Karate Tournament

Yesterday the two boys competed in another little club karate exhibition tournament which is aimed at giving the little tots confidence to stand up in front of a crowd and compete. They started with the Kata however as the kids don't know any Kata's yet, they are allowed to go up on the mat and make up their own routine of moves from what techniques they have learnt so far. All the kids received a medal just for being brave enough to get up there and perform in front of a crowd.

 

After the Kata they did the kumite and again as this is with young tots the fighting is a playful game of tag where they try and tap each other on the top of the head or to the body. No kicks are allowed just yet but some of them are allowed to do back fists as well. Despite not being allowed to punch the front of the face, there was plenty of them going for it and smacking the other kid square in the face. Joshua was backing off a lot in his fights which is surprising given how big and strong he is. Brandon was more in the pocket and punches in bunches, but has his hands way too low and gets hit quite a bit!

 

 

Joshua showing a good high knee on his kick during his kata routine.

Joshua doing some punches.



Brandon looking the part in his new gi and doing some nice punches. I think we need to work on that back hand position!!

Brandon doing a snappy kick to the front.

Brandon gets his kata pedal from Sensie Quinn.

Joshua getting his kata medal from Sensei.

Joshua delivering a front hand punch during the kumite.

Brandon showing good technique to deliver a reverse punch to the body.

Low hands and bad stance lands Brandon in trouble as he takes a shot to the forehead.

Joshua in his second bout landing a shot to the body.

I think Joshua might have gone a bit heavy handed here looking at the reaction from his opponent.

Joshua getting his kumite medal from Sensei Quinn.



Brandon getting his kumite medal from Sensie.

All of the kids who competed in the tots exhibition tournament.

After the karate we headed into Southend as it was the final night of the free firework display on the seafront. I have to say the fireworks where very impressive this year (especially when you consider they are free). We spent a little bit of time in the arcades and also got a nice bag of donuts to snack on. Its quite special to stand on the beach in the pitch black and watch fireworks.

Holly on Southend beach with Joshua's light sabre just waiting for the fireworks to start.

Selfie of me and Holly as a firework goes off over our heads.

Joshua and Brandon all wrapped up against those sea breezes and enjoying the free fireworks.

In the arcades the two boys really took to this snow mobile racing game.



Brandon was a natural and got himself two third places.

Both my boys racing each other on the snow mobiles down Southend sea front.