2008
21st December
Kyu Grading
Well, the final grading of 2008 and it was one of the best attended and so nice to see so many of the students coming through from our free five week beginners course. I would like to congratulate Guy Barker for achieving the senior grade of 3rd kyk brown belt, with the added bonus of a first class pass. Other top grades on the day were as follows, Thomas Richardson, Andy Healey, Ron Lees and Kareem Harb.
9th - 7th kyk 6th - 4th kyk Sensei Ian and Guy Barker
23rd November
Kyu Grading
Another very successful kyu grade at the club and by far the coldest of the year, didn't take to long though to warm everybody up. The first class passes were as follows,
John Dytor and Jamie Down.
On a personal note, I'd just like to wish Jamie's dad Peter,
a speedy recovery, get well soon mate.
8th 9thNovember
Lodz, Poland
( report by Sensei Haley Williams)
This is a tough competition with a high standard of competitors so firstly I want to congratulate Jessica Hill, James Edgerley and Sam Donley all three from Red Sun Ken Yu Kai as this was their first outing with the squad. Jessica did exceptionally well, getting through several rounds in the kata section. It was tough for the two boys being junior grades up against some tough European competition. I hope they all enjoyed the experience, it was nice to see some new faces involve in the squad and hopefully we will see you again. Well done to Jordan Williamson from Sale Dojo who also fought with the squad for the first time. As for our usual squad members, not one of them came home without a medal. Well done Natasha Holmes 1st place kata, Aaron Kiernan 3rd place in kata, Chris Williamson and Abby Davidson for 3rd in kumite. Best individual of the day has to be ‘Tootsie girl’ Lauren Tutty. Despite moving up an age group in kumite she had no problem securing 1st place. I have to admit in the kata final my hopes were not high as she was up against a family member of the organiser, I should have had more faith in Lauren, she won with a fantastic performance. Now for my favourite part, the team kumite which consisted of Shaun Mulai, Chris and Aaron. There were 16 teams in total. Shaun and Chris won the first two rounds without any assistance from Aaron. Aaron stepped in though in the semi’s securing a place in the final. Despite a lot of noise from the supporters of the other team, a draw and two wins got us 1st place for the second year running. Well done boys, I for one was very proud of you all.
2nd November
Ken Yu Kai Nationals
I must admit the Ken Yu Kai Nationals is one of my least favourite events on the calendar. I think this is because when we are on the road we all compete as one team even though we are separate clubs and it is difficult to see my friends as the opposition. On a personal note, I feel the pressure is quite intense on myself and the other coaches due to the high expectation of success as we are the largest club within Ken Yu Kai with the vast majority of the squad coming from our club.
First of all I am going to start with my usual rant, I know we have had a very busy year and maybe one or two are starting to feel the financial pinch but I am very disappointed with the lack of numbers from our club this year especially our junior grades as I feel we have put a lot of time and effort into promoting junior competition.
Over the last five or six years, we average between forty and sixty competitors, this year a pitiful twenty-eight and as our club numbers are as big as ever this is not good enough.
On a lighter note, we still came out as the top club within the association, probably the highest tally of first places ever, a true testament to those who did get off their backsides.
Guy Barker takes silver
9 Individual Gold 5 Individual Silver 7 Individual Bronze 2 Team Kata Gold 1 Team Kata Silver
2 Pair Kata Gold 1 Pair Kata Silver 1 Pair Kata Bronze 4 Team Kumite Gold 1 Team Kumite Bronze
I think looking back 17 gold (yes one seven) 7 silver and 9 bronze, I have to be pleased and if this success continues next year, this maybe my favourite competition. I am not going to mention all of our successes but I think I should at least acknowledge our top performer of the day, Lucy Whitworth, individual kata gold, pair kata gold, and team kata gold - what a little star!
Well Done to the whole Squad.
31st October
Halloween Party
What a scary turnout, and they were just the parents who didn't dress up!
A great evening was had by all with many games including the chocolate game, bobbing apples, making bats, spooky corners and I suppose the most memorable game was the mummy game. Four of our dads volunteered to be wrapped up from head to toe in toilet roll and then spooky objects placed onto them. The winner was the first to escape. Haven't got a clue who won!
A special thank you to the Craven family for donating their Halloween props for the evening, what kind of family would have so many Halloween items in their loft? I think you need to seek therapy.
Also thank you to the Debi Piper and the Craig family for helping set up the dojo in preparation for the successful evening we had.
And finally a huge thank you to all those who turned up at 8am on Saturday morning before the lesson to tidy up, oh that was just me then!! Well Done Ian.
26th October
Kyu Grading
Congratulations to all who took and passed their grading on Sunday. I think it is only right to mention the students who achieved the highest standard of 1st class pass. Emily Robins, Alex Craig and Charlotte Birtles
( What's so funny Denyse)
19th October
Dan Grade
A huge congratulations to Debi Piper who passed her Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt)
Debi has been very committed to us in many aspects, not just her training but helping us in many ways to promote karatedo and helping to make Sale Dojo a success. Like a lot of our adult students she started after her children attended our free five week course and felt she may as well join in instead of just watching. Unfortunately, Ryan and Alana have long since gone but now we are stuck with their mother (only joking Debi, we love you really)
It takes around four to five years of hard work and dedication to achieve your black belt.
Debi is the 42nd person to pass this grade from Sale Dojo, I feel this is an outstanding achievement on both parts as we have only been based at Sale Dojo since February 2003.
Well done also to Sensei Tony Tutty and Sensei Abby Davidson for passing their Nidan (2nd Dan Black Belt) we are also very proud of you too.
15th October
Beginners Course
We welcome our new intake of beginners to Sale Dojo, as they have successfully completed our free five week course. As usual this is becoming a very popular way of introducing new members to our club. I hope everybody enjoyed the experience as I know talking to Sensei Tony and the other instructors involved it was an enjoyable experience for them too. The next free five week course will be in February 2009, so if you have any friends or family who wish to join - watch this space.
12th October
England Call Up For The Trio
Every time you pick up the news paper or put on the television there is some story or other about youth crime, a stabbing or anti-social behaviour. I would like to point out this is a very small minority of youths and when they achieve something they don't seem to get the same attention than when they go off the rails. So I would like to shout from the top of the buildings how proud I am of Saule Del-Rio, Harley Del-Rio and Joshua Gagon who were selected to represent England in the forthcoming European Junior Championships which is due to be held in Paris on the 31st January and 1st February 2009. I don't think there is a group of teenagers who deserve this more than these guys after all the hours in the dojo and the gym over the last 10 years. This is the first time that there has been 3 of our students who have been selected at the same time to represent their country.
A huge pat on the back should go to all of our coaching staff.
Is this just a coincidence, a structure, discipline and guidance and a little more stick and less carrot and you get results. You can take any martial arts club around the UK with the same ethos as ours and come out with the same conclusions (a great kid!)
"Wear that England badge with pride!"
Sale Dojo Kumite Competition
Another hugely successful day down at the dojo, this was our second kumite competition we've hosted this year.
A massive thanks of gratitude to all the volunteers involved in the set up and running of our tournament.
We managed to raise just shy of five hundred pounds, this money will go back into the club funds towards the squads, trips and parties for our younger members.
Tomas Tutty & Sensei Andy Blake
Hopefully with more hard work and a little gentle persuasion from our instructors in the future this could become as popular as our kata competition in the summer. There were just under seventy competitors on the day and most of them junior grades which is always very pleasing to see. I feel we are heading in the right direction with this format, but any feedback would be gratefully appreciated.
Once again we finished top of the medal table with 7 gold 3 silver and 11 bronze. We have a reputation as a club of fighters and on this evidence this assumption will stay in tact.
Section 1 under 4’ 0’ Mixed boys/girls open grade
1st Mia Swain Sale Dojo
2nd Lucy Whitworth Sale Dojo
3rd Demi Pope Langworthy Dojo
3rd Tom Dobbie Sale Dojo
Section 2 4’0 – 4’6’ boys open grade
1st Thomas Tutty Sale Dojo
2nd George Brophy Broughton Ken Yu Kai
3rd James Whitworth Sale Dojo
Section 3 4’0 – 4’6’ girls open grade
1st Becky Darvil Langworth Dojo
2nd Brooke Arnold Simister Ken Yu Kai
3rd Jessica Hill Red Sun Ken Yu Kai
3rd Alana Lees Sale Dojo
Section 4 4’6 – 5’0’ boys white – blue
1st Nathan Dytor Sale Dojo
2nd Jordan Arnold Simister Ken Yu Kai
3rd Dayton Lees Sale Dojo
3rd Marcus Coore Sale Dojo
Section 5 4’6 – 5’0’ girls white – blue
1st Jade Brettle Langworthy Dojo
2nd Eve Wheelan Prestwich Ken Yu Kai
Section 6 4’6 – 5’0’ boys purple – black
1st Linden Hamer Sale Dojo
2nd Aaron Kiernan Sale Dojo
3rd Leon Johns Sale Dojo
3rd Max Bardsley-Rowe Sale Dojo
Section 7 4’6 – 5’0’ girls purple – black
1st Lauren Tutty Sale Dojo
2nd Natasha Holmes Failsworth Ken Yu Kai
3rd Molly Dwyer Langworthy Ken Yu Kai
Section 8 over 5’0’ boys white – blue
1st George Swain Sale Dojo
2nd Sam Donley Red Sun Ken Yu Kai
3rd James Edgerley Red Sun Ken Yu Kai
Section 9 over 5’0’ boys purple – black
1st Jake Kiernan Sale Dojo
2nd Adam McColgan Langworthy Dojo
3rd Christopher Willilamson Sale Dojo
3rd Robin Hamer Sale Dojo
Section 10 over 5’0’ girls purple – black
1st Jessica Maitland Mossley Ken Yu Kai
2nd Ami Garrod – Rogers Sale Dojo
3rd Jayne Craig Sale Dojo
4th - 5th October
Czech Republic Karate Open
( report by Sensei Haley Williams)
Another weekend away, time off work, fun with friends, very cheap beer oh and another karate competition!
A longer weekend than usual, but a good time had by all. Before I tell you about the competition itself I will give you a little insight into our trip away for those of you thinking of joining us in the future.
Monday was a day trip to Prague itself. An expensive and lengthy trip by train but Aarons monkey faces kept us entertained. Deb Tuttys eyes glazed over at the sight of all the shops, shops and more shops, though strangely I’m sure I saw a sparkle in Conroys eyes too! Please note, don’t go shopping with Deb Tutty or Anthony Kiernan if you have a train to catch. I will say no more!!
Tuesday, a day in beautiful Pilsen. More shopping for Deb whilst myself, Colin Mulai and Anthony adopted Raymond for the day and took the boys swimming. Watching the boys dive gracefully into the pool and then to see Raymond half dive half belly flop in certainly put a smile on my face. We love you Raymond.
The competition itself like last year was very well organised with a very high standard from competitors.
For us Saturday proved to be a little disappointing, despite strong katas from Abby, Charlene and Alex unfortunately as often happens when we go away we were beaten by Shotokan katas, as in Europe it is predominately Shotokan and so are the referees . Our only medal of the day was a bronze for Charlene in the cadet kumite. We left a little downhearted but consoled ourselves in the hotel bar and hoped for a better day on Sunday.
And what a day Sunday was. Again a lot of disappointment in the kata sections but three medals, 3rd place for Abby and Lauren and a 1st for Jake. Things picked up in the kumite events with 3rd places for Natalie Payne, Kelly Horsfall, and Raymond Kanyanga, 2nd place for Aaron and Jake Kiernan and a 1st place for Lauren Tutty who I have to say made it look very easy indeed. Celebratory drinks in the bar were essential and enjoyed by all.
We came 6th on the medal table out of 17 which given the small squad we took compared with the other countries, I think is something to be proud of.
A few questions to ask before we go away next time:
1. Is Shotokan kata all that?
2. Does Deb do anything but shop?
3. Can beer get any cheaper?
4. What sort of hotel bar stops serving at 10pm. Outrageous!
Sorry about number 1 Peter, only joking.
By the way, everyone can look forward at some point to watching all the parents of the squad competing in their very own kata competition. A suggestion put forward by Dave Rigg to raise money for the squad.. All parents thought it was a great idea (they were in the bar with many large beers at the time). Remember, no Pinan katas and a different kata each round. I personally can’t wait.
28th September
Kyu Grading
Well done to all involve in the Kyu grading, special mention to all our first class passes.
Alexander Robins
Ryan Kirk Spencer
Tom Dobbie
Mark Spencer
Vanessa Lees
Ron Lees
Richard Olver
Jayne Craig
14thSeptember
Northern Open Classic
It would be advisable to programme this address into your satnav as I can see a lot more of the competition organisers using this centre. A fantastic new building, I think it has only been open since February, but when all the work is finished I am sure it will be one of the top karate venues in the North West. This competitions seems to be getting bigger and better each year. For the first time the competition organisers used full WKF rules and on some areas it showed, it has only taken them about 10 years, that's not bad in karate terms. Another unique feature on the day was that the competitions was broadcast live over the internet, after speaking to Carl I know by the feedback on the website it was a great success, this can only be positive for the exposure of our sport. If anybody would like to check it out next time, take a look at
www.karate-competitions.com and follow the link for KCTV.
The squad performed as we all expect with lots of medals, it's always difficult to prepare for competitions so close after a major competitions such as the British but the more I see our competitors in competition I am sure that they are turning into robots.
We revamped our kata squad and still took first position with Abby Davidson, Lauren Tutty and Ami Garrod-Rogers, this was the first of three golds for Abby as well as a silver. Jake Kiernan bounced back from last weeks disappointment with a double gold in the kata and kumite.
There was also a great performance by Christopher Williamson who won a silver medal in the kumite and a silver each by Cameron Bryan-Smith and Lauren Tutty.
I would also like to congratulate the rest of the Ken Yu Kai fold. I am sure as an association we won more than any other association.
As you can imagine over the years I will see thousands of kumite bouts and the tournaments all seem to roll into one, but every now and then you will see a performance from one of our competitors which will remind you why you fell in love with karate in the first place. This happened at the weekend and it came from a very unlikely source, Sensei Haley Williamson (The Ginger Winger). In the first round she came up against a competitor from the BKA, a much taller fighter and I am sure she won't mind me saying - slightly younger. Haley came out 11-4 in an enthralling bout with a superb display of perfect timing, by far the best performance from any of the squad. She continued through each round but as doing so you could see the life draining from her as her energy levels dropped but she still managed to reach the final finally been beaten by Abby Davidson and there is no disgrace in that.
Haley is now officially the Ginger Winger Ninja
The government over the years have spent millions of pounds telling us smoking is bad for us and you could have saved the tax paying public millions and millions of pounds by showing Haley's sequence of fights, I didn't think it was medically possible but I have witnessed this with my own eyes, it is possible to breath through your backside if you really need to.
6th-7th September
British Championships
How the times have changed, 8 gold, 9 silver and 5 bronze, the most successful British Championships ever and the squad is still not happy. This is a huge testament to all of our coaching staff and the Ken Yu Kai squad members involved in the championships at the weekend. It was so pleasing to see our young athletes competing at such high level, and if beaten, coming off disappointed not winning the gold. In the past we would have been happy with any colour medal, not any more! This winning attitude will set these young people in good stead for the future.
Day 1
The day started off encouragingly with our newly formed kata teams both the boys and the girls took second place to a strong Ishinryu squad, the months of hard word from Sensei Abby Davidson and Sensei Tony Tutty in the back room seemed to have paid dividend. If we can keep these two teams together over the next few years I am sure we will pick up many more titles on the way.
Individual events continued through a similar vein, Linden Hamer, Natalie Payne and Alex Rigg all achieved silver placing. All bouts were very tight results, maybe with a bit more luck with could of converted these to gold. "Very frustrating" We also had other notable results, bronze medals from Lauren Tutty, Kelly Horsfall, Natasha Holmes and Robin Hamer.
Didn't need to worry though, our first gold of the day came from English International, Ashleigh Kenny, she blew away all in front of her. At the moment she is in a class of her own and long may this continue. I think overall I have been pleased with our kata squads contribution and is vastly becoming a very strong outfit and certainly one of the top squads in the country at present.
Now the time for the proper form of karate, the kumite (only joking you kata purist). We started with the boys teams 11-13 years, this was probably the low point of the day after a very disappointing selection process on the Tuesday a few days earlier at Sale Dojo, I felt our boys were a little flat and so it proved with boys teams being eliminated in the early rounds due to silly mistakes. (Like being hit too many times) Maybe a little harsh, we did take bronze, but still not good enough.
After a sulk in the cafe, I am determined to put it right next time, damn right I will! More silver, Natasha Holmes and Linder Hamer in their sections and a bronze for Aaron Kiernan but the huge surprise was a gold for our kata girl Lauren Tutty in the kumite, what's going on? She showed fantastic technique and composure, just think of the height she may reach if she didn't gab so much in the lesson! (I wonder who she gets that off Deb?)
Day 2
The day got off to the best possible start, the girls 16-17 year olds team took gold, Ashleigh Kenny, Abby Davidson took the plaudits but how nice was it to see Laura Parkes back in the line up. Another gold in the girls 14-15 team with Jessica Maitland, Charlene Oakes and Ami Garrod-Rogers and then another in the boys 14-15 with Joshua Gagon, Harley Del-Rio and the new boy on his debut Adam McColgan. Love it!!!
The golds continued in the individual sections, my tip for this weekends championships came in, certainly the sharpest in training over the past week or so must be Harley Del-Rio as he didn't need to get out of second gear for his second title of the day.
Ashley Tancock, our most elusive fighter followed the trend with a gold medal, but the only problem he had was that he was too quick and Sensei Conroy Sproul had to tell him to slow down his combinations so the referees could see them. (Ashley, please can you participate in more competitions as we would love to see more of this)
Our sixth and final gold of the second day came from Saule Del-Rio in the heavy weight section to continue his good form but he still got his butt kicked in the open weight and I and the other coaches will be reminding him in the dojo when he starts to get complacent.
Charlene Oakes and Joshua Gagon were both beaten in very close finals by only one point, very unlucky, but that is the margins at the top level.
Ashleigh Kenny and Abby Davidson both medaled out with bronzes this keeps them in the draw for selections for the European Championships in Paris in January 2009.
Once again a huge thanks to Sensei Tony Tutty, Sensei Haley Williamson and Sensei Conroy Sproul and all the parents for their help and support over the weekend which has made this such a success.
24th August
Camelot Theme Park
Little bit disappointed with the response this year with the trip to Camelot, over the past 10 years we have managed to fill a coach load and in some cases had to turn people away. This time we cancelled the coach and just managed to fill the mini-bus. Those who did go, had a great day and again we were very lucky with the weather. Has this trip now run it course?? Any suggestions for next year?? (Not Alton Towers - too expensive)
17th August
AMA North Western Open
Sensei Blake waiting for another hip replacement.
Even though we had a massively depleted squad due to the summer holidays, we still came up with the goods at the AMA North Western Open, Castle Leisure Centre, Bury. This is one of those competitions in which we can nurture our new talent and because of the timing it is an ideal warm up for the British Championships.
The best performance of the day had to be Aaron Kiernan - again!! One of the most consistent competitors this year with double gold both kata and kumite. Brother Jake also won gold in his kumite section, this begs the question who is the most successful pair of brothers in the club at the moment the Del-Rio's? the Hamer's? the Kanyanga's? or the Kiernan's? All that I know is that we are very lucky to have such talented siblings at our disposal.
Cameron Bryan-Smith continued his run with our squad second gold in the individual kata despite his odd wobble (more stance work for you young man!)
Lauren Tutty silver, Mia Swain bronze and the team kata bronze finished off a very pleasing day in the kata categories.
One thing to mention, is the outstanding performance of Mia Swain in the kumite, I know she is only 3 stone wet through but sensei Tony Tutty described her as a little terrier. I would like to point out this is from her mother's side of the family and not mine! (she must get her looks from mine - poor kid!!) Mia ended up taking the silver medal position being beaten by the very experience Natasha Holmes in the final. I know I was very pleased with her performance and gave me the perspective of being on the other side of the fence, £24.00 entry fee, £54.00 red and blue shin/foot pads and £16.00 for a red pair of mitts. Subscriptions are just going to have to go up, SORRY.
Mia & Sensei Swain
2nd August
Kyu Grading
Well done to all who participated in the Kyu grading especially to Bailey Healey, Nathan Thomson, Sarah Whitworth and Lucy Whitworth who all gained 1st class passes.
21st July
Potential World Champion
The latest addition to the Swain family arrived on Monday
21st July 2008, Harvey Michael Patrick Swain weighing in at a healthy 8lb 2oz.
12th July
Central England Karate Championships
Unfortunately I couldn't attend this competition, didn't need to worry though, Sensei Tony Tutty and Sensei Haley Williamson did a great job taking the club to the top of the medal table again. Oh my God!
I have never seen such ugly trophies in my life, the squad turned up on Tuesday night, it looked as if they had just come back from a car boot sale at the local church.
Report Haley Williamson
Another early start and late finish but at least the squad made it worth while. What a fantastic day for Ken Yu Kai once again! The standard of kata at the competition was extremely high and despite performing well on the day some of the squad were knocked out in early rounds. This didn’t stop Natalie Payne coming away with 1st place and Ami Garrod Rogers, Abby Davidson and Kelly Horsfall achieving 3rd. The pairs section was even more successful with Jake Kiernan and Alex Rigg taking 1st place in a very close final. Laurens gentle nagging at Aaron really paid off as Lauren Tutty and Aaron Kiernan took 2nd place being beaten by Natalie and Kelly in the final.
In the kumite Natalie took her third gold of the day well done to her. In fact well done to all those who placed in their section Brian Kanyanga 1st, Shaun Mulai 1st, Lauren 2nd, Jake 2nd, Harley Del-io 2nd, Josh Gagon and Spencer Cooper 3rd. A special mention for Natasha Holmes who flew through her section to gain 1st place, I hope she’s forgiven me for threatening to break her legs if she didn’t stop kicking! Also Raymond Kanyanga who was my superstar on the day. Despite looking like he had just woken up and the referee asking me to straighten him out at one point, a sturdy Raymond made it look easy getting through to the final in his section where he was beaten by our very own Shaun Mulai.
My favourite section was the team kumite, 4 teams in 4 different sections all taking 1st place, fantastic! I nearly had a nervous breakdown with Chris, Raymond and Shaun but it was worth it. After a disappointing fight in his individuals Chris fought really well in the team, sorry got to tell him off again ‘a head kick, with 3 seconds to go, doh! ‘ Charlene and Ami had been worried sick about there only being the two of them and asked me if they could have Kelly as a third fighter. Perhaps next time they will be more confident as, with no disrespect to Kelly, the two of them fought brilliantly to get 1st place. Kelly also fought with Natalie and Lauren, and the boys Josh, Harley and Jake finished the day off with our final Gold. Both myself and Tony Tutty were very proud to take the trophy for the most successful club with nearly double the points of our nearest rival. Well done everyone.
Sensei Tony & Sensei Haley
11th July
Paintball day out
The answer to all your questions is most definitely yes.
Does it hurt when you get hit?
Is it expensive to play?
Are you going to put it in your calendar for next year?
What a fantastic day out, and I know all the guys and dolls involved agree. I think one of the biggest pluses of the day is being on a level footing of Josh Gagon and the Del-Rio brothers, I know it is only paintball but it’s a long time since I have hit them so many times. On behalf of the squad I would like to have an open invitation to all the Trafford Wardens of the karate world (the Ken Yu Kai referees) to the next paintball outing, especially Richard McKeeman. I know one or two people will be gunning for you!!
Yes you do need to be mad to do
paintballing Anymore suggestions for social days out are always welcome!!
6th July
Sale Dojo Kata Competition
Clean sweep for Sale Dojo in the team kata
This tournament encapsulates what Sale Dojo is all about, the coming together of old friends and a great family atmosphere and most importantly top class karateka.
We have been hosting this competition for the last four years and this is the most successful to date. It was very well supported by the Ken Yu Kai network so I would like to thank Sensei Terry Pottage, Failsworth and Droylsden, Sensei Chris Baker and Sensei Stuart Baker, Prestwich, Sensei Peter Bibby, Red Sun, Sensei David Woo, Sensei Kath Perry, Simister, Sensei Jack Fletcher, Broughton and Sensei Ricky Birchall, Eccles and all their teams.
The medals were shared through all the clubs with no club coming away with nothing a true competition. The Sale Club kicked off the best ever start taking all the places in the team kata event, this is despite the loss of Lauren Tutty from our top girls team due to sickness on the day. The most pleasing performance came from the team made up of Sophie Dalton, Sahira Hussain and Emma Cummings who achieved the bronze medal. I think with a little more self belief maybe they would have gone further.
In the 7 and under section, by far the most enjoyable event, was won by our very own Lucy Whitworth who beat her team compatriot Caitlyn King in the final. It is nice to see so many little people entering, don't know if at that age of 5 & 6 I would be able to get up and get up and do my kata in front of some many spectators.
We decided to do a random draw in the black belt section, this is because all
of our athletes train together on a regular basis and their ability is so close to each other. The section was won by Kelly Horsfall (Prestwich) who beat club favorite Alex Rigg in the final, Ami Garrod-Rogers took the bronze.
I knew we were going to find the junior grade sections difficult, looking back at the past records we don't do that well and this came to light on the day, but I don't think this was down to our youngsters, maybe our coaches need to spend a little more time with junior grades rather than with the seniors on enhancing their performance. The other factor is the emergence of Simister Ken Yu Kai and the hard work that David and Kath are doing down at their school. The surprise package of the weekend was Red Sun Ken Yu Kai with Laura Kinsey winning their clubs first ever Gold in a Ken Yu Kai competition. Nice to see the Shotokan style introduced to our tournaments. Our disappointment carried on through the junior pairs with only one chink of light, Mia Swain and Lucy Whitworth achieving bronze, but should have been in the final. I know not very unprofessional of me!! but I can be a bit bias because I am a dad as well as an instructor sometimes.
A little better in the brown belt section, Jayne Craig took the Silver and Emma Cummings with her second Bronze of the day, the section was won overall by Natasha Holmes. I think this was the right decision to split this section from the black belts and certainly have no worries for the future in the kata if this section has anything to go by.
In the senior pairs we didn't put a foot wrong, winning three of the four places, but not the most important one, for the second year running Natalie Payne and Kelly Horsfall took the Gold an awesome display of synchronicity "yes you're starting to annoy me now!!!"
The final section was the adults, Denise Shemeld, Failsworth winning Gold, closely followed by Debi Piper, Silver, Sarah Whitworth, Bronze. We found it hard this year to attract competitors in this section. I think we may have to think again next year but I suppose this is up to you.
Sale Dojo 2 gold 6 silver 8 bronze
Simister 2 gold 1 silver 2 bronze
Prestwich 2 gold 0 silver 3 bronze
Failsworth 2 gold 0 silver 1 bronze
Red Sun 1 gold 0 silver 3 bronze
Eccles 0 gold 1 silver 0 bronze
Droylsden 0 gold 1 silver 0 bronze
Broughton 0 gold 0 silver 1 bronze
Full list of results on result page.
22nd June
ALSAA Open Karate Championships
Vincent O’Hora continues his form from the Cumbrian Open with two more golds in the ALSAA Karate Open in Dublin Ireland. Our Irish international fighter took both heavy and open weight sections in the kumite. Vincent has been a number one competitor in Ireland for the past few years, I am sure this victory will not go amiss with the Irish selectors. Hopefully this will put him in prime position to compete for his country at the forthcoming World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, November 2008.
Still trying to convince Karen to let me go, probably got two chances slim and none!
15th June
Cumbrian Open
This is probably one of the longest running competitions I think for about 30 years, I have been travelling up to the Sand Sports Centre, Carlisle for about 20 years, so how did I still manage to get lost, and I had sat nav?
This is a great tournament, very different from most of the others, a diversity of styles with so many Scottish competitors competing. The tournament went very well, we achieved as a club, 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze. It was nice to see some of the other clubs competing from Ken Yu Kai, Failsworth, Prestwich and Broughton, all
getting among the medals. Ken Yu Kai won all the senior kata medals in the children section with Sale Dojo doing a clean sweep in the younger group, Aaron Kiernan, Lauren Tutty and Cameron Bryan-Smith with a one, two, three. Other results, Vincent O'Hora, gold kumite, Charlene Oakes, gold kumite. Senior team, gold kumite, Kata team, gold and silver. Harley and Saule Del-Rio, silver kumite, Kyle Franks, Ami Garrod-Rogers and the boys team that comprised of Kyle, Jake and Shaun all took bronze medals.
The competitor of the day is my eyes is Ami Garrod-Rogers, with two bronzes and a silver. She took her first individual kata medal in a very tough section, a just reward for all her hard work. Please keep it up! Also I would like to mention a long awaited win by the senior adult team, maybe we can push on from this performance and take us back to our former glory when Sensei Swain, Sensei Blake and Sensei Sproul were kicking butt!
Ami Garrod-Rogers
8th June
Sea Fishing Trip
I am so used to getting up at mad o'clock to get to some tournament or other, but when I was informed that I had to meet at the dojo at 3am to drive to North Wales to catch the early tide I thought someone was taking the fish!!!!! I can say it was one of the best days out for a long time, so I would just like to say a huge thank you from all the guys to Anthony Kiernan for arranging this fishing trip. After speaking to all concerned, there will definitely be another one on the agenda - watch this space.
Just for the record, no-one was sea sick, Carl Davidson caught the first fish of the day, Tom Del-Rio had the biggest fish of the day and everybody managed to catch a fish except Dave Holmes, the only thing he caught was the sun on his bald head! Finally, Wayne Gagon "Knot Knot", got the most tangles, surprise surprise.
1st June
Common Wealth Championships
It seems such a long time since the Ken Yu Kai squad has competed in Edinburgh, thinking back over twenty years "how old does that make me feel?". I've been lucky and travelled all over Europe and I still think Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities, especially on the Saturday with the sun shining down on us. It made a change travelling North instead of South to London for a major competition and certainly a lot more picturesque journey. In spite of the surroundings, a four hour drive is still a drag to compete. The venue this year was the Meadow Bank Stadium, a large venue and it needed to be because there was over 1200 competitors taking part. I knew we were in for a long weekend, despite the numbers the competition got off on time - ish !!!! and all six mats were utilized all day (and into the night!)
It was nice to see so many countries coming together from the commonwealth, countries that took part are as follows: England, Northern Ireland, Wales, South Africa, Canada, India, New Zealand, Botswana and obviously Scotland. It was announced over the tannoy that this was one of the most successful commonwealth championships ever, " I don't think so" - have we forgotten Manchester so soon? but still a fantastic effort.
Now it is time for a more negative side, as a former English International, I was embarrassed with the size of the English contingency in the Elite section and the lack of quality. Each country were able to put forward four athletes in each weight group but in true English arrogance, we entered just one. Yet another missed opportunity for International Competition, just on our doorstep. This would of being a great chance to put some of our younger competitors under pressure to see if they could fulfill some of their potential. "Am I the only coach who can see this"? * (certainly Ashleigh Kenny should have been in the elite kata section as she beat all the girls in the open section - what a farce!)
Anyway, back to more important matters. Ken Yu Kai as an association performed brilliantly despite one or two of our top athletes missing these championships through school exams which I feel are more of a priority, I hate to admit! The medal count was 5 Gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze.
Ashleigh Kenny got us off to the usual start with a gold in the ladies kata, one of only two kata medals in the kata section, the other a silver going to Natasha Holmes in the under 9 kata section. Linden Hamer and Aaron Kiernan were both very unfortunate missing out on the bronze medal positions but they still had to perform five katas. This amount of kata would usually win most competitions so it shows the size and quality of some of the sections. Linden bounced back in the kumite with a silver with a gutsy performance.
A great day though for the Kiernan brothers, with both Jake and Aaron winning gold in their kumite sections, I think Aaron was the most impressive fighter of the whole day, I was very happy to see some of the techniques we had been working on in our one to one lessons paying off, but I can't remember teaching him that spinning hook kick to win the final. Also a touch of class at the end, as the victory was given, raising his index finger to his dad in the crowd to remonstrate that he was the number one. Not to be outdone by his brothers performance, Jake managed to overcome Shaun Mulai in the final of his section, a gold and a silver, nothing like a little bit of healthy competition within Sale Dojo. I feel now that Shaun now is taking his rightful place as one of our elite fighters in are squad.
Josh Gagon took our final individual gold but I think by his standards he had quite a lack luster performance but still managed to get the win. At major championships it's all about titles not the performance, so you cannot take anything away from Josh.
Other noticeable performances in the kumite was a bronze by Christopher Williamson, Charlene Oakes and Natasha Holmes. For those who know me, know my favorite section is always the teams, as |feel this is not just for one person but for the whole squad and parents. The icing on the cake came when the girls Charlene Oakes, Natalie Payne and Kelly Horsfall won gold in the team event - Well Done Girls.
Kelly Horsfall, Natalie Payne,
Charlene Oakes and happy Sensei Swain
26th May
Kyu Grading
Congratulations to all who took the May grading, nice to see so many beginners taking their first grade. This was one of the highest standard grading for a long time and I think it is only right to mention the students who achieved 1st class passes.
Dayton Lees, Rachel Dytor, John Dytor, Noel Johns, Amber Johns, Shaun Mulai
22nd May
Champions League Final big screen
Just like to say a big thank you to Carl Davidson for arranging the big screen in the back room at the dojo. There were about fifty mad United fans in attendance and I'm sure they all had a great time. I feel I can speak for everyone there in passing my sympathy to John Terry for his missed penalty, ha ha ha
Before During After
6th May
Dan Grade/Kyu Grade
May and October historically are two of the biggest months in the Ken Yu Kai Karate calendar with the Dan Grading being held around this time. I can say that this particular was certainly out of the ordinary for Sale Dojo, with eight of our students attempting the grade of Shodan and two Nidan.
In a normal year we would be very lucky to have maybe three or four attempting their Black Belt so it shows how unusual it is. I felt an honor to witness this Dan grading because I feel it was the best Dan grading ever, with the standard of student the highest I have ever seen and I am not only speaking for myself but for the rest of the grading panel. It was a delight to witness all their performances with very little error, they have certainly raised the bar to a new level.
I would like to thank particularly Sensei Angela Tomlin, Sensei Haley Williamson and Sensei Tony Tutty for their continued hard work and support in preparation for their ultimate goal and I am sure I speak for everybody involved.
Thank You.
Robin Hamer - Nidan
Linden Hamer - Nidan
Leon Johns - Shodan
Chloe Casanove - Shodan
Jake Kiernan - Shodan
Aaron Kiernan - Shodan
Cameron Bryan-Smith - Shodan
Charlene Oakes - Shodan
Alex Rigg - Shodan
Amy Garrod-Rogers - Shodan
We also had a very busy morning with the Kyu Grade attempting their next belts, I know they have been over shadowed by the Dan grading in the afternoon but nevertheless a very successful grade and well done to all, especially Susan Craig for achieving her Senior Grade of Brown Belt.
19th April
Ken Yu Kai British Open Championships
What a great day for myself personally, Sale Dojo to the top of the medal table at the British Ken Yu Kai Karate Open. A 2-1 win at Old Trafford over Arsenal, United at the top of the Premiership - Happy Days! We all know who the greatest football team in England is, but I have often wondered where we are as a club in English karate, are there any clubs out there with the depths of talent that we currently have both in kata and kumite, I can't think of too many.
Anyway, I digress, back to the weekends performance. Once again some outstanding performances, we took all four places in the boys senior kata, both thirds went to Aaron and Jake Kiernan, Silver to Robin Hamer and Gold to Alex Rigg. The dual between Robin and Alex at the moment is fascinating in both of the disciplines. The honours seem to change from competition to competition. The under 9's was won by Robin's younger brother Linden Hamer, second was Cameron Bryan-Smith. Cameron also won the boys under 9 kumite justifying his tag at the most improved student, which was awarded to him earlier in the year. Charlene and Alex took silver in the pair kata, second to Kelly Horsfall and Natalie Payne from Prestwich Ken Yu Kai. Hopefully they will get their chance for revenge in the Sale Dojo Kata Competition which is to be held on Sunday 6th July 2008.
Josh Gagon managed to get past Harley Del Rio in the semi final boys heavy weight section and then becoming the outright winner, nice to see their professionalism after their fight, uniting together to win the boys team with their third man Jake Kiernan. We also won the 15-17 year male team section with our recently crowned English champions, Saule, Ashley and Danny. A silver in our final team section with our young competitors Thomas Tutty. Linden Hamer and Cameron Bryan-Smith. Our final gold was left to Christopher Williamson and performed his usual outstanding kicking performance, even his dad asked "when is he going to learn to punch"? The final medal haul for the weekend was as follows:
9 Gold, 3 Silver and 9 Bronze.
12th April
English Championships
This is the first time the English Karate Federation has run this event and I would just like to say what a superb tournament. The organisation was first class and the standard of competition was probably the highest I have seen this year. Most of the sections were very well attended, certainly on the Saturday in the cadet sections, is it now harder to win one of the children's sections than one of the senior sections? Maybe karate is changing. To top this all off, all the spectators were given free admission, it's about time the parents got a little bit back instead of take take take.
I think one of the downsides what the notable absence of some of the top associations, the likes of Shikon, British Sport Karate, SKU etc. The reason being, they have not signed up to the new governing body. Isn't it a shame that we can't have a true English Championships, with all factions under one roof, how hard can it be to sit around a table, put your egos to one side and try to remember what it is all about, not power and money, yes guys, the karate and the young people who do it.
The Ken Yu Kai Squad after last years successes, had a huge act to follow, we didn't beat our gold tally but we had a much greater medal haul. The total medals, 5 golds, 4 silvers, and 16 bronzes. Maybe we should have turned some of those bronzes into finals, that would be my only criticism. The golds were won by Ashleigh Kenny in kata, Linden Hamer in kata, this is the third year on the run that he has won this title, an outstanding achievement. Saule Del Rio, 16-17 yrs open weight, he also got gold in the team with Ashley Tancock and Daniel McColgan and maybe should have won a third gold in the heavy weight but fell asleep in the final (Conroy's words not mine!) I am not going to go through all the results listing, but the this is listed on results page. Thanks to all who supported this event.
Linden Hamer
6th April
Blakey's a Daddy
Congratulations to Andy and Kelly on the birth of their baby daughter
Tegan Leigh Blake 7lb 8oz
Friday 4th April 2008 1.42 am
1st April
Sale Dojo Kumite Competition
I feel the Sale Dojo Kumite Competition went down very well with both parents and competitors. We had lots of positive feedback and hopefully it will encourage them to participate in future tournaments. I think using the body armour for the less experience fighters was a great success and certainly helped with their confidence and also the tears were kept to a minimum.
On a more sour note it was very disappointing with the poor support of some of the other clubs in Ken Yu Kai, especially as we as a club, we support everything. One of the criticisms last year was that there wasn't enough opportunity to be selected to the Ken Yu Kai Squad. I feel the best way to asses a new fighter is to see them perform under pressure. This is where the competitor learns their trade and small tournaments like this one, is where it all starts. We haven't got one of the best squads in the country by chance, so I feel this is an opportunity missed! "End Of The Moan"
I would like to say a huge thank you to Sensei Colin Maguire ( European Judge) and Sensei Peter Bibby ( England Referee) and the rest of the referees who on the day performed an outstanding job. I just wish the rest of the competitions this year are officiated at such a high standard.
Under 4ft 1st Mia Swain 2nd Kai Willis 3rd Niamh Horsfall
4ft – 4ft 3 1st Cameron Bryan Smith 2nd Natasha Holmes 3rd Max Bardsley Rowe
4ft 3 – 4ft 11 Boys 1st Shaun Mulai 2nd Aaron Kiernan 3rd Kyle Franks
4ft11 – 5ft 3 Boys 1st Chris Williamson 2nd Jake Kiernan 3rd Alex Rigg 3rd James Edgerley
Over 5ft Boys 1st Josh Gagon 2nd Jamie McKeeman
4ft3 – 5ft 3 Girls 9th – 5th kyu 1st Jayne Craig 2nd Jade Brettle 3rd Molly Dwyer 3rd Amy Brown
4ft3 – 5ft3 Girls 4th kyu + 1st Charlene Oakes 2nd Heidi Jay 3rd Kelly Horsfall 3rd Bethany Hoolighan
30th March
Kyu Grading
There is nothing more irritating than a mobile phone ringing when you're trying to teach a lesson, especially when it's usually mine. Sensei Andy Blake can be excused this once as his girl friend Kelly is pregnant and her due date was on the day of the grading. So you can imagine the anticipation when Kelly rang his phone in the kata section, all eyes were focused on him as he took the call and told her that he would call her back later. A typical woman moaning ( or as Karen would say 'reminding' ) he had not paid the gas bill. Despite this untimely interruption the grading went very well with everyone achieving their grades and we are still waiting for Baby Blake.
28th March
British Student Championships
Am Brian kanyanga, 1st Dan karate black belt, am one of the lucky students trained by sensei Ian swain at sale dojo. His always inspires his students to be the best in the country and the world this was evident in the recent BUSA (British, university associations) competitions held at Sheffield University. Being a final year biology and chemistry student at Manchester metropolitan university, I managed to take on board what sensei has to been teaching me, this inspired me to pick a bronze medal at the senior males open weight category where I beat competitions from students across the United Kingdom from every major university.
"Can you believe it Brian a biology and chemistry student and still doesn't know his left from his right"
Sensei Ian Swain & Brian Kanyanga
15th March
Presentation Evening
I think this is one of the only times I can actually sit down and speak to parents and students for more than thirty seconds, it was so nice to see so many of you there. As usual Cadmans Dance Hall was filled to capacity and I think a good time was had by all, I know Karen, Mia, Dominic and I certainly did. One of the things that makes it so special for myself is to see so many of the old faces, with their banter and still reminiscing about scores that weren't given. "It's been more than ten years, get over it!"
I know I said all my thank you's on the night, but I feel I should mention the brilliant behaviour of our younger members and a huge congratulations to our trophy winners.
Abby Davidson - Competitor Of The Year
Cameron Bryan Smith - Most Improved Student
Christopher Williamson - Student Vote
Haley Williamson - Adult Student Of The Year
Charlene Oakes - Cadent Student Of The Year
12th March
Lodz, Poland Cup March 2008
Probably one of the most enjoyable trips I’ve been involved in with, a great venue and hotel, but most of all a fantastic competition with a high calibre of competitor. I feel sometimes when the squad is on the road, we seem to coast to victory in a lot of the smaller events without even getting out of second gear. The squad rose to the occasion and took themselves to the next level exceeding all my expectations.
To be honest we started very poorly with two of our top medal hopes, Abby Davidson and Sam Boyle bombing out in the very first round.
It’s at this point where you think it’s not going to be your day. I started to write my speech in my head to give them the riot act when we got back to the hotel. But to my delight this seemed to be the catalyst to our recovery.
The fight back started again with Abby, she got all the way to the final and unfortunately was beaten by a Slovakian athlete but will be very pleased with her Silver performance. Then the highlight of the first day for me was Harley Del Rio showing his class by winning Gold in the 14-15 year old section, nice to see Harley back to his very best.
Ken Yu Kai Squad Del Rio's
Saule Del Rio managed to take the bronze in the 16-17year old heavy weight section but I know he was disappointed with this after his superb form in the Europeans only a few weeks prior. It only shows how far the young man has progressed in the past 12 months.
We then topped the first day off by winning another Gold in the boys team, 14-15 years, with an awesome display of power and control fighting by Josh Gagon, beating the Gold and Silver medallist from the individual rounds. “Why didn’t you do this earlier”?
We also took the Silver in the girl’s team 14-15 years with Abby and Jessica Maitland.
After a brilliant first day, nobody could of scripted the second, Lauren Tutty and Natasha Holmes in their first ever tournament on foreign soil, both won their sections. I don’t think I have never seen them smile as much as I did that weekend. Lauren then picked up Silver and Natasha picked up Bronze in the kumite and Aaron Kiernan also achieved a Bronze in his section. The future certainly looks bright for the squad, with the younger members performing at such a high level.
Not to be outdone by his brother, Jake took Bronze in the kata and also Alex Rigg achieved Silver in the kumite. Charlene Oakes now one of the favourites in most of the events she enters, took second in the kata, but went onto spearhead the team event to Gold with a little help from Kelly Horsfall who stood up to the pressure in the final, achieving a draw to lift the title.
Lauren Tutty
I think the most dramatic section was the boy’s team 12-13 years. In the semi-final our team faced the home team from Lodz, Jake Kiernan and Alex Rigg both drew their fights and Christopher Williamson was four nil down with twenty seconds to go and out of the fight. A reverse roundhouse kick came from nowhere, three points thank you very much. A quick punch and he drew the match.
Jake came out on the sudden death match with the chanting of his name, duly disposed of his opponent, so now the Ukraine team in the final, and yes you guessed it, the match was all square again with one loss and one win.
It was all down to Christopher again, but there was no need to worry, a Christopher special, a kick from nowhere, to seal the victory. “I think if we can ever teach Christopher to punch he may be dangerous”.
6 Gold, 5 Silvers and 5 Bronzes – Not a bad weekend’s work.
Fantastic job guys!
9th March
UK Karate Open
UK Karate Open is one of the events that we always try to support, we know Paul Campbell runs one of the better competitions on the circuit with 570 competitor s, we're not the only club who thinks so. As usual the squad didn't let anyone down with 5 Gold, 2 Silvers and 9 Bronzes.
There were some fantastic performances, Raymond Kanyanga, Shaun Mulai, Aaron and Jake Kiernan to name but a few, but the stars of the day were our Double Gold winners Robin Hamer and Christopher Williamson.
Robin Hamer Christopher Williamson
24th February
Kyu Grading
I think this is the smallest grading ever at Sale Dojo, with one of our smallest members ever. Well done to Alex Dodgson, Sarah Whitworth and little Lucy Whitworth for achieving their blue belts.
16th February
European Championships - Italy
Congratulations to Ashleigh Kenny for achieving a bronze medal at the European Cadet and Junior Championships in Italy. This is the first time for twelve years that one of the Ken Yu Kai Squad has taken a medal at this level. It seems that all her hard work and dedication has certainly paid dividend.
Commiserations to Ashley Tancock for being beaten in the early rounds and very unlucky to Saule Del Rio for being beat in a third place fight off, this is nothing to be ashamed of, as to get to this level and to represent your country is an outstanding honour. We are very proud of you all.
Ashleigh takes the bronze
Nunchaku Course
I am very pleased with the attendance of the Nunchaku course, after speaking to most of you that attended this course, the general feedback was that it was thoroughly enjoyed. Due to this reception, I am sure that we will be able to arrange another one in due course. Thanks Abby.
Max Bardsley - Rowe Callum Whittingham, James Holt & Sam Jolly
15th February
BKA Preston Open Karate Championships
It seems to be an age since the squad have been on the trophy trail. It was early December the squad last competed and it was nice to see they didn’t show any ring rust, just a few nerves.
We started very well in the first kata event taking the first six places, Lauren Tutty ending up on top of the pile. Jake and Aaron Kiernan after two tie breaks, finished in first and second respectively. Next up was Abby Davidson, showing the younger members of the squad how it was done, blowing them away with her Superempi. Charlene Oakes ended up in second place, with Alex Rigg in third (more practice in the back room for you guys). Linden Hamer took his usual gold “never doubted it!” But I think the biggest performance of the day was from our two foot nothing super star Cameron Bryan-Smith with a first place, his first ever run out with the squad.
As the English Championships looms closer it was nice to see all the hard work Abby Davidson and Tony Tutty have done by putting the team kata together, this has paid dividend, with a gold and bronze medals.
“A” team – Charlene Oakes, Alex Rigg, Jake Kiernan.
“B” team – Lauren Tutty, Leon Johns, Cameron Bryan-Smith
Kata Teams Nathan Dytor Kyle Franks & Shaun Mulai
The pressure has now been applied and the heat was on the kumite competitors to perform, and perform they did, Gold from Chloe Casanove, Charlene Oakes, Abby Davidson but most pleasing of all Nathan Dytor with a superb display. Leon Johns Aaron Kiernan all took second place with Kyle Franks, Shaun Mulai Jake Kiernan, Alex Rigg, Lauren Tutty taking Third.
I must admit though, I don’t think the old WUKO rules suited all of our fighters and felt like flash back from a bygone era . I Kept waiting for Conroy to walk out of the changing rooms with his gi that always seemed to be two sizes to small.
14th February
"Happy Fifth Birthday Sale Dojo"
28th January
Kyu Grading
Congratulations to all who took their grading yesterday, a very high standard grading and I think it is only right to mention the students who achieved 1st class passes.
Mostafa Harb, Rami Harb, Rory Dodgson, John Dytor, Jayne Craig and Susan Craig.
Also congratulations to James Whitworth who is now a fully pledged Senior Grade by passing his 3rd Kyu - Brown Belt.
7th January
First of all I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a very happy and injury free New Year.
It is at this time of year that I seem to be at my most optimistic, having had time over the Christmas period to plan for our clubs future. I have decided that I am going to implement some fresh ideas to try and delegate some new positions within the club to hopefully lift the quality of our students. Obviously the new website being one of them and hopefully this will allow you to be more informed of what is going on and around our club.
I will be implementing some new people into various roles to help with advertising, fund raising, organising competitions, organising days out etc. however, if you wish to be involved or have any ideas, please let me know.
I am also looking at bringing back the assessments before all gradings and also putting in place and instructor/mentor to get help students progress to their brown/black belts and receive their ultimate goal.
I feel we had an excellent 2007 with numerous people achieving senior grade belts and probably one of the best years for our squad members which brings me neatly on to Saule Del Rio, Ashley Tancock and Ashleigh Kenny who have all been selected to represent England in the forthcoming European Karate Championships in Trieste, Italy on 15th-18th February 2008.
I would just like to remind them, I have been teaching for over 20 years and I am still waiting for my first World or European medal so no pressure guys!!!!
