ASHBOURNE 2025
Sunday, July 6th, marked the date of the annual NSTK summer course, which was even more special this year as it celebrated the 40th anniversary of NSTK's formation in 1985. A lot has changed since then, with new instructors, students, and different teaching methods that help guide our students to achieve their best. However, one thing that remains unchanged is the commitment to fairness and respect from both students and instructors.
The session began with the customary warm-up, led by Rachel. This provided students with a great opportunity not only to prepare their bodies for the training ahead but also to improve their flexibility. Thank you, Rachel!
I would like to extend a special thank you to all the NSTK instructors for their professionalism and enthusiasm. They did an excellent job in making the event a success, along with the NSTK secretary for her hard work in organising everything.
Well done to all the students who participated for putting in significant effort and making the training fun.
The training included kata training with a twist, Ohyo Kumite, and opportunities for students to participate in both points and continuous sparring. Safe practices were emphasised, with takedown techniques and defence against ground attacks taught on mats. The session also featured Kali (stick-fighting) and sparring drills, along with practical self-defence techniques.
The day concluded with a kata competition, and all attendees received a course certificate. Congratulations to all the new Dan grades who worked tirelessly to earn their promotions, as well as to those who won medals in the kata competition. Thank you to everyone who participated.
I would also like to thank Joe Connelly for providing images to help us remember the day.
The course instructors were introduced, and students and parents showed their appreciation. The kata winners were presented with their medals, new Dan grades received their black belts or were promoted to 2nd Dan, followed by the traditional bow that concluded the course.
Thank you all!
Ivan Riley
The session began with the customary warm-up, led by Rachel. This provided students with a great opportunity not only to prepare their bodies for the training ahead but also to improve their flexibility. Thank you, Rachel!
I would like to extend a special thank you to all the NSTK instructors for their professionalism and enthusiasm. They did an excellent job in making the event a success, along with the NSTK secretary for her hard work in organising everything.
Well done to all the students who participated for putting in significant effort and making the training fun.
The training included kata training with a twist, Ohyo Kumite, and opportunities for students to participate in both points and continuous sparring. Safe practices were emphasised, with takedown techniques and defence against ground attacks taught on mats. The session also featured Kali (stick-fighting) and sparring drills, along with practical self-defence techniques.
The day concluded with a kata competition, and all attendees received a course certificate. Congratulations to all the new Dan grades who worked tirelessly to earn their promotions, as well as to those who won medals in the kata competition. Thank you to everyone who participated.
I would also like to thank Joe Connelly for providing images to help us remember the day.
The course instructors were introduced, and students and parents showed their appreciation. The kata winners were presented with their medals, new Dan grades received their black belts or were promoted to 2nd Dan, followed by the traditional bow that concluded the course.
Thank you all!
Ivan Riley
