The Eastern Area held a Kata event on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April at Breckland Leisure Centre, Thetford.

On Saturday after an initial introduction, the evergreen Tina and Dennis Penfold explained the programme for the day, stating that it would be a very busy day to work though the Naga-no-Kata along with the introduction of other aspects of the Katas.

There were 12 active people plus two others on the course. The tutor’s method of explaining and demonstrating the differing sections of each set in the Kata was very good and informative; they made it appear so easy with such simple explanations and instructions.

They quickly gained the interest of all members of the group and all were working to the best of their abilities giving their best in a friendly supporting way, while both Tina & Dennis were working very hard to give the individual attention that was required. A great deal of fun was enjoyed throughout the day along with a tremendous amount of knowledge gained.

On Sunday, after an introduction on the Katame-no-Kata, work commenced with the 22 people on the course. Once again the methods of instruction were brilliant, simple, informative and easy to follow. Once again a great deal of enjoyment and fun were prevalent though out the day along with a lot of information passing to the judoka as it did Saturday.

Over both days Tina and Dennis showed several other DVD’s to demonstrate that Kata is relevant in judo today and that there is a lot for us all to learn if we wish to become successful.

They worked very hard over the weekend as they created a workshop that was fun to attend but while at the same time getting everybody to work very hard.

The feedback that was received on the weekend has all been positive and before the judoka on each day left many requested a return visit from Tina & Dennis.

John Dearden, Director of Examiners for the Eastern Area said: “It was a fantastic weekend and has left me in no doubt that it is imperative that Kata courses must be made more available to allow us all to keep fully up to date as Kata develops”.