Samurai Karate Karrinyup

The bond between the West Australian, Brisbane and New Zealand clubs was strengthened when the Australian clubs were hosted by Sensei Pat Quaid and the Queenstown dojo.

The course was run by Shihan Pat and Shihan's Rocky Simmonds from Brisbane and Lil McGinn from Carnarvon. Each focussed on an aspect of connection, sharing their expertise in an engaging fashion that ensured everyone went away with improved technique.
We were made to feel very welcome; Sensei Pat met us at the airport, gave us a tour of the dojo and suggested the best places in town to eat, one of which quickly became our favourite. Queenstown is set next to a lake surrounded by spectacular mountains, easily one of the most beautiful places in the world and of course we went touring, but we were there for the karate! I trained in Sensei Pat's regular Thursday class, and the course started on Friday. It was something of a culture shock for Claire (4th Kyu) and Marcia (7th Kyu) to find they were lining up with more than 30 brown and black belts! Although they were understandably nervous at first, the support of the group and the personal attention paid to each student by the instructors quickly put them at ease. They were praised for their commitment and persistence.
We trained for 6 hours on the Saturday and followed the next day with another hour and a half followed by a 3 hour and 3 minute grading for those lucky enough to do so! It is with great satisfaction and pride that at the conclusion, Fraser Ward was awarded his 2nd Dan Black Belt ,Jodan Wiffen, Shodan Ho. Danielle as one of the observing Shodans was chosen to join Fraser in the two-on-one kumite segment.
The grading was highly successful with a number of new Black belts from Australia and New Zealand as well as several Brown belt promotions including Claire Cooper from Denham. Certificates were presented at a celebration dinner that night. Fraser, Danielle and I trained with Sensei Pat's senior group on the Monday, which was great fun. We spent the next couple of days touring this beautiful area before a final breakfast with Sensei Pat and home.

Our first 2nd Dan. It's a long and difficult road to get to this level. The majority of students who get to 1st Dan seldom progress further. Some feel they have reached their goal and life factors influence others. It might also be that 2nd Dan is about precision, and that is only achieved by endless repetition. It takes a special mindset to achieve it.
Fraser Ward started this journey in 2008, in Scotland. After moving to Australia, he began training at Karrinyup. After 'taking a break', some time after his 1st Dan grading, he returned and rebuilt his expertise.
Fraser has been assisted in his development by all the Karrinyup students, especially Danielle and Sho, who took great pleasure in correcting his basics and anything else that did not meet the very high standards that they set; and Belmont's Sensei Natasha and Kris.
Of course, nothing would have been possible without Fraser's personal commitment, talent and persistence. I applaud your efforts and look forward to training with you for many years to come.
Sensei Don

Presentation of instructor badges to Sho Danielle and Fraser

Getting one of these badges is not easy. It requires years of dedicated training, and a commitment to pass on the acquired skills onto others. One of the key strengths of Samurai Karrinyup is a dedication to helping everyone improve and reach their full potential.
An essential element of this commitment is the support given by assistant instructors.
After a course lasting a year, Fraser Ward, Sho Nakajima and Danielle Fryer have all been awarded the coveted badge by lead instructor Shihan Lilian McGinn, accrediting them as instructors in the international Sangokan karate system. Sensei Lil was impressed by their application and ability to innovate and develop strategies which can be used to improve the way we all teach.
My congratulations to Fraser, Sho and Danielle on the recognition they richly deserve. I look forward to training with you for many years to come.
Sensei Don