Luton Higashi

Egyptian Champion Kumite Course 31st October

Tamer Mourssi and Sensei Frank with Luton Lunatics -John, Ro and Marc

The Lunatics were very proud to be invited to a Competition Kumite training session with the Egyptian Champion - Tamer Mourssi. The timing could not have been better with the Higashi National Championships taking place the next day.

Sensei John Hurley, Ro Stripe and Marc Lee-Smith made the trip to Gamlingay on a Saturday morning to take part in the unique training session. It was a pleasure to see Karate politics set aside to train alongside several styles of Karate, including Wado Ryu, Shotokan & Shito-ryu .

Above - John and Ro in action

Tamer began the course by demonstrating effective stances and the importance of combining both speed and strength in our legs. We were invited to practice the techniques with both Tamer and Sensei Frank walking the dojo to correct errors and offering suggestions for improvement. Seeing Tamer in action was fantastic and an inspiration to all attendees.

The course moved into effective hand strikes while using the earlier stances and finally moving into kicking techniques. Tamer demonstrated a hook kick from distances of 4 feet, 2 feet and finally standing quite literally toe to toe – his flexibility could only be compared to our own Karen Tomkins and was extremely impressive. I won't go into the results of my own attempts, but will say that they ended with a bruise, a dirt patch on my derrière and a bout of hysterics from Brian and John!!

Above - the class with instructors

A great, informative session was had by all and the Lunatics wish to thank Sensei Frank for organising the unique event and Tamer the best of luck in the world championships.

Marc