Europeans @ Zagreb

Report by Englands Chief Referee Mr Terry Pottage:

English Officials in Attendance
Terry Pottage, Billy Brennen, Nariman Jeddi, Vince Parker, Steve Coupland, Jan Srzelec, Ivor Thomas.
Once again I fine showing of commitment from our self financed officials, who continue to keep the flag flying. Apart from Billy Brennen and myself the other officials made there way to Lubianka before a two hour train journey to Zagreb. Of course they had the same journey home but that wasn’t so smooth with a delay of two hours because of flight problems of course with the knock on effect especially difficult for Vince who missed his bus connection in London and didn’t get home until 5am!!!
The event was trouble free for the first two days but unfortunately many problems occurred on the final day which was the day for the team events. As at many of these events there is fierce rivalry between certain countries and the officials have to be on the top of their game but mistakes can occur and when protests are lodged and upheld there will always be repercussions. Subsequently there were a number of officials disciplined, I am happy to report that no English officials were involved in any complaints. I have to sympathise with the officials who made errors as mistakes can occur at the end of a long event and unfortunately it appears that one mistake overrides all the previous good matches so it’s a tricky job.
Finally at the end of the event we managed to get an hour’s worth of the glorious sunshine that we had been hidden away from for four days, then an early start the next day for home to prepare for the Regional championships and exams at the end of the month.

Portishead Competition

Friday 5th June and Vito from Portishead put on a small inter club competition, it was a great success, here is Vito's report.

Hi Everyone,

Having had the chance to reflect on last night's competition, I thought a few words would be appropriate !

First may I thank all parents, relatives and friends for helping create such a great atmosphere for the competitors because without you we would not have a competition. I thank you for your support and patience and I sincerely hope that you enjoyed the evening.

I did notice that the refreshments were a welcome addition to our competition and hopefully most adults got home safefully and many thanks for saving me a glass of wine!!!!!

Next I would like to thank the Clevedon Karate Kai students for attending and adding such sporting competition to our event and I'm sure that Kevin would have been proud of all of your performances.

A special mention for both Rory Daniel's and Paul James for being our guest referees for the evening and also presenting the awards.
The presentation of a signed Rory England tee shirt went down really well and was deservedly won by Harriet comer who won the girls 13 - 15 year old Kumite event, defeating Grace ball in a very tense final and entertaining final.
We appreciate taking time out to attend our competition and we all hope that you can make it for the next one.

I am always amazed when a competition comes around as everyone seems to step up a gear which is not only encouraging for both the Portishead and Clevedon club's but also Western Karate Union. Please keep up the good work!

I have attached a schedule of event medal winners and finally I look forward to providing an even better competition for the end of the year and once again this will be a joint effort with Kevin and his students.

Wishing you all the very best for the future.

Vito

Results
5 – 8 years Kata
Winner – Mitchell Harvey – Portishead
Runner up – Charlotte Roberts – Clevedon
9 – 12 years Kata
Winner – Ellie Mentha - Portishead
Runner up – James Hampton – Portishead
13 – 15 years Kata
Winner – Bryony Cataldo – Portishead
Runner up – Grace Ball – Clevedon
Mens Kata
Winner – Nick Cataldo – Portishead
Runner up – Mark Christie – Clevedon
5 – 8 years Kumite
Winner – Mitchell Harvey - Portishead
Runner up – Charlotte Roberts – Clevedon
Girls 9 – 12 years Kumite
Winner – Ellie Mentha – Portishead
Runner up – Teagan Eastman – Clevedon
Boys 9 – 12 years Kumite
Winner – Alex Brennan – Clevedon
Runner up – Josh Ong – Portishead
Girls 13 – 15 years Kumite
Winner – Harriet Comer – Portishead
Runner up – Grace Ball – Clevedon
Boys 13 – 15 years Kumite
Winner – Joe Woollon – Portishead
Runner up – Jon Ong – Portishead
Mens Kumite
Winner – Nick Cataldo – Portishead
Runner up – Mark Christie - Clevedon

WKU Nationals May 3rd 2009

With over 400 entries Wendy had her hands full for most of the day, I believe what also helped to make the day a great success was the the teamwork that has built within from all concerned with event. Les & Vaughan and their gallant band of helpers from the Colchester area were very much appreciated. Our own local helpers who manned the doors and worked hard on the tables alongside of the Colchester crew all gave what was to be a very busy days work. The officials from far and near, they took a lot of the pressure away, their experience kept areas going with very few injuries and not too many hold up's the whole day long, quality referee's are a must for any competition. Another often forgotten group required to make any competition a success was the visiting coaches, they know us, we know them and we all work together. I have been at many competitions where frustration sets in, our coaches, all of them seem to also be able to relax and enjoy the day and this brings a sense of calm to a very hectic schedule of events. It was equally good to see visiting faces from the past, they all were very welcome and we hope to see them again in the future. There will be many more pictures to come and as they arrive I shall make a link to Fotopic for you all to view them.
Also on the day some awards were made to officials, Andy Smith, Richard Weller and Susan Fairs were awarded their judges badges, whilst although many had helped and worked hard on the tables the table official awards were aimed at those who will hopefully move up the ladder to judges and onto referee status (training students).These went to Sue Violet, Sheila Hodgson, Julie Chartron, Jack Herbert, Symone Bromley and Kenneth Brennan. I would also like to thank the photographer of the day who has now sent me many action photographs, I believe these are the best we have ever had taken at our event. I will ask for his details and post them so other clubs may also invite him.

Link to Photographs

Midlands Regional Event

Sunday 19th April and a very small squad attended the EKF Midlands event in Birmingham. For many of the squad it was their first run out in kata at a senior competition, the stalwarts of James and Chelsie were also on hand with Sean O'Brien, Charles Vaughan and Mark Christie competing at this level for the first time. Although no kata medals were to come from the day we did get a gold medal in the under 68kg kumite, Sean O'Brien fought very well showing that he has the aptitude to be able to progress to even higher levels, though on this day he made it and took the gold medal, well done Sean.

East Anglia WKU Junior Event

The annual WKU Junior Competition, organised by Les Birkin, 7th Dan, took place on Sunday 19th April 2009. Entries from Colchester, Brightlingsea, Sudbury, Great Tey, The Essex and Hadleigh WKU Clubs were joined by Glemsford and Clare Wado Clubs and Sudbury Wado Club where students battled for medals.

Sarah Clark AMA International & The English

AMA International Trophies
2nd place in the Open Weight (where she beat Russia in the semi-final and lost to Australia in the final)
3rd place in the -55k
English Championships Medals
1st place in the -55k
3rd place in the Open Weight

Shitokai invitational championships

Portishead Traditional Karate took a team of students to the Shitokai invitational championships and came away with an excellent haul of 6 medals.
This event was only the second competition that some of the students had taken part in and they all competed with great spirit against some strong opposition and fully deserved the medals that they received.

Event information detailed below :

James Smith, 13 - 15yrs Kumite Winner
Joe Woollon, 13 -15yrs Kumite Bronze
Rachel Taylor, 13 -15 yrs Kumite Winner
Bryony Cataldo, 13 -15 yrs Kumite runner up ( 3 - 1st kyu )
Nick Cataldo, 18+ Kumite Winner

English Nationals at Sheffield

Once again the WKU showed their strength in the kumite sections of this event, taking the team title yet again! To prove the squad's dominance in the senior events we again had Rory taking gold and Darren taking the silver in the +84kg section. Rory and Darren have made this event their own. "Torchia" again claimed the gold in the under 21 event, Sarah Clark as always showing her prowess, with yet another gold in the -55kg and a bronze in the open. Joseph Bowles an up and coming lad took a silver in the -84kg, whilst Paul James gained a bronze in the -67kg category. In the team event were also Danny Trott and Shaun Langson. Scarlett, James, Sam and Chelsie also made up the squad along with newcomers Sean, Abbee, Hannah, and Bryony, who all performed very well for their first competition, showing the heart and potential we have coming through from the younger members.

Dutch Open

Again England was well represented at the recent Dutch open, Ivor travelled over and says the reports on the English refereeing were very good.

AMA International

Members of the Bristol club along with Oldmixon & Uphill were at this recent event, our top fighters again proving too much for many of the opposition. The team event was won by a team from our Bristol club, in the open weight, again Bristol were in charge as it ended up with Rory and Darren in the final, Rory winning out to take gold and Darren with the silver. Torsha again proving his talent had a gold in the cadet category, whilst Sarah Clark gained a silver in the open weight and a bronze in the minus 60kg.

USA Open Event

At a recent event in Birmingham Chelsie Ware was again in the medal tables, this time both were for kumite. Chelsie gained a third in the individual and also a third place in the team.

Paris

We only have the one european referee in our association and at this moment seem to have lost the drive as not many are moving forward, much of this is the hours of commitment required. The cost implication to gain qualification also has an effect, in these days where money is very tight many cannot afford the cost of travel and accommodation, in the long run competitions will suffer as the quality and number of referee's may not be able to cover the events throughout the year. Ivor has to self fund his European trips, the WKU do help as much as it can and I know Ivor is very grateful for that help, so if there is anyone willing to help sponsor in any way, please give him a call.

After a long hard day of refereeing, there is nothing better than to sit and relax, sometimes you are so tired you really have to force yourself to have something to eat or drink.

A copy of the report from Terry Pottage the EKF Chief Referee

What an excellent weekend the Referees had, not something I would always say after a long hard Championships, they all worked extremely hard under quite difficult circumstances with the pressure of applying new rules.

After arriving in Paris by trains and cars and planes we settled in the HQ Hotel mid Thursday afternoon. Thursday evening brought about the first meeting of the Referees Commission followed by the Referee briefing on the new rules, where many questions were asked and answered. Though in all honesty there
was great trepidation from many officials as many of the European countries had never had the

opportunity to put them in to practice. After a meal and regulation beer it was off to bed for an early start
on Friday.

Over to the famous Pierre de Coubertin stadium on Friday morning very cold but bright that was the last daylight we saw all day with the day finishing approx 8pmin the dark!!! It was a learning curve for all the officials but fears disappeared very quickly as everyone applied the new rules very well after a few
hiccups. Our Kata officials all had plenty to do and when the officials for the finals were selected it was
no surprise that a couple of our officials were included. In the Kumite finals English officials were once a gain in demand. We enjoyed watching many of our squad perform and seeing them all supporting each
other always a good feeling watching the England squad succeed.

Saturday and Sunday was pretty much the same but everyone becoming more and more comfortable with
the operation of the new rules. As part of the Referee Commission I saw nothing but good reports on the performances of our officials that fact is reflected by the inclusion of all our eligible officials in finals on each day!!! I am extremely proud of all of them as the EKF should be.

Congratulations to the French Karate Federation for their superb organisation of the event.

I managed to find time to chat to our Chairman, Carl Lindley and other members of the Board and felt that there were lots of positive thoughts discussed about the future of EKF.

We all had various traumas getting back home what with the snow in England but that’s another story. We are now making plans for the European Senior Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, in May.
Just a reminder for all Referees and Competition Coaches about the course in Manchester on the 21st FEB.

Terry Pottage

EKF Chief Referee

Port Talbot

At a recent event in Port Talbot Jonathan Bourke from our Downend & Mangotsfield club gained a bronze medal. This is really the first year that Jonathan has started to compete in major events and already he is showing his ability, I believe we shall see much more of him on this page in the future.

PTKA Competition

Portishead Traditional Karate held a very successful club competition recently at the Redcliffe Bay Hall. The students all showed a great deal of enthusiasm and great sportsmanship, there has been a great improvement in their ability and this also showed.

British 2008

Waiting for a report on this event though I know that yet again the WKU have come away with many of the medals. I will add a report as soon as it arrives, also more pictures as they are sent through to me.

Results from the competition were:

Gola Championships 30th June

A very small squad journeyed to Birmingham for the Gola event, a good atmosphere and a good event. Our kumite squad were yet again outstanding, they are proving a credible force against any opposition. Young Anatoliy "Gorch" Gorshkov was again on form in the cadets 16 - 18 years +75kg, taking another gold, Paul James has kept him current form up with another gold in the -75kg seniors, where Shaun Langson also took a bronze. Rory Daniels and Darren haynes also made their mark in the +75kg event, again a gold for Rory and a bronze for Darren. Our teams were later to put the icing on the cake, Rory, Darren and Shaun taking gold, whilst Paul James, Danny Trott and Gorch followed along with the silver. The WKU have proven to all that under the leadership of Alan and Andy they can produce fighters of the top quality, time and time again they are not only winning in these events but also taking the team events.
Well done to all who entered.

Commonwealth Karate Federation Open Championships

31st May – 1st June 2008

Meadowbank Stadium Edinburgh

The squad selected for these championships were: Darren Haynes (+75kg & Team), Rory Daniels (+75kg & Team), David McLeod (+75kg & Team), Shaun Langston (-75kg & Team), Paul James (-65kg & Team), Caleb Kwong (-75kg & Team), Sarah Clark (-60kg), Emma Knight (Cadets 16-17y -57kg), Anatoliy Gorshkov (Cadets +70kg), Chelsea Weare (Girls 12-13y & Kata) and Sam Difford (Boys 12-13y -55kg). Team Coaches: Alan Flook, Andy Gunton and Wendy White.
Referee:  Ivor Thomas
Team Masseur: Martin Flook

After arriving safely at the hotel Friday night the Squad had their evening meal to fuel up for the task ahead, then either had an early night or a pre event massage.

Saturday 31st May.
We made an early start and had an unexpected warm up with a 45 minute walk to Meadowbank stadium.
Today was Cadets and Seniors events and first up was Anatoliy (Gorsh) who gave us an impressive display of kumite winning straight through his rounds to take the Gold medal.  Emma was next up and fought very well but just lost out to her Scottish opponent.  After a long wait the Senior event began with Rory taking the Gold in the +75kg event.  Paul produced his best performance to date with some exceptional techniques to win Gold in the -65kg event.  In the Senior Ladies -60kg event Sarah went through to the semi finals with her usual fine display to meet Natalie Williams (one of her main England rivals) and just lost out 2-1 to take a Bronze medal.   Next was the Team events, our B team (David, Paul and Caleb) were first out against South Africa B, Paul just lost his closely fought bout, David fought with confidence following his good performance in the +75kg event and executed a fine mawashigeri but caught his opponent in the eye, drawing blood and a disqualification, an unfortunate start but that’s sport.  Our A team (Darren, Rory and Shaun) started their day with Darren up first, looking sharp and winning 5-0.  Rory, full of confidence after his individual win, took his bout 8-0.  Their next 2 rounds were won just as impressively.  In the semi finals Darren won again 3-0 and Shaun fought very well against his much bigger opponent winning the bout 4-0.  Then on to the Final against the South Africa A team with the entire Squad around the area in support, again 1st up was Darren with skill and perfect timing outfighting his very strong opponent and taking the bout 5-1, next up was Rory winning his bout 9-0 with an outstanding performance of competition techniques to secure the Commonwealth Open Team title for the WKU.

Sunday 1st June.
After another long wait Chelsie went through her 1st round of kata with a well executed performance.  In the 2nd round she gave another good performance but lost out on the judge’s decision.  In the kumite individuals Chelsea fought very well in a high scoring bout but unfortunately just lost 5-4, this was good experience for her.  We saw Sam up next, after his win at the English Championships Sam was confident but a little nervous; he won through several bouts and reached the semi finals where he lost 2-1 to the eventual winner, giving him a well deserved Bronze medal.

Another excellent result for the WKU Squad.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank one of our chief referees Ivor Thomas who had to work very hard, 12 hours each competition day! Thanks to Kevin for booking the flights and Wendy for booking the accommodation and being ‘Head of Delegation’. Thank you to Martin for all the massages and injury advice given to the athletes.  Thanks to the parents, Mark, Rachael, Pauline, Geoff and Caleb’s girlfriend Sherrie for their support and a special thank you to all our Sponsors who helped make this weekend possible.

ALAN FLOOK
ANDY GUNTON
& WENDY WHITE

All for one and one for all!

WKU Medalist

Link to Photo's

WKU Invitational 2008

                                                                                Gold            Silver        Bronze

                  Shitoryu Karate Academy                       9                   5                 5

                  Vale Karate                                            8                   6                 8

                  Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai               3                   7                 8

                  Bristol Karate Club                                 3                   5                 7

                  Jishin Karate Club                                   2                   3                 4

                  Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai                2                   2                 6

                  Paul Campbell Karate                             2                   2                 2

                  Wales Karate Kan                                  2                   2                 2

                  Clevedon Karate Kai                              1                   2                 8

                  Senshinryu Karate                                   1                   2

                  Welsh Karate Collective                         1                   1

                  Broadwell Karate Club                           1                                      3

                  CEWKA                                                1                                      1

                  Glamorgan University Karate Club          1

                  Sudbury Karate Club                              1

                  SD School of Martial Arts                                           1

                  Shinwa Karate Club                                                                       3

                  West Bromwich Karate Kai                                                            2

                  Elkai Karate                                                                                   1

                  Loughborough University Wado Ryu                                               1

                  Patchway Karate Club                                                                    1

  Kata Jnr Mixed 10-15 - 3rd to 1st Kyu

                 1  Mr Nick Sherrin                                         Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 2  Miss Abby Langshaw                                  Welsh Karate Collective                   Welsh Karate

                 3  Miss Ellie Barton                                        Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 3  Ms. Abbee Parker                                     Broadwell Karate Club                     WKU

  Kata Jnr Mixed 10-15yrs - 5th & 4th Kyu

                 1  Miss Bethany Scoulding                               Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 2  Miss Louise Hicks                                       Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 3  Miss Emily Daverson                                   Shinwa Karate Club                        WKU

                 3  Master Ryan Page                                     Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

  Kata Jnr Mixed 10-15yrs - Up to 6th Kyu

                 1  Miss Megan Coles                                      Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 2  Mr Grant Ford                                          Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

                 3  Master Connor Wilde                                  West Bromwich Karate Kai                West Bromwich Karate

                 3  Master Michael Yeatman                              Clevedon Karate Kai                       WKU

  Kata Jnr Mixed 5-9yrs - 5th to 1st Kyu

                 1  Master Michael Holmes                                Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 2  Miss Chloe Fry                                         Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 3  Master Edward Van Meerkerk                        Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 3  Mr Lewis Gibbon                                       Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

  Kata Jnr Mixed 5-9yrs - Up to 6th Kyu

                 1  Miss Holly Huggins                                     Welsh Karate Collective                   Welsh Karate

                 2  Miss Toni Shering                                      Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 3  Master Max Pemberton                               Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 3  Miss Rhiannon Shipley                                Paul Campbell Karate                      Paul Campbell's Karate

  Kata Jnr Mixed All Ages up to 15yrs - Junior Black Belt

                 1  Mr Bradley Christoforato                             Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 2  Miss Yasmin Lee                                        Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 3  Mr Dominic Wyness                                    Elkai Karate                                 Elkai

                 3  Mr Matthew Hill                                        Wales Karate Kan                          EKK

  Kata Snr Mixed 16+  Up to 4th Kyu

                 1  Mr Adam Davis                                         Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai              WKU

                 2  Mr Daniel Witts                                         Wales Karate Kan                          EKK

                 3  Miss Laura Matthews                                  Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai              WKU

                 3  Mr Craig McDowell                                     Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

  Kata Snr Mixed 16+ 3rd to 1st Kyu

                 1  Mr Patrick Charltron                                   Sudbury Karate Club                       WKU

                 2  Mr. Jonathan Kemp                                   Clevedon Karate Kai                       W K U

  Kata Snr Mixed 16+ Black Belt

                 1  Mr Andrew Kanias                                     Wales Karate Kan                          EKK

                 2  Miss Tasha Paton                                      Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 3  Miss Clare Bonello                                     Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 3  Miss Danielle Lee                                       Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

  Kumite Cadet Female 16 & 17 yrs - Open

                 1  Miss Sammi Scott                                      Jishin Karate Club                          Jishin Karate Club

                 2  Miss Danielle Lee                                       Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 3  Miss Tasha Paton                                      Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 3  Miss Chloe Wright                                     Wales Karate Kan                          EKK

  Kumite Cadet Male 16 & 17 - 3 Kyu+  -60k

                 1  Mr Ashley Watkins                                     Jishin Karate Club                          Jishin Karate Club

                 2  Mr Sean Rees                                          Jishin Karate Club                          Jishin Karate Club

Kumite Jnr Female 10-12  Up to 5 Kyu  -40k

                 1  Miss Bethany Scoulding                               Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 2  Miss Megan Coles                                      Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 3  Miss Mia Davis-Porter                                 Shinwa Karate Club                        WKU

                 3  Miss Lauren Bowkett                                  Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

  Kumite Jnr Female 10-12  Up to 5 Kyu  40k+

                 1  Miss Louise Hicks                                       Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 2  Miss Nikita Denner                                     Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

  Kumite Jnr Female 10-12 4 Kyu+  -40k

                 1  Miss Rhian Esfandiarinia                              Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 2  Miss Chloe Pharo                                      Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 3  Miss Imogen Lydford                                  Clevedon Karate Kai                       WKU

                 3  Ms. Abbee Parker                                     Broadwell Karate Club                     WKU

  Kumite Jnr Female 10-12 4 Kyu+  40k+

                 1  Miss Naomi Marshall                                   Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 2  Miss Rachel Croly                                      SD School of Martial Arts                  SD School of Martial

                 3  Miss Josie Reynolds                                   Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 3  Miss Tamera Rose                                     CEWKA                                      CEWKA

  Kumite Jnr Female -13-15 4 Kyu+  50k+

                 1  Miss Chelsie Ware                                     Clevedon Karate Kai                       WKU

                 2  Miss Lisa Marfell                                        Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 3  Miss Amelia Wheeler                                  Patchway Karate Club                     WKU

                 3  Miss Hayley Henry                                     West Bromwich Karate Kai                West Bromwich Karate

  Kumite Jnr Female 13-15yrs - 4 Kyu+  -50k

                 1  Miss Rozzy Pring                                       Senshinryu Karate                         Senshinryu

                 2  Miss Melissa Clayton                                  Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 3  Miss Rhian Jones                                      Jishin Karate Club                          Jishin Karate Club

                 3  Miss Sophie Reynolds                                 Jishin Karate Club                          Jishin Karate Club

  Kumite Jnr Female 5-7yrs All Grades

                 1  Miss Lucille Ibisi                                        Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 2  Miss Chloe Carchrie                                   Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai              WKU

                 3  Miss Kloe Christoforato                               Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 3  Miss Toni Shering                                      Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

  Kumite Jnr Female 8 & 9yrs - 5th Kyu +

                 1  Miss Chloe Fry                                         Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 2  Miss Megan Weller                                     Senshinryu Karate                         Senshinryu

                 3  Miss Lindsay Carter                                   Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

  Kumite Jnr Female 8 & 9yrs - Up to 6 Kyu

                 1  Miss Rhiannon Shipley                                Paul Campbell Karate                      Paul Campbell's Karate

                 2  Miss Natalie Shellabear                               Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

                 3  Miss Ella May Matthews                               Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai              WKU

  Kumite Jnr Male 10-12 - Up to 5 Kyu - Open Weight

                 1  Master Sicelo Biyela                                   Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 2  Master Ben Ibisi                                        Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 3  Master Liam Green                                    Shinwa Karate Club                        WKU

                 3  Master Connor Churchill                              Clevedon Karate Kai                       WKU

  Kumite Jnr Male 10-12yrs - 4 Kyu+ -45k

                 1  Master Morgan Winstanley                           Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 2  Master Caluum Davies                                Senshinryu Karate                         Senshinryu

                 3  Master Ryan Palmer                                   Paul Campbell Karate                      Paul Campbell's Karate

                 3  Master Jordan Dyer                                   Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

  Kumite Jnr Male 10-12yrs - 4 Kyu+ 45k+

                 1  Master Ryan Beavington                             Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 2  Master James Cheveralls                             Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 3  Mr. Brad Thomas                                      Clevedon Karate Kai                       WKU

                 3  Mr James Johnstone                                  Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai              WKU

  Kumite Jnr Male 13-15  4 Kyu+  Open

                 1  Mr Rhys Davies                                        Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 2  Mr Matthew Hill                                        Wales Karate Kan                          EKK

                 3  Mr Ashley Edwards                                    Jishin Karate Club                          Jishin Karate Club

                 3  Mr Luke Howard                                       Jishin Karate Club                          Jishin Karate Club

  Kumite Jnr Male 13-15yrs  Up to 5 Kyu  55k+

                 1  Mr. Konrad Paslawski                                 Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

                 2  Mr Grant Ford                                          Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

  Kumite Jnr Male 5-7yrs All Grades

                 1  Master Michael Holmes                                Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 2  Master Miles Turley                                    Paul Campbell Karate                      Paul Campbell's Karate

                 3  Master Lewis Holmes                                  Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 3  Master Lewis Angel                                    Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

  Kumite Jnr Male 8 & 9yrs - 5th Kyu +

                 1  Master Brooklyn Peckham                            Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 2  Master Edward Van Meerkerk                        Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 3  Master Charlie Foster                                 Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

                 3  Master Jordan Pemberton                            Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai            Gloucester Karate-Do

  Kumite Jnr Male 8 & 9yrs - Up to 6 Kyu

                 1  Master Ewan Burgess                                 Paul Campbell Karate                      Paul Campbell's Karate

                 2  Master Sean Deady                                   Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

                 3  Master Tad Jenkins                                    Broadwell Karate Club                     WKU

                 3  Master Nhlanhla Ngongoma (Clan)                  Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

  Kumite Shobu Jukuren 5-9 yrs Mixed

                 1  Master Edward Van Meerkerk                        Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 2  Miss Toni Shering                                      Shitoryu Karate Academy                 Hanko Ryu

                 3  Miss Tabitha Langridge                               Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

                 3  Miss Chloe Carchrie                                   Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai              WKU

  Kumite Snr Female 18+  -  3 Kyu+   -60k

                 1  Miss Sarah Clark                                       Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai              WKU

                 2  Miss Tasha Paton                                      Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

                 3  Ms Mairi Kerin                                          Loughborough University Wado          A.M.A.

  Kumite Snr Female 18+  Up to 4 Kyu - Open Weight

                 1  Mrs. Tina Blandford                                   Broadwell Karate Club                     WKU

                 2  Miss Laura Matthews                                  Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai              WKU

  Kumite Snr Male 18+   -  3 Kyu+      70k+

                 1  Mr. Darren Haynes                                    Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

                 2  Mr Anatoliy Gorshkov                                 Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

                 3  Mr. Rory Daniels                                       Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

                 3  Mr. David McLeod                                     Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

  Kumite Snr Male 18+   -  3 Kyu+     -70k

                 1  Mr Joe Cox                                             CEWKA                                      CEWKA

                 2  Mr Robbie Scott                                        Jishin Karate Club                          Jishin Karate Club

                 3  Mr. Caleb Kwong                                      Bristol Karate Club                         WKU

                 3  Mr. Shaun Langson                                    Clevedon Karate Kai                       WKU

  Kumite Snr Male 18+ Up to 4 Kyu  Open

                 1  Mr Akinbami Akinwale                                 Glamorgan University Karate Club       Karate Budokan

                 2  Mr Mark Trubey                                        Jishin Karate Club                          Jishin Karate Club

                 3  Mr Adam Davis                                         Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai              WKU

                 3  Mr Craig McDowell                                     Vale Karate                                  Vale Karate

Kata Team Senior Mixed - All Grades

                                              1  Wales Karate Kan                                     Wales Karate Kan

                                              2  Clevedon D                                             Clevedon Karate Kai

                                              3  Bristol A                                                 Bristol Karate Club

          Kata Teams Jnr Up to Age 15 - 3rd Kyu +

                                              1  Shitoryu Karate Acadamy                            Shitoryu Karate Academy

                                              2  KSE 1                                                    Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai England

                                              3  Clevedon C                                             Clevedon Karate Kai

                                              3  Clevedon A                                             Clevedon Karate Kai

          Kata Teams Jnr Up to Age 15 - Up to 4th Kyu

                                              1  Shitoryu Karate Academy                            Shitoryu Karate Academy

                                              2  KSE 2                                                    Gloucester Karate-Do Shitokai England

                                              3  Oldmixon B                                             Oldmixon & Uphill Karate Kai

                                              3  Clevedon B                                             Clevedon Karate Kai

          Kumite Team Male 16+ All Grades

                                              1  Bristol A                                                 Bristol Karate Club

                                              2  PC Karate Academy                                   Paul Campbell Karate

                                              3  Bristol C                                                 Bristol Karate Club

                                              3  Bristol B                                                 Bristol Karate Club

Photographs from the competition

Fundraising Event

We were expecting a small entry to this event, purely a WKU fundraiser to help with the expenses for the squad going to Edinburgh. What was to happen was that a last minute flood of entries brought the event to what would be about the maximum number that we could have coped with at the Bristol dojo.
Wendy's plan to stagger the start times was a saviour, though a little crowded at times, it did give us the opportunity to get some of the early categories done and dusted. We started exactly on time and with the help of the squad members themselves getting some flag judging in, we were finished about 14.30. It was nice to see that all clubs who entered took home a share of the medals, these donated for the day by Mr Julian Taylor of Automatic Fire a company in Swindon and I believe Gloucestershire, Julian is also a British Referee and a member of the Bristol club. A raffle was held again raising over £100.00 for the event, prizes were gloves signed by members of the squad and an England T shirt signed by world champion Rory Daniels. Jackie, Ann and Pauline were kept busy at the little snack bar, this selling home made cakes and buns, another success for the day. Some promotions for the day were also awarded, Paul James is now an association referee, whilst Michael Dean "Dino" is an association judge. Many people were also on hand to help with the table work, it was thought that after the hours they had put in they should also be rewarded and in so doing James Trott, John Bourke, Jessica Metti and chelsie Ware have all been awarded their table officials grade. Sponsors are still coming forward and I will try to list them as they arrive, I know we also have to thank Bristol Builders for their generous donation to the fund. Last but not least, to all who took photographs on the day, please E mail them to kevin@wku.org.uk and I will sort a collection to be posted on the site.

Esporta Students: Ella Rees Gold & Imogen Lydford Gold, A club medal for Max Rees on entering his first competition

English Championships Sheffield 2008

A very small squad from the WKU on this occasion, though the results would not seem like that. Our squad came up trumps over the weekend, taking four gold and four bronze medals. The icing on the cake at the end of the tournament was that Nigel Langson was awarded his referee's badge, a long time coming but worth the wait. Our next major event, the Western Karate Union championships is to be held at Hutton More Leisure Centre on May 25th, sponsors of our squad are welcome to display banners at these events.
Our medal list was :-

United Kingdom Open Karate Championships

After a long lay off from competition we start the new year with new hope, hope that the "powers that be" can get their act together and let the core of karateka get back to doing what they want, that is competing Our first competition of the year was to be at the United Kingdom Open in Birmingham. Paul Campbell our host and with over 500 entries it was to be a very long day. Chelsie Ware, Abbi Parker and Paul James were to be our first competitors to take part. Abbi is just starting to get into this competition stage of her sport, so for her it was a good run out to gain experience. Chelsie passed through the first round of her kata but lost out 2/1 in the second, she also managed through the first round of her kumite, losing again in the second. Paul was to take our first trophy of the day with a superb run through on kata, he was narrowly beaten in the final, so silver for him. Very late in the day we eventually reached the kumite for seniors, Anatoliy Gorshkov was one of the first on the mats, I hope I have the name the correct way around! A young lad who has not too long ago joined the Bristol club, he was out to prove himself and this he did by taking gold in the cadets section. Gold's were also on the cards for Shaun Langson in the -70, Rory Daniels in the +70 with sparring partner Darren Haynes came home with the bronze in the same category. The team event was a clean sweep, our two teams came away with both gold and the silver. All in all a great day, experience gained, lessons learned. Thanks to Paul Campbell and his team for looking after both coaches and referees so well, perhaps he should stand as a director of our new governing body, at least he knows how to treat people!

Midland Regional Karate Open, Birmingham 30th June

This was the first English National Ranking Series by Karate Sport England.
It was a long hard day, but our small squad did WKU proud.
The results are-
                        Chelsie Ware Female Teens 12/13 Kata Bronze 40pts
                        Daniel Williams Male Teens 12/13 -45k Bronze 40pts
                        Sarah Clark Jnr -60k Gold Snr -60k Gold 100pts Each
                        Darren Haynes Snr +80k Silver 60pts Open Bronze 40pts
                        Caleb Kwong Snr -65k Silver 60pts
                        Shaun Langson Snr -70k Silver 60pts

Pictures of Medalist

Please do not forget Teens and Cadet Squad Training 8 years to under 16years on 22nd July start
10 o’clock at Bristol Dojo.

Alan & Wendy

Colchester Competition

Colchester Competition

Results for the competition:-

KATA

8th Kyu – White Belts – Kata

Group 1
1st            Buffy Milner                            Hadleigh WKU
2nd           Nianh Hutchings                      Sudbury Wado Kai
3rd            Jamie Witham                          Brightlingsea WKU
3rd            Aiden Johnson                         The Essex WKU

Group 2
1st            Ruby Johnson                           The Essex WKU
2nd           Faron Hutchings                       Sudbury Wado Kai
3rd            Rowan Gage                             Brightlingsea WKU
3rd            Lois O’Beirne                          Sudbury Wado Kai

7th Kyu - Yellow Belts – Kata

Group 1
1st            Nicholas Graham                      Sudbury WKU
2nd           Lauren Webb                            Great Tey WKU
3rd            Jacob Donnelly                        The Essex WKU

Group 2
1st            Ross Hindler                             Sudbury WKU
2nd           Cherie Horler                           Hadleigh WKU

6th Kyu – Orange Belts – Kata

Group 1
1st            Daniel Guthrie                          Brightlingsea WKU
2nd           Harry Barber                            Brightlingsea WKU
3rd            Beth Casey                               Colchester WKU
3rd            Emma Dereve                          Sudbury WKU

Group 2
1st            Alex Hindler                            Sudbury WKU
2nd           Chris Palmer                            Great Tey WKU
3rd            Aaron Reedman                       Brightlingsea WKU

Group 3
1st            Nicholas Ciaravolo                   Sudbury WKU
2nd           Mathew Dereve                        Sudbury WKU

5th Kyu – Green Belts – Kata

Group 1
1st            Jacques Chartron                      Sudbury WKU
2nd           Keira Briers                              Sudbury WKU

Group 2
1st            Johan Cardy-Harvey                                Brightlingsea WKU
2nd           Liam Cox                                 Brightlingsea WKU
3rd            Benedict Malden                      Great Tey WKU

4th Kyu – Purple Belts - Kata

Group 1
1st            Thomas Codling                       Sudbury WKU
2nd           Jack Wyncoll                           Colchester WKU
3rd            Dominic Blanchard                  Great Tey WKU

Group 2
1st            Mathew Graham                       Sudbury WKU
2nd           Chloe Poynter                         Brightlingsea WKU

3rd – 1st Kyu – Brown Belts – Kata

Group 1
1st            Louise Chartron                       Sudbury WKU
2nd           Charlie Gall                              Sudbury Wado Kai WKU
3rd            Tanya Gates                             Great Tey WKU

KUMITE

8th Kyu – White Belt - Kumite

Group 1
1st            Jack Aldridge-Long                  Brightlingsea WKU
2nd           Oakley Coombs Giles                               Colchester WKU
3rd            Sam Witham                            Brightlingsea WKU

Group 2
1st            Reiss Fitzsimmonds                  The Essex WKU
2nd           Jamie Witham                          Brightlingsea WKU

Group 3
1st            Buffy Milner                            Hadleigh WKU
2nd           Max Baker                                               Great Tey WKU
3rd            Abbie Morley                           Brightlingsea WKU
3rd            Nianh Hutchings                      Sudbury Wado Kai

Group 4
1st            Aiden Johnson                         The Essex WKU
2nd           Paul Horler                              Hadleigh WKU
3rd            Rowan Gage                             Brightlingsea WKU

7th Kyu - Yellow Belts - Kumite

Group 1
1st            John Ross-Howden                   Sudbury Wado Kai
2nd           Nicholas Graham                      Sudbury WKU

Group 2
1st            Ruby Johnson                           The Essex WKU
2nd           Cherie Horler                           Hadleigh WKU
3rd            Ross Hindler                             Sudbury WKU
3rd            Mia Holmes-Nicholson            Brightlingsea WKU

6th Kyu – Orange Belts – Kumite

Group 1
1st            Lauren Webb                            Great Tey WKU
2nd           Harry Barber                            Brightlingsea WKU
3rd            Josh Ross-Howden                    Sudbury Wado Kai

Group 2
1st            Daniel Guthrie                          Brightlingsea WKU
2nd           Ryan Meredith                         Brightlingsea WKU
3rd            Isabelle Harrowing                    The Essex WKU

Group 3
1st            Alex Hindler                            Sudbury WKU
2nd           Chris Palmer                            Great Tey WKU
3rd            Aaron Reedman                       Brightlingsea WKU
3rd            Harry Burgess                           Sudbury Wado Kai

5th Kyu – Green Belt – Kumite

Group 1
1st            Jacque Chartron                       Sudbury WKU
2nd           Keira Briers                              Sudbury WKU
3rd            Jonah Cardy-Harvey                                Brightlignsea WKU

Group 2
1st            Benedict Malden                      Great Tey WKU
2nd           Ghiles Salhi                              Colchester WKU
3rd            Liam Cox                                 Brightlingsea WKU

Group 3
1st            Angus Baker                             Great Tey WKU
2nd           Mahdi Salhi                              Colchester WKU

4th Kyu – Purple Belt – Kumite

Group 1
1st            Dominic Blanchard                  Great Tey WKU
2nd           Jack Wyncoll                           Colchester WKU

Group 2
1st            Sabrina Salhi                             Colchester WKU
2nd           Anthony Brown                       Colchester WKU
3rd            Mathew Graham                       Sudbury WKU
3rd            Chloe Poynter                         Brightlingsea WKU

3rd – 1st Kyu – Brown Belts - Kumite

Group 1
1st            Thomas Codling                       Sudbury WKU
2nd           Louise Chartron                       Sudbury WKU
               
Group 2
1st            Tanya Gates                             Great Tey WKU
2nd           Ben Wicks                                               Sudbury Wado Kai
3rd            Laura Casey                             Colchester WKU
3rd            Joshua Peterson                       Sudbury WKU

Group 3
1st            Charlie Gall                              Sudbury Wado Kai
2nd           Colin Ansell                             Sudbury Wado Kai
3rd            Thomas Butler                         Sudbury Wado Kai

British Junior Championships, Sheffield

We sent a very small squad to Sheffield to take part in the Junior British Karate Championships on 19th/20th May.  Congratulations to James Govind-Somers on gaining a Bronze Medal, his first in a major competition.

Western Karate Union Karate Championships
Sunday 6th May 2007

The WKU Championships were held at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre in Weston-super-Mare this year.  Despite it being a bank holiday week-end, the entry was well above average with over 400 individual competitors and 25 teams coming from all over the country.  There were also an exceptional amount of spectators attending and the sports hall soon swelled to around 700 people.

The standard of the entrants was extremely high with many England Internationals competing and there were some top quality exhibition matches to enthral the crowd. 

The beginners sections were also well supported and many of karate’s future stars gained invaluable experience in a friendly atmosphere that was kept as low key as possible to curb their “first time out” nerves.

The feedback we have had from non-WKU clubs attending has been tremendous with many compliments on our exceptional organisational skills.  Many of them were so pleased with the day they have asked when our next event is and if they can have an invitation.

I would like to thank everyone who helped out at this competition, from those who turned up extra early to set things out, to the referees, table officials, “runners” and other helpers, all of whose hard work made it a day to remember for everyone.  Your contribution was invaluable.

This competition was so successful and enjoyed immensely by all those attending that it has been decided we will probably make this an annual event in Weston-super-Mare. 

Thanks again to everyone for your fantastic support                                            Wendy

Please refer to the photo gallery for shots of some of the competitors in action.   The results were as follows:

Referees/Officials Report

As Wendy has said it was a great day and very well organised by all concerned. From the start Wendy was under the enormous pressure of last minute hiccups, changes to the pools and correcting the many errors us coaches had put in on our sheets. Her team of helpers were joined just after 07.00 by Clevedon and Bristol and as more arrived they all joined in to help set up the areas. We had a couple of refeees unable to make it at the last moment, this would have given us the ability to run 5 areas all day but as it was, thanks to some seniors grades joining in we did get the fith area going for a very large kata pool and some kumite, after a good hour and a half I bet the two Andys and Phil were pleased to stand and walk around! We were again very short on table officials, thanks to those who jumped in to lend a hand and also to those more experienced who helped to teach what was required of them. Everyone who runs around passing messages, and generally keeping the flow of the competition going did a very worthwhile job on the day, to have over 400 entries and get through and finish by 18.00 shows just how the team effort paid off, our thanks to all those involved including Jill Adams who has processed over 600 pictures for our web site.

Tatami chief's were asked to keep an eye on refereeing officials who were being assessed, having spoken to Julian I am pleased to pass on that Gary Doughty has been confirmed as an association referee, Paul James, Mike Elliott, Maria Kelly-Fursdon and Nigel Fish are also confirmed as association judges. If you are interested in progressing in this way, please contact, Ivor, Julian or myself for information on courses for the future.

Kevin