The annual Ishinryu Open Summer Course remains a unique event in the UK karate calender.  Running each year since 1976, the Summer Course features top instructors, led by Ishinryu head Ticky Donovan O.B.E. (9th Dan).  Great weather, great enthusiasm and a willingness by all attendees to give 100% made 2010 another great year. These pages provide a pictorial overview of the week.

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Day Three - Tuesday

Tuesday started a little later at 8.00 am with the "Fun" Run.  The usual route down to the beach and along the sea wall and back was covered in a variety of styles from those determined to win to those happy just to complete the route in a reasonable time.  No pressure - except of course from the instructors, positioned at strategic points around the course, and eager to make sure all put in their best effort. To see a list of winners go to the results page.

Training recommenced at midday on the green. As an option, Mike Tointon provided a session for Ishinryu referees and judges (for 1st Kyu and above). An essential for Ishinryu officials, this session is also very useful for those who compete. A good understanding of competition rules is a great help on the mat.

Later in the afternoon Gavin Foster and Tony Spinks held an optional indoor session featuring pad work.  A well attended and intensive session .

Day Four - Wednesday

Day four, and we're still going strong. Another 7:30 am start in track gear opened the day.

At 11:00 the Kata competition commenced with some great performances. See here for a full list of results. 

The next training session at 4pm finished off the day's karate activities.

Summer Course training can be intensive so opportunities to relax and have fun after training has completed are an essential part of the course. Highlight of the week's social activitiy is the Wednesday night Fancy Dress night.