News

December Dan Grading

Congratulations go to Hayley Gardiner and Kev Gibson on passing their black belt.

Danish Open 2011

November 25th saw a small but able team from Kokoro Kai, catch the early flight from Stanstead airport to Copenhagen. The team comprised of Sensei's Mark and Claire who were instructing on the course and officiating in the championships, their son Harry,also Ellena Wheatley, Richard Wheatley, and Hayley Gardiner.

A small team of four, but they came home with ten medals between them a fantastic result .

Medals were Harry Fitzgerald : Silver jnr Black belt Random attacks, Silver jnr Black belt Kata.

Richard Wheatley: Bronze Mens light weight continuous fighting.

Hayley Gardiner: Gold Kyu grade Kata, Gold pairs Kata

Ellena Wheatley: Gold Black belt Kata, Gold Black belt weapon Kata, Gold pairs kata, silver Ground fighting.

Pictures from Championships. Full Results.

Kokoro Kai Ground Fighting Course

The second ground fighting course for this year took place at the Ilford dojo. The course was again run by Sensei's John Ward and Richard Gallazzi.

After a quick line up and rei from Chief Instructor Sensei Mark Fitz-Gerald, it was straight into the warm up. The Sensei's had given this some thought and, rather than the usual exercises, used the techniques from the last course in drill forms to warm us up and remind us of the techniques already covered.

Then came work on more techniques, starting with head lock escapes:- making the frame, climb to back and take back into arm bar. These techniques were thoroughly drilled with our partners and then with a quick change of partners. After a 10 min break, it was back on the mat and to make sure we were warm again, it was shrimping up and down the dojo!

The second set of techniques then covered were attacks from the guard including Kimura, Guillotine and Sweep. Again these were drilled with partners and then a change of partner . All to soon the three hours were up and we lined up for the final rei.

Sensei's Mark and Claire would like to say a big thank you to John and Richard for putting on another great course, also not forgetting to mention Sam who uke'd throughout the day!

PICTURES FROM COURSE.

Kokoro Kai & Warkishin Ju-Jitsu Course & Championships 2011

Kokoro Kai and Wakarishin Ju Jitsu held their 5th. International at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre. The MC was Sensei Robert Green 4th Dan from Kokoro Kai, who introduced the hosts, Sensei Mark Fitz-Gerald, 6th Dan & Sensei Claire Fitz-Gerald, 5th Dan, Kokoro Kai Ju Jitsu, and Sensei Ian Arbon, 6th Dan, Wakarishin Ju Jitsu.

The Guest Instructors included Sensei Terry Parker, 10th Dan, Sensei Kenny Blundell, 9th Dan, Sensei Gino LoGiocco, 9th Dan, Sensei Michael Player, 9th Dan, Sensei Martin Rogers, 7th Dan, Sensei Jacques Pietquin, 7th Dan, Sensei Hans DeMant 7th Dan, Sensei Janet Parker, 7th Dan and UNJJ Sec, Sensei Ricky Izod, 6th Dan, Sensei Chris Shepherd, 6th Dan, Sensei Graham Sargent, 6th Dan, Sensei Chris Harvey, 5th Dan, Sensei Dave Rintoul, 5th Dan and Sensei Andy Monty, 5th Dan.

Sensei Rob handed the mic to Sensei Parker, who hadn’t intended to speak but had Sad and Exceptional News in informing spectators, students, instructors and hosts of the serious health concern for Sensei John Hunt, 7th Dan, who was unable to attend. This sad news had immediate effect and alongside this writer, Sensei Luke Shipwright knelt down to shield the tears in his eyes; it was an action that spoke for many in attendance and he was helped to recover his poise by Sensei Ray Shoobridge, 4th Dan, and Sensei Guy Worthington.

Sensei Gary Hewitt, 3rd Dan led the Warm-Up, whereupon we broke up into our training groups for the Seminar. I was on Black Belt 2 and trained with Guy Worthington and Julie Gonzalez from Belgium, which was handy because Sensei Jacques Pietquin took our mat and launched into multiple Strikes - and with 3 individual kicks - and locked up the uke. Julie was able to set me right when I immediately went wrong. Sensei Gino also stepped onto the mat and demonstrated a flowing movement which turned the uke in a number of directions whilst controlling him and Striking him. If only I could do the same...but hopefully one day I shall.

Sensei Michael Player 9th Dan stepped on with Sensei Chris Harvey, 5th Dan, as uke. I felt his pain. Especially when Guy did the Technique sooo much better than me - and because he also has a Judo Black Belt as one of his skill-sets. Sensei Micky expertly demonstrated Uchi-Komi (Guy told me the name of it) and then moved to Opening the Turtle Defence. The really clever bit was how he also changed the Lock through moving his Legs. Simple but not easy and I still can’t do it. More practise for me then.

Sensei Sir Andrew Monty, 5th Dan, took the mat and nodded to me. I nodded back and then found myself as the Uke. An unexpected honour for me. Sensei then decided to take a Principle of Ju Jitsu and illustrate it with Applications. The Principle was to use control of the Philtrum, which included the Vomer and Nose. Check your Anatomy Books. his simple pressure immediately broke my Balance and allowed him full Control. He then explored this Principle with other ukes and was a valuable lesson in the overall seminar.

Sensei Dave Rintoul, 5th Dan stepped on with Sensei Ray Shoobridge, 4th Dan as uke and demonstrated simple finger and wrist control and then moved onto ground techniques. Oh my word. Sensei Dave is also a Judo Black Belt. Painful fun for everyone.

Sensei Chris Shepherd and Sensei Graham Sargent, both 6th Dan demo’d a Trap to a Double Strike, in which Sensei Chris took Control and then turned the Uke (Sensei Graham) and drew Backwards and down to the floor and into an instant Double Wrist Hold Down. Clever. I then had the honour to be Uke for Sensei Graham and soon regretted it, as he blocked my Strike and dropped to one knee as he then punished my Outer Thigh and both Inner Thighs with 3 Strikes and executed a Leg Throw and Finished with a Straight Leg Lock. And there was more.

Sensei Mark Fitz-Gerald, 6th Dan, took the floor and from a Straight Right Punch, he then issued a Ridge Hand Strike to the Neck and flowed through movement which allowed him to control the Uke’s Left Arm and Shoulder as taking the Back and then he Collapsed the Uke at the knee and applied a Double Choke in a clever way which I am not going to describe. The reasons are two-fold, one, it was clever and was applied in a way that I hadn’t thought of, and, two, you might try it and that would be unwise. You must only train under a qualified instructor because they understand how and why it works; the instructor also knows how dangerous techniques can be but you don’t, so, check with your instructor on all techniques. It’s what training is for - a safe place to explore your Ju Jitsu under qualified guidance.

We took lunch and reconvened for Competition. Always a stressful experience for both the experienced and the nervous alike, it should be embraced; the motto is “everyone should have a go”. Sensei Parker had earlier encouraged everyone who was to compete that it should be enjoyed whether you won a medal or not. No-one should be so invested in Competition that they cannot accept a decision going against them.

I was first on in the Black Belt Empty Hand and the decision went against me. haha. I had kept my glasses on and could see the whole Dojo and a bank full of spectators - there were loads of ‘em! I went wrong twice but got it on the third go. I stayed to watch and applaud everyone. When Ellie Wheatley from Kokoro Kai performed Long Stance (Preying Mantis), I said aloud “That’s the winner”. She showed poise and smoothness throughout. She won Gold. The Standard of all competitors was very high throughout and a joy to watch.

This excellence also showed in the Black Belt Weapons Kata. I did Okinawan Bo 1 and was fairly happy. Guy Worthington did a superb Okinawan Bo 2 kata. It was a more difficult kata than mine and much better executed. He rightly won Gold. Ellie Wheatley did Sai 1, in which poise and posture were skillfully performed. She dropped down when in defending with Rising Block with the Right Hand as defending the Leg with the Left Hand. She held a very low Stance and with Control. It stood out even amongst a splendid Sai 1 kata. Ellie won Silver. Paul Smith did Okinawan Tonfa, first shown in a seminar in Basildon by Sensei Sam Tonkin. This was very difficult and required great dexterity in controlling and manipulating the Tonfa in a variety of Strikes and Blocks as moving up and down the mat whilst also maintaining Stance at Set points. Great stuff. In the junior section, Harry Fitz-Gerald also did this very difficult Okinawan Tonfa kata and won Silver. Well done Harry! A great display.

The Groundfighting was excellent. There were some very skilled displays. I saw Andrew Taylor win Silver in the Heavyweight division. He beat the favourite in the semi-final in a very tough contest and may still have been drained by it when he competed for Gold. He didn’t complain though he looked very tired from his terrific efforts. Jon Perez also showed skilled technique in winning Bronze in his Category. James Fairhead won Silver in the Medium Weight field. James is also adept in groundwork and showed some splendid skills. It allowed him to win Gold in the Continuous Fighting.

The most impressive thing was the sportsmanship displayed when there was the occasional accidental Strike, outside the rules. This is what Sensei Parker had hoped for when he reminded all competitors earlier in the day.

Random Attack. Well, I fluked my way through but then met Carsten Lindberg, so I knew my journey would likely end there but even so. Unfortunately, my 2nd Defence was against a knife attack I never saw. Let that be a lesson for everyone faced with a knife. Always look for an escape route. It was so fast I never saw it. So, Carsten went on to Silver and Maria Nyving won Gold. In fact the Danes took a clean sweep of the medals. Skillful as ever in Randoms.

Pairs Demos saw very enjoyable Set by Nathan and Adam Byne, which concluded with a Finish, as Adam did a Dying Sawn - correctly - and wholly in context of the story they told in their ju jistsu. Bushido also did a very enjoyable set, which I was able to see while trying to watch the Continuous and the Groundfighting. Yes, a busy day with so much to see and appreciate.

After the Competitions came the medals. You’ll probably read this separately.

Back to the hotel and into the Dinner. Fat chips for me and battered fish - cos we were at the Seaside. As I was about to cut in, I was told it wasn’t fish but chicken. I was then told it was Schnitzel. Worry? Not me, it was very enjoyable and the Creme Caramel and the Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake was Great. After that I was called to the Bar. In a manner of speaking.

Thanks to all of those who made it such an enjoyable day. All the helpers Tracey Hunt on the Stock Table; Elaine Vernazza on the Budo Pass Table. Dave Vernazza, Dave Newby, Steve Jones, Jean Nanton to name but a few. The Scribes and Referees did an outstanding job on the day also.

Special Thanks to Senseis Mark + Claire Fitz-Gerald and Ian Arbon for their Kind Invitation and for organising a Great Day of Excellent Ju Jitsu.

Peter McCarney 3rd Dan.

Pictures from Course Competition Results

National Championships

(April 2011)

On Saturday 9th April 2011, members from Kokoro Kai took part in this year’s British Championships. The venue was the Walsall Sports Centre in the grounds of Wolverhampton University. Most of the team traveled up on the Saturday morning.

The Championships started at approximately 10am with the Random Attacks being the first section to take place, closely followed by the Empty Hand Kata and Weapons Kata. After a short break for lunch the afternoon then proceeded with the Continuous Fighting and Pairs Demo’s.

We were extremely proud of all the team members who showed great team spirit and support for each other throughout the day. We were also proud that our own Andy Monty, 5th Dan was invited by the Chairman of the BJJA.GB to be the P.A for the day and did a superb job.

RESULTS:

Juniors:

Random Attacks : Purple Belt

Polly Godfrey, Silver

Boys Continous fighting 12-14 years 50k & over

Sollie Davies, Silver

Girls Continous fighting 12-14 years

Charlotte King, Gold

Junior Kata

Charlotte King, Bronze

Junior Weapons Kata 13-14 years

Charlotte King, Bronze

Junior Weapons Kata 15-17 years

Harry Fitzgerald, Silver

Adults:

Senior Kata Kyu Grade.

James Tegerdine, Bronze

Senior Weapons Kata Brown Belt

James Tegerdine, Bronze

Senior Weapons Kata 1st & 2nd Dan

Mark Dolby Silver

We would like to thank the Team for representing Kokoro Kai and for all their efforts.

We hope that Kokoro Kai will continue to be represented at such a high level and would urge other junior and senior students to take part next year. Competition is a valuable experience on many levels and helps to raise standards.

Again – well done to all the Team!

Mark & Claire Fitz-Gerald,

Chief Instructors. Pictures from the event.

UNITED NATIONS OF JU-JITSU

INTERNATIONAL COURSE & CHAMPIONSHIPS

DENMARK

28-29 AUGUST 2010

A whole year gone by and here we all were once again, coming together with friends from clubs all over the country to make the flight from Stanstead to Copenhagen in Denmark for this year’s United Nations of Ju-Jitsu Course and Championships. Most of us had to get up very early (3am!) to make sure we arrived on time to check-in and grab some much needed breakfast before our journey.

The Course was opened on Saturday morning with team introductions and anthems, some traditional Danish Folk Dancing and greetings from our Chairperson – Janet Parker. Chief Instructors, Mark and Claire Fitz-Gerald were invited to teach on Saturday morning during the Course, whilst their son Harry, together with Andy Monty ,Martin and Ross Hunnable, Polly, Sophie and Richard all got stuck- in and practised the very many different techniques they were given by the other country representatives. We are very proud to say that they all lasted the 4-hour session!

Although Kokoro Kai only managed a small representation this year, we had a great result with four medals:

Harry Fitz-Gerald (14yrs) – Hornchurch - Bronze (14-17yrs Weapons)

Ross Hunnable (11yrs) - Fenland - Silver (Junior Pairs Demo)

Polly Godfrey (10yrs) - Fenland - Silver (Junior Pairs Demo)

Sophie Wilkinson - Fenland - Silver (Female Ground Fighting)

Team ‘GB’ (totalling approx 100 people) managed to secure some 94 medals and almost certainly gained pole position in the tally of medals this time. Other countries taking part this year were: DENMARK/ SOUTH AFRICA/USA/BELGIUM/GERMANY/ITALY/GIBRALTER/HOLLAND/IRELAND. Black Belt Random Attacks went to Germany and the Team Demo again to Italy. We have to say how smart the British Team looked in the BJJA.GB Tracksuits . The Championships finished around lunch time on the Sunday when the team boarded the coach back to the hotel for a much needed drink (or two!) and some relaxation before the evenings Gala Dinner.

Just as we all sat down to enjoy the evening’s buffet/disco, the hotel’s fire alarm went off and everybody had to assemble in the car park when they realised the alarm was for real!! Two fire engines quickly arrived to cheers from the crowd – and disappointment from some of the ladies present who thought maybe the evenings entertainment had arrived!!!! The hotel bar staff should also be commended for turning a blind eye to the hundreds of cans of beer being purchased from Netto’s supermarket next door and stashed away under the tables for mass consumption - just goes to show - where there is a will, there is a way!!!! As always, a great evening spent with great company!

Sore heads enjoyed a bit of a lay-in on the Bank Holiday Monday and some time to enjoy the Danish sunshine that had been with us the whole weekend. We boarded the coach back to the airport at 2pm and were back home early evening.

We would like to thank everyone for their support and to the children especially for all their hard work and excellent behaviour. Some difficulties arose this year over Competition Rules, but we sincerely hope that these can be resolved before we meet again next year in NEW YORK!

PLEASE – INSTRUCTORS AND STUDENTS OF KOKORO KAI – SHOW YOUR SUPPORT NEXT YEAR IN NEW YORK AND START SAVING UP FOR WHAT PROMISES TO BE A GREAT EXPERIENCE. WE WOULD LOVE SOME OF YOU TO GET A TEAM DEMO TOGETHER AND MAYBE SOME PAIRS. PLEASE START BOUNCING AROUND YOUR IDEAS AND PRACTISING THEM. COMPETITION ADDS ANOTHER DIMENSION TO YOUR JU-JITSU AND WE WOULD LOVE MORE OF YOU TO EMBRACE THIS AND GIVE IT A TRY – YOU NEVER KNOW – YOU MAY JUST SUPRISE YOURSELF!!!!

UNJJ 2011 – NEW YORK – 25-28 AUGUST

MARK & CLAIRE FITZ-GERALD

CHIEF INSTRUCTOS

KOKORO KAI JU-JITSU ASSOCIATION

pictures from course