Congratulations to the latest karate students at GTC who have recently passed their grades with great results! They are among over 100 karate students who have trained with Senseis Dave, Gem, Mick and Frank in the nearly 30 years since they transferred karate to GTC from the former London Underground Sports Association when it was disbanded.

“We’d all worked locally for London Underground for many years and enjoyed karate, so we decided to look for a new home. We were delighted when we linked up with Gunnersbury Triangle Club and have been training students at two classes a week ever since,” explains Sensei Frank.

Dozens of their students have achieved black belt qualifications and many more have trained to other levels.  There’ve been local business people, schoolchildren, teachers, nurses – even a British Gymnastics champion. Sensei Mick explains that there are several different forms of karate, and the GTC group focuses on Seiki Juku, which translates to True Spirit.  It is not just a style of karate it’s a philosophy which emphasises safety, discipline and the building of confidence.

“It’s very rewarding to see kids start karate with no experience and train hard over several years to get their grades. A lot of them move on as teenagers but karate gives them confidence and discipline to take forward in their lives,” says Sensei Gem.

Karate training at GTC is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4.00-6.30pm.  However, from 6.00 to 6.30pm is dedicated to extra training for those preparing for their next grades.  The main day for training is Tuesdays as Thursdays is for the higher grades.

“Adults and juniors can train together, and we recommend family lessons.  We offer training in self-defence and urban awareness especially aimed at women and young girls,” explains Sensei Dave.Come along for a free karate session on any Tuesday and find out more.  All ages and experience welcome.   Contact Sensei Mick on 0790 8561334  or  Sensei Gem on 0750 3921592.

On a blustery and showery day, our Winter Tournament Finalists played out some great matches, providing plenty of entertainment for those who came along to support.

In the Women’s Singles, Pip came out on top in a tight three-setter against Tina (6-2; 2-6; 6-3). Rhodri defeated Casey (7-5; 6-1 ) in the Graham Carter Singles, with both players contributing to some incredible rallies. Vijay was the victor in the Invitation Singles, eventually overcoming Laura’s resistance to win 6-2; 6-3. The Women’s Doubles was another epic, with Pip and Tamlyn  emerging victorious after a real battle with Tina and Bridget (6-7; 6-3; 6-2). The day was rounded off with a very high-quality Men’s Doubles, Rhodri and Alexander prevailing over Lee and Vatche with a score of 7-5; 6-1.

Congratulations to all the finalists and well done to all who competed through the cold, dark Winter months!

Our very own Triangle Band treated us to a foot-tapping evening of rhythm and blues, ballads and originals. Such musical talent among our members! Big thanks to Geoff, Paul and Richard. Come and play again soon!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke_T5cVRiec

Club quizzers pulled out all the stops during some tense, close rounds at the latest Quiz Night – almost 20 years to the day after the first quiz was held at the Club.  The questions may have changed a bit since then, but the enthusiasm and friendly rivalry were still there. This time, The Bouncing Oranges (below) finally pulled ahead with their “Marathon” answers, while The Dodgy Joints and Les Quizerables came 2nd & 3rd respectively.

It may be one of the wettest winters on record, but rain hasn’t stopped play. There was some competitive tennis at the first American Tournament of the year, and Aadil, Jane, Dom, Brigette and Sarah were worthy winners. Our new men’s team standard, floodlit practice sessions are also proving popular with young and a bit older members alike. And there’s the added incentive of a warm Bar afterwards. What’s not to like?!

We had a great turn out for the Christmas adult tournament despite the rain. And we were delighted to see so many new members at the event.  Congratulations to Donna, Andrew, Seb, Henrik, Francesco and Vijay.

Then it was time for some of our younger members to show the adults how it’s done with some competitive team tennis. Congratulations to all the juniors from all Friday groups taking part in match play week. The result – an honourable draw!

Big congratulations to GTC snooker members, Simon and Marcos, who have been competing in the prestigious 900 Snooker Legends Season 2, at The Crucible in Reading. Marcos narrowly lost in the final of his section this week, and Simon – one of the youngest players to qualify – missed a place on finals day of his section by just 1 point.

Some of our other snooker legends have battled it out on GTC’s own top quality tables, with Paul “The Magician” winning the Gunnersbury Open title for the third year in succession, in a fast, tight match over five frames against “Hurricane” Henrik. In a tense showdown between the best of the first-round losers, Gerry “The Driver” beat James “Bingo Baller” to win the third annual Gunnersbury Open Plate.

“The Gunnersbury Snooker section is thriving,” says Alfred, the Open tournament director. “We have players of a very high standard, notably Simon who brought a state-of-the-art, heated table to the club, and with our new LED lighting and and recent re-clothing of the tables, we offer a professionally-equipped snooker room and welcoming environment for players of all abilities.”

It was another scorcher for this year’s Summer Finals Day but, once again, some of the Club’s finest players rose to the challenge and gave us some nail-biting matches, several going the distance. It was particularly exciting to see younger players challenging past winners. Congratulations to all those who reached the Finals and many thanks for giving us such an entertaining day of tennis.