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.

Day Five - Thursday

After partying the night before, Thursday bought a well earned lie-in with no early morning session. The day's activities began with junior Kumite at 11:00 out on the green. Two areas were established and some entertaing Kumite commenced, with competitors supported and cheered on by the rest of the course attendees as well as family and friends. To see a list of award winners go to the results page.

For those suffering withdrawal from training, Gavin Foster and Tony Spinks ran another pad session at 1pm.

Last training session of the day ran from 4pm in Gis. With one more day to go the course is far from over - especially for those planning to take a grading.

Day Six - Friday

The final day...and another 7:30 am start in track gear.  Some intensive work for those anticipating taking a grading later today - the last chance to iron out any problems.  Gradings took place at 10:30 - with Kyu grades grading on the green while the black belt gradings were performed inside.

The final training session of the day (and week) started at 14:30. After the warm up everyone trained tgether as each instructor devised a combination to test both physical and mental abilities.  The session finished with all summer course students coming together for a mass sparring session, with lower grades encouraged to pair up with a black-belt where possible.

The Final Bow

In the traditional manner the course ended with some awards including student of the week.  Instructor presentations were made - this year Dave Hazard presented sensei Ticky Donovan with a special award on behalf of all Summer Course instructors.  

In a surprise announcement Lee Smith was awarded 5th Dan by Sensei.

The 35th Open Summer Summer Course ended with the signing of licenses, photos and goodbyes - but only until next year when the Open Summer Course will be back.  Keep watching this site for details.  Until next year.....Osu! 

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