Welsh Karate Kai Invitational Championships 2008

The SKA decided to attend the Welsh Karate Kai Invitational Championships on Sunday 9th November 2008. There was another competition being held slightly closer in Essex, but a joint decision was made to go to Wales as the categories were a bit kinder to the young SKA squad. However, other clubs in Hanko-Ryu did go to Essex and achieved some fantastic results so congratulations to them. Back in Wales, all of the kata was spilt by age and grade which made a nice change as most of the squad usually end up spread over only 2 or so categories. The kumite was also spilt by age and grade in the 10yrs + groups so this was also an unusual privilege for the lower grades. When they arrived and saw the vast number of competitors in attendance, it looked as though winning a medal would be harder than predicted and they really had their work cut out. Some good clubs were in attendance and lots had very large and experienced squads.

In the mixed, under 10yrs, up to 7th kyu, KATIE PHARO (9) and LEWIS HOLMES (6) both enjoyed being in this group as they are used to competing against higher grades. Only pinan katas were allowed, which made it fairer, so they both did Pinan Nidan and Shodan throughout the 5 rounds. After 4 rounds they made it to an all SKA final where Katie took gold on a unanimous vote and Lewis took silver, which was a great achievement amongst approximately 30 competitors.

Another large group was the mixed, under 10yrs, 6th – 4th kyu kata. EDWARD VAN MEERKERK (9) and TONI SHERING (7) also won 3 or 4 rounds each to make it to another all SKA final. Again only Pinan katas were allowed and they switched between Nidan, Shodan and Yodan. This time on a split 2-1 decision Edward stole the gold and Toni took a well deserved silver after only recently grading to 6th kyu.

In the mixed, under 10yrs, 3rd kyu and above, MICHAEL HOLMES (7) was the SKA’s sole representative. He did enough to take the SKA’s third gold of the day after narrowly beating a strong Vale opponent in the final 2-1. Michael is outstanding for his age and although he was not as strong as normal, he received lots of compliments from the judges.

BETHANY SCOULDING (11) was the only SKA competitor in the mixed, 10-11yrs, 6th – 4th kyu kata. She also had a sizeable group and after 4 rounds she beat off some tough challengers to take the gold after performing Pinan Shodan, Yodan and Godan.

In the mixed, 10-11yrs, 3rd kyu+ group, ELLIE BARTON (11), CHLOE PHARO (11) and SIAN BARTON (10) once again proved to be top British competitors in this group. They made it another 1-2-3 finish. This time Ellie won the top spot with Chloe taking silver. Sian took the bronze, but all 3 girls only lost to each other with 2-1 decisions and they beat some stiff opposition in the elimination rounds.

So far out of 5 kata groups the SKA did not drop a round and LOUISE HICKS was the last kata competitor to go on the mats (she did not feel too much pressure!!). Unfortunately she lost in the semi-final of the girls, 12-15yrs, 6th – 4th kyu kata but she did perform her Pinan’s extremely well and considering she only turned 12yrs this week, she should be very proud of her bronze!

With the kata over and 5 golds out of 6 groups, the squad were preparing for the kumite events. It started well with MICHAEL HOLMES winning 4 rounds in the 7yrs and under kumite group to take gold. He remarkably did so without dropping a point and won 8-0, 9-0, 8-0 and 3-0 in the final. A great way to finish off competing in 7yrs and under group as he will turn 8yrs in December. Younger brother LEWIS HOLMES, who turned 6yrs old 10 days ago, did well but lost in the first round of this group. He will have to step up a few levels if he is going to take over his brother’s success in this group.

TONI SHERING also won her 3 rounds without dropping a point in the 7yrs and under girls kumite. She has good techniques but sometimes does not get close enough to her opponent. There was no sign of that today and she showed great improvement and spirit to take a well deserved gold.

In the 8-9yrs boys kumite, EDWARD VAN MEERKERK did enough to get through the 1st round in the group of about 35 boys, but he was not strong enough to go further. He has the potential but his techniques lacked power. Edward will have to step up a gear if he is going to fight in 10-11yrs soon but he is a hard worker and will undoubtedly try his best to do this.

In the 8-9yrs girls, KATIE PHARO lost in the semi-final to a much higher grade with more experience. She was in the lead with 5 seconds to go but she used the wrong tactics and excessively backed off her opponent in the final 5 seconds to loose a point and take it to a draw. Her opponent then scored in extra time. Frustratingly it was an exact re-enactment of what happened in Sheffield last week – but hopefully Katie will learn this time! For such a low grade she is performing extremely well and has been a great new asset to the squad. She did win a bronze to add to her kata gold so had no need to be too disappointed!

The 10-11yrs SKA girls were all out in the early stages. BETHANY SCOULDING put in a lot of effort in the 6th – 4th kyu group but lost in the first round to the eventual winner from Vale! In the 3rd kyu + group CHLOE PHARO lost 9-8 in an exciting first round match against a girl from WKC who towered above her. SIAN BARTON and ELLIE BARTON both only recently started fighting in competitions, but they are improving every time so this is very promising. Ellie gained a bronze to add to her kata gold.

SAM BARTON fought in his 3rd ever competition. After being thrown into the deep end in Sheffield, he had a breather and fought amongst boys of his own level. It just shows how well he is doing for his grade as he won all 3 rounds without dropping hardly any points in the 7th kyu and below kumite. He listened to the coaches and did exactly what he had to do. After only 3 competitions he has already managed a gold so well done Sam!

The day ended fantastically with LOUISE HICKS taking a gold in her first ever 12-13yrs kumite group. It was a gentle way in to this group as it was a 6th – 4th kyu group and Louise blew her opponents away with convincing wins. She took the final gold of the day and took the final tally to 9 golds, 3 silvers and 4 bronze medals.

Coach Clare said, “All I can say is congratulations to everybody for achieving this fantastic set of results. When I arrived at the competition I did not think for one moment we could win this many golds, but I should start having more faith in the youngsters as they are proving to be an outstanding group of competitors. Everybody won a medal and 8 out of 11 SKA competitors took home a gold, with Michael taking yet another double gold! To win 16 medals again, all from individual categories this time, really was something! They deserve it, they work so hard and I am very very proud of them. We have a lot of work to do in kumite but we should take one step at a time as I am told! However, 4 out of 9 golds came from kumite so we are getting there! Next year some of the squad will be grading and moving up and others will be moving up categories due to birthdays, but if we keep working hard there is no reason why we should not continue as we started! Well done to all involved for making this year get better and better and thanks to all the parents and coaches for the support. Thanks to Paul Scott for inviting us to a very hospitable and popular competition. We worked hard for every single medal we took away and once again had a thoroughly enjoyable day. OOSSHHAAAAAAAAA!!"

There are many photos on the DE Photo site but hopefully we will gather some together for the gallery!

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