This year's summer school, on Saturday, was a very special one, marking a staggering 50 years since the formation of Bristol Karate Club. The weather came to the party, and karateka from across the Western Karate Union, including a big contingent from the Clevedon and Nuffield Health clubs, enjoyed an excellent day of learning and fun.
For the dan grades, however, it's Sensei Les Birkin's notorious spirit test, starting with knuckle press-ups in the car park...... then piggy-backing.Jack works on one-on-one technique with Keely from Yeovil.Lewis goes fist-to-nose with Colchester's Jim...... and then gets a lift, literally.Derek from Bristol clears the arches and continues toward the camera!Jack and Lewis look on as Sensei Ryan Lambotte of Jersey Wado-Ryu demonstrates some serious arm-locking technique.Higher kyu grades get airborne during Pinan Godan.After all that effort, Ryan makes sure Callum and the other students stay cool.Darren Haines, from Bristol, produces his secret weapon.Ryan has the higher kyu grades chilling out in the sun...... so Darren gives them a hand to cool down.Lewis gets a soaking...... as does Charlotte.Darren's still on the loose, and Callum gets wet again.He even gets Kevin!At the end of the day Alan and Sensei Dave Wheatley, the founder of Bristol Karate Club, are presented with 50th anniversary mementos.Dave recounts his thoughts on the club's history to a hushed and respectful audience of all the instructors and students.
