2 September 2007

Five karate students from the Carnalea Karate Club have just returned from a fantastic week's training at the Carlow Summer Karate Camp. The students (Neil & Glen Bailie, Joseph Ferguson and Sarah & Craig Brashaw) were invited by hosting Chief Instructor, Patsy Whelan and were delighted with the amount of quality training and fun they had over the five days.

However, nobody every said karate is easy. At this point it is best that blisters and tired muscles are not mentioned.

Training took place every day from 9.30am until 1.00pm. Morning warm ups could be very physical and often lots of fun. After which students were split into groups depending on age and colour of belt. Tuition was of the highest quality from world beater coaches: Stephen & Cedric Wellington, current WKF star Dave Godfrey, former world kickboxing champion Andy Morgan, (all from Wales) Brian Whelan, Ger Shaw and North Down world beater David Brashaw.

Training during the week was made up of fighting drills, fitness training, kata perfection, partner work, games and competitions. One of the biggest hits with the 140 students being the tag-team fighting competitions.

During the afternoons students went to various activities including golf, fishing, horse-riding, the movies, snooker, played football and of course did some shopping.

At the end of a very enjoyable week Sensei Patsy Whelan gave a special presentation give to each of the students from Carnalea and said he would be delighted to have them return next year.

The club is now back to normal training at Carnalea Methodist Centre and new students are welcome to come along and try it out.