Our Thoughts - Ticky Donovan O.B.E. 9th Dan Annual Summer Course
For over 33 yrs Clacton-on-Sea has hosted the Ticky Donovan Annual Summer Course. Ticky is the former England National Squad Director and is renowned as the 'Worlds Most Successful Coach'. Often heard to say, "make it happen".
He is 3 times British Champion a British, European and World Team Champion and was the British Team Manager / Coach – for the World Championships in Taipei 1982, Holland 1984, Australia 1986, Cairo 1988, Mexico 1990
His annual course gives Karate-ka from any style the chance to train solidly for 6 days with some of the best instructors in the World.
Instructors teaching throughout the week have varied over the years but currently include:
- Ticky Donovan 9th Dan OBE
- Dave Hazard 7th Dan
- Greg Francis 5th Dan
- Eddie Gillespie 5th Dan
- Lee Smith 4th Dan
- Jonathan Mottram 4th Dan
Training begins at 07:00 hrs on the Sunday morning and the final bow is taken at 17:30 hrs on the Friday evening.
The weeks training consists of basic Katas, Combinations, Fighting Techniques and Special Competition Techniques.The training is challenging and equally as rewarding. Every instructor has the knack of bringing the best out of all who train under them.
Ticky has every base covered and not just the Karate. The accommodation is clean, well furnished and comfortable and the campsite is situated adjacent to the beach. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Older guests can chill out in the evenings whilst Loopy Rabbit entertains the youngsters. Whilst primarily a Karate break it nevertheless manages to cater for the whole family and everyone has a fantastic time.
Ticky’s videos are available to purchase which are the ultimate training aid and he also sells T shirts for souvenirs that don’t fade when washed and hold their shape well.
FIT2FITE™ sessions are run during free time midweek. Greg Francis 5th Dan is a former British Karate International with over thirty years experience and the mastermind behind FIT2FITE™. He is currently the Assistant National Coach for the English Karate Federation.
Greg has devised his own martial arts based aerobic workout around practised fighting techniques merged with aerobic movement. It is intense but easy to follow and the music that it is set around is designed to lift, energise and relax at exactly the right beat to maximise both workout potential and enjoyment. FIT2FITE™ is used to train the EKF National Karate Squad.
The fun run is the first test of the week. Second-guessing where to stand or winning tactics won’t work as Ticky yells ‘go’ whenever he feels the urge to. The title ‘Fun Run’ is a bit misleading as that suggests a bit of an easier time of things and this is anything but. The run is taken every bit as seriously as the rest of the training and competitions throughout the week and is a real test of stamina and strength. The instructors are strategically placed along the route to motivate and encourage the runners as they pass by and they do a good job of it. The entrants start to filter back into the camp about 15 or so minutes later looking a bit disheveled after their beach run. Others prefer to take things at a steadier pace. Those not taking part hedge bets on the outcome and eagerly await the returning participants. Kata and Kumite competitions take place in the days that follow and the standard is always exceptional.
The instructors and students work hard but they know how to play hard too and this is evident to see midweek at the Fancy Dress Night.
The final bow is taken on the Friday, the students of the week are announced and as the week draws to draw to a close for another year the last night disco kicks off in earnest. This gives everyone the chance to let their hair down and relax.
Photos are taken by Trevor of www.spotonphotography.co.uk who is the official photographer for the course.
Ticky has a fantastic new website for the Annual Summer Course: www.tickys-summer-course.co.uk