pictures from the kyu grades

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

Megan

Ok, finally getting around to sorting all these photos out (you will all be pleased to know)!

Here is Meg, with her shiny trophy for winning 2nd place at the kyu grades! hurrah!

Prestatyn Championships

Lots of Tekki people went up to the Kyu Grades Championships on Sunday, where we all did marvellously well to endure the very early morning, looong drive, and very hot sports hall...and some of us even managed to fit in some karate.

Everyone did brilliantly, lots competing for the very first time; Rob and Wes were particularly brave to enter the freestyle kumite category (where *someone* got disqualified..tut tut!)

Megan Lloyd was the only Tekki member to get through to the finals, after fighting through loads of rounds of ippon kumite, even beating a fellow Tekki Welsh Champion! She put on a great performance to win 2nd place, and got a cool trophy! Yay Meg!!!

Other special mentions go to Michael Fitzpatrick and Meleri from the Aberystwyth club, who got joint third for ippon kumite; and to Jess Palmer who was nominated for the annual "best etiquette" award.

All in all it was a very long and tiring day, and well done to everyone for going and taking part. Photos will be up as soon! Promise!