Sensei Andy Sherry returned to Dublin for the first of several 2011 USKFI courses featuring top international instructors. The course, held at the new Poppintree Leisure Centre in Ballymun, saw approximately 60 brown and black belts training.

In the first class Sensei worked on basic combinations, emphasising fundamental points and developing technique, hip rotation, speed, focus and timing. The class then moved on to partner work, developing ushiro geri as well as foot work, speed and the accuracy of the kick. The class finished with Heian Godan, studying the dynamic movements of the kata as well as timing and technical detail.

The second class focused primarily on partner work. Sensei spent time on timing, strategy and tactics in various punching combinations. After this, the class studied kata with brown belts working on Bassai Dai, 1^st dans Nijushio and 2^nd dans and above practising kata Sochin.

At the end of the two classes, approximately 25 students with dan gradings in 2011 stayed for extra tuition on their grading syllabus.

The feedback from the class was excellent and the USKFI looks foward to welcoming its next UK instructor, Sensei Jim Brennan 7^th dan, over in March.