KARATE SPORT ENGLAND OPEN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
Yet another successful event at the Loughborough Leisure Centre,
thanks go to all the staff members at the centre, and of course to
Abdu Shah, Vic Charles, Ian Cuthbert, Trisha Jordan and all the other KSE members that ensured the smooth running of the day.
The previous day had seen the inaugural coaches meeting for KSE with a view of constructing an effective coaching programme with progressive levels and external modules . The meeting went very well and we look forward to the outcome over the next twelve months.
The standard at the competition continues to rise and it was a pleasant surprise to have old friend Malcolm Phipps around with his excellent Seishinkai squad.
The kata events being as usual split into the main styles led to Shikon taking the golds in the childrens Shito ryu sections, with Seishinkai leading the way in the Shotokan categories and Seishan karate topping the wado ryu sections.
In the senior events Ryan Derbyshire from SSK took the mens Shito ryu and the Open section, Zachary Alexander from BKO managed to squeeze past the strong Seishinkai contingent to take gold in the mens Shotokan. In the female sections Toni York from Seishinkai took the Shotokan and Lizzie Jeffries from Shikon Oxford the Ladies Open.
As the kata events progress it would be great to see some more Goju ryu practitioners in order that we could see a Goju section in operation. It makes so much more sense having sections for different styles, and with excellent judging from the KSE and FEKO officials the `best man` seems to have won each time.
In the kumite the action was `fast and furious` from the off! The success of the ranking lists encourages more and more cadets and seniors to try their hand and the lists keep growing.
Impossible to speak about all the winners but we must mention the team rotation events. With out a doubt the highlight yet again of the day.
As usual Shikon battled it out again in the cadet events but Jeff Bottomleys Seidokan team is looking to break that hold, so watch out.
Shikon East with Dan Cuthbert, Leon Martin and Jason Marquis managed to get revenge on John Anderson's Kyoji Kai for their recent defeats at the AMA and British Open but it was as close as you can get and everyone is looking forward to their next clash.
Notable wins in the cadet /senior events saw John Anderson take Gold over Leon Martin in the O80k section, the feud between these two top class fighters goes on and on.
One of the best fights of the day was the mens U60k final between Lee Willis and Nick Karanicholas, the score went this way and that with Nick taking an early lead but unable to sustain it Lee eventually came out the clear victor.
Dan Cuthbert lost to Dan Brown by an unfortunate disqualification in the final of the mens U80k but Dan C did go on to win the mens shobu Ippon later in the day. Dan Brown thankfully made a full recovery.
Laura Wheeler from Kyoji kai took the female junior and the female senior O60k leaving Kerry McCormack taking gold in the U60 section and Ashley Ogbekene gold in the shobu Ippon.
In the heavyweight cadets Charlie Collins had his usual excellent battle with Greg Gentleman whilst in the lighter weight sections Ben Turner and Sam Hulbert continued to show excellent form.
In the U55k female cadets Dani Lester from Shikon Oxford managed to squeeze past Maddie Moore from Dudley Shukokai to take the gold and in the heavyweight section current European Champion Shauna Carroll won her final 6-5.
In the veterans Della Tudisca continues her run of form taking gold in the female event and newcomer Seb Coe saw off old hand Rob Ward in the mens vets. Knowing Rob he ll be looking forward to a rematch asap.
The senior/veterans squad look forward to Lignano at the end of May and the WUKF World Senior /veterans Championships. It looks like being their biggest Senior event ever at this amazing venue.
The Karate England squad will be staying at the Olympic style athletes
village and look forward to a successful trip. They have some 37
people attending including athletes, coaches, officials and
spectators. Good luck guys!!
Click here to view full results
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