ISKA UK Open Squad Training
Sunday 20th February saw the first ISKA open squad training session. This was not a national squad training session for the Europeans this year but a squad training session to select an ISKA National elite team for the British circuit and selected International events.
All squad training fees which were collected on the day are for the fighters/forms competitors who will be selected to compete Nationally and Internationally for ISKA UK team.
95 people attended to what can only be described as a successful and promising day and furthermore for ISKA UK. To see so many people keen to train and put 100% into their training was a sign that ISKAUK are growing from strength to strength since the new ISKA management team took over midway last year.
The likes of world champion Ian Hollett, Dave (tank) Baldwin, Carl Swaby, Dave Hughes, Jason O’Grady, Drew Neal, Kyle Findley, Leasha Morrison, Eden Benny, Bradley Brynes, Ryan Pacey, Megan Mingle, Tom Banks, Joe Pollitt, Ryan McLusky, Marcus Ainsbury, Nina Da Gupta, Helen Osborn, Phil Peverelle, Jamie Davis, Megan Abel, Stuart Wade, Jack Underwood and Aaron Benwell. The list just goes on.
It was truly amazing to see all different Worlds, Europeans and British champions gather and gel so well under one roof.
Before the training got underway I introduced myself and all the national coaches, directors and chief referees to all the competitors and spectators. It was important, I felt, for them all to know who was who and what roll they played within ISKA.
Free refreshments were given out to the competitors and spectators to show our appreciation for their support.
National coach, Andy Desa gave a talk regarding his plans for the elite team and what his expectations are for himself and the team. He focussed on the word ‘loyalty’ which was supported by the rest of the management team.
The session got under way with a fitness warm up which obviously is an important part of any training session. Andy Desa has been in the military for many years and most definitely put competitors through their paces. For the next two hours, competitors separated in sections, semi-contact, light-contact and forms. I can gladly say all sections ran smoothly.
As the day progressed with some excellent pad work skills from Owen King and Andy Desa, both keeping the tempo up on the semi side also helped by Lorraine Hughes and Ed Brynes to Joe Hallett flipping and showing off his skills. He amazes me as to why he doesn’t compete anymore. The talent this young man has is incredible.
As the training drew to a close, it was evident that the whole 95 competitors had trained hard and loved every minute of the session. They all had given positive comments.
I would like to thank all 95 who attended and trained to their maximum abilities and to all the parents / spectators who brought their children along. Also, a big thank you to the coaches and directors for their hard work on the day.
The second squad training date will be the 20th March 2011 at the same venue, Stockland Green Leisure centre, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 7EY (Marsh Hill entrance to Stockland Green College).
Hope to see you all there, but remember this is for light contact and semi contact only. Forms and full contact will be arranged at a further date.
25 February 2011
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