
10 July: Celebrating over 30 years' dedication to Backwell Karate
At the end of June, Backwell Karate paid tribute to club founder, Sensei Bryan Gideon, for over 30 years’ dedication to the club.
Club members past and present joined for a celebratory meal, following a well attended training session. Club instructor Tim Griffiths presented Sensei Gideon with a new Karate suit (gi) as a thank you from the club for his ongoing efforts to develop Karate in the community.
Sensei Gideon’s outstanding contribution has helped many local people and families achieve their goal of reaching their coveted Black Belt.
Tim Griffiths, a member of almost 20 years said, "It’s an amazing achievement to have taught Karate non-stop in Backwell for such a long period and today’s turn-out of members who have trained for up to 30 years shows the appreciation of Sensei Bryan’s dedication. The club has always had a great atmosphere driven through traditional martial values which continue to thrive today."
Sensei Gideon founded Backwell Shotokan Karate Club back in 1978 with brother-in-law Bob Padfield.
Backwell Karate always welcomes new members from 7 years upwards and continues to run classes on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings.
20 April: KUGB National Championship entries
The KUGB's flagship event, the British National Championships, will be held in Birmingham's National Indoor Arena on Saturday 15 May.
If you'd like to enter, or you're interested in finding out more, speak to Sensei Tim Griffiths by Sunday's lesson on 2 May. Entries have to be returned in time for the tickets to be sent back out to clubs.
8 April: Kyu Grading, Bath Sports Centre
Bath Shotokan Karate Club will be hosting a Kyu Grading at Bath Sports Centre in the evening of Thursday 22 April. If you're eligible to grade then one of the Sensei's will let you know over the next few days.
For more details about the venue and timings, visit the Bath Shotokan Karate club website