KIDDERMINSTER karate coach Jason Lester earned a standing ovation at the Autumn Japan Karate Association (JKA) international course held in Crawley.

The Wyre Forest martial artist had the honour of training with Imura Sensei eighth dan, one of the Japan Karate Associations highest ranked instructors.

He said: “It was without doubt one of the hardest courses I have been on so far in London.

“The course was three hours long with a ten minute break, Sensei Imura covered basic techniques from deep stances which lasted and hour and half.”

The second half the course was the study of the Kata Jion, which was broken down into sections and trained with a partner.

Also Teaching on the course was Sawada Sensei, who is seventh dan, the Belgium JKA chief instructor and Ohta Sensei, the seventh dan who is also England’s JKA Chief Instructor.

“The course was spread over three days but I could only make the Sunday course,” revealed Lester.

“It was well attended and I was the only non-JKA martial artist to attend the course.

“At the end I received a round of applause from all those who were involved, which was a great pleasure.

“I was also offered to attend the JKAs regional courses which is rare and a great honour.

“I am next looking forward to training with Tsukada Sensei eighth dan who is coming to Kidderminster in October.”

Anyone interested in joining Kidderminster Shotokan Karate Club can call Lester on 01562 67734 or visit www.englandkarateassociation.co.uk The England Karate Association and Kidderminster Shotokan Karate Club are the only Martial Arts club in the area to offer training with the Japan Karate Association and top international Japanese instructors from the JKA.