What a great day! Over 75 people came along to Wigginton Recreation Hall on Sunday for our first Family Fun Day. Everyone had a fantastic time as you can see by these photographs.
The day started with a free taster session for under-eight year olds. The class followed a similar format to the taster session we had run on Friday. Lorraine assisted by Jim, took the class through some games as warm-ups, but which also developed important concepts like always paying attention and being ready to react instantly, in a fun and engaging way.
Jim then took over the instructing for the second half of the class and lead the children through some of the basics of the karate – punching, blocking and having a firm stance. I’m not sure what the children enjoyed more – trying to scare their parents with their KIAI, or trying to push Jim over when he was demonstrating the importance of a long, low, stable stance!
Meanwhile, fun was being had in the main hall where an inflatable assault course and computer martial arts game were on offer. The assault course in particular proved very popular, it felt like there were always at least a dozen children on it!
.JPG)
Outside Adam was preparing the Barbeque, whilst laughing at our attempts to stay on the surf simulator. Some of us were obviously more talented at this than others – Kian in particular seemed to be a natural!
The weather was on our side and it stayed fine for the barbeque which was greatly enjoyed by all. A big thank you to Adam who stepped in to effortlessly cook the entire thing himself. This was complemented by a legion of cakes, flapjack, muffins and ‘ninja ginger bread men’ that had been cooked by club members.
After Lunch it was time for ‘Soak a Shodan’, which (not very surprisingly) proved to be very popular. Club members in particular took great delight in trying to soak Jim, who had (been) volunteered to be soaked. Jack took the prize to the best shot of the day and overall accuracy. Our friends from the Selby club managed to get themselves wetter than they did Jim – perhaps Sensei Paul needs to work on their accuracy with a thrown sponge!
Just after this Ice Cream Van that Brenda had arranged (by chasing it down the street no less!) paid us a visit. This brought a short pause to the fun and games, but once the ice creams had been digested Sensei Mike lead the club members and anyone else who wanted a free taster session through a fun karate class, focusing on kumite applications and sparring games.
All in all it was a brilliant, and very fun day. Everyone who came along appeared to have a great time. Special mention must go to all the children who attended as they were brilliantly behaved, very polite and well mannered throughout the day.
Big thanks to Lorraine, Brenda and Catherine for all their hard work organising the day, and to Adam for manning the barbeque all day.
Plans are already in place for our Christmas party…
Haxby Karate Kids 6.30pm to 7.30pm Monday and Thursday ONLY £10 a month.
Haxby Karate Kids is part of Haxby Shotokan Karate Club, Wigginton Recreation Hall, The Village, Haxby, York, YO32 2PL
www.haxbykarate.co.uk
Xander ensures Dojo always follows correct procedures..... 
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
