Author Archives: Clare McIntyre

Happy New Year!!

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We’re happy to welcome all karate students back to the dojo after a relaxing festive break. Looking forward to a year of karate spirit and dedicated training, with everyone reaching their karate goals and maybe earning a few medals and new belts along the way.

If you have ever wanted to try karate, then 2025 could be your year! Come along for a few trial sessions of traditional JKA karate at our friendly club. We run classes in Gullane on Mondays and in Dirleton on Wednesdays. Drop a message to find out more or book online.

The JKA Bass Rock Karate Party

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As 2024 comes to a close, we celebrated our last training session with true Karate spirit. Energetic pad work, controlled kata and a Karate tunnel to add some spice.

The Mike Mitchell cup for ‘Karate student of the year’ was awarded to recognise the hard work, commitment and karate spirit shown by both one Junior and one Senior.

We topped it all off with a celebratory cake baked by one of our members, and a chance to socialise and chat before heading off for holidays.

We will be opening our doors again to members old and new on January 6th. Ready to work of the mince pies and to continue to develop our skills.

Successful Grading October 2024

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We are delighted to celebrate with our JKA Bass Rock students who recently graded at the 2024 JKA Scotland Gasshuku. We were treated to classes with amazing instructors, Sensei Hirayama 7th Dan JKA  from the Honbu Dojo and Sensei Ohta 7th Dan JKA, Chief instructor of JKA England, followed by Kyu gradings, which resulted in a clean sweep of new belts.

Our Senior grades took part across all 3 days training and we would like to give special congratulations to our Senior Mairi who was awarded Ni Dan, under the watchful eyes of Sensei Hirayama, Sensei Ohta, Sensei Alan Simpson and the JKA Scotland technical committee. It was a great achievement based on hard work and committed training. Oss!

Hot tired and happy students after a day of training and grading
Congratulations to our Senior Mairi on achieving Ni Dan

Sensei John Deans – puts us through our paces

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We were delighted to welcome Sensei John Deans (5th Dan JKA Instructor and Scottish squad manager and coach) to our dojo to put us through our paces. We were treated to a high energy course that left our brains buzzing and muscles aching.

Sensei John bought his experience, West Coast wit and eye for detail, to teach 3 hours focusing on Kata and Kumite. Working through the key elements of Attitude, Technique, Speed and Strength, and connecting the precision of Kata with the energy and power of free sparring.

Did we learn a lot? OSS Sensei!

Image showing the class smiling, with Sensei John Deans and Sensei Paola Burrows, Below the senior belts practicing kata
Images of JKA Bass Rock Karate practicing Kumite