Feel free to view the photos and information from some of the events that the Hara Shotokan Karate Academy has been involved with; plus some photos taken from our karate history.
Over the years many memories, people and events have been captured on camera.
Click here to take a look through our archive of pictures that is ever growing.
For some more recent photo's continue below.
This years Ian Poole kata championships was a lot of fun, as always the competition produced an excellent display of karateka skill, with many of the final decisions being a very close call..
The team event is always fun and produced some fantastic alternatives, especially this years 'Macarena'!.
Congratulations to all the winners of each category and everyone for competing, and also thanks to the judges and spectators.
Click here to view a list of the winners.
As always, not only is this weekend a fantastic opportunity to train with other european karateka's but a great opportunity to spend time with friends.
The weekend was very challenging mentally and physically, which started on the Friday night with a training session from sensei Frans Brijon who was training his version of bunkai to Heian Nidan.
On Saturday and Sunday sensei Ken Button introduced the Dan grades to his version of Bassai Dai bunkai and the junior grades to Sho-te kata, whilst sensei Francois Van Binst trained bunkai to Bassai Sho.
Sensei Dirk Heene spent time introducing the techniques that could be used with Ten No Kata and his ideas relating to 'energy'.
A great weekend, as always with many many thanks to everyone who supported and organised the event, and all that shared in the drinks that were needed to maintain the mental attitude and the bonding of relationships.
Cheers, see you all soon.
Most people stated arriving early for this years event, which had a very good turnout from the clubs in Scotter and Preston, the mats were already out and everything seemed to be well organised!
Jess Parkin had been roped in to take charge of the admissions and the smooth running of the table for all the events.
Kata was the first event of the day, starting with the Peewees and then the children, followed by the ladies and men's events. Most of the scores were close with some good kata's, special thanks were given to Caleb for his 'fluff up' in his kata, as he and Andy Mcdonald had drawn three times which allowed Andy to take the lead after four tie break kata's were performed each.
Teams were formed on the day to ensure a mixture of Scotter and Preston club members were in each team and to ensure that everyone was involved in a team event, the kata referees were also changed regularly to make everything fair.
After a short lunch break kumite started, again with Peewees first, then children, ladies and men's events, there were some very good spirited performances with the control overall being good and only the odd wince from the spectators. Again mixed club teams were made on the day for ippon kumite and team kumite.
All the finals were held at the end of the day with the majority of competitors going home with a medal or trophy.
Well done to all the competitors and a big thanks to the referees, judges, spectators and everyone who helped with the organisation of the day.
To view a full list of winners for the tournament, click here.
The academy squad had it's first attempt at attending a European Tournament in Belgium this September, the squad had been training together once a month over the last 4 months, at a dojo in Yorkshire of a good friend of ours, thanks Mike. The squad consisted of one experienced competitor (good ol' Rottie), with the rest never competing before at International level.
Arriving in Kuringen at dinner time on the Friday, sorting out accommodation and then onto a local park for some relaxation. The night time was dedicated to meeting some of the other karate-ka who were taking part in the competition the next day, (by the way, the food was fantastic), this was all arranged by the very good people of the Go No Sen Karate club.
Before the tournament started, presentations were made to each coach from the visiting countries which was a very nice gesture and caught all of us by surprise, also each competitor was given a goodie bag full of bits and bobs (thank you sensei Bortels).
Child kumite and Adult kata started the tournament; the kia-ing had begun!!!
We were warned prior to attending the tournament that the opposition would be very strong, that fact was proven to be correct, so anything to be achieved was going to be hard fought for. The whole day was going fantastically well and the squad were performing better than I could have ever expected, the rounds were disappearing rapidly and the finals were coming ever closer.
"My gosh the finals are upon us?". Out of the 12 person squad we have 10 in the finals, not bad, in fact pretty damn good for such a small group. The results after all the events were quite good for Team Hara:
7 Gold
4 Silver
4 Bronze
All in all a very good effort made by everyone, and the tournament was compelling viewing.
A massive thank you to all the referees, judges, timekeepers, assistants; to the competitors, you were all incredible and such true sportsmen.
Thank you. Hussaaaaaaaarrrrrrr!!! Roll on the next one.
Ken Button
For a full list of results click here.
Is it a movie?, it's a TV programme?, Is it a book?....
No, just one word, three syllables! A.... Maz... Ing...
This years Hara Karate Camp was a fantastic weekend, that never let up and never disappointed.
The Primrose Hill location absolutely made the weekend, this delightful location is well tucked away but full of adventure and opportunities.
From the hike to the Chip Shop through to the Hara Cricket Ashes (sort of), the weekend was full of fun and games and a splash of karate.
The team challenges began with the Camp Pub Quiz, where some very dubious answers and decisions were given!, this was followed by the Hara mini olympics which covered many of the Amateur Athletics Association's rejected events. This allowed each team member to show their true abilities and dedication to the art of obscure sports, even Connor and his wheel barrow!
To decide the winners of the weekend, a highly amusing game of charades was presented by Ken and his 'Ball Room'...
Hopefully this is the start of a great relationship with the new venue at Primrose Hill in Scunthorpe, roll on next year.
"I have been sat here, what seems to be an entire life time trying to think of words to thank everyone who put themselves out to attend a party on my behalf at Scotter.
To have been teaching at the Scotter Dojo for the last 30 years has been such a big part of my life, I have been fortunate to meet and teach people from all walks of life and judging by the turnout at the party, it has been well worth doing.
I wish to start my thanks to the sods who organised the whole thing, I know it couldn't have been easy, especially to track down some of the people you did and also keep it a secret from me; what with me being one of the nosiest guys on the planet, you really did well.
To see some of my original students again after such a long time was just fantastic, I must say I was a little lost for words! well for a short time, anyway I made up for that after a few drinks. To meet people I have not seen for more than 25 years was really special, it was as if no time had passed at all, you have all stayed the great people that I remember from years ago, a little bit older and wiser but still great people, in fact true friends.
I have been engrossed in the book that you all signed and put your references about myself in, I think that you must know a different Ken Button to me! Seriously thank you very much, you lot will hold a special place in my heart now and for the next 30 years and beyond (bloody hell I sound like buzz light year).
To all my current students, cheers and thanks for such a great day, I enjoyed myself immensely, BUT you did cancel one of my lessons without permission, so be very careful in the future I may have a surprise waiting for you.
To have the Academy Motto, 'In Friendship We Train', has a whole new meaning to me now after this weekend.
To my family, that's you lot.
Many, many, many thanks"
Ken Button