I hope you are all keeping well and still managing to training at home, in the garden or park – that is the beauty of Shotokan you practice it anywhere.

We obviously don’t know how long the current restrictions will be in place or how things will change if/when the lockdown is lifted. We are starting to put plans in place should the gradings in June not take place. We will keep you update on this as and when we know more.

So, just in case here is our back-up plan… 

Black Belt grading – Sunday 5 July 
The black belt grading on Sunday 5 July will remain the same in Reading. Details of the training and gradings will come out at a later date. (No double gradings) Please make sure you register for your grading by emailing sska595@gmail.com

Pre-gradings
There will be no pre-gradings at any centres in July.

No gradings in Salisbury or Exeter
There will be no gradings in Salisbury or Exeter. Students who usually grade at these centres can grade in Reading or Swindon.

No surcharges
There will be no surcharges at any of our gradings.

Submitting your grading form
All students must fill in grading forms and hand in their licences and pay their fees on the day of the grading. Students can grade at Reading or Swindon just turn up on the day – no need to book.

We will have certificates for all students who pass their grading and will do our best to have belts too.

Students who did not grade in March and paid their grading fees are permitted to double grade if they want to.= on this occasion only. Just pay for one grading fee and one lesson fee.

If the gradings go ahead in June you can still double grade if you want to.

Kata course 12 July
The Kata course on Sunday 12 July will change to a kyu grading in Reading. The new kata course date will be Sunday 25 October in Reading (same format as the 12 July).

SSKA Competition
The SSKA National Championship on Sunday 19 July will change to a kyu grading in Swindon. The new SSKA National Championships will take place on Sunday 20 December (same format as 19 July).

Full details will come out nearer the time of how we will conduct the lessons, gradings and all courses to ensure we abide by Government restrictions and social distancing measures. It’s our job as instructors to make sure everyone enjoys their karate but keep you safe.

Summer Camp
The manger of the Trouville Hotel said there is a 99% chance that the summer camp will go ahead. So you can send off your fees for the summer camp as soon as possible and book your rooms for the camp. (If you wish to double grade on the summer camp you can)

If you need my postal address to send your applications to please email me at sska595@gmail.com

Thank you for your support in this time of uncertainty, we will do our best for you.

Kind regards

Sensei Cole
Chief Instructor SSKA

With the current COVID-19 situation in the UK we would like to take this opportunity to let you know all our Gradings will be taking place as planned in March. We will notify you as soon as possible of any changes on our website and our Facebook page. 

We want to ensure our students stay as fit and healthy as possible and we want to help prevent illness. 

1. We would ask that if you are feeling unwell or have been unwell leading up to your grading that you defer your grading until June. 

2. We have made the decision that we will not be shaking hands with students when they are presented with their grades. 

3. We would also ask that you follow the government guidelines on ‘How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus’

Do

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Don’t

• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

We thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing sska595@gmail.com

Our annual winter camp takes place from Friday 7 February – Sunday 9 February at the Trouville Hotel Bournemouth. It’s open to SSKA members only and their friends and family.

There are still places available so book now by emailing sska595@gmail.com

On Sunday 26 January we are holding our annual FREE instructor’s information course at Dorcan Recreation Complex, St. Paul’s Drive, Swindon SN3 5BY from 3-5pm.

This course is for all instructors, including junior instructors and anyone 4th Kyu and above who would like to become an instructor and run a SSKA club.

The course will give you new ideas about teaching your students, advice on how to promote your club and a chance to concentrate on your own karate progress.

For more information please phone or text 07557532676 or email sska595@gmail.com

Our 2020 calendar is now available to download.

http://www.sska.co.uk/sska-wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/SSKA-Calendar-2020.pdf

Check our website for all the latest updates and information.

The Southern Shotokan Karate Association are hoping to run a Spring Camp in Exmouth from Saturday 25 April to Sunday 26 April 2020. The Camp will take place at the NEW Premier Inn Exmouth.

The course is for black belts and 1st Kyu’s only (aged 16 years and over). This is a specialist course concentrating on all technical areas in Shotokan Karate.

The course will be run by Sensei Cole, 7th Dan. There are only 20 places available so book you place now.  For full detail download the information sheet here.

Deadline to book your place is 31 January 2020