We couldn’t wait until next year we just had to be there. The opportunity was simply too good to miss, and sessions of this quality don’t come around often.

It was a demanding and action-packed morning for Jakob and many other young karatekas during a high-quality development session at the Banbury test matches. The event delivered an excellent environment for learning, physical challenge, and tactical growth.

From 9:30am to 1:30pm, Jakob trained with focus, discipline, and determination throughout the session. After spotting the opportunity online, the decision was straightforward — we booked immediately and made the trip without hesitation. Opportunities like this are invaluable for young athletes who are committed to progressing in competitive karate.

High-Energy Training Environment

The session included one and a half hours of intensive kumite drills, delivered at a fast pace and designed to push the athletes both physically and mentally. Music played throughout, helping to maintain energy levels, while powerful kiais echoed across the room. The atmosphere was intense but positive, with young athletes fully engaged and motivated.

Jakob, alongside many other committed karatekas, worked extremely hard from start to finish. The session demanded constant movement, concentration, and effort, and it was impressive to see the level of commitment shown by everyone involved.

Tactical Focus: Distance, Timing, and Opportunity

A key objective of the training was to develop a deeper understanding of distance control, timing, and recognising opportunity as an essential skills in kumite. Athletes were encouraged to become more aware of their positioning, footwork, and reactions, learning how small adjustments in distance can create or remove scoring chances.

Significant emphasis was placed on:

• Defensive kicks

• Active defending

• Controlled movement under pressure

Rather than relying on constant attacking, the athletes were taught how to stay defensively strong while remaining alert and ready to respond.

Understanding Fighting Styles

An important learning point throughout the session was recognising the difference between:

• Aggressive fighting

• Passive-aggressive behaviour

• Actively defending with intent

The focus was on intelligent kumite — applying pressure without rushing, defending with purpose, and creating the right moment to fire up and score a clean, controlled point. This tactical awareness is critical for long-term athlete development and competition success.

A Valuable Development Experience

It was inspiring to watch so many motivated young karatekas training with intensity, discipline, and enthusiasm. Jakob thoroughly enjoyed the session and gained valuable insight into the physical, technical, and mental demands of high-level kumite training.

Experiences like this play an important role in building confidence, sharpening decision-making, and reinforcing the importance of smart, disciplined karate.

We are already looking forward to signing Jakob up to the youth development programme again and continuing his journey through opportunities that challenge, educate, and inspire.