Following her year out in Japan, Anna summarises her 3-week stay at Kancho's Honbu Dojo. To read the first draft (pictures to follow) click here

27th October 2007 - just a quiet night in Alloa!

Not wanting to break with tradition, club members and their friend are invited to Scotlands very own 'Oktoberfest'. This event is organised by the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). If you've never been to one, it can be quite an experience. Normally we go on Friday night after training, but this year due to the new later training time of 9pm, we've decided to go on the Saturday evening instead. It's worthwhile noting that you can still get a late bus back into Uni with probably enough time to round off the evening at Glow or the Beat. We intend to be there for around 8:30 since anytime after that there's usually no beer left. Oh, and it's not actually a quiet night cos there's a live band on the night!

Now for something new!

In these continuing lean times (Yes, you're right! low membership numbers), it's time to try something new ! If you have ANY interest in joining Tenshinkan Karate this semester, then make a note in your diary for this Friday 10th February. We're going to be in the MacRobert Bar from 8pm so come along armed with all your questions about what we do - and that includes where we go drinking! It's a good jumping off point if you're heading to Glow. We'll be the guys wearing shirts or jackets with our club logo on. Just come over and say Hi - don't worry, we don't bite. Beginners and prospective members VERY welcome!

Back to basics!

In these lean times (and by that I mean low membership numbers), it's time to revive the TRADITIONAL pub crawl - the one that gets organised for the Saturday night following the 2nd Friday training session; in and through Bridge of Allan. For those of you who can't work that one out, it's Saturday 24th. Usual starting time of 7:30 for 8pm. Starting point tba, but more than likely either the Studio or the Meadowpark. Unless of course we REALLY go back to traditions and make a start in the 'Old Bridge Inn' More details to follow. Beginners and prospective members welcome!

More medals than last year!!

In the third and most successful SUSF entry for the current club, three medals were secured at the annual event, held this year at Edinburgh University (home ground of the now infamous and event-winning Edinburgh Shuko-Kai). Well this time they didn't get as many medals as usual, due to the excellent efforts of Stirling University Tenshinkan.

A huge WELL DONE to EVERYONE who took part on Saturday April 24th.

Special congratulations to Zoë who took Gold in Junior/Intermediate Ladies Kumite for the 2nd year running, Anna for taking bronze in the Senior Ladies Kata and last but not least Jonny for taking bronze in Intermediate Mens Kumite.

Club members and instructors may like to know that more than one of the WKF referees attending made a point of letting us know just how highly they thought of all the Stirling talent (and these guys see a LOT of talent).

The Winter grading went ahead as planned with everyone achieving the grade they were aiming for. Well done to everyone. For the Roll of Honour click here

This year's Winter Grading will take place on Friday 28th November 2003. Grading starts promptly at 5:30 - usual venue (that's the Sports Hall for those new members who started their karate this semester in the Squash courts. Please be on time, or preferably early. You will be expected to do your own warm up in between paying for grading and affiliation.

Ents officer Ladyboy has finally done something for his title. We're booked into the 'Filling Station' for 8pm on the Saturday following the Grading - that's the 29th for those of you who can't work it out!

The Gannochy Sports Hall is now officially back in business as of Monday 10th November. Training will resume there from Wednesday 12th going back to our normal time of 8pm - 10pm. Fridays as normal at 5:30pm - 7:30pm.

As all members know by now, we have a medal winner in our midst. Club President Zoë Smith fought her way to 1st place in Ladies Novice Kumite at the recent Scottish Unis Karate Championship held at Glasgow Caledonian University on Saturday 3rd May. This is an excellent achievement for Zoë and the club and well deserved after hours of hard work - especially considering that the clubs own grading event had been held the previous evening. Congratulations to all who took part and especially to Zoë. Commiserations to the rest of the team who will no doubt be looking to join Zoë as a prize winner over next years league and competition events.