The annual Ishinryu Open Summer Course remains a unique event in the UK karate calender. Running each year since the mid-seventies, the summer course continues to attract top instructors, led by Ishinryu head Ticky Donovan O.B.E. Good weather, great enthusiasm and a willingness by all attendees to give 100% made 2009 a truly memorable year. These pages provide a pictorial overview of the week.

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This year Ticky was joined by top instructors Dave Hazard, Greg Francis, Eddie Gillespie, Lee Smith, and Jonathan Mottram.

Day One - Sunday

Training started 7:30 sharp on Sunday morning on the green with everyone in track gear. Tony Spinks made sure everyone was awake with one of his 'special' warm-up routines - even those who had stayed in the bar a little too late the evening before were soon wide awake and buzzing.

Two more sessions followed on Sunday - both in Gi's - at midday and 4 p.m.

Day Two - Monday

Another 7:30 start got those aching limbs working again. For those fighting later in the day, a chance to sharpen up - for everyone else - also a chance to sharpen up.

A change in timetable for 2009 brought senior fighting forward to Monday. Categories including Men's and Ladies Kumite plus Open Kumite for under 21's. Click here for all Summer Course competition results.

The final 4 pm session brought Monday's training to a close.