06-06-25 - June's ICO Team England Squad Training Session Complete!

Another fantastic ICO Team England Squad Training session took place today at the USKA Fight Factory, with over 50 fighters in attendance all putting in the work as preparations continue for the upcoming World Championships in France.

Despite the muggy conditions, with rain outside and temperatures rising inside the gym, the squad showed great commitment and determination throughout the day.

We opened the session with reflex and reaction pad drills to get everyone switched on and moving before progressing into a deep flexibility session, including partner stretching led by USKA Coach Sami Kelly.

From there, attention turned to defensive tactics as we worked on solutions to some of the more problematic attacks competitors may face in competition. The squad then moved into a variety of themed padwork combinations, each designed to replicate different fight scenarios and tactical situations they may encounter on the mats and in the ring.

The physical side of the training concluded with a gruelling strength and conditioning circuit that squeezed every last drop of energy from those in attendance, with everyone digging deep and pushing through the fatigue.

At the conclusion of training, the squad gathered to observe a minute's silence in memory of ICO World Director for Traditional Karate and President of South Africa, James Vermaak, who sadly passed away this week.

Master James was a great martial artist, leader and gentleman who dedicated so much to our sport. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and sharing time with him.

God Bless you, James 🙏🏻

Our next ICO Team England Squad Training session will be held at the USKA Fight Factory on Saturday 4th July.