Simon recently joined Eastern Shotokan Karate Association (ESKA) along with his daughter Chase.  For each grading (coloured belt) you have to learn & perform a Kata, The name ‘Kata’ is a Japanese term translated as simply meaning form or shape. Shotokan kata are sequences of basic, intermediate and advanced techniques arranged into patterns of choreographed movements.

Kata are executed alone with the student encouraged to visualise the attacks of an invisible enemy or multiple attackers whilst maintaining perfect form. Each kata has its own character. Some kata are strong and powerful whereas others are far more graceful and flowing in their nature. Some kata however, contain a mixture of both and each has its own unique timing. The 26 officially recognised Shotokan kata are all individually named and given their own personality. In some cases, the source of the name is obvious.

 In others, the name of the kata can only be surmised from the kanji that their identity was originally written in.  Simon has learned three Kata’s so far, perfect for one per mountain!  The links below at ‘youtube’ give examples of these, that he will be performing as we summit each peak- in climbing gear-not the normal GI suit! We have registered this attempt with Guinness as a record attempt

Simon would like to thanks Nathan Bond and Daniel Myhill for taking time out of training/instructing for the pictures for the newsletter, newspapers & website. Many thanks also to Kevin Myhill for taking the pictures...check out his website - www.kmphotovision.co.uk

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