Better start swimming

Music is fascinating to me.

I find it incredible that I could be aware of this song for years, perhaps decades without really hearing the words.

I can tell the tune, perhaps sing a verse of a couple of melodies. But sometimes I realise I haven't quite heard the song at all!

Recently the movie about the early years of Bob Dylan's career called a complete unknown appeared on Disney plus... other streaming services are available).

Suddenly I found myself truly listening to his lyrics. Especially to the song “times they are a changing”.

The lines that really resonate for me are ‘and you better start swimming or you'll sink like a stone for the times they are a changing’.

I have sang along to this tune since I was a young boy, but I've only really listened to it recently. Maybe I wasn't ready to hear it, or perhaps I was simply distracted?

Either way the message has hit home, and I am mindful of the sentiment.

Be flexible, be coachable, accept change... push on and grow!

Last Saturday was our in-house tournament with our wider karate association the AKA.

The AKA was formed 10 years ago in May 2015 due to the need for a dynamic change and a forward-thinking approach for our students.

Since then I felt a shift in the karate world. Many of the old guard instructors our sensei’s, mentors and heroes have stepped down, retired or sadly passed away.

For us passionate practitioners in our crisp white gi, times truly have been a changing!

We now find ourselves amongst the custodians of our art and its integrity.

We had a few logistic complications in the build up to the event but fortunately Bev and the family van came to the rescue along with Craig and Clive who helped me collect chairs and deliver them to the Clanfield Centre on Friday.

I was then thrilled to see such a great support team turn up and help us set up the arena in a record 30 minutes. I would name check the team but I am fearful of forgetting someone and unwillingly offending.

Team, you know who you are thank you, we appreciate you!

Competition doors opened promptly at 9:00 AM and the hall was soon buzzing with competitors and spectators.

One of our principles has always been that spectators are free to attend. So, it was great to see more chairs being set up to accommodate the excited families and friends.

The event started with a group warm up led by Zach Henrick fresh back from his world tour.

At 9:30 AM prompt the kata events began and the hall was soon filled with the sounds of whistles, scores and kiais!

The AKA was founded on the principle of friendship. So, it was great to see our members mixing with friends from other dojos throughout the day. All three areas were soon running, and it was wonderful to see so many Petersfield and Knowle members helping to officiate. Not least Zacks mum Paula fresh from a recent birthday and clearly thriving in retirement.

In the merit kata young Christopher Lawson mckittrick demonstrated the results of his hard work and extra training winning the merit event.

Christopher was joined on the podium by Elise White in fourth place. Elise has a lovely character and has really put the effort into her training. So, her success was well earned!

Free step was a big category with some 54 entrants. So, it was split into 3 categories based on height. In the first event we had a wonderful outing.

Isla from our Wednesday classes always trains with focus and passion which helped us secure 4th place. Emily Baker also from our taro group has incredible focus as she took a solid 3rd place.

In recent months Benji McShane has doubled down on his effort in our Saturday clanfield classes. His spirit is nearly as epic as his hair and he finished in second place.

If focus, sass and determination guaranteed success. Then Zoe Hart would always be in the medals! Our little ball of spirit won the hearts and minds of the judges and spectators as she triumphed in the category and stepped up to the top spot on the podium.

In the next category Ella was shining but had a moment of uncharacterized confusion which is a real shame and halted her progress. However, her best friend forever and Knowle training partner Freya was having a great day. Freya used her epic spirit and wonderful reach to finish in second place to a strong competitor from SDKC.

The over 5 foot three-step witnessed a standout performance from Elise from the Isle of Wight. But we were thrilled to see Albie Hardman from our Wednesday classes express himself and finish with a strong third place.

We had a wonderful showing in the 10th to 7th kyu kata with Thomas Taker Towner securing 4th place, Casper Weaver taking third and young Zoey Hart triumphant once again. This group has huge potential!

In the 6th to 4th Kyu category Jack Siddall placed fourth with his trademark spirit and long deep stances. Jacob Storey bravely debuted his new kata [Heian godan] taking third place. And the ever-popular Jamie Hart secured first place with true to form focus and spirit.

In the brown and black belt kata we had another excellent showing.

Beau Kemp who has been training like a man possessed lately took fourth place. Eddie from SDKC put in a crisp performance to finish third.

The ever-consistent Jessie Hart finished in a strong second place. While Tommy Welsh demonstrate is a confident Ninjishiho to finish in 1st place.

The Sanbon kumite events are often exciting. So, it was so it was with much anticipation that our crew donned their mitts and gum Shields and went to work.

The boys under 5 foot category was a frustrating outing for our lads. Ollie, Jacob and Nolan put in a decent show, but it wasn't their day!

Caleb from Kokoro was a force of nature and deserved his win.

In the boys over 5-foot kumite Jake had a tough draw in the 1st round against Beau. Our guys were working confidently and looking sharp.

Bremner finished third, Beau 2nd and Tommy prevailed to once again win both kata and kumite. However, it's fair to say that Beau pushed him every step of the way. These guys have a great friendly rivalry.

In the girls under 5-foot event it was an all-Petersfield final again with Marley (the smiling assassin) victorious over her big sister Jessie.

Marlee was a surprise package and proved she should never be underestimated!

In the girls over 5 foot, Tash put in a spirited display and Anna was frustrated by an in form Orlaith from SDKC.

Anna finished third but is amongst the hardest trainers I know. She will be back stronger and sharper without doubt!

In the cadet male category Raphael showed improved control and movement but did not place this time.

In the Cadets it was once again an all Petersfield final with big Sam just demonstrating the edge over the iceman Elliott Walsha. (I believe it is now tide at one each for these close friends in AKA finals).

Overall, we had a good day with 25 medals from a potential 48.

Friendship and karate with the real winners and once again we push on together in pursuit of greatness.

‘For the loser now

Will be later to win

For the times they are a changing’!

Bob Dylan.