 |
|
News
North Yorkshire Wado-Kai Karate club has had a busy few weeks recently with the National Championships and their summer black belt grading’s.
Nine students entered the Aiwakai National Championships with several students participating in both the kata and fighting events. It was a long day with an early start but all managed to stay focussed and by the end of the day the club came away with one Gold, two Silver and two Bronze medals. There were some noticeable performances in both the kata and fighting events. Special mention should go to James Robinson who though loosing to the eventual winner in his category, put up an excellent effort and was very unfortunate not to win. In a thrilling final Kieren Bathers put in a spirited performance, delivering two reverse roundhead kicks to the head, the best techniques of the day, but was very unfortunate eventually only to take silver.
A good day for the Bathers family continued as Kieren’s sister Ellie won a bronze medal in her event.
Rachel Lloyd had a successful day, winning a silver medal in her kata event and then being asked to participate in the senior event. Here she was up against students including several members of the National Wado-England squad. She went on to win a bronze medal, beating the girl who had piped her to the gold in her previous event.
Club chief instructor Mark Harland also won his event.
Two weeks later many of the club again went down to the midlands for the summer course and Black Belt grading’s. Paul Hellen who had to miss the National championships was successful in achieving his 3rd Dan. He surprised many with both his technical capability and fighting skill. The examiners were very impressed with Paul and felt he could easily have achieved a medal in the National’s were he to have participated.
Finally all in the club wish to congratulate David Mitton, who after training for Fifteen years was recommended for his first Dan in recognition of his hard work and efforts throughout his time at the club. Many of the grading panel expressed their admiration for David’s loyal and unstinting efforts for the association.
The picture shows from left to right, Mark Harland, Rachel Lloyd, Ellie and Kieren Bathers
|
|
|
