Community

Three Pembrokeshire karate students achieve their Black Belts

Published

1 year ago

August 12, 2023

THREE students of karate who have been studying the martial art at Wado Ryu Karate Dojo Pembroke Dock have recently been awarded their black belts. This is not only a symbol of significant achievement and skill but, it also represents the deeper values and philosophies of the martial art. It’s a testament to an individual’s commitment, both physically and mentally, to the craft and the community.

The three achievers are:

Nadja Vonhoff:
Nadja embarked on her Karate journey at a young age. Currently a member of Henry Tudor, she is soon set to transition to Swansea University, where she will pursue a degree in Psychology. In addition to Karate, Nadja has a keen interest in travel and literature. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Dylan Rowles:
Dylan picked up Karate again after his return from Dubai. He initially began his training with Pembroke Dock Karate when he was just nine years old. A student at Haverfordwest High VC, Dylan’s other passions include rugby and the gym.

Leo Richards:
Enrolled at Henry Tudor, Leo’s introduction to Karate began at the tender age of seven. Much like Dylan, Leo’s hobbies include rugby and working out at the gym.

This past year was challenging for all the students. With school examinations looming, they also had to prepare for their Black Belt syllabus. Their unwavering discipline, commitment, and the willingness to put in extra hours at various times of the day ensured they reached their goal.

Congratulations to each of them on this remarkable achievement. The Black Belt Grading is surely an event they will cherish and remember.

Achieving a black belt in karate symbolises a profound level of proficiency and understanding of the martial art. Here’s a description of what it means and the skill level involved:

Achieving a Black Belt in Karate:

A black belt is not merely a rank, but a reflection of the dedication, discipline, and time an individual has invested in mastering the art of karate. It represents a comprehensive understanding of techniques, forms, and the philosophy behind them.

Technical Proficiency: Achieving a black belt requires a practitioner to demonstrate superior technical skills. This includes mastering a wide range of stances, strikes, kicks, punches, blocks, and evasive maneuvers. The execution of these techniques requires precision, speed, and power.
Kata Mastery: Kata are choreographed patterns or sequences that combine various techniques. A black belt holder will have learned and be able to perform multiple kata with fluidity, demonstrating both form and function.
Sparring Ability: Beyond just techniques, a black belt should be adept at kumite (sparring). This tests the ability to apply techniques in real-time against an opponent, showcasing defensive and offensive strategies, as well as adaptability.
Physical Fitness: The journey to a black belt demands physical endurance, strength, flexibility, and agility. A practitioner should be in top physical condition, reflecting the rigorous training they’ve undergone.
Mental Fortitude: Karate is as much a mental discipline as a physical one. A black belt indicates that the individual possesses qualities such as patience, perseverance, discipline, and respect. They are also expected to embody the philosophical tenets of karate in their daily life, which include courtesy, integrity, and humility.
Continuous Learning: Achieving a black belt doesn’t mean the end of one’s learning journey. In many traditions, it’s often said that earning a black belt is just the beginning, marking a transition from intermediate to advanced learning. There are typically several degrees or dans of black belts, with each successive level indicating further mastery and understanding.
Teaching Ability: Many systems expect their black belt practitioners to be able to impart knowledge to lower-ranked students, guiding them through techniques, forms, and the foundational principles of karate.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

6 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

21 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.