National Championships

So off we went to the biggest competition on the calendar… with six whole people from Clifford competing (marvellously brave - well done!).

The day kicked off with the Childrens Ippon Kumite; which filled almost every floor. Congratulations to Katie and Jess for winning loads and loads of rounds to get to the semi finals. Also well done to Tyler for having sooo much spirit it was scary!!

Next up was the 10 & 11 year olds freestyle fighting. This was Morris’s first time fighting, and as luck would have it he was up against a black belt. He achieved what he had hoped for, which was not to get smacked in the face. In fact, he fought very well, constantly evading attacks - which just annoyed the black belt even further!

Megan also did freestyle fighting for the first time in the 10 – 15yrs under 5’ 3” category. Quite scary for Meg, as there’s a big difference in that age group. Megan was the lowest grade to compete and ended up fighting a 2nd dan, (one of the highest grades in that event!) Poor Meg. But not put off, she did very well and went in on her opponent many times.

Team Kata….. hmmmmm. This year Euros, Mark and Sensei John teamed up and did a stunning Kata until they had to stop halfway through as judges, desks and officials got in the way. Anyways, although it was obvious to everyone what had happened, the judges insisted on having an intimate group discussion, leaving the team quite humiliated standing on the floor…… but we still didn’t come last!! Life is a learning curve – next time the judges will know to get out of our way!

Special congratulations to Jess, who achieved 3rd place in the under-16 below brown belt Kata event. Jess performed Heian Sandan, and first of all drew for 2nd place. Jess, unfazed by the hundreds of people watching, had to perform her Kata again and was awarded 3rd place, and a really heavy bronze medal!

This is an amazing achievement for Jess and the club, and we are very proud of her and everyone who competed :D

By
Lindsey & John