Most of the photos that we post are of groups of students lined up at the end of gradings or special classes. However, when Sensei George visited in May, Sensei Dick kindly took several photos during the padwork session. Practicing punches, kicks and other strikes on pads / kick shields is an essential part of karate training. It enables the student to execute their techniques with full power and speed in way that simply can't be replicated in any other way. Sensei George is a strong advocate of executing many repetitions, which builds endurance and contributes towards improved cardiovascular fitness. 

We last held a grading for the adults at the end of May, but it's not always possible to grade everyone due to holidays and other life events. Last night, on another warm Summer's evening, we focussed on ciriculum training, basics, san dan gi, more moving basics, kata, bunkai and padwork. At the end of which it was our pleasure to announce blue belt (6th kyu) pass to Joe. Congratulations also to Tarik on his first grading, to yellow belt, 9th kyu.

It was grading time this week in Cambridge. Many congratulations to everyone that was successful at the adult's grading on Thursday, but especially to young Luke and Oskar for passing to 3rd kyu brown belt. Luke and Oskar have been training with the children's class for many years but have recently increased their practice by joining the adult's classes on Thursdays. The extra effort has paid off and we were very proud to see them rewarded with their brown belts. Congratulations to Shyane and Fin for passing to 5th kyu purple belt, Victor and Nisan passing to green belt, and John for earning his yellow belt.

Today was the grading at the children's class. Many congratulations to Kim for passing to 5th kyu purple belt, following close behind Luke and Oskar. Everyone did really well, with Iden and Edward passing to blue belt, Sidar passing to green belt, Ema passing to Orange belt and Ayesha, Hannah, Lucas and Aren all earning their red stripes.

It is always an absolute pleasure to welcome Sensei George to Cambridge. This year we started at 10 am for a 1 hour class for our younger members. The time flew past but before letting the children go, we gathered everyone together for a couple of group photos. The following three hours were then dedicated to the adults and a couple of our more experienced junior students.

Both sessions started with traditional Junbi Undo warming up exercises to prepare for the training ahead. The children practiced san dan gi, blocked 'noodles' and mini bean bags and had a go at skipping. The adults worked through basic techniques on strike pads before moving onto practice of kata.

​It was all over so quickly, but everyone left into the sunshine with smiles on their faces. We'll do it all again next year!

Many congratulations to David, passing to yellow belt during class last night.

Sensei Dave will take our regular Thursday evening class on 18th April, 6.30 to 8pm, usual class fees apply. Sensei Dave is the most senior current student of Sensei George Andrews and his been a dedicated practitioner of Goju Ryu since a young age. A very popular instructor, Sensei Dave brings great passion and depth of experience to his sessions.

We look forward to welcoming Sensei George back to Cambridge, on Sunday 19th May. Training will be held at Impington Sports Centre. A class dedicated for children will run 10-11am, followed by a session for all adult grades 11am to 2pm. As the Chief Instructor of the OTGKA, Sensei George doesn't need much introduction. Sensei George is one of Higaonna Sensei's most senior students and has been training in Goju Ryu for over 50 years. Prices:

Children: £5
Adults: £30
Godan and above: Free of charge.

Sometimes we assess our students for their next grade during a regular class. Last week we said farewell to Max as he moves away from Cambridge. He missed our last regular grading but we couldn't let him leave without awarding his with a very well earned yellow belt. On Saturday it was the turn of one of younger students, well done to Ema!

We held a grading tonight on what was must have been our busiest class with 21 students on the dojo floor. Many congratulations to everyone on successfully passing to their next grades. Ben to yellow belt, Nisan and Victor to orange belt, Robert, Mike and Joe to green belt, Chaz and Shyane to blue belt, Virginia to 3rd kyu brown belt and Jon to 2nd kyu brown belt. With all the excitement we completely forgot to take a group photo!

On Saturday 7th October we held a grading for the children's class. Under the watchful eyes of Senseis Martin, Louise and Fabio, everyone did their best. We're very pleased to announce that all students passed to their next belts. We would also like to welcome Alice to the club.

September has got off to a busy start this year, as the Summer has made a pleasant return. We started with the black belt grading weekend at the OTGKA honbu dojo in London. It is compulsory for students taking their black belt tests to attend a full weekend of training, which gives Sensei George Andrews, 8th dan, the opportunity to evaluate the students abilities before the formal test, and to provide advice on areas for them to improve. The grading this September was especially busy with a total of 13 students taking their tests, and many people training alongside them. The combination of a full dojo and the return of outside temperatures to the mid 20s, it was very hot and humid in the dojo.

The Cambridge dojo was very well represented, and it gives great pleasure to announce that Holly passed her Shodan test, David passed to Nidan and Tiffany passed to Sandan. Congratulations all round!

David timed his grading to perfection, as he is moving back to Australia later this week to be closer to his family. His last class at the club was last night and we had a great turn out to wish him farewell on his new adventures. David has been training with us for almost 8 years and hasn't let any obstacles get his way. A highly respected and loved member of the dojo, his positive attitude and friendly demeanor will be greatly missed by all.