EKKA Summer Camp 09

LKK attended Summer Camp over the bank holiday weekend. Setting up camp on Friday afternoon in the grounds of the Gainsborough Sports Centre Ipswich Suffolk, along with lots of other clubs from the EKKA Karate Association.

With the first night over with a few showers, drinks and some fun and games. Saturday’s training schedule got under way with the welcome session from the instructors who were teaching on this year’s course. The training on the courses is always of the highest standard and meant to be taxing for all levels of students but of course is always meant to be fun and enjoyable. After completing the first day in the hot sun Links put together 2 teams to enter into the Super Team event that evening, this a team event.

The club instructors enter teams to compete against each other. From team relay, tug of war to individual events, 1 mile run, most press ups, squats, goal scoring, rugby drop kick and even egg throwing. And yes, Links A Team once again gained us the Super Team Trophy ’09, well done to everyone from both teams.

Sunday was not so hot and by the looks of Senseis head it was a good thing too. With everyone rounded up for training the sessions started prompt with the students being able to choose to try their hands at JuJutsu, Kick Boxing, Squad Training, Kata, Full Contact, Jump Kicks and much more all under the guidance of some of the very best instructors you will find.

Sunday evening saw the Links crew in good spirits with an adult v children football match being played, BBQ, camp fires, a few drinks for the adults, lots of laughing and talking and a late night for some.

Monday saw another early start for the students final session and a last chance to show their stuff off to the instructors to win Sensei the trophies for the best students on the camp for each grade.

With the session finished we all crowded round to hear who had won this years awards and this year Links winners were best Orange Belt - Laurence Gill, Best Brown Belt - Louise Burnett and best EKKA Squad member - Daniel Szabo. These students are picked by the instructors who have been teaching all the different sessions on the course over the 3 days, they look for their commitment, technique, attitude, ability and attendance to the sessions.

Karate Summer Camp is always tiring and hard, which is what it is about, getting together with like minded people to train along side from all over England and something different to learn every year. Secondly, to have fun after the training sessions have finished for the day, making this a worth while event to attend. Well done to you all, I hope you all enjoyed this year’s camp.