It was a cold and stormy Saturday the 7th of December 2024 when the students of Bristol’s Kyoto Shotokan karate Club arrived at St Bedes school once again for 2 solid, 1hr sessions.
Storm Darragh, well into its own lesson in delivering power, did not deter the madness that bestows the humble Karate-ka, if it means a chance to train together with a guest instructor.
Even with the chaos on the roads, Sensei Paul Mead arrived exactly when HE meant to, coming down from Nottingham.
Sensei Nick Bruce-Jones, once again making every penny count of the road taxes he pays, travelling up from Exeter, and gracefully adding to the quality amongst the ranks, a very acrobatic Darryl Philips from Milton Keynes representing the Katsu Academy of Shotokan Karate.
Sadly, Darragh’s high (90mph!!) winds forced the bridges between Wales and England to close and our friends, Sensei Dave Griffiths, Judy and Sensei Nick (push ups) Dunbar from the Wales Shotokan Karate Club where not able to attend.
Even our very own Sharon was missed due to her very first solo work shift. (personally, I would have pulled a sicky 😉)
None the less it was a good turnout and with a freshly swept floor due to young Olivia’s vigilant efforts, and with eyes on Sensei Paul Mead walking across the gymnasium, we were lined up, ready.
The first lesson was taken up with basic Kihon with jabs, front kicks, pushing forward and closing the distance between you and your imaginary opponent.
But what makes a Sensei Mead class special for me is the gradual chain linked number of movements of basics Kihon combinations. I often wonder if he makes this stuff up on the spot, because he remembers the pattern so well. I believe at one point we were needing to remember a sequence of 9 moves. Making them mini katas in my eyes.
This may not seem like much but after a number of variations of these patterns, with moves, which can awkwardly and unnaturally go into another move, shifts the gears in my mind, into what I can only describe as “grind it, until you find it.”
It’s easy to get mixed up.
The lesson is not only physical as Sensei Mead explains while scrutinising our form for good Kime but also mental. “You have to remember” as he turns to our younger members. “And quickly” “use your mind!!” but “If you start to think too strenuously, it’s easy to lose it.”
“Relax and allow it to flow”
I relish in this type of exercise, as it take me out of my comfort zone, especially when Sensei Mead spotted some of my errors and worked with me to my gleeful appreciation. This only redoubles and intensifies my efforts to meet our Dojo oath. I find myself pushing body and mind through what can only be described as a brief obsessive and stubborn state of insanity, to attain the best in what I have been asked to do.
However….
The state of mind of those still coasting in neutral gear, soon found themselves at the mercy of Sensei Mead’s attentive eye.
There was no hiding.
And it wasn’t long after that we were all reminded of the etiquette in bowing and reaction speed to a command. Paul Mead, a towering and strong presence explained with a gentle intensity the importance of unity, from the respect and care given not only to others and to those master’s that are long passed away but also the respect we give ourselves, our Sensei and our Dojo in taking the time in understanding the intention of the humble bow.
Explaining to those of a younger age that this maybe lost upon some but through correct, consistent and dedicated repetition of bowing, listening, kime movement in unison etc, it all becomes an interwoven natural part of the core essence of what we practice. From that core “it” will find its way out into all that we do and one day they will understand. I felt he was talking about Budo.
Which is SO COOL!!
So…. with the proverbial boot removed from our backsides, we resumed and it wasn’t very long until the first session was nearing the end of the hour.
The lower kyu grades were asked to remain up as brown and black belts where ask to step aside. Students lined up and katas where announced. One by one the assessments of each kata were picked apart.
Where there was a flaw, it was corrected and where there was correct execution of the movement, there was a subtle, yet satisfactory acknowledgment of approval.
And it was lovely to watch.
To pick up on what Sensei was pointing out and seeing other members progress from the side lines was great as it’s not something we often get to see because we are usually doing the katas together.
Break.
It came.
It went.
In the second half we were given the same type of exercises but this time a different set of chain link sequences were set against an actual partner.
It was so much fun and rewarding when as a team you work together to complete the movements for both the attacking and defending side, gradually adding kime and power. And if that wasn’t enough, throwing in a counter strike to mix up the roles, then counterattacking to reverse the roles again.
The hunter becomes the hunted, becomes the hunter again.
Switching between partners, some young, some tall, some agile, quickly made me realise my need in subtle changes in my own distancing. A real mental workout, and actively engaging in what Sensei Paul Mead was repeating throughout the course regarding “Maai”.
And finally, it was all revealed. Sensei’s sneaky plan was laid out. All of the exercises led us all into a gentle (shotgun style) jiyu kumite. I’m assuming due to time running low, Sensei Mead had us squaring off against a fresh opponent every 30 seconds. Which again forced me to act more intuitively rather then needing to think.
The very core of the lesson!!.
I am reminded that this man was taught and trained under Asano Sensei, known for his exemplary power, accuracy, timing and distances and Sensei Mead was a world kumite champion (the very essence of the above training).
Makes a lot of sense in what we were being taught.
The light bulb in my head popped with an over surge of karate geekness!! THIS IS AWESOME!!!!
One final treat came when all kyu grades were asked to sit down and as my age increases, I’m getting more and more grateful for the opportunity.
But I am referring to observing. Another kind a of karate practice as the Dan grades where lined up.
I got to watch my own Sensei, Steve Ashby, perform a kata. It is such a rare occurrence to observe a person which is usually instructing be completely in the moment with himself.
It is truly remarkable that what is being performed is the accumulation of decades of dedication to achieve a level of perfection which has no end of development.
Inspiration in motion.
Our second session was coming to a close….* Sigh *..
We as club were given training for our bodies, lessons on the betterment in self reflection and the time to step away from the outside world to come together, to cultivate our spirit, in a space with underfloor heating.
What a gift.
Honestly, to even come close to explaining what we receive from training would require a poet.
I love karate so much and I can’t wait for the next session.
OSS!
Report by Patrick (2nd Kyu brown belt)