TICKY DONOVON'S SUMMER COURSE 2005 

Sun, sea and sand?!...

It can only be the TICKY DONOVAN OPEN SUMMER COURSE 2005.

Celebrating 30 glorious years, the many disciples and acolytes of Karate made the annual pilgrimage to the East Anglian coast and, to the second spiritual home of Ishinryu Karate, Seawick Holiday Village in St. Osyth Beach, Clacton-On-Sea!!

Led by Sensei Phil Francis and Sensei Greg Francis, a small cadre of Karate-ka from Barking Dojo and Eltham Dojo journeyed to the hallowed ground of Seawick Holiday Village to attend the Summer Course which this year celebrated a big THREE OH.

Between Sunday 25^th June and Friday 2^nd July 2005 on the green, green grass (well, it was a bit yellow in places) of Seawick the many adepts trained under the blazing English sunlight that bathed the course the whole week (and no thunder storms this year).

Both Sensei Phil and Greg Francis taught over the seven day period and were joined by instructors, Ticky Donovan O.B.E 8^th Dan (course leader and godfather of Ishinryu Karate), Dave Hazard 7^th Dan (senior Shotokan teacher), Wayne Otto O.B.E. (9 times World Champion), Moira Barber 5^th Dan, Pepe Suarez 5^th Dan, Richard Condon 4^th Dan, Eddie Gillespie 4^th Dan (Shotokan Style) and Jonathan Mottram 3^rd Dan, in their endeavours to impart instruction on would be Karate-ka from all over England and the world (a big hello goes out to the Germans, Fins, Jerseys, Aussies and Kiwis).

Three sessions, divided over the day, starting at 7.30am (oh my God, that’s early!) in the morning and finishing at 5.30pm (oh my God, my back!) each day tasked the stamina and commitment of all students, and with no let up with the sunshine and temperatures soaring into the eighties this would be a course to relish and remember.

And talking of remembrance, Colin and Anu from Barking Dojo first met each other on the course in the early Eighties. Colin besotted with Anu, asked her to marry him at the end of the week, which she, of course, accepted. (Ahh, how romantic!!) And little did Mohammed know that he was occupying the chalet in which their love blossomed. There’s a movie in there somewhere?!

Incidentally, Anu got a bucket of water for wearing a watch to training (criminal offence on the course) on the first day of her first ever course. Roll on the years and guess who wore a watch again on the first day of this year’s course? Yep, first lesson and Anu is back in the frame, receiving copious amounts of water.

A break from training on Wednesday gave way to the annual Fun Run (yes, what’s fun about running?!) with little Gabby from Eltham Dojo coming first in the junior girls division.

Midweek, in a break from normal training, Sensei Greg Francis conducted his Karate to Music Master Class, much requested after last year’s premiere performance, and in a repeat of last year the class played out to packed audiences on both occasions. No doubt he will tour the country with his new found fame and fitness regime.

Midweek also saw the Fancy Dress Party which was attended by record numbers under the threat of a bucket of water if you didn’t attend. A great evening was had by all and for those who can’t remember it; it was a really great night. The evening brought added extra celebration with high hopes that Karate will be involved in the Olympics (fingers crossed for 2012) and Sensei Donovan proudly wore the Olympic flag over his costume with enthusiasm.

Congratulations go out to:

• Rafe; 3^rd in Men’s Black Belt Kata Competition

• Colin; 2^nd in Men’s 2^nd and 1^st Kyu Kumite

• Danny; 2^nd in Men up to 5^th Kyu Kumite

• George; 3^rd in Boys 3^rd Kyu to Black Belt Kumite

• Gabby; 1^st in Fun Run and 1^st in Girl’s Kumite

Congratulations also to:

• Jenny; graded to 5^th Kyu

• Emma; graded to 5^th Kyu

A big thank you goes out to Phil, Greg, Linda, Judith, Rafe, Danny and everyone else who cooked evening meals for the posse over the seven days.

A special thank you to Danny, who on many, if not all occasions, washed up the dishes for everyone. He was a diamond in the rough. (NB. Danny’s washing services are available to the general public on request and at a nominal fee. Price on application).

In all, a great week of Karate and fun for all. And here’s looking forward to the 31^st Summer Course next year. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Check out the Gallery for full Summer Course pics!

For details of next year’s course, contact Parkview Fitness on 020 8491 5219 or email parkvfit@aol.com.