The National Championships take place in Nottingham so it’s an early start for those who live further afield; we left Bristol at 05:45 to arrive in time for the 9 o’clock start. There were over 90 competitors taking part in the championships with ages ranging from 6 to 71 years. Of these, 10 were representing the Kyoto club Bristol, participating in Kata, Kumite and Regional Team events. We were also honoured to see Hanshi Asano, sitting at the top table, observing proceedings.
Kata Events
The competition started with the kata events, which were grouped by age, gender and grades, making it fairer as competitors’ abilities should be more evenly matched. Having taken part in a Kata event, I know how nerves can get the better of you and have great admiration for anyone that can get up on the Tamati and perform. To get through to the finals, each paired competitor performed the same Kata, the winner progressing through to the next round. For the finals, the competitors performed their favourite kata individually. This allows the judges to assess each person and give a score based on correctness of stance, technique, kime and timing of movements. The standard of Katas on Sunday was superb, we saw many of the Heian katas performed to a very high standard. Kyoto Bristol club results: mixed katas 13-15 years, Sharon - Silver (Tekki Shodan), Mathew - Bronze (Heian Yondan), mixed katas 10 – 12 years Matti – Silver (Tekki Shodan and Heian Shodan), Female Senior, Adorna – Silver (Nijushiho).
Regional Team Event
Kumite
I always find the kumite engaging and exciting, you never know what’s going to happen and Sunday’s events didn’t disappoint. Again, there were many categories based on age, gender and grade with paired competitors sparring to win a place in the finals. The standout moments for me were the youngsters performing tap kumite, they did brilliantly, and this type of kumite prepares them for progression to full kumite. Another standout moment was the toenail lying on the Tamati and the competitor not realising that it was his missing from his foot. It just goes to show what focus and adrenalin can do to your body (after a clean up and bandage, he was soon back sparring). Seeing people score with a Jodan mawashi geri was super impressive; some people’s flexibility, technique and control is amazing (I certainly can’t kick head height). I was also very impressed with the winners’ performances in the Male Senior and Female Kumite categories. They both deserved their wins and should feel very proud of their achievement (they need to be strong to pick up the huge trophies they won).
Kyoto Bristol club results: Female 14-15 years – Sharon Silver, Male Adult Junior – Nik Bronze.
Kyoto – returning home
We came away from Nottingham feeling very tired but very proud of the Wales and Southwest team. It’s quite an experience taking part in these competitions but it’s also wonderful how much support there is from everyone. These events wouldn’t take place without the hard work and training from Sensei Steve and Sensei Nick; on the day Steve doubles up as the official photographer and Nick as a judge/official, with Sensei Dave (Wales contingent) on hand to support the competitors. All the hard work and organisation in Nottingham makes it a very enjoyable and smooth-running event.
We can now get back to training with extra motivation to work hard towards the next event. Hopefully we will have more competitors from Kyoto Bristol and the other regional club and maybe come away with even more medals.
Sue Hula
Photos from the championships can be seen on the SKIF-GB Facebook page.