Three medals, including a National Championship title, and some excellent performances from KyΕtΕβs competitors at the 52nd SKIF-GB National Championships.
Sunday 27th September 2026 saw karate-ka from across the country gather at Nottingham Wildcats Arena for the 52nd SKIF-GB National Championships, bringing together competitors of all ages and grades to test their skills in kata and kumite.
Representing KyΕtΕ Shotokan Karate DΕjΕ, five competitors β Phoenix Shelper, Sharon Joseph, Mathew Joseph, George Bishop and Arthur Bishop β took to the tatami, demonstrating determination, commitment and the spirit of Shotokan karate.
With three medals to celebrate, including a national title, it proved to be a rewarding day for the Bristol club.
π₯ Phoenix Shelper β National Kumite Champion!
A particularly memorable championship for Phoenix Shelper, who secured Gold in the Male Kumite 14β15 Years (3rd Kyu+) category, earning the title of SKIF-GB National Champion.
Phoenix demonstrated the skills, timing and determination that have developed through his regular dΕjΕ training, regional squad sessions and national squad experience.
Competition kumite demands far more than simply being able to execute techniques. Distance (maai), timing, speed, control and the ability to read an opponent are all essential, particularly when facing unfamiliar competitors.
Phoenix rose to the challenge, producing the performances needed to take the top spot on the podium.
He also competed in the kata competition, although he did not progress to the final rounds.
A fantastic achievement and a well-deserved national title!
π₯π₯ Sharon Joseph β Double Medal Success
Sharon Joseph enjoyed an equally successful championship, returning home with two medals across both disciplines.
π₯ Silver β Adult Kata 18β39 Years
π₯ Bronze β Female Kumite 16 Years+
Competing successfully in both kata and kumite is a considerable achievement, with each discipline presenting very different challenges.
Kata requires precision, technical understanding, rhythm, power and concentration. Kumite demands quick reactions, tactical awareness, adaptability and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
Sharon demonstrated her versatility by reaching the podium in both events.
Her results are particularly encouraging as she continues her preparations for the SKIF World Championships in Antalya, Turkey, in November, where she has been selected to represent SKIF-GB.
Two medals at a national championship is an excellent achievement and a reflection of Sharonβs continued dedication to her karate.
π₯ Mathew Joseph β Narrowly Missing Out on Bronze
Although not every successful performance ends with a medal, Mathew Joseph gave us plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Mathew competed in both kata and kumite, showing noticeable improvement in his competition performance.
His efforts in kumite earned him a well-deserved fourth place, narrowly missing out on the bronze medal and joining Phoenix on the podium.
Finishing just outside the medals can be frustrating, but it is also an indication of how close a competitor is to reaching the podium.
Mathewβs progress was particularly pleasing to see, demonstrating how continued training, experience and perseverance can translate into improved competition performances.
Fourth place at a national championship is something to be proud of, and Mathew should take considerable encouragement from his performance.
π₯ George and Arthur Bishop β Valuable Competition Experience
Brothers George and Arthur Bishop representing Westridge Shotokan Karate DΕjΕ, who both train weekly at KyΕtΕ, entering both kata and kumite competitions.
Although neither progressed to the kata finals or secured a medal in kumite, both gained valuable experience competing against karate-ka from other clubs and regions.
Competition provides opportunities that are difficult to replicate in regular training.
Performing kata in front of judges, managing nerves, adapting to unfamiliar opponents and maintaining composure under pressure are all important parts of a karate-kaβs development.
Every competition offers lessons to take back into the dΕjΕ, regardless of the final placing.
Both George and Arthur deserve recognition for stepping onto the tatami and representing their club.
More Than Just Medals
At KyΕtΕ, we recognise that competition success is not measured solely by the number of medals brought home.
Of course, winning a national title or standing on the podium is a wonderful achievement, and one that deserves celebrating.
However, there is also considerable value in the competitor who enters despite feeling nervous, the student who demonstrates improvement since their previous competition, or the karate-ka who narrowly misses a medal but returns to training determined to improve.
Competition is another opportunity to put the principles of karate into practice.
It encourages discipline, perseverance, respect, self-control and the confidence to challenge ourselves.
These are qualities that extend far beyond the competition tatami.
A Proud Day for KyΕtΕ
With five competitors representing the club, KyΕtΕ returned from Nottingham with:
- π₯ Gold: Phoenix Shelper β Male Kumite 14β15 Years
- π₯ Silver: Sharon Joseph β Adult Kata 18β39 Years
- π₯ Bronze: Sharon Joseph β Female Kumite 16+
- π Fourth Place: Mathew Joseph β Kumite
Alongside these results were valuable performances and experiences for all our competitors.
Congratulations to Phoenix and Sharon on their medals, to Mathew on his excellent fourth-place finish, and to George and Arthur for their efforts throughout the championships.
Thank you also to the organisers, officials, referees, coaches and volunteers who made the event possible.
As Chief Instructor, I am proud of everyone who represented KyΕtΕ, not simply for their results, but for their willingness to step forward, challenge themselves and continue developing their karate.
Whether returning home with a medal or a lesson learned, every competitor has something to build upon.
Well done, everyone. Oss!
Steve Ashby
Chief Instructor
KyΕtΕ Shotokan Karate DΕjΕ
