More details of the annual kumite training and kyu grading course have been announced. The main instructor will be former European & World Wado Karate Kumite Champion Nieman Prince. Similar to last year’s format, the more traditional elements of karate will also be blended into the course. Other instructors include Michael Cole (6th Dan), Bobby Hamilton (5th Dan) Mark Mawhinney (3rd Dan) and Hugh Johnston (3rd Dan). Sensei Michael Cole will also be teaching Tanto Dori (knife defence) during a 1 hour slot on Saturday. Weather permitting, there will be outdoor training. Details as follows:

Venue: Ballywalter Parochial Hall

Training Day1: Fri, 06-Jun 19:30 to 21:30
Training Day2: Sat, 07-Jun 11:00 to 15:30

Kyu Grading: Sat, 07-Jun 15:30 onwards

Please note – only WIKF students who have been training regularly with their instructor over the past year and who have a fully paid-up NI-WIKF licence will be permitted to take a grading examination.

For all kata contestants travelling to the World WIKF Championships in Portugal, the following kata squad training sessions will be held at Bangor Leisure Centre under the instruction of Sensei Hamilton:

Sunday 18-May 14:00 – 16:00
Sunday 15-Jun 14:00 – 16:00
Sunday 06-Jul 14:00 – 16:00

Entry is charged at £5 per person. Compulsory kata from all categories will be studied across the three sessions as well as free choice kata.

It was announced that the next round of student gradings are to take place in Ballywalter on 6th and 7th June. Gradings have been confirmed for 7th and 6th Kyu (Orange & Green belts) and will be conducted by Sensei Hamilton. Further details available at the club.