2019 was virtually a year out regards my teaching and doing karate. I suppose at some point everyone needs to take some time to think about what exactly they want out of life and that is what this year was to me. The summer grading was mildly below par regarding standards so the students were made to work and try harder throughout the Autumn period in order to be physically and mentally prepared for the Winter grading ceremony. 

THE NORTH EAST OPEN 21.10.2019.

Seven months since our full squad last competed which in Dokan books is a very long time. I expected the students to be rusty but was pleasantly surprised to discover they handled the occasion well.

2019 Cadet Chojinkai Open    PENRITH  10/3/19   

Thirty-nine Dokan students signed up for what was to be the hardest ever Chojinkai Cadet tournament and the busiest too.

THE YORKSHIRE OPEN BARNSLEY 9.2.2019.

 This tournament is always the first tournament open to our entire squad at the beginning of each new year. In previous years I have had a nervous anticipation in case we failed to perform, this year was different.

The English Kyu Grade National Championship 2019.

We organised our entry to this tournament throughout December and I was a little disappointed that so many key players refused to attend. But I knew I had 5 or 6 talented kids who deserved the support and I should enter even if just for them and that is exactly what I did.