Training weekend in Hereford
Hereford means the ford used by the army, it as a population of about 55,000 and is home to the Regiment the (SAS) and the famous Pugilist (bare knuckle fighter) Tom Spring (February 22, 1795 – August 20, 1851 He was heavyweight champion of England in 1821 until his retirement in 1824.
Sensei Tony Smith is the senior instructor for that region and he organised the training for the w/end, and what a wonderful venue in traditional surroundings, the training started with the traditional warm-up and then moving basics with variations, which also included self-defense, then advanced Kata.
On Sunday with a small contingent from the Welsh Shotokan Karate Academy turning up for training I introduce them to the Goju – Ryu warming up and 4 – 5 self – defense techniques and concluded with sticky hands, they were very happy with the training and commented they felt a warm and friendly atmosphere.
But it was not all about Karate – Do, Sensei Tony Smith lives in the countryside in a wonderful little cottage surrounded by forest, on our return from training we were welcomed by a warm fire in the grounds of his home and the only visitors there are a herd of deer and the sound of a Cuckoo and a verity of birds and as evening comes the isolated sound of a Tawny Owl.
To fill our appetites a BBQ was prepared and for the children the chance to cook Marshmallows over a fire was a treat, and everyone had a great time.
My special thanks to Sensei Andrew Courtney for his support and Connie Smith for the food and her hospitality.
George Andrews
Sensei Tony Smith is the senior instructor for that region and he organised the training for the w/end, and what a wonderful venue in traditional surroundings, the training started with the traditional warm-up and then moving basics with variations, which also included self-defense, then advanced Kata.
On Sunday with a small contingent from the Welsh Shotokan Karate Academy turning up for training I introduce them to the Goju – Ryu warming up and 4 – 5 self – defense techniques and concluded with sticky hands, they were very happy with the training and commented they felt a warm and friendly atmosphere.
But it was not all about Karate – Do, Sensei Tony Smith lives in the countryside in a wonderful little cottage surrounded by forest, on our return from training we were welcomed by a warm fire in the grounds of his home and the only visitors there are a herd of deer and the sound of a Cuckoo and a verity of birds and as evening comes the isolated sound of a Tawny Owl.
To fill our appetites a BBQ was prepared and for the children the chance to cook Marshmallows over a fire was a treat, and everyone had a great time.
My special thanks to Sensei Andrew Courtney for his support and Connie Smith for the food and her hospitality.
George Andrews
